SunPower Shines On Solar Impulse

Posted on December 7, 2011 by quest

One has to wonder how the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart would feel to see solar power aviation begin to take flight. Today San Francisco Bay Area solar manufacturer SunPower announced it is providing solar cells to the Solar Impulse project. Solar Impulse HB-SIA is the first aircraft that can fly day and night without fuel or polluting emissions. In July 2010 Solar Impulse was launched by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. The flight demonstrated the enormous potential of new technologies for saving energy and renewable forms of energy. The lessons learned from this first prototype are now being incorporated into the development of a second airplane, HB-SIB, which will attempt to fly round the world starting in 2014.The Solar Impulse team has produced a prototype (HB-SIA) solar airplane that, for the first time in aviation history, succeeded in flying for 26 consecutive hours powered only by solar energy. A second solar airplane (HB-SIB) is currently under construction with plans to circumnavigate the globe in 2014. Both planes are powered by SunPower’s high-efficiency solar cells. “We are pleased to partner with SunPower, a leader in designing and delivering high-efficiency solar technologies. SunPower’s solar cells are optimum for this project, as they offer the performance and low-weight that is needed for our revolutionary solar airplanes,” said Andre Borschberg, Solar Impulse co-founder and CEO.

PLANET SOLAR

SunPower is also a sponsor of Planet Solar to power the world’s largest solar catamaran that is currently on an around-the-world tour, arriving at most destinations ahead of schedule, weather permitting. Since 2005, SunPower has supported university students with high-efficiency SunPower solar systems for their solar home entries in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. And in 2009, the company also supported students with their entries in the first Solar Decathlon Europe.

Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO said, “SunPower is pleased to be involved with such an ambitious project as the Solar Impulse airplane as it prepares for its record-setting, around-the-world flight.” As a vertically integrated company, SunPower not only powers distinctive projects such as Solar Impulse, but our high-efficiency, high-reliability solar panels are chosen by residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers worldwide. We are confident that our experience in developing our industry-leading technology with guaranteed performance will help the Solar Impulse airplane to successfully achieve its goal to circumnavigate the globe.”

It’s time to meet 21st century rail

New MegaWatts Of Solar Power Heading South

Posted on December 6, 2011 by quest

Ikea is ahead of the curve in incorporating renewable energy into its growth plans. The Swedish based company has a business philosophy based on minimizing negative impacts on the environment. It was only last month that Ikea began installing electric vehicle charging stations in Southern California and seven other Western US states. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. IKEA a world leader in home furnishings retailer, today announced plans to install solar energy panels on ten additional United States locations – its entire presence in the Southern U.S. Pending governmental permits, installation can begin this winter, with completion expected in Summer 2012. Collectively, the nine stores and one distribution center will total 10.7 Megawatts of solar generating capacity, nearly 45,360 panels, and a projected annual electricity output of 15,248,334 kilowatt hours.

Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president said, “This investment extends our solar presence to the Southern U.S., further reducing our carbon footprint and the intensity of the electrical grid. IKEA believes we can be a good business while doing good business. The company has a long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology.” IKEA will own and operate each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – now including its three Texas stores (Frisco, Houston and Round Rock), three Florida stores (Orlando, Sunrise and Tampa), three other stores (Atlanta and Charlotte, and in Woodbridge, VA), and the IKEA Distribution Center in Savannah, GA as listed below with approximate system statistics and corresponding clean energy equivalents.

IKEA already has 12 U.S. solar energy systems operational with 11 more underway. Adding solar to ten more locations increases the company’s solar presence to 75% of its U.S. locations and a total solar generating capacity of approximately 26.8 MW. For the six Florida and Texas stores, IKEA contracted with REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric providers, with more than 7,000 systems built nationwide. For the four other locations, IKEA contracted with Gehrlicher Solar America Corp., part of Gehrlicher AG, one of the world’s ten largest independent PV project developers and system integrators.

Higher Education Leading On Climate Change

Solar City Returns Solar Strong

First Zero Net Solar Energy Classrooms Now In LA

Posted on December 5, 2011 by quest

Constructed entirely from recycled materials and powered by roof-mounted solar panels, Brentwood School‘s newest classrooms will generate enough energy every year to cover 100% of their electricity usage, making them Los Angeles’ first Zero Net Energy classrooms on a school campus. Because the solar panels are shipped in place, the classrooms will begin generating energy the same day they’re installed. Gen7′s proprietary energy management system will monitor each classroom to ensure performance over time. Four Gen7 green modular classrooms are, making renewable energy a reality for the sustainability-conscious K-12 independent school. Designed to pursue LEED Gold certification, the state-of-the-art classrooms will provide a new wing of permanent, high-performance learning space expected to deliver 70% in energy savings for the school.

Brentwood School‘s Head of School Dr. Mike Riera said, “True to our mission of embracing high standards of character, commitment, and achievement, with Gen7 we set a new standard for ourselves in terms of environmental responsibility and the use of learning space as teaching tool,” Brentwood School’s Parents Association hosted a pancake breakfast for Middle and Upper Division students, allowing them to watch and learn as their new classrooms are installed. Gen7 classrooms are designed for both health and comfort, making them the ideal learning environment. Each Zero Net Energy classroom is also a hands-on teaching tool, equipped with its own interactive SMART board. An Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard is being developed that displays the building’s performance data and demonstrates sustainable initiatives, such as energy production and consumption, LEED scorecard, green features and student tutorials.

