Inhabitat

SOLAR HELICOPTER

We spend a lot of time talking about sustainability and design, but it’s important not to overlook the value of experiential learning — especially for kids. That’s why we love this Solar Powered Helicopter. The blades of the propeller have compact solar panels that store energy while the copter sits on a window sill, and then use it to make the propeller spin. It’s a simple lesson in the natural power of the sun.

We also love this helicopter because it’s designed like a classic kid toy, with simple wooden shapes and primary colors (not like so much of the neon plastic junk out there today). Available in natural and bright colors, at only $32.00 each, how can any kid resist?

+ Solar Helicopter

4 Responses to “SOLAR HELICOPTER”

Jouni Luoma Says:

July 22nd, 2006 at 7:20 pm

From the website you linked to:
“Set this wooden toy in a sunny spot and watch its propeller spin!”

I highly doubt that the smallish, solar powered propeller would be powerful enough to actually make a toy fly — especially such a bulky, wooden one.

Then again, if you know better, and it actually does fly, well, hell, I have to get me one of those!

Peter Says:

July 22nd, 2006 at 7:29 pm

Just so no expectations are crushed, the description on the seller’s website seems to say that the solar cell just spins the rotor, it does not say if this is a flying toy…

FlatGreg Says:

July 22nd, 2006 at 9:51 pm

by “fly” I’m guessing you mean make the toy rotors spin.

Sarah Says:

July 23rd, 2006 at 4:41 am

Ok all – thank you for being such astute readers. It’s true, the solar makes the propeller spin, it does not make the thing fly…problem corrected (and thanks).

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