zedomax.com &#187; Solar

Solar Car Racing Taking Off in Australia!

Solar car racing is happening in Australia, I think this would be a great movement towards future commercial solar cars. I don’t think we are that far away especially with the number of hybrid cars out there already with Prius already applying some solar panels. I would love to own a solar race car one day.

SYDNEY — A 3,000-kilometre (1,860-mile) solar car race across Australia’s desert heartland began in the northern city of Darwin Sunday, organisers said.

The cars left Darwin in hot and humid weather at about 8:30 am (2300 GMT Saturday) on the journey that is expected to end mid-week in the South Australian city of Adelaide.

“We had 32 vehicles start this morning,” Mike Drewer, a spokesman for the World Solar Challenge, told AFP, adding that weather conditions were good for solar cars.

via keetsa

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Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Food Dehydrator!

max — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:30:07 +0000

We’ve seen many ways to make a food dehydrator before, here, and here. I even got a food dehydrator here as a Christmas present when I was completely broke couple years back. Well, here’s another great guide on how to make a solar food dehydrator! (via make)

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Food Dehydrator!

The Juice Bar is Tasty

David Allen — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:00:14 +0000

You could be forgiven in thinking that this is cool new drink or hydration bar for sports people. The Juice Bar is in fact a small solar charger that can charge up the battery of many portable devices. It comes with a dozen connectors that between them will fit most portable devices.

This is an ideal device for charging up those cell phones or iPods that have run out of battery right when they are needed most.

Features – Pocket size universal battery charger – High capacity 1500 mAh Li-ion battery – Contains 12 different connectors – Charges via USB connection or solar panel – Solar panel: 5.5 volt/80 mAh – Includes: JuiceBar, connectors, accessory bag, USB cable, charging cable. Priced at $49.99.

Source [Think Geek]

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The Juice Bar is Tasty

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Oven using Office Supplies at work!

max — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:06:21 +0000

Do you have empty boxes laying around work? Do you sometimes feel the need to make something cool like a solar oven?

Well, if you’ve answered yes to both questions, you are in luck as you can try making one of these really cool solar ovens, all from parts you can get free from work! Of course, don’t get fired doing this as your boss might see it as waste of time but if your line of work is science/technology related, you might be able to get by.

This DIY solar oven has been tested up to 120 degrees fahrenheit, enough to cook you some nice “natural” pizza using the power of the sun. Of course, it will take about an hour to reach that temperature so you might have to plan accordingly.

For those of you who try this out and it works well, be sure to leave comments! Thanks!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Oven using Office Supplies at work!

Vintage WWII bags with solar panels

David Allen — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:00:08 +0000

Making something hi-tech from something that is so obviously old and definitely low tech is a bit of an art and sometimes the design just does not happen because of compatibility and just what the item looks like.

But these bag date back to the war and used to belong to the German Military which is a little ironic don’t you think. anyway these bags have been fitted with solar panels and iPod controls, so the user simply plugs in the device and listens to the their music, the charger makes sure that the battery is kept fully charged and operational.

Source [Coolest Gadgets]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Vintage WWII bags with solar panels

Solar DIY – Heliostat Can help you Track Sunlight!

max — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:05:42 +0000

Here’s a really cool heliostat that can help you track sunlight.

The purpose of this cool solar device is to help you make other solar projects where you “could” make use of constant sunlight to something such as solar power grids. (or somethin’ along lines of that…)

The heliostat is the first step in his solar energy experimentations, and it is designed to keep a mirror aligned so that it keeps the reflection of the sun onto a specific point. Once the energy is focused on that point, it can be harnessed by other devices such as a solar oven. A single unit can be useful, however it gets really fun when you start adding multiple devices to concentrate a bunch of energy on a small spot.

via make

Solar DIY – Heliostat Can help you Track Sunlight!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar vest makes charging easy

David Allen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:18 +0000

This is a dream come true for some people, it is a fashion item if you like but it comes with a special feature, as it will charge up all of your gadgets while you are on the move. It comes with a selection of connectors to make sure that all gadgets are fully charged and that you will never be without the phone again.

Features:

Primary Function: Solar Battery + Charger Vest for Portable Electronics

Four Solar Panels (Capacity: 8,800mAh, Solar panel: 6W, Voltage: 3.7V)

Inputs and Ports: AC Input Port, USB Power Input, DC Output 1, DC Output 2

Switches: On/Off, Voltage Adjust

Light Indicators: Green: Power more than 80%; Orange: Power between 30% and 70%; Red: Power less than 30%

Connectors: eight Power Connectors & 7 Device Connectors

Colour: Black and brown

Pockets: Eight front pockets, 1 back pocket

Zipper and Velcro fastener

Portable Battery Charger Dimensions: L:120 x W:70 x D:22 (mm)

Solar Panel Dimensions: L:135 x W:60 (mm)

Vest Dimensions: L:600 x W:600 (mm)

Priced at $140

Source [Geek Alerts]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar vest makes charging easy

The Solar Tree

David Allen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:00:43 +0000

This is a brilliant concept; it is a pole with a solar panel that fits into the top where the solar energy charges up the battery pack. Along the length of the pole, there are various electrical sockets suitable for the iPhone, iPod, cell phones, cameras and other devices.

