July 25, 2011
New Solar Energy Jobs
Solar Startup Semprius to Create 250 Jobs in North Carolina at Cutting-Edge Pilot Plant
Energy Department-enabled innovation made Tuesday, July 19, a good day for North Carolina.
Entrepreneurs from Durham-based solar startup Semprius teamed with Governor Bev Purdue to announce the company’s plan to build a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Henderson. The factory is expected to create more than 250 full-time jobs over the next five years, which is a particular boon for Henderson, where the county unemployment rate reached 13.3% in May. This follows on the heels of news that Siemens recently participated with others in a $20 million investment in Semprius. Siemens took a 16% stake in the company – a vote of confidence from a global engineering giant with years of success in the solar industry.
None of this comes as a surprise to those of us who have followed Semprius’ progress as a pioneer in the design and fabrication of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules. The company’s story provides a case-study example for how federally-funded research and development sparks job-creation for Americans in a global growth industry.
Spun out of Lemelson-MIT award winner John Rogers’ research lab at the University of Illinois, Semprius employs a breakthrough semiconductor manufacturing technique called micro-transfer printing, originally invented with Energy Department Office of Science support. This core technology has a broad range of potential applications — from improving LED lighting to increasing computer hard drive capacity to making tiny sensors for next-generation medical devices. It enables Semprius to combine extremely small solar cells — about one half the surface area of a pin head — with low-cost, highly efficient lenses that concentrate the sun’s energy more than 1100 times.
Semprius first explored the idea of using micro-transfer printing for HCPV with the help of a 2007 “Next Gen” grant from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The company’s progress has been astounding since then; it earned Semprius one of four spots in the 2010 class of the PV Incubator Program along with recent record-breakers Alta Devices and Solar Junction and Tetrasun, which also closed a funding round recently. Like its peers, Semprius has benefited greatly from its participation in the Incubator. “Programs like the PV Incubator allow you to develop quicker, implement quicker and go to market quicker,” as Semprius CEO Joe Carr recently told me. Access to key tools and personnel at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) has helped the company optimize both its tiny cell (NREL-confirmed 41.7% ) and its module.
This news adds Semprius to a growing list of PV Incubator participant companies that have attracted significant private investment and are plowing it into new manufacturing operations in communities like Henderson across the U.S. Between 2007 and 2010, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invested $50 million in the Incubator for 20 solar startups like Semprius. Private investment in those firms now totals more than $1.3 billion, a 25-to-1 multiple.
These companies already employ more than 1,200 people in good hi-tech jobs, and that number is poised to grow rapidly as new manufacturing facilities come online. Six of those companies — 1366, Abound, Calisolar, PrimeStar (acquired by GE), Solopower, and now Semprius — have publicly announced plans to hire more than 3,800 full-time workers for new factories being built here in America.
The Department’s SunShot Initiative investments are not only making solar energy systems cost competitive with traditional sources of energy by the end of the decade; programs like the PV Incubator catalyze market support for leading companies like Semprius that are putting Americans to work.
Filed under Press Releases, Solar Power by newenergy
September 21, 2010
Find Out Why DIY Solar Panels Are So Valuable
If alternative energy sources excite you then you’re going to love DIY solar panels. We must now begin to seriously start taking advantage of alternative energy sources. We cannot continue to consume fossil fuels the way we have in the past.
It’s simply not sustainable on several levels. It may seem complex, but in reality making a solar power system isn’t hard at all. Furthermore, the tools and materials needed to get the job done can be purchased at your local hardware store.
For a couple hundred dollars you can buy everything you will need. There are some really great manuals can be purchased that instruct homeowners how to build a solar panel. One solar panel can generate up to 120 watts of electricity.
A solar array, which is several solar panels wired together, can generate enough electricity to power your entire home. Going off the grid is what this is known as. Going off the grid simply means that you no longer rely on the power company to supply you with your electricity.
The electricity that you do not use can actually be sold back to the power company. How awesome is that? Constructing DIY solar panels is a very straightforward process. Solar panels are made of solar cells that are strong, or wired together.
Photovoltaic refers to the solar cells converting light into electricity. Here, the source of light is, of course, the sun. Manufacturers charge tens of thousands of dollars for their solar power systems.
Getting the homeowner’s money back through savings can take a long time for high-priced systems. By building your own solar energy system you can do it for a fraction of that. These are high quality panels. The cost savings can be substantial as well. Getting your money back won’t take long at all.
