For most people, electrical power is a flip of the switch. The ease with which we call on electricity to fill our energy needs only empathize how important this energy source is to our everyday lives. An hour without electricity puts us on hold, literally. We think of electricity in terms of lighting, appliances and electronics.  Electricity is also the main source for heating and cooling.

The quest for a greener Earth has brought on studies and experiments on how to harness the sun’s power for an alternative source of energy, solar energy. Electricity is the one energy source that we can, with a little help from the sun, produce in our own backyards. Solar electricity is “in”. There are companies who are now manufacturing solar panels to put in your backyard for harnessing the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity. Solar tile roofing or large solar panels placed on roofing is also one way of collecting the sun’s energy and converting them into electricity. Although initial cost of the equipment is quite costly, energy independence is a tempting possibility.

In line with the so-called solar energy technology, now there are solar cooker, solar heater, solar lighting, solar air-conditioner and now the solar charger.

Silva Solar Charger I AA

Picture yourself in a camping trip where the raging white water rafting you took soaked all your spare batteries. What will you do for spare when the nearest store is probably an hour away from boat and a half-day trek? Picture yourself in the middle of nowhere and your GPS conks out on you. What will you do? You are lost and there’s no way to tell where you are. The Silva Solar Charger I AA is just the thing for recharging your batteries. The solar charger is capable of charging 2 AA batteries in just 5 hours. You can As long as there’s a trace of a sun, you can charge away. Consider getting one for convenience. The device is lightweight, durable, flexible, handy and has splash-proof solar panels. It can cut down on the weight, cost and environmental issues for the outdoors man. A regular person could also use one to save on electric energy. With a solar charger at hand, you never have to worry about recharging NiCad or NiMh batteries for your headlamps, cameras, GPS, GameBoys, CD players, flashlights and even your palm computers. An added feature is its four strap holes to fit your backpack.

Silva Solar Charger II 12 volts

Another innovative solar charger is the Silva Solar II (12V Solar Charger). It has the same functions of the Silva Solar I but with an added 12-volt socket to enable charging of GPS even when the batteries are flat out. The Silva Solar II is specifically designed for charging mobile phones, iPods, and PDAs. Great huh?! You have no worry of ever running out of charge in the middle of a very important call right in the middle of a deserted island. At SGD 279.00, it’s more than worth it.