New Solar Energy Jobs

Solar Startup Semprius to Create 250 Jobs in North Carolina at Cutting-Edge Pilot Plant Energy Department-enabled innovation made Tuesday, July 19, a good day for North Carolina. Entrepreneurs from Durham-based solar startup Semprius teamed with Governor Bev Purdue to announce the companys plan to build a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Henderson. The factory is expected to create more than 250 full-time jobs over the next five years, which is a particular boon for Henderson, where the county unemployment rate reached 13.3% in May. This follows on the heels of news that Siemens recently participated with others in a $20 million investment in Semprius. Siemens took a 16% stake in the company a vote of confidence from a global engineering giant with years of success in the solar industry . None of this comes as a surprise to those of us who have followed Semprius progress as a pioneer in the design and fabrication of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules. The companys story provides a case-study example for how federally-funded research and development sparks job-creation for Americans in a global growth industry. Spun out of Lemelson-MIT award winner John Rogers research lab at the University of Illinois, Semprius employs a breakthrough semiconductor manufacturing technique called micro-transfer printing, originally invented with Energy Department Office of Science support. This core technology has a broad range of potential applications — from improving LED lighting to increasing computer hard drive capacity to making tiny sensors for next-generation medical devices. It enables Semprius to combine extremely small solar cells — about one half the surface area of a pin head — with low-cost, highly efficient lenses that concentrate the suns energy more than 1100 times. Semprius first explored the idea of using micro-transfer printing for HCPV with the help of a 2007 Next Gen grant from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The companys progress has been astounding since then; it earned Semprius one of four spots in the 2010 class of the PV Incubator Program along with recent record-breakers Alta Devices and Solar Junction and Tetrasun, which also closed a funding round recently. Like its peers, Semprius has benefited greatly from its participation in the Incubator. Programs like the PV Incubator allow you to develop quicker, implement quicker and go to market quicker, as Semprius CEO Joe Carr recently told me. Access to key tools and personnel at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) has helped the company optimize both its tiny cell (NREL-confirmed 41.7% ) and its module. This news adds Semprius to a growing list of PV Incubator participant companies that have attracted significant private investment and are plowing it into new manufacturing operations in communities like Henderson across the U.S. Between 2007 and 2010, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invested $50 million in the Incubator for 20 solar startups like Semprius. Private investment in those firms now totals more than $1.3 billion, a 25-to-1 multiple. These companies already employ more than 1,200 people in good hi-tech jobs, and that number is poised to grow rapidly as new manufacturing facilities come online. Six of those companies — 1366, Abound, Calisolar, PrimeStar (acquired by GE), Solopower, and now Semprius — have publicly announced plans to hire more than 3,800 full-time workers for new factories being built here in America. The Departments SunShot Initiative investments are not only making solar energy systems cost competitive with traditional sources of energy by the end of the decade; programs like the PV Incubator catalyze market support for leading companies like Semprius that are putting Americans to work.

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New Solar Energy Jobs

Solar Power Design Manual

Save thousands by teaching yourself all about Solar Power. Comprehensive manual by industry expert guides you through the process. Includes all resources necessary – spreadsheets, insolation charts, worked examples. Check it out! This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the

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How Geothermal Energy Works

Lisa A Mason asked: More people are talking today about how to save fuel and how to find more energy efficient ways to do the things we need to do every day. Geothermal heat and energy are one revolutionary way to use the natural energy that’s in the earth to power our homes and buildings. In addition to being more energy efficient, geothermal heat helps reduce global warming and helps contribute to the goal of geothermal exchange. If you’re thinking about using geothermal energy for yourself, then it’s important to know how it works so you can know for sure if it’s right for you. The easiest way to explain is that geothermal heating works with the use of pumps. Underneath the frost line of the earth’s surface, the ground will always stay at a certain temperature. This is usually right around 57 degrees. This is a good temperature for the heat pumps. The geothermal heating works by circulating the water in an underground loop through this natural part of the earth. The loop is called a heat exchanger. Next it is transported through water to air heat pumps that have located in the building and the heated air is pumped out to warm the rooms. For this heat exchanger to work it is buried about 150-300 feet into the earth’s surface. It is made from a high density polyethylene type of pipe which can withstand the temperatures and the conditions underground. The constant temperature of the earth will help balance the temperature of the air that is being cycled through. Heat and cool air is pumped in and out of the home and through the geothermal piping as needed to keep your home or building at the temperature you desire. This is a very safe and natural way to control the heating and cooling in your home or office building. Geothermal methods can be used no matter how small or large the building. Other benefits to a geothermal heating and cooling system is that they are easy to use. Many people assume since it is a new thing that it will be complicated or difficult to use but this is not the case. Buildings that choose to use it will not need a boiler operator or chiller technician and any building or home that uses it can save from 25-40% on their energy efficiency. Over the years that geothermal has been in use and tested, the design of the geothermal systems has been improved upon more and more. It continues to advance over time and as more people become aware of it and begin to use it, too. This helps our environment and can help you save a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills. Now that you understand more about how geothermal heating and cooling works, you can see why it could be a great choice for you if you want to save on electric bills while helping your environment at the same time. Solar power Read more on How Geothermal Energy Works… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Electric Car Battery

