March 11, 2010

Marines GREEN is More than Uniforms

The Marine Corps has gone green with their Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy System. It utilizes stackable 1600W panel arrays and deep cycle batteries to reduce the fuel needed for generators and resupplying fuel in remote locations. GREENS supplies a continuous output of 300W up to 1000W of power. Tested at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, California, it supplied 85% of the energy needed.

Via Energy Matters

Read More in: Solar News | Solar Panels | Solar Power System

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March 10, 2010

India To Build More Solar

India has been steadily rising in the solar PV market. What started out as a 10 member sector a couple of years ago now has 30 module and cell suppliers. The country is looking for investors to produce PV modules and cells, system components, silicon wafers and polysilcion feedstock. In addition to creating, the government is promoting solar energy in the form of solar farms, roof top systems and rural usage to make up for some of their power deficit.

Via Solar Feeds

Read More in: Solar News | Solar Panels | Solar Power System

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March 10, 2010

Coleman Trickle Charger

Coleman's Solar Trickle Charger can be used even on an overcast day with its battery or inside your car via your 1.5W 15V cigarette lighter. It will maintain a charge for your car, small boat, riding mower, etc. when not in use and has reverse current protection when not in use. The 17.3 x 4.4 x 1.3" charger comes with the lighter connection and alligator clips for attachment.

Via Coleman Chargers

March 9, 2010

LDK CEO Says Solar Power to Dominate

Peng Xiaofeng, CEO of China's LDK Solar, claims that solar power will supply 60% of the planet's energy supply 100 years from now. He believes that existing energy sources, such as oil, will run out. The Chinese government wants 20% of their power to come from renewable energy by 2020.

LDK is located in Xinyu, now nicknamed 'Solar Power City,' and also houses most of its 14,000 employees. Peng also says that people underrate the cleaner energy and we have to agree.

Via New Energy News

Read More in: Solar News | Solar Power System

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March 9, 2010

Man Treks to Key West In Solar Stroller

Bruce Maynard, who used to run marathons, now has some knee problems but still wants to travel 30 miles a day from Bellingham, UK to Key West, Florida. To accomplish his lofty mission, he is traveling in a solar- and battery-powered stroller. Nicknamed "Sam", the vehicle has a foldable solar panel that doubles as a work table and computer stand. The 74 year-old former businessman will also carry along a tent for shelter during his ambitious trek. Although he is not doing this for any charitable reason, he plans to participate in any green events that he runs across. Bon voyage, Mr. Maynard.

Via Bellingham Herald

March 8, 2010

Mo-Du-Lo Rides 3 Ways

The "Mo-Du-Lo" is so named because the modular car can be made into three different versions. The Mo is a monocycle operated by pedals. The Du is a 4-wheeled car with two monocycles that can accomodate 2 and can be run by batteries that have gotten their power from photovoltaic cells. The Lo version connects many cars and monocycles to create trains and can be used for long distance traveling. The concept was part of the Michelin Challenge Design Showcase.

Via Michelin Challenge

Read More in: Solar Cars | Solar Vehicles

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OC's First LEED Platinum Certified Home

Developer Steve Blanchard built the Costa Mesa Green Home in the OC, the first to receive LEED Platinum certification. The home is a huge 5,000 sq. ft., and has 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and a three-car garage. It has enough photovoltaic panels to power up the entire home, and has water recycling, high efficiency HVAC equipment, Energy Star lighting and was built with highly insulated walls and windows. Don't get too excited. The purchase price of the Costa Mesa home is $2,999,000.

Via Costa Mesa Green

March 5, 2010

iPhone Solar Charger

This Solar Charger is made to fit both the iPhone 3G and 3Gs. It easily attaches and features a power button and LED lit gauge. You can also use a USB cable to make it a charger for laptop, camera or small electronics.

Via Solar Chargers

Wonder Wheel Gets Solar Revamp

If you have ever seen the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island in New York in the 80's, you were already impressed with its, well, wonder. Deno Vourderis, whose family has owned the structure for 3 generations, has decided to make it greener. The bulbs that lit it up back then were removed for safety reasons, but it looks like the ride will get a second chance to light up the night with the installation of solar panels on the tops its 16 cars. The wheel will have a battery to save the sunlight during the day to light it up at night.

(Thanks to Mike Wrathell for image.)

Via NY Daily News

Read More in: Solar Lights | Solar Panels

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March 4, 2010

Pelican Solar Tire Gauge

You often hear how you should keep your tires inflated for better fuel efficiency and the Pelican Tire Gauge from PowerPlus takes the idea one green step further by working without batteries. The solar tool's LED displays in bar, psi, kPa or kg/cm². You can also measure the tread depth of your tires. The gauge has auto off-on for those who tend to forget and a price of £11.99 (~$18.00.)

Via Nigel's Eco Store

Monaco Pavilion Part of World Expo

When Shanghai hosts the World Expo this year, this "rock surrounded by the dancing light of a perfect sea" will be one of the attractions. The Monaco Pavilion, designed by Naco Architecture, is a 2000 sq. meter building that projects light ripples on its LED face. The system features a miniature pool behind it and constant changes are reflected in the building. The solar pavilion will trap the sunlight by day and light it at night.

Via designboom

March 3, 2010

Sanups Monitors Solar Power Without Humans

Sanyo's Denki Sanups PV Monitor displays quantity of power generated and a trend graph at large solar power generation stations. If there are any problems, an email is automatically sent and if personnel send a query, it will answer in turn. This eliminates the need for humans, at least on one end.

Via Fareast Gizmos

Read More in: Solar Power System | Solar Stuff

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Radiometer Works With Sunshine

Who didn't have a Radiometer as a kid? We did, but never really new how it worked. It seems the vanes inside transfer heat from the sun to each other. The lighter vanes reflect the rays and the darker ones absorb them. The more sun there is, the faster the vanes move.

Via Radiometer

Read More in: Solar Science | Solar Toys

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March 2, 2010

Sustainable City Lights from Philips

This prototype from Phillips Design is a simple concept in lighting. The Sustainable City Lights unfurl in the day to capture solar and wind energy, and are only triggered at night when people are around. Any excess energy returns to the main grid.

Via Philips

Read More in: Solar Design | Solar Lights

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Home of the Future Debuts at Olympics

During last week's Olympics, the Home of the Future was put on display at the BC Hydro Power Smart Village in downtown Vancouver. Made of 2 shipping containers and covered in cedar and pine beetle wood, the 680 sq. ft. home has solar panels and a plug for the owner's electric car, of course. The home has smart appliances and an energy management system. A green wall acts as insulation, filters pollutants and can grow veggies for dinner.

Via BC Hydro