Over at Watthackers, one of the ways we help the environment, our pocket books, and the economy is to buy local and buy used when practical. Reusing objects helps to cut down on manufacturing, reduces material in our landfills, and in many cases puts cash directly in the hands of local citizens. I’m amazed at [...]
Electricity bill are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. Large LCD display will count consumption by the Killowatt-hour, same as your local utility. You [...]
Alternative energy to me has always been a great promise packaged in not so meaningful applications. You could say the quest for free power has always left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Whether it was the free battery of the month program at Radio Shack which seemed to die instantly, the potato battery science kit, or the pedal powered generator on my childhood bike, alternative sources never seemed to live up to the hype. Years, later, before my last Grand Canyon Trip, I purchased a pair of 12v portable solar panels which left my camera gear half charged after a couple of days in full sun – literally not worth their weight. A recently purchased 15 watt solar panel destined for our camping trailer barely pumps out 1 amp of power in peak sun, but I’m encouraged. Why?
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