Solar Events
October 1, 2012
While the Solar Decathlon 2011 wrapped up in September in Washington, D.C., the next one hits Orange County Great Park, Irvine, CA from Oct. 3 - 10, 2013. This biennial competition allows 112 college teams to create cost effective, energy efficient homes. If you live in the area or plan to visit you can tour the homes and pick up some do-it-yourself tips.
Europe and China also have their own decathlons.The image is last year's overall winner from the University of Maryland.
Via Solar Decathlon
June 14, 2010
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
May 3, 2010
Celebrate SolarDay and you may win some good stuff. If you were considering switching over to solar power, now might be the time. Somebody will win a $5,000 credit for a solar installation so it might as well be you. Sign up at the link below. It's free and you can get a free audit on SolarDay 2010, June 19.
(Thanks, John)
Via SolarDay
April 22, 2010
Celebrate Earth Day all year with the D. light Kiran Solar LED Lantern. With two brightness settings, it has an integrated 0.3W solar panel, a multiple-setting handle and can withstand high temperatures. The tough and sturdy design makes it super for camping, traveling or backyard fun.
Via Solar Lighting
December 21, 2009
Because the 4th World Solar Cities Conference being held in Dezhou, China next year, an 807,293 sq. ft. center was erected. It includes research facilities, meeting and training rooms, exhibition centers and a hotel to house everyone. Designed in a sundial shape, the building features 50,000 sq. ft. of solar panels and is said to be 30% more efficient than the country's current standard.
Via China.org
December 7, 2009
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change kicks off this week in Copenhagen, with President Obama making an appearance towards the end of it. The suggested solutions include the usage of more solar power including China placing 17,000 solar cookers in the northwest, a solar water heating program in Tunesia and a solar thermal power plant in Abu Dhabi. A global meeting of the minds can be a good thing.
Via UNFCCC
November 5, 2009
The Japanese Tokai Challenger won the Australian Global Green Challenge race last week. The solar vehicle had the lead in the 3,000k race from the beginning and kept it even though they had a flat along the way. This is the first time since 1993 that the team has won the event. While the Challenger maintained a maximum speed of 150km per hour to earn the win, a Tesla managed to set a world record by going 501 kilometres (313 miles) on a single charge.
Via Global Green Challenge
October 19, 2009
The results are in. Team Germany won the Solar Decathlon 2009 last week, their second time doing so. Their idea was to "push the envelope with as many new technologies as possible." The house is a 2-story cube almost completely covered with PV panels with single crystal silicon on the roof and copper indium gallium diselenide on the sides. The group claims that electricity production is twice that needed.
The house also includes furniture that serves multiple purposes and/or fold up when not in use and a combination boiler/heat pump system. The cost of the home is $650,000 to $850,000. Illinois, Team California, Team Ontario/BC and Minnesota round out the top five.
Via Solar Decathlon
August 21, 2009
Founder Erik Hersman of AfriGadget got a group together to create a solar powered messenger bag. The result was FLAP (Flexible Light and Power) that can charge its built-in LED light and USB connection. He took ten of the prototypes through Ghana, Kenya and Uganda to see what they thought of the idea as sometimes electricity is not always available in outlying areas. Check out his site for pictures, video and general reaction to his project.
Via Afrigadget
July 23, 2009
We are a little early here, but make some plans to attend the B2B (Back 2 Business) Green Forum this October 26-27 in Baltimore, Maryland if you are in the area. You will view services, programs and equipment and perhaps find some answers to your environmental questions. There will be speakers, exhibits and lots of information to make your life a richer shade of green. By the way, if you would like to get involved as a speaker or exhibitor, contact B2B.
Via B2B Forum
July 21, 2009
As we are always finding something interesting to report regarding solar power, we beg your indulgence as we note its antithesis. If you are lucky enough to be certain areas, you will see a Total Solar Eclipse tomorrow morning. The shadowing starts in India, then goes through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China. It then curves south across the Pacific Ocean and a partial eclipse can be seen in eastern Asia, Indonesia and other parts of the Pacific. By the way, remember not to look directly at it.
Via NASA Eclipse Web Site
July 15, 2009
Beginning in September, Gwyn, Ryan and team plan to drive from London to Cape Town in an effort to raise money for SolarAid, a group that hopes to fight climate change and global poverty with the use of solar power. Utilizing a rebuilt 1989 Toyota Landcruiser 60 that is equipped with solar panels, Overland in the Sun's mission is to increase awareness of the problems in Africa that are the most affected by climate change.
Want to get involved? You can follow their travels on Twitter, donate to the cause or even meet up with them if you are in the area.
Via Overland in the Sun
July 10, 2009
This year's Marin County Fair was truly green. With 40% of the power provided by solar panels and a huge photovoltaic array, visitors were treated to an all electric auto show, which included a Tesla and classic cars refitted with all-electric transmissions, a solar powered carousel with LED display and a Ferris wheel to catch all the action from above. The fair, which ran July 1 - 5, featured a water efficient edible garden, "environmental magic," earth-friendly attractions and free concerts accompanied by more LED lights.
Via Marin Fair
Solar Decathlon 2013 to Land in CA
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