http://www.instructables.com Mon, 20 May 2013 12:02:06 PDT BLOX v1.01 http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rad-solar-panels-with-a-sweet-desktop-laminat/
Make rad solar panels in minutes with a sweet desktop laminator - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FO2/GEB0/HFWSTA41/FO2GEB0HFWSTA41.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FO2/GEB0/HFWSTA41/FO2GEB0HFWSTA41.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FO2/GEB0/HFWSTA41/FO2GEB0HFWSTA41.SMALL.jpg prank I know what you're thinking.  It's written all over your face.  You're all, "awww, man!  I'm sitting here, ready to make a solar panel, and I've got my silicon cells and EVA all ready and waiting, but my dang kid just threw my soldering iron at the glass I was going to use for the frontsheet, and no...
By: prank

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:48:05 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Altoids-Smalls-Solar-Powered-USB-Charger/
Altoids Smalls Solar Powered USB Charger - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FFD/XJSP/HFSHW1BX/FFDXJSPHFSHW1BX.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FFD/XJSP/HFSHW1BX/FFDXJSPHFSHW1BX.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FFD/XJSP/HFSHW1BX/FFDXJSPHFSHW1BX.SMALL.jpg bird123457 This instructable will teach you how to make your very own solar powered USB charger out of an Altoids Smalls tin. It is an eco-friendly way to conserve energy. The Solar Panel I am using for this project has a dial on it so you can chose your output number of volts, therefore I am able to use it fo...
By: bird123457

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 6 May 2013 06:25:56 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Giant-Sun-Jar/
Giant Sun Jar - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDZ/ULCO/HFBK1H4Y/FDZULCOHFBK1H4Y.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDZ/ULCO/HFBK1H4Y/FDZULCOHFBK1H4Y.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDZ/ULCO/HFBK1H4Y/FDZULCOHFBK1H4Y.SMALL.jpg depotdevoid I love my solar lights, as I've documented here and there on this site, particularly those that I put in jars and bottles.  I've had this oversize glass cookie jar cluttering up my counter space for years, and when we decided to get rid of it, I figured I'd repurpose it instead of sending it off t...
By: depotdevoid

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:57:00 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Tig-Rod-Feeder-Bin-Wall-Challenge/
Tig Rod Feeder (Bin Wall Challenge) - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOO/7BU1/HFD1DGVP/FOO7BU1HFD1DGVP.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOO/7BU1/HFD1DGVP/FOO7BU1HFD1DGVP.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOO/7BU1/HFD1DGVP/FOO7BU1HFD1DGVP.SMALL.jpg jtinst I've been learning to TIG weld and one of the tricky parts to master is feeding the filler rod with my non-dominant hand.  It's been a while since I've done the challenge, so I thought I'd see what I could rustle up in way of an automatic rod feeder using just components from the TechShop bin wall. ...
By: jtinst

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:14:01 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/EZ-Test-Leads-for-Solar-Fence-Charger/
EZ Test Leads for Solar Fence Charger - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJ2/0J58/HET0RS0Z/FJ20J58HET0RS0Z.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJ2/0J58/HET0RS0Z/FJ20J58HET0RS0Z.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJ2/0J58/HET0RS0Z/FJ20J58HET0RS0Z.SMALL.jpg gwylan I've had a Harbor Freight solar electric fence charger for a couple of years now—not very powerful, but cheap, and it's been effective in discouraging my dog from escaping on jaunts around the neighborhood; which around here is likely to get her shot. However, checking the battery is an awkward job....
By: gwylan

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:09:16 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-simple-solar-still/
Build a simple solar still - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FAH/FC2W/HDOW6TRK/FAHFC2WHDOW6TRK.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FAH/FC2W/HDOW6TRK/FAHFC2WHDOW6TRK.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FAH/FC2W/HDOW6TRK/FAHFC2WHDOW6TRK.SMALL.jpg cobergland I've posted here about the square foot solar cooker, and here is another of the many uses for it. This is a solar alembic, or pot still, made from square foot mirrors, which can produce between 2 and 5 ounces of distillate on a lazy sunny afternoon. It is not that great at making distilled water...
By: cobergland