Gen7′s energy efficiency combines renewable energy with features that reduce the need for electricity. Each Gen7 Zero Net Energy classroom includes an ultra-tight, high R-value building envelope, high-efficiency mechanical system, smart lighting system with the latest LED technology, large low-E view windows and skylights, light and occupancy sensors along with a dedicated outdoor ventilation system.

The father of vertical farming

Solar Embedded Fashions Energizing Mobile Devices

Posted on December 1, 2011 by quest

The solar industry is shining its light on just about every part of society.This time a company called Silvr Lining is impacting the solar and fashion industry. The Los Angeles based clothing designer has introduced a line of solar powered outerwear called the Go Collection, which is all hand made, individually cut & sewn garments. The garments are ethically made clothing from organic & recycled fibers and allow you to charge your phone with your pants, jacket or vest. The GO Collection is an urban sportswear line featuring integrated solar charging for personal mobile communication devices.

In addition to GO Collection Silvr Lining offers multi-functional, high-tech fashion and lifestyle brands. The Dugwear, Modbox lines are progressive and green, and pursue sustainability and renewability of materials and processes. Fully and independently functioning solar power supply panels are provided for the front pockets of the of the GO Director’s Jacket, GO Utility Vest, GO Myer’s Topper,and side cargo pockets of the GO Cargo Pant. Output power is highly precise and conditioned for automatic charging of personal devices. These panels can also be used as self‐contained, carry – anywhere chargers and are USB 2.0 compliant.

Sandra Garratt—Design Director of Silvr Lining describing Silvr Lining said,”Too many of us believe that a “rich, creative life” belongs to a chosen few select people who “do that sort of thing. Wrong, creativity is in everything we all do daily. Beauty is a choice, creating it for any circumstance is an initiative for designers. We all want a happy, healthy, well-balanced lifestyle, not just more clothes. SilvrLining is making a design statement about an emerging Green lifestyle that is techwise and embraces active living in the Sun. We try to integrate Nature & Technology with Style while breathing beauty into busy modern everyday life.The designers and “science guys” at SilvrLining believe that there is new Green inspiration, a focus on energy independence that is moving us forward with progressive, new ideas that help us know that it is time to leave the past behind.”

UN Climate Conference In Durban South Africa

Solar Energy To Power UN Climate Conference

Posted on November 29, 2011 by quest

A newly built 500 kW solar-energy facility will power the United Nations Climate Change COP17 global gathering, and will be officially inaugurated by South African President Dr. Jacob. G. Zuma on December 4. Soitec a world leader in generating and manufacturing for the electronics and energy industries, has built a concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) power plant next to Durban, South Africa, as the flagship project for the 17th annual Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held November 28 to December 9. More large scale commercial and utility scale projects are being started or switched on around the globe. Bloomberg New Energy Finance is reporting,”that for the first time in history, investments in renewable energy installations surpassed investments in fossil fuel plants. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, last year $187 billion was invested in renewable energy installations, which exceeded the $157 billion that was invested in new natural gas, oil and coal plants.”

“CPV offers South Africa huge potential for its natural resource and climate protection,” said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, president and CEO of Soitec. “After proving our Concentrix™ technology’s performance in the region with last year’s installation of a 60 kW power plant at the Aquila Private Game Reserve in Touwsrivier, we are proud to continue supporting the country’s young but growing renewable-energy sector. Sustainable energy, as we all know, is a prerequisite for a sustainable future.”

Soitec worked closely with the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DEA) of South Africa and the local eThekwini Municipality to build the CPV solar plant, which feeds into the area’s power-supply grid. The CPV plant was constructed in just one month using the combination of Soitec’s international expertise and the local work force. Group Five, an integrated construction services, materials and infrastructure investment group operating in Africa, was the local construction partner for the project.

Electric Vehicles Hitting The Road In South Africa

Honey Do’s May Include Solar House Painting

Posted on November 28, 2011 by quest

I can see it now…”Honey don’t you think it’s time to paint the house? Why don’t we try some of that spray on solar or solar paint? The Jones’ have those solar panels on their roof and Pat tells me their electric bill have gone from $175 a month to $20 and they didn’t even have to pay for it upfront. Some kind of lease or PPA purchase or something like that? Sweetie come on the house is starting to look at little tired and these electric bills are out of control.With more money each month we could that take that vacation you promised me we would take to Tahiti someday. You know I mean?”

Look up for Solar Power

We’ll we see how it plays out. But in the world of solar solutions, innovation won’t only include just improvements in silicon and thin film efficiency. As reported here a Florida company; New Energy Technologies, Inc. is working on spray on solar and solar windows. If the idea of spray on solar seemed like a novel little cute idea, check it out and think again. And low and behold Mitsubishi Chemical also researching this alternative to silicon panels. And then there’s Pythagoras Solar Window which won the GE ecomagination challenge earlier this year for their work as a provider of Photovoltaic Glass. Their solar window technology is an industry first that simultaneously delivers energy efficiency, high power density and transparency. The GE ecomagination Challenge, recognized the most promising building energy innovations.

To the north Canadian researcher Ted Sargent, has been talking up, paint-on solar cells for years. Seems in solar energy innovation, the imagination is the workshop of the mind.