Solar power gifts: What to get a solar enthusiast

Do you have a solar energy lover in your life? A home solar energy system is a challenging gift to give. Still, plenty of solar-powered gadgets and devices utilize solar energy out there, many of which would make a neat present for fans of solar power and renewable energy. EnergySage has compiled a list of the top solar power gifts available just in time for the holidays.

One of the most straightforward ways to use solar energy is to charge electronic devices. Many types of solar chargers are available, all with the same fundamental design. Solar chargers use the sun's energy to charge a battery that you can use as extra backup power for your phone, computer, or other electronic device. Whether you're shopping for a tech-savvy solar enthusiast or someone who tends to burn through their phone battery too quickly, consider gifting a solar-powered charger. You could try a charger that sticks to windows for easy access to the sun or a simpler compact solar-powered charging block.

For more adventurous solar fans, rugged, lightweight, and waterproof solar chargers can fold into a backpack for hiking trips. There may not be electrical outlets in the woods, but with a solar charger, you can be sure you have a battery power source on the trail.

A solar backpack is a unique gift that combines solar charging and on-the-go functionality. Solar bags can hold all your work, school, or travel supplies while acting as a backup power source for your devices. Usually made with a small solar module on the back, solar backpacks use the sun's energy to charge an internal battery during the day so that you don't run out of power when you need it most.

Like solar chargers, there are many options for a solar backpack gift. Voltaic's OffGrid Solar Backpack is a great option, with enough space to fit a 17-inch laptop and a large battery pack to support two straight days of music playback from your device.

If you want to get even fancier with your solar backpack, consider the Lifepack Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack. As the name indicates, this solar backpack can charge your devices while offering anti-theft protection with a retractable zipper lock. It also has an integrated Bluetooth speaker and water- and drop-resistant padding layers to protect your valuables.

Buying a gift for someone who loves solar and music? You might want to check out a solar-powered speaker. Solar speakers charge from the sun during the day, so you can be ready to play music without worrying about how much charge you have left.

There are plenty of options for solar speakers, depending on what kind of device you're looking for. If you want a basic Bluetooth-ready, rugged speaker, check out the RAYJAM Solar Bluetooth Speaker. Coming in a few different color options and with the ability to scan for FM radio stations and play music via Bluetooth or USB, the RAYJAM speaker is a great solar gift for any music lover.

For a more robust music experience, the Eton Rugged Rukus speaker is a great gift. In addition to charging via the sun and playing music through Bluetooth or USB, the Eton speaker also operates as a solar battery and will charge your phone if you plug it in. It's also a powerful device – the internal battery will keep your music playing for up to 8 hours on a single charge through the speaker's stereo sound system. If you simply want to play music and haven't been charging up in the sun, you can also charge both speakers with a mini-USB plug-in.

Another tech gift that utilizes solar power is a solar keyboard. With a small strip of solar cells on the top of the keyboard, you will never have to worry about your wireless keyboard losing power again.

There aren't many competitive options, but the leading player, the Logitech Solar Wireless Keyboard, is a high-quality solar gift. It stays charged for at least three months in total darkness and will recharge with any available light (including overhead office lights). The keyboard comes in a few colors and communicates with your computer monitor via a tiny, hidden receiver.

Solar-powered devices like chargers and backpacks are a natural fit for hiking and camping. Another smart solar-powered gift option for someone looking to get outdoors is a solar light. Charging a solar light during the day will ensure you have enough power to keep your campsite lit up at night.

One option for portable solar lighting is a simple solar-powered flashlight like Hybrid Light's Solar Flashlight. Hang one of these on your hiking backpack during the day, and you'll have plenty of power to get you through the night. The Hybrid Light device also has traditional backup power and an indicator light to tell you what power you use.

Check out the Panther Vision Solar Puck Solar Lantern for more advanced solar lighting. Recharge it during the day to get at least three hours of dimmable light when it gets dark out. With four powerful LED lights inside and a versatile stand, this solar light is the perfect gift for energy-conscious campers.

Solar gadgets are a great way to start saving energy and exploring renewables, and EnergySage has the resources to help you take the next step. Give yourself the gift of solar by joining the EnergySage Solar Marketplace to begin soliciting quotes for your home solar project from reputable installers near you. Registering your property on the Marketplace allows you to compare solar quotes side-by-side to get the best deal for your unique property.