Energy Use Down, But Biofuels, Wind, Solar & Hydro Up
A new report from the feds says, due to the recession, overall energy consumption in the U.S. dropped in 2009. However, renewable energy … biodiesel, ethanol, wind, solar and hydro power … use during that same period actually increased.
This report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that overall energy consumption in 2009 dropped by 4.8 percent, the second year in a row that consumption dropped and just the third time since 1949 that energy consumption has declined for two or more consecutive years. But clean energy sources fared much better during that same time:
Consumption of all major fuels declined between 2008 and 2009, except for renewables. Coal dropped the most, falling 12 percent, while petroleum consumption fell nearly 5 percent, and natural gas consumption fell 2 percent. Even nuclear fuel consumption fell by nearly 1 percent…
Against this backdrop, it is noteworthy that renewable energy consumption increased by 5.4 percent in 2009 to 7.8 quadrillion Btus (Figure 1.2). This follows a 9.6-percent increase between 2007 and 2008. These two increases, coupled with the consecutive year decreases in total energy consumption, boosted renewable energy’s share of total consumption from 6.6 percent in 2007 to 8.2 percent in 2009. This is renewable energy’s greatest share of the U.S. energy pie since 1984 when there were near record levels of hydropower.
Battery Breakthrough Revolution
There are certainly benefits to owning a grid-tied PV system. Selling peak solar electricity back to the grid during the day can offset much of the off-peak energy required by solar homes. It becomes even more lucrative if we can get our policymakers behind feed-in tariffs. But an alleged “battery breakthrough” could eliminate any need for grid power and really boost the distributed generation side of the solar industry.
This potential breakthrough is called the Ceramatec battery. It was developed in Salt Lake City, Utah by Ceramatec, a division of advanced ceramics manufacturer CoorsTek. This battery promises to change our whole system of electricity consumption, transforming our homes from grid-tied power consumers to individual power producers. How? It’s small and safe enough to sit in your garage or basement, and according to Ceramatec, very affordable to boot.
Photo Credit: Impact Lab
BBB Urges Consumers to Make Smart Solar Energy Investments
BBB Urges Consumers to Make Smart Solar Energy Investments
With warm weather approaching and many consumers looking to stick to a budget when making home improvements, many are turning to green solar energy as a solution. BBB advises consumers to be smart about investing in any home improvement project.
Maryland Commercial Solar Rebates & Alternative Energy Incentives
State Rebate for MD Commercial Solar Panel Installation and Renewable Energy Usage
The state of Maryland provides a grant for commercial renewable energy installations.
Federal Tax Credit for MD Commercial Solar Panels and Wind Energy
The federal government provides excellent savings on MD solar power and renewable energy installations via a federal tax credit. Eligible renewable energy installations – such as solar photovoltaic, solar hot water heating, and wind turbines – are eligible for a federal tax credit in the amount of 30% of the cost of the project.
Building A Solar System Model For Kids
Building A Solar System Model For Kids – What To Look For In A How To Build Solar Panel Book Posted Mar 27, 2011 by Energy Saver (UpVery.com) Mar 27, 2011 — Building A Solar System Model For Kids
Learn How To Build Solar Panel Books pretty much gives you an idea of what they do by their name – they teach you to build solar panels from scratch and instruct you on how to install it, so you can make use of it at home. Building your own home solar energy system is a crucial thing, you’re dealing with a system that’s eventually going to generate energy for your home, so you’ll be dealing with some electrical stuff later on. Thus it is important to choose a book that’s as accurate as possible and reliable enough to guide you through the whole process.
There are a number of How To Build Solar Panel Books in the market, so it’s a good thing to know what you should look for before choosing one.
Solar hybrid systems for rural electrification, Solar Power for Africa
If the field of solar modules and the capacity of the battery system are designed accordingly, maximum supply security can be achieved even in times of less sunshine, which however occur less frequently in Africa than in Central Europe. 81 ‘Schott ASE 100’ solar modules with a total peak performance of 8.1 kW (kWpeak) supply solar direct current to 6 ‘SMA Technologie AG’ inverters. These three ‘SMA SI 4248’ and three ‘Sunnyboy SB 3800’ convert the solar power into alternating current, as we know it from our sockets here at home too. The modules cover a surface of approx. 80 m2 and were mounted on the roof with a ‘LORENZ PLUS’ supporting structure manufactured by Energiebau Solarstromsysteme GmbH. According to calculations by Energiebau the investment in solar energy production under Africa’s sun will have paid off after 10-15 years, so-called energetic amortisation is achieved even faster: within two to five years, the solar power system will have produced as much energy as was required for its manufacturing.
A model for the whole of Africa
Read the rest of this entry »
Canada Solar Forum
An audience at Grant MacEwan University’s CN Theatre watch a video as part of the Solar Energy Society of Alberta’s presentation from Chief Gordon Planes of the T’Sou-ke First Nation. His community in western B.C. is the most solar intensive community in Canada.
Three years ago, says Chief Gordon Planes, his people were worried for their future.
The people of the TSou-ke Nation have lived on Vancouver Island for centuries, Planes told an Edmonton-area audience this week, fishing from the sea and carving boats from trees. But environmental pressures have put those traditions at risk. Are salmon still going to be coming up our rivers? Are there still going to be clams on our beaches?
Brian Farhi
Brian Farhi is a market and product strategy professional with 13 years of experience in the solar and energy efficiency-related fields. Brian’s experience spans across a variety of solar market segments and a wide range of products/services both in and complementary to the photovoltaic industry.
Currently, Brian’s Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at SolarNexus – a web-based solar operations management software for solar contractors, distributors, manufacturers and other relevant parties within the solar industry.
Prior to SolarNexus, Brian provided advice and guidance to industry leaders on subjects ranging from market analysis to technical feasibility. Among these roles, he’s provided strategic support to startups, and investment guidance and due diligence to the CalCEF Clean Energy Angel Fund.
Solar Energy Paint
Solar Paint
Solar Paint is an environmentally friendly solar cell technology that will allow every household in Australia to generate their own electricity, affordably and sustainably.
The invention involves the development of a completely printable organic solar cell based on semiconducting polymer nanoparticles dispersed in water. Essentially these tiny particles in suspension are a water-based paint, which can be printed or coated over large areas. In the first instance these coatings will be put onto plastic sheets that can be placed on the roof of a house. However, in the longer term it will be possible to directly paint a roof or building surface.
About the Inventor
Read the rest of this entry »
These days | Asia and Pacific
At a meeting with Mr. S.M. Krishna, India’s Foreign Minister in New Delhi, Mr. Ossur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made a formal request that India would continue to support Iceland’s Economic Recovery Programme within the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Also Mr. Skarphedinsson expressed his gratitude for India’s positive reaction towards the Icelandic government request for support when disbursement of the Fund’s loan to Iceland was delayed at an earlier stage.
Read the rest of this entry »