Just simply stick the pole into the ground fix the solar panel and do not worry about the power running out of your gadgets as you can simply just plug them into the sockets. You will be able to charge up to three devices at once, now that is really cool. This can be used just about anywhere.

Source [Coolest Gadgets]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The Solar Tree

Solar power pack with features

David Allen — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:20 +0000

This is the XPower Power pack; it is being marketed as the first portable solar powered pack. The device has a 5 watt solar panel that charges up the 10 amp/hour battery pack. It is great for all sorts of devices that require a power source.

Features:

The XPower Power pack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source

It is completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack’s 10 amp-hour battery

The 5-watt solar panel captures, stores and converts the sun’s renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Power pack Solar’s battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent

Product Features: Runs 120-volt AC or 12-volt DC products anywhere Built-in 400-watt inverter Sealed, non-spillable 10 amp-hour AGM battery Two 120-volt AC outlets, one 12-volt DC socket and one USB port Three-digit display for easy battery status monitoring Rubberized protection to guard against unit slipping AC charger included so you can charge from a standard wall outlet DC charger included so you can charge from a vehicle

RV Applications: Operates and charges a portable DVD player, 13-inch colour TV, laptop, portable stereo, cordless phone, portable cooler and air compressor Operates multiple products simultaneously

Priced at $119.99

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar power pack with features

The solar sun drive

David Allen — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:57 +0000

There are some great solar chargers around these days and because of advances in technology, these are quite capable of charging up most devices from cell phones to mp3 players. The USB Sun Drive Solar Charger will charge just about any device with a USB port on a full charge it will power a cell phone with a hundred minutes of continuous use. Alternatively, if being taken away it holds the full charge for around twenty five on standby.

Features:

Recharge cell phones, MP3 players, portable media players, digital cameras via USB port

Measuring 64 mm x 25.8 mm

Store up to 100 minutes of continuous talk time

Up to 25 hours of standby time on a single charge

Source [Coolest Gadgets]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The solar sun drive

Solar power battery charger

David Allen — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:00:54 +0000

This is essential equipment for campers and travellers being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery is no laughing matter. However, if you happened to have packed one of these solar panels then all you would need to do is lift the hood, connect the cables to the battery, close the hood and place the unit on top. Within a matter of minutes, the engine will be purring away.

Product Features

Solar-powered charger engineered to maintain your vehicle’s 12-volt starting battery

Extends battery life using the sun’s power

Blue LED charging indicator

Connects quickly and mounts easily

6-Watt Amorphous silicon solar cells

Priced at $39.99

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar power battery charger

The 45 Watt Solar charging kit

David Allen — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:25:42 +0000

This is an ideal gadget to have these days as it can be left in position on boats, cabins or for back up power as it is quite capable of charging up a twelve volt battery with no time at all. The kit that comes with this contains the mounting frame and other essential items too, this is a great solar starter pack.

Product Features

Solar charging kit is designed for RVs, homes, boats, back-up and remote power use, and more

Includes charge regulator and DC power output

Includes aluminium mounting frame and 2 x energy efficient DC Light Bulbs

3 x 15-Watt solar panels mounted together for 45-Watt total power output

Water proof amorphous silicon solar cells panel

Priced at $179.99

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The 45 Watt Solar charging kit

The solar and crank emergency radio

David Allen — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:29:24 +0000

From the image this radio looks like something that could date back to fifties or something like, yet this may have a retro look, but it is packed full of modern technology. It can use either solar power from the panel on top, but if there is no sunlight then there is a cranking handle that powers a dynamo and that charges the battery up, it is ideal for camping or for use in an emergency.

Product Features

Charges on Solar or Crank

Emergency Preparedness

Great for Camping

Use outdoors

No Batteries needed

Priced at $23.42

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The solar and crank emergency radio

Portable solar power

David Allen — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:00:20 +0000

This is a handy and light way of using solar power; this is panel that looks like it could be a wallet or folder. However, is in fact it is a life saving piece of equipment. This portable charging unit can be place in the sunlight where is will charge up the battery pack.

