Power Pro Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start?
Try here - http://www.thelawnmower.info/lawn_mower_repair.php. they have 10 or so things you can try.
Repairing Electrical Cord?
FYI its always better to crimp rather than solder.
Environmentally Friendly Lawn Mowers
By far the cheapest and most environmentally friendly is - http://www.thelawnmower.info/types_orig.php
Drum Shade Chandelier?
They are pretty much the same thing, you might want to add a diffuser (some non-clear plastic) to the bottom of it though. lighting-bible http://lighting-bible.com/
Getting Started in Solar Electric Power
There are some good instructions here to help you get started:- http://www.yourgreendream.com/diy_solar_charging.php
Inexpensive Solar Drapes
And if you want to keep the heat in or out pelmets are a good idea too - http://www.yourgreendream.com/articles_pelmets.php
Mirrors for More Light in a Dark Apartment
make sure you plan it out a bit for each room. Just adding more light is not necessarily the best answer you need to plan where you need what types of light. Have a look here it might help - http://lighting-bible.com/lighting-by-area.html