Ultra quiet wind turbine unveiled

Ecowhisper An Australian company – Renewable Energy Solutions Australia (RESA)- has just shown off the first installation of what they claim is the world’s quietest wind turbine. Since one of the major complaints about wind turbines is their constant ‘whooshing’ noise, a quieter turbine can help silence wind critics. Their new turbine generates 20kW Related posts: From the Guardian – Radical vertical turbine aims to take wind power to towns and cities Ducted Wind Turbine from Marquiss Wind Power aimed at rooftops Green Energy News: Reinventing the Wind Turbine

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Ultra quiet wind turbine unveiled

$150m load guarantee to 1366 Technologies to drive down the cost of solar panels

The U.S. Department of Energy announced this week a new package of $231m to support the development of solar wafer technology, offshore wind, and geothermal energy. The largest initiative was for a $150m loan guarantee to 1366 Technologies – they’ve been developing a process that uses molten silicon to dramatically reduce the cost and the Related posts: A cheaper way to make silicon solar cells from 1366 Technologies Solyndra snags $535 million federal loan guarantee and boosts performance of its cylindrical solar panels IBM pioneers process to turn waste into solar energy

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$150m load guarantee to 1366 Technologies to drive down the cost of solar panels

Hurricane Irene and wind farms – no problem!

As Hurricane Irene tracked its way up across the eastern seaboard last week, there was a good deal of concern as to how the various wind farms in its path would fair. A number of different wind farms from Delaware to Maine were exposed to Irene, and very few problems were reported. CleanEnergy.org contacted eight Related posts: Two new wind farms in Missouri and Texas go live UK announces world’s largest wind farms Wind farms sprout in western New York

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Hurricane Irene and wind farms no problem!

10 Regular Products That Are More Environmental Friendly than Their So-called Green Counterparts

Share Today’s guest post: The global warming or climate change enthusiasts have created a huge focus on saving the planet by promoting environmentally friendly products . Savvy consumers should be careful not to fall for this marketing gimmick called greenwashing. Many of the products we already use are friendlier to the environment than their so-called green counterparts. Pay close attention to the products claiming to be eco-friendly or green because they may not be as green as they claim. Here are 10 regular products that are already more environmental friendly than their green alternatives. 1. Fuel efficient cars A gas powered car with good fuel efficiency is more likely to be better for the environment than a hybrid. People dont think about how the electricity is generated when they plug in their car. Most of the electricity in this country comes from coal generated plants, so plugging in your car doesnt really do much to save the environment. 2. Incandescent light bulbs The standard incandescent light bulbs use more energy, but their fluorescent counterparts are filled with mercury. Does anyone think about the potentially huge environmental hazard of improperly disposing of these mercury filled bulbs? People are just going to throw them in the trash with everything else and this will be a big problem when they quit selling the regular bulbs in 2012. 3. Cleaning products Many eco-friendly cleaning products that claim to be chlorine free contain a myriad of other toxic chemicals that are worse than chlorine. Check labels and be careful of percentages that are based on the number of ingredients rather than volume. The same old products youve always used are probably more environmentally friendly. 4. Water filter Using a water filter to make your own bottled water is much better for the environment. All the discarded plastic from bottled water is causing huge problems in garbage collection and landfills. 5. Clothesline Hanging your clothes out on a clothesline is much better than using the most energy efficient dryer you can buy. Using wind and solar power, your clothesline is not only eco-friendly, its free. Hang clothes inside during the cold winter months also adds needed humidity to the air. 6. Unscented detergent Many of the green cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that produce a fresh Scent. Since some of these chemicals can be carcinogenic, youre better off using unscented cleaning products. 7. Garbage bags Regular garbage bags are more eco-friendly than their biodegradable counterparts. When the so-called green bags decompose they emit methane into the atmosphere and they dont decompose any faster than regular plastic bags if theyre covered in the landfill and arent exposed to oxygen. 8. Paper bags The choice of using paper or plastic bags has gone back and forth as to which is friendlier to the environment. The thing to keep in mind is that paper is made from trees which are a renewable resource and plastic is made from petroleum which is not. Paper will always be a better choice. 9. Leather Eco-activists are against people using leather because it comes from animals. However, leather products are much more eco-friendly than their petroleum based counterparts. Less energy is used to make leather products and they will decompose when discarded. 10. Fur Some people get very upset when they see someone wearing fur. They dont realize that the cute little animals that the fur came from are varmints. If allowed to propagate unchecked mink, raccoons, rabbits, beaver and others would cause untold environmental damage. We all need to use common sense when it comes to protecting the environment . Try not to buy overly packaged products, recycle and use reusable products whenever possible plus be responsible when discarding your trash. We dont need to go overboard, but just be aware of marketing gimmicks and live sensibly. There is no way people can affect the global climate, but we can limit the amount of pollution we produce and trash that goes into landfills. Do the best you can and educate others to do the same. Guest post What do you think of this post? Please comment below. If you found the article useful, please pass on our information to your friends. Many of the issues discussed in the article are not widely known. If you would like more articles like this, please take a few moments to give us your feedback. Though environmentally friendly products is often discussed, access to information about it can be hard to find. Please come back and visit us again, we will have more quality articles for your reading pleasure.

