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Dell, Lenovo Adding Solar Option for PCs

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the well-not-exactly dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Lenovo just announced a solar power option for PCs, and Dell is about to do the same, according to Advanced Energy Group. But the solar hardware weights 86 pounds and costs $1,300! Lenovo officials admit they had to do this to reach the 75% mark to gain EPEAT Gold status; Dell couldn't be reached for comment. Hopefully the technology will get smaller and more affordable."

1 of 184 comments (clear)

  1. Or build your own for $1000 less by Plocmstart · · Score: 5, Informative

    Build your own for around $300: http://www.energyrefuge.com/how-to/solar_power_generator.htm
    This is essentially the same thing: a solar panel, battery charger, deep-cycle battery, and (optionally if you don't have a 12V laptop adaptor) a power inverter. The solar cell is what costs the most. The battery is what weighs the most.