Spray On Solar Windows Generating Energy

Posted on December 14, 2011 by quest

New Energy Technologies, recently announced that researchers developing SolarWindow, capable of generating electricity on see-through glass, have successfully fabricated its latest working window prototype using a faster, rapid scale-up process for applying solution-based coatings. The prospect of rapidly scaling up the size of SolarWindow while applying electricity-generating coatings onto glass at faster speeds, are important technical advancements in New Energy’s drive to aggressively advance the world’s first-of-its-kind technology towards commercial launch. Among other commercial considerations, researchers developing New Energy’s SolarWindow have been vigilant in their efforts to improve transparency and keep manufacturing costs low. For example, last year, scientists undertaking advanced SolarWindow research achieved the ability to ‘spray’ the Company’s electricity-generating coatings onto glass also, at room temperature and pressure.

John A. Conklin, President and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc said,“Today’s faster and improved scale-up application breakthrough marks a significant leap forward in our SolarWindow evolution from advanced research towards commercial product development.Importantly, this new and improved processing method still allows for the application of our novel electricity-generating coatings to be applied at room temperature and pressure. We’re not at the mercy of cumbersome and expensive temperature and pressure sensitive systems often utilized in the manufacture of conventional and thin-film solar photovoltaic products.”The new solution-coating method announced today provides an alternative to spray and allows for rapid scale-up to larger glass surface areas. This improved process also generally provides for more uniform application of SolarWindow electricity-generating coatings than conventional methods.

New Energy Technologies, Inc., together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a developer of next generation alternative and renewable energy technologies. Among the Company’s technologies under development are MotionPower roadway systems for generating electricity by capturing the kinetic energy produced by moving vehicles.

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Solar Powers Mongolians: Cyclists & Education

Posted on November 30, 2011 by quest

Kyocera Corporation received Japan’s 2011 Minister of the Environment Award for the Promotion of Measures to Cope with Global Warming in recognition of the comprehensive environmental activities undertaken with the community by the company’s Shiga Gamo & Shiga Yohkaichi manufacturing plants. This is the second year running that Kyocera has been a recipient, following last year’s award in the technology development. product category for its high-output multicrystalline solar module for industrial and commercial applications. In the summer of 2010 Kyocera in cooperation with the World Bank’s Renewable Energy for Rural Access Project two Mongolian villages Gobi-Altai and Bayantooroi, which are both located in the western Gobi Desert region went solar. The project was handled by Kyocera because of the company’s years of experience in the solar energy business in Mongolia, and the durability of its high-quality modules in harsh weather conditions.

Mongolians Up In The House

For this year’s award, Kyocera was recognized for the comprehensive work done by its two Shiga-based facilities to help combat climate change — including work done with the local community and government, and its implementation of solar energy applications. Specific programs were, Development and sales of the “Solar Cycle Station, Operation of environmental education facilities and Providing “Eco-Lessons” at local schools. The Minister of the Environment Award for the Promotion of Measures to Cope with Global Warming was established in 1998 by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. The award is given every year in December to coincide with Global Warming Prevention Month, and is presented to individuals and groups that have shown remarkable achievements in the prevention of global warming.

Kyocera began manufacturing solar modules in San Diego in the U.S in 2010. The company’s initial production target is 30 megawatts per year; to begin with the line will include solar modules ranging from 210 watts to the company’s latest 235-watt modules. Kyocera stated that it developed the line in order to meet “the U.S. market’s growing demand for clean, sustainable solar electric generating systems.” In October of 2011 Kyocera Solar and the Associated Students of San Diego State University announced the completion of a 355.9 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic energy system on the school’s campus, part of a student-approved plan to build a new LEED Platinum student union building.

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Don’t Hate Electric Vehicles Hate Pollution

Posted on November 9, 2011 by quest

Ok if you’re a hater and you hate everything green. Here’s your opportunity to get your hate on. In fact check out the EV haters guide so you can do it right:The EV-Hater’s Guide to Hating Electric Cars.The ultimate driving machine people, BMW have released some information on their new concept electric vehicles which could make you forget that these cars are green and all.

All-electric – the BMW i3 Concept.The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment. Typically an electric motor develops, maximum torque from standstill, in contrast to an internal combustion engine where torque increases with engine rpm.This makes the BMW i3 Concept highly agile and provides impressive acceleration. The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-37 mph in under four seconds and 0-62 mph in under eight seconds.

BMW i8 Concept – emotional, dynamic and efficient.Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept. Acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three liters per 100 kilometers (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel to approx. 20 miles on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality. You can look forward to seeing the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i3 in 2014.

