After WWII, in a memoir entitled “The Gathering Storm,” Churchill described the buildup to war in terms that evoke uncomfortable comparisons. Today, the palpable sense of another storm gathering demands attention as the sources of instability, once underestimated, reach the headlines. But something crucially different underlies this new threat, something not seen before. While we have previously faced the growing popularity of utopian, totalitarian ideologies with global aspiratio (more…)
Tags: alternative energy, churchill, power to change the world, Solar, solar city, solar power
Solar Power is not just a buzzword anymore. It is a viable way for you to save time and money, while at the same time make a conscious effort to save the environment and the planet. Solar power has been revolutionized and new technology is allowing it to not only power your home, but to power personal devices such as cell phones, personal entertainment systems, and other electronic devices that you could use in virtually any situation. In this e-book you will learn how to make, and (more…)
Tags: kindle book, Solar, solar power for energy
From Publishers Weekly
The much-discussed and highly regarded 2006 book and film by Gore arrives on audio two years later. While the material and central focus on global warming is clearly the most important aspect of the book, Beau Bridges is the only truly captivating reader here. Cynthia Nixon and Blair Underwood tend to drone on in monotone voices that take some of the impact out of Gore’s findings. Bridges, however, reads with a stern and commanding tone that grips readers from (more…)
Tags: al gore, an inconvenient truth, beau bridges, global warming emergency, Inconvenient
Beohana Solar: Beware of Solar Energy Scam
Earlier this week, some disturbing news for renewable energy proponents. The owner of a San Jose solar company that advertised a “free solar program,” but is said to have delivered nothing to a number of homeowners, was arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud.
The CEO/owner of Beohana Solar is being held without bail in a Southern California jail. I say that its a dark day for many of us that believe in solar energy as a viable, affordable alternative to traditional fuel-based electricity.
The solar energy scam has a number of victims. The California Contractors License Board found around 30 people who were de-frauded $120,000-130,000 in deposits for residential solar systems. Of the monies outlaid, many did not even see the systems installed.
As a particular big red flag, the suspect company claimed on the Internet that:
“You lease the solar system from us for 12 years at rates equal to or less than what you are paying your utility company now. At the end of the term, the solar system is yours to keep for FREE.”
However, Rosenblatt said, that after paying deposits to lease the systems, homeowners were given a written contract that stated that at the end of 12 years they had to pay the “fair market value” of the equipment. That’s right… it was a big, fat SCAM!
While future potential victims should beware of a solar energy scam, those that believe they may currently be victims (within the state of California) should check the status of contractors’ licenses by calling an automated telephone number at 1-800-321-CSLB, or going to www.cslb.ca.gov. If you have information regarding Beohana Solar you should contact the District Attorney’s Office at 408-792-2572.
Tags: beohana solar, california contractors license board, solar energy scam
The #1 problem in our world today is effective energy management–the energy that fuels our buildings and propels our vehicles as well as our human energy. But if individuals, governments, and corporations take action now, we can have In Beyond Light Bulbs, Susan Meredith helps readers move beyond the gloom, doom, and overwhelm of global warming and the energy crisis. She offers hopeful and helpful advice for actions we can all take to improve our future. Straightforward and clear, (more…)
Tags: beyond light bulbs, energy management, global warming, Lighting, susan meredith
Green solar jobs - for you?
These days, its all about green solar jobs. With record high unemployment, an economy in ruins and global climate change news grabbing headlines each week, what is the real story about jobs in the renewable energy industry? Are we really heading towards a green economy?
Wired Science.com recently published a report showing that growth in the green jobs sector outpaced other classifications by about 250% over the past 10 years. Between 1998-2007, renewable energy jobs grew by over 9%, compared to less than 4% for the overall job market.
For more good news, a report from the Pew Charitable Trust says that 68,200 businesses employ 770,000 green workers. Lest you are not impressed with those figures, note that the overall segment of jobs in the RE sector is approaching the same percentage as those in “traditional” energy (coal mining and big oil).
Finally, progress!
Ready for a green solar job?
