Silicon wafers coated in a protein extracted from spinach produce an electric current that is nearly 2-1/2 times higher than the previously best level reported for so-called biohybrid solar cells. The protein, called photosystem 1 (PS1), converts sunlight into electrical energy. For the last few decades, researchers have learned how to extract and harness PS1 to create solar cells, but …
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Canadian Wind Power Worker Threatened
Wind energy industry calls for respectful dialogue after Ontario worker reportedly threatened with death The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is issuing a call for a respectful and fact-based dialogue on wind energy after a construction worker on a wind energy project was reportedly threatened with death in West Grey, Ontario, on July 26, by a man armed with a …
Read More »Proposal To Make Univ of Iowa Tops In Solar
It’s a vision that would make the University of Iowa one of the top solar energy using universities in the country. “All over campus, on top of the dorms, even small little car charging points where students can plug their electric bikes into,” said Tim Dwight, who formed the Iowa Solar and Small Wind Energy Trade Association. Dwight is now …
Read More »California Reaches Solar Milestone
California’s big solar farms have surpassed a new milestone amid the late summer heat, reaching one gigawatt of electrical generation capacity, the state’s main grid operator said Tuesday. The state’s large-scale solar fields hit a new peak in production on Friday at nearly 1.1 gigawatts, or 1.1 billion watts, according to the California Independent System Operator. That peak output, which …
Read More »CLIMATE MODELS MAY OVERSTATE BLACK CARBON’S INFLUENCE
Global climate models may be overstating the warming properties of black carbon particles, according to new research led by the University of California, Davis. The study will be published online Aug. 31 in the journal Science. “Our results don’t change the fact that things are going to warm — just to what degree, literally,” said Christopher Cappa, a UC Davis …
Read More »Solar Power Digest
Solar gardens to bloom on Colorado rooftop, farm field and parking lot Denver Post Where do you plant a solar garden? In Colorado they’ll be found on the roof of an old airplane hangar, on pillars hovering over a vegetable field and a school parking lot. Those are a few of the place that the first solar gardens – photovoltaic …
Read More »Wind Power News Digest
Building-Integrated Wind Power System The largest building-integrated wind power system in the U.S. is now spinning on the roof of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), thanks to a collaboration between Venger Wind and SWG Energy. Venger Wind installed a series of 18 vertical axis wind turbines (their own V2 model) as a part of OMRF’s sustainability strategy of producing …
Read More »Solar Downturn Spreads to BOS Sector
According to EnergyTrend, the green energy research division of TrendForce, the demand in PV market remained sluggish. Outlook for September appears bleak, and the expected demand rebound may not occur. On the other hand, shrinking end-market subsidies has affected the return on investment (ROI) of solar systems. Manufacturers and makers have become less flexible when it comes to cost control …
Read More »Energy Saving Tips #6 Ed Begley Jr.
Actor and environmental advocate and Energy Upgrade CA in LA County spokesperson, Ed Begley, Jr., gives easy, do-it-yourself tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use. This segment highlights how homeowners can easily compost any yard clippings, food scraps, and other organic waste materials and replenish soil nutrients in their yards with the resulting compost. Making your own compost …
Read More »Energy Savings From Using Smart Thermostats
The Growth of Solar-Powered Houses of Worship
New solar financing methods help houses of worship go green in California They span the range of religions and faiths. New solar financing tools now enable houses of worship throughout California to go solar and reduce their energy expenses. Berkeley’s Sun Light & Power has pioneered solar installations for non-profits and houses of worship in the Bay Area and throughout …
Read More »Solar Panel Orders Look Bleak For August
Anti-Dumping Cases between U.S., China, and Europe Render August European solar companies jointly filed an anti-dumping complaint to the EU against Chinese solar firms. In the meantime, the Chinese government is debating launching an anti-dumping investigation on multi-Si product imports from foreign companies. To top it all off, the United States’ final ruling on the anti-dumping and anti-countervailing cases will …
Read More »Saving Energy In The Summer For Businesses
How your business can save energy this summer With summer upon us, now is the time for businesses to take steps to save energy before the temperature rises. Upgrading to high-efficiency cooling equipment and lighting are two ways businesses can use less energy and improve comfort this summer. Here are some specific tips to stay cool, save energy and keep …
Read More »Energy Efficiency Tips #4
100% Recycling Actor and environmental advocate and Energy Upgrade CA in LA County spokesperson, Ed Begley, Jr., gives easy, do-it-yourself tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use. This segment highlights recycling practices in the home and the importance of buying recycled products for the home. Other Energy Saving Tips: Number one Number two Number three Number six
Read More »Energy Efficiency Tips #3
Energy and Environmentally Conscious Laundry Habits Actor and environmental advocate and Energy Upgrade CA in LA County spokesperson, Ed Begley, Jr., gives easy, do-it-yourself tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use. This segment highlights how homeowners can do laundry in the most energy efficient and environmentally conscious way possible. Other Energy Saving Tips: Number one Number two Number …
Read More »Energy Efficiency Tips #2
Thermostat Episode Actor and environmental advocate and Energy Upgrade CA in LA County spokesperson, Ed Begley, Jr., gives easy, do-it-yourself tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use. This segment highlights how to use an energy conserving thermostat to regulate heating and cooling air in the home. Other Energy Saving Tips: Number one Number three Number four
Read More »Energy Efficiency Tips #1
Thermostat Episode Actor and environmental advocate and Energy Upgrade CA in LA County spokesperson, Ed Begley, Jr., gives easy, do-it-yourself tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use. This segment highlights “vampire power,” or those electronics sucking electricity but giving you nothing in return, and energy efficient lights for the home. Other Energy Saving Tips: Number two Number three …
Read More »First Tidal Power Online in Maine
Special shout out for this project just launched in Maine. Tidal power goes online with a FERC license and purchase agreement. Hats off to those who made it possible. The ocean is a tremendous bank of energy. Covering more than two-thirds of our planet, the amount of energy embodied in the ocean’s tides, currents, and waves, not to mention temperature …
Read More »electric cars in california
derknorm asked: maybe the future of california is green? electric cars in california charging their batteries with green energy
Read More »Solar Prices Decline Slows As Demand Increases
Solar Module Price Erosion Slows in the Second Half of 2012 as Demand Rises In a modicum of good news for the battered solar industry, price declines for photovoltaic modules are expected to moderate slightly in the second half of 2012 on the strength of renewed demand, according to the latest IHS iSuppli Photovoltaics Cell & Module Production Market Tracker …
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