Q: Ambient Energy: What is it?
It is energy available in the world around us. Its sources include wind, sunlight, lightning, tidal, geothermal, electrical, and magnetic resources. From windmills to solar panels, ambient energy has been used for hundreds of years. Ambient technologies continue to gain market share and be utilized in a wide variety of applications. We are proud to be a part of this worldwide trend.

Q: Where does ambient energy come from?
Ambient energy, which our devices use, comes from a variety of sources including the potential energy field between the ionosphere (upper atmosphere) and the ground; the Earth's rotational magnetic field; ambient radiation such as the light spectrum (what solar panels use); and cosmic radiation (which creates the aurora borealis). Inventors have developed ambient energy technologies since the late 1800s. Without modern microprocessors, reliable output was difficult to achieve. Now, microcontrollers regulate solar panels, home energy efficiency, and energy efficient appliances.

Precise frequency regulation combined with instantaneous feedback allows Ambient's energy projects to work consistently. Our technological world, thanks to the advances of companies such as Intel, Texas Instruments, Motorola, and National Semiconductor, has advanced to the point where sustainable, Cleantech energy generators are finally practical and cost-effective.

Q: Is ambient energy safe?
Devices that use these energy sources have been around for over a century and none have shown to produce any negative effects such as radiation or pollution. The Ambient Foundation's projects are safer than current generator technologies used today.

Q: I have an idea for a great project, what should I do?
If you have a project idea, we would love to hear it. We are always looking for new ways to help others reach their energy and sustainability goals, and your idea may be just what we are looking for! Contact us today for information.

Q: Can you help me develop my technology?
Part of the Ambient Foundation's open-source philosophy is to assist inventors in further developing their ambient energy technologies. Contact us to start the process.

Q: Where does project funding come from?
Currently, project funding comes from our generous donors. Your contributions support bringing sustainable, Cleantech electricity and infrastructure to those who need it. Eventually, the Ambient Foundation will support itself through sales and manufacturing partnerships.

Q: How can I support you?
You can support the Ambient Foundation by making a contribution or volunteering. Please contact us for more details.

Q: How can we find out more about potential partnerships?
We are always looking for new possibilities through partnerships. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact us.

Q: What is the estimated price of these devices?
The current price range for a device such as the Ambient Firefly is $4,500 to $7,500.

Q: When will Ambient's devices be available?
Our devices will be available once we finish our prototyping, testing, and design finalization. Production will follow once manufacturing partners are established. We anticipate availability in mid to late 2009.

Q: Will you open source your technology?
Open sourcing is the practice of providing access to production materials, schematics, and instructions that pertain to the reproduction of technologies. Once designs are finalized, we plan to open source many of our technologies, aside from the Ambient Firefly, for general usage via a modified General Public License (GPL). Click here to learn more about open sourcing.