Not one to stand by and suggest to readers the use of sun tubes that I have taken the plunge and had one installed. The builder, Nigel, arrived with his son and looked at the box, read the instructions and then said “ never put in one of these before” A challenge for him but the section of roof was off, hole cut through the battens then the ceiling. The fixing instructions were easy to follow and the tube fitted within three hours. What a great way of introducing natural light into a dark area – the sunsets through the tube are wonderful. The tube used can be unhooked from the ceiling light to double up as a light for working in the attic space. What has been great is the number of people who have been in to see the sun tube and now plan to install one or two in their own homes. If it carries on I think I may start charging to see the sun tube – or as it was referred to, the sun pipe. There are many versions on offer so pick one that suits your roof type and the amount of light you require. Have a look at the model specifications on the manufacturers or suppliers web site. Prices range from £300 installed, which is not cheap, and will take a long time to recoup the outlay yet I feel it was money well spent. It also means I can now look to get prices cut or come up with a DIY option to reduce costs.

Not real leaves of the ivy but new lightweight solar panels that sit on a frame attached to the side of houses. The solar panels collect energy from the sun by day and at night the small piezoelectric generators on the underside of the panel that work in wind day or night by rising up and falling down.

Designed by Teresita Cochran and her brother, Sam, as a way to help people improve and move towards a zero carbon footprint. Grow, which is their prototype ivy leaf solar and wind power wall covering is on show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York from February 19th to May 12th 2008.

They are designed to use the emerging technology of the photovoltaic and piezo industries. Composed of ‘bricks, made up of five photovoltaic leaves, linked to a very flexible piezo generator and a distribution panel.

Plans are to manufacture the ‘bricks’ on rolls so that all components can be fitted quickly and easily before being stamped and attached to their parent frame. At the end of their life cycle, the units are stripped down with the PVs and PGs being up cycled and the plastic recycled back into the manufacturing process.

This is a great addition to the ever growing, innovative, renewable way energy is harnessed. Long may it continue.

Not real leaves of the ivy but new lightweight solar panels that sit on a frame attached to the side of houses. The solar panels collect energy from the sun by day and at night the small piezoelectric generators on the underside of the panel that work in wind day or night by rising and falling.

Designed by Teresita Cochran and her brother, Sam, as a way to help people improve and move towards a zero carbon footprint. Grow, which is their prototype ivy leaf solar and wind power wall covering, is on show at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) from February 19th to May 12th 2008.

They are designed to use the emerging technology of the photovoltaic and piezo industries. Composed of ‘bricks’ made up of five photovoltaic leaves, linked to a very flexible piezo generator and a distribution panel in the home.

Plans are to manufacture the ‘bricks’ on rolls so that all components can be fitted quickly and easily before being stamped and attached to their parent frame. At the end of their life cycle, the units are stripped down with the PVs and PGs being up cycled and the plastic recycled back into the manufacturing process.

This is a great addition to the ever growing, innovative, renewable way energy is harnessed. Long may it continue.