New Book : Solar Work in Your Home

DIY Solar Projects: How to Put the Sun to Work in Your HomeBy Eric Smith List Price: $21.99 Price: $14.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 43 new or used available from $14.60

Product Description

Advances in solar technology have made many DIY-friendly products available to consumers, several of which will be hitting the market for the first time in 2011. These include solar water heaters, solar battery charging stations, solar powered lights, photovoltaic shingles that provide supplementary electricity, solar heat pumps, and solar panel kits that generate primary home electrical service. Among the step-by-step projects is a solar water heating system you can build and install yourself for under $1000; simple thermosyphon solar heat collectors for barns and outbuildings; or "heat grabbers" that you can fabricate for $50 in materials and position below a south-facing window to provide auxiliary winter heat.

在太陽能技術的進步作出了許多 DIY的環保產品提供給消費者，其中一些將在2011年首次打市場。這些措施包括太陽能熱水器，太陽能電池充電站，太陽能燈，提供輔助電力的太陽能光伏瓦，太陽能熱泵，太陽能電池板的工具包，生成主要的家庭電器服務。漸次項目中太陽能熱水系統，您可以構建和安裝為1000美元自己;簡單的熱虹吸穀倉和外屋太陽能熱收藏家;或“熱採集卡”，你可以編造材料和位置為 50美元以下一個朝南的窗口，提供輔助寒冬酷暑。 

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Product Details

• Books
• Published on: 2011-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Eric Smith has worked for many years as a carpenter, DIY coach, and Home Improvement editor. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

                                               

New 260W Monocrystalline Solar Kit

Sunforce 37126 260W Monocrystalline Solar Kit From Sunforce Price: $939.72 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average customer review: (3 customer reviews)

Product Description

The Sunforce 260 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Kit comes complete with 2 x 130 watt solar panels, 30 A digital charger contoller, 200 W inverter, wiring, brackets, screws, and a voltage tester. The solar panels have aluminum frames for extended outdoor use. The bypass diode minimizes the power drop caused by shade. This kit is ideal for RVs, homes, boats, back-up and remote power use, 12 volt battery charging, and solar power stations, pumps, and lighting equipment. The solar panels have high efficiency Crystalline solar cells. This kit is easy to install and completely maintenance free. The solar panels are completely weatherproof, and come with a 25 year limited warranty. Connect multiple panels for more power. Max Power: 260 W, 15.3 A.

Sunforce260瓦单晶硅太阳能电池套件完整的带有2 ×130瓦的太阳能电池板，充电器contoller一个数字，200瓦逆变器，接线，斗拱，螺丝，和电压测试仪30。太阳能电池板，延长户外使用的铝框。旁路二极管最大限度地减少遮阳造成功率下降。该试剂盒是为房车的理想选择，房屋，船只，备份和远程电源使用，12伏电池充电，太阳能发电站，水泵，照明设备。太阳能电池板有高效率的晶体硅太阳能电池。该套件是易于安装和完全免维护。太阳能电池板是完全不受天气影响，并提出用25年有限保修。连接多个面板，更多的权力。最大功率：260瓦，15.3 A。

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Product Details

• Automotive
• Brand: Sunforce
• Model: 37126

Features

• High efficiency crystalline solar panels
• Ideal for 12 volt battery charging and use in remote location
• Completely weatherproof for adde durability
• Connect multiple kits for more power
• Includes: 2 x 130 watt solar panels, 30 A digital charger contoller, 200 W inverter, wiring, brackets, screws, and a voltage tester

