If you’ve ever sat on your darkened, post-party patio, fumbling in the dark for that last goblet of sangria, you might want to consider investing in this outdoor accessory. This 9′ umbrella has a solar panel that screws into the top to power 8 hub mounted LED’s and 18 LED’s mounted on the umbrella’s ribs. You can turn on the the hub-lights, or the rib-lights, or both. The lights and rechargeable battery are replaceable. Charges in 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, no electrical cords needed.
$99 @ lowes.com
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I love the solar umbrella idea. I also love the idea of a sustainable house where I am not paying a local utility for massive amounts of energy being hogged by my house. I think I have found a cool supplier in Enertia. Check it out here
Hey Steve:
We posted on the Enertia home a while back. I’m shocked that your Enertia link goes back to your blog…nice touch.
works great for about two years, then NiMH batts fail and without batts, lights fail too. orig batts have wierd 1300mAh rating. replaced with standard 2450mAh NiMH and seems to work ok. not too hard to get into the batt housing under photovoltaic panel. canopy lights still ok, but main post lite switch has failed. still trying to figger out how to get switch housing open.
so nice thank you