The Eneloop Portable Solar is made by the electronics giant Sanyo, it is their way of making this sort of power compact and easily used. Although there is not much information around when it comes to prices etc.

Source [Tree Hugger]

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Portable solar power

Supercool solar powered air con

David Allen — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:00:10 +0000

The problem with air con is mainly down to the amount of power that the system uses up just keep one room nice and cool. So imagine how great it could be if there was such a thing as solar powered air con, that would be cool in more ways than one.

Features:

Frost aims to reduce dependency upon conventional air conditioning units by replacing outlet electricity with solar power and refrigerator freezer energy.

The solar power panel gathers electricity during peak sunlight hours and stores the energy for later use in order to spin the fans for a fresh breeze.

The freezer provides the second leg of energy creating a source of cold (freezer ice pack) for the fans to convert the heated summer air into a wintery breeze.

Source [Popgadget]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Supercool solar powered air con

The solar strap by Suntrica

David Allen — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:00:26 +0000

Solar panels have come a long way over the past few years, there was a time when powering a calculator was the best you could expect from the small panels. But now a solar panel no larger than a cell phone can provide enough power to charge up the batteries of small devices.

Technical specification:

Rated input – 5.0 – 6.0 V DC

Rated output – 5.5 VDC, 800 mA

Battery capacity – 3.7 Wh

Operation temperature – 0°C – 50°C

Dimensions

(unfolded) – 290 x 97 x 16 mm

(folded) – 144 x 97 x 25 mm

Enclosure – Flexible, splash proof

Weight – 60 g

Priced at $40

Source [Coolest Gadgets]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The solar strap by Suntrica

Solar charger for cell phones

David Allen — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:00:16 +0000

This is a neat little solar charger that can be packed away easily and can charge up electronic devices including cell phones. It is a hybrid charger, which means that it can charge with the power of the sun or via the USB port of a laptop, so the user is not going to be totally reliant on the sun.

Product Features

Provides an emergency power source when away from power outlets.

Interchangeable power tips allow you to power multiple gadgets with a single charger ( tips for most products included in pack)

Solar Panels have charge and maintain the built-in 2000 mah Lithium ion battery inside.

Constructed with moulded plastic for lightweight mobility.

Charging internal battery takes 8-10 hours of direct sunlight.

Priced at $19.99

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar charger for cell phones

The solar powered lantern

David Allen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:00:45 +0000

The new Lightcap 300 is an interesting item, it is a self contained lamp that charges up on solar power and then when it gets lights up. It uses four LED’s. This lamp has four times the amount of light that you would be getting from a solar powered garden light.

Product Features

Colour Name: Red

Four super bright white LEDs for four X the brightness

40% more solar panel output for faster charging

Lighter only 10.5 oz. for bottle and cap

Translucent unbreakable cap is 12% lighter and glows

Brighter focusing lens for much more light and even dispersion

Priced at $29.95

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The solar powered lantern

Solar energy science kit

David Allen — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:00:49 +0000

This is a great kit that offers the user a chance to get some hands on experience on with solar energy, there are plenty of experiments to conduct and help the kids discover green energy. This a brilliant gift for any child, it is fun and educational at the same time.

Product Features

Educational Science Kit “Solar Energy Kit” Discover Green Energy!

Explore solar energy with this educational “do-it-yourself” kit!

This is a great educational kit to learn children about the energy source of the future

Includes a 5″ Solar Cell Module, DC Motor, Four turntables, three coloured spinner discs, 2 1/4″ fan, airplane, bird images and instructions.

Priced at $17.95

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar energy science kit

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Thermal Water Heater!

max — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:31:18 +0000

If you can either find or have an old fridge, you can easily use the back of the fridge to re-make a solar thermal water heater that can easily burn your hands.

This method doesn’t use any actual solar panels but uses a reflective surface and the heater bars of the old fridge to heat the water, pretty incredibly simple yet very effective.

A word of warning, this panel works VERY WELL. We tested it on a very sunny day and within seconds the water coming out of the panel was hot enough TO SCALD. I burned my fingers. This very hot water is only formed when the water inside the panel is allowed to sit for about a minute without moving. If the water is moving (do to the gravity siphon) the water exiting the return pipe is about 110 degrees, and while hot, will not burn you.

via treehugger

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Thermal Water Heater!

This is the UV Monkey

David Allen — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:00:12 +0000

UV is very important these days, we hear so many stories about people being exposed to far too much UV, but just by looking at the sky how can you tell how high the UV is going to be? Well now it should be easy as the UV Monkey tells you how strong the UV rays are at that particular time.