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 3 Mar 2013 15:52:49 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Cardboard-and-Duct-tape-Solar-Oven/
Cardboard and Duct tape Solar Oven - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3A/L5F2/HD4VOEA3/F3AL5F2HD4VOEA3.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3A/L5F2/HD4VOEA3/F3AL5F2HD4VOEA3.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3A/L5F2/HD4VOEA3/F3AL5F2HD4VOEA3.SMALL.jpg aleutianwind This instructable is about a solar oven I made out of an old picture frame, two cardboard boxes, some duct tape, aluminum foil, white glue and crumpled newspaper. You will need to find a picture frame. I used regular glass but tempered glass would be better as it gets very hot and could shatter if y...
By: aleutianwind

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:34:31 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Solder-Solar-Cells-Together/
How to Solder Solar Cells Together - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FET/J98Z/HCV92BNU/FETJ98ZHCV92BNU.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FET/J98Z/HCV92BNU/FETJ98ZHCV92BNU.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FET/J98Z/HCV92BNU/FETJ98ZHCV92BNU.SMALL.jpg kalefranklin As the title says this instructable demonstrates how to solder individual solar cells together in preparation for building a solar panel.  First i need to give a few disclaimers: 1. Soldering irons are hot and will burn you if you are not careful. If you do not know how to solder you will need to ...
By: kalefranklin

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:16:48 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Get-Cheap-Solar-Power/ http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FUU/RQ1X/GR6ZJRVB/FUURQ1XGR6ZJRVB.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FUU/RQ1X/GR6ZJRVB/FUURQ1XGR6ZJRVB.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FUU/RQ1X/GR6ZJRVB/FUURQ1XGR6ZJRVB.SMALL.jpg zazenergy Unleash the power of free and cheap solar energy and get your family off the grid with these 14 solar-themed Instructables. Learn how to make your own solar panels for less, build a solar over, solar powered phone charger and much much more! Instructables is the most popular project-sharing communi...
By: zazenergy

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:53:01 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Gothic-gargoyle-solar-night-light/
Gothic gargoyle solar night light - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F89/23I6/HBHGIUDF/F8923I6HBHGIUDF.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F89/23I6/HBHGIUDF/F8923I6HBHGIUDF.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F89/23I6/HBHGIUDF/F8923I6HBHGIUDF.SMALL.jpg Winged Fist I've had this gargoyle night light sitting around for years, but never got much use out of it, since it takes a specialty bulb which I never seemed to have available. I brought this lamp to our vacation home in Brazil, and here it collected dust for a few more years without the proper bulb. So I de...
By: Winged Fist

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 6 Jan 2013 10:50:28 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Small-Solar-Panel/
Small Solar Panel - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://cdn.instructables.com/FMR/8MYB/P9OEV2ZDB7Z/FMR8MYBP9OEV2ZDB7Z.SQUARE2.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FMR/8MYB/P9OEV2ZDB7Z/FMR8MYBP9OEV2ZDB7Z.SQUARE.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FMR/8MYB/P9OEV2ZDB7Z/FMR8MYBP9OEV2ZDB7Z.SMALL.jpg kinz1jg Construct a small, portable solar panel that will charge two AA rechargeable batteries in a day or two. Use the batteries to make any battery-powered device solar powered. Introduction Construct a small, portable solar panel that will charge two AA rechargeable batteries in a day or two. Use th...
By: kinz1jg

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:40:34 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Made-Solar-Panel/
Home Made Solar Panel - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/H1Q8/FZETBF8C/FZWH1Q8FZETBF8C.SQUARE2.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/H1Q8/FZETBF8C/FZWH1Q8FZETBF8C.SQUARE.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FZW/H1Q8/FZETBF8C/FZWH1Q8FZETBF8C.SMALL.jpg Home Build Solar System Why pay lots of money (or any money) for a program that shows you how you can make your own solar panel as you can get this for free?Visit Home Build Solar System on http://home.kpn.nl/maas5455/and experience how also you can make not only solar panels but also how to make the whole system for half ...
By: Home Build Solar System

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 1 Nov 2009 07:06:13 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-power-terminal/
Solar power terminal - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJC/YJKI/H9X3HLGX/FJCYJKIH9X3HLGX.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJC/YJKI/H9X3HLGX/FJCYJKIH9X3HLGX.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJC/YJKI/H9X3HLGX/FJCYJKIH9X3HLGX.SMALL.jpg SelfSufficientDan I have seen a few tutorials on here regarding solar power and what to do with it, so I thought I'd add my own. My brother-in-law is expert at all things electronic, i stung him for a few bits for this project that he had just laying around. Remnants of his old projects i imagine. So, here is what ...
By: SelfSufficientDan

