Solar Eclipse

Considering both the financial and physical climates, anything that can simultaneously alleviate bank account stress and aid the environment is worth exploring. As the eco-friendly craze continues, Canadians have been more inclined to install solar-powered panels to their homes, reducing the amount of electrical energy used. Installation can be quite costly, but its long-term benefits (including saving money) are obvious arguments to go solar. And upgrades don’t need to end there. The market offers an abundance of items for your home, your yard, and even your body, that use the sun’s rays to generate energy.

Most solar-powered items convert sunlight to viable electricity through a technological process using Photovoltaics (PV). The PV cells are often made with silicon and create electricity when light shines on them. Many people consider this to be one of the safest and cleanest types of energy, making it preferable to the environmentally conscious. Check out our picks for some ingenious products that are most definitely sunny side up.

Sunny Storage
Suncast Shed with Power Package ($1,200), available at Canadian Tire, is a compact storage unit with an external solar-powered light that absorbs the sun’s rays all day so that it shines bright all night. The shed measures 8 x 8 feet, and includes a skylight, windows and lockable doors. It’s ideal for depositing valuable tools including your solar-powered lawnmower. canadiantire.ca

Switch It Up
Aube’s Programmable Solar Light Switch ($30), available at Rona, is environmentally conscious on multiple levels. The switch is solar powered and also has a timer so you’re not draining electricity overnight. It’s great for watering systems and indoor or outdoor lighting. rona.ca

Let It Shine
This Solar-lit House Number ($40), available at Home Hardware, is an essential item as the days get shorter and we’re stuck with longer periods of darkness. There are no wires, it automatically turns on and off, and because your house number will be visible from up to 30 metres away, there won’t be any need for slow drive-bys and squinting! homehardware.ca

Watch Out
Casio’s Multi-Band 5 Atomic Solar Pathfinder ($429) is not just a watch. It’s a digital compass, barometer, thermometer and then some, all thanks to a little sunlight. Now you can track your fastest solar panel installation time on your unisex timepiece. casio.com

Beam Me Up
Parkline’s Solar Spot Light ($13), available at Home Hardware, is mostly stainless steel and uses a solar panel with crystalline silicon solar cells. Try it in your garden, backyard, or right outside your front door. The light will work for six to eight hours at night after being fully charged during the day. homehardware.ca