Bob checks in on the Habitat for Humanity Blitz project in Yonkers, New York. He talks with Deane Evans of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) about the photovoltaic roof shingles. This new product from United Solar Systems, called the Solar Shingle, protects the house from the weather and generates electricity at the same time. Ren Anderson from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows Bob how to nail the solar shingles on the roof just like conventional three-tab roofing. In this project, eight solar shingles are blended into the conventional fiberglass shingles to provide about 120 watts for charging battery-operated tools and toys in the shed below. Energy storage is provided by a 120 amp/hour battery. Ren hooks up the wires leading from the shingles to the other system components, which include a fuse, voltage regulator, and an inverter (which converts the direct current from the shingles into an alternating current that can be used by typical household appliances).

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Now s a great time to do a whole house electrical inspection, and you can do this kind yourself. Make a checklist of the rooms in your home. Then take a tour of your outlets and appliances, turning everything on and plugging something into each outlet. Is every outlet covered by a plastic plate? Are any damaged or loose? Do they all work? Do you have extension cords running around the room? Where would it help to have an additional outlet? Put your hand on the wall around each outlet to check for warmth. Look for flickering lights and sniff for strange smells. If you ever see sparks or smoke, call an electrician immediately. Make a note of any outlets that aren t grounded: the kind that accommodate three-pronged plugs. In the kitchen and bath and outdoors, note any outlets that aren t equipped with ground fault circuit interruptors. They re required by code in many states. They ll protect you and your family from the hazards that are present anywhere water and electricity come close. With your checklist, a licensed electrician can make quick work of upgrading your outlets and checking your wiring system for safety. This work can cost a couple of thousand dollars but it s well worth it, especially if you re still changing those old screw-in fuses every time you use the toaster and the hair dryer at the same time! Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Installing a new ceiling light fixture can greatly improve a room's aesthetics and illumination.