Hack an Ikea Solar Lamp to Charge an iPad [Weekend Project]

Hack an Ikea Solar Lamp to Charge an iPad [Weekend Project]:

In the past we've covered how to turn the inexpensive Ikea Sunnan solar lamp into a solar display case and today we have a hack from electronics manufacturer Voltaic Systems to turn the same lamp into a solar charging station for an iPad or other power-hungry phone or tablet. More »

Lawrence to become first city in Kansas to get smart electricity meters

Never thought I'd see the day. Maybe I can get some of that Google PowerMeter action now.

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Lawrence to become first city in Kansas to get smart electricity meters: "Thanks to a $19 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence will be the first city in Kansas hooked into the smart grid."

More Solar Chargers Out There

SolarFold and SolarFan Use Thousands of Tiny Spheres to Charge Your Gadgets:

Image via Engadget

Two new foldable solar chargers from AmbienTech have hit the market. But...They look a little odd, right? That's because they're the first mobile chargers to use spherical solar cells. Each cell has around 1,900 spheres collecting solar energy. They're strong, bendable, and just look cool.

...Read the full story on TreeHugger

Subaru EV going on sale... In Japan

I know, I know we won't see an all electric car in the states until gas goes above $4.00/gallon. People just aren't willing to give up their status symbols just yet.

At least Subaru is jumping on the band wagon. Hopefully it won't be too long. Otherwise we'll all be driving golf carts around town.

Space Based Solar Power

I have always thought this was a good idea. Looks like I missed the boat, again. Slashdot has this great story on Space Based Solar Power. Here is the direct link.

Solar Phone Charger

I need to put this on my "cool items just out of my comfort zone for impulse buys" list of things to purchase. Solar Cell Phone Charger

Solar Power from Window Curtains

Solar Power from window curtains seems like a great idea for any home.

I just don't understand why they can't get more technology like this into homes. People are eager to live "green", why can't companies figure this out? Where are the plug-in solar panels for my roof?

That is the problem someone needs to figure out. How does the average consumer transfer energy from DIY solar to "the grid"? Most people are not willing to deal the maintenance and dangers associated with large battery farms.