Solar power is likely to be the most valuable of the renewable energy sources available. That is because it is plentiful and it is the least expensive to implement. New buildings can be built that incorporate the concepts as can homes. There are also solar panels that can be added to what is already in [...]
With a big win in Washington, the alternative energy lobby comes of age. See headlines and more here…….
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Solar Power
I've looked at solar power before to see if it might be practical to install solar panels at my own home and have it provide some of my homes electricity. There is a website Find Solar that has information on home solar installations. From that site they have a 'My Solar Estimator' calculator that will help you estimate the cost of a solar system including the tax benefits and rebates for you
The United States Bureau of Land Management has been inundated with requests to build solar power plants on federally managed public lands. These applications have been focused specifically on the Southwest region of the U.S. in states with large deserts and open spaces, such as; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The Bureau is responsible for millions of acres in this
As the days begin to lengthen in the south and shorten in the north, give a thought to the sun which daily brings us energy we can't destroy or deplete. Aside from its indisputable power, solar power, it may be...
When talking about solar bags we usually write about Solar Totes, Solar Messenger bags, Solar Backpacks but we never looked at Solar Bike bags which actually make a lot of sense considering they are most of the time directly facing the sun or at least the bright side of life.
I would think that Solar bags [...]
We are used to see solar panels in bags where they work as fashionable and practical energy sources on the go. Using the same technology on curtains is a fairly new application field.
The much larger area a curtain offers to catch sun light and convert it to electrical energy makes perfect sense considering one of [...]
Clearly we’re huge fans of environmentally-friendly innovation, but this has got to be one of the most ridiculous ideas ever to hit the green market. Japanese lingerie maker Triumph International have invented the perfect eco-friendly girl gadget: the solar-powered bra.The bra comes with a detachable solar panel, worn around the stomach, which can generate enough electricity to power an iPod or
Howdy !
OK, now I know that everyone completed their power requirements worksheets so now we can talk about the size and type of power support system we are going to need to operate all that equipment. First let’s figure out the operating cycle of the inverter. All the duty cycle means is how long the inverter [...]
Apple's Solar Strategy: Apple has filed a patent to use solar cells for portable devices.Employees at computer, phone and software company Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) have filed a patent to place solar cells on portable devices, Trade the News reported Monday.Outfitted with such technology, Apple’s devices, like the iPhone, could have photovoltaic cells stacked underneath LCD touch
What’s the Fuss About Solar ?!
Howdy !
Looking at the questions asked about the solar power articles that I’ve done for rv magazines and on this BLOG it seems to me that solar power is somewhat misunderstood because we don’t have the information to provide real answers.
Here is the most common question:
Q. What does it [...]
Environmental campaigners have been trying to change the way we think for a long time. As yet I do not think they have really succeeded. Now there is another appeal to saving the planet, it might be cheaper than letting it all go to pot! The cost of energy has been increasing [...]
Have you ever been caught in the dark? You search endlessly, fumbling around until you find a flashlight only to realize that you never buy size C batteries, and that the ones for the flashlight have at some point been transferred to the poolside boombox. Yeah, I know, we've all been there. Now you will never have to worry about such an elaborate problem again with the SolarVerter solar powered
Non credete che tra i tanti talenti del sesso femminile ci sia quello di ricaricare le batterie (del cellulare, del portatile, di che ne so io?).
Bene, sono qui per stupirvi. O meglio vi stupiscono gli amici di Metti Via, con questo articolo che vi parla del reggiseno [...]
Solar power is taking the world by storm, and these days its easy to find solar powered chargers, solar powered lights and solar powered laptop bags. So you know it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a solar power work table.read more | digg story
A car that actually runs on solar power is about to go into production. Called the Solar Bug, it seats 2 people with one in the front and one in the back. Its built on an All Terrain (ATV) chassis. You can plug it in for a 6 hour charge and it will transport you [...]
Navtej Kohli throws some light at the viability issues of much hyped solar energy. As the world is looking at alternative sources of energy, solar power is looked upon as the most viable source.
