Overview

Instructables is excited to launch the 2012 ReadySet "Off the Grid" Contest! For this contest we're looking for any project that in some way involves being self sufficient when it comes to standard utilities like electricity, water supply, and communication/data services. This includes, but is not limited to, wind, hydro and solar energy generation, power storage and battery banks, backcountry charging solutions, innovative and efficient heating and cooling solutions, and anything related to home-grown systems for internet or phone service that help you live your life "Off the Grid". We’re also looking for innovative or useful devices that can be powered by a USB port or a Car Lighter Adapter port.

In short, if your project shows in any way how you've helped replace a utility scale service with a DIY solution of your own or how you’re charging innovative devices via USB or CLA ports, it's eligible and we want it entered in this contest!

Be sure to check out Fenix International's Kickstarter page!  We also launched a Fenix Intl group.  Subscribe to the group to learn the technical specifications for the Fenix ReadySet so you can get an idea of the sources of power generation and applications they are developing.


Ready to start? Click here!


Multiple entries are accepted, but each entrant can only win one prize. Contest is open to entries from US, Canada [excluding Quebec], UK, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia,  Colombia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, India, and Denmark<. Contest closes for entries at 11:59pm PT, September 5, 2012.

The winner(s) will be solely responsible for complying with any and all applicable statutes, laws (including, without limitation, common law, if applicable), rules and regulations and for bearing any personal income tax, VAT, withholding taxes, customs duties, or other taxes, fees, insurance, surcharges or other costs relating to receiving, claiming or collecting any prize.

The Off the Grid Contest is closed.

Grand Prize

13 Prizes

Grand Prize (1)

GRAND PRIZE (1 Winner)

One Grand Prize Winner will receive a Fenix ReadySet Solar Kit, one extra 15 Watt solar panel, a 10" LCD TV and a 12V-to-AC power inverter

First Prize (10)

FIRST PRIZE (10 Winners)

Ten First Prize Winners will receive a Fenix ReadySet Solar Kit.

Appliance Judges Prize

APPLIANCE JUDGES PRIZE (1 Winner)

One Judges Prize winner for the best Instructable for an appliance that uses DC electricity (e.g. fan, UV water purifier, vaccine refrigerator).  The winner will receive a Fenix ReadySet Solar Kit, a 10" LCD TV and a 12V-to-AC power inverter

Output Judges Prize (1)

POWER GENERATION JUDGES PRIZE (1 Winner)

One Judges Prize winner for the best Instructable that produces electricity (e.g. solar panel, wind turbine, micro-hydro kit).  The winner will receive a Fenix ReadySet Solar Kit, a 10" LCD TV and a 12V-to-AC power inverter.
How It Works

Write an Instructable

Create a new Instructable that fits the guidelines outlined in the contest description above. To be eligible, Instructables must be published between Aug 1, 2012 and Sep 5, 2012 (11:59pm PT).

Enter

Upon publishing your Instructable you'll see checkboxes for open contests. Select Off the Grid Contest. If you have entries currently eligible for entry, it will also show up by clicking "Enter this Contest" on the right side of this page.

Accepting

Entries are accepted by Instructables staff within one business day Monday - Friday. What matters is the submission time, not acceptance time.

Judging

A panel of judges made up of Instructables staff and respected members of the community rate the finalists. The averages of the ratings determine the winners.

Winners

When the winners are decided they will be notified and announced here on the contest page.