Solar energy can supply a residence or commercial building with power but efficient storage creates greater potential for transportation. Energy collected during the day can be stored at a residence and used to power electric automobiles (e.g., the gas station is your home). Even more, imagine a car that can store energy collected from the Sun for driving at night. More research and development will lead to discoveries enabling such modes of transportation. The good news is that researchers are already working on finding a solution to this storage problem

See ‘Major discovery’ from MIT primed to unleash solar revolution

2. Choices. Solar energy can be generated in two forms, namely electricity and heat.

3. Availability. Solar cells or “photovoltaics” do not need directly sunlight to produce energy. So even on overcast days, solar panels can still collect energy.

4. Technology. The technologies to produce solar electricity is getting cheaper. It’s estimated that within 10 years, solar electricity will be cheaper than traditional fossil fuel produced electricity and fuel.

Nanotechnology refers broadly to a field of applied science and technology whose unifying theme is the control of matter on the molecular level in scales smaller than one micrometer, normally 1 to 100 nanometers, and the fabrication of devices within that size range. For scale, a single virus particle is about 100 nanometers in width.

Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.”

At this size dimension, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms, molecules, or bulk matter. The properties displayed at the nanoscale create a host of potential innovative uses for nanomaterials. One of these uses includes the creation of exciting and revolutionary energy applications. These potential nanoscale energy applications apply to a host of different sources of energy, including hydrogen, geothermal, unconventional natural gas, fission, and solar energy.

While hydrogen is an energy storage medium, it is not a primary energy source. Therefore, full realization of hydrogen as an alternative energy source is frustrated by gaps in technology, which do not precipitate the efficient and cost-effective storage and transport of hydrogen. Nanoscience provides new approaches to basic questions about the interaction of hydrogen with materials to enable the efficient and cost-effective storage and transport of hydrogen.

Applying nanotechnology to geothermal energy increases the opportunities to develop geothermal resources by enhancing thermal conductivity or aiding in the development of noncorrosive materials that could be used for geothermal energy production.

The recovery of unconventional sources of natural gas is yet another potential application of nanotechnology. Unconventional sources of natural gas include tight sandstones, shale gas, and coal bed methane. Nanotechnology applications may prove useful in accessing or exploiting these unconventional natural gas sources. For instance, nanocatalysts and nanoscale membranes may prove useful in assisting in Gas to Liquids production. Furthermore, certain nanostructured materials may assist in compressed natural gas transport.

Nanotechnology may also prove useful in solving the waste problems of the nuclear energy industry. For instance, certain nano-engineered barriers may prove useful in preventing the migration of or containing nuclear waste products.

Nanotechnology applications may assist in making solar energy more economical. Nanoscience can be utilized to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, creating cost-efficient conversion systems, effective solar power storage systems or even the generation of solar energy on a larger scale. For instance, “nanopatterning” can artificially change the optical properties of materials to allow light to be trapped in solar cells.

Nanotechnology might someday allow for more powerful, more efficient and less expensive energy generation, storage transmission and distribution. Nanotechnology is being used to optimize production from existing energy sources and to exploit new sources such as geothermal, liquefied natural gas, nuclear and solar energy. Nanotechnology is also improving and opening new possibilities for the transmission and storage of energy, especially electricity and possibly hydrogen in the future. Nanotechnologies have the potential to reduce energy consumption by making it possible to manufacture lighter and/or more energy efficient cards and appliances. Even though nanotechnology is a relatively young field, the potential for future nanotechnology applications within the energy industry could turn out to be one of the most important technological developments of our time.

About the Publisher: This report is published by Energy Business Reports, an energy industry think tank and leading source for energy industry information and research products.

The three energy sources I will focus on have been around for years, and as time passes their respective technology and efficiency increases. These three energy sources are Solar Panels, Wind Turbines, and Geothermal Power.

Solar Panels

Solar energy was first being utilized, more than 100 years ago, since the middle of the industrial revolution. Early solar power plants were built to produce steam to power the machines of factories. Around that time, Henri Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic is the production of electricity straight from the sun.