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
Works with a little tweaking.
By majikwands
Panels worked like a charm. It would have been easier if it had any REAL instructions to build a frame or mounting system.. Had to get my 8 grade geometry books out to figure out how to build a sold frame from angle iron purchased separately.. the tester was not what was displayed in the ad.. just a diod on two wires. But after 5 days of struggles and an additional $200 in parts (and another $200 for batteries), it works like a charm and powers my electric fence and work shed lights. Hopeing to get a larger setup next year to 'grid tie' into our electricity. But for now, it's still working after 2 months of straight use.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Awesome performance
By Blair
I was surprised by the quality of the panels upon arrival. Very well built. The ease of installation and overall performance are great!! Makes supplementing grid power a breeze. My only gripe(s) are the picture on Amazon shows a digital test meter for checking solar performance. But it actually came with a dinky LED light with a wire attached for testing! Also read the operation manual for the charge controller at least TWICE. This unit can be a little confusing to understand the display if you don't. Overall I am very pleased with its performance but its very pricey.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Sunforce 37126, 260 watt Solar Kit
By Walt
I bought this kit about 3 months ago. Took some time to peace everything together required to install it. First off,the instructions are useless. The power inverter that comes with the kit is useless. It's made to use in your car for a laptop or some other small electronic equipment like a small TV and a light? (maybe) I purchased a Xantrex Prowatt SW1000 and the remote switch from Amazon, WORKS GREAT! The battery tester is another useless piece of junk included in the kit. It's just two diods that light up.(YOU WILL NOT GET WHAT IS PICTURED IN THE KIT). The mounting brackets for the solar panels are really not practical but could be used if you have nothing else and plan on mounting your panels nearly flat on the surface of your roof. But I would not recommend that unless your roof points due South and is at the right pitch for your location. I made a frame out of angle iron that works very well. The charge contoller works,(at least mine did) but it's not the best. (MINIMAL PROFROMACE AT BEST) I would suggest a MPPT charge controller like a Morningstar, Tristar TS-MPPT-45. The panels seem to work very well so far. They do work in low light conditions. I have been able to fully charge four T105 batteries everyday that have 60%-65% of their charge left. But with the Sunforce charge controller it takes all day long in full sun. I have ordered the Tristar 45 and I'm sure I will be able to charge the battery bank in much less time. Just do your homework and you'll find the same answers. Also note that Sunforce customer service is a joke. Simon will tell you all kinds of silly things before he will give you an RMA to return product. My friend bought two kits when I bought mine and he had to return both of the charge controllers as defective right out of the box. It's been over 6 weeks now and nothing. Simon does not answer his emails and they have not returned his charge controllers to date! Also please note that the solar panels IN THIS KIT ARE Polycrystalline and not MONOCRYSTALINE. The discription is really not accurate. It reads "The Sunforce 260 watt crystalline solar kit". It does not tell you anywhere in the add or on their website if the product is Poly or Mono???? Buyer beware.
Bottom line: Amazon is awesome and very easy to do business with and their customer service is very good. SUNFORCE is not straight forward with their discription in the ad, you will not get what is pictured and customer sevice is terrible!!
I really hope my feedback helps and good luck with your solar project.

                                          

Power Bright PW2300-12 Power Inverter 2300 Watt 12 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC

Power Bright PW2300-12 Power Inverter 2300 Watt 12 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC From PowerBright List Price: $299.99 Price: $214.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 11 new or used available from $193.78 Average customer review: (6 customer reviews)

Product Description

PW-2300 Have Power on the Go! A power inverter converters DC battery power into conventional AC power which can run all kinds of personal electronics and mobile office equipment such as Laptops, Gaming Consoles (PS3, XBOX 360) MP3 Players, Cell Phone Chargers, DVD Players and more! Features: -Anodized aluminum case. -Two 3-prong AC receptacle. -Overload indicator. -Built-in cooling fan. -Wireless remote. -LED display- input voltage/output wattage.

