
With the start of spring comes the rise of annoying pests. Now, you can rid yourself of the flying variety (we’re looking at you, mosquitoes!) in an eco-friendly way with the Solar Insect Zappers. You may have been hesitant to plug in one of these bug zappers before due to their power consumption, but since this set of four harnesses the sun’s energy, feel free to leave them running all night long. Outfitted with a UV bulb, the Solar Insect Zappers turn on automatically when the sun goes down and gets rid of 100 different types of flying pests. And don’t worry, these bugs won’t feel a thing – they are eliminated instantly thanks to a 300-volt electric charge, so you can enjoy the spring and summer nights without getting bitten. Running 8 hours on a full charge, the Zappers only needs minimal sunlight to power itself, and can turn to accent lighting with the push of a button. Buy them at Hammacher Schlemmer for $99.95.
Via Coolest Gadgets.
14 Apr 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)

It’s cool, it’s inexpensive and it’s good to go – Mariah Power’s Windspire is a plug-n-produce vertical axis wind turbine that’s not only safe, but also looks great. Standing 30 feet tall and 2 feet in radius, the Windspire stands out from the crowd due to is sleek propeller-free design. Boasting quiet operation and an affordable price tag, this Mariah Power vertical wind turbine comes complete with a high-efficiency generator, integrated inverter, hinged monopole and wireless performance monitor. Ideal for rural and suburban homes, the Windspire looks like yard art – only it powers your household. Using a rotor, generator and inverter, the 1.2kW turbine produces about 2,000 kilowatt hours a year in winds gusting 12 miles an hour. It even comes with an internal wireless modem – you can check your power production from your computer at any time. Available in a corrosion-resistant silver paint, you can repaint it in any color you choose. It’s also easy to install and comes complete with everything needed to set it up. Mariah Power.
12 Apr 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

A wind turbine like you’ve never seen before, the multi directional Helix Wind S322 is ideal for urban environments, low draw and off-grid applications. Not only does it look innovative, other perks of the Helix system include that it’s inexpensive, reliable and simple. Mounted up to 35 feet high, the S322 works well in low speeds and its Savonius design features a long helical blade that collects wind from every direction, forcing it through the turbine. This Helix turbine uses the wind to spin the electric generator, which is plugged into your home. What happens when the wind isn’t blowing, you may ask? Your home will draw its power from the energy grid like it usually does, and at times when it’s gusting, the multi directional S322 uses the excess energy to roll your meter backwards. You’ll also enjoy its silent operation and its 3D blade is built for easy assembly and toughness. Helix Wind.
12 Apr 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Looking for an environmentally friendly energy source? The answer is blowing in the wind! Ideal for farms and remote locations, the Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) wind turbine floats in the air while tethered to the ground, and removes any obstacles related to placement. This lighter-than-air wind turbine rotates around a horizontal axis wherever the wind is blowing and generates electrical energy. This electrical energy passes down the tether to a transformer and then transferred to the electricity power grid. The MARS Air Rotor is sustained by helium, which transports it to an altitude where it will find the best wind, and its rotation produces a Magnus effect, giving it a extra boost, keeping it stabilized and placing it in a optimal position. Capable of operating in a wider range of wind speeds, the 10 to 25 kW MARS will be available in 2009/10, and is expected to cost between the $5 USD to $10 USD dollar per watt. Magenn.
25 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Big power can come out of a small wind turbine – just look at what an inexpensive turbine like Southwest Windpower’s Air Breeze can do. Efficient and engineered to deliver more energy at lower wind speeds, the Air Breeze can provide power wherever you are and for whatever you need. A reliable year-round energy source, this wind turbine is the ideal way to complement your solar PV system. Three durable composite blades interlock into hub sockets and provide 30% more area, which means optimal, quiete performance. The brushless no-maintenance neodymium alternator offers more energy efficiency, and it runs intelligently too – the Air Breeze has a microprocessor-based smart internal regulator that tracks peak power. Pick one up for $699. Southwest Windpower.
20 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

New for this year, Marlec Rutland 504 Windcharger is designed for the eco-friendly boater. You’ll never worry about flat batteries, or have to hassle with refitting them – the Rutland 504 is a small wind generator that charges your battery, giving you the peace-of-mind that you’ll have power whenever you need it. Ideal for boats less than 10m in length and with battery banks around 100Ah, this Marlec wind turbine charges the battery while your boat is docked, and when you’re on the water, will continually top it up. Lightweight and portable, this wind turbine charges in windspeeds as low as 5 knots and is equipped with a safety turbine that joins the six aerofoil blade tips with an outer ring. Its low friction 3 phase alternator runs silent, and offers 360-degree free rotation on its mounting pole. You can even take it off and bring it home with you to use to run a garden pump, fountain or to provide low voltage lighting to a shed or garage. Pick one up for around $370. Marlec Renewable Power.
15 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