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10 Regular Products That Are More Environmental Friendly than Their So-called Green Counterparts

California to Continue to Lead Nation in Solar Power Installations

Share El Segundo, Calif., August 8, 2011Blessed with abundant sunshine and a supportive political structure, California is positioned to add 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of installed power from photovoltaic (PV) sources during the period of 2010 to 2015, further ensuring that the state remains Americas leading light in solar energy , according to new insights from the IHS iSuppli Photovoltaic Service from information and analysis provider IHS (NYSE: IHS). Installed PV capacity in California is projected to reach 967 megawatts (MW) this year, the highest in the country and part of an increasing push by the most populous U.S. state to derive a greater portion of energy from renewable sources , a mix that also would include wind turbines and fuel cells. Next year, power from solar sources will generate some 1.2GW in Californiamore than the PV capacity of the next six-highest states combined. States approaching the land size of California, like New Mexico and Arizona, are projected to have less than a third as much PV capacity by the same time, hovering in the mid-300MW range. And outside of the top 10 states where solar generation will be highest, combined PV capacity from the lowest 40 states will add up to just 395MW, also merely one-third of California capacity, IHS data shows. California is indeed at the forefront of photovoltaic technology, and its commitment to the industry is important for the whole North America region, said Mike Sheppard, analyst for photovoltaics at IHS. Californias drive to attain clean energy gained fresh impetus during a recent two-day conference in late July at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), attended by 200 researchers, academics, business leaders and politicians. There, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown reiterated the push to obtain by 2020 as much as 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, an amount equivalent to 12GWenough to power roughly three million homes. With a series of intensive solar projects under way, as much as 7.5GW in PV capacity could be added to the local power grid by 2015, more than half the states announced goal of achieving 12GW from all renewable sourcesand with five more years to spare before the targeted 2020 deadline. What this shows is the likelihood of PV accounting in the future for a great portion of clean energy in California, Sheppard noted. The figure below shows the cumulative PV capacity for California from 2010 to 2015. Given an installed PV power capacity of 900MW in 2010 that then rises to a forecast level of 8.4GW in 2015, a total of 7.5GW in power will have been added to the state in the span of five years. Californias natural advantage lends itself to busy PV activity within the state In the United States, California has among the highest insolation levels for measuring the rate of solar radiation delivery as measured by NASA. With a score of 5.4 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/(m2/day)), the Los Angeles area ranks second only to the 5.96 kWh/(m2/day) rate of Honolulu, Hawaii. Los Angeles also places higher than perennial hot-weather spots like Phoenix, Ariz. (5.38 kWh/(m2/day)); Las Vegas, Nev. (5.3 kWh/(m2/day)); and Miami, Fla. (5.26 kWh/(m2/day)). Two other areas surveyed in California likewise boast of above-average insolation rates: the Bay area near San Francisco at 5.08 kWh/(m2/day), and