DIY Solar Power Generator for Less Than $250

You can make a cheap solar power generator setup using parts you can easily buy from the internet and from local hardware stores.  This simple device can be used during power failures, or when your location is off the power grid.  It can power your computer, TV set, VCR, lights, cameras or any DC appliances.  … Read more

Malawi DIY Boy Inspires People around the World

Let us take a break from all the DIY projects for now and learn of the story of a teenager from Malawi, who harnessed the power of the wind by building windmills out of junk. At present, William Kamkwamba has high-profile fans, such as Al Gore and other business leaders, all over the world.

To DIY or Not: Factors to Consider for Your Home Solar Power System

So you’re contemplating on installing a solar power system at your home. You might have your own reasons for this, but many people consider that mounting a solar power system will reduce their household’s energy costs. Before buying all the materials needed for the project, there are various factors that should be considered, whether you … Read more

DIY Solar Heating Parabolic Trough

A parabolic trough is used to reflect direct solar radiation towards a pipe that contains a receiver fluid which runs through the trough. You can make a DIY solar heating parabolic trough for your home. It can be used as a solar cooker, or a way to heat your water supply.

MTD DIY Solar Heating System

An MTD (modified trickle down) solar heating system is a good DIY project because it uses less expensive materials, and because of its simplicity to build. It heats water directly, instead of using absorber plates or flow tubes. It uses the same concept as Harry E. Thompson’s Trickle Down Solar Roof. With a MTD solar heating system, an array of MTD collectors forms a single solar roof.

Homemade Solar Batteries

It would be nice to be able to charge your batteries charge without using any conventional electrical chargers. Well, Knut Karlsen did just that. His homemade solar batteries are made out of normal rechargeable batteries, with built-in solar cells. All you need to do is to leave the batteries under the sun, and they will slowly regain energy.