Solar (or photovoltaic) cells generate about 10 watts per square foot and are mounted on your rooftop. The maximum amount of solar electricity that can be efficiently generated is determined by the amount of southerly roof exposure available that remains completely unshaded most of the day. It is best to continue to be hooked up to the utility grid for two reasons. 1. They are required to purchase any extra electricity that is produced from your solar panels. 2. The days that are cloudy you may need to use their electricity.

People decide to purchase solar electric systems for different reasons. Some want to stop the use of fossil-fuel resources and reduce air pollution. Others would rather spend their money on energy-producing improvement to their property. Some people just want to reduce the amount of electricity they purchase from the utility companies. There are people who just don’t like paying high prices of their utility bills. No matter what the reason, solar energy is a sensible choice with a great return on your investment.

Wind Turbines

The use of wind turbines can be a great way to provide a source of clean and renewable energy for your home or business. There are several different wind energy devices available on the market today which can be used to generate power. Most are cost effective and provide a substantial level of electricity for your home or business.

The terms wind energy or wind power describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks, but is most commonly used to convert mechanical power into electricity. Simply stated, a wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, which is what a fan does, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. Single small turbines, below 100 kilowatts, are used for homes, telecommunications dishes, or water pumping. Small turbines are sometimes used in connection with diesel generators, batteries, and photovoltaic systems. These systems are called hybrid wind systems and are typically used in remote, off-grid locations, where a connection to the utility grid is not available. The initial investment of these technologies can be quite high, but they can be capable of paying for themselves within a matter of years.

Geothermal Power

“Geo” means “from the earth,” and “thermal” pertains to “heat or temperature”, so this type of energy is found under the earth. Here is how it works: about four feet underground, the temperature of the earth stays the same all year long – about 55 degrees. The system pumps a liquid through the pipes to absorb the heat and brings it back indoors. A device called a “heat exchanger” takes the heat from the liquid and uses it to heat or in some cases cool, the air inside the home.

A geothermal heating system uses pipes buried more than four feet deep in the earth. By burying some water pipes and then running the fluid through a heat exchanger, you can produce ambient air that warms you in the winter and cools you in the summer. It’s a little more complicated than that, because humans like it around 70° in the winter, a compressor is needed to bring the temperature of the air up a bit. But the net energy and cost savings are still considerable.

We can also use geothermal energy to make electricity. A geothermal power plant works by tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs underground; the heat is used to drive an electrical generator. Most geothermal plants are located in the western United States, where hot water reservoirs are common. The Geysers power plant in northern California is the world’s largest geothermal power plant, producing enough electricity to light up more than 22,000 homes.

If we can put our money into these three Alternative energy sources we can cut our ties from fossil fuels, specifically (OIL), the source of escalating global conflict, and become a more self-sufficient country. No matter what the state of your pocketbook, there are options available that allow each one of us to make the changes to renewable energy resources. At our website, EcoloChi.net we focus on ways to become more earth friendly, with a growing list of “green” products and information.

Roland Kemler

EcoloChi is my way to help people save our planet at http://www.ecolochi.net

Sugarcreek, Ohio (PRWEB) April 10, 2008 — SUPERB Industries Inc. has introduced a solar power technology that can be disguised as a corporate logo, brand ID or high-tech decal. It is ideal for situations where running wiring is cost-prohibitive and in applications where conventional power sources are not available.

Branded Sol-A-Ray, these ultra-thin panels can provide an energy source for temporary or emergency lighting, locking and unlocking storage compartments or powering GPS units, cell phones and countless other wireless devices. The solar power cell and accompanying console are configured for the specific energy requirements of each application.

Sol-A-Ray incorporates a flexible, solar panel decal that can be applied to any smooth surface, whether flat or contoured. The solar panel is encapsulated in a rugged, non-marring, urethane with a scratch resistant, self-healing surface to provide reliable performance even under extreme weather conditions.