As long as the system is maintained properly savings will continue. The federal government of the United States offers generous tax breaks and rebates to homeowners that use alternative energy. The technology is extremely user-friendly.
There are step-by-step guides that can be purchased online to show you how it’s done. There are both written instructions and a video series where you can see how it’s actually done. There are a great many advantages for utilizing DIY solar panels.
The sun is the source of an unlimited amount of energy that we can tap into. In addition, there is actually no pollution or carbon footprint involved with using it. I actually consider it to be a noble undertaking.
Filed under Solar Power by newenergy
October 19, 2008
Solar Power For Home Use – Making Solar Power For Home Use
Generating solar power for home use is one way that concerned homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint – and save money. There is a constant supply of solar energy, renewed every day, and generating solar power for home use helps to reduce the environmental damage from fossil fuel use. Many people are interested in generating solar power at home, but are concerned that solar power solutions are expensive and awkward. In actual fact, generating solar power for home use is neither difficult nor expensive. In addition, you will reap the financial benefits as the solar power solutions cut down your power bills. And, of course, future generations will appreciate the cleaner, greener environment.
There are a number of ways to harness solar power for home use.
Solar Cooker
A solar cooker will cook food using only solar power, with no need for any other fuel. Using the suns’ energy, the average solar cooker can cook for up to five people. You might think that a solar cooker would limit the range of foods you can serve, but in actual fact, a wide variety is possible. There is more available than simply boining food – the solar cooker will also bake and roast! One possible limitation is the length of time it takes to cook food in a solar cooker – you do need to plan well ahead. However, because a solar cooker costs nothing to run, it is a viable option to rein in those ever-increasing energy bills. More on Solar Power For Home Use – Making Solar Power For Home Use
Filed under Solar Power by newenergy
September 23, 2008
Solar Power For A Greener America
Solar power has many more uses around your home than just solar heating. The technology has made significant advances and you can now cook, heat your pool and even refrigerate your groceries using energy from the sun. However, your solar home may have issues that you may be unaware of. In this article, we’ll talk about the economic and environmental benefits and drawbacks of using solar power.
The biggest benefit of solar energy is that the fuel is free and the source is unlimited. There is little to no maintenance required with solar panels because there are no moving parts. In fact, most manufacturers include warranties on their products that are good for up to twenty-five years. In the event of a blackout, solar power is not affected. That means that during extreme storms, your family can still enjoy all the comforts of your solar home.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
September 17, 2008
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Power – Revealed
With a new emphasis on alternative energy, it is no wonder people all over are starting to use the benefits of solar power. It is certainly an everlasting energy source, as long as there is the sun, there will be available solar power.
One advantage of this alternative power is that it is a very available energy source for electricity. However, there are also some disadvantages to solar energy that you should be aware of.
It’s best to research all of the advantages and disadvantages of solar power before you actually have a system installed on your home. If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, then you’ll know that setting up your home for solar enerfgy is the right decision for you.
The Short-term Cost of Solar Energy: A Disadvantage
The sun’s rays are free, they beat down naturally on earth, however, it costs a lot of money to actually set up solar cells and other solar equipment on your home. Just the equipment to power a pool can cost thousands of dollars. It is very important that you diligently research all costs associated with powering any part of your home before you do it.
More on Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Power – Revealed
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
September 10, 2008
What Is Solar Power? Knowing Could Save You Money
Like most people you probably know that now more than ever we need to find alternative energy sources. Solar, nuclear and wind power are all viable options, but solar power is the most popular alternate energy source for residential homes.
Beyond knowing that it turns the sun’s rays into electricity, do you really know how it all works? If you’re interested in learning more about solar energy and are considering having it installed in your home, call a company that sets up solar panels start asking them questions.
You can also use the internet to research what solar energy is, find out how much it costs, the pros and cons of having it and you can even learn how it all works. If after learning what solar power is all about, and you decide that it’s for you, start pricing around and set up your home for solar capabilities so that you never have to pay another dime to the electric companies.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
September 8, 2008
Solar Energy & Photovoltaics
David Tanguay asked:
Solar energy is energy that is harnesses from the Sun. The technologies harness the sun’s incredible energy for practical ends. Solar power plants use a variety of methods to collect sunlight and convert this energy into electricity.