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:14:16 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Solar-Cooker/
Easy Solar Cooker - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F0P/JID1/H8RVDMPZ/F0PJID1H8RVDMPZ.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F0P/JID1/H8RVDMPZ/F0PJID1H8RVDMPZ.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F0P/JID1/H8RVDMPZ/F0PJID1H8RVDMPZ.SMALL.jpg zippetydooda Here is an idea for a solar cooker that is easy to build and is versatile.  Solar cookers do not have to be complicated or require expensive hard-to-work with materials.   In fact, the simpler (and cheaper!), the better as far as I’m concerned.   The first ones I built were a variation of the funn...
By: zippetydooda

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 8 Nov 2012 09:55:54 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-IKEA-SUNNAN-hack-non-destructive/
Easy IKEA SUNNAN hack (non destructive) - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F05/YJUG/H994V886/F05YJUGH994V886.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F05/YJUG/H994V886/F05YJUGH994V886.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F05/YJUG/H994V886/F05YJUGH994V886.SMALL.jpg kenyer Easy IKEA SUNNAN hack (non destructive) I always have a lot of stuff moving in the shop-window of my toy shop. To make it a bit lighter on battery consumption and better for the environment  I use the IKEA SUNNAN to make toys solar-powerd. The SUNNAN costs about 15,- euros in Holland and has a grea...
By: kenyer

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 7 Nov 2012 11:15:32 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Going-Off-Grid-in-the-Aquaponic-Geodesic-Dome-Gree/ http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FTU/F6C9/H7URBVSB/FTUF6C9H7URBVSB.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FTU/F6C9/H7URBVSB/FTUF6C9H7URBVSB.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FTU/F6C9/H7URBVSB/FTUF6C9H7URBVSB.SMALL.jpg web4deb I finally finished up the solar setup for the geodesic dome. It's amazing how you have to watch every watt you're consuming when you're not connected to the power company!  This video details how it all went together.  Enjoy! Below is the transcript: Large solar systems can produce current that ca...
By: web4deb

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 8 Oct 2012 05:58:39 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Window-Mounted-Solar-Hot-Air-Furnace-Aluminum-Sof/
Window Mounted Solar Hot Air Furnace (Aluminum Soffit Based) - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F7R/7YEN/H6MERAA3/F7R7YENH6MERAA3.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F7R/7YEN/H6MERAA3/F7R7YENH6MERAA3.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F7R/7YEN/H6MERAA3/F7R7YENH6MERAA3.SMALL.jpg LancePenney Good evening welcome to my entry for the "Off the Grid Contest". I present to you a product aimed at lowering your winter heating bill and carbon footprint by generating heat for free using the power of the sun! Projects that involve warming air for space heating using the sun are plentiful. However...
By: LancePenney

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 4 Sep 2012 14:39:37 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Solar-Lamp-with-the-help-of-Mother-Nature-CO/
DIY Solar Lamp with help of Mother Nature & CABOT WoodCare Products - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FIB/48JY/H6MEVVNZ/FIB48JYH6MEVVNZ.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FIB/48JY/H6MEVVNZ/FIB48JYH6MEVVNZ.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FIB/48JY/H6MEVVNZ/FIB48JYH6MEVVNZ.SMALL.jpg spottedwalker Here is another Solar Light project I made from found and recycled items. My motto is that I don't through away items until I know for sure it has out lived it's usefulness.This project idea came about when I found this weathered tree sapling that a honey suckle vine had helped shape it's unusual f...
By: spottedwalker

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 5 Sep 2012 20:52:49 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-solar-USB-chargerbattery-case/
Steampunk solar USB charger - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/EPLH/H67NSKGZ/FA9EPLHH67NSKGZ.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/EPLH/H67NSKGZ/FA9EPLHH67NSKGZ.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/EPLH/H67NSKGZ/FA9EPLHH67NSKGZ.SMALL.jpg Winged Fist The full title for this project is the "Sun-Powered Lithium Polymer 2600 Milliamp Hour Voltage Box," but that wouldn't fit in the title line;-) This instructable will not show you how to build a solar charger device. I bought mine. But there are number of fine Instructables that will show you how t...
By: Winged Fist

