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Is your electricity bill creeping higher? Harnessing the power of the sun might help. The range of solar-powered products is impressive and growing, and each one operates without tapping into the grid, meaning they’ll save you money and won’t require a licensed tradie to install. From illuminating your garden to powering your gate, here are some innovative solar-powered products that can help reduce your reliance on power so you can be one step closer to off-grid living.
Outdoor lights are a great introduction to solar-powered tech and one of the most practical applications for D.I.Y.ers, allowing you to illuminate the darkest parts of the garden (or anywhere grid connection is problematic), without the expense or hassle of cables. Solar-powered doesn’t mean low-tech either, with loads of cool functions available off-grid. Jane Troiano of Arlec says their solar sensor lights offer the same motion-detecting functionality as hardwired lights, with basic timer adjustments for light duration. There’s smart tech available too: Cole & Bright ‘Linkable’ lights use bluetooth technology to connect lights – one security light triggers a chain of lights for a safer, better-lit home.
Skylights are great for bringing light into dark rooms, but modern technology harnesses the power of the sun even further! Solar skylights use a solar panel to power the control system, giving you a remote-operable unit with rain sensor, without connecting to the mains. Illume’s skylight alternative is a fantastic solution for gloomy spaces, functioning like a skylight but without the need for a light shaft or a hole in your roof. It connects to a solar panel on the roof and simulates the light conditions outside – brighter when the sun is shining, dimmer when it’s cloudy and lightless at night.
Electric gates keep your home secure, while allowing you to open and close them via remote control – so no need to get out of the car in the rain! By utilising solar technology at the fence line to power the gate, you can avoid the cost of running cables the full length of your property. Some systems, such as the sliding and swing electric gate openers by Richmond, are compatible with solar power, perfect for when your gate is a fair distance from the house. Solar power can also help to ensure you never miss another delivery after dark, with a lit-up letterbox! A discreet solar panel on the letterbox powers an LED light, which switches on after dark, illuminating the house number.
Getting out of a nice heated pool and rinsing off under an ice-cold shower is a punishment you don’t need. An outdoor solar shower plugs into the hose and uses the sun to heat water up to 40 degrees Celsius, with larger models able to heat up to 35 litres – perfect for post-swim rinses, yard clean-ups or hosing down the dog. For a warm shower on the go, camp showers simply heat water in a bag, giving you a civilised wash in the wild.
An ingenious invention, tap timers take care of your garden watering for you, allowing you to switch on irrigation at optimum times, without an early morning alarm call. While most are battery operated, solar tap timers take even the job of battery monitoring off your plate, using the power of the sun to keep the timer functioning indefinitely.
The primary limitation of solar-powered devices is obvious. “They are weather-dependent, relying on sunlight for battery charging, which in areas with frequent cloudy days or limited sunlight hours can lead to reduced performance or shorter operating times,” says Jane Troiano. For optimal operation, position them in sunlit areas without shading or obstructions. Jane also suggests keeping an eye on the battery, which may degrade in extreme temperatures and need periodic replacement; and carrying out regular maintenance, such as panel cleaning.
Spotlight garden features and illuminate dark spots with this guide to solar lighting.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