Features:

Quickly indicates UV intensity

Help you figure out how well your solar charger might function

Can help prevent sun skin damage

Easily attaches to your keyring

Indicates 4 different UV levels (Index 1-2, Index 3-5, Index 6-8, Index 9-11)

Dimensions: 1.5″ (4 cm)

Priced at $9.99

Source [Think Geek]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

This is the UV Monkey

Speaker DIY – How to Make Solar Portable Speakers!

max — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:43:37 +0000

Wow, what a day for eco-friendly DIY speakers. Unlike the DIY speaker kit mentioned earlier, these solar portable speakers are not kits, you can make them using various speaker and solar parts mentioned in the DIY.

I have to say these solar portable speaker certainly rock over the previous one as it can power itself using the power of the sun.

Combine a small, energy efficient digital amplifier, cheap bookshelf speakers, batteries, a small solar panel, and your MP3 player as a source.

Fasten everything together, add a handle, and take it on the road!

This project makes for a fun, easy solar project, that will help you learn about how solar panel, and audio systems operate.

Speaker DIY – How to Make Solar Portable Speakers!

and organic blog

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The Solar Vest Charger

David Allen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:39 +0000

This is the answer to every traveller’s prayers, just plug your gadgets in and go about your normal walking around, the sun will do the rest for you. The maker even reckons that the solar vest will charge the battery up on your laptop, now that is cool by anyone’s standards.

Primary Function: Solar Battery + Charger Vest for Portable Electronics

Solar Charger Specifications:

Four Solar Panels

Capacity: 8,800mAh

Solar panel: 6W

Voltage: 3.7V

Inputs and Ports: AC Input Port, USB Power Input, DC Output 1, DC Output 2

Switches: On/Off, Voltage Adjust

Light Indicators: Green: Power more than 80%; Orange: Power between 30% and 70%; Red: Power less than 30%

Connectors:

Eight Power Connectors

Seven Device Connectors

Vest Specifications:

Colour: Black and brown

Pockets: Eight front pockets, 1 back pocket

Zipper and Velcro fastener

Portable Battery Charger Dimensions: L: 120 x W: 70 x D: 22 (mm)

Solar Panel Dimensions: L: 135 x W: 60 (mm)

Vest Dimensions: L: 600 x W: 600 (mm)

Certifications: CE

Manufacturer Ref: TV63BKQWWHSG

Product Notes

In case your friends think this is only an ultra-fashionable vest, the words “SOLAR VEST” in big stitched lettering on the back let them know this is really a high-tech solar battery.

Heat Protection

Short Circuit Protection

Over Charge Protection

Discharge Protection

Package Contents

Model CVFR-S09

Solar Battery/Charger (12V – 20V input) + (9V, 6V, 5V input)

Power Adapter (100-240V, 50/60Hz)

Eight Power Connectors

Seven Device Connectors

USB Extension Cable

Manual – English

Priced at about $100

Source [China Vision]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

The Solar Vest Charger

Home DIY – How to Build a Solar Water Heater!

max — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:40:13 +0000

Do you happen to live in hot-summer country such as Arizona? Well, there’s a great guide on how to build your own solar water heater, filled with over 80+ pages of details on how to do this.

Also, there’s a DIY Solar Water Heater guide you can buy, which might be well worth it since this isn’t exactly the safest DIY ever.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Home DIY – How to Build a Solar Water Heater!

Solar DIY – How to Build a Solar Cooling System for the Summer!

max — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:44:45 +0000

Solar systems have been appearing everywhere these days including the new Prius which practically cools itself while parked out in the sun. Well, this technology isn’t so hard to understand or apply, simply get some solar panels and hook it up to a cooling device.

Okay, maybe it’s not that easy but here’s a great DIY that shows you how to do that.

This instructable will tell you how I went about building a 12v Solar setup to run my Air Cooler during our hot Summer and a 12v 120 litre Fridge/Freezer during the cooler months.

It will include some of the things I got right and the things I got wrong while building my “Sun Suckers”.

Please keep in mind that I am not qualified in this area and that my methods were based on a “research then trial and error” system.
Please use the ideas presented as a guide and improve on them wherever you can.

Solar DIY – How to Build a Solar Cooling System for the Summer!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Cool wind up and solar radio

David Allen — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:00:10 +0000

This is one of those radios that is great in emergencies, when the user is out camping or something similar. The Kirkland radio uses a winder to charge up the battery, one minute of winding gives you half an hour of radio time, or the solar panel will also run the radio too.

