Solar Snob Site O' the Week
March 30, 2010
Site 'O the Week - First Solar
Even solar panels will not last forever, so First Solar will provide packing materials, shipping costs and recycling services at no charge after a request for collection. The company claims that they can turn about 90% of each module into raw materials for new ones. Of course, this applies only to their customers but hey, at least they can take care of them so that they do not end up in a landfill. We admire the concept enough to make them our SOW this week.
Via First Solar
March 23, 2010
Site O' the Week: Design Your Own weeHouse
Looking for a greener prefab? Alchemy Architects' weeHouses come in many shapes and sizes and start at a price of $48,000 for the 20 x 12 x 10' Studio model. The features a custom steel base, an IKEA kitchen wall, natural bamboo flooring, electric wiring set-up, insulated walls, cedar decking and an EPDM rubber roof. There are more floor plans and other options that include solar power and larger living spaces. With so much to choose from, we name Alchemy our SOW this week.
Via weeHouse
March 12, 2010
Site O' the Week: Ma Modular
Ma Modular uses 15 x 36 ft. and 15 x 60 ft. modules in combination with a connector module to create your dream home. Our SOW this week allows you to design your Ma home with green materials such as cork and bamboo. Green options include photovoltaic panels, geothermal HVAC, tankless water heating and a rainwater harvesting system. At $125 a square ft., you have to provide your own foundation.
Via Ma Modular
February 26, 2010
Site O' the Week - Design Your Genesis Home Online
Thinking of building a house and want it to be green? The GO House by Genesis Homes is a prefab that can be built in about 90 days and will fit in almost anywhere. Those who are interested can configure plans online for a base floor plan as well as other floor options and garage design. Genesis, this week's SOW, sends the price of the module and estimates site costs for prospective customers.
Via Genesis Homes
February 12, 2010
Solar Snob SOW: Suntech Power
The Chinese company Suntech Power Holdings has become the first company to come to the US and employ 70 local residents in Goodyear, Arizona. The plan is to use its solar electricity manufacturing technologies and equipment in cooperation with Arizona State University. The plant will produce 30MW power with a future expansion planned at 120MW. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs since solar panels will not need to be shipped in from overseas. We applaud the efforts and name Suntech our Site 'O the Week for not only building solar items but using same for the plant's power.
Via Suntech
January 29, 2010
Solar Snob Site O' The Week: Sol Inc.
Our SOW award goes to Sol Inc., a company that is donating solar lighting systems to Haiti. The lights will be used at food distribution areas, medical stations and along roads leading to Port-au-Prince. They have also launched an initiative for others who want to help. Purchase a Tropical Solar Light System for the country and Sol Inc. will match your donation. The TSL takes less than an hour to install and can withstand 170 mph winds.
Via Sol Inc.
January 15, 2010
Solar Snob Site O' the Week - Sopogy
Sopogy, our SOW, stands on the forefront of solar technology. Their products use algorithms to follow the sun and harness its energy while leaving a minimal footprint. The SopoNova 4.0 is a solar collector that can produce a temperature as high as 392° F. SopoFlare is a solar system that is roof mounted. Utilizing a parabolic trough, the system follows the sun and can capture a heat of 150-250° F.
Via Sopogy
January 1, 2010
Site O' The Week: MOFA Corridor for Peace and Prosperity
What a great way to start a New Year! Japan has gotten together with the Palestinian Authority to help build two solar energy projects on the West Bank. A whopping $23 million will be used to aid in the Authority's current energy problems with another $16.7 used to build a photovoltaic solar energy plant. Most of the electricity used by Palestinians comes from Israel's power grid and the new structure should bring light to about 20,000 residents.
This is part of the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative that will include an agro-industrial park that Japan wants to build. We think this idea is fine enough to award Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs our SOW this week.
Via MOFA Japan
December 25, 2009
Site O' The Week - Lighting Africa
Lighting Africa, our SOW this week, is part of the World Bank Group (WBG) initiative that is trying to bring modern lighting to almost 1.6 billion people (almost a third of the population) without electricity. Working with other groups helps them in their quest.
For example, if you or someone you know has an off-grid lighting product, Tanzania's Rural Energy Agency is offering grants of up to $100,000, but you must apply by December 31, 2009.
Via Lighting Africa
December 18, 2009
Site O' the Week: RAYvolution
RAYvolution has launched new chargers that come in different colors with connection tips to charge your cell phone, MP3 player or other small gadgets at a price of $39.95. While they say "get off the grid and into the sunshine," we say their efforts and positive spirit exuding from their site earns them our SOW this week.
Via RAYvolution
December 11, 2009
Site O' the Week: Villages at Heritage Solar Community
Comstock Homes, our SOW, has created an entire solar-powered community that is said to be the largest on the planet. The Villages at Heritage Springs is located in Santa Fe Springs, California, and will have a total of 384 homes when completed. Priced between $385,000 - $457,000 for a townhome or $485,000 - $576,000 for a single family unit, each has solar roof tiles that should reduce energy bills by up to 60%. The residences also have dual pane windows, tankless water heaters, energy efficient lighting and high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems.
Via Villages at Santa Fe Springs
December 4, 2009
Site O' the Week: Toyota's Literally Greener Plant
With all the recent problems that Toyota has had with its recalls, it's nice to report something positive that has come out of the company. They have developed 2 new derivatives of plants at the factory that develops the Prius hybrid in Japan. The cherry sage absorbs nitrogen oxides while the new gardenia creates water vapor. The plant also has roof mounted solar panels, interior lighting with reflective solar tubes and photocatalytic paint on exterior walls. The plant has reduced CO2 emissions by 55% since 1990 and earns our SOW this week.
Via Drive
November 27, 2009
Dow Solar Shingles One of Time's Best
Time Magazine has named Dow's Powerhouse Solar Shingles as one of the "50 Best Inventions of 2009." The shingle features low cost photovoltaic cells that can be installed without special skills. They will be available in limited quantities next year and in wider distribution by 2011. We hope it lives up to its rep and in honor of the award we name Dow's solar site our SOW this week.
Via Dow Solar
November 20, 2009
Site O' the Week: Planetary Society
The Planetary Society has planned to send the LightSail-1 into space next year. With mylar wings, it is completely controlled by solar sails. The non-profit company claims that it is the first in a 3 part series to prove to the planet that solar sailing for science is a good thing. While the first will be launched in Earth's orbit, LightSail-2 and-3 will be hurled further into space.
Unfortunately, the org lost Cosmos 1, their first sail, but not only did they not admit defeat, they are counting on others to help design and support their next one. That's reason enough for us to name them our SOW this week.
Via Planetary Society
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