From toys to MP3 players, the world of solar power has expanded well beyond its early beginnings in the solar power shower—a bladder bag attached to a gravity fed hose designed to allow clean loving campers a chance to get a (warmish) shower while enjoying the great outdoors.

Among the more useful solar powered devices, Ipod chargers, GIS adapters and solar powered water pumps are highly coveted by environmental consumers. Researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology are even developing a solar powered paint molecule that will coat the exterior of your house. The paint will serve the dual purpose of protecting your home while maintaining the heat within its interior.

Other advances in positive solar powered devices include a sun charged light for the interior of your tent while camping and a plastic water bottle that can be used as a water receptacle while hiking and a flashlight when the sun goes down. Cutting edge doctoral student Jo Hynek has even placed a patent on a solar panel covered purse that can recharge your cell phone, Ipod and other electronic devices when placed in a sunny spot. For water conscious individuals, a solar powered sprinkler sensor is currently in the works. Its detection system automates watering cycles and allows gardeners to program a watering cycle to conserve water and ensure sprinklers are not activated if sufficient ground water is already present.

Of course, along with the useful advances in solar technology, there are also a few less than coveted items on the market. New advances in solar power have led to gadgets like the Solar Powered Wooden Copter, which is perhaps a slightly primitive toy for kids raised on Wii and Dance Dance Revolution, but may be impressive for those raised to respect the environment and the power of the sun. The small wooden helicopter has a little solar powered cell in the top. After being left out in the sun for a few hours, the gadget spins its rotors on its own. No guarantee that the toy will provide hours of entertainment for anyone over the age of three.

Gadgets that might come in a bit handier to the average person which run entirely on solar power may include the solar powered house number. The large sign projects a house number to neighbours, delivery drivers and new friends. The idea is a good one, providing you live in an area that gets a lot of sun. Otherwise, you had better ensure that you give good directions to the pizza guy on a rainy day.

Linking form and function, a solar powered pith hat’s internal fan is activated and operated when the solar panels on the top of the hat get too hot. The hat may not be the top choice of the fashionista, with its unsightly square toppings, but at least you will not have to worry about sweaty hat head when you arrive at your final destination.