Frenchman Rides Solar Electric Bike from France to Japan

U.S. and Chinese Solar Companies Square Off

Floating Solar Project Announced In Singapore

Posted on November 4, 2011 by quest

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and national water agency PUB today announced Singapore’s first floating photovoltaic (PV) pilot project at Tengeh Reservoir. The S$11 million pilot is estimated to have a system size of 2 mega-watt (MW), and will be the first of its kind in the region.The pilot project aims to assess the feasibility of installing floating solar PV systems on water, as an alternative to rooftops. In partnership with private sector companies, EDB and PUB will examine the cost effectiveness of these floating PV systems and ascertain the improvement in performance of the solar modules, due to the expected cooling effect from the water. PUB will also study potential secondary benefits of these installations, such as reduced water evaporation and algae growth in our reservoirs.

Said Dr Beh Swan Gin, Managing Director of EDB, “This pilot project exemplifies Singapore’s continuing efforts to overcome our resource constraints through innovative renewable energy solutions. The project also enables cleantech companies to address a sophisticated need, which if successful, can be scaled up and commercialised globally.”

The announcement was made at the Solar Pioneer Awards Ceremony, held at the inaugural PV Asia Pacific Expo, as part of the Singapore International Energy Week 2011. At the ceremony, the inter-agency Energy Innovation Programme Office (EIPO), co-led by EDB and the Energy Market Authority (EMA), awarded a third wave of five private sector projects with the Solar Pioneer Award. The award recognises solar installations in Singapore that are pioneering in terms of system design, size and installation techniques, and help to build solar system integration capabilities.The five projects are Keppel DHCS’ District Cooling Systems Plant at Changi Business Park, Hyflux’s Innovation Centre, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals’ plant, OUB Centre Limited’s One Raffles Place Tower 2 and UOL Group’s Upper Pickering Hotel & Office Development.

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U.S. And Chinese Solar Companies Square Off

Posted on October 23, 2011 by quest

Following is a statement by the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM), led by SolarWorld Industries America Inc., the largest domestic crystalline silicon solar cell and panel producer. The statement responds to what CASM characterized as misleading and unfounded statements by China’s Ministry of Commerce regarding the antidumping and countervailing petitions filed by SolarWorld Industries America Inc. against China’s trade practices. The statement is authorized by coalition spokesman Gordon Brinser, who also is president of SolarWorld. “Finally, regarding environmental issues, China’s record is equally troubling. For example, only last month, China temporarily suspended the operations of Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co. after hundreds of protesters, some of whom overturned vehicles and ransacked offices, complained about ‘toxic smokestack emissions,’ large fish kills, and an unusual number of cancer deaths.”

“The Chinese government’s claims that our actions are improper and protectionist, and that its illegal subsidies and massive dumping of solar product are helping the global economy and the environment, are absurd. China is one of the biggest trade protectionists in the world. In the solar industry, China is gutting manufacturing and jobs here in America and abroad while China’s solar industry pollutes its own people. The accusations have no basis in fact. “Regarding trade issues, the use of antidumping and countervailing duty laws is a WTO-legal and quasi-judicial process. The determinations that will be made by the U.S. government will be based on fact and reviewable under U.S. and WTO law. For China to label the actions of a U.S. industry ‘protectionist’ when China is seeking to defend itself against egregiously unfair trade practices is baseless. China is a heavy user of the antidumping and countervailing trade laws to ‘protect’ its own industries. It is no coincidence that China has been named in the most antidumping and countervailing duty cases from countries all around the world: It is the worst violator of global trade laws. “Regarding economic considerations,

Sky Power Brings Solar Energy To Electric Vehicles

Solar Contributes To Zero Net Energy At UC Davis

Posted on October 22, 2011 by quest

Setting a national precedent in sustainable design, UC Davis West Village opened its doors Saturday as the largest planned zero net energy community in the country. Located on the UC Davis campus, this visionary development is designed to generate as much energy each year as it consumes. “UC Davis West Village illustrates our commitment to cutting-edge research in sustainability and the value and impact of public-private partnerships,” said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi. “The success of these partnerships demonstrates what can be achieved when innovations in design, science and engineering come together for the public good.”

Hundreds of residents, neighbors and supporters attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating completion of major elements of UC Davis West Village’s $300 million first phase: 315 apartments, 42,500 square feet of commercial space, a recreation center and village square. When completed, the ambitious 130-acre development will be home to about 3,000 people in 662 apartments and 343 single-family houses.  Zero net energy has never been attempted on the scale of UC Davis West Village. If the community achieves its energy goals, it will set a national precedent in sustainable design.

“UC Davis West Village is a visionary model for integrating pioneering sustainable principles with high-quality living environments, creating an eco-friendly lifestyle for students, faculty and staff,” said Nolan Zail, Carmel Partners Senior Vice President of Development. “We believe the success of this innovative public-private partnership and demonstrated zero net energy living community will inspire other public and private institutions to build similar sustainable communities.” UC Davis West Village will also be home to: