Any day I wake up and I see the words “Solar Power” or “Solar Energy” coupled with any phrase like “Cut costs” or “reduce price” or anything like that, I know, just know it’s going to be an ok day. Today is one of those days. I just caught wind of a new breakthrough in Solar Energy research that, if fully realized, could potentially cut the cost of using such devices by HALF. Yes, by 50%. This is big.
According to reports, a new United States company has found a way to create a new type of photovoltaic solar panels that could cut the cost by 50% and help bring in a brand new age of solar energy and accessible solar power all over the world. A spokesman for Mulk Holdings and their subsidiary American Building Technologies was quoted as saying:
“We hope the success of this project will lead to an upsurge in the development of more solar energy plants, which will not only lessen the strain on existing energy resources, but also severely reduce the pollution levels that are currently witnessed in power generation.”
I hope so too Mr. Spokesman, I hope so too. Currently, solar panels are either heavy and archaic, or if they are thinner and easier to handle, the prices are so high that few people could actually afford to implement them into their daily lives. This new, smaller, lighter and easier to put-up version could make its usage both affordable and easy.
Stay tuned to this to see just how easy, and just how affordable. The larger this news gets, the more we’ll all be hearing about it. This is one we should all follow.
So we all know by now that the Department of Energy is going to be installing an absolutely massive Solar Wall on their headquarters in Washington D.C.. What some of you might not know, however, is that there are other buildings all over the world that use solar walls as we speak as a great way to cut down on power consumption, and in the process, eliminate a great deal of greenhouse gases.
I just found a pretty awesome little video to end your fantastic week this fine Friday with. This video is of the “SolarWall, solar air heating system provided by Conserval Engineering” in Manitoba, Canada. While it’s nowhere near as fancy, as cosmetically beautiful or as large as its soon to be built cousin in Washington D.C., the fact remains it IS a Solar Wall, and it IS doing the exact same things. The point is, anyone, anywhere can start implementing solar technology into their lives, you don’t have to have the budget of the Government, or the design skills of a New York City Architecture Firm, you just have to fine the right products, and the right people to help you do it.
So, check out the video, then I highly suggest you head over to Northern Tool and check out our amazing line of Solar Energy products. This is the year to turn things around, and what better way to start than cutting down your home energy costs AND saving the environment at the same time. Start now!
It’s Friday and we all know that means that each and every one of us is beyond ready to get out, get home, and start enjoying the weekend. Plus, the simple fact that this is the first Real week back to our schedules after what I’m sure was a very hectic Holiday Season, means you’re probably ready to call it a week, and head home.
So, that said, I won’t keep you long, but I did want to share an awesome little video that should help highlight a great deal more on China’s solar situation. The fact of the matter is, China is a MAJOR player on the global scale and the fact that they are taking strides to reduce their negative environmental output and start doing some serious good for the Earth as well as their energy use.
Check out this video, get a little more informed on things all the way around the world, and then have an amazing weekend. Might want to check out Northern Tool before you go, there are some Great sales going on, and stocking up with that extra Christmas cash is not a bad idea!
Way to Go CHINA! No, I’m not talking their performance in women’s gymnastics in Beijing, and unfortunately I’m not talking about how they are going to shock the world and free Tibet once and for all, but what I am talking about is a great leap forward they’re taking in the world of alternative energy, and I, for one, am going to give credit where credit is due!
That’s right, word is that China is planning and prepping the world’s largest solar farm to date. World’s Largest. We all know that 2008 was a pretty good year in the world of Solar Energy; a lot of new farms were opened, planned, prepped and developed…so far, it looks like 2009 will be just as good, if not better. According to reports:
“…the China Technology Development Group Corp. and Qinghai New Energy Co. announced plans to build a 1 GW solar farm in China— the largest in the world…Construction will begin this year on the first part of the project— a $150 million, 30 MW crystalline silicon and thin film solar power station in the Qaidam Basin. The full timeline for the project is not currently available.”