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 5 Sep 2012 20:56:12 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Power-Supply-V30/
Solar Power Supply V3.0 - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FS6/M0HX/H6I6WK4C/FS6M0HXH6I6WK4C.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FS6/M0HX/H6I6WK4C/FS6M0HXH6I6WK4C.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FS6/M0HX/H6I6WK4C/FS6M0HXH6I6WK4C.SMALL.jpg Lewis02 After two previous generations of my Solar Power Supply receiving positive feedback on here and YouTube, I thought it would be time to share with you my third generation design. Much like the previous version, this design improves from the second with a higher capacity battery bank, a more efficien...
By: Lewis02

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 5 Sep 2012 14:29:28 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-veranda-tile-roof-light/
Solar veranda roof light - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FKQ/XFBJ/H6MEZKQZ/FKQXFBJH6MEZKQZ.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FKQ/XFBJ/H6MEZKQZ/FKQXFBJH6MEZKQZ.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FKQ/XFBJ/H6MEZKQZ/FKQXFBJH6MEZKQZ.SMALL.jpg Winged Fist This simple instructable will show you how to install a solar garden path light in a glass ceiling tile, to provide some evening light on your veranda. Note: Since the roof I was working with is made of terra cotta tiles, I used a glass tile, designed to interlock with the terra cotta tiles, but if...
By: Winged Fist

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 3 Sep 2012 10:03:57 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Oven-Mark-II/
Solar Oven Mark II - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FK8/BS0X/H337L2U1/FK8BS0XH337L2U1.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FK8/BS0X/H337L2U1/FK8BS0XH337L2U1.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FK8/BS0X/H337L2U1/FK8BS0XH337L2U1.SMALL.jpg ehudwill This is my second attempt at a solar oven. My first was made from cardboard and worked okay. The first I built to make sure I understood the science. This one is an improved version.  Tools/Materials You can get by with fewer tools. These are the ones I used. Tools Table Saw Miter Saw Jig Saw Dr...
By: ehudwill

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 19 Aug 2012 14:28:29 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-personal-solar-USB-powered-fan-1/
How to make a solar Fan. - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SMALL.jpg ceci bot  Hello. this is my entry for the Green Tech Contest. ITEMS YOU WILL NEED 1. About 30 in. of PVC pipe 2. 3 T-pieces of PVC pipe 3. 5 90 degree pieces (right angle) 4. Altoids tin 5. 2 rechargeable batteries & battery holder 6. Solder iron & metal 7. Solar panels and its circuit board 8. Small mot...
By: ceci bot

Continue Reading »]]> Sat, 18 Aug 2012 09:43:30 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Oven-2/ http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FR0/57XF/H3W5B1P7/FR057XFH3W5B1P7.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FR0/57XF/H3W5B1P7/FR057XFH3W5B1P7.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FR0/57XF/H3W5B1P7/FR057XFH3W5B1P7.SMALL.jpg SelkeyMoonbeam From the shoebox-sized and dirt-cheap to sun-tracking and full-sized, these Instructables run the gamut across solar oven-making! null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null
By: SelkeyMoonbeam

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:26:41 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-USB-Power-Supply-and-Charger/
Solar Powered USB Power Supply and Charger - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3P/DNQ4/H52FXCB1/F3PDNQ4H52FXCB1.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3P/DNQ4/H52FXCB1/F3PDNQ4H52FXCB1.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F3P/DNQ4/H52FXCB1/F3PDNQ4H52FXCB1.SMALL.jpg talk2bruce I've always wanted to go green and use solar energy to charge my power hungry devices. I recently found and purchased a new United Solar US-21 12 Volt 21 Watt solar panel at a garage sale for $20.  What a deal!  So, I decided to construct the necessary components so I can use it to power and charge ...
By: talk2bruce

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:28:10 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Personal-Solar-USB-Powered-Fan/
How to make a personal solar / USB powered fan. - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJV/7Q9Z/H5035RX9/FJV7Q9ZH5035RX9.SMALL.jpg ceci bot Hello.  this is my entry for the Green Tech Contest.     ITEMS YOU WILL NEED   1.  About 30 in. of PVC pipe   2.  3 T-pieces of PVC pipe   3.  5 90 degree pieces (right angle)   4.  Altoids tin   5.  2 rechargeable batteries & battery holder   6.  Solder iron & metal   7.  Solar panels and its c...
By: ceci bot