Features:

Alternatively, use the hand crank on rainy days

Turn it for just one minute and the radio will play back for about thirty minutes

The Solar Radio measures just 3.25″ x 3″ x 2.25″ which makes it extremely portable

Keep one in your camping box, or on your kitchen window sill

It is also useful in the garage or workshop

Priced at $24.95

Source [Unplggd]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Cool wind up and solar radio

Outdoor Lighting – Pack of 3 Solar Lights!

max — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:12:28 +0000

Here’s an awesome deal of pack of 3 outdoor solar lights, all of these run on a single photovoltaic solar cell, great for keeping your outdoors bright without use of any household electricity but with solar power.

These are great for continuous lighting through the night for a dark driveway or yard area. Be sure to position the multi-angle floodlight trio in direct sunlight throughout the day for best solar absorption.

Price: $36.79 on Amazon

(via eco blog)

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Outdoor Lighting – Pack of 3 Solar Lights!

Protect yourself from the sun

David Allen — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:23 +0000

Getting out in the sun may be great, but it should be taken in small doses. However, how are we supposed to know the strength of the sun and how long we can reasonably stay out in it? It has always been a hit and miss affair and therefore we have been taking chance with being burnt. But now there is this device from Oregon, it works out everything for you, how easy is that?

Product Features

Monitors current UV levels.

Exposure timer uses UV, SPF and skin type to calculate recommended exposure time and automatically updates with changes in UV intensity.

Monitors current temperature.

Countdown timer and digital clock.

Wrist strap for easy use.

Priced at $19.99

Source [Amazon]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Protect yourself from the sun

iPhone Hack – How to Make a Solar iPhone Charger!

max — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:50:52 +0000

Have an iPhone or iPod? Well, a lot of you do and if you wanted to get a solar charger for it, here’s how to make your very own from scratch.

I wanted a charger for my iPodTouch and the MintyBoost was definitely my first choice. I wanted to take it a bit further and make it not only rechargeable but also solar powered. The other issue is that the iPhone and iPodTouch have large batteries in them and will deplete the two AA batteries in the MintyBoost rather quickly so I wanted to increase the battery power as well. What I really wanted was a MightyMintyBoost!

iPhone Hack – How to Make a Solar iPhone Charger!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Powered Roof Gutter Water Barrel!

max — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:34:19 +0000

Here in California, it’s freakin’ sunny as hell during the summer and in the winter, it rains like a mothufooko. Anyways, I’ve been working on my friend’s lawn and they have no lawn sprinkler nor do they want to spend the money on it. Every summer, that lawn gets dried up like crazy and I’ve always thought there’s gotta be a good way to re-use the water that you get during the spring, specifically the water thats coming down your roof gutter.

Well, I am in look as I found this awesome DIY that shows you how to make a solar-powered roof-gutter eating water barrels that can hold 1700 lbs. of rain water. There’s even an overflow system, water filter, and a pump that will use the sun’s power so you can water all your plants while saving earth and money!

Kudos, this is just what I needed, not that I am building one right now, perhaps before the winter begins this year.

A “Green” way of using rainwater with the convenience of city water.
The twin 85 gallon barrels are raised onto a very sturdy 4×4 box assembly held together with 5 1/2″ long 3/8″ carriage bolts because the total weight of all the water when full is aprox 1700lbs. This frame is resting on eight 2 inch thick 18″ square cement pads to prevent sinking. The barrels are raised to increase the head pressure and decrease the work load on the pump. The attached pump enables you to water plants even when the water in the barrels falls below the height of the nozzle used to water.

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Powered Roof Gutter Water Barrel!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar panels are cool

David Allen — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:00:05 +0000

It is cool to have solar panels these days on matter what size they are it shows that you care about the planet and are willing to put your hand in your pocket to prove it. Therefore, what does that say about someone who buys jewellery that is mainly made up of small solar panels they must be ultra cool.

That is exactly what designer Mae Yokoyama feels and why she has designed this beautiful looking jewellery made from small yet perfectly formed solar panels. These will charge up during the daytime and illuminate the LED lights within the necklace part of the set by night for around four hours.

Source [Eco Friend]

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Solar panels are cool

#EcoMonday Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Cell!

max — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:48:37 +0000

As you know, it’s #EcoMonday, as Max Gladwell has started a new eco trend on Twitter, here’s how to make a solar cell for those of you who want to make your own using parts you can find at the local hardware store.

Here is a low power low efficiency photovoltaic cell that you can make you own in the kitchen
with materials from the hardware store.
This cell is made from cuprous oxide instead of silicon and you can build a working solar cell in 2 hours
to build it i follow this instruction: http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/echem/echem2.html

#EcoMonday Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Cell!

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Earth DIY – How to Make a Solar 55-watt Plastic Bottle Lamp!

max — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:02:40 +0000

Here’s a great way to utilize a plastic bottle, water, and film to bring natural light to your home/office without using ANY electricity. This method basically uses film and water to disperse the sun light into indoors. It will only work indoors but still a great way to save energy, especially each of these so-called lamps produce about 55-watts of power, more than your regular bulbs.

