DIY Solar Panniers

I am a huge proponent of green power but have to admit that the only major source of green power I utilize on a daily basis is my legs.  I live in an apartment building that was constructed in 1900 and it is connected to the grid and my energy is supplied by a major power company.  While the power company might be touting their investment in green power by running TV commercials featuring wind generators, I highly doubt that more than 1-2% of the power I use at home comes from a renewable energy source.

My goal is to eventually integrate some green power options on my bike, however one problem I face living in NYC is theft.  Dynamo hubs are definitely an option I am looking into, but I park my bike outside a lot when I am running errands and investing in parts for a daily commuter bike is tricky with the possibility of either parts of your bike or the entire bike being gone if leave it locked up outside alone for period of time. 

Another possible option is to use alternative energy source generating options that are detachable.  Reader Jeff turned us on to the site Voltaic, which offers solar power generating products and many DIY projects that incorporate solar panels - including panniers with solar panels. Speedy Cat took inspiration for Voltaic and created DIY panniers for a recumbent touring bike.  All the pictures and the introductory text below come from Speedy Cat's site.

From Voltaic Systems, I ordered three 1.5 Watt 6-Volt solar panels and a Mini USB Circuit Box Set. The nice folks at Voltaic were willing to also send along a used/damaged Voltaic Converter shell for me to use as spare parts.

I had a simple Trek Bicycle Trunk Bag available and ready to be converted. Just about any bicycle trunk bag whose top can be sewn through will do.

Photos Courtesy of Speedy Cat

Full details of the project and lots more pictures can be found here.

Have you incorporated green power into your ride?  Feel free to let us know, we'd love to share with the crowd.

Comments

[hot water heater systems]

Solar energy systems are environmentally friendly, that is the biggest reason to choose it.

[solar panels]

Contrary to popular belief, building a Do-it-Yourself Solar System is really easy and inexpensive. The same way you would follow the instructions or owner's manual to put together anything else, the same holds true for this as well. The materials that you need are available at your local hardware store and the whole project itself is a good investment.

[solar panel grants]

That looks nice. It's an awesome technology.