产品描述

PW- 2300转到上电！到传统的AC电源一个逆变电源转换器直流电池供电，它可以运行各种个人电子产品和移动办公设备，如笔记本电脑，游戏机（PS3，Xbox 360）MP3播放器，手机充电器，DVD播放机和更多！特点：阳极氧化铝合金外壳。二三孔交流电插座。过载指示灯。内置冷却风扇。无线遥控器。 - LED显示输入电压/输出功率。

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Product Details

•  #1407 in Lawn and Patio
• Color: Blue
• Brand: PowerBright
• Model: PW2300-12
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 10.25" w x 13.80" l,

Features

• 2300 watts continuous power
• 4600 watts peak power
• Anodized aluminum case provides durability
• Built-in Cooling Fan
• Heavy Duty

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
2300 Watts 12V Inverter. This heavy duty inverter plugs directly to a 12 Volt DC battery to power laptops, televisions, gaming consoles and other electronics and small appliances in your vehicle

编辑点评

从制造商
2300瓦的12V逆变器。这种重型逆变器直接插入到12伏直流电池电源的笔记本电脑，电视机，游戏机和其他电子产品和小家电在您的车辆

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
Great inverter
By Graham Wells
This inverter is great. It's the perfect alternative to a gas generator. I use it for back up power at home. My wood stove heats the house and this inverter powers my whole den. Cable TV, computer, lights, microwave, etc. I run a string of christmas lights up the stairs to the kithen and bedrooms. My power source is a Diehard PM-1 deepcycle marine platinum battery. It's on trickle charge all the time. A user note is to keep the cord to the TV as short as possible to minimize RF interference. you can also coil up the AC cord to work as an inductive RF choke.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful.
Power inverter Bright PW2300
By Francisco Loaiza
This is the best investment I did, because I work the unique diferen concept of transportation, taxi driver with karaoke system, I use black, strobe lighth, lead light, christmas light, fog machine (700wats), microwave (800wats), etc....! olso I use home to run my air compresor (25 gallons), table saw, evething whith the this power inverer, click here to see […]
: Francisco Loaiza this is my page […]
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful.
This thing rocks!
By Prettyboy53214
So I have had this inverter for a little over a week now, I have tested it for the last few days, this thing is the real deal at a nice price. I had mine running 2 LG 10,000 btu window air conditioners to see if it would work and it worked like a charm! At first i ran the ac units and the wire was getting a little hot at the connections so I used a heavier gauge wire and a better connector and it works great. This inverter was worth every penny in my opinion. I made a battery pack that it connects to power all my fun camping stuff for when I go camping. The product itself is made nicely even the remote looks sweet, they could have cut corners on a lot of things but instead they did not. I love power bright just for that! For those of you that are wondering the inverter itself starts beeping at around 10.5v and its not a loud annoying beep that you will find on other inverters, its gentle to my ears. Also the unit turns off completely @ 15.3v

If you get this unit be sure to read the manual, its pretty short and sweet and has some useful info in it as well. Use 2 gauge or 0 gauge for best results. Make sure you use this with a deep cycle battery for optimum power. I'm extremely picky when it comes to buying anything that is electronic and I can honestly tell you that I cant find anything to complain about at all.

                                                More detail and Other items .

Designers Edge L-949 10 LED Rechargeable Solar Panel Shed Light Model

Designers Edge L-949 10 LED Rechargeable Solar Panel Shed Light ModelFrom Designers Edge List Price: $27.99 Price: $25.15 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 8 new or used available from $20.92 Average customer review: (62 customer reviews)

Product Description

Grey finish with rechargeable batteries. Bring light to your dark shed, without having to connect to your local power grid. This LED shed light features 10 bright LED's that are powered via a solar panel. The panel can be placed in direct sunshine with the included 20-foot extension cord. Mount the light on the ceiling or wall for maximum flexibility, or use it as a utility light for a work bench. A pull chain allows easy on and off. A switch on the body lets you select between 10 LED's that last 2 hours, or 5 LED's that last 4 hours. The LED's have an average rated life of 100,000 hours, ensuring years of continuous use. The solar panel has a glass cover for protection in wet locations. Includes three AA rechargeable batteries and all mounting hardware. Approved for damp location use as defined by the National Electric Code. Please consult your local electrical code for details. DL # 274093.