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 29 Jul 2012 18:52:43 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-a-Parabolic-Solar-Hot-Water-Heater-using-/
Building a Parabolic Solar Hot-Water Heater using 123D - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://cdn.instructables.com/FJ2/KQH0/H4ZN4R8J/FJ2KQH0H4ZN4R8J.SQUARE2.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FJ2/KQH0/H4ZN4R8J/FJ2KQH0H4ZN4R8J.SQUARE.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FJ2/KQH0/H4ZN4R8J/FJ2KQH0H4ZN4R8J.SMALL.jpg ben.chapman For this project I set out to create the solar equivalent of the hot-water tap on a coffee machine: a solar on-demand hot-water heater.  I was inspired by the functionality of a new software called 123D-Make that makes it easy to build large, geometrically precise forms.  My goal was to build a devi...
By: ben.chapman

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 2 Jul 2012 10:07:56 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Shrub/
Solar Shrub - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://cdn.instructables.com/FVO/9CA6/H5405XHJ/FVO9CA6H5405XHJ.SQUARE2.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FVO/9CA6/H5405XHJ/FVO9CA6H5405XHJ.SQUARE.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FVO/9CA6/H5405XHJ/FVO9CA6H5405XHJ.SMALL.jpg mikesoniat I'm a solar energy advocate, tinkerer, and enthusiast, but let's face it; solar panels are ugly! Flat, rectangular panels can only be arranged in so many ways and always look industrial, boring, and out of place. So I decided to build a functional, but more aesthetically pleasing version of a USB s...
By: mikesoniat

Continue Reading »]]> Fri, 27 Jul 2012 06:33:31 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Solar-Air-Conditioning-Unit/
DIY Solar Air Conditioning Unit - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJO/64PZ/H4AGDE83/FJO64PZH4AGDE83.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJO/64PZ/H4AGDE83/FJO64PZH4AGDE83.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FJO/64PZ/H4AGDE83/FJO64PZH4AGDE83.SMALL.jpg fozzy13 The sun is great, and vital to nearly all of Earth's processes.  What bothers me is that the sun also makes the air really hot!  As a result, millions of people turn to air conditioning to cool their homes, cars, offices, etc.  Traditional air conditioning units use massive amounts of energy, making...
By: fozzy13

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:26:20 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Bucket-Solar-Light-Storage-Container-SUPER-EASY/
Bucket Solar Light & Storage Container SUPER EASY - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F2K/K5NQ/H461XPOE/F2KK5NQH461XPOE.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F2K/K5NQ/H461XPOE/F2KK5NQH461XPOE.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F2K/K5NQ/H461XPOE/F2KK5NQH461XPOE.SMALL.jpg spottedwalker I don't through away items until I know for sure it has out lived it's usefulness and a great example are Old solar Yard lights. I came up with two ideas and I have already published one http://www.instructables.com/id/Restoring-Plastic-Solar-Cells-like-New/  I thought of my second project because I...
By: spottedwalker

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 9 Jul 2012 21:30:20 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Size-Your-Off-Grid-Solar-Batteries-1/
How to Size Your Off-Grid Solar Batteries - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FD4/92K1/H4AG8RHT/FD492K1H4AG8RHT.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FD4/92K1/H4AG8RHT/FD492K1H4AG8RHT.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FD4/92K1/H4AG8RHT/FD492K1H4AG8RHT.SMALL.jpg DIY Solar Jon If you are designing a solar electricity system and don't have access to the grid, you are going to have to deal with batteries. When you start looking at solar batteries you are going to encounter a little math. Fortunately,  SolarTown is here to guide you through the calculations! The general goa...
By: DIY Solar Jon

Continue Reading »]]> Fri, 6 Jul 2012 07:33:40 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Restoring-Plastic-Solar-Cells-like-New/
Restoring Plastic Solar Cells like New - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FBZ/9YRA/H401V35I/FBZ9YRAH401V35I.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FBZ/9YRA/H401V35I/FBZ9YRAH401V35I.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FBZ/9YRA/H401V35I/FBZ9YRAH401V35I.SMALL.jpg spottedwalker Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE ...
By: spottedwalker