Highly efficient, Sol-A-Ray is adept at capturing the sun’s energy at both off-angles and in low sunlight conditions. This reduces the amount of full-sun exposure needed to fully re-charge the energy source.

Applications
Sol-A-Ray enables product designers to introduce solar power technology into virtually any product without compromising on design or consumer appeal.

It provides a reliable power source for many applications. These applications include outdoor sporting equipment, recreational vehicles, marine, aerospace and any application where wiring would create costly challenges for original equipment manufacturers or aftermarket installers.

Sol-A-Ray is also available to individual consumers looking for an efficient power source for hobby or sports applications.

SUPERB Industries has worked with A.R.E., a major manufacturer of truck caps and tonneau covers, to eliminate the challenge of running wires when installing a keyless locking system. The A.R.E. Sol-A-Ray system consists of three components: a low profile, solar power cell (less than .078 inch thick), a stylish, molded console and an ergonomic key fob. The solar power cell is a self-adhesive decal backed with an automotive grade adhesive. The console houses an LED lighting system that fully illuminates the truck bed when the tonneau cover is raised. The console also serves as an enclosure for the wireless electronics and battery pack.

About SUPERB Industries, Inc.
SUPERB Industries, Inc. (est. 1986) offers this unique solar technology as well as engineered metal and plastic components for the automotive, appliance, medical, security, and communications industries. SUPERB serves Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Jaguar, Mercedes, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool and other major vehicle and appliance manufacturers. Located in central Ohio, SUPERB is globally competitive supplying millions of parts to China, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

The company holds ISO9000 certification to the TS16949 standard and is focused on high -volume production, regularly holding tolerances of +/- 0.001″ in precision metal stamping and plastic injection molding. SUPERB also offers customers design and engineering expertise to see products through from napkin-sketch, to finished product. All this is accomplished utilizing the latest technologies to ensure efficiency, repeatability and the best overall product value.

For further information, contact SUPERB Industries, Inc., 330 Third Street NW, Sugarcreek, Ohio, 44681, 330-852-0500, visit www.superbindustries.com. For information specific to Sol-A-Ray, visit www.sol-a-ray.com.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) April 9, 2008 — The Pedestrian Shops is celebrating its B’ Earth day again this year with a shoe drive to benefit people in need. Pedestrian, Boulder’s comfortable shoe stores were selling shoes 38 years ago, on the original Earth Day in the spring of 1970.

New or slightly used footwear is being collected at the Pedestrian Shops locations, at 1425 Pearl on Boulder’s Downtown Mall and south of McGuckin Hardware in The Village, from Friday, April 18, through Monday, May 5. Customers who bring in a pair of shoes qualify for a 10 percent discount on any purchase, including footwear already sale priced.

“A purchase isn’t necessary. We’re just really happy to get good used shoes from people who want to help someone in need,” said Lauren Polk, general manager of the Pedestrian Shops.

This is the Pedestrian Shops’ (comfortableshoes.com) 40th shoe drive. It has been conducting annual Thanksgiving and Earth Day shoe drives for 20 years. More than 30,000 pairs of reusable shoes have been collected by the Pedestrian for distribution by the First Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Closet and other community partners.

Pedestrian is known for its selection of the world’s most comfortable brands of shoes and its commitment to defining success in social and environmental as well as economic terms. Green business practices are especially important to Pedestrian. Apart from shoe sales, Pedestrian considers its greatest success to be the recent activation of its 10.32-kilowatt solar power plant, which produces carbon-free energy equal to nearly 50 percent of the energy necessary to power its headquarters location on Boulder’s downtown mall. The plant will prevent 28,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the Earth’s atmosphere each year. More examples of the Pedestrian Shops’ social and environmental programs can be found and commented on at comfortableshoes.com/blog .

