Clipmarks | Naomi-K's clips

Solar Panel Performance Testing

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:29:03 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: This a very good idea. Lack of an across-the-board standard for solar panels has hindered its adoption.
Having panels tested independently by the government will boost consumer confidence. Solar tiles are also an example of integrated technology. They are not as noticeable as panels. Their price is also slightly offset by the fact that they replace the need for roofing tiles where they are installed.

Clip Source: www.technologyreview.com

The government tests cars for gas mileage. Now it's testing roof tiles for wattage.

Around 500 square feet of PV tiles can produce three kilowatts of electricity, according to Subhendu Guha, president and chief operating officer of United Solar Ovonic, a maker of PV shingles in Auburn Hills, MI -- and most roofs are several times that size. His company's version is dark blue and can blend with ordinary shingles of a similar shade. Or a builder might devote an entire sunny section to PV materials.

"A south-facing roof on a three-bedroom home could supply 20 to 30 percent of the home's electrical needs," says Paul Maycock, a consultant and head of PV Energy Systems in Williamsburg, VA.

Photovoltaics - How they Work

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:30:20 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: It'd be nice to see a video of this....
The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839.
The first photovoltaic cells were made in 1918.

Since then Einstein developed photovoltaics. There was a lot of research and development during the 1960's Space Race, when satellites were powered by solar panels.

The 1970's saw the beginning of residential solar use. For houses living far off the electricity grid, photovoltaics made financial sense.

Prices have since fallen from $30 a watt down to $7 a watt for residential installations.

Now due to technology advancing and power costs rising, the price of solar energy is still falling. The future of solar energy looks bright indeed.

Clip Source: solartradingpost.com

To understand how photovoltaics work, you first need to understand a bit about solar energy. Basically, sunlight is loaded with photons. Think of these as little packages of solar energy. Photovoltaics are panels that turn this sun power into electricity. They are usually made from silicon and small amounts of boron.

When the photons from sunlight hit a silicon molecule, they knock loose one of its free-floating electrons. This electron hits another silicon molecule, shunting it's electron out of it's molecule. This starts a chain reaction, rather like one domino striking another, which knocks over another, and another....

The final result of this chain reaction is what is known as an flow of electrons, or an electrical current.

Solar Stocks

Thu, 08 May 2008 01:42:00 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: It's interesting the connection between oil and electricity.
Part of it is psychological. On the other hand, oil prices do effect electricity, especially coal based electricity. Oil is used in the transport and extraction of coal.
And also, oil is so central to all our commerce that its price has multiple side effects on our economy.

Clip Source: www.forbes.com

Solar Sector Sucked Into Oil's Wake

The gains though were not limited to the oil industry or rational behavior. Even though oil accounts for 2% of electricity production in this country--a negligible amount--the high-flying solar sector rallied on the back of black-gold's gains.

"It's more psychological than operational as the price of oil has no direct bearing on the price of electricity," said Michael Carboy of Signal Hill Group. "What happens though is rising oil prices are equated to rising energy prices and solar gets a good tailwind as a result."

Where the Real Power Lies- in the Distribution Network

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:14:00 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: This article touches on one of the great strengths of solar energy - the ability to produce power in many de-centralized locations and distribute it widely with very little loss.

And as in the spread of telephones, electricity, tv and railway, the real power is held by those who own the distribution network.

What's especially interesting here is that you can draw parallels between solar power and the biggest network around at the moment - the internet.

The way in which both these mediums are alike is that they inherently resist centralized control.

While you can build giant solar power stations, there is still the capability for a homeowner to have their own mini-power station on their roof.

This democratization, of information by the internet, and electricity by solar power, is, I think ,a good thing. Both for the environment and for the individual.

Clip Source: www.cleantechblog.com

Mr. O’Donnell made the point that building roads in the U.S. was a local phenomenon subject to a patchwork of regulations and constraints – until President Eisenhower broke down the barriers with the creation of the Interstate Highway System in the 1950’s. He further noted that high voltage DC technologies now readily available – such as those offered by ABB (NYSE: ABB) – could transmit large blocks of power across the whole continent with losses of only about 11% (excluding the conversion facilities at each terminal).

We in the cleantech community haven’t talked much about it, instead focusing on the sexy/cool generation/storage/consumption technologies, but maybe it’s time to ratchet the discussion about the so-called “smart grid” up to another level.

Built-in Obsolescence in Solar Tariffs Creates Growth

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:45:16 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: By removing the major obstacle to solar energy - high start-up costs - solar has grown tremendously in Spain.