At present solar energy is perhaps the vastly dominant source of energy we use. It just comes in a form we don’t [...]
When you decide to convert your main power source over to solar power you will need to make some adjustments to the appliances that carry the power source.
When you use solar power to heat your water you may find that you will need to purchase a solar powered water heater in order [...]
If you have ever seen a field with several mirrors pointing toward the sun you may be looking at a solar power system. These solar power systems work to concentrate the sunlight to one area and use the heat to heat up the liquid that flows along the pipes.
This system is [...]
As the demand for alternative energy continues to increase, the number of suppliers and options for solar power kits are increasing. Instead of just going out and buying one of these, you should first learn as much as you can about each of the suppliers and each of the solar power kits available.
More: continued [...]
Home solar power systems are becoming more practical as the cost of energy rises. Even though initial costs are higher than traditional energy products, home solar power may well be worth considering especially if you are building or remodeling a home. Federal and State governments may also offer significant tax incentives that make solar power [...]
The sun produces massive amounts of heat that are transmitted down to the earth’s surface.
When the sun’s rays reach the earth’s surface the intensity of the heat directly from the sun is not as hot because some of the heat is rerouted before it reaches the earth’s atmosphere.
When the sun is hot [...]
Solar power is everywhere because it comes from the sun. Solar power can be used to power electricity, pump water, to heat your home or office and power vehicles.
With all that we can do with solar power you have to wonder why we don’t do enough to conserve [...]
Using parts easily available from your local stores, you can make a small solar power generator for $250 to $300. Great for power failures and life outside the power grid. Power your computer, modem, vcr, tv, cameras, lights, or DC appliances anywhere you go. Use in cabins, boats, tents, archaeological digs, or while travelling throughout the third world. Have one in the office store room in case of power failures in your highrise. I keep mine in my bedroom where it powers my cd player, turntable, lights, modem, laptop, and (ahem) a back massager. I run a line out the window to an 8" x 24" panel on the roof.1. Buy yourself a small solar panel. For about $100 you should be able to get one rated at 12 volts or better (look for 16 volts) at an RV or marine supplies store.2. Buy yourself a ba
SOLAR POWER-HOT POWER FROM ROOF
The hot topic nowadays around the globe is “scarcity of power”. As a country moves towards the peak of development, so is the demand of power. Reports show that there are many homes using electricity more than that used by a small industry! It is because, in the modern, digital lifestyle, [...]
I like to hear about people who are living out solutions! I just read about a giant building that seems to be a great manager of resources. It is being built in the new Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates via a project called “The Masdar Initiative.”
Here is the article at Metaefficient.com:
The [...]
This year could bring the Silicon Valley-funded renaissance in solar power we've all been waiting for. First, San Jose-based Nanosolar began delivering its affordable thin-film solar coating, followed by a construction boom in American solar thermal power plants—essentially the reflective equivalent of geothermal power. Now, for the first time, the solar cell revolution is arriving by droplet. Konarka Technologies, the Massachusetts-based company we first recognized with a 2005 Breakthrough Award for its affordable Power Plastic solar film, said this week that it has successfully manufactured those thin solar cells using an inkjet printer. In addition to decreasing production costs because it relies on existing inkjet technology, the printable Power Plastic cells can be applied to a rang
Reware made a big impression in the solar bag market last June with the introduction of the Beach Tote, an outstanding practical and stylish beach tote with solar charging function.
This year, Reware is giving the solar power to the business people that can only dream from being on the beach right now.
The ProFolio is [...]
Have you ever considered what solar power system could do for the cost of running your home? Installing a solar power kit hardware can almost eliminate any and all energy costs in your home. This is done of course by harnessing the sun’s rays and through a photovoltaic process converting them into electricity. This could [...]
