Most articles on solar energy focus on the huge (and hugely important) ways in which solar technology can be used to cut America’s carbon footprint and reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

But what about solar’s baby steps forward, which incorporate solar technology into thousands of gadgets that formerly operated off the traditional electricity grid? As 19th century painter Vincent Van Gogh observed, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Here are 6 low cost solar options for your home that can make a positive impact today.

Solar Bird Bath Consider, for example, a solar birdbath, which incorporates the best of the natural world and photovoltaic technology to deliver a place for birds to clean their feathers while humans relax to the soothing sounds of running water. Chillin’, especially on a hot summer day, and – at just over $100 – cheap enough to keep even the most eco-conscious from feeling like they’ve fallen into the conspicuous-consumption trap. Photo from SunPumps.com		Solar Security Lighting Outdoor solar security lighting – good five years ago, superb now – has made the leap to motion-sensor technology, in prices ranging from a very affordable $30 to a somewhat pricey but still affordable $90. These lights not only offer motion-sensing at 25 feet, but also heat-sensing technology to prevent them being activated by wind in tree branches, or a windblown page of newspaper. They can’t, unfortunately, be recalibrated for heartless (former) significant others, or the occasional nasty neighbor. Photo from Scoroigin
Solar Vents Solar vents, which perform the same function in the roofs of single-story homes (in bathrooms or laundry rooms, for example) are eminently affordable, at just over $100, and require no wiring. This last is especially important, given a licensed electrician’s $100 fee just to show up – no work included. Photo from Sunsei		Solar Window Thermometer For weather- and temperature-watchers, consider a solar-powered window thermometer. At about $25, not counting shipping, it will keep indoor-oriented individuals weather savvy and prevent those unfortunate and miserable shopping trips at 25 below. Photo from Solutions
Solar Path Lights Solar pathway lights are another small but eminently cool use of photovoltaic technology, providing night lighting for the unwary or merely clumsy, and enough illumination to keep away miscreants and malcontents – though likely not your teenage son and his buds. Photo from Frontgate		Solar Attic Fan For those living in older homes whose insulation is absent or under-performing, consider a solar-powered attic fan for those summer days that are too cool for AC but slightly too warm for comfort. Photo from Solatube

We can’t change America’s energy habits overnight, but we can make serious inroads on fossil fuel consumption with even just a few solar-powered gadgets. And gifting them will cause the tree-huggers in your inner circle to decide that you rule!