ASK A TECH GEEK: How Can I Charge My Gadgets With Renewable Energy?

<em>This is the final installment of our <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/ask-a-tech-geek">Ask A Tech Geek Series</a> where renowned gadget expert <a href="http://about.me/peter">Peter Rojas</a> from <a href="http://gdgt.com/">gadget Q&amp;A site GDGT.com</a> answers your questions about green technology. Read on for this week’s eco-tech advice!</em> <br> <h3>QUESTION: Is there a device to recharge all my gadgets using renewable energy?</h3> <em>- submitted by Denis Caissy</em> <br> <br> <big><big><strong>PETER ROJAS:</strong></big></big> Yes, there are actually a handful of different options out there, most of which won't just let you tap into a renewable resource like wind or the sun to charge your gadgets, they'll also help you keep topped up while on the go. Just keep in mind that it can take a long time to charge gadgets this way. Prices and portability vary, but here are a few of your choices:

<big><h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-voltaic-generator-solar-laptop-bag/">Voltaic Generator Bag</a></h3></big> If you're on the hunt for an all-in-one charging solution with enough juice to power a laptop, then look no further than the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-voltaic-generator-solar-laptop-bag/">Voltaic Generator Bag</a>. This durable waterproof case is emblazoned with a 15-watt solar panel that can produce a peak output of 20 volts. A single hour of solar exposure will yield between 12 and 45 minutes of laptop runtime (depending on your computer), and the built-in battery pack will be fully charged after 5 hours in the sun. <big><a href="http://www.voltaicsystems.com/generator.shtml">$500 from Voltaic</a></big>

<big><h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/ces-2011-npower-peg-uses-walking-to-recharge-devices/">nPower PEG</a></h3></big> The problem with portable solar chargers is that they need to be exposed to the sun in order to work - which makes generating electricity on-the-go a challenge. Enter the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ces-2011-npower-peg-uses-walking-to-recharge-devices/">nPower PEG</a> - a kinetic energy generator that harvests energy from your movements as you go from place to place. Simply drop the nPower PEG into a backpack or satchel and then go on a hike, a run, or ride your bike - the device will convert your energy into electricity that can be used to charge your cell phone, MP3 player, or camera. <big><a href="http://www.npowerpeg.com/index.php/ce-week-nyc-2011/2-uncategorised/18-reserve-your-peg">$160 from nPower PEG</a></big>

<big><h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/k3-charger-solar-and-wind-power-to-go/">K3 Wind and Solar Charger</a></h3></big> <br> <br> Why settle for solar or wind power when you can have them both at the same time? That's the idea behind the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/k3-charger-solar-and-wind-power-to-go/">K3 Charge</a> - a portable power source that taps the sun's rays and the prevailing winds to give your gadgets a jolt of juice. Whether you're off the beaten path or just hanging out in your backyard, it's perfect for powering MP3 players, cameras, GPS units, or cell phones. <br> <br> <big><a href="http://www.amazon.com/K3-Solar-Mobile-Charger-Green/dp/B002MYDWP2/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1310524508&amp;sr=1-1">$75 from Amazon</a></big>

<big><h3><a href="http://www.inhabitatshop.com/PowerFilm-Rollable-Solar-Charger-%285W-15.4V%29.html">Powerfilm Rollable Solar Charger</a></h3></big> <br> <br> If you're looking for a flexible solution to generating renewable energy, the rollable <a href="http://www.inhabitatshop.com/PowerFilm-Rollable-Solar-Charger-%285W-15.4V%29.html">Powerfilm Solar Array</a> has you covered. This lightweight photovoltaic panel packs down to a compact parcel that can be unfurled at a whim to maximize solar exposure. A 5-watt, 5.4 volt array of monolithically integrated thin film panels provites the perfect amount of juice for charging practically any handheld gadget - from phones and game systems to cameras and MP3 players. <br> <br> <big><a href="http://www.inhabitatshop.com/PowerFilm-Rollable-Solar-Charger-%285W-15.4V%29.html">$120 from the Inhabitat Shop</a></big>

<big><h3><a href="http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/buy-bicycle-generator-assembled-pm-motor-pedal-power.htm">Pedal Power Bicycle Generator</a></h3></big> If you happen to be a bike-rider and you want to get the most clean energy for your buck then consider investing in a <a href="http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/buy-bicycle-generator-assembled-pm-motor-pedal-power.htm">pedal-powered bicycle generator</a>. This robust system harvests energy from pedaling your bicycle to generate a serious amount of wattage - you can produce enough energy to power a desktop computer, a mini microwave, a blender, or even a PA system! <big><a href="http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/buy-bicycle-generator-assembled-pm-motor-pedal-power.htm">$400 and up from PedalPowerGenerater.com</a></big>

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