Continue Reading »]]> Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:28:11 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-Solar-Powered-Outlet/
Portable Solar Powered Outlet - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/KVFT/H3QF9A7W/F8PKVFTH3QF9A7W.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/KVFT/H3QF9A7W/F8PKVFTH3QF9A7W.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/KVFT/H3QF9A7W/F8PKVFTH3QF9A7W.SMALL.jpg JasonE In this Instructable I will attempt to explain and show how I created my portable solar powered outlet.   I've been able to continuously power an 80 watt device for approximately three hours without interruption and it could have gone much longer, as well as run an electric drill under load with no...
By: JasonE

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:35:47 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-solar-furnance-with-Grid-Beam/
Easy solar furnance with Grid Beam - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FG2/FYR3/H2WEZ5XF/FG2FYR3H2WEZ5XF.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FG2/FYR3/H2WEZ5XF/FG2FYR3H2WEZ5XF.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FG2/FYR3/H2WEZ5XF/FG2FYR3H2WEZ5XF.SMALL.jpg dustinandrews My dad has a pretty good collection of scrap and devices he's bought on sale or at the thrift shop. He is a first rate scavenger. I came to visit my parents for a two week vacation. Looking at his collection I just knew I had to Make something. After a quick look around I decided on one of the proj...
By: dustinandrews

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:49:42 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Do-It-Yourself-Solar-Swimming-Pool-Heater/
Do-It-Yourself Solar Swimming Pool Heater - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F4H/BK1K/FTNHE64H/F4HBK1KFTNHE64H.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F4H/BK1K/FTNHE64H/F4HBK1KFTNHE64H.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F4H/BK1K/FTNHE64H/F4HBK1KFTNHE64H.SMALL.jpg daveryder I made this solar-powered swimming pool heater out of common materials anyone could get, with ordinary tools most average homeowners have (or can borrow from friends). A friend of mine named Ace gave me a sliding glass door that was going to be thrown out from a job site he was working on (he's a ro...
By: daveryder

Continue Reading »]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:40:49 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-built-solar-power-system/
Home built solar power system - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FQ3/U1NP/H0OJ2EPT/FQ3U1NPH0OJ2EPT.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FQ3/U1NP/H0OJ2EPT/FQ3U1NPH0OJ2EPT.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FQ3/U1NP/H0OJ2EPT/FQ3U1NPH0OJ2EPT.SMALL.jpg MacOSJoey Hi. I've been interested in renewables for a while now. Our society can't continue to work on oil, and with rising gas prices and more frequent power outages, solar energy seems to be the way to go. The main problem that inspired me to make this system comes from my love of technology. When my iPhon...
By: MacOSJoey

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:11:52 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Thermosiphoning-Hot-Tub-Heater/
Solar Thermosiphoning Hot Tub Heater - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDD/M42I/H3NKZJPB/FDDM42IH3NKZJPB.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDD/M42I/H3NKZJPB/FDDM42IH3NKZJPB.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FDD/M42I/H3NKZJPB/FDDM42IH3NKZJPB.SMALL.jpg copernicus66 UPDATE: The latest configuration works!! Yesterday when I finished filling it with water, at 1:30, it was 68 degrees. It was 72 at 2:30, 78 at 4:30, today at noon 81, 2 pm 88, now at 3 pm 91 degrees! Plus, I can see the water pushing out of the hot return pipe from the solar collector. Here's a vid...
By: copernicus66

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:44:56 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Desktop-Fans/
Solar-Powered Desktop Fans - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FM2/BR00/H21CGOPH/FM2BR00H21CGOPH.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FM2/BR00/H21CGOPH/FM2BR00H21CGOPH.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FM2/BR00/H21CGOPH/FM2BR00H21CGOPH.SMALL.jpg schou Summer is almost here (in Canada) and it is the perfect time to harness the power of the SUN! Cooling homes in the summer has quite an affect on energy loads and demands, so why not decrease your impact with solar powered fans!  Actually, this can be used for anything that runs on 12 V DC . If you...
By: schou