While great nations fretted over coal, oil and global warming, one of the smallest at the U.N. climate conference was looking toward the heavens for its energy. The annual meeting's corridors can be a sounding board for unlikely ''solutions'' to climate change - from filling the skies with soot to block the sun, to cultivating oceans of seaweed to absorb the atmosphere's heat-trapping carbon dioxide. Unlike other ideas, however, one this year had an influential backer, the Pentagon, which is investigating whether space-based solar power - beaming energy down from satellites - will provide ''affordable, clean, safe, reliable, sustainable and expandable energy for mankind.'' Tommy Remengesau Jr. is interested, too. ''We'd like to look at it,'' said the president of the tiny western Pacific nation of Palau. The Defense Department this October quietly issued a 75-page study conducted for its National Security Space
t's power play of a different kind and one that many companies including Reliance Industries and Tata are betting on. We're talking about solar power. Why everyone's betting on the sun? CNBC-TV18 report finds out...
Bangalore-based solar power generation company, Tata BP is looking at doubling its capacity to 60 MW annually. Moser Baer is expected to start generation of solar power of 100 MW
One of the most fascinating things about solar power is that it’s a technology that appears all over the planet and for this reason it’s difficult to get the full picture of just what’s out there today.
So, it’s great to see Solar Power starting to appear as a separate section on environmental websites with authors writing from various spots around the world. For instance, you’d probably not have heard about the solar tower pictured here simply because it’s near Seville and more likely to fall into the “tourist attraction” news category than the “environmental news” category if and when it’s reported about. I for one am seriously impressed by this particular development; environmental issues can sometimes come across as dreary but this one is very striking and as the article says it seems like something out of the future. I just love this one: a monument that very clearly says “this is the future”.
Other obv
The Berkeley City Council has given the green light on a new green initiative: a solar power loan program that would be the first of its kind in the nation.
Last night the city council unanimously approved the bill that would loan current homeowners the up-front cost of installing solar panels on their home. The average cost to install these amazing energy conservers is $20,000-30,000 depending on how large the home is.
During the next 8 months the city staffers will completely work out all the financial, legal, and tax details in order to submit the proposal for final approval by the council next summer.
It states in the approval that, “The initiative calls for the city to facilitate a 20-year loan with a small interest - perhaps as low as 2 percent - to individual homeowners. Homeowners would pay back the loan every month along with property tax bills.” Since going solar usually means a zero dollar electric bill, it could end up costing homeowners nothing.
Som
Another great idea, this is a protective and solar charger for an iPod, the panels are clearly visible on the top of the device.
This is very helpful because there is nothing worse than running out of power half way along a journey or somewhere where you cannot charge it up.
Charging will take around eight hours for a full charge, which is not bad for solar power, which is the one of the best eco friendly ways of charging.
No prices or availability yet.
Source [Eco Gadget]
Eco Friendly, Green Ideas, home and garden, ipod, Solar Power, solar charger
This is a great little device which charges almost anything from cameras to iPods and virtually everything in between but by only using the sun. What it can do is save any embarrassing battery failures while in the middle of an important conversation. It will also charge from a laptop via the USB port.
What’s included in the kit:
1 x powermonkey-eXplorer unit
1 x solar-slave
1 x universal mains charger which will work in over 150 countries and has interchangeable heads for UK, US Australia and Europe
Nokia & Mini Nokia, Motorola V66, Samsung E900, Siemens C25 and Sony Ericsson wide connectors
1 x mini USB for Motorola Razr V series, Blackberry’s and Bluetooth headsets
1 x USB for smart phones, PDAs and other devices
1 x iPod connector
1 x connector for Sony PSP and most digital cameras
Black travel pouch
Storage case
Product Features:
Only 2.4 oz yet with 2-3 times the power of a regular cell phone
Take reserve power with you. Up to 1-year standby charge
Specifically desi
It will not be long before we see in the stores clothing that has solar power equipment built into it, this will mean that the wearer will be able to charge a PDA or cell phone up, without having to return home for the charger.
These new materials, called “Power Textiles” will come with connectors and maybe even lights, which will be great for travelling around when the light is fading.
With solar technology advancing all of the time, this is fast becoming a reality and possibly may even be in the stores by 2010.
