Archive for the 'Solar' Category

Dust Removing Technology Could Increase Solar Panel Efficiency

mars rover 150x150 Dust Removing Technology Could Increase Solar Panel Efficiency Dust removing technology developed by NASA for robotic machines working on Mars might be an ideal application on solar panels. Large-scale solar power plants are increasingly landing in desert and arid areas across the globe.  However, solar arrays in these areas are susceptible to dust and grime collection.  Dr. Malay Mazumder from Boston University says a dust layer of 4 grams per square meter can reduce a solar panel’s efficiency by 40%.

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Recovery Act Funds to Support Renewable Manufacturing Initiatives, Create Green Jobs

REI1 Recovery Act Funds to Support Renewable Manufacturing Initiatives, Create Green JobsEnergy Secretary Steven Chu announces a new loan guarantee solicitation for renewable energy manufacturing projects. The Commercial Technology Manufacturing Systems and Components solicitation is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will support the deployment of renewable energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase green manufacturing sector employment, which is part of a plan to create new green energy jobs.

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Innovative Solar Air Collector Reduces Heating Costs

solar air collector 150x150 Innovative Solar Air Collector Reduces Heating Costs One of the biggest obstacles with heating a building in the winter time is that the fresh air drawn in through the ventilation system is cold and must be warmed to make it comfortable. Thirteen percent of American energy is used to heat residential and commercial buildings.

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Mergers & Acquisitions Point to Renewable Energy Growth

MA 150x150 Mergers & Acquisitions Point to Renewable Energy GrowthAlthough Vestas’ big second-quarter losses might point to the contrary, investor confidence in the cleantech sector is bullish. A report, compiled by IMAP, a global network of merger and acquisition advisory firms, shows that the number of mergers and acquisitions in the alternative energy sectors rose 54% last year.  IMAP’s research shows that mergers and acquisitions in renewable energy’s three major sectors — solar power, wind energy, and biofuels — was worth US$20.4 billion last year.

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Improving New York’s Electric Grid

grid2 150x150 Improving New Yorks Electric GridBeacon Power Corporation has finalized a $43 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy for an innovative flywheel energy storage project in Stephentown, NY.  The 20 megawatt Flywheel Plant is the latest step by New York State toward improve its electric grid management, and is the first of its kind in the world.

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Green Power Islands: A Solution for Renewable Energy Storage Problems?

Green Power Islands 150x150 Green Power Islands: A Solution for Renewable Energy Storage Problems?A Danish architectural firm is taking a well-known method of energy storage and applying it to renewable energy, turning unused land surrounded by water into Green Power Islands.  The firm, Gottlieb Paludan, is setting up solar and wind farms on these islands then using the surrounding water as energy storage via pumped hydro.

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Air Force Moves to Solar

lukeafb 150x150 Air Force Moves to SolarAn installation of 52,000 solar panels at Luke Air Force Base will generate 15 megawatts of electricity. This number is about half of what the base consumes. Air Force Lt. Col. John Thomas said, “The base will receive stable energy costs and increased energy independence associated with using reliable, emission-free solar power.” SunPower is the company responsible for providing the panels. The San Jose based company is one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the United States. They also make a tracking technology which allows solar panels to follow the arc of the sun in the sky in order to maximize energy production.

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Can Haiti Be Rebuilt with Old Tires and Heart?

Haiti earthship 150x150 Can Haiti Be Rebuilt with Old Tires and Heart?Dirt-filled tires, plastic bottles, rebar and heart could be the recipe for solving the shelter problem for the million or more homeless survivors of the Haiti earthquake. The buildings, called Earthships, provide solid, environmentally sound housing at low cost; best of all, they can be built by the Haitians themselves.

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New Generation of Solar Cells Promises Efficiency

thin film solar 150x146 New Generation of Solar Cells Promises EfficiencyThe laboratory for photovoltaics of the University of Luxembourg has produced its first thin film solar cells made from compound semiconductors, already reaching 12% efficiency. Thin film solar cells are considered the next generation of solar cells and are expected to be considerably cheaper because they need much less material and energy in their production than today’s photovoltaic modules.

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Energy Efficient Homes – Stars of the Future

blog energyefficiency Energy Efficient Homes   Stars of the FutureAre you in the market for a new home? If you are, you are not alone. Millions of new homes are built every year. The National Association of Home Builders estimates, 1.8 million homes are constructed each year. How will all of the materials needed to build and sustain these new homes accommodate our dwindling and limited natural resources?

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