Green solar jobs may be an even better place to seek employment than biotechnology, in fact. Notes the Pew Charitable Trusts researchers:
“Although our numbers are conservative, our report provides the most precise depiction to date of the clean energy economy in the United States.”
With the Obama administration pushing a renewable energy economy, along with its plan for economic recovery, one can expect to see even greater growth in green solar jobs in the coming years. Predicted a team from the Goldman School of Public Policy:
“Across a broad range of scenarios, the renewable energy sector generates more jobs than the fossil fuel-based energy sector per unit of energy delivered (i.e., per average megawatt).”
The U.S. economy will be able to create even more green solar jobs, if pending climate and energy savings bills pass Congress and become law. If cap and trade becomes law (let alone targets for renewable energy generation), we’ll soon be seeing a significant increase of employment in the green energy sector.
Be sure to check your local papers for information on green solar jobs. In the meantime, you may want to go back to community college to obtain any additional certifications that may be needed, whether you are an engineer, construction worker, or something in between.
What is going on in your community? Please let us know in the comments below.
Tags: green economy, green solar jobs, jobs in the renewable energy sector, pew charitable trusts, wired science
Brunton is committed to bringing outdoor energy alternatives to the masses. For this reason we developed the SolarFlat rigid solar panel series. Mount a SolarFlat to the roof of your RV or camper and continuously charge your battery every day, or charge your boat battery while you’re out on the water. The weatherproof SolarFlat does not require bright light to function properly. Instead, low-light, overcast days can still provide lots of power. Features: Amorphous solar cells (more…)
Tags: 15Solar, Brunton, Solar, solar panel, Solarflat, waterproof solar panel
Looking to add the Third Generation Prius
The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular “green” cars on the market. And now, they are harnessing the power of the sun to draw in even more customers. Can this car company be stopped? And if so, why?
The happy commercials on TV for the third generation Prius celebrate its popularity, and its environmental focus. Apparently, you’ll get a “sunny” feeling just driving down the road.
So why are we talking about this here at Solar Panels, Green Power? Because a solar roof comes optional on the 2010 Prius. Its yet another way to boost the already impressive fuel efficiency. As described:
“Thirty-six Kyocera solar cells are positioned on a moon roof, which doubles as a sunroof. Energy is converted at a 16.5 efficiency rate to power the ventilation fan and air conditioning system with about 50 watts of electricity. This allows for less overall consumption of fuel.”
And, its not expensive to go solar with your Prius! The 2010 model is priced at more than 10% lower than its last model. The solar sunroof option itself is approximately $2,000 (which means that you can basically get the Third Generation Prius - with solar - for the cost of last year’s model). The impressive nearly 50 MPG also means that you’ll save even more at the pump than before.
Here’s another sunny Prius commercial, highlighting the solar option:
The 2010 Toyota Prius
Don’t just dream about the new Prius - order one now! The car company has already received 80,000 pre-launch orders. Pre-order HERE.
Have you seen or driven the 2010 Prius? Please share in the comments below!
Tags: 2010 prius, next generation prius, prius commercial, prius solar roof, toyota prius
Are You Being Held Hostage by the Utility Company? Need to build a solar power home generation setup, but are worried it will be costly, or that the project needs special skills? You probably think a home made rig will look cheesy or ugly. Maybe you’re worried that you’ll botch the work and give up, and it will wind up in the garage with the many other great projects you’ll get around to… someday. Welcome to Home Power CHEAP! Information and Resources for DIY Solar Home Power (more…)
Tags: DIY solar home power, home power cheap, kindle book, solar power home generation
“Save Money & At The Same Time Save The Environment By Powering Up With Solar Power For Energy! It’s Time To Do YOUR Bit For The Planet!”You have probably heard about solar power and how it is the new and upcoming alternative energy source of the future. It’s just not a buzzword anymore. It is a viable way for you to save time and money, while at the same time make a conscious effort to save the environment and the planet. Solar power has been revolutionized and new technology is (more…)
Tags: kindle book, powering up with solar power, Solar, solar power, solar power for energy