Solar-Powered Father's Day Gifts 2013

Go green for Father's Day this year and surprise Dad with a fun (and useful) solar-powered gift!

The ultimate solar gift, of course, would be a complete household solar system. A solar pool heater, solar water heater or solar electric system is the gift that keeps on giving, reducing energy bills for years to come. But if you're looking for a great solar gift on a smaller budget, consider one of these innovative gadgets:

Solar BBQ

The COOKUP 200 Solar Grill

Is your dad the family grill-master? The COOKUP 200 uses the power of the sun to grill up delicious dinners with no smoke or CO2 emissions! The COOKUP 200 is designed and manufactured in France and reaches cooking temperatures close to 400 degrees F. The grill is quickly assembled, with no tools required, and conveniently collapses into a carry bag included with purchase. 

GPS Solar Watch

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Watch

Dads on the go will love the Seiko Astron, the world's first GPS solar watch. It recognizes all 39 times zones on earth and, using a low-energy consumption GPS receiver, it automatically identifies the time of day and time zone. The Astron is incredibly accurate, keeping time to one second every 100,000 years. Best of all, it takes all the energy it needs from light and never needs a battery.

Solar Radio/Flashlight/Cell Phone Charger

Eton Microlink FR160 Solar Radio

Like a Swiss Army knife, the Eton Microlink FR160 solar radio packs a lot of functionality into a small package. This self-powered radio can be charged using solar power or a hand crank, making it a convenient gadget for camping or emergencies. It receives AM and FM radio plus all 7 channels on the NOAA weatherband. Additional functions include an LED flashlight and a USB cell phone charger. Priced at just $30, the Microlink radio is budget-friendly, as well.

Solar Kettle

Sunrocket Solar Kettle and Thermos

Better than an ordinary thermos, the Sunrocket solar kettle boils water on the go, giving dad the ability to brew up hot drinks anywhere the sun shines. Using solar thermal technology the Sunrocket combines a vacuum tube with reflective panels to concentrate solar energy. It can heat 17 fluid ounces of liquid in 30 minutes and will retain heat for hours like a thermos. The hot water it produces can be used for drinking, washing, cooking or rehydrating foods. The heat treatment can also kill water borne bacteria.

Solar Hybrid Robotic Lawnmower

Husqvarna Automower Solar Hybrid Robotic Lawn Mower

Give Dad a rest from summer lawn care with the Husqvarna Automower Solar Hybrid. Similar to robotic household vacuum systems, the Automower cruises around the yard until the mowing is complete. It stays within underground boundary wires set by the homeowner and avoids any obstacles that are at least 6 inches tall. After an hour of mowing, the mower returns to its charging station for a boost before completing its job. A 12-watt solar panel on its back collects solar energy while an electric charging station provides additional power.