Solar Powered Patio Umbrella Was Only A Matter Of Time |
5 Comments |
| By Michael d'Estries in Energy, Solar | March 3, 2008 | |
We’re entering a time when basically anything once used to block the sun is now being configured to harness it. Soon, we’ll see baseball caps embedded with solar panels to charge radios or iPods; while simultaneously glowing at night. This new integration will have its own issues in terms of production and resource management, but it’s coming. Take for instance this solar powered patio umbrella.
Set it up anywhere the light shines down and at night you’ll be treated to an array of “starry” LED lights to illuminate the rest of your evening. From the description:
“This item has a solar panel which screws into the top (finial) of the umbrella to power the 18 white LED’s which are located on the ribs (3 per rib). It also has a center hub light with 8 led’s inside, there is a dual switch on the umbrella which will control both the rib lights an or the hub light. You can have them both turned on you can have one or the other on, depending on how much light you want or need. The batteries inside the solar panel are replaceable and the leds on the ribs are also replaceable. The panel will charge in direct sunlight and fully charged provides 6-8 hours of light.”
It’s cool that the batteries and LED lights are replaceable — basically providing a long-life for this system. What I’m not clear on is how bright or enjoyable the light might be once turned on. Would you be better off lighting some candles at night instead?
Still, unlike most products that come from obscure storefronts, this one is available at Lowe’s right now for the reasonable price of $99. Worth a shot? Let us know!
via hippyshopper
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Jeffrey said,
I saw these last spring at Lowe’s stores around me. They looked very nice. Though I didn’t spend the $100 to pick one up for myself, I’m interested to see some feedback from people who did.
Suricou Raven said,
Long life? I should hope so. There are some things that batteries really Do Not Like, capitalisation deserved. These include high and low temperatures, exactly what might be encountered on a patio over a year.
In terms of light, I estimate that all those LEDs give a level of illumination that will be a lot better than a candle, but not nearly so good as a conventional mains or non-solar battery light.
emily said,
We have had wonderful success with LED lights that are mounted on our Steel Poker side post umbrella is a unique design, featuring four umbrella canopies attached to only one central post; Available in 20×20ft or 26×26ft. Maximizing your shaded area to 400 to 676 square feet of useable area for additional table space or additional shaded space; Without the encumbrance of having multiple side posts. Available with optional rain gutters for useable outdoor space even in rain. The entire structure is constructed from epoxy powder coated steel with an anti rust process applied. This entire structure is handmade in Italy by artisans with extreme attention to detail. The canopy is constructed of Corti fabric, the European equivalent to Sunbrella. This solution-dyed, 100% acrylic fabric is breathable and goes through an anti-mold treatment. A techno-guard finishing is applied to the canopy resulting in a fade resistant, water, oil, and dirt repelling fabric. Vents in the canopy and wind bars provide air passage to allow for more stability in heavier winds. This umbrella features all replaceable parts, which makes this an umbrella to last. Please see http://www.TheShadeExperts.com.
emily said,
We have had wonderful success with LED lights that are mounted on our Steel Poker side post umbrella is a unique design, featuring four umbrella canopies attached to only one central post; Available in 20×20ft or 26×26ft. Maximizing your shaded area to 400 to 676 square feet of useable area for additional table space or additional shaded space; Without the encumbrance of having multiple side posts. Available with optional rain gutters for useable outdoor space even in rain. The entire structure is constructed from epoxy powder coated steel with an anti rust process applied. This entire structure is handmade in Italy by artisans with extreme attention to detail. The canopy is constructed of Corti fabric, the European equivalent to Sunbrella. This solution-dyed, 100% acrylic fabric is breathable and goes through an anti-mold treatment. A techno-guard finishing is applied to the canopy resulting in a fade resistant, water, oil, and dirt repelling fabric. Vents in the canopy and wind bars provide air passage to allow for more stability in heavier winds. This umbrella features all replaceable parts, which makes this an umbrella to last. Please see http://www.eurotradeinvestments.com.
patio man said,
This solar thing is very practical umbrella. Hope I get one in Bangkok.
Cheers,
http://the-patio-umbrellas.blogspot.com/