Jose Marc Castro asked: While much of the focus in recent times has been upon the design and manufacture of electric cars we have seen significant investment in the area of electric car battery power. Many people forget that the electric car battery is in many cases the most expensive element of any electric car and there are a number of factors which need to be taken into consideration. Car batteries today The electric vehicle battery market today is dominated by the lithium-ion battery which has become the battery of choice for many car manufacturers around the world. There has been a massive shift away from traditional lead battery-powered due in the main to the cost, inefficiencies and ultimately the damage which these batteries can do to the environment. So what are the factors which we need to consider when looking at batteries for electric cars? There are many factors to consider which include: Weight When you consider that there will be a significant number of batteries required to power the electric car of today it is essential to find a balance between weight and efficiency in order to improve the overall reliability and overall efficiency of the vehicle in question. Efficiency The shift towards lithium-ion batteries is based upon a greater efficiency associated with this particular type of electric car battery. Many believe that the lithium-ion battery will become the focal point of the electric car market going forward although this is difficult to forecast because of the ever changing technology associated with battery power. Cost While there is no doubt there are more efficient and more powerful batteries available in the marketplace, there is a need to balance up the cost of the battery, the efficiency of the battery and the weight of the battery to suit the market and the product. As a consequence, the more expensive, yet potentially more efficient, batteries available today would need to come down in price before making them eligible for the mass market. Investing in the battery market The electric vehicle battery market is set to receive billions upon billions of dollars of investment in the short to medium term as governments around the world have decided to push this particular area of environmentally friendly travel. There’s also the ability to recharge and reuse batteries over and over again which again reduces the effect on the environment and is a further plus point for the sector. Even though electric cars have been around for well over 100 years it is only now that we are seeing significant investments in all areas of the sector. Conclusion While many people focus on the design and manufacture of electric powered cars it is the battery which will ultimately dominate the cost of electric vehicles in the short to medium term. There’s no point producing a car which is too expensive for the mass market yet there is no point producing a car which is not able to power the vehicle over long distances. Finding the balance between these two particular elements is not easy but it is one which many companies are looking to tackle in the longer-term. Solar Power for homes Read more on Electric Car Battery… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Electric Car How to Guide – The Adapter Plate

George Christodoulou asked: The electric car differs in operation from the regular gasoline car in many ways. First there is no internal combustion engine, there is no exhaust pipe, there is no fuel tank and the batteries are charged by the motor and not the alternator. There is another major difference in the design as well. This is in the area of the transmission. In a conventional car, the transmission system is based on the gasoline engine. This means that power transfer from the engine to the back axle or the front axle will go though a series of mechanical gears till the wheel move from one speed to the other. In the electric car it is different. As the electric car uses batteries and motors for motive power, the engine would not be available to provide the force needed for the car to move. There is a device called the adapter plate instead. This component will mount the electric motor of the electric car to the transmission of the old car and the clutch of the electric car. The purpose is to transfer power from the gears to the wheel in a smooth and uninterrupted manner. To achieve this, the adapter would have to be precisely made from a set of patterns. Actually, what we call the adapter plate is a combination of four main parts – It is made fro aluminum so it can resist heat and the will fit into the space that was originally meant for the flywheel in conventional cars. The hub for the plate is made from steel fro extra strength. It is so made so that it can provide high torque for the car to carry more load or move uphill easily. Adapter plates are made by highly specialized mechanical workshops due to the need for extra precision. Solar Power for homes Read more on Electric Car How to Guide – The Adapter Plate… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Electric Car How to Guide The Adapter Plate