Continue Reading »]]> Fri, 25 May 2012 01:45:57 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Snow-Melter-Concept/
Solar Snow Melter Concept - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/9TSG/H27LSE07/FA99TSGH27LSE07.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/9TSG/H27LSE07/FA99TSGH27LSE07.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FA9/9TSG/H27LSE07/FA99TSGH27LSE07.SMALL.jpg rspellicer Hello World!! My first contribution after tons of lurking... This is an idea I had come up with when I lived in snow country. Alas, I ended up moving back to the tropics before getting to try it out. So, I'm tossing the idea out there to see if anyone can run with it. The motivation of the idea ca...
By: rspellicer

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 21 May 2012 09:31:19 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Mounting-multiple-solar-panels-using-old-window-bl/
Mounting multiple solar panels using old window blind rails and hardware - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FF7/WP72/H1KHAG71/FF7WP72H1KHAG71.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FF7/WP72/H1KHAG71/FF7WP72H1KHAG71.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FF7/WP72/H1KHAG71/FF7WP72H1KHAG71.SMALL.jpg WiredWebbo101 Living in South Africa we have 320+ sunny days a year but very little uptake of solar technology. This was mostly due to the fact that we had cheap (but not reliable) electricity from our sole national power supplier. This situation changed drastically over the last few years with electricity prices...
By: WiredWebbo101

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 3 May 2012 12:09:48 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-box-oven/
Solar box oven - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FVN/CY89/H1KHA5M2/FVNCY89H1KHA5M2.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FVN/CY89/H1KHA5M2/FVNCY89H1KHA5M2.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FVN/CY89/H1KHA5M2/FVNCY89H1KHA5M2.SMALL.jpg Gael - Tim I fiddled around with parabolic dishes and fresnel lenses but in terms of cooking, I couldn't do much more than fry an egg or boil a couple cups of water. So I decided to take a shot at a more efficient way of solar cooking reasonable amounts of food like cakes and poultry. To do so, I chose a box d...
By: Gael - Tim

Continue Reading »]]> Tue, 1 May 2012 09:27:19 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Overview-2/
Solar Spa Heater - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FSO/D663/H19RHGMH/FSOD663H19RHGMH.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FSO/D663/H19RHGMH/FSOD663H19RHGMH.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FSO/D663/H19RHGMH/FSOD663H19RHGMH.SMALL.jpg petastream Well it's that time of the year again here in Southern California time to fill up the spa and break out the BBQs. This has become a yearly ritual as well as a scathing reminder that electricity is not free. Any how my wife has been wanting to move in a greener direction and has been rather matter a...
By: petastream

Continue Reading »]]> Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:59:19 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Portable-Solar-Panels/
DIY 30W Portable Solar Panels under $50 - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FXJ/52HV/GZ6I5S4G/FXJ52HVGZ6I5S4G.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FXJ/52HV/GZ6I5S4G/FXJ52HVGZ6I5S4G.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FXJ/52HV/GZ6I5S4G/FXJ52HVGZ6I5S4G.SMALL.jpg mayankbhatia I wanted to make my own solar panels for a long time. This week I finally got the chance. I learnt a lot from youtube videos and instructables website, but most panels were made of glass, wood and epoxy resins. I realized it was too much effort for cheap rejected solar sells picked up from ebay.  S...
By: mayankbhatia

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:31:56 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Solar-Robot-Nightlight/
Easy Solar Robot Nightlight - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FY8/W10Y/GYN92J1V/FY8W10YGYN92J1V.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FY8/W10Y/GYN92J1V/FY8W10YGYN92J1V.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FY8/W10Y/GYN92J1V/FY8W10YGYN92J1V.SMALL.jpg Amyscrazycrafts Here is an easy solar powered nightlight.  Material List: 1/8" Baltic Birch Plywood Glue Solar Yard Light Tape (may need) (might also need scissors) Nuts, Bolts, Lock Washers & Washers Screwdriver and wrench Small Plastic Tube Q-tips Lamp/Sunlight I found the solar yard light at the Dollar Tree (f...
By: Amyscrazycrafts