Here’s video on the HOWTO:

Earth DIY – How to Make a Solar 55-watt Plastic Bottle Lamp!

via make

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Veranda Solar Cells provide Free Solar Power for Apartments!

max — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:15:37 +0000

Here’s a really cool solar cell device that will latch and hang from your apartment’s window and give you some free solar power. Great idea indeed but I hope the latching system is secure enough so it doesn’t fall on bystanders’ head and you know what that means, lawsuits and no more solar cells hanging off buildings.

It’s called Veranda Solar, and it promises to eventually provide solar energy to apartment and condo dwellers by hanging attractive solar panels out windows and balconies. About the size of a DirecTV dish, these Veranda solar panels hope to at least supplement the energy used by an apartment thereby lowering energy costs and helping with demand. They promise to be easy to install with a snap together design, as well as a “plug and play” setup. But to date, there isn’t any data on how effective or efficient these small solar panels will be as they’re still in development. But if they can get the idea going, it could really help those who can’t afford a solar investment in the multi thousands but who still want to do their part if getting more green.

via coolest-gadgets

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Veranda Solar Cells provide Free Solar Power for Apartments!

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Cell with Powdered Donuts and Tea!

max — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:04:31 +0000

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Cell with Powdered Donuts and Tea!

Check this out, these guys figured out how to make a solar cell with powdered donuts and tea!

Heck, I can already see bunch of guys making a whole roof solar-cell setup with lots of donuts and tea.

Powdered sugar contains titanium dioxide nanoparticles, a substance that is also used in paint. When that powder is coated with an organic dye, like the colorful chemicals in pasionfruit tea, it can be used as the light-absorbing layer of a photovoltaic device.

via wired

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Solar lights for paths

David Allen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:00:08 +0000

Solar lighting is great for the outside, it gives off enough light and there is no wiring to worry about. Power cables and the garden do not really go, even if they have been properly installed there is always the worry that water or something will get in. This is not a problem when it comes to lights like this.

Features:

Great for Lighting Up Driveways and Pathways in the Dark

Super Bright LEDS

Maintenance Free

Rechargeable Battery Included

Weather Resistant

Lasts up to 8 Hours on One Charge

Source [Red Ferret]

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Solar lights for paths

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Photovoltaic Tracker!

max — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:19:27 +0000

Here’s a really cool project that can complement any of your future solar projects. It’s a solar DIY that shows you how to make a solar photovoltaic tracker that will follow the sun’s angles, thereby increasing the efficiency of your solar cells and more energy produced.

For a class project (PV Design, Appalachian State, Dr. Dennis Scanlin) I decided to try making a low cost PV (photovoltaic) tracker. Being able to follow the sun’s path through the sky can raise your solar panel system’s output considerably (30-50%), but the argon filled ones can be a bit pricey, and seem to be a bit unsteady in wind. I looked at several different designs, looked at what materials I could find, and this is how I did it.

Solar DIY – How to Make a Solar Photovoltaic Tracker!

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Crackberry Hack – How to Green your Blackberry!

max — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:48:39 +0000

Blackberry is probably man (or woman)’s best friend, especially if you are always on the go.

Here’s a good blog post on how to “green” your blackberry:

1. Juice Up With The Solio Solar Charger
You can start by using the Solio solar charger to recharge your Blackberry as it will only take 30 minutes to fully recharge using this cool charger.

2. Get The iBerry Eco Today Theme
You can always remind yourself about the importance of preserving our environment with iBerry Eco Today Plus theme. Neat theme in earth friendly designs, this one is more for vanity purposes than anything else.

3. Donate, Hand Off, Trade, Or Swap Your Used Blackberry, Don’t Trash It
Last but not least, don’t throw your unwanted Blackberry into the trash bin. Consider donating it to charities or younger family members. You can also trade in your Blackberry at places like Swap Tree.

Get creative and you will have an eco friendly experience with your Blackberry.

via green blog

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Crackberry Hack – How to Green your Blackberry!

LG Reveals its Solar Cellphone!

max — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:33:46 +0000

Well, here’s one of the very first solar cellphones from LG. Nicely done, I think we should all be solar-powered in year 2015 at the latest.

This Solar-powered handset is part of the company’s aggressive green initiative, proving LG’s commitment to creating a healthier environment for everyone.

“Using renewable solar energy in the mobile handset is an example of our ongoing efforts to help create a safer, cleaner environment for our customers,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG continues to research and invest in creating products that not only provide a better experience for consumers, but also encourage an environmentally responsible lifestyle.”

via engadget

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LG Reveals its Solar Cellphone!

