anybodyburns home       anybody gets personal

Being part of the Alternative Energy Zone has been inspirational. The Solar Tree project of AEZ 2001 was very cool. And then the fascinating chat of batteries, wires, circuits on the AEZ mailing list sparked anybody's curiosity: what once had seemed mysterious and outside my world suddenly became possible. There were all the helpful web pages (many made by AEZ members), links to educational articles, and tips about good buys on alternative energy resources.

All this inspiration turned into the Solar Pathlight Project. Why did I choose to make solar pathlights? Well, I already had some commercially available ones in my yard, and I thought they were really cool. They *seemed* simple and small...something "doable."

I started on this project at square one: no knowledge. A big thanks to those on the AEZ list who have the patience to teach rookies like me. You know who you are. Your kind efforts and well-written emails have somehow made the world a better place. I love you all.

This portion of the website is a collection of photos of the pathlight project as it unfurled in fits and spurts in my livingroom and eventually rolled out onto the playa. I made some *great* mistakes...and grumbled in frustration while trying to teach myself how to solder. But every time I learned something new, every time the LEDs in my test circuits turned on and off by "magic," it was a moment of pure joy. 

The best advice I ever got:
~ Pay attention to what makes you feel alive ~

Check back for new inspirations! Possible future
projects include a 12 volt solar LED system and a solar powered fan.

anybodyburns home