Get a Greener Holiday with LED Christmas Lights

One way of making your Christmas season greener is by using LED Christmas lights instead of conventional Christmas lights. Most stores that stock their shelves with Christmas shelves carry LED Christmas lights, too. Yep, it’s beginning to look like a green Christmas for everyone. LED Christmas lights, which last ten times longer than the traditional variety, also consume less energy. They use 75% less energy. Imagine saving on your energy bill during this holiday season when you use this type of lighting. As with traditional string lights, the LED variety are available in several shapes and sizes — including the popular “globe” and “mini” types. They can be found in the form of nets and icicles. Whatever color you’re looking for, you should be able to find it. Compared to conventional Christmas lights, the LED type are safer to use. You can connect numerous strings together without worrying about overheating them. However, you should still read the manual or box to learn how many strands you can connect safely to one another. If you want to be really energy conscious, choose LED Christmas lights that are solar powered. These lights are more energy friendly because they harness the energy of the sun. Some models are designed to light up at night. A 50-light string can cost you under $20 at Amazon. You can, therefore, save both money and energy if you buy strings of LED lights of this type. One thing that turns some people off from LED Christmas lights is their initial cost. And, of course, there’s no denying that LED light strands cost more than conventional incandescents. That said, more efficient and greener lighting solutions pay for themselves in the long run despite the higher initial investment. If you can’t spend money on LED Christmas lights and still have working incandescent lights, you can buy Christmas light timers for your existing lights. Timers like these are designed to regulate the amount of energy your lights use. In addition, these timers can give your house the appearance of someone being home when you’re away visiting friends and family during the holiday season because they turn on and off automatically, thereby helping to protect your home. You should observe safety protocols regardless of whether you use LED or incandescent Christmas lights. For example, avoid pulling the cord when you unplug the lights so you don’t tear at the wiring inside. You should also check to see if there is any damage or are any non-working bulbs before storing light strings. Don’t use lights that have loose connections, broken sockets, or bare wires. Store Christmas Lights, and any electrical decorations, in a dry place where they can’t be damaged by water. Keep them out of children’s reach during storage, to ensure the wires are not damaged. Christmas — a time of religious celebration, family and giving — can also be a time during which we take into the future of our planet as we take steps to make our carbon footpring smaller. We know that every little bit counts, but it’s also true that all of our steps combined can stretch for miles. About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live greener and more environmentally friendly lives. Find out more about green living at her blog on Green Design and Building . Source: LED Christmas Lights for a Greener Holiday . Read more on Get a Greener Holiday with LED Christmas Lights… Energy Tags: wind power , energy Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Get a Greener Holiday with LED Christmas Lights

What Is Wind Energy And What Are Its Uses

Samuel Oliver asked: Wind is nothing but air which moves at a rapid pace. When the wind blows, it possesses kinetic energy. If you ask what is wind energy, then it is just the kinetic energy that is in the wind. The wind is caused because of the sun. The sun provides heat to all the parts of the earth, which it absorbs. Due to the differing composition of the earth’s surface, the heat that is retained by the different parts of earth is uneven. In case a particular area gets too hot, the air of that area becomes hot as well. Naturally as the air gets hotter, it gets lighter and tends to rise. Since technically it is not possible for a physical vacuum to exist on the earth, the cooler air from surrounding areas rushes in to fill the void. This rapid movement of air is called wind. The wind is not something which occurs everyday but it is not possible that it would stop occurring for good any day. The windmill is used to tap the power of wind. It is one of the oldest ways to tap energy that has been in use since the ancient ages. Its principles have not been altered very much in the ages it has been in use. It was in Persia that people seem to have used windmills for the first time. These ancient windmills resembled peddle wheel. It took centuries to make any major change in the design of windmill. This time it was Holland. They greatly improved the design. This made it way more efficient. There are a number ways to harness the power of wind. Traditionally there have been a number of uses of wind mills which harness the power of wind. Most of the people used it to grind corn or grain. Farmers used it to draw ground water. The wind power is of great use in the rural environment. Sufficiently big windmills have been installed to provide basic support for entire village like drawing water for irrigation and related purposes etc. The most common way to harness the wind energy in modern world is to use a windmill that is connected to a generator. This is done to generate electricity. The electricity can be directly supplied to all those who want it. Alternatively, it is also possible to store the electricity in batteries. You can use it at a later time when you feel the requirement. A number of people still using the windmill know that the reason for their success is that they know what is wind energy and they have learned it themselves and taught to their people. They might not have the professional exposure to advanced wind mill technologies, they have however made great use of what ever they have learned. Water 4 Gas Read more on What Is Wind Energy And What Are Its Uses… Energy Tags: alternative , solar power

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What Is Wind Energy And What Are Its Uses

