Applications: This challenging but worthwhile DIY project helps stay green in many ways. You can use this generator to go from powering phones and cameras to powering televisions and other larger appliances. This build depends on how much you want to spend, but you can even power a refrigerator with this DIY with suitable materials. Components Required: A solar charger, a Bluetooth speaker, a phone charger, a phone, and the sun. Solar-Powered Car (Easy)

Keep in mind that the two main products featured in this article (pint size Ball Mason jars and Luminar Outdoor Three Piece Mosaic Solar Pathway Light Set) fit particularly well together.This build requires many parts from solar kits, such as a solar panel, a solar power inverter, a battery, a charge controller, and wires, but it’ll help out during emergencies or even on camping trips if you’re in need to charge something. Brief Overall: From a popular DIY build, the solar chimney project allows you to build and install a solar chimney that redirects light and heat through a tunnel right to your house.

There are no visible switches on the jar; a light sensor automatically activates the lights when darkness falls (i.e. when the sun sets or you turn the lights off!) However if you do wish to turn the sun jar off manually, there is an override switch inside the lid.

Last Seen Dates

Tobias’ work has exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Vancouver, San Francisco Museum of Modem Art, Vancouver Art Gallery, National Design Museum as well as Cooper-Hewitt. His collaborations include those for Colette, Comme des Garcons, Prada/OMA, Cappellini and Swarovski Crystal Palace. Some projects are easier than others, and some require more complex thinking to accomplish (which is why we put in a difficulty meter), but in the end, every project is educational and valuable—so, let’s get started! Solar DIY Projects [Easy to Hard] Sun Jar Solar Light (Easy) Brief Overall: This is a fun project to be taught in a science class during middle school! This build utilizes a solar panel that uses solar electricity to power a motor which causes the wheels to go forward. Even though it’s simple, it gets many interested in solar energy as a teenager. Tobias’ work was often irreverent, but never disrespectful. The “bad boy” of design was influenced by Dada and, especially, Fluxus. He challenged us to reconsider issues of authorship, of disciplinary boundaries, and the role of objects in our lives. Much of Tobias’ work can be seen fundamentally as conceptual art; art as idea, where what we view is the vehicle for an idea. Tobias was uncomfortable with "uniqueness and preciousness" as well as ownership. Many of his works have associations with design and make references to art history.

Components Required: Hardware materials like wood, plastic, screws, etc., glass sheets, a water-collecting bin, pipes for incoming water and output, and time. Solar-Powered Fan (Medium) Components Required: A tub, an AC solar power inverter, solar panels, a solar battery, a charge controller, an AC power inlet, LED floodlights, and standard tools. Leave the solar lights on the Mason jars outside in the sun to charge for a day (four - 12 hours) before you glue them together. Occasionally a solar light is faulty right out of the box and doesn't work well or at all. If a light doesn't work, it's better to find out before you glue it to a Mason jar and can't return it. By utilizing a solar panel meant for charging a phone, you can set up a Bluetooth speaker in a position where the solar charger would power your speaker while charging your phone, so you’re not losing any power. Applications: The Solar USB Phone Charger can be used to charge anything with a USB—we’re talking about smartphones, iPads and other tablets, cameras, and even LED lights.

Components Required: A magnifying glass, the sun, and a magnifying glass holder (for stationary use). Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker and Charger (Easy) Brief Overall: This method will allow you to calculate how many solar panels you’ll need for your house in the future if you want to start on a big solar project.

Applications: During a hot summer day, if you want free air that’s powered by the sun, this project will come in handy. Besides just you, if you decide to scale the project, you can cool down an entire room with enough solar power. Components Required: A hot tub or a swimming pool, many glass sheets, and professional help (applicable only if working on a large swimming pool). Solar Engraver (Easy)Components Required: Tiny jars, solar-powered lamps, cans of frosting spray of chosen colors, pliers, a screwdriver, and tape. Starting a Fire with Chocolate and a Can (Easy) The battery needs sun to fully charge, and your Sun Jar may need charging before its first use. Leave outside or in a sunny window in DIRECT SUNLIGHT for several hours. In overcast conditions we recommend charging for a few days. Components Required: USB charging circuit, a 4V+ solar panel, AA battery holder, AA rechargeable batteries, a 1N914 Diode, an Altoid tin box, wires, a soldering iron, solder, a glue gun, and tape. Wrap Up