The flat plate collector, or solar panel, is relatively easy to construct and should present few problems to the average handyman. If you can install a sink unit, plumb in a washing machine, make a bookcase, then this project should not be too difficult. An entire novice plumber may need a little help. The panel can be constructed without the aid of special tools, specialist materials, or 'secret' processes. A hacksaw, wood saw, drill, hammer, screwdriver, nails, screws, paintbrush, file and a tape measure are the tools you will need most.

RECENTLY, I spent eight days in the Nevada desert with 47,000-some-odd other folks at the utterly unique annual event called Burning Man. This was my third time there, and it was more than a third larger, and quite a bit more taxing, than I remembered from my last attendance in 2000. For those who haven't heard of Burning Man, it's . . . well, it's hard to describe. In fact there are probably as many descriptions as there are attendees.

The New York Times reports on a new trend that could further spur the rapidly growing wind turbine industry. It represents a way to get more value out of wind farms.

It seems that in a similar manner to corporate branding of stadiums, like Staples Center in Los Angeles, there are corporations that want to buy the naming rights to wind farms.

The author suggests 9 questions to ask before decding whether a particular form of alternative energy is a realistic prospect.

Walter Youngquist is a Consulting Geologist who has written a great article about alternative energy sources.