“We believe we’re the world’s first solar-powered shoe store and we know we sell the world’s most comfortable brands of shoes,” said Richard Polk, president of Pedestrian Corporation. “I’m really excited by the notion that we now can sell shoes without leaving a carbon footprint.”

The Pedestrian Shops encourages its customers to enjoy life and take a walk.

Portola Valley, CA (PRWEB) April 9, 2008 — Ready Solar announces the expanded manufacturing/mass production of its flagship product, Solar in a BoxTM, the industry’s first standardized pre-assembled solar electric appliance. Solar in a Box includes a proprietary frame mounting assembly and world-class partner components – pre-assembled for easy installation – eliminating specialized construction and installation costs.

Ready Solar is actively seeking installation partners. Solar in a Box systems allow residential solar installers and general contractors to complete jobs in half the time, meaning more jobs and better profitability.

“We offer an easy-to-install, aesthetically superior system, providing a clean, renewable energy option at an affordable price,” said Meredith McClintock, CEO of Ready Solar. “We are able to eliminate the costly site visits and custom sizing process, making it easy to select a standardized system based on the available roof space and customer’s budget. Solar in a Box has successfully introduced a prefab, solar appliance that is easy to purchase and install, and is cost-effective for use on every structure with an un-shaded, south/southwest facing roof.”

Ready Solar Training Session at ASES Solar 2008 San Diego: May 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register for Training. Contact Janey Ward 650-646-3411 x804
Complimentary exhibition pass. Lunch provided. Session is free of charge.
Booth 804
Photo credit: Sunset Magazine 2007 Idea House, Truckee, CA

London, UK (PRWEB) March 30, 2008 — Greenworks, part of Graham The Plumbers Merchant, specialise in eco friendly technology for UK builders, plumbing & heating engineers, architects and home owners and have just launched a new interactive water conservation section to their website.

Currently water is being wasted by millions of homes and businesses, with many experts agreeing that more sustainable technologies are needed urgently to stop limited finite water resources running out.

As such the UK Government intends to tackle this issue with its “Code for Sustainable Homes”. The criteria set out in the “Code for Sustainable Homes” initiative establishes a national standard for the sustainable and eco friendly design and construction of new homes, and sets minimum standards for energy and water consumption.

Alan Penny, Business Development Director Greenworks specifies “The new sustainability Code measures energy/water efficiency, waste and carbon emissions giving a total score for all criteria’s. The code uses a star rating system allowing individuals and officials to see the overall eco friendliness of a home or property development”.

Builders, plumbing & heating engineers, architects, property developers and anyone else in the construction industry need to be aware of the sustainability code and where possible embrace the codes and guidelines into the development of new homes. Greenworks are dedicated to helping these industries in improving the sustainable technology implemented be it solar panels to heat pumps to water saving technology to enhance their sustainability rating.

The new water conservation section on greenworks-energy.co.uk enables self builders, architects and property developers engaged in a new build or renovation to explore (via an interactive bathroom interface) the possible water saving solutions they can integrate into their project. Whether trade, commercial or residential many of the solutions are suitable, such as specially designed ‘dual flush toilets’ which reduce the amount of unnecessary water wasted during a toilet flush to meet and exceed the new Government sustainability code.

By utilising the products such as these water conserving technologies, architects and developers can ensure their developments are environmentally friendly and receive accreditations by opting into the new sustainability rating system.

Due to the imminent emergence of Home Information Packs, and other new UK government initiatives to improve sustainability and renewable energy, Greenworks are among the UK leaders in providing trusted ‘green’ and eco friendly energy solutions for UK architects, builders and homeowners. This is due to the extensive and exclusive range of eco friendly products ranging from solar panels to water conserving toilets.

For more information regarding Greenworks’ new water conservation section please visit www.greenworks-energy.co.uk

The Compactor Guy Inc

The first Solar Powered Outdoor Trash Compactor Uses Solar Energy to reduce waste volume. A must see. For more information email at info@thecompactorguy.com. More environmentally friendly products at site. The big belly uses 100% Degradable Trash Bags as well