If you’re looking to read eBooks, but don’t have any real use for a tablet, then an eReader with an E Ink display (did I use the letter ‘e’ enough in that sentence for you?) is probably your best bet. The display is much easier on the eyes than a traditional LCD screen, and they use considerably less power. Knowing that they can go so long without needing recharged, one Instructables user decided that his Kobo reader was the perfect candidate for solar power.

Using a couple of solar panels, a capacitor and a few other parts, they were able to fashion a method for recharging their reader in the sunlight. The panels are mounted on the back, so all you need to do is turn it over when you’re not using the device, and let it catch a few rays from the sun. With the charge time to use time ratio so good on these gadgets, I’m really surprised that this is the first time I’ve seen an attempt to integrate a method for recharging via solar power. It would be great to see a manufacturer offer this on an eReader out of the box.