Solar-Powered Radio: Tune in to the Sun!

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LEFT: WBNO's solar array contains 33,600 photovoltaic cells that convert the sun's rays into electrical power. The low brick building in the background is the studio. RIGHT: Batteries store surplus electricity. Hoods and vents dispose of hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery chemistry.
LEFT: WBNO's solar array contains 33,600 photovoltaic cells that convert the sun's rays into electrical power. The low brick building in the background is the studio. RIGHT: Batteries store surplus electricity. Hoods and vents dispose of hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery chemistry.
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The world's first solar-power radio station was WBNO-AM.
The world's first solar-power radio station was WBNO-AM.

Bryan, Ohio–located in the flat, northwestern corner
of the Buckeye State, 50 miles west of Toledo–is
nobody’s idea of “Sun City.” The area has rainy summers… long, harsh winters… and cloud covers that manage to
look ominous even when they’re not dropping rain
or snow.

  • Published on May 1, 1980
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