By Kate Shifman, Sierra Club Green Home

When I think of solar energy, I see bright future: smart energy efficient spaces, life that is free from CO2, pollution, and energy wars. And this gets me excited… me, and a few more like-minded individuals. But what you don’t think about when you think of solar is FUN. So, inspired by all the nature and adventure of the long weekend, I’ve put together a list of cool solar stuff you can get right now.

1. Solar Queen – £14.99

The top spot, without a doubt, goes to the cheekiest of them all: the Solar Queenie. In addition to lending her regal aura to your humble digs, this pastel-coloured monarch will occasionally grant the plebs (who will undoubtedly come to gawk) with her famous wave, solar-powered, naturally! Purchase here

2. Solar Powered Robot kit – $14.99

This T3 Robot harnesses the power of the sun to make your day that little bit more interesting and teach your kids about solar power. Once you’ve built it you can turn it into either a tank, a scorpion or a standard robot. And if those three different guises aren’t enough for you then, well, you’re just no fun, are you? What’s not to like about a solar-powered scorpion that waddles across your desk like some mechanised arthropod? That’s right – nothing. Purchase here if you live in the U.K  or here if you are in the U.S.

3. The ‘Nomad’ Bicycle Trunk Bag – $99.95

You’ve just upped your Green Cred: not only you’re biking and therefore, doing your bit to minimize pollution, BUT you’re using green energy to power your Ipod, IPhone, or any other small device while literally, on the go! Purchase here

4. Tascam TC-1S – Solar Powered Guitar Tuner – $28 online

The world’s first solar-rechargeable tuner has arrived – the TC-1S Solar Tuner from TASCAM! The TC-1S charges its battery from a bank of solar cells on the front panel, and a USB input is also available for quick-charging when you’re completely in the dark. It’s wrapped in a shock-proof silicone cover that’s available in multiple colors and keeps the Solar Tuner protected. The TC-1S has a built-in microphone as well as a 1/4″ input for guitar and bass tuning. Its lightning-fast pitch detection is displayed on a wide bar graph display for instant feedback. Purchase here

5. The Eclipse Solar Backpack – $179.99

Now you can update your status all you want, not worrying about your phone dying on you in the woods! This backpack combines the traits of a top quality bag with a new, powerful, thin-film solar module.  The backpack features multiple organizer pockets for your smart phones, iPods, and accessories. The integrated thin-film solar charging module provides up to 4 Watts of power to charge your handheld electronics quickly and efficiently. Purchase here

Editor’s Note: This feature comes to us as a cross post courtesy of Sierra Club Green Home. Author credit for the piece goes to Kate Shifman.