A low cost wind turbine that is ideal for homes and cottages set in remote locations, Rutland Furlmatic FM910-3 Windcharger is robust and reliable – so much so, you won’t need to worry about leaving it unattended for extended periods of time. A land-based windcharger, the Furlmatic FM910-3 replaces the need to install grid power and works best in not-so-accessible and exposed areas. Using a protective furling device in its tail system and equipped with the company’s unique three phase generator, this Rutland wind turbine design sets it at an angle to prevailing winds that reach windspeeds above 35mph, which reduces its speed and stress placed on the system. And thanks to its low friction three phase alternator, the turbine offers smooth rotation and silent output. The cost to you starts from around $706 for the 12V model. Marlec Renewable Power.
13 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Best known as the “urban turbine”, the WES5 Tulipo by Wind Energy Solutions was made specifically for the urban environment. Small and innovative, the WES5 Tulipo was nominated for the prestigious 2000 Dutch Design Award – and for good reason. Its graceful curves and user-friendly capabilities make it an obvious choice for home or condo owners. Sporting sleek blades and relatively low rotations, this WES wind turbine runs smooth and silent. For a little turbine, the Tulipo produces a big amount of energy – you’ll see an average of 8.000 kWh. Requiring minimal maintenance, it’s fully automatic, super safe and helps you do your part in reducing CO2 emissions. Wind Energy Solutions.
12 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Scare away would-be thieves while impressing them with your energy conservation with the Solar Motion Sensing Security Light. With no hardwiring to set up, this motion sensor can be installed in minutes just about anywhere you need to spotlight security. Equipped with an infrared motion sensing element that extends 39 feet with a 180° field of view, it beams bright with a 10-watt halogen light. To power it up, just place the solar panel on your roof so it gets the full benefit of the sun, and plug it in with a 16-foot cord. Its rechargeable battery provides up to 300 30-second illuminations, once the solar panel has been exposed to sunlight for 15 hours. Pick one up for $79.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer.
via Gadget Grid.

11 Mar 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)

The residential wind power just became much more attainable, thanks to Renewable Devices’ Swift rooftop wind energy system. Safe and efficient, the Swift rooftop wind system is a silent building mountable turbine that cuts carbon emissions while reducing your electricity bill. Designed in the UK, this turbine uses aerodynamic technology to generate electricity only when you need it. Ideal for both residential homes and businesses, Swift features an overpower regulation mechanism that controls rotation speed, which comes in handy when you’re dealing with high winds. And you control how much energy is used, thanks to its sophisticated electronic control system. It can be mounted on a rooftop or wall, and works as a stand-alone as well as off grid. Visit Renewable Devices' website for prices and availability.
10 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Jumping on the Green bandwagon, Ikea has just released its new line of solar powered indoor and outdoor lights. Available in a range of colors and uses, these solar powered lights are as handy as they are adorable! With nine different products to choose from, Ikea’s lights feature replaceable and rechargeable batteries. And since they have LED lights, they use 70% less energy while lasting four times as long as regular blubs. If you’re thinking of putting them outside, you’ll be pleased by the fact that you won’t need any electric outlets or cumbersome buried wires to deal with – just place them along your path or deck for all-night lighting. Plus, with prices from $6.99 to $19.99, you can’t go wrong. Ikea.
9 Mar 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)

It’s a wind turbine that works like any other household appliance – once you install the Skystream 3.7, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Working hand-in-hand with your electric utility, the Skystream 3.7 only powers your home when it’s windy, while your utilities take over when it’s not. And when it generates more electricity than you can use, you meter spins backwards, so in essence, you’re selling it back to the utility. Able to provide from 40 to 90% of your household power, this user friendly and quiet wind turbine uses a neodymium magnet-based alternator that produces energy in low winds, while uniquely curved blades maximize efficient operation. Then, the inverter converts the electricity into power for your household. And once the dealer installs and connects your Skystream 3.7 system, you’re done, so nothing changes inside your home. Watch it in action here. Skystream.
8 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

Just because you’re living in a remote area doesn’t mean you have to do without. The Whisper 500 Wind Turbine from Southwest Windpower was designed for those living in far-out areas, and delivers optimal performance in harsh high-wind environments. Built with a two-bladed, fiberglass-reinforced design, this wind turbine also features side furling overspeed protection for optimal output in any wind condition. Included with the Whisper 500 is a controller and diversion load, which makes sure your turbine runs quietly and safely. The Whisper 500 works well with photovoltaic solar pane, and you can also choose to install an optional LCD display – this handy feature displays real-time data on its performance. Towers range from 30 to 70 feet, and require a concrete foundation – so it’s not your typical DIY project. Southwest Windpower.

7 Mar 2009 | Wind Turbines | Comments (0)

The Sun-Mar Excel Composting Toilet is one of the best selling products of its kind in North American – and for good reason! A high capacity electric Bio-drum toilet that is very simple to operate, the Excel can be used in any residence, and using proven technology, produces no odor, uses no water and delivers clean compost. As it’s a self-contained unit, this Sun-Mar composting toilet features an attached 2-inch vent that can be installed invisibly by running it through the wall to the outside. An environmentally healthy choice for recycling human waste, no chemicals and septic system make up any part of it. Instead, the Excel uses a unique Sun-Mar Bio-drum that combines waste and peat mix bulking material. To mix and aerate, rotate the drum periodically, which is done easily by turning a handle found in front of the unit. To empty the compost, just release the drum locker and rotate the drum backwards. The Excel starts in price from $1,695. Sun-Mar.


5 Mar 2009 | Plumbing Fixtures | Comments (0)

Imagine harnessing the heat of the sun to cool your home – it’s possible with Solarstar’s Roof Mount Solar Attic Fan. Combining ventilation technology and environmentally friendly benefits, the solar powered attic fan is installed onto the highest point on your roof (either as a low profile, pitched or high profile, depending on where you live and how your house is designed) and is used to circulate air and ventilate your attic space, which in turn provides cool air to the rest of your home. Powered by a 10-watt solar panel, the fan also battles moisture that rises through the ceiling to the roof, further protecting your home from fungus, saturated insulation and plywood delamination. This system installs easily in about half an hour, can withstand any kind of weather condition and best of all, costs nothing to operate! Prices start at $300. Solatube.
4 Mar 2009 | Solar Power | Comments (0)
Copyright © 2005-2008 Infogate Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.