While the use of solar energy has been used for millennia, it’s potential has only been recognized within the past few decades{readmore}, when it played an essential part in the success of early commercial satellites. After the Solar energy collected, it is most often stored as heat in the thermal mass of buildings, however batteries, water tanks, and other storage facilities can be used to store energy in thermal and chemical forms.
Solar energy provides an energy efficient and environmentally friendly power source and it has satisfied the demands of activists for an eco-friendly world. Solar energy has also become an attractive solution to global warming.
More on Solar Energy & Photovoltaics
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
August 27, 2008
Solar Energy Facts
Most power plants in the United States and all over world are using fossil fuels to operate and generate electricity. They have been used as an energy source as long as man has learned to generate power. These traditional fuel sources have been around for ages and when man started using this energy sources no one though about the consequences. Fossil fuels will eventually run out and there will be a shortage of it in near future. This shortage in will have its affect on our daily live and various industries. Today we see some of these affects already, prizes are raising and electricity is becoming more expensive. Although these fuels are more scares, the need will still be here and will not decrease in near future. To solve this shortage we will need to look for other possibilities for our energy demand.
Fortunately, alternative energy sources are growing in interest. For instance, locations with high water falls are experimenting on building a hydro-electric power plant, which turns out to be successful. Other locations with high wind speed make use of a power wind mills that can convert wind power into electricity. Also thermal and tidal powers are good alternatives.
Solar energy is also one of the energy sources that is gaining in interest. This form of energy has steadily been growing. Today it is widely used in the US and other parts of the world and the advantages are numerous. Our solar energy source, the sun, its life span is estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. It is fair to say that this energy source is almost endless.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
“SOLAR ENERGYâ€
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Today in Pakistan we are facing shortage of almost every basic need of life like water, gas, and especially electricity. It is the worst conditions we are facing now a days. The reason for that is…well we all know “THE REASONS†don’t we!!! Few days back I was reading an article in a local newspaper which was about getting electricity like many European countries which is from “Wind Turbinesâ€. It’s a very good idea and we must have to think other ways of energy to meet our needs. Another idea which I’m going to discuss here is “SOLAR ENERGYâ€.  As we all know that summer season is longer than winter in Pakistan. So it means we can get more and more sunlight. In my view Solar Energy Systems will be more successful in Pakistan than any European country because thankfully we can have more sunlight than Europe.
Many scientists and engineers from all over the world are working in this field. Some say that it’ll be very costly, YES it’ll be but only in start as like everything when it’s new its price is high but when the competition arises then prices goes down its simple economics. We’ve used the Sun for drying clothes and food for thousands of years, but only recently have we been able to use it for generating power. The Sun is 150 million Kilometers away, and amazingly powerful. Just the tiny fraction of the Sun’s energy that hits the Earth (around a hundredth of a millionth of a percent) is enough to meet all our power needs many times over. In fact, every minute, enough energy arrives at the Earth to meet our demands for a whole year – if only we could harness it properly and preserve it.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
August 14, 2008
DIY Solar Power: The Do-It-Yourself Alternative
If you have been paying attention to any current events lately you will have noticed the importance of alternative energy solutions such as solar power. Solar power, like many of the alternate energy sources has its advantages and disadvantages.
For one, solar panels can be costly and tricky to install, but with DIY solar power you can install them yourself at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure that you live in an area that gets adequate sunlight, or you may be living in the dark.
This is not complicated as long as you are technologically proficient. If you are, you can easily install the solar cells and other equipment yourself. There are many companies who sell DIY solar energy kits.
They cost around seven hundred dollars or less and they are the perfect way to get you set up with solar power so that you never have to pay the electricity company again. Just keep in mind that solar power is only cost effective as a long-term plan. Paying to have it set up or setting it up yourself with solar energy is very costly if you move out of the house six months later.
Finding A Supplier of DIY Solar Energy
Finding a solar energy company who has all the equipment you need shouldn’t be too difficult. There are many available. Simply look in your local yellow pages or do an internet search.
Even if you have to have the items shipped, it’s worth it if you can save a little bit of money. The instructions for how to set up the DIY solar energy equipment will be included and many of them have money back guarantees.
Think of it. All you have to do is pay your fee once for all the DIY solar power equipment and then you’ll have free, unending energy that comes directly from the sun. You’ll end up saving loads of money in the long run.
