Category Archives: Renewable Energy
14
Aug
Aug
As manufacturing costs of solar panels and equipment have decreased, many hotels are investing in the realization that patrons are more likely to visit and return to a hotel that is more green. Hotels around the world are mounting solar arrays in order to improve the natural habitat of humanity while saving money on energy…
09
Aug
Aug
No, I’m not talking about letting sunlight into the room. These windows actually generate electricity! They are being installed in the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, Saskatechewan, and they are connected to the local electricity grid. Solar panels are usually connected to the local electricity grid to supply the grid with electricity using…
A novel, transparent, two-layer solar film — possessing an impressive solar conversion efficiency of 7.3% — has been created by researchers at the University of California–Los Angeles. The solar film can be placed on windows, buildings, sunroofs, electronics displays, etc; harvesting energy while still at the same time allowing light to pass through and visibility/transparency…
Bosch has decided to step up to the plate and construct an integrated solar power supply system called the BPT-S 5 Hybrid. Almost everything is integrated into it. The company integrated an inverter, Saft lithium-ion batteries, and an energy management system (charge controller) into a single unit which is certified and safety tested for domestic installations….
26
Jul
Jul
When planning your next building project, think about the materials you’re going to use and how you’re going to recycle and reuse any materials you have left over when you’ve finished your project.
23
Jul
Jul
The solar energy trade war between China and the US continues to grow — China will now be imposing anti-dumping import tariffs of up to 57% on solar-grade polysilicon from the US and South Korea, according to a recent announcement from China’s Ministry of Commerce. The import tariffs — which will not affect European polysilicon…
A new efficiency record for dye-sensitized solar cells has been achieved by researchers at EPFL in Switzerland — the new record of 15% has now been achieved thanks to a new fabrication process created by the researchers. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a very promising type of solar cell — largely as a result of…
19
Jun
Jun
“Commercial solar projects are becoming more widespread in Europe. In France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland and United Kingdom, small commercial systems up to 100kW represent a fast-growing, addressable market for our microinverters,” said Olivier Jacques, Managing Director for Enphase Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Enphase offers installers and users a technology solution with a modular architecture, integrated intelligence, lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and increased project profitability.”
17
Jun
Jun
The building has an self-supporting internal structure made from laminated timber with metal mounts, 200mm insulation and a 9mm fiber concrete slab covered with liquid rubber as exterior finish. On the inside the structure is covered with birch plywood which gives an impression of a warm, homely atmosphere. Both frame and filling for the dome are prefabricated and assembled on-site. The perimeter of the house is covered with pre-prepared foundation insulation. The dome utilizes its shape to provide natural ventilation.
05
Jun
Jun
Meeting in Maseru, Lesotho, the 33rd SADC Energy Ministers meeting said the development of a renewable energy strategy will, among other things, ensure that the Southern African Development Community is able to effectively manage and exploit the natural resources that are in abundance in the region.
01
May
May
We are always interested in providing our readers with information concerning sustainable, renewable energy alternatives. This guest post about tidal stream energy comes from Liz Tyler.
26
Apr
Apr
I wrote a post for CleanTechnica on December 6, 2011 about something I’d never before heard about, integral fast reactors — you guessed right, nuclear reactors. Titled, “Our Nuclear Trash Heap Needs IFRs,” I wrote about a 2008 book by environmentalist, Tom Blees, “Prescription for the Planet.”
14
Feb
Feb
To elaborate, biomass is the energy that comes mainly from living things like trees and plants. These store energy from the sun that can be further transformed into heating energy. A biomass system produces significantly less carbon dioxide than some fuels and costs less. Studies have shown the possibility to reduce the costs dedicated to this issue with up to 50 percent. Who would refuse to pay less and contribute to the protection of the environment?
23
Jan
Jan
But keeping in mind the things that are important to you like greener, cleaner energy can help to keep you focused and on task when it comes to choosing an energy provider. The assumption with going green when it comes to energy and electricity is that it is going to cost an arm and a leg. And it is true that green energy oftentimes costs more. That is because the production of cleaner energy is usually more involved, at least initially. But improvements and rapid developments in green technologies mean costs of green energy are coming down, and because governments recognize the importance of supporting and encouraging steps that individuals take towards a sustainable future, it is possible to get green energy subsidized in many countries.
11
Jan
Jan
Jerry Schranz, part of the public relations team, informed me this system takes wastewater from the building (that is derived from bathroom waste water, kitchen water, etc.). This water is then used to grow algae, which is nourished by wastewater. The Algae Appliance invented by OriginOil scientists, processes the water and algae to produce methane, which is then used to power the building. Importantly, the flat panel bioreactors (where the algae grows) can be used on vertical surfaces, so skyscrapers are a huge area of opportunity for this type of energy production.
09
Jan
Jan
Set yourself up with a steam room pretty much anywhere you want with the Sauna Box($41,000). Built into a shipping container, this semi-portable sauna is designed to be completely self-sufficient, with solar panels providing the power and a wood-burning stove. Features include a red cedar interior, integrated iPod stereo, electric guitar hookup, Castor stool, a magnetic truck light, and bronze antlers.
14
Dec
Dec
“This increase in module efficiency, coupled with our thin-film technology’s real-world yield advantage when compared to crystalline silicon PV, results in higher energy density and lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE).”
13
Dec
Dec
Blog writer James Vasanth has written to share his insights with readers on the daunting DIY task of building a solar concentrator for solar hot water. He writes, “In this post, I’ll discuss some key points including how to build your own 2-axis parabolic concentrator.” Thanks, James. The “how-to” steps are welcome, however, a ready made version sounds even better after counting all the steps.