Switch to plug-in solar? My advice after testing the DIY energy tech at home

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ZDNET's key takeaways

  • Plug-in solar uses microinverters to feed power into a household system.
  • So far, in the US, only Utah has passed legislation to allow such systems.
  • These systems cost about $2,400 and will take years to pay off.

Ever since handling my first tiny solar panel quite a few decades ago, I've been fascinated by them. The fact that a bit of glass had the ability to harvest power from a big nuclear orb 93 million miles away blew my mind back then, and continues to blow my mind now. Since then, solar panels have grown in size and efficiency and dropped in cost to the point where it's becoming economically feasible for you and me to buy panels and generate our own electricity.

But what do you do with that power?

Also: I've tested dozens of power...

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You've heard of Touch ID and Face ID, but is Ear ID next? Researchers have detailed a new tech would let you use AirPods or similar buds to prove who you are and unlock your gadgets — and it's actually your heartrate that they detect

* Chinese researchers have developed 'AccLock' * This uses your heartbeat to verify your identity * All it needs is earbuds with accelerometers Researchers from several universities in China have developed a technology they called AccLock, and it's basically Ear ID. It's a way of verifying your