Did you know that the sun could juice rechargeable batteries? Or that you could cook food without electricity? Or that you could power an electric generator with a solar panel? And above all, did you know that all of these technologies are available and affordable now for public use? Urban Options, an MEC member group, explores these renewable energy technologies and more in its new display, Renewables are Ready!

The kid-friendly display educates students and residents of all ages about the practicality of renewable energy technologies and how to incorporate renewable energy relatively inexpensively into everyday life.

The main focus of the display is simple, clean and affordable solar energy technologies, many of which are demonstrated as part of the display. The centerpiece is a 600-watt electric generator powered by a solar panel (costing $500-$600). The solar electric generator serves as a "mid-scale" power source with AC and DC capabilities. Urban Options uses the solar electric generator to supply electricity to a TV/VCR unit that during tours shows a video about solar energy. The video, titled Schools Going Solar, is narrated by kids and illustrates how schools across the nation are using solar energy. The solar electric generator also powers a universal battery charger. The solar-charged batteries are then used in an assortment of battery-operated toys.

Also on display are several "small-scale" solar devices. A small, portable radio/flashlight combo with a mini-scale solar panel attached only needs the sun's energy to operate ($20-$30). There is also an option to recharge batteries with a solar-paneled battery charger ($15-$35). Because of the solar panel, there is nothing to plug in-just snap in the batteries and place in the sun. Some portable, solar-paneled battery chargers are also made to recharge cell-phone and laptop batteries.

Other solar energy technologies highlighted include a solar cooker, solar outdoor lighting and solar pool heating. Solar cookers use reflective surfaces to reach 200-400 degrees F ($25-$40). There is nothing to plug in and even no solar panels. Solar outdoor lighting uses solar panels to capture the sun's energy during the day and then uses sensors to turn on at night ($20-$30 for a set of two lights). These come in many different styles from floodlights to pathway lighting. Solar pool heating is the most widely used solar energy technology in the world.

All of these technologies are available from many different vendors. Some, like solar outdoor lighting, are available at general "super stores" and home improvement stores. Other products are available at specialty camping/outdoor stores or from online vendors.

Urban Options is an energy and education nonprofit agency located in mid-Michigan's only Energy and Environmental Demonstration House in East Lansing. Urban Options helps people improve the environment and save money by using energy and other resources more efficiently. Urban Options is open to the public for free tours and drop-ins on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11 AM-3 PM, Thursday 11 AM-8 PM, and the first Saturday of the month 10 AM-2 PM. School groups are welcome. Call (517) 337-0422 for more information.