San Francisco proper at 4.89 kWh/(m2/day). Aside from an inherent natural resource in plentiful supply, California hosts a number of companies engaged in the solar business, including research and development sites that do not engage in manufacturing. At least 27 firms can be found in the state engaged in solar-related activities including the production of ingots, crystalline silicon cells and modules, and thin-film cells and modulesall components that go into the manufacture of solar panels. Currently the biggest PV project within the state is the Topaz Solar farm, a 550MW power plant being built by Arizona-based First Solar Inc., located in the Carrizo Plain northwest of Los Angeles. Other solar projects under way or slated to begin are the 55MW Niland Project in Imperial County; a five-year program by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) to develop 500MW of power in northern and central California; the Catalina Solar Project in Kern County; and a project by Southern California Edison for distributed power through commercial rooftops, IHS data shows. Political patronage a plus, but state budget woes could be a challenge Adding to Californias built-in advantages for PV power, the state has the good fortune to enjoy the backing of a highly motivated political infrastructure. Having sustained political will toward the achievement of renewable energy is definitely a good thing for California, and a strong political will is an encouraging sign for investors to go ahead and make their bets here in the state, said analyst Sheppard. Californias continuing experience in the PV field also could work to the states benefit, especially if it can find a way to convert its expertise into consultancy projects for other states, similar to what Germanythe worlds foremost photovoltaic market and authorityis doing in Europe. At home, California is ahead of other states in the learning curve for solar-power-generation, and the local state power utilities also have been helpful in setting up programs to help renewable energy efforts. What could stand in the way, however, of the state making even greater progress, Sheppard remarked, could be the states much-belabored budget woes, which if unresolved could lead to a downgrading of the states creditworthiness and make it more expensive for companiesincluding PV firmsto do business here. Another possible area for improvement is the current system of permits in the state to obtain PV power to streamline bureaucracy. For instance, a consumer who discovers that a PV panel supplier has run out of stock would have to restart the application process instead of- simply attaching an amendment, as is the practice in the rationalized German market. Californias PV prospects also could encounter resistance from the local populacean issue underscored by Gov. Brown at the UCLA event. With 58 counties and more than 400 cities in the state, selling the idea of renewable or solar power might run into opposition from residents for any number of reasons, with the potential to slow down planned rollouts or deployments. This is by far one of the best articles we have seen recently. We hope you enjoyed reading it. Each year it seems that somebody comes out with a new take on an old problem, however, this is the most interesting way to look at it that we have found. If you have some tips on solar power installations that you would like to share with our other readers, please leave your comments. We would welcome your input into the discussion.

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California to Continue to Lead Nation in Solar Power Installations

