The 4th annual Solar America Cities conference was held last week in Philadelphia. Representatives from 25 cities across the United States attended the event which addressed acceleration of solar energy, as a clean power alternative. The Solar America Cities program was established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2007. Before we can encourage more [...]
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Solar power is enjoying a surge of interest lately, due to the nuclear crisis in Japan, rising gas prices and concerns over global climate change. Yet, the cost of solar still deters some people from converting from grid-based electricity. What if it was possible to generate solar energy without solar cells? In other words, could [...]
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When it comes to solar energy, sometimes it can be difficult to understand the various technical references. We found a guide to common solar power definitions that can help anyone that is considering the possibility of going solar. 1. Photovoltaic (PV) module: Also known as a solar panel, a PV module converts energy from the [...]
Watching the nuclear disaster in Japan unfold has apparently had an effect on China. According to Bloomberg, the Nation Development & Reform Commission in China announced it will trade some of its nuclear power targets for solar energy. Originally, China had planned on 80 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power to be developed by 2020. Now, [...]
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When it comes to solar power, many believe that distributed generation installations (that is, solar electricity generated right at the source that will use it) makes more sense and is more efficient than utility scale solar power. In sunny Los Angeles, a new study confirms that rooftop solar panels could power 100% of Los Angeles. [...]
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Combining solar power and construction design is becoming the wave of the energy future. Its a relatively straightforward concept, with a fancy name: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Quite literally, BIPV is the incorporation of solar energy generating materials into roofing materials, siding, solar paint and even solar windows. Instead of bulky PV panels sitting on [...]
Mobile solar power – that is, portable devices that generate electricity with solar panels and other technology – can literally save lives. Whether we’re talking about solar powered refrigerators that can help keep medications cold for off-grid remote villages, or simply solar generators that can provide a clean boost for military operations, mobile solar options [...]
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We’ve posted recently about solar roof tiles, also known as solar roof shingles, which blend right into your roofing materials, yet generate free solar electricity. This year, Dow Powerhouse solar shingles will finally be available for consumers. Financial experts predict that Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles will reach revenues in excess of $5 billion dollars in [...]
Every day – every hour, the problems with Japan’s nuclear reactors seem to get worse. In the wake of the massive 9.0 Japan earthquake on March 11, 2010, radiation leaks from the power plants are causing major concerns. Worldwide, countries are re-evaluating the safety of nuclear energy within their own borders. Fears of what could [...]
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Solar panels can be a big investment, yet with prices having dropped 50% over the past few years and government incentives and rebates further slashing the cost, many homeowners are opting to go solar. With a solar power system, you can both save energy, cut annual electricity bills and even increase the value of your [...]
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