Swiss CODE-X Solar Luxury Yacht - Green?

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Doug Gunzelmann .

At the very least entertaining, the Code-X Yacht is touted as a uber highend and environmentally friendly motor cruiser. It is propelled by either twin solar powered electric engines, driving this razor sharp machine 9 knots through the water, or the slightly less eco-friendly twin Ilmor marine combustion engines pumping out 790hp a piece for a top speed of 80 knots. That is quite some fossil fuel burning mayhem for a company that claims to develop “products with maximum exclusivity that use renewable energy sources.”

Bringing Solar to the Masses, 1 Block at a Time

Posted on May 18, 2009 by Beth Buczynski .

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Renewable energy is the buzz word of the year. From the White House to the greenhouse, people are being told that renewable sources of energy, like wind and solar are the answer to the clunky, dirty fossil fuels we’ve depended on for so long. The federal government is even offering tax credits for building or renovating homes so that they use energy more efficiently. But saying we need homes powered by the sun, and actually heating your morning shower with it are still, unfortunately, two entirely different things.

Envision Solar Covered Parking Lots with Solar Groves

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Matt Embrey .

The Solar Grove is a highly customizable and efficient system of photovoltaic solar canopies. A Solar Grove installation allows a company to take a parkinglot that is normally an eye sore and a burden on the environment, and use it to harness energy, mitigate the polluting nature of a parking lot and provide an interesting asthetic.

Greener Gadgets: Lightimus Solar Hourglass

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Doug Gunzelmann .

The design of this solar powered LED hourglass is intended to provide sustainable light, remind us of our limited time on this planet, and the important role we play during out stay here. The Lightimus functions in a cyclical pattern like so many natural processes. During the day the lamp charges through the solar cells [...]

DIY: The SunCat Solar Rechargeable Battery

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Doug Gunzelmann .

Knut Karlsen constructed his very own solar rechargeable batteries that can sit out in the light and convert the suns rays into stored power. He has documented this DIY project to create the prototype SunCat battery.

Save the Economy, Save for Your Future and Save the Planet

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Doug Gunzelmann .

The “thrift paradox” describes the problem of spending money to stimulate the economy without continuing down the path of consumerism that led us into our current economic state. The phrase was coined by John Maynard Keynes, yet there is a way to both spend and save at the same time…and you can be green about [...]

Blight: Solar Panel Blinds and Lights

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Doug Gunzelmann .

The solar panel Venetian blind design by Vincent Gerkens is a green technology that captures solar energy during the day and gives it back at night. Blight is entered into this years Greener Gadgets Design Competition and melds the old with the new. At the end of the month greenUPGRADER will be visiting the Greener [...]

Solvatten Solar Can: Using the Sun to Clean Drinking Water

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Matt Embrey .

We take it for granted but access to clean drinking water is a huge problem in many areas of the world.  Particularly 3rd world countries that lack the infrastructure to deliver potable water are forced to deal with what they have, which usually means boiling water before drinking it.  This is an effective way of [...]

Solar Powered Sidewalk Art: The One Day Poem Pavilion

Posted on December 14, 2008 by Doug Gunzelmann .

Jiyeon Song created this installation that uses the changing angle of the sun’s light to cast light and shadows forming words. As the sun follows its path across the sky lines from an ancient Korean poem are cast on the ground. The details of the technique are tricky.

Solar Satellites in Space Beam Endless Energy to Earth?

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Matt Embrey .

Is beaming energy from space bound solar satellites the answer to our energy crisis?  Harvard Professor and President Emeritas of the National Space Society, Ben Bova seems to think so…