Source [Tree Hugger]
All Natural, alternative energy, cell phone, Clothing, Fashion and Beauty, new materials, Solar Power, solar power equipment, solar technology, source tree
It has taken me longer than I expected to get back to the comments on the Solar Power Conference and Expo - my apologies. It is a bit late now, but, anyhow, I thought I might as well wrap it up.
One of the booths where we stopped during our visit to the show was Schott´s, a company that provides the receivers for the solar troughs at Nevada Solar One and at some California solar plants. Schott is part of the Carl Zeiss Foundation and, besides their solar division, they are involved in a bit of everything, from the lenses for giant telescopes to advanced optical technology. They told us about their plans for expansion in the US, involving a new PV manufacturing facility that will increase their production by more than 60 MW. The new plant will also produce receivers for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, a market where they sure have a lot of room to grow.
In the effort to drive costs down, different companies presented products looking to minimize installation procedures for sol
Solar power is taking over the battle field after being one of the hottest items in all kind of bags this year.
The Australian army is testing new solar cell technology made from a secret compound and can produce hours of low-level energy to power radios, night-vision goggles, communications equipment and sensors to detect enemy positions.
The new panel weights just 14oz, and works even in cloudy conditions because it harnesses solar radiation rather than direct sunlight.
The Australian military spent around 2 million US$ on this project with the aim to find a better solution to power all the high-tech equipment the soldiers of our time have to carry around on the battle field.
As with many new technologies, the military is often on the forefront of research and first applications, mainly because of the fast amount of resources and money available in the military sector.
The good point is that most of those new developments will trickle down to civilian use and I can only hope the new
As promised, I will dwell a little on the things I saw at Solar Power Conference and Expo. First of all, it was incredibly crowded. In fact, so crowded that the hotel where I was supposed to be staying at told me they were sold out and did not have the room I´d reserved one month and a half ago !!! (I ended up in Cypress - 20 min. away; Incredible, to stick with publishable words…)
The lines for registration were a mile long on Tuesday. The Long Beach Convention Center, the venue for this year for the event is not too big (at least, compared to McCormick Center in Chicago, the venue I am most used to). The big booths were in the space in the Convention Center, but there was also exhibition space at the Hyatt hotel, contiguous to the Center.
Representatives from Southern California Edison and PG&E told us about the success of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) in the state. This $3 billion solar program launched in January includes rebates covering about half the cost o
Solar power can do extraordinary things. Why, we, human beings, don’t use more this wonderful energy coming from the sun? We should explore more the solar power, and creating more solutions. Read the following example. A lightweight solar-powered plane has smashed the official world record for the longest-duration unmanned flight. UK defence firm Qinetiq, which built the Zephyr unmanned aerial vehicle, said it flew for 54 hours during tests. The researchers believe it is the first time a solar-powered craft has flown under its own power through two nights. The Zephyr’s 54-hour endurance flight will not enter the record books because representatives from the world air sports federation - the FAI - were not notified about the secretive test. -Lightweight plane (31kg/ 68lb) is launched by hand-Flies autonomously and can climb to more than 18,000m (58,000ft)-By day it flies on solar power and recharges batteries.-By night it is powered by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries Link &
On our next trip down to Cornwall we will be trying to save a bit of money by camping and doing our own cooking. One of the downsides of this is that we probably won't have a ready supply of electricity to recharge anything. Since there are quite a few things I would like to be able to recharge I decided to do some research and see what might be practical.The first priority was a phone charger because I want to be able to speak to Hel while she is traveling France on her own. She bought a wind up charger just in case but it is quite noisy, heavy and very tedious. Most phones, ours included, need 5 volts to charge. Because my Zaurus (cross between a PDA and a laptop) also needs 5V so this setup would keep me programming on our travels too.There are several commercially available solar chargers, such as the Solio or Freeloader that would do the trick. I bought a Solio a while back and was very disappointed as it came with a voucher for a free charging tip which not only took several mon
By Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan
Medill Reports-Chicago
Solar power sounds like the perfect solution for eco-friendly homeowners: Just install a few rooftop panels and watch as carbon dioxide emissions and electric bills plummet.
