One of my goals before I leave this Earth is to live in a home that is completely self-sufficient — a life off the grid. In fact, I want my home to produce so much alternative energy that some of it is fed back into the grid to provide power for other homes. A lofty goal, I know. Unless I become a millionaire tomorrow (did you hear that, Universe?), that goal probably won’t be fulfilled for quite some time. Fortunately, due to the ingenuity of so many designers who are concerned about sustainability, we can take baby steps.
I actually like to think of the SunTable as more of a brisk toddler stride. Place it in a sunny outdoor location and it automatically stores backup energy. Power up your laptop, radio, water purifier and other small electronics for up to 5 hours (you’ll get about 4 with a laptop). In direct sunlight, it charges in about 4 hours.
Can you imagine how great this would be to have during a blackout? There’s always flashlights and kerosene lamps for lighting, but it would be awesome to be able to continue working during a blackout when, face it, there’s not much else to do. It would also make a heck of a conversation piece during back yard gatherings, and you’d be able to plug in your blender to make smoothies.
In addition to the solar panels, the teak frame and both moisture-resistant and appropriate for an outdoor setting. The stainless steel legs are also weather-resistant. And to clean it, all you need is a hose. And talk about sustainability: Not only do you get to feel the joy of creating your own nonpolluting energy,when you are ready to get rid of the table (if you ever do), you can disassemble and recycle it.
Why It’s Green:
- Solar panels are a self-sufficient, nonpolluting power source
- Teak and stainless steel parts are sustainable and long-lasting
- Table can be disassembled and recycled
- Designed and assembled in the U.S.
Price: $1999
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I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the concept. Shame about the $2000 price tag.
I kind of like the idea of having this a backup power source in case of a blackout….although what you really want to work in a blackout is usually the fan, the refrigerator and the A/C — and I’m guessing the SunTable wouldn’t be able to power those energy hogs for long… I think with battery technology improving by leaps and bounds, the SunTable becomes a little less useful. Here’s what I mean. Many new UMPC (UltraMobile PC) laptops have extended battery times of 6 or 8 hours. So you can work outdoors for a whole day before the battery conks out. It’s nice to get an extra 5 hours of juice from the SunTable, but it’s certainly a lot cheaper just to buy an extra battery to swap into the laptop when the power runs out. I guess I’m just saying that this seems like an expensive, cool object in search of something to power. Now if we could run our homes off a few SunTables scattered in the backyard, that would be pretty cool!
- Aaron Dalton, 1GreenProduct.com
Do you really think this is a solution to our sustainability problems? We need something on a much larger scale. If you were spending that kind of money, u might as well put up the solar panel on your roof (so it gets more light) and make the table out of wood. I would like to get your views on our corporate blog on sustainability (mahindrauniverse.com).
Even with solar panels on the roof, Aditya, you wouldn’t have energy during a blackout. the table is for backup energy in those cases i think
I think it is a great idea for a rented property or one whos neightbours object to a solar panel being put on a the side of the house or the roof.