Living Off Grid: Great New Life Style

A large amount of folk are starting to realize that it is possible to continue enjoying all the modern conveniences they have become accustomed to while also experiencing the autonomy of off grid living. Off grid living means exactly that – living off the grid. You can enjoy freedom from power lines, electric bills and the skyrocketing rates being charged by resources corporations for being connected up to the electric grid. Almost every householder can experience this ecologically friendly and cost effective way of life. The rules of living this way can be applied to any home anywhere in the world, including those currently attached to the electric supply grid. More and more people are showing an interest in breaking free from their dependance on ordinary fuel burning power plants through the utilising of alternative power generation methods like solar energy panels, windmills, hydro-electric generators and even magnetic power generators. Technology has advanced and costs have been reduced at the same time. It is very possible to make off grid living a do-it-yourself project with the aid of the many kits, resources and guides that are available today. While world enrgy costs are soaring, the ones that have made the switch to off grid living are secure in the knowledge that their bills are gradually getting less. The very idea of giving up all of their electronic and electric luxuries scares a lot of people away from off grid living. This couldn’t be farther from the actual facts. Studying how to control your energy use is all that is truly needed for off grid living. When you leave a room, turn the lights off. You might purchase appliances that don’t use power when not in use like the clocks on microwaves and stoves. Appliances with indicators lights that are always on, like computers, printers and some phone chargers, are leeching power and adding to your bills. Your luxuries do not need to be sacrificed when your are trying off grid living, you only need to learn how to be smarter when using them. The skyrocketing recognition of off grid living has caused the production of high efficiency, modular and portable houses to cater for the demand. Similar in layout to standard mobile houses, these 1 or 2 person units utilize passive solar design, solar panels and natural gas to make allowance for off grid living no matter where they are moved to. If you are inquisitive about off grid living, but are doubtful where to start or you require some more success stories to persuade you, use the Web for your research. Besides the many guides and resources available to get you moving with off grid living, there are plenty of folks who can not wait to share their own experiences and success stories. Potentially the better part of off grid living is when there’s a blackout in your neighborhood and you do not want to break out the candles. You also can experience the freedom of off grid living with no regard for where you reside as this approach to life is inside reach of anybody. Click here : alternate home energy and http://offthegridhomeenergy.com/off-the-grid for more in-depth info. .

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Living Off Grid: Great New Life Style

Iowa gets 20% of its electricity from wind power

There’s a report out from the American Wind Energy Association that states that Iowa, as of the second quarter of 2011, gets 20% of its electricity needs from wind power. Iowa hit this milestone with the addition of a new 594 megawatt wind farm from MidAmerican Energy that’s located near Adair, Iowa. Related posts: Iowa adding to Wind Power Portfolio Iowa Wind farm deal near completion The US now #1 in wind power

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Iowa gets 20% of its electricity from wind power

Living Off Grid: Great New Life

Lots of people are starting to realize that it is possible to continue enjoying all of the modern amenities they have become used to while also experiencing the independence of off grid living. Off grid living means precisely that – living off the grid. You can enjoy liberty from power lines, electrical bills and the sky-rocketing rates being charged by utilities firms for being hooked up to the electrical grid. Nearly every house owner can experience this ecologically friendly and cost-effective lifestyle . The foundations of living this way can be applied to any home anywhere in the world, including those now hooked up to the electrical supply grid. More folks are showing an interest in breaking free from their reliance on carbon-based fuel burning power plants thru the utilising of alternative power generation strategies like solar energy panels, windmills, hydro-electric generators and even magnetic power generators. Technology has advanced and costs have been reduced at the same time. It’s completely possible to make off grid living a DIY project with the help of the many kits, resources and guides that are accessible today. While worldwide enrgy costs are soaring, the ones that have made the switch to off grid living are secure in the certainty that their bills are gradually getting less. The thought of giving up all of their electronic and electric luxuries shocks a lot of people away from off grid living. This couldn’t be further from the truth . Studying how to control your energy use is all that’s truly required for off grid living. When you leave a room, turn the lights off. You could purchase appliances that don’t use power when not in use like the clocks on microwaves and stoves. Appliances with signals lights that are always on, like computers, printers and some telephone chargers, are leeching power and adding to your debts. Your luxuries do not have to be sacrificed when your are trying off grid living, you just need to find out how to be smarter when using them. The enlarging popularity of off grid living has brought about the production of high potency, modular and conveyable houses to cater for the demand. Similar in layout to conventional mobile houses, these 1 or 2 person units employ passive solar design, solar panels and natural gas to allow for off grid living wherever they are moved to. If you are interested in off grid living, but are uncertain where to start or you require some more success stories to convince you, use the Net for your research. Besides the numerous guides and resources available to get you moving with off grid living, there are lots of folks who can not wait to share their own experiences and success stories. Potentially the best part of off grid living is when there is a blackout in your area and you don’t need to break out the candles. You also can experience the liberty of off grid living irrespective of where you reside as this lifestyle is within close range of anybody. Click here : alternate home energy and how to live off the grid for more info. .