Voltaic Generator Solar-Powered Laptop Bag Review!

max — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:39:28 +0000

The company called Voltaic Systems, have been making these awesome solar backpacks and laptop bags as of recently. One of the latest products is the Voltaic Generator series, which features large solar cells on the side of the bag. Not only does this laptop bag recharge your gadgets such as an iPhone, it also recharges your laptop, so long as you don’t own high-amp laptops, most likely from Fujitsu, Sony, or Toshiba. But if you own Apple, Dell, HP, IBM, or Lenovo, there’s a good chance this solar bag is all you need the next time you are outdoors with your laptop.

The new Voltaic Generator Laptop Bag comes in two flavors, orange and charcoal at Amazon for $499 each.

Of course, don’t forget to check out their cheaper model backpacks, which are probably just as good.

Voltaic Systems is also having a special sample sale on their Messenger bag for only $149, get it here while it’s still here.

The Voltaic Generator is the first solar bag powerful enough to charge a laptop,using high efficiency solar cells. It includes a battery pack custom designed toefficiently store and convert the electricity generated. It will also charge cell phones and most other hand held electronics. Solar panel generates up to 15 watts using 20% efficienct cells, enough to fully charge the Voltaic battery in about 5 hours. The included battery pack stores the equivalent of a typical laptop charge and automatically delivers the required output voltages. Common adaptors are included for connection to laptops, phones and other handheld devices. Or connect via USB or car charger. Fabrics made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough and water resistant. Note: Not all manufacturers enable charging from external batteries and the adaptors do not fit all laptops. Results may vary by model, but laptops by Apple, Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo and Panasonic typically do charge. Brands less likely to charge include Fujitsu, Sony and Toshiba.

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Voltaic Generator Solar-Powered Laptop Bag Review!

Battery Hack – How to Make Solar Re-chargeable Batteries Yourself!

max — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:21:06 +0000

Here’s a great way to make your own solar re-chargeable batteries from scratch using some on Ni-Cad batteries and photovoltaic solar cells.

I had some older NiMH rechargeable batteries that i glued the flexible Photo Voltaic (PV) cells onto. The PV cells are rated at 1.8V and the batteries are 1.5V so they match quite well.

via inhabitat

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Battery Hack – How to Make Solar Re-chargeable Batteries Yourself!

Off the grid power

David Allen — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:00:56 +0000

It is amazing that these days people are able to have their own solar power supply, but not just any solar power supply this is portable solar power, amazingly this device will actually track the sun to get the best source of rays all of the time. This is ideal for camping or just long journeys it only takes a few minutes to set up too.

Solar Panel Specifications:

5 WATT, 15.4v @300ma

Leading Features

Micro-controller Technology

Single Axis positioning, East-West Direction

Geared Stepper motor gear/Worm gear drive train

4 Optical sensors

Low power- Only draws 5-15ma standby/~150ma during positioning

Samples ambient light ~ every 10 seconds

Auto shutdown at dusk

Auto Wake up and seek on sunrise

3 Indicator LED modes, Sampling, Standby, Positioning

Derives power from battery being charged

5 WATT solar panel, Rollable, 300ma @15.4vdc output

Diode blocking for reverse polarity protection

Sturdy brass boom support rods

Simple Elevation adjustment

Bias adjustment for ‘On-Target’ positioning

Includes:

1- 5W Flexible Solar Panel

1- Controller Base w/Boom Support

4- Brass Boom Support Rods

1- Solar Sensor

1- 12vdc Power Cable w/Clip Leads

1- 15’ Solar Panel Extension cord

1- 12 Volt Cigarette Lighter Adapter Cord

Priced at $400

Source [Red Ferret]

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Off the grid power

WaterCone DIY – How to Make A Solar Powered Water Purifier!

max — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:50:41 +0000

WaterCone DIY – How to Make A Solar Powered Water Purifier!

Check out this low-cost, highly-efficient, solar-powered water purifier called WaterCone! Make your own for your next outing in the desert, mountains, whereever.

You pour the bad water into a black pan, and then you screw on a cone. The black pan absorbs sunlight and heats up the water. Then, the evaporated water condensates into droplets on the cone’s inner wall, and the droplets drop into a circular trough at the inner case of the cone. After a few hours, you can unscrew the cap, tip the cone upside down and empty out the clean water into a receptacle.

via wired

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Today On Keetsa!

max — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:52:35 +0000

Yes, Keetsa has been posting TONS of eco-friendly related stuff and we are here to cover that too:

Animals

For all you LOLcat-lovers, you might want to check out the DIY Cat Scratcher for your furry friends. Also check out animal-friendly vegan hiking shoes that might be worth your time.

