Solar Energy Hacks

How to: Run Your Gadgets on 100% Green Energy

How to: Run Your Gadgets on 100% Green Energy

The power grid is our umbilical cord.  All the gadgetry of our techie lifestyle makes it seem impossible to live without it. Well, almost…because PopularMechanics senior technology editor believes that technology can lend a hand when there’s...
How to: DIY Solar Sensing BEAM Robots

How to: DIY Solar Sensing BEAM Robots

BEAM robotics is a general term for small, solar or battery powered robots which use analog (non-microcontroller) systems. They come in all shapes, sizes and varieties - some robots seek out sunlight and some react to heat or radio frequencies. ...
Make your own Backyard Solar Concentrator

Make your own Backyard Solar Concentrator

Solar concentrators are essentially just like parabolic satellite dishes lined with mirrors. Regardless of where the sun hits the disc, it's reflected into a center focal point, generating abundant amounts of power. You can pick up hundreds...
How to Make your own 60 Watt Solar Panel

How to Make your own 60 Watt Solar Panel

Summer is almost over and your chances of capturing mother nature are slipping away. Don't get too distraught, however, because fall and winter are coming, meaning months ahead to construct your own solar panel. You can pick up all the solar...