Lately I’ve been noticing interesting gadgets and stories related to solar power. It first started with this awesome window mounted electrical socket by Yanko Design. I envisioned sitting at the airport finally being able to stop searching endlessly for a place to plug-in and charge up. After doing some further research on the product (because I seriously wanted to purchase it), I’ve since learned from KCET contributor Chris Clarke that it it’s scientifically impossible for it to work. Bummer, right?

But then I came across a power cube called e-QBO, a modular cube that collects energy from the sun to provide power to public spaces. “During the day, the panels soak up sunlight and stores energy in battery packs, which can then be used by anyone to charge electronic devices and provide Wi-Fi,” states Valentina Palladino from theverge.com. I’m rooting for the team at T°RED to find a way to bring this concept to the masses, especially here in Savannah, Ga.,  where I live. There have been too many times I’ve been in Forsyth Park with a dead phone and no way to connect with anyone.

The cube got me wondering about our personal space, our homes, and what is taking place these days with solar power. I was fascinated to find this list of top solar cities and graph showcasing the top 10 most active states for solar powered projects.  I also learned that Best Buy (in about 60 stores) has partnered with Solar City to provide solar rooftop installation. With the declining costs of solar panels and companies like Solar City and Best Buy finding ways to bring this renewable energy to the masses, maybe it won’t be much longer until all of our homes are retrofitted with alternative energy sources.

Photo credit: NREL Solar Decathlon