Before you decide on a company for all your solar energy equipment, make sure they have a provision where you can order replacement parts in case any of your solar cells or converters becomes damaged. The parts that come with a DIY solar power kit are intended to last a long time, but as in anything else, life can come at you fast. So make sure there is some kind of warranty or system available that will enable you to use your solar equipment for as long as you own your home.
If you need help installing your DIY solar power equipment and don’t want to pay any labor costs, search the internet for how-to articles on how to install it yourself. Then, you can finally say goodbye to the energy company once and for all.
Converting to alternate energy sources, such as solar power is a way to do your part to help reduce our need for electricity. Not only is it good for the environment, but switching to solar power will also save you money in the long run.
If you are going to live in your house for longer than the next eight months you can get the full benefits of going DIY solar. Just don’t install DIY solar power where the sun doesn’t shine.
Hydrogen Fuel Video Channel
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
August 9, 2008
Is Solar Energy Reliable?
Solar power is becoming a way of life for many people across the globe. From isolated communities to inner city suburbs, solar energy is becoming a very popular choice to better the environment.
Solar energy has been in existence ever since life on our planet began. We have been using the strength of the sun in many different ways, past and present. The more modern technique of using solar energy has been through the use of solar panels.
Solar energy is 100% reliable, if our planet did not receive this energy, or if the energy increased or dropped significantly, then the earth would more than likely struggle to support mankind. However, some methods regarding how we use solar energy are by no means 100% reliable.
The more modern method of harnessing solar energy has been through the use of solar panels. The technology used to turn sunlight into electricity is still in its infancy. Newer and better technologies are emerging every year, and one day we can be hopeful that solar panels could easily support a large household in a reliable way.
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
“Keep your face to the sunshine…” — Helen Keller
No matter where you look, alternative energy is the topic du jour. Driven by the economics of record-high crude oil, the spotlight is shifting to non-traditional renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.
But while solar stocks were some of the biggest gainers for much of last year, recently the solar power industry has taken big hits – with several key leaders such as First Solar (FLSR) SunPower (SPWR) and Evergreen Solar (ESLR) down as much as 50% off their 52 week highs.
To find out what’s going on with solar energy and the other renewable energy sources, we recently surveyed 182 respondents working directly in the alternative energy industry.
More on 2008 is the Year of Solar Energy, According to New Changewave Survey
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
July 12, 2008
This Is Why You Should Choose Solar Power
When the electrical utility bill is increasing each and every month you can do a few things. You can cry and pull out your hair; refuse to pay and get cut off and have no utilities; you could work harder and more hours each month to keep up the rising costs; or you could invest in other alternative sources of energy to cut the electrical utility bill. One of these alternative sources of energy is solar energy. And indeed, you will need to invest that means putting in your own (or borrowed) money, but the investment can make a huge difference for now and many years to come.
Solar energy is derived from the power emitted by the sun to produce energy. The sun emits enough energy on the Earth in one day to supply the needs of the world for one year. The amount of solar power that the Earth receives from the sun is estimated to be 770 trillion kilowatts or an amount 5,000 times bigger than the sum of all energy resources we are using, may it be nuclear, geothermal, or gravitational energy. The estimated remaining life of the sun is around 4.5 billion years.
Solar power is produced primarily through the use of photovoltaic cells, or commonly known as the solar cells. The process of converting solar power into electricity is as follows: The solar cells are placed under direct sunlight. The rays of the sun hits the cells initiating a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. This current is later turned into electricity.
There are two classification of solar power: passive solar and active solar. The first classification does not make use of panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar power. Instead, it involves planning a structure in such a way that it can capture the rays of the sun with windows, tanks, and other permanent structure. This system can be used to provide heat to houses, water, and so on.
The second classification involves the solar panels or the group of solar cells. These panels are placed in such away that its exposure to the sunlight is maximized. It will convert sunlight to electricity, which is transformed later on from direct current (DC) electricity to alternate current (AC) electricity, and consumed it immediately or store it in batteries. It may be also fed into the grid system of the local utility.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Power
There are some disadvantages of using solar power. These are the following:
Initial costs on installation of solar power systems can be quite expensive.
Cloudy weather condition can be a problem in collecting solar power for some systems.
If you live in area where there is little sun shine this will be a problem.
Solar power can not be produced at night.
There are numerous advantages of using solar power. These are enumerated in the following items:
Solar power is almost limitless. Remember that the remaining life span of the sun is estimated to be 4.5 billion years.
It is relatively abundant.
