Benefits

• A portable radio can travel with you even where electrical outlets aren't readily available. Solar-powered radios will run as long as there is light. Some solar-powered radios have rechargeable batteries so they can be charged during daylight hours and still operate when it's dark.
  
  

Brands

• Solar radios are made by a number of manufacturers, including Eton Grundig, Ambient Weather, and Kaito. They are available online as well as at local electronics stores.
  
  

Other Features

• Most solar-powered radios receive AM, FM and weather-band stations. Some products also include LED flashlights and reading lights, as well as hand cranks to generate power when there is no light. Some models include cables to charge other external devices, such as cell phones.
  
  

Build Your Own

• Hobbyists can opt to make their own solar-powered FM receiver by taking a portable radio and connecting a solar cell to the receiver's external power adaptor jack. Match the proper voltage required by the radio to that of the solar cell, or use a combination of cells. Place cells in "series" to increase the voltage or in "parallel" to increase available current.