But this does use solar panels. > The device uses solar electricity from a photovoltaic panel to power the chemistry that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen

But this does use solar panels. > The device uses solar electricity from a photovoltaic panel to power the chemistry that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen. Microbes within the system then feed on the hydrogen and convert carbon dioxide in the air into alcohol that can be burned as fuel Only the hydrogen + co2 -> alcohol part uses biological components.