Solar Saloon shines new light on bar scene

Spirits and solar power is the concept behind Solar Saloon, a new bar in downtown Delaware.

Solar Saloon operates completely on solar power, and the bar also sells solar panels in addition to it’s drinks.

The “Solar” in Solar Saloon is more than just an attempt to attract a different crowd. Besides selling solar panels and other objects powered by solar energy, the bar itself is completely run by solar panels.

“We have a big display in the back (with the solar energy items),” said Patty Donovan the manager of the Saloon.

“We run our speakers, TVs, the lights with it. Everything, it’s so different.”

Located above Something Sweet Coffee & Bakery, the Solar Saloon is impossible to miss. The Saloon demands attention with bright green LED lights and flat screens lining the walls, especially when the sun begins to set.

“Everybody comes in and loves it. [It’s] so different than being downstairs on the street level, just something about it,” Donovan said.

With high chairs and a bar along the window, the Solar Saloon capitalizes on its unique location.

According to Donovan, they have been so busy since their opening two and half weeks ago, they haven’t had time for a grand opening.

“We have had soft openings after soft openings,” she said. “We get people of all ages, all walks of life, a lot of college students… That’s what makes it fun.”

Senior Maria Urbina is another one of the bartenders at the Solar Saloon. She started last Wednesday and said she “loves working there.”

“Patty [Donovan] is really great, and it’s a new bar which is always exciting for students,” Urbina said.

“I think it brings something fun and unique to the Delaware bar scene.”

When asked why people should consider including the Solar Saloon in their Delaware nightlife itinerary, Urbina emphasized the bar environment.

“It’s a really nice atmosphere… It’s cleaner than other places and I think it’s a nice change of scenery.”

Owner Don Temple has owned other bars in the past and is a partial owner of the solar panel company Goal Zero, which supplies the Solar Saloon with its clean energy.

Donovan said that Temple has “traveled around the country selling solar supplies” and also has “always wanted to combine a bar with his solar business.”

It seems like Temple has finally succeeded. The Solar Saloon is open 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.