It's not quite that easy. Renewable solar energy does come with a steep up-front investment, but environmentalists with thin wallets are in luck. State and federal incentives help people justify the splurge on solar-perks experts say are vital for this burgeoning clean energy source.
read more
Traveling around the world – virtually on the Internet – I came across a solar power bag from South Africa.
Gwiz, a online shop from South Africa offers a power station in computer bag form, the FlexoPower Flex Top. The solar panel of this bag operates between 4.2V – 24V by 80W. That is lot of juice for any cell phone, PDA, smart phone and even laptop.
The on-board Lithium Polymer battery will take 11.1V by 6000 mAh. That’s roughly 10 full loads for a G5 iPod or a couple of hours for your laptop.
To load this power station will need lots of sunshine but this should not be a problem with the 300 sunny days South Africa has on average a year. For the reaming 65 days of the year, the Flex Top bag’s battery can be charged via mains or car cigarette lighter to give you almost unlimited portable power.
The FlexoPower Flex Top bag costs around US$ 350.- Unfortunately Gwiz does not ship internationally. A big price tag but with so much power and sun shine in south Africa it might p
Solar power is most commonly known for using the suns energy to produce electricity. The suns energy, however, has been used for far longer to heat water and homes than for generating electricity.Solar Power for Water HeatingThe hot water heating system consists of a holding tank, a solar collector and equipment to circulate the water. The hot water heating system can either be a direct system or an indirect one.In the direct system, the water that flows through the collector is heated. In the indirect system, the fluid heated in the collector is passed through a heat exchanger in the holding tank, thereby heating the potable water in the tank. The holding tank merely holds the water that has been heated, or is being heated.The solar collector, which is usually located on the roof heats the water. Normally, the collector is a thin, rectangular box, which has a series of pipes running through it, painted black for maximum heat absorption. The water that runs through these black pipes ge
Solar power is most commonly known for using the suns energy to produce electricity. The suns energy, however, has been used for far longer to heat water and homes than for generating electricity.Solar Power for Water HeatingThe hot water heating system consists of a holding tank, a solar collector and equipment to circulate the water. The hot water heating system can either be a direct system or an indirect one.In the direct system, the water that flows through the collector is heated. In the indirect system, the fluid heated in the collector is passed through a heat exchanger in the holding tank, thereby heating the potable water in the tank. The holding tank merely holds the water that has been heated, or is being heated.The solar collector, which is usually located on the roof heats the water. Normally, the collector is a thin, rectangular box, which has a series of pipes running through it, painted black for maximum heat absorption. The water that runs through these black pipes ge
Philippine National Oil Co. and the Spanish firm Isofoton signed an agreement last month during the Conference on Renewable Energies in Madrid, Spain. The purpose of the alliance is to develop a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy project in the Philippines.
Isofoton will help the government source the necessary funds to pursue and promote the solar PV rural electrification program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The estimated cost for the project is between 14 and 21 million US dollars. Once the project is completed, he said they expect to install a total of 15,100 solar home systems in the country.
These sort of projects are a steady bet of the Spanish energy leader Isofotón, which has a solid portfolio of renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Their business model has two focuses: it aims to provide developed nations with a real energy alternative, and in terms of energy development, to trigger development in low income areas of developing companies.
Currently, the co
This kit can be used as an emergency kit, or in fact you could use this to run you electrical items on a regular basis, which in turn will save using electricity from the mains.
This kit is a large roll out solar panel and battery pack, the battery is charged through the solar panels and then is powerful enough to run a laptop for nearly six hours, which just shows you how practical and eco friendly this device is.
