Visitors to Covent Garden will come across a rather unique shopfront this week, with the limited-time opening of Next Day Solar’s solar-powered pop-up shop. From the outside, it doesn’t look vastly different to a number of other shops in the area. Through the windows, you can see a variety of goods for sale. The shop’s name is emblazoned above the doorway. All is largely familiar. But perched atop it all are two big ol’ solar panels, giving a clue as to what distinguishes this shop from others.
Powered by those very solar panels, the shop has dropped down with the aim to “revolutionise the way Londoners think about energy and eco-conscious living.” As well as being ‘substantially’ powered by solar energy, the shop has been designed with an environmental mindset. Wherever possible, the shop has been constructed out of recycled materials. They’re not just selling products that will lead to a greener future. They also want to demonstrate what that future could physically look like.
The solar-powered pop-up shop opened this week on September 4. But if you want to visit you’ll have to act fast, because it is only open for four weeks. Fortunately, they’ve definitely picked a good sunny spell of weather to open up.
Solar-powered products
So what can you actually get from the solar-powered pop-up shop? If you guessed ‘solar-powered’ stuff, you’d be absolutely right. Products range from solar-powered kids’ toys to garden illumination solutions and laptop-charging power boxes. They’ve even got portable solar panels that can keep your phone topped up all day long.
As well as selling a variety of products, the store also houses a small educational area. This space is designed “to inspire and inform future generations about the incredible potential of solar energy.”
Said Asher Budwig, the founder of Next Day Solar, and MD of Lola’s Cupcakes:
“Whether it’s seeing how our Lego turbine works or understanding how solar panels can generate enough energy at home, our aim is to showcase that solar energy is readily available and a crucial component in transitioning to a renewable-powered future. It’s time to make the switch, and we want to help.”
Head to Next Day Solar’s website to find out more about the company, and their mission to bring solar power wherever it is needed or wanted.
You can find Next Day Solar’s solar-powered pop-up shop at 36 Neal Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9PS. The nearest station is Covent Garden. The shop is open from 10am-6pm, Monday to Sunday.