Self Sufficiency
61 Solar Powered Inventions That Will Change The World [2nd Edition] | Homesteading

Solar powered inventions are both practical and pretty cool! Some of the solar devices people have come up with are astoundingly clever. I’ve rounded up some of the coolest solar power stuff I could find for you to feast your eyes on. Here’s a list of solar inventions that make our daily lives as easy as a Sunday morning!
Genius Solar Powered Inventions Charged By The Sun
You’ll love these cool solar powered inventions! Some of them are awesome and helpful in the field, others are purely decorative, and some are still in development. They’re all simply genius. My favorite is this umbrella (#19), and the cool bricks for your walkway (#35)! Check out the full UPDATED list of 61 solar powered inventions to find your favorites.
1. DIY Solar Powered Chandelier
Save on electricity with this cool DIY chandelier. This invention is one great way to light up your backyard. Here’s a step by step instruction to make a solar light chandelier!
2. Wireless Solar Keyboard
If your desk is by the window, this keyboard will be perfect for you. Learn about this wireless solar keyboard and its awesome features here!
3. Solar Tote Bag
Going to the beach? Bring this tote bag along and you won’t have to worry about a power bank. Your phones and other electronic devices are always juiced up —thanks to this brilliant creation!
4. Color Changing Solar Power Plant Pot
Plant pots that are great for lighting a path at night. Dual-purpose plant pots like these are great additions to your garden.
5. Solar Powered Fan
Just the thing we need for summer. Beat the heat and let the cool breeze flow with the help of this solar powered fan!
6. Solar Powered Camera Strap
Keep that camera charged longer! You don’t have to worry about your camera running of juice even if you forgot to bring an extra battery. Find out more about this product here!
7. Solar Watch
Forget the batteries, all you need is the sun. As long as the sun is shining, this watch will never run out of time!
8. Solar Powered Video Security Light
Solar and wireless. I’m sure you’ll agree those are two great things to look for in a video security light.
9. Solar Water Heater
No fire, no electricity necessary. All you need is solar energy and you’ll have hot water when you deem fit. Make this yourself here.
10. Security Wireless Camera
Stick this wireless security cam in your window and see how it goes. You can easily catch a home intruder without using electric devices.
11. Solar Grill
Harness the power of the sun while you grill your favorite food. This solar powered grill will change the way you grill forever.
12. Solar Shade and Solar Generator
This awesome invention will not only add aesthetics to your home but it will also give you electricity when you need it the most.
13. Solar Power Entertainment Lounger
This motorized lounge chair is equipped with entertainment features that make it the most relaxing solar-powered invention on this list. Read more about it here.
14. Solar Bike
A bike with three modes: muscle, electricity and of course, solar power.
15. Solar Powered Ice Cream Vending Machine
Isn’t it ironic? The sun is keeping the ice cream from melting. This ingenious solar powered ice cream vending machine will keep your frozen treats chilled without giving off CFCs!
16. Solar LED Lantern
This solar LED lantern is perfect whenever you’re outdoors. You don’t need electricity to illuminate even the darkest night in the woods. Buy it here.
17. Solar Powered House Numbers
Help your guests find your crib with these solar-powered house numbers.
18. Solar Powered Laptop Backpack
Bring this backpack to your next camping trip and for sure your laptop will never run out of juice!
19. Solar Power Sunshade
What better place to put solar panels than sunshades right? With these solar powered sunshades, you can do your tasks even outside the office premises.
20. Solar Powered Generator
Power your home with this generator. An ideal and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered generators. So say goodbye to fumes and irritating noises, this solar-powered generator is great for indoor use.
21. Solar Pool Heating Rings
Great for anyone who loves swimming in warmer waters and don’t want to mess with a tarp. Buy some here.
22. Solar Powered Dog House
This awesome invention is perfect for man’s best friend. This solar-powered dog house has exhaust fans to provide your pet proper ventilation.
23. Solar Night Lamp
Give your kids’ room ambient lighting during their bedtime. Find out more about this solar-powered night lamp here!
24. Solar Wedge Light
It is difficult to walk up the stairs at night. Keep your staircase safe with these wedge lights.
25. Solar Powered Mason Jar Lantern
You can make your own version! They’ll look great on your porch in the summer. Tutorial here.
26. Solar Window Socket
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Solar-powered window socket is one of the coolest inventions ever. This portable device allows you to use electricity in a place where it is restricted to use such as a car, plane, or when you are outdoors.
27. Solar Lighting Window Blinds
These window blinds are genius. They store solar energy during daytime and shine by night.
28. Solar Power Tile
These solar powered tiles will not only give your home a distinguished aesthetic, but also it can generate 850-kilowatt hours per 100 square feet.
29. DIY USB Solar Power Charger
So cool. Make it HERE!
This solar-powered USB gadget charger is indeed useful whenever you’re outdoors. It is also easy to carry anywhere because it fits an Altoids tin. Find out how to make your own portable charger here.
30. Solar Water Distiller
This solar-powered water distiller can be made using simple materials. It can purify about 5 liters of water a day. Another awesome invention great for camping or living off the grid. See it here.
31. Solar Powered Patio Table
You’ll never have to worry about low battery when lounging and relaxing outside. Get it here.
32. Solar Powered Phone Charger
Now your phone will always be juiced up with this solar powered phone charger. It’s compact and handy, just what you need for your phone. Read more about it here.
33. Solar Window for Chargers
Why get a solar-powered gadget when you can get a solar window? This amazing invention harness solar energy and give power to your gadgets and other appliances.