Approximate Operating Times for 115 Volt Products:
Cordless Telephone (5 Watts): 40 Hours Operating Time
Home Security System (5 Watts): 40 Hours Operating Time
Clock Radio (8 Watts): 20 Hours Operating Time
Portable Stereo (10 Watts): 15 Hours Operating Time
Fluorescent Work Light (14 Watts): 12 Hours Operating Time
5” Color TV (20 Watts): 8 Hours Operating Time
Laptop Computer (25 Watts): 6 Hours Operating Time
Table Lamp (40 Watts): 3.5 Hours Operating Time
Approximate Operating Times for 12 Volt DC Products:
Cell Phone (6 Watts): 36 Hours Operating Time
Fish Finder/
The Pentagon's National Security Space Office (NSSO) may begin a study in the near future on the possibility of using satellites to collect solar energy for use on Earth, according to Defense Department officials.The officials said the study does not mean that the military plans to demonstrate or deploy a space-based solar power constellation. However, as the Pentagon looks at a variety of alternative energy sources, this could be one possible method of supplying energy to troops in bases or on the battlefield, they said.The military's work in this area also could aid development of a system that could provide energy to non-military users as well, according to Lt. Col. Michael Hornitschek, chief of rated force policy on the Air Force staff at the Pentagon.Hornitschek, who has been exploring the concept of space-based solar power in his spare time, recently briefed the NSSO on the concept of space-based solar power, and stimulated interest in conducting a formal study, according to L
The Pentagon's National Security Space Office (NSSO) may begin a study in the near future on the possibility of using satellites to collect solar energy for use on Earth, according to Defense Department officials.The officials said the study does not mean that the military plans to demonstrate or deploy a space-based solar power constellation. However, as the Pentagon looks at a variety of alternative energy sources, this could be one possible method of supplying energy to troops in bases or on the battlefield, they said.The military's work in this area also could aid development of a system that could provide energy to non-military users as well, according to Lt. Col. Michael Hornitschek, chief of rated force policy on the Air Force staff at the Pentagon.Hornitschek, who has been exploring the concept of space-based solar power in his spare time, recently briefed the NSSO on the concept of space-based solar power, and stimulated interest in conducting a formal study, according to L
Solar Power at Half the CostA new roof-mounted system that concentrates sunlight could cut the price of photovoltaics. Solar Power at Half the CostAA new mechanism for focusing light on small areas of photovoltaic material could make solar power in residential and commercial applications cheaper than electricity from the grid in most markets in the next few years. Initial systems, which can be made at half the cost of conventional solar panels, are set to start shipping later this year, says Brad Hines, CTO and founder of Soliant Energy, a startup based in Pasadena, CA, that has developed the new modules.Concentrating sunlight with mirrors or lenses on a small area cuts the costs of solar power in part by reducing the amount of expensive photovoltaic material needed. But while concentrated solar photovoltaic systems are attractive for large-scale, ground-based solar farms for utilities, conventional designs are difficult to mount on rooftops, where most residential and commercial cust
Navigation Alternative EnergyAlternative Fuel VehiclesWind Power TechnologySolar Power Tower Alternative EnergyWind PowerHome Solar PowerHome Made Wind PowerHow To Solar Power Your HouseHydro Electric PowerAlternative Fuel Sources Hydropower is the capture of the energy of moving water for some useful purpose. Prior to the widespread availability of commercial electric power, hydropower
Navigation Wind PowerSolar PowerResidential Solar PowerSolar House Alternative EnergyWind PowerHome Solar PowerHome Made Wind PowerHow To Solar Power Your HouseHydro Electric PowerAlternative Fuel Sources form of electricity produced from the sun captured by photovoltaic (solar) cells used to turn the energy from the sun into electricity. Photovoltaic cells generate electricity with no
Navigation Home Solar PowerSolar EnergySolar Power GenerationSolar Energy Facts Alternative EnergyWind PowerHome Solar PowerHome Made Wind PowerHow To Solar Power Your HouseHydro Electric PowerAlternative Fuel Sources energy derived from nontraditional sources (eg, compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind). Wind Power: Are Vertical Axis Turbines Better?Worldwide in
Navigation How To Solar Power Your HouseHow Is Solar Energy Converted Into Eletrical EnergySolar Energy ConversionHydro Power Alternative EnergyWind PowerHome Solar PowerHome Made Wind PowerHow To Solar Power Your HouseHydro Electric PowerAlternative Fuel Sources Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is a solar power technology that uses solar cells or solar photovoltaic arrays to convert ene
