Guide

Summer, sun, solar energy

Carolin Teufelberger
16.8.2018
Translation: machine translated

It's clear that there are solar-powered garden lamps. But did you know that you can also drive away moles with the power of the sun?

Solar products are no longer a novelty. Everyone is now familiar with solar-powered fairy lights, camping cookers and chargers. It is also well known that solar energy is environmentally friendly and renewable. However, solar energy is still rarely used in Switzerland. Other countries are way ahead of us in this respect.

Only around 3 per cent (as of 2017) of the electricity consumed comes from the sun. Photovoltaics can make a difference, especially in a summer like this year. But even in bad weather, enough electricity could be generated. The idea that Switzerland is not a suitable solar location is nonsense. Germany and Belgium are among the countries with the highest utilisation in Europe. And they hardly have any more sunshine. As a half-German and girlfriend of a Belgian, I can confirm this.

But you don't have to slap tonnes of solar panels on your roof right now if you're not ready. Let's start small to make the transition easier for you. Every little helps. This also applies to energy consumption. To help us solar-lazy Swiss have a little more fun with solar energy, the category managers from the Do It + Garden area have scoured the shop and compiled the most original solar products for you.

For hot showers

If you have a garden and a pool in it, you're in luck. You can refresh yourself at any time or do a round of aquafit. Swimming fun is even better with the right accessories. And the best thing is if these accessories are solar-powered. The mat allows you to bring your pool up to operating temperature, the solar lamp enables you to take regular midnight sponges and the solar shower gets all the chlorine back down again. The shower can also be used as a cost-effective and space-saving alternative to the pool, at least for refreshment purposes.

Drive away unwelcome garden guests

Once again, I turn to property owners. Or to very social contemporaries who want to optimise their communal garden out of their own pocket. Because as cute as animals are, sometimes they are simply unwelcome. A good example of this is the mole, which leaves mounds of earth all over the meadow. Regular shock waves are intended to keep the troublemakers away. But don't go for our cheapest model, which, according to [user comment], is no good at all. If you are more likely to be disturbed by water-shy animals such as birds of prey, then the Gardigo pest repeller should help. As soon as an animal comes near the sensor, they are sprayed wet.

Super Cat Solar-Maulwurf & Wühlmaus -Vertreiber SUPERCAT
Animal repellers
CHF26.70

Super Cat Solar-Maulwurf & Wühlmaus -Vertreiber SUPERCAT

Super Cat Solar-Maulwurf & Wühlmaus -Vertreiber SUPERCAT
CHF26.70

Super Cat Solar-Maulwurf & Wühlmaus -Vertreiber SUPERCAT

Survive thanks to the power of the sun

Away from the garden, into the wilderness. If you're often travelling outside the city limits, you need to be equipped. Since fire was invented, human life has changed completely for the better. Of course, nobody would want to do without it today. To avoid having to rely on fossil fuels, there is the solar lighter from Solar Brothers. According to the product description, you can use it to light not only tobacco and paper, but also - watch out - incense. Always good if you want to hold a spontaneous mass in the sticks. But joking aside, according to user reviews, this thing seems to work really well with a little patience and can certainly save your arse in certain situations. And if not, then it's just a great gimmick. But when it gets dark, even the lighter won't help - you'll need a torch. This either charges during the day or can be switched on by hand. One minute of work gives you two minutes of light. And if all else fails, your arm hurts and you're bored with nature, unpack your Goal Zero battery, charge your laptop and let the glow of the digital world dazzle you.

Goal Zero Torch250 hand lamp (25.40 cm, 250 lm)
Flashlight

Goal Zero Torch250 hand lamp

25.40 cm, 250 lm

These are just a few examples of solar products, you can find more about solar technology here.

10 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.

These articles might also interest you

  • Guide

    How not to kill your lawn with a swimming pool

    by Philipp Rüegg

  • Guide

    How to stop spiders coming into your home

    by Darina Schweizer

  • Guide

    Summertime splashing with an above-ground pool

    by Patrick Vogt

1 comment

Avatar
later