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Living Off Grid: Great New Life

Removing the Rare Element Shackles from Solar Energy

By Daryl J. Ehrmantraut Our future energy requirements depend on reaching the holy grail of electricity generation Finding a cheaper alternative to coal and other fossil fuels. The availability of an alternative energy source would also contribute significantly to energy self-sufficiency in North America. Every hour more energy from the sun hits the earth than the worlds entire population consumes in a single year. Given this abundance, solar energy is our worlds most obvious energy choice. Why then, is less than 1% of our global electricity supply powered by solar energy? Because the industry has been unable to harness the three critical success factors for global solar deployment high efficiency, low cost and high materials availability for deployment on a global scale. Current solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies generate electrical power by converting solar radiation into an electric current using semiconductor material. The process involved is called the photovoltaic effect (PV). Today, solar PV cannot be realized on a worldwide scale because neither of the two main technologies presented today; crystalline silicon PV and thin-film PV, completely address the three critical success factors. Crystalline silicon PV possesses high efficiency using abundant materials but they are very expensive to manufacture. It wins on two of the 3 critical success factors. Thin-film PV on the other hand is cheap to manufacture but has low efficiency and relies on rare and toxic elements in its manufacture. It wins on one critical success factor. Furthermore most thin-film technologies use dangerous, toxic materials including cadmium telluride and indium among others. Despite the challenges, the global market for solar PV technology is growing very rapidly. Some analysts predicting solar PV could contribute as much as 10-15% of our global electricity by 2050. As we seek to move solar energy into the mainstream, we need to retain the industrys green integrity and bypass the pitfalls of electronic waste. Creating safe, affordable solar energy solutions requires research and development that eliminates the sectors reliance the scarce and dangerous elements that are in limited supply, toxic, difficult to mine, or found only in select, sometimes geopolitically unfriendly regions of the world. At Quantum Solar Power Corp., we are developing NGD a solar PV device which we believe will address all 3 critical success factors high efficiency, low cost and high scalability through the use of abundant non-toxic materials. We believe Quantum will win on all three critical success factors. Quantums revolutionary approach to solar PV design will revolutionize the solar power market. We invite other solar technology companies and manufacturers to join our quest to create safe, affordable solar technology solutions that will literally light up the lives of people across the world. There is no doubt that our predicted energy needs have a sunny future. According to the American Solar Energy Society, U.S. manufacturing of PV components wafers, cells, and modules has increased substantially year-over-year, with growth rates demonstrated at 97%, 81%, and 62% respectively. In 2009, the U.S. solar industry grew 36% to nearly $4 billion and supported the addition of 17,000 new jobs. It is important for our geopolitical future that we create a clean energy economy along with a strong energy policy. A sunny future for our children demands that we continue to create green sector jobs that replace our dependency on fossil fuels with renewable energy through wind turbines, hydro-electric power and solar photovoltaic technologies that make solar energy a globally deployable, environmentally smart energy source. # # # About the author: Daryl J. Ehrmantraut is Chief Executive Officer, President & Director of Quantum Solar Power Corporation , which is developing a “Next Generation Device” (NGD) photovoltaic technology. Mr. Ehrmantraut lives and works in Vancouver, Canada. He can be reached at info@quantumsp.com

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Removing the Rare Element Shackles from Solar Energy

Earth Energy For Home – Create Free Electricity Using Solar Power And Wind Power. Build Your Own Ho

WebShotVideo asked: Visit our website www.EarthEnergyForHome.com-check.it now Earth Energy For Home – Create Free Electricity Using Solar Power And Wind Power. Build Your Own Homemade Solar Panels And Wind Power Generators Today! residential solar power system, DIY solar power system, homemade solar power system, wind power generator, DIY wind turbine, residential wind power system, solar power, wind power generator, homemade wind power system, solar power,

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Earth Energy For Home Create Free Electricity Using Solar Power And Wind Power. Build Your Own Ho

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