Category Archives: solar

Interesting solar thermal heater build

Posted on May 24, 2017 by robertwilkie

I stumbled on this build from …over 5 years ago.  I like how the author used flashing to help heat up more surface area.  Not so sure I would go with PEX like he did.  There is another article on … Continue reading →

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Using a Stirling Engine to power an arduino

Posted on April 20, 2017 by robertwilkie

I was just looking at one of these engines too on ebay.  I was thinking more for using sunlight, but this is still pretty neat. Ethanol-Powered Arduinos

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A simple solar tracker to build with kids

Posted on November 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

This is a nice simple tracker you can make with a servo and an arduino for kids to get the basics of solar power and tracking. http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Solar-Tracker-Single-or-Dual-Axis/

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A more advanced solar tracker

Posted on November 23, 2016 by robertwilkie

This build uses a RPi to track and position panels for the sun.  Its a nice build.  Cheap too if you can source the servos yourself. http://www.instructables.com/id/52kW-Solar-Tracker-Controlled-by-Raspberry-Pi/

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Make your own cheap Parabolic Mirrors

Posted on November 9, 2016 by robertwilkie

Stumbled on this on hack a day,  The first mirror is easier to make, but …it depends on air pressure (lack off) to keep its shape and could leak out.  The second one is a bit more involved in building, … Continue reading →

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If this becomes a reality (and cost effective). I know what my roof will be replaced with

Posted on November 1, 2016 by robertwilkie

Tesla is making solar panel shingles…or well plans too.  It sounds like it will be more durable than regular shingles, and provide power, and cost just as much as decent shingles.  If this becomes a reality, I know what my … Continue reading →

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Good article on solar panels for the home (what to get)

Posted on September 13, 2016 by robertwilkie

Basically its a review on one persons install of them. https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/12/the-solar-panels-and-inverter-we-d-get/

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Nice solar light jar build

Posted on June 29, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice build, I don’t know if I would glue the light in since I like being able to take it apart, but I do like the use of cheap hose clamps to hold the jar to a post. http://www.instructables.com/id/Jar-Solar-Lights-That-Wont-Fill-Up-With-Water-and-/

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Interesting tech from Xerox, print out solar cells

Posted on April 6, 2016 by robertwilkie

This sounds cool, Xerox PARC has a method to print out solar cells.  This could come in handy with printed circuits (giving them a power source).  I wonder if anything will become of this. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601097/a-xerox-machine-for-super-solar-panels/

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Nice idea to teach kids about solar energy (Thermal)

Posted on January 25, 2016 by robertwilkie

Nice idea, the students build some simple solar thermal heaters, and record the results of heating up water. http://www.instructables.com/id/Kids-Solar-Water-Heater/

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