A team of scientist at Purdue University takes a biomimetic approach to engineering solar cells, appropriating the components of living systems to novel ends.

We’ve seen solar-powered laptop cases and even a crazy Apple patent that suggested sun powered back lighting, but this is a concept that could change computing as we know it. The “IMEC meets Howest” is claimed to be the first laptop which relies completely on the power of the sun. Energized by two solar panels, no electricity source is needed ...

Now that you can control your NXT robot with your Android phone, rather than using yet another electronic device, there are ways to save the planet even further, thanks to Dexter Industries’ dSolar Systems. The 9V solar power system allows you to rig your Mindstorms NXT robots for harnessing the power of the sun. The solar system provides about 250 ...

If you had the chance to build a contraption that would provide you with green internet access almost anywhere, wouldn’t you take it? This DIY WiFi Repeater needs absolutely no electricity to function, yet extends your reach into the cloud by a significant amount. Solar panels power a Linksys WRT54G v8 router with 7.5 volts at 500 milliamps in direct ...

Batteries eventually need to be replaced. That’s the way we’ve been living for decades, so shelling out the cash for batteries just seems like something we have to do. The SunMod Modification Kit ensures that you’ll never have to replace your batteries again. For a very reasonable $20, SunMod turns any of your AA or AAA battery powered devices into ...

Resembling some sort of Steve Jobs’ approved sunflower, Mac Funamizu’s iPetals is an elegant and fun method of charging your iPhone through the dasterdly power of the sun. Harness those UVs! Yeah! Dig, dig, dig! Excuse me for that outburst. I knew I shouldn’t workout right before I post.

Al Gore, Barack Obama and now, there’s you. Trying to save the planet isn’t always an easy job, but somebody’s gotta do it. Well, these Christmas lights actually are pretty easy. The solar panels do all of the work. All you have to do is hang the lights and enjoy. Not only do you get to save a butt load ...

We thought everything was bigger in Dubai. Santa Monica building designer Tommy Landau created a model for a 224-story supertower which could one day stand in Abu Dhabi. Hell, the model itself is almost as tall as a man. The structure, aside from far eclipsing the 2,600 ft. Burj Dubai, would be coated in solar cells which would allow the ...

What do you get when you combine Blade Runner, the Sun and Kate Moss?A piece of “jewelry” known as the Lux. It’s a solar panel necklace that you wear around at day and when night comes, the pretty white lights come on. With two hours of sunlight a day, you can light up the night bright as a kite for ...

Nintendo is full of Nazis. Did you know that? In fact, the ratio of Nazis to gaming developers at Nintendo is 47:1. That’s huge. It’s also why Nintendo doesn’t put out a solar-powered DS Lite. The console is popular; a smash hit if you will. Why not power it with rays from the sun? At least some dude who’s good ...