When’s the last time you used a solar-powered device that wasn’t a calculator? If you haven’t used solar power since math class, you might be surprised to learn how many amazing and practical products these days are powered by the sun. Solar panels work well to generate energy for a wide array of items, proving that solar is a viable alternative to traditional power sources when and where sunlight is readily available. And even without panels, the sun can accomplish some pretty amazing feats. After all, it is by far the most potent power source in the solar system, producing 5,000,000 tons of energy in the form of gamma rays per second.
Sunlight was the original power source for humanity, and it’s time to get back to our roots. The following are some surprisingly inventive or just plain practical uses for solar power. Which one do you think is most ingenious?