The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is on the cutting edge of alternative energy technology,

“MIT scientists have developed a self-assembling photovoltaic cell in a petri dish. Phospholipids (think cell membranes) form disks which act as the structural support for light responsive molecules. Carbon nanotubes help to align the disks and conduct electricity generated by the system with 40% efficiency. The assembly process is reversible using surfactants to break up the phospholipids. When filters are used to remove the surfactants the system reassembles with no loss of efficiency even over multiple assembly/disassembly cycles. The results were published September 5th in Nature Chemistry.” [MIT]

Now if only someone could manufacturer some solar cell that are affordable.

If you spend a ton of money on solar panels just to have they sit stagnate as the sun tracks trough the sky, you could be losing some cold hard cash.

Instructables has a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solar tracker that takes some easy obtainable parts and combines them to make a very inexpensive solar tracker, which could improve your solar panel efficiency by as much as 30-50%.

DIY Solar Tracker Parts List

• Several treated 2×4′s (Lowes)
• Two wheels from a free bicycle- free or almost free bikes are pretty easy to find from the local landfill or thrift store
• A piece angle iron with pre-punched holes (Lowes)
• A 12 volt linear actuator-(~$75?)- (Ebay)
• An LED tracking sensor- (~$40)( http://www.redrok.com/led3xassm.htm#led3xforsale )
• Various nuts, bolts, screws, cable and wire -(scrounging around my workshop)

Fun and easy little solar project from the makers shed, powered by the sun.

The kit comes with detailed instructions, and is easy enough for even a beginner to assemble. I really like the contoured circuit board, especially the gold flames. It really was amazing how fast this little solar racer ran across the floor after just a minute or two of charging.

“The Repair Manifesto” Stop Recycling, Start Repairing.

“Repair Manifesto opposes throwaway culture and celebrates repair as the new recycling.
With our new project, Platform21 = Repairing, we seek to make repairing cool again – with your help. Let the manifesto inspire you, comment on it or add to it. Rediscover the joy of fixing things and share your most ingenious repair, your tips and your tricks.”

[Platform 21]

The Evil Techie has put together a quick solar oven project with some low cost everyday products. Using a car solar shade some Velcro patches and stick, he was able to come up with a collapsible portable solar oven concept.

Keep it in your car or take it on a hike, this 20 minute project will surely come in handy on a bright sunny day.

[Evil Techie]

The Intel corp has unveiled a demonstration data center powered by a solar panel array. The company hopes the concept could eventually lead to a large reduction in its carbon based power demands. The photovoltaic array features 64 sharp solar panels producing 10 KW’s of clean green power.

Marty Sedler, Intel’s director for global utilities and infrastructure:

“We’re very excited about this project … The New Mexico solar installation will be a big step for Intel and potentially lead the way for a more aggressive solar program within Intel.”

“This is really exciting … Intel has been the forerunner of so many things and this is what Mother Nature wants. She wants us to use her, not abuse her. We need to ensure that there is balance and harmony for many centuries.”

“Intel is committed to conserving energy through designing energy efficient products, conserving energy in our operations, investing in renewable energy and advancing renewable energy policies … This PV array, while providing only a fraction of the energy used by our site, is the beginning of our solar program.”

[The RR Observer]

Something that you can do to help the earth is to build your own compost pile. This can be done easily with some chicken wire or reused materials. Just make a small 4x4x4 box in your backyard. Making a small opening at the bottom is a good idea so that older compost can be raked out from the bottom to use in the garden. Leave an opening in the top, or make a lid, so that new materials such as leaves, cut grass, vegetables, and coffee grinds can be added to the compost. Be sure that your compost bin has holes so that your compost can get fresh air. Of coarse, if you are not the do-it-yourself type, you can always purchase a compost bin and still get the same benefits.