Tech

Here’s a company that is converting vegetable oil to electricity, how cool is that? AND a UK supermarket chain is trying to re-use waste food into energy.

I know Europe will be wind-powered way before America, there’s more eco-conscious people over there.

Bio-fueled school buses are causing problems in cold-weather cities in America, school gets shutdown as result.

Alcatraz boat gets an eco-makeover with solar and wind to power the whole thang, I gotta go check it out.

Architecture

Pre-fabricated houses made from natural paper might be the way to save people suffering without homes in 3rd world countries.

Misc

Another idea for eco-Valentines here.

Link

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Today On Keetsa!

Top 10 Re-cap of Green Technology!

max — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:26:38 +0000

Well, there’s been a LOT going on in the world making our technology more green and here’s a slew of green technology you will love that I handpicked from our green blog Keetsa:

Wishbone Bike is a green bike that can be adjusted for 2 different heights, perfect for your toddler.

Turn your rainwater into usable water with these new rain barrel recovery kits, a great idea for the environment.

Iran gets its first ever solar plant, why didn’t someone think of this before? They must be making more energy with sun than most other countries.

Samsung F628 is the official greenest cellphone in the world. Apple, can you do that please?

Minipak is the new “hydrogen”-powered gadget charger, a great idea just in time.
Here’s more:
Solar Powered Sunglass charger is a great idea that might really take off if it goes commercial.
Make Love, Not Carbon Eco-totes available now.
You HAVE to see where the world’s largest solar farm will be.
Poop power is always a great idea for re-using your own excess.
Portable kitchen sink? Wow, these would be awesome for outdoor BBQ at the park!
Well, there’s tons more but you can check out the green blog yourself if you need to feed your mind with more green daily.

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Top 10 Re-cap of Green Technology!

New Years 2009 Resolution – Use Greener Gadgets!

max — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:01:32 +0000

Well, for the year 2009, one of my new years resolution is to use greener gadgets or in other words, stuff that can make our earth better.

Here’s a list of greener gadgets you might want to consider for the next year:

For personal use:

Have an iPhone? Don’t forget to get one of these solar iPhone chargers that doubles as protection too.

I am sure you’ve probably seen this Solio solar charger before, it can power your PDA, iPod, MP3, and other small gadgets whereever you go and fits in your pocket.

Here’s a solar battery charger that I am sure “everyone” can take advantage of. Replace all your akaline batteries with earth-friendly solar Ni-Cd batteries. I will personally get this one myself and save some extra watts for mother nature next year.

Do you use a lot of public transportation to get to and from work? Well, you definitely need to think about upgrading your laptop bag for this solar backpack which will charge your gadgets while on the go. For high-class, check this solar backpack out too.

For once in your lifetime, buy an eco-friendly MP3/video player from eMotion, not iPod, it’s much cheaper too.

If you don’t really listen to MP3s but listen to radio AM/FM all day long, this solar radio might be just for your next year’s greener New Year’s resolution.

Are you one of those folks with who “still” talk on the cellphone while driving? Take my advice and stick this solar bluetooth hands-free kit for your car, you will save a bunch of money on tickets plus energy.

I highly recommend not driving too fast on the highway but if you own a sports car, you will get pulled over more often than you’d like. Get a solar radar detector and tell the officer that at least you are saving energy if you do get pulled over. (I am sure the judge will understand it too)

For Home Improvement:

Try Malibu Solar Powered Metal Tier Light Kit w/ Remote Panel from Amazon. These solar outdoor lights are great since the solar panel is separated from the lights themselves and won’t look awkward like some of those solar lights you see at Home Depot.

The Solar Vent is great for any RVs, cars, and any small storage rooms where there’s a lot of heat and humidity. Vent out some air free using couple of these nifty solar vents.

Do you have a floodlight that uses your PG&E electricity? Well, get rid of it (sell it on eBay) and replace it with this solar floodlight that will keep saving you money in the long run plus save the precious earth.

This awesome waterproof solar panel can provide a good amount of 12V DC power to any of your garden gadgets. Get one and stick it right outside your garage. Heck, it probably can re-charge your car battery too.

For emergencies:

If you live in an area where a god-struck emergency can happen (such as hurricanes and earthquakes), make sure you are equippred with green gadget such as this crank-powered radio/flashlight. You never know when that once-in-a-lifetime earthquake will hit you but better to be ready than sorry.

Well, you get the idea. Next year you buy a gadget, see if there’s an eco-friendly alternative before you enter your credit card information.

Here’s a couple more ideas from our green blog:

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New Years 2009 Resolution – Use Greener Gadgets!

DIY – How to Make Solar Heater from Recycled Campaign Signs!

max — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:11:42 +0000