1 GW! AHHH! Talk about just making my entire month, and yes, it’s only the first week. Just how big is this planned project? Try this on for size; if they complete it, it will be almost DOUBLE the size of ANY other announced solar farm project in history. Double.
Here’s a great New Year’s Resolution I think the world should embrace: Each State in the United States, each Country in the world, should all develop solar energy farms, plans and methods this 2009. Lets all write our representatives and do what we can to make 2009 the year of Solar Power! Come on!
WOW. Sorry for the rather unimaginative first word, but Wow. I just got wind of this amazing feat of engineering, ingenuity, and alternative energy genius, and I’m still stunned and wildly impressed. I can’t say it much better than the article I just read, so, here you go, get amazed with me:
“A new electric car that is solar-powered has traveled 32,000 miles through 38 countries. The vehicle gave rides to about 1,000 people and can travel up to 55 mph…”This is the first time in history that a solar-powered car has traveled all the way around the world without using a single drop of petrol.”"
Believe it. The simple fact that there are people out there, RIGHT NOW, doing things like this gives me great hope for the future. It is easy in today’s day and age to get caught up in the worry of global warming, the sour economy and all we’re Not doing to stay as green as possible, but when something like this pops up, it gives you great hope.
The fact is, if this can happen, there is No reason that the major auto companies can not be making some serious Solar Power changes and Electric Cars that can do similar things. I don’t know about you but I’m insanely jealous I wasn’t on the round-the-world voyage with them!
Here comes the wind, here comes the water and the biomass…here comes Alternative energy! I woke up to quite a bit of good news on the ol’ alternative energy front this fine Monday, and while it’s tough being back at work after an amazing Holiday Weekend, seeing this kind of news helps ease the pain.
According to new reports, the great state of Ohio is looking into some serious alternative energy plans for their near future. Instead of relying solely on one method of providing clean, renewable and cheaper power to their people, it looks like they are actually going to be spreading out and diversifying, which is even more exciting! Reports are saying that Ohio is looking into wind power, water power and even biomass to help provide and fulfill energy needs.
In my opinion, however, the thing that Ohio is doing that is the most intelligent, and will probably be the most helpful, is educating the people. Check this out:
“Ratepayers in the Dayton region could see a host of conservation programs in the next two years including rebates for using energy efficient light bulbs, having air conditioning units tuned, and upgrading appliances. Assuming regulatory approval, there would also be programs for weatherizing low-income households and trimming demand. Through conservation, the utility wants to cut energy demand by 25 percent when 2025 rolls around.”
The more we know, the better we can be, and I am sure that these new incentive programs will help push the demand down by 2025 as their goal suggests. Whatever the case may be, the simple fact that they are standing up, taking action and getting to it is great to see! Talk about a perfect early New Year’s Resolution!
How about some great news for an early gift this Holiday Season?! How about I tell you that reports are streaming in that officially, more farms in California than ever are actually operating on solar power?! Believe it friends, early Holiday Gift indeed!
That’s right, according to new reports, there has been a noticeable and sizable increase in the number of farms in and around California that are actually operating using the sun’s energy. From rice farms to vinyards to dairy farms, farmers everywhere are harvesting another renewable resource that is in abundance in California…the sunshine. By using solar energy, they have been able to not only cut costs and operating finances, but also give back to the environment at the same time. The fact that the numbers are increasing each and every year is beyond exciting.
According to the article, “More than 960 California companies have applied for rebates through the state Public Utilities Commission since Jan. 1, 2007, for installing solar panels…” While there is no breakdown as to how many are agricultural, the simple fact that 960 companies in ANY industry are actually using solar power is so exciting it might just fill my entire stocking with cheer this year.
Keep up the great work California, and for all the rest of the states, lets get going! Stay tuned for more on this!