It can be absorbed, reflected, transmitted, and insulated.
It can be stored in batteries for night time use.
Using solar power is not only a solid investment for years to come it also saves the environment. Thus this investment is not doesn’t only saves you money but you making this world a better place to live in for years to come. Investing in solar power is worth your money, don’t overlook the potential.
Electric Cars Video Channel
Filed under Alternative Energy by newenergy
June 16, 2008
Intel Funds New Solar Initiative
Intel Spins off Solar Energy Technology; Intel Capital Invests in SpectraWatt
Cogentrix Energy, PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund, Solon AG also Invest in SpectraWatt to Deliver Solar Cells
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 16, 2008 – To spur new development and demand for renewable energy sources, Intel Corporation is spinning off key assets of a start-up business effort inside Intel’s New Business Initiatives group to form an independent company called SpectraWatt Inc. Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment organization, is leading a $50 million investment round in SpectraWatt and is joined by Cogentrix Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund (“CETF”) and Solon AG. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008.
SpectraWatt will manufacture and supply photovoltaic cells to solar module makers. In addition to focusing on advanced solar cell technologies, SpectraWatt will concentrate development efforts on improvements in current manufacturing processes and capabilities to reduce the cost of photovoltaic energy generation. SpectraWatt expects to break ground on its manufacturing and advanced technology development facility in Oregon in the second half of 2008 with first product shipments expected by mid-2009.
“SpectraWatt is a great example of technology resulting from entrepreneurial efforts inside Intel,” said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president. “This is an important investment for Intel Capital in the growing cleantech sector and we look forward to working with the company to support its expansion.”
Solar cells are the discrete components in a solar energy generation system responsible for converting sunlight to electricity. The end-user market segment for solar technology in 2007 was approximately $30 billion, a 50 percent increase from 2006, according to Photon Consulting. Solar industry growth of 30 to 40 percent annually is expected to continue in years to come as the economics of solar, which is currently approximately twice the cost of delivered retail electricity on a per kilowatt basis, begins to approach that of traditional electricity-generation technologies.
Intel has a long history of commitment to the environment and has applied technology innovation to drive energy-efficiencies within its own products and operations. The development of a small solar business within Intel is consistent with the philosophy to protect the environment as well as seek new business opportunities. Intel is on track to reduce its total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent from 2004 levels through 2010, and also recently introduced lead- and halogen-free microprocessors. Additionally, Intel currently tops the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power list as the largest purchaser of renewable energy credits.
“The formation of SpectraWatt is an important step forward in the renewable energy market,” said Andrew B. Wilson, SpectraWatt CEO and former general manager in the Intel New Business Initiatives group. “We are pleased to work with these companies in the goal of moving toward long-term national energy independence.”
“We are very proud to be part of this exciting new venture,” said Thomas Krupke, SOLON AG CEO. “With the experience and commitment of all companies involved, we are confident to reach our common goal — advancing solar technology to a new stage.”
About Intel Capital
Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment organization, makes equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, home, mobility, health, consumer Internet, semiconductor manufacturing and cleantech. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$7.5 billion in approximately 1,000 companies in 45 countries. In that timeframe, 168 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 212 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2007, Intel Capital invested about US$639 million in 166 deals with approximately 37 percent of funds invested outside the United States. For more information on Intel Capital and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com.
About Cogentrix Energy, LLC
Cogentrix Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is a leading owner and operator of independent power and cogeneration assets in North America. Cogentrix is a primary Goldman Sachs platform for the development and operation of both conventional and renewable power generation in North America and selected international markets.
About The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc
Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of services worldwide to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals. Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms. The firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and other major financial centers around the world.
About PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund
The PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund is a co-mingled fund of funds and co-investment vehicle dedicated to investing across the spectrum of the global clean energy and technology value chain. The fund is managed by a dedicated cleantech investment team within PCG Asset Management, which oversees more than $15 billion of private equity commitments through a combination of fund-of-funds, separate accounts and advisory relationships and is based in La Jolla, Calif.
About Solon AG
SOLON AG für Solartechnik is one of the largest solar module manufacturers in Europe and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants. The SOLON Group has subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States, and employs more than 700 people worldwide. The SOLON Group’s core business is the manufacture of solar modules in various performance categories and of complete photovoltaic systems for the construction of solar power plants.
Filed under Press Releases by newenergy




















