Bonding Energy consists of a set of Sunsmile devices that collect and measure solar energy from seven geographically distributed sites around New York State: Columbia University, NYC; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy; University of Buffalo; Colgate University, Hamilton; free103point9's Wave Farm, Acra; Experimental Television Center, Owego; and The Redhouse Arts Center, Syracuse. The light energy reaching the Sunsmiles' solar panels fuels a collaborative real-time data visualization on Turbulence.org. Part of the larger Cross Current Resonance Transducer (CCRT) project in which the artists are developing systems for monitoring, manipulating, and interpreting natural signals such as tidal patterns and wind, Bonding Energy is focused on solar energy. Bonding Energy is a model for distributed microenergy generation, inspired by SETI@home — which harnesses the collective power of personal computers distributed worldwide — and microcredit, a loan system that supports poor or unemployed people in underdeveloped countries. Small contributions from many individuals can produce significant results.

with funds from the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable Trust