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:49:15 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Solar-Baby-Solar-Oven-cooker/
"The Solar Baby" Solar Oven, cooker. - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FPF/Y8ZV/GYGF8GT7/FPFY8ZVGYGF8GT7.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FPF/Y8ZV/GYGF8GT7/FPFY8ZVGYGF8GT7.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FPF/Y8ZV/GYGF8GT7/FPFY8ZVGYGF8GT7.SMALL.jpg aleutianwind        Another Solar Oven made mostly of recycled material. It is gimbled so cooking pot stays level while oven rotates. Lightweight and breaks down into 2 pieces for storage. "Solar Baby" Solar Oven    The Solar Baby (named by Aunt Phylly) is a small solar oven made of recycled materials. It rea...
By: aleutianwind

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 9 Feb 2012 22:55:19 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Assembling-a-BootstrapSolar-Chi-qoo-Solar-Battery-/
Assembling a BootstrapSolar Chi-qoo Solar Battery Charger Kit - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F6X/2I3K/GVZOI2VH/F6X2I3KGVZOI2VH.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F6X/2I3K/GVZOI2VH/F6X2I3KGVZOI2VH.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F6X/2I3K/GVZOI2VH/F6X2I3KGVZOI2VH.SMALL.jpg ryochiji The BootstrapSolar Chi-qoo is an Open Source KickStarter-funded battery charger kit for recharging or powering small electronic devices like smart phones, iPads, Kindle tablets, Arduino boards, EL wire, and others. It comes as an easy-to-assemble DIY kit that only requires a screw driver and some gl...
By: ryochiji

Continue Reading »]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:32:32 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Poor-Man-s-Radio-Telescope/
Poor Man's Radio Telescope - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://cdn.instructables.com/FQV/74FR/OOFEYVZDVH7/FQV74FROOFEYVZDVH7.SQUARE2.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FQV/74FR/OOFEYVZDVH7/FQV74FROOFEYVZDVH7.SQUARE.jpg http://cdn.instructables.com/FQV/74FR/OOFEYVZDVH7/FQV74FROOFEYVZDVH7.SMALL.jpg z0rb A way to peer into the radiosky using little more then junk found on the side of the road. Remembering back to my 10th birthday. I recall receiving a book on outer space. I believe it was published by National Geographic. This was by far my most prized book in my somewhat limited collection of t...
By: z0rb

Continue Reading »]]> Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:04:03 PST http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Briefcase/
Solar Powered Briefcase - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/B9AP/GS047NIL/F8PB9APGS047NIL.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/B9AP/GS047NIL/F8PB9APGS047NIL.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/F8P/B9AP/GS047NIL/F8PB9APGS047NIL.SMALL.jpg eliteMET I had a solar panel laying around along with a charge regulator and a fairly large 12 Volt battery for a home security system... So, I decided that since its all just sitting in my room and I can't tie the Solar panel into my home's breaker box (too expensive), I would build something that I could t...
By: eliteMET

Continue Reading »]]> Thu, 1 Sep 2011 18:53:27 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/NON-grid-intertie-independant-solar-photovoltic-/
Independant (non-grid-intertie) solar electric system - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOD/1JEX/GRTHXZR9/FOD1JEXGRTHXZR9.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOD/1JEX/GRTHXZR9/FOD1JEXGRTHXZR9.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FOD/1JEX/GRTHXZR9/FOD1JEXGRTHXZR9.SMALL.jpg JacobAziza ******Shameless Self-Promotion****** Most of what I write isn't relevant to Instructables.  My main blog is here: biodieselhauling.blogspot.com **End Digression... On to the Good Stuff** Most solar systems installed on houses are hooked up to a special electric meter which can both draw on the grid...
By: JacobAziza

Continue Reading »]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:07:55 PDT http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-kiln/
Solar kiln - with solar panel and revised for correct air circulation - More DIY How To Projects]]> http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FCD/NJGC/GRCQ83UO/FCDNJGCGRCQ83UO.SQUARE2.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FCD/NJGC/GRCQ83UO/FCDNJGCGRCQ83UO.SQUARE.jpg http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FCD/NJGC/GRCQ83UO/FCDNJGCGRCQ83UO.SMALL.jpg dorybob First, kudos to Dr. Brian Bond, students, and staff at Virginia Tech (VT) Department of Wood Science and Forest Products for developing a solar kiln and providing the well-written plans at: http://woodscience.vt.edu/about/extension/vtsolar_kiln/ I, of course, modified the VT plans. The solar kiln ...
By: dorybob

Continue Reading »]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:53:36 PDT