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Product Details

• Lighting
• Brand: Designers Edge
• Model: L-949
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l,

Features

• Super bright 100,000 hour LEDs
• Glass protected multi crystal solar panel designed for outdoor applications
• 20-Foot Extension cord allows solar panel to be placed in direct sunlight
• Features two power settings
• Can be wall or pole mounted up to 20 feet away from fixture

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer This 10-LED rechargeable solar panel shed light offers 100,000 hours of light. It is ideal for the home, garage, or workplace to automatically and easily illuminate any area to ensure safety and security, all while utilizing solar power. Comes complete with 3 AA rechargeable batteries.

More infomation and Other goods       產品描述 充電電池的灰色完成。到您的黑暗棚，帶來光明，而無需連接到你的地方電網。此LED棚內光照設有 10間明亮的LED是通過太陽能電池板供電。面板可放置在陽光直射與20英尺延長線。山光在天花板或牆上最大的靈活性，或者用它作為一個工作台上的效用燈。拉鏈允許容易打開和關閉。對身體的開關，讓您選擇10個 LED之間，去年的2小時，或5個 LED的，去年4小時。 LED的平均額定壽命10萬小時，確保多年連續使用。太陽能電池板玻璃蓋為保護在潮濕的地方。包括三節 AA可充電電池和所有安裝硬件。批准國家電氣規範定義為潮濕位置使用。有關詳細信息，請諮詢您當地的電氣規範。 DL＃274093。 產品詳細信息     *亞馬遜銷售排名：＃1003照明     *品牌：設計師邊緣     *型號：L -949     *件數：1     *尺寸：0.0“高x0.0”寬 x0.0“L， 特點     *超亮100,000小時的LED     *玻璃保護多晶太陽能電池板為戶外應用而設計     * 20英尺延長線，使太陽能電池板放置在陽光直射下     *具有兩個電源設置     *牆或桿可安裝高達20英尺遠從夾具 編輯點評 這 10 LED充電的太陽能電池板棚光從製造商提供10小時的光照。它是理想的家庭，車庫，或工作場所自動地照亮任何地區，以確保安全和保安，利用太陽能發電的同時。配用3個 AA充電電池

Solar Panels

Solar panels use light energy (photons) from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The structural (load carrying) member of a module can either be the top layer or the back layer. The majority of modules use wafer-based crystalline silicon cells or thin-film cells based on cadmium telluride or silicon. The conducting wires that take the current off the panels may contain silver, copper or other conductive (but generally not magnetic) transition metals.
The cells must be connected electrically to one another and to the rest of the system. Cells must also be protected from mechanical damage and moisture. Most solar panels are rigid, but semi-flexible ones are available, based on thin-film cells.
Electrical connections are made in series to achieve a desired output voltage and/or in parallel to provide a desired current capability.
Separate diodes may be needed to avoid reverse currents, in case of partial or total shading, and at night. The p-n junctions of mono-crystalline silicon cells may have adequate reverse current characteristics that these are not necessary. Reverse currents waste power and can also lead to overheating of shaded cells. Solar cells become less efficient at higher temperatures and installers try to provide good ventilation behind solar panels.
Some recent solar panel designs include concentrators in which light is focused by lenses or mirrors onto an array of smaller cells. This enables the use of cells with a high cost per unit area (such as gallium arsenide) in a cost-effective way.
Depending on construction, photovoltaic panels can produce electricity from a range of frequencies of light, but usually cannot cover the entire solar range (specifically, ultraviolet, infrared and low or diffused light). Hence much of the incident sunlight energy is wasted by solar panels, and they can give far higher efficiencies if illuminated with monochromatic light. Therefore another design concept is to split the light into different wavelength ranges and direct the beams onto different cells . The use of infrared photovoltaic cells has also been proposed to increase efficiencies, and perhaps produce power at night.
Sunlight conversion rates (solar panel efficiencies) can vary from 5-18% in commercial products, typically lower than the efficiencies of their cells in isolation. Panels with conversion rates around 18% are in development incorporating innovations such as power generation on the front and back sides. The Energy Density of a solar panel is the efficiency described in terms of peak power output per unit of surface area, commonly expressed in units of Watts per square foot (W/ft²). The most efficient mass-produced solar panels have energy density values of greater than 13 W/ft².