New Design Strategy for the Artificial Leaf

Scientists are quite optimistic that hydrogen will emerge as the fuel of the future and the world would be driven by ‘hydrogen economy’. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel is water vapor. By using hydrogen fuel we can reduce the harmful effects of greenhouse gases. Currently many research labs are engaged in duplicating the Posted in: Environment , Future Energy , Solar Power

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New Design Strategy for the Artificial Leaf

Take Back Control – Get A Solar Battery Charger

The one uniquely distinguishing aspect of the world that we live in is our dependence (and some would argue and quite fairly, addiction) to electronic devices of all shapes and sizes. Just about every single task that can be feasibly performed by a human being has now been replaced and assumed by a machine. Our trusty friends and companions, the downfall with many of these items is that they run the risk of malfunction and failure and this can range from being merely inconvenient, to downright costly (in particular, in the specific context of a business.) Given that all machines and electronic devices are nothing more than a collection of different parts which work together to achieve a common objective, the failure of even a single component (regardless of how trivial the fault, or how petty the role actually performed) is enough to be the kiss of death for the machine in question. All electronic gadgets require fuel in the guise of power and this will be derived either from the mains power supply or from a battery source. A major bug bear is that the overwhelming majority of batteries that are used to power up the various electronic gadgets are disposable meaning that as soon as the last bit of power has been used up, they are of no further use to the device owner. They cannot be recharged, even if the owner wanted to (and many do either due do monetary concerns, or concerns about the damage to the environment that such components inflict). Solar Battery Chargers are quickly becoming much more prevalent and commonplace within our societies as government’s across the world are finally coming to appreciate the remarkable benefit these helpful products provide. Slowly but surely, the monopoly that the disposable electrical battery once enjoyed is coming to an end as more research is being dedicated solely to improving upon the design of solar battery chargers. Solar Battery Chargers satisfy one of the most fundamental perquisites of an effective invention: simplicity reigns supreme. All that is required is that the solar panels are exposed to direct sunlight…and from there, the charger will do all of the work itself. It will act as a type of electrical sponge, absorbing and storing the energy that it derives from the sun’s rays and then convert it at its own pace. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Truth be told…if you are looking for a hidden catch: there is none. Read more on Take Back Control – Get A Solar Battery Charger… Energy Tags: energy , biodiesel

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Horse Barns – Key Aspects Of Building

This article is for those people who are looking for horse barns. If you are looking for a barn you probably know what you need it for. You know how many horses you are going to stable in it. And you know how big you want it to be. However, you might not know about the shape and the design of the barn. You should also think if a three sided shelter is enough for your horses. If you live in the northern area, then this is definitely not enough. In this case you will have to build a full sized horse barn to keep your horses warm and dry in winter. A three sided shelter is definitely the cheapest option to be built. And it is very functional too. Your horses will be protected from bad weather. All you need is locate it properly and choose the right size for it. For example, if you are building a shelter for two horses, it should be at least 12 on 24 feet large. Horses require some space to feel comfortable. Their territory means a lot to them and that is why each horse has to have its own territory. After a while you will be able to transform such a shelter into a small barn. Speaking about the roof of your horse barn you could go for metal. Corrugated iron is a good choice for small horse barns. This is a simple yet reliable material and it is perfect for those who are working on a simple building project. Roofing and flooring are important parts of your barn, so you need to think well before you choose the type of them. Your barn’s roof must keep the barn dry at any season. It should be able to withstand both sun and rain or even snow if you live in the North. The flooring should also be functional and durable. Some people begin with a dirt floor, but this is not a smart idea. Such floor gets too muddy. Concrete floor is another popular option. However, some horse owners think it is too hard. If you go for concrete floor it is recommended to put rubber mats over it. Stall mats are also available on the market and you will always be able to find the ones that fit your budget. An important thing is to get all required permits before starting to build your horse barns. Building codes differ from one area to another, so it is impossible to give any general recommendations. Just contact your local building department to find out what the building regulations are in your area. Otherwise you might face the necessity to take the whole structure down. If you searching for horse barns for sale at a good price, this horse barns site is waiting for you. It has a very nice product line with wide choice of really good offers. Exactly what a horse barns seeker needs. And don’t limit your chance to find more good offers. This is easy – we live in the world where information quickly enhances the quality of our life. Due to this if you are properly armed with the info in your topic you can rest assured that you will in any case find the solution to any bad situation. So, please make sure to get back to this blog on a regular basis or – best of all – sign up to its RSS. Thus you will have your hand on the pulse of the latest info updates here. Blogs can be helpful, you just need to know how to use the updated information from the site. Read more on Horse Barns – Key Aspects Of Building… Energy Tags: energy resources , clean energy

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