For developing regions in Third World countries, many of life’s basic necessities are difficult to achieve due to poverty and/or living far from the electrical grid. Keeping medical supplies at cool temperatures via refrigeration, making emergency telephone calls, lighting living spaces in a safe manner, and even purifying water and cooking food can be challenging, [...]
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The SJF Institute handed out its 2011 Green Jobs Awards recently, honoring the San Mateo, California company SolarCity. Green jobs have experienced a tremendous growth during the recession, with solar power one of the leading industries providing such employment opportunities. SolarCity currently employs 1,350 people full time and provides a full health package and retirement [...]
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Would it surprise you to learn that solar power and other renewable resources are favored 2:1 by American citizens over traditional energy resources like coal and gas? Recently, two polling companies, representing each of the major political parties in the U.S., determined that twice as many U.S. citizens favor solar and clean energy than those [...]
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy created the Solar Energy Grid Integration System, a competitive program that encouraged solar research that can better integrate solar energy generated by panels installed on rooftops or ground-mounted into the electrical grid. Among several goals of the program were: (1) help encourage utilities to accept solar power; and [...]
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We found this great post on EcoFriend regarding solar powered catamarans! Solar powered boating has been a favorite topic here, and our readers enjoy learning more about using solar energy for recreational purposes. I’ve enjoyed boating on “regular” catamarans. The twin-hulled design is fast, and can be powered by wind/sails, or an outboard motor. Now, [...]
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Thinking about residential solar power? You might be worried about the expense of this renewable resource. But there are ways to save money and also save energy while you go solar. In general, there are 5 things that affect the cost of solar panels: 1. Rebates and incentives. Even though governmental tax rebates are not [...]
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The only textbook that presents clear theory and physical examples of all principles relevant to the study of renewable energy. Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes contains the technical detail necessary to understand the engineering principles that govern renewable energy application at many different levels. Focused on the fundamental mechanisms and processes that underpin energy management, [...]
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Floating solar power plants may be the answer to two of the biggest hurdles for utility scale solar power plants: (1) the need for large areas of land; and (2) costs related to maintenance of solar cells. Solar power technology developed through a partnership between Solaris Synergy from Israel and the EDF Group from France [...]
With Memorial Day here, people are embarking on summer vacation adventures. For those that enjoy traveling and camping in an RV (recreational vehicle), solar panels may be just the thing to use to keep your appliances running and your electronics charged. Solar panels for RVs are more affordable than home solar panels, in part because [...]
Urban farming is on the rise with more people considering local food and trying to minimize environmental impacts. I have several friends that own chickens and raise (quite tasty) eggs. So when I found this solar powered urban chicken coop, I had to write about it! Shown at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, the modernist [...]
