The next generation of kids — more than any before — will probably witness the expansion of renewable energy from something of a novelty to full-blown everyday common use. No longer will solar panels or wind turbines be confined to science experiments or field trips. Instead, most everyone will have one on their roofs or in their towns. With costs dropping and innovation increasing rapidly, the future is looking very green for the renewable energy industry.

Until it’s ubiquitous, kids will likely enjoy this Solar Deluxe Educational Kit — which provides an opportunity to build a small array to power a fan, light bulb, and/or radio. Those options alone sure beat playing around with those solar-powered garden lights — and the series of do-it-yourself experiments will go a long way in teaching kids the wonders of alternative energy. You can pick up a kit — and be a hero on Earth Day — for just under $17 here.