34. iPhone Solar Charger
For those iPhone lovers out there, you need this. Keep your phone charged whenever and wherever you are. Check it out here.
35. Solar Powered Bricks
Your walkway will be an instant attraction during the evening. You can purchase this beautiful solar-powered invention here!
36. Solar Powered Patio Umbrella
Turn all that sun into energy you can use. You can use and charge your electronic devices whenever you are outdoors.
37. Solar Power Ball Lighting Fixtures
If you are looking for stunning lighting fixtures, then these solar-powered balls will be a great addition to the aesthetics of your home.
38. Solar Powered Tent
Planning your next camping trip? You might want to include a solar-powered tent so can still enjoy your electronic devices even when you are outdoors.
39. Solar Heated Shower
Hot showers outside are now a possibility with this solar heated shower. Other than that, this ingenious invention will give your backyards or poolside an awesome feature.
40. Solar Powered Water Pump
Electricity bills are on a constant rise. You can cut your electricity costs with this solar powered water pump.
41. Photosynthesis Solar Tree Charger
This invention is definitely eye-catching. The photosynthesis solar charger is, in fact, one of the best-looking solar gadgets out there.
42. Pop Can Solar Power DIY
![Pop Can Solar Power DIY | Solar Powered Inventions That Will Change The World [2nd Edition] | Homesteading](https://46yxb83hlyy77jig73dh02ok-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif)
![Pop Can Solar Power DIY | Solar Powered Inventions That Will Change The World [2nd Edition] | Homesteading](https://46yxb83hlyy77jig73dh02ok-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/42-Solar-Pop-Can-Solar-Power-solar-powered-inventions.jpg)
If you are looking for a DIY solar panel project, this might be the one you’re looking for. Find out how to make these solar panels from our blog.
43. Solar Powered Boat
This solar-powered boat can give you an eco-friendly ocean cruise. Find out more about it here!
44. Solar Powered Oven
Want to bake outdoors? That may sound a bit impossible before, but now you can. Read more here.
45. Solar Powered Laptop
Forgot your charger? No problem! You can do your office tasks without worrying your laptop might run out of juice. Check it out here.
46. Make Your Own Solar Panels!
You make your own solar panels with our free tutorial here.
47. Solar Plug Socket
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We’ve all been out and about when our phone battery has died and we’ve had nowhere to charge it. This handy device uses solar panels to absorb solar radiation and store electricity so you can plug things in on the go.
48. Portable Solar Kitchen
Another device that’s all about convenience, this portable cooker uses solar energy to reach temperatures of up to 370°C to cook whatever you want. Great for picnic lovers, it allows you to bake, fry and boil wherever you are.
49. Wheelchair
Surprisingly, a solar-powered wheelchair is cheaper than most of its electric counterparts. Additionally, it can go 10km to 12km on a charge, compared to the 7km of a fully-powered electric wheelchair.
50. Volkswagen Nanospyder
While it’s only a concept, the futuristic two-seater car uses nanotechnology that is maintained by hydrogen fuel cells, electric motors, inflatable organic body panels and of course, solar power!
51. Air Conditioning
What better to use the sun for than to power an air-conditioning unit for when you just can’t take the heat? The unit uses a maximum of 500 watts, while a standard unit will use twice as much.
52. Vending Machine
In 2014, Coca-Cola installed the world’s first cold drink vending machine to run solely on solar energy. The solar-powered battery charges continually in day light and can operate for 3-5 days without the sun.
53. Billboard
In 2007, South Africa’s NEDBank created the world’s first solar-powered billboard. What’s more, the power generated from it was used to power the kitchen of a local school—helping to feed 1100 children.
54. Ferries
The world’s first solar and wind powered ferries were introduced in 2006 in San Francisco. The Hornblower Hybrid boasts a 45-foot high retractable solar panel-covered wing which can generate 20 kilowatts of electricity.
55. Hearing Aid Battery
Solar Ear’s hearing aid batteries offer hearing-impaired people in developing countries an alternative to costly batteries. The devices last for 2-3 years and can be used in 80% of hearing aids, with charging done via the sun, light, or a phone plug.
56. Solar Impulse Plane
In 2011, the Solar Impulse made its first international flight, between France and Belgium. It became the first aircraft to fly without fuel in both the day and night, while carrying passengers, and is part way through a round the world trip.
57. Internet Cafe
The ZubaBox is a mobile, solar-powered internet cafe which aims to provide computing solutions to rural areas or disaster zones in Africa and was first deployed in Zambia.
58. Roadways
While Solar Roadways® aren’t in use yet, the premise uses specially engineered solar panels, that can be walked and driven on, along with LED lights to produce road lines and signage without using paint. Their heating components also block snow and ice buildup on the road.
60. Homeless Shelters
In 2015, teenagers in Seattle created small solar-powered homes for the local homeless community. A solar power hub allows individuals to access lighting and warm water at night, while there are also composting toilets and a kitchen area.
61. Traffic Signs
Areas in Australia now use ‘electronic ink’ signs which are traffic signs that use similar technology to e-readers, but are solar-powered. They can be updated in an instant to reflect traffic changes and use zero energy when static.
Want to take it off the grid? Here’s your ultimate guide to DIY off-grid solar power from TinHatRanch!
Such amazing solar powered inventions! I’m blown away by the level of ingenuity and engineering that must have gone into creating these projects. I included the tutorial of some of them so you can make them yourself if so desired.
Know other solar-powered inventions that we didn’t include on this list? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
Up Next: How Solar Panels Work | The Science Behind Solar Heating
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Self Sufficiency
NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead
Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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