STEM Edition - Everything Solar

With Solar Technology enabling new innovation every day to take our technology on the go, power our homes or pretty up our neighbor, this weekend we explored the possibilities

As a Family We Explored

• Solar Flowers and Lights - Flowers that light up at night via solar power, solar pots and solar lights to brighten our backyard at night
• Solar Water Fountain - This was a lot of fun. We took a cardboard box and covered it with Aluminum Foil. We then got a cheap Solar Water Fountain and tried all of the nozzels
• Solar Backpacks - We talked about how while you are on the go, you need a way to charge your device and what if the charger was built into something you were already carrying. Your backpack, your shoes or even your shirt
• Solar Rocks - Technically these are glow in the dark pebbles but it is a brilliant idea to create a unique look at your house at night. Imagine if your driveway or a path to your garden was glowing. It creates an almost fantasy look for your home that is pretty, unique and kid friendly

Home Solar Discussion

As I have Solar, I explained the advantages and disadvantages in my setup

PRO

• Summer Months - Solar easily pays for my entire powerbill. Keeping it down to $72.00 as a flatrate to pay for renting the solar panels with $0 from the power company
• No Installation Cost - Thanks for local state regulations

CON

• Winter Months - The solar panels are less effective. While there is no shading as all of the leaves are off the tree's the power to the panels is much less due to the distance the sun is away which results in both a solar bill for renting the panels and a power bill.. combination is low but not nothing.