Harness The Sun: 9 Cool Solar Powered Toys

In our ever-changing world, renewable energy sources are becoming an important topic of conversation. Fun and educational solar powered toys are a wonderful way to introduce your child to the concept of green energy.

Many solar powered toys are also kits that will engage young makers, giving them something to build that’s powered with solar energy. These playable toys offer an outlet for creativity, teach maker skills, and give kids the satisfaction of enjoying their own creations.

Whether playable toys or cool display pieces that kids will enjoy, all solar powered toys should be a fun way for young scientists to learn about renewable energy and the science behind it. These toys will help to encourage a younger generation that will be responsible stewards of planet earth.

Harness The Sun: 9 Cool Solar Powered Toys

OWI Super Solar Recycler
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OWI T4 Transforming Solar Robot
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Solar Motion Bicycle Rider by Carlisle Co.
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Thames & Kosmos Solar Power
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Radiometer
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1. OWI Super Solar Recycler

OWI Super Solar Recycler- solar powered toys

The OWI Super Solar Recycler will entertain your young maker while teaching them about recycling and solar energy. Re-use common household items (CDs, empty bottles, and cans) to build cool robots that are powered by the sun. This kit promises to be engaging and educational. This kit is very good for kids who like to build. As an added bonus, this ties in nicely with learning about recycling in school and other classroom activities.

 

2. Sunnytech®Solar Power Energy Windmill Educational 3D Jigsaw Puzzle Toy

Sunnytech®Solar Power Energy DIY Kits Brick Block Wood Windmill Child Educational 3D Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Toy- solar powered toys

Young makers can assemble the Sunnytech®Solar Power Energy Windmill Child Educational 3D Jigsaw Puzzle Toy and then watch as the sun powers the neat finished product: a sleek windmill. It’s a fun and simple project. This is a wonderful educational product for all the kids. It is great for a STEM or engineering class as well as for a homeschool environment. It uses a high-quality wood with punch outs that are easy for kids to remove without breaking them. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow.

3. OWI T4 Transforming Solar Robot

OWI T4 Transforming Solar Robot- solar powered toys

The super cool OWI T4 Transforming Solar Robot transforms into an insect, T-Rex, and a driller in addition to the actual robot. Large pieces are easy for younger children to handle and manipulate but it’s sure to be fun for all ages. It requires direct sunlight so it’s good for outdoor, sunny play. This toy is an excellent building and learning opportunity for a young child who loves to assemble and make the different options.

4. Fascinations Solar Butterfly

Fascinations Solar Butterfly- solar powered toys

Place the Fascinations Solar Butterfly outside, and watch as the beautiful butterfly flits around, powered only by the sun. Simple and charming, it’s a good way to start the conversation about solar energy. It can also be used indoors with a battery. It actually flutters like a real butterfly and the slightest wind moves it very realistically. It’s wonderful.

5. 4M Solar Rover Kit

4M Solar Rover Kit- solar powered toys

The 4M Solar Rover Kit introduces young makers to the mechanics of solar energy, as well as being a fun project to assemble. The kit requires a used soda can for the build, encouraging kids to recycle as well as harness green energy. The detailed instructions are easy to follow, and assembly requires only a screwdriver.

6. Solar Motion Bicycle Rider by Carlisle Co.

Solar Motion Bicycle Rider by Carlisle Co.- solar powered toys

Though not one of the playable solar powered toys, the Solar Motion Bicycle Rider by Carlisle Co. is both a lamp and an example of motion powered by solar energy; It uses the sunlight for solar power which makes the figure on the bike pedal. This would make a great addition to a child’s bedroom as a nightlight or a classroom. This is the neatest thing and is cute as can be.

7. Thames & Kosmos Solar Power

Thames & Kosmos Solar Power- solar powered toys

Young makers use the Thames & Kosmos Solar Power kit to assemble six solar powered models including a locomotive, single-prop plane, bulldozer, helicopter, backhoe, and twin-rotor helicopter. Or, they can use the available parts to create their own toy. In the absence of bright sunlight, batteries can be used to powered the toys and the included solar panels can be used to charge batteries. Boys will love it as a gift. It’s a good introduction to the future of solar power and what it can do. It is important that they start learning these things and have fun doing it.

8. OWI Solar Space Fleet

OWI Solar Space Fleet- solar powered toys

With the OWI Solar Space Fleet, kids can use the sun to power these cool space toys. Simple instructions and snap together parts make this an easy to assemble kit with unique working models.Use it to build a variety of robots. There are 7 different things you can make with this set, which provides lots of fun and creativity. Finished toys include space station, robot, rover, vehicle, astronaut, shuttle and space dog that can be powered by sunlight, indoor halogen light, or a rechargeable micro-battery.

9. Radiometer

Radiometer- solar powered toys

A simple and classic example of solar powered toys, the Radiometer uses heat from the sun to spin the wings inside the bulb. It’s not a playable toy, but it is a fun and educational display piece that teaches several scientific concepts, including the benefits of renewable energy. This product is an excellent example for students to observe and use in laboratory projects. The Radiometer is durable and can be used as a discovery toy when placed in naturally occurring as well as contrived weather & environmental conditions.

 

Solar powered toys offer the opportunity for young scientists to learn about renewable solar energy in a fun way. Do you or your child have a favorite solar powered or renewable energy powered toy? Share it in the comments below!

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, Ingrid Taylar.

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