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Scientists from two Michigan universities report that they've been able to harness power from the beating wings of Green June Beetles by attaching tiny piezoelectric devices to them that convert the mechanical motions into electricity. Sadly each beetle produced way less than one watt of power. So don't expect to find bug-propelled power tools at your local home center anytime soon. As Consumer Reports recent report on energy shows, there are many more practical ways to save from using more efficient lightbulbs to switching to a hybrid electric water heater.
And fortunately, many energy-efficient upgrades are eligible for federal tax credits. But you'll have to get started soon since most expire December 31. Credits for renewable energy, like solar and wind power don't expire until 2016. But our tests of solar water heaters and wind turbines found that, with those, it could take decades to recoup your investment. Hmmm, maybe those beating beetle wings aren't such a bad idea after all.
—Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman
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