Solar Hot Water Heaters

              Solar Hot Water Heaters < a cost of effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate and uses free energy--the sun! We offer everything needed for the Solar Hot Water Heater systems from solar water storage tanks and controllers to the evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors.

              Silicon Solar Inc is the home of the SunMax evacuated solar tube collectors. Evacuated tubes feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. The outer glass tube and the metal absorber tube is attached to a fin that absorbs solar energy but averts radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications. Commercial applications include laundromats, car washes, military laundry facilities and eating establishments. Offering the latest in evacuated tube technology, we continue to provide the industries most affordable, cost effective and reliable sustainable products.

              Flat plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark absorber plate under one or more glass or polymer covers. The general use of these collectors are for residential buildings.

              Solar hot water Controllers control the switching on and off of the solar pump as a function of the collector and storage temperature.

             Most Solar how water heaters need a well-insulated Tank. Tanks have an inlet and outlet, allowing the heated water to enter the tank and exit when needed. Silicon Solar offers the best and most-efficient tanks.

All of Silicon Solar Inc advanced solar heating products offer high quality and customer value. With products designed for both commercial and residential applications, Silicon Solar Inc remains focused in offering the industries leading products and services.

Although the initial cost of a Solar Hot Water Heater is greater than for conventional water heating systems such as electric or gas systems, the life-cycle cost of a solar system is actually 20% lower than a conventional one. This is because the other systems carry the added costs of electricity or gas, where the energy of the sun is free. If you are building a new home and you choose to incorporate a a Solar Hot Water System, your savings can be even more, since the cost of the system can be included in the mortgage.

       SRCC Certification:

The SRCC, Solar Rating & Certification Corporation, has determined that SunMaxx Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors are the most efficient, and the highest valued Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors available on the market, beating out the leading national and international competitors.

               Solar Radiant Heating Kits:

If you are interested in one of our Pre-Packaged Home Heating Kits, all you have to know is the size of your home and the amount of your heating bill that you want to offset. You can purchase all the major components you will need right here from Silicon Solar. No need to have to work through complicated calculations to determine BTU production or heat loss. These systems are capable of providing the majority of the heat for your home or business that is less than 10-20 years old.

              Solar Evacuated Tube Collectors:

Silicon Solar offers SunMax evacuated tube collectors, which are among the highest quality collectors available. These collectors are able to generate heat through the coldest of winters, even under overcast conditions, thanks to superior insulation. They consist of two layers of extremely durable borosilicate glass which maintain a vacuum in between that acts as a superb insulator. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of solar evacuated tubes, feel free to contact a product technician at 1-888-SOLAR-11. They will gladly answer any questions you may have.

             Flat Plate Solar Collectors:

Flat Plate Solar Collectors are a glazed collectors which feature a coating which maximizes heat absorption, aluminum framing which can withstand heavy weight and is weather resistant, and interior fiberglass insulation which allows for greater efficiency. The combination the latest energy efficiency technology and a strong heat exposure allow for optimal heat transfer and makes these lights the highest in BTU performance. Our Flat Plate Solar Collectors are customized to suit applications based on the US standard rather than the European or Chinese market. This is done in order to keep your costs down.

             Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water:

Our Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water Systems are available in 40 and 80 gallon models. These systems are among the most affordable and easy to install of Solar Hot Water Systems. No matter where you live, these systems are an affordable and cost-effective choice. Thermosyphon Solar Hot Water Systems from Silicon Solar feature our innovative SunMaxx Evacuated Tubes a Solar Hot Water Storage Tank which is mounted directly onto the top of the Solar Collector.

