June 30, 2010
Extech Goes Green With Solar Roof
Newark, New Jersey's Extech Building Materials is now home to a solar PV roof system. It consists of 1,465 Solyndra panels that produce about 313,400 kWh of electricity and eliminate more than 429,358 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. It is expected that it will handle about 80% of the 47,775 sq. ft. building's energy load. That is the energy equivalent of 45 homes per year.
(Thanks, Brian)
Via Extech Building Materials
June 28, 2010
LG Solar Hybrid Air Conditioner
LG's new hybrid air conditioner uses solar energy to supplement its power supply. Producing 28,000 BTUs, the free-standing F-Q232LASS produces up to 70 watts of power per hour. The result is that it can reduce about 212kg of CO2 over a decade, the equivalent of growing about 800 pine trees.
Via Fareast Gizmos
June 25, 2010
Solar Toy Four-Pack
Teach your kids about solar power the fun way with this Toy Pack. Simple to build, when completed the vehicles will paddle, drive, spin and shoot balls through a rollercoaster chute when placed in the sun.
Via Solar Toys
June 23, 2010
BC Develops Nanocoax Solar Film
Researchers at Boston College have developed a thin film solar cell that is thick enough to capture light but thinner than most, enabling it to carry a more effective current. Patented last year, the nanocoax was based on a coaxial concept that was originally conceived in the 1800's. Because it is not created with crystalline materials, the cells will be less expensive to create.
Via Boston College
June 21, 2010
Huge CSP to Be Built in Middle East
The Middle East's largest concentrated solar power plant is about to be built. When completed in 2012, it will consist of 6,300,000 sq. ft. of parabolic collectors, span 741 acres of desert and produce enough electricity to power 62,000 homes. Named Shams 1, Masdar is partnering with Total and Abengoa Solar to build the CSP that will displace 175,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees. The plant is part of Abu Dhabi's plan to reach 7% renewable energy generation by 2012.
Via Masdar
June 18, 2010
Solar Pocket Charger
The Pocket Charger will work with most cell phones and small electronics as it comes with a multi-plug connector. The AA and AAA charger with a 6 volt, 200 mA folding panel folds up when not in use. With a blocking diode to prevent a reverse flow, a belt clip is included in the package (but not the batteries.)
Via Solar Pocket Charger
June 16, 2010
EPRI Crawler Inspects Lines and Cables
This cable crawler, still in the prototype stage, was designed to move along power lines and seek out any problems or tree overgrowth. Designed by the Electric Power Research Institute, the 6 foot long robot is equipped with cameras and sensors. While it mainly runs on electricity from the wire it runs through, it has a back-up solar power system, which should come in handy when the bugger isn't easily accessible.
Via Technology Review
June 14, 2010
Take Part in the Free Virtual Energy Forum
The planet's largest online energy conference takes place this week. Register now for the free Virtual Energy Forum that will be broadcast live Wednesday and Thursday from Washington, D.C. Experts will answer questions via video, and a virtual exhibit floor will be accessible. Topics include climate change, renewable energy, clean transportation and saving power.
Via VEF
June 11, 2010
UFO Solar Balloon
Inflate this UFO Solar Balloon with air, attach a line and, if the sun is shining, will rise. The thermodynamic balloon is 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. It comes with a 60" tether and instructions.
Via UFO Solar Balloon
June 10, 2010
Idaho to Receive First Solar Plant
Idaho will soon have its first solar facility. Boise Mayor Dave Bieter announced that Sunergy World will construct a $45 million power plant this fall. To be located near the Boise Airport on a site that used to be a dump, the plant should produce 10 megawatts of power, enough energy for 1,200 homes per year.
Via Daily Tech
June 9, 2010
Lunar Solar Belt Conceptualized
The Japanese company Shimizu has a curious idea to energize the planet. They want to build a 6,800 mile long solar belt that would be the length of the Moon's equator. After converting it there, the power will be beamed back to Earth and turned into laser and microwave power. They figure that they can create energy 24/7 and will use robots to maintain the facility.
Via Shimizu
June 4, 2010
Zoobox Owl Reads by Solar Lit Book
The Zoobox Reading Owl will hang on your front stoop or garden, store power during the day and his book will light up the night. Made of resin, the 7 x 5 x 12" statue has a handy on/off switch.
Via Zoobox
June 2, 2010
Infinit Solar Bags Fit Most Small Electronics
Infinit's new line of Solar Charging Bags combine an integrated solar panel and high-capacity internal battery. Only 3 - 4 hours of sun are needed to power up your smartphone, portable game system, GPS device, cellphone or iPod. For a limited time, they are including a free bike phone holder with every bag purchase. Each bag is available for £89.99, (~$130.00.)
Via Infinit
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