Just yesterday I talked at length about how 33% of consumers in this fine country want greener electronics. Not only do they Want them, they plan on buying them within the next 2 years. This is great news, but I found something today that is even better…you don’t have to Wait 2 years to buy some awesome Green Christmas gifts, you can start now, with these 8 awesome products I just found.
That’s right, the article I just read has 8 great ideas for any and all gadget lovers in your life. The best part of all, not only will THEY love them, the Earth will too. Can’t ask for much more than that, now can you? Without further ado, and as usual check out the full article for more, here are the 8 best Green Christmas Gadget Gifts this year:
“The Voltaic Backpack - A backpack covered in solar panels that will charge your gear with the energy saved from the sun. Rad.
The Kill-A-Watt - Power strip that actually measures the energy you’re using and shows just how much you save by unplugging.
EasyBloom Plant Sensor - A Device that measures how your plants are doing, when they need water and if they are sick or not. Think of it as a green thumb for you.
There you have it. If you can’t find something on that list to fill up your tree or stocking with gifts, I don’t know what to tell you. Me, I want all of them…er…I’ll be buying them for other people! Not a gadget fan but still want to go green this Christmas, head over to Northern Tool and look at all of our amazing alternative energy products. There is something there for EVERYONE that wants to start helping the Earth AND their pocketbooks!
Live in North Carolina and want to earn some extra money this year? Check this out, Duke Energy Carolinas, a major energy company in North Carolina is looking to rent rooftops of businesses, schools and yes, even residential homes to use for solar power installations!
According to recent reports, the company wants to do quite a bit of new business in the solar industry. Wanting to go green and help bring new, alternative energy methods into their company is at the top of their list of ideas, and as such, “The energy company is proposing to invest $50 million over a two-year period in as many as 425 solar energy arrays atop the rooftops of homes, schools, stores and factories — or on the ground at those properties — to establish a solar distributed generation program.” Wow, go big or go home!
Alas, there are some requirements if you want to join in and make some cold hard cash by renting out your rooftop. First, you must own your home or building, second, the roof on the building must be no more than 5 years old, and finally, the area must not be obscured by shade or trees. In short, it’s gotta be your roof, it’s gotta be new, and it has to actually GET sunlight. Simple enough, yeah?
So, if you DO qualify, why not look into it. Free money and help the environment in one fell swoop. Why not?!
Florida, in case you did not know, is officially dubbed “The Sunshine State.” Knowing this, wouldn’t you think they’d have a heck of a lot more solar plants, solar fields and other similar alternative energy installments? Yeah, me too. Apparently the focus has been more on retirement homes and high-rise hotels. Just kidding! At any rate, looks like the Sunshine State is going to be living even MORE up to its name as ground has officially been broken on what will be their largest solar plant ever!
According to new reports, Florida Power & Light, the largest utility in the state, broke ground already on what will be the largest, and first utility scale solar investment in the state. Yay! What’s even more impressive, is the fact that it will be a solar-hybrid plant, incorporating a solar-thermal field and a combined-cycle natural gas plant. According to the article,
“Consisting of 180,000 mirrors spread out over 500 acres, FPL’s 75-megawatt Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center is situated on the Atlantic coast just north of Palm Beach County. FPL’s new facility is The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center will use less fossil fuel when heat from the sun is available to help produce the steam needed to generate electricity. It also matches solar power with an existing combined-cycle natural gas plant, so that when the sun is not shining, the natural gas can take over the work of powering the turbines.”
I have to say, nothing makes me happier than seeing huge utility companies diving head first into alternative energy. The future is now my friends, and the more people, companies, leaders and innovators on board, the better off we’ll all be. Solar is now, let’s do this thing.
Just yesterday I talked at length about how 33% of consumers in this fine country want greener electronics. Not only do they Want them, they plan on buying them within the next 2 years. This is great news, but I found something today that is even better…you don’t have to Wait 2 years to buy some awesome Green Christmas gifts, you can start now, with these 8 awesome products I just found.
