This probably is the gadget that should win the most obvious invention of the year; at least till date. This of course is by no means to state the fact that those who came up with the idea have not done anything significant, but it just tells that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most difficult to conceive. The Solar powered Patio Umbrella is pretty cool but it still leaves a lot more wanting from it. As much as I’m happy to see it come, there is a lot else it could have done.
This item has a solar panel which screws into the top (finial) of the umbrella to power the 18 white LED’s which are located on the ribs (3 per rib). It also has a center hub light with 8 LEDs inside; there is a dual switch on the umbrella which will control both the rib lights and the hub light. You can have them both turned on you can have one or the other on, depending on how much light you want or need. The batteries inside the solar panel are replaceable and the LEDs on the ribs are also replaceable. The panel will charge in direct sunlight and fully charged provides 6-8 hours of light.
While the umbrella will light up your nights, dishing out $99 just for fancy lights is a bit too much. I would have much rather preferred if the makers had made better use of solar energy. I still firmly believe that solar panel covered umbrellas that charge our electronic gadgets are long over due. This is especially true in the case of those huge beach umbrellas. I surely hope they are on their way out.
Source: GroovyGreen