             Solar Pool Heaters:

Our selection of Solar Pool Heaters are easy to install, clean, and service. They raise the temperature of your pool 10-15 degrees, which allows you to open your pool earlier in the season and close it later in the season than you might otherwise. These Solar Pool heaters are made from high-density rubber and a durable thermal layer which warms the water in your pool and keeps it warm.

             Fafco Solar Water Heaters Hot2O:

We offer Fafco Solar Hot Water Kits for existing electric heaters and for existing gas heaters. These systems are affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. They are ideal for climates where ice and snow accumulation are not a factor.

             Solar Water Storage Tanks:

Our SunMax Solar Hot Water Storage Tanks are constructed of durable stainless steel. The steel shields the insulation of the tank. These tanks feature two heat exchangers and an automatic temperature control thermostat which keep your stored water at the temperature you prefer.

            Solar Water Storage Controllers:

Our Solar Water Storage Controllers are for use with Solar Thermal Systems which consist of evacuated tube collectors and a Solar How Water Storage Tank. These Controllers allow you to regulate the operation of the circulator pump based on collector temperature and storage temperature.

           Solar Plate Heat Exchangers:

Solar Plate Heating Exchangers are utilized in processes such as:

·         Heating

·         Cooling

·         Refrigeration

·         Hydronic

·         Steam processes

·         Industrial Processes

There are significant advantages to selecting a brazed plate heat exchanger rather than a traditional one.

         Solar Hot Water Accessories:

All of the accessories you may need for your Solar Hot Water System are available right here from Silicon Solar. Among our selection of Solar Hot Water Accessories, you will find Heat Dumps, Expansion Tanks, and a number of other accessories. All of these accessories come complete with a manual and detailed installation instructions.

         Solar Hot Water Mounting Hardware:

Have a flat or low-pitched roof and need a Tilt Mount upgrade? Have a US made Extra-Durable Face Frame or Mounting rack you would like to upgrade? Would like to mount your Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors on the ground or a pole and are looking for the mounting hardware to do that? If you can answer 'yes' to any of these questions, or have just about any other mounting hardware requirement for that matter, you will find the hardware you need to install your Solar Hot Water Collectors safely and securely.

           Pre-Packaged Solar Hot Water Systems:

If you are looking for a way to save time and money and forgo the hassles often associated with researching, purchasing and installing a home Solar Hot Water System, then our Pre-Packaged SHW Systems are the way to go. These kits are ideal to meet the domestic hot water needs of households of 2-6 people. They include our industry leading SunMax Solar Collectors and are available with your choice of our SunMax Evacuated Tube Collectors or our Flat Plate Solar Collectors.

Sunforce 50048 60Watt Solar Charging Kit

              The purpose of educational solar kits is to provide a hands-on activity that can demonstrate the power of solar energy. The power of solar energy and the solar cells that utilize it resides in the scalability of solar cells. The larger the solar panel, the larger the amount of energy that can be converted into a usable form. No system need go without power with a large enough solar array.
The educational solar kits require little power, however. They are small devices that would typically run on one or two AA batteries, but are instead powered by a solar panel. The benefit of using a solar panel instead of AA batteries is clear. Once the educational solar kits are assembled, they will never need a power supply because the solar panel will be able to provide the power needed by converting sunlight into electricity.
Our selection of Educational Solar Kits includes a Solar Cell Sample Pack, Interconnection Materials for Solar Cells, a Beginner Level Solar Kit, A Solar Cell Information Packet, a DEMOKIT Solar Kit, a Solar House Kit, Scrap Solar Cells, a Solar Circuit Kit, rechargeable AA batteries, and the SolarBreeze Demo Kit.
These are in addition to a range of solar toy kits. These toys include a solar helicopter, an RC Solar Car, a Solar Moon Walker, Solar Racing Crawler, a Solar Worm, a Solar Robot, a Solar Airplane, a "Solabug", a Solar Worm, and a "SolaCar".