Phasing out this tariff gradually over time is also wise. This decreases dependence on these tariffs - which could destabilise the solar energy market

Clip Source: www.azcentral.com

But the scene is even more unworldly: 624 giant mirrors surround the tower, focusing the sun's radiation at the very top.

The heat there reaches almost 500 degrees, making steam to run an electric turbine. The 11-megawatt system can produce enough power for 6,000 homes.

The tower, which just completed its first year of regular operation, is part of a major solar-electric complex that Abengoa is building near Seville.

One reason for the big push into solar, Fernandez says, is long-term self-interest: "Spain has no natural energy sources."

But the real story here isn't the staggering technology.

It's the financial tool that made it possible - and one that we could adopt here.

Spain has a "feed-in tariff ": Utilities must buy a certain amount of electricity at a guaranteed price from companies that produce electricity from solar and other renewable sources.

The price is designed to cover the extra expense of renewables. But it declines over time, so the crutch is only temporary.

Socially Responsible Green Economy

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:39:35 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: This shows how green markets can develop in a wholistic way - good both for the environment and for society and people

Clip Source: www.mercurynews.com

The job, Perez said, "makes me feel like I'm part of something and I'm improving myself every day." Perez could be the poster child of a movement started in the East Bay and then advocated in presidential campaign speeches and tucked into federal energy legislation: Train at-risk youths and people stuck in low-end jobs or joblessness to work in the millions of manual labor "green economy" jobs that are emerging as this country tries to reduce global warming.

"We call it green pathways out of poverty — connect the people who most need the work with the work that most needs to be done," said Van Jones, the Oakland social justice worker who started the Oakland Green Jobs Corps as well as the national Green for All campaign gaining cross-country attention.

The aim is to offer these training programs in the inner city and in forgotten rural and once-industrial towns where idleness and crime have replaced factory work.

Oil Consumption USA

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:50:29 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: The Picture Says it All

Clip Source: graphics8.nytimes.com

Ice Shelf Cracking

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:09:47 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K

Clip Source: news.nationalgeographic.com

March 25, 2008—New satellite images reveal what scientists call the "runaway" collapse of an enormous ice shelf in Antarctica as the result of global warming.

The chunk of coastal ice was some 160 square miles (415 square kilometers) in area—about seven times the size of Manhattan.

"[It's] an event we don't get to see very often," Ted Scambos, lead scientist at the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado, said in a press statement.

David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey noted that the larger formation from which the chunk detached—the Wilkins Ice Shelf—could itself collapse in 15 years.

"Wilkins is the largest ice shelf on West Antarctica yet to be threatened," Vaughan said in the statement. "This shelf is hanging by a thread."

Solar Energy in Bangladesh

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:21:44 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: Large government investment in Bangladesh grows solar industry.

In remote rural areas, solar panel installations can rapidly improve living conditions. These reduce the urgency for large electricity infrastructures to be built.

Clip Source: energybangla.com

Bangladesh Govt. Goes All Out to Explore Renewable Energy Sources

He said, "As per declaration we plan to reach a 100 MW production target from hydro-sources. We are also keen to see the evaluation report on the Kutubdia wind pilot project as the fate of this project will say what we could do with our islands in so far as electricity is concerned.

The Power Cell in a study paper has said that around 2,200 MW of power could be generated by using alternative energy sources. It said that currently 4 MW of power is being produced by home solar systems and the future prospect of power generation by using solar energy is around 300 MW.

It has been learnt that different non-government organisations have helped to install 75,000 home solar systems in remote rural areas under a rural electrification and renewable energy development project.

Green Collar

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:02:58 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: A new term to indicate a new sector of our society. And a possible upheaval to come in this sector.

Clip Source: www.redorbit.com

Nearly 9 million new jobs and $970 billion in revenue were generated by the national energy industry in 2006, yet industry insiders are concerned that the growth will level off if Congress does not extend renewable energy tax credits.

Figures, and estimates, vary - the California Solar Energy Industries Association of Rio Vista says that up to 7,000 workers statewide are employed at solar energy companies, while some national organizations estimate that one out of four jobs in 2030 in the nation will be green-related.

Green Collar Workers

A Wikipedia entry defines green collar workers as "employed in the environmental sectors of the economy, or in the agricultural sector. Environmental green-collar workers satisfy the demand for green development."

The credits will expire in 2008. Navigant Consulting Inc., a consulting firm based in Chicago, reports that 116,000 jobs and $I9 billion in U.S. investment could be lost in a one-year span if the credits are not renewed.

Solar TPower in Africa

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:41:03 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: An interesting economic proposition . Countries that were previously disadvantaged by desert and arid land have the potential to become the main suppliers of solar energy.

