Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Lands At Principal Solar

Posted on October 27, 2011 by quest

Principal Solar, Inc, a publicly traded renewable energy holding company which concentrates its resources on rapidly advancing the inevitable, worldwide utilization of solar energy, announced today that Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Doctor of Science (MIT), aeronautical engineer, retired United States Air Force Colonel, decorated fighter pilot, and legendary astronaut who served as Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 11 – the first manned lunar landing in history — will serve as senior advisor. In conjunction with his appointment to the Advisory Board, Dr. Aldrin appeared in partnership with Hunt Energy Enterprises at the Principal Solar launch party, Oct. 19, 2011, at Hunt headquarters,1900 North Akard St., Dallas, Texas.

“We are honored to welcome the distinguished Dr. Aldrin to our team, and expect that his guidance will literally take us to the moon,” says Michael Gorton, chief executive officer and chairman of PSI. “His years of aerospace experience, matched with his dedication and continued support of solar power and research for renewable energy sources, aligns him directly with our bottom-line initiatives.” “It’s a privilege to work with the seasoned, high-minded team of innovators at Principal Solar as they propel self-sustaining energy solutions into the mainstream,” states Dr. Aldrin. “In the near future, solar energy will compete with and actually cost less than traditional sources of energy created by fossil fuels. It’s time for the United States to catch up with the rest of the world by embracing this opportunity to become free of devastating oil disasters, independent from foreign oil, and a stronger, more prosperous nation.”

In 1966, Dr. Aldrin performed the world’s first successful spacewalk on the Gemini 12 orbital mission. On July 20, 1969, he and Neil Armstrong made their historic Apollo 11 moonwalk, becoming the first two humans to set foot on another world. Upon returning from the moon, Dr. Aldrin was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest American peacetime award. Since retiring from NASA and the Air Force, Dr. Aldrin has remained at the forefront of efforts to ensure America’s continued leadership in human space exploration. His recent trip with President Obama aboard Air Force One to the Space Conference at Kennedy Space Center serves as testament to how influential his opinions are to the key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.

An Urban Garden Grows In The Bronx

Solar Powered Vessel To Celebrate With Lady Liberty

Posted on October 27, 2011 by quest

Hornblower Hybrid, the nation’s first vessel powered by diesel, hydrogen, batteries, wind and solar energy, arrived today in the New York Harbor. After nearly two years of construction and the work of more than 300 individuals, the Hybrid will service New York City upon completion of United States Coast Guard sea trials and certifications. The innovative vessel reduces emissions, uses minimal diesel, and features several recycled and reclaimed materials, LEED-certified carpet and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Terry MacRae, CEO of Hornblower Cruises & Events said, “The Hybrid marks a milestone in sustainable maritime transportation. What better time to unveil it to the world than on the anniversary of one of America’s most iconic national parks and landmarks. As a concessionaire to the National Park Service, we constantly strive to help conserve and protect the parks we serve,” “The Hybrid marks a milestone in sustainable maritime transportation. What better time to unveil it to the world than on the anniversary of one of America’s most iconic national parks and landmarks.”

Marking its public debut, the Hybrid will participate in the Statue of Liberty’s 125th Anniversary Flotilla on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from Pier 40 to the Statue. It will exhibit in the parade of ships in honor of the Statue’s original dedication from France on Oct. 28, 1886. Next year, the Hybrid will run harbor cruises with close-up views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Corporate, social, school and wedding events are bookable on the Hybrid now, while public harbor cruises begin in early 2012. The Hybrid is part of Hornblower New York’s four-vessel fleet, which will include three other luxury entertaining yachts arriving next year. Hornblower New York is a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events, one of the largest charter yacht, dining cruise and eco-tour companies in the country. The company operates America’s first hydrogen hybrid commercial vessel, the Hornblower Hybrid, and will launch a four-boat fleet in 2012.

Greece to Use Solar Project Revenue to Pay Debt

CA Attorney General Sues Balance For GreenWashing

Posted on October 26, 2011 by quest

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today filed a first-of-its-kind “greenwashing” lawsuit against three companies that allegedly made false and misleading claims by marketing plastic water bottles as “100 percent biodegradable and recyclable.” Under California law, it is illegal to label a plastic food or beverage container as biodegradable. Plastic takes thousands of years to biodegrade and may never do so in a landfill. Today’s lawsuit is the first government action to enforce the state’s landmark environmental marketing law. “These companies’ actions violate state law and mislead consumers,” Attorney General Harris said. “Californians are committed to recycling and protecting the environment, but these efforts are undermined by the false and misleading claims these companies make when they wrongly advertise their products as ‘biodegradable.’”

Balance and AquaMantra sell their products in plastic water bottles marketed by ENSO Plastics LLC; according to the label, ENSO claims that a microbial additive created the “first truly biodegradable and recyclable” plastic bottle. The bottles’ labeling states that the bottles will break down in less than five years in a typical landfill or compost environment, but that claim is false because the additive does not speed up the centuries-long process required to break down plastic. The claim of recycling is also deceptive. The microbial additive put into the bottle is considered by the Association of Post Consumer Plastic Recyclers to be a “destructive contaminant” that can compromise the strength of the products they make. Consumers may buy these defendants’ bottles and either dispose of them incorrectly, on the assumption that they will biodegrade quickly, when in fact they will simply take up space in landfills, or they will try to recycle them, creating problems and costs for recyclers.

A recent Gallup poll found that 76 percent of Americans buy products specifically because of their perception the product is better for the environment. In 2008, the California Legislature banned the use of words like “biodegradable,” “degradable,” or “decomposable” in the labeling of plastic food or beverage containers. Senate Bill 567, signed into law by the Governor this year, will expand that law to all plastic products beginning in 2013. Deputy Attorney General Raissa S. Lerner and Deputy Attorney General Laura J. Zuckerman are handling the case for Attorney General Harris’ Environment section