Clip Source: www.bdafrica.com

David Mataen
March 19, 2008: Never in the history of modern civilisation was there so great need for energy like now.

Ironically, the most abundant, most renewable, most free of all renewable resources is the sun. Emerging every day unfailingly from the east, shinning all of 13 hours at the equator and discharging on average 300 watts per square metre.

A plant in Acciona in Las Vegas, United States, called “Nevada Solar One” can generate up to 64 megawatts, equal to the capacity of Olkaria II at Naivasha.

CSP provides an answer to PV’s main pitfalls, it does not involve expensive silicon wafers and wide, shiny, inviting panels open to abuse and vandalism.

Some designs provide power round the clock by storing energy in the form of molten salt. Undoubtedly, this is the solution that Kenya and in deed Africa has been waiting for.

A technological quantum leap, a classic revolution in energy affairs.

Free Enterprise and Solar Energy

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:14:51 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: Excellent argument for market generated solar development.

Clip Source: www.yumasun.com

While the idea of using solar energy is an attractive prospect in our state, what is unattractive about these proposals is the common theme of coercion and taxpayer-supported incentives rather than a reliance on choice.

In order for solar power to truly be successful, it must stand on its own merits. Consumers must want it because they see its value to them, just like any other marketplace option.

In fact, public incentives are likely to discourage the solar industry from developing less costly technology that would be accepted by consumers. Why bother when they know the taxpayers will help subsidize their more costly equipment?

The reality is that there are already market forces at work which are likely to encourage more affordable alternative energy sources, including solar power.

Given time, alternative energy sources will find a more prominent place through the marketplace rather than through coercion or government subsidies.

Incentives may end for Solar Energy

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:51:36 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: This may in fact be a good thing. While I think solar energy needs to grow as a energy source, artificially lowering the price has a limited useful life.

For instance, the oil crisis of 1973 caused car manufacturers to make much more efficient cars.

Similarly, a change in solar prices could induce cheaper, more efficient solar panels.

The stakes are already high for to fill the gap created by oil's high cost.

It looks like they may get higher.

Clip Source: www2.sbsun.com

Engineer Paul Outram said the company made it through a solar market crash in the mid-1980s after tax incentives for solar users expired.

Sun Earth and other solar firms are now faced with the possibility that newer tax breaks created in 2005 could fade away like a sunset.

He estimated that the elimination of tax credits for solar customers could reduce Sun Earth's sales 30percent to 40percent.

The federal government's 30 percent tax credit for homes and businesses that invest in solar technology is scheduled to expire at the end of this year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

On Feb. 27, the House of Representatives passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act. The bill's provisions include an eight-year extension of that tax credit for businesses and a six-year extension for residences.

The Senate has not yet acted on the bill. President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation.

Solar City in Alice Springs

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 23:38:18 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: Interesting idea. However, one of the major benefits of solar energy (in my opinion) is it's decentralizing of energy.

In effect, each person can be responsible, to a degree, for their own electricity.

This ownership by the individual is both empowering and democratic.

This gives greater responsibility to the individual. I think this is one of the major changes that needs to happen for our consumption to be more sustainable.

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

Alice Springs will today become the fifth official Australian Solar City.

General manager of the Solar Cities initiative Brian Elmer says although energy-saving measures are not compulsory, the project is about finding ways in which residents can voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He says the city will become a test piece for nationally reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"The idea of a solar city project across Australia is to test how energy efficiency measures - solar energy. smart metering and changed energy payouts - can impact on greenhouse gas emission reduction," he said.

Carbon Neutral Business and Planting Trees to offset CO2

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:01:51 GMT

clipped by: Naomi-K
clipper's remarks: This is an interesting calculation. The practise of planting trees to offset carbon emissions has been praised and questioned.

While planting trees can only be a good thing, whether it is as effective as cutting down emissions is doubtful.

Ideally, businesses would do both.

Clip Source: www.coolantarctica.com

So I thought "I wonder how realistic this could be" - time to get the calculator and do some sums.

So a mature forest can soak up the equivalent of 440 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per hectare in the 50-100 years it takes to reach maturity - that's a one-off total - not per year and will take several decades at least to get there.

This is approximately equivalent to the entire land area of Spain, twice as big as the United Kingdom and bigger than any US state other than Texas (696,621 sq km.) or Alaska (1,717,854 sq. km.) To be forested anew each year and held as such forever.

It would appear therefore than planting trees alone other than on a colossal scale is not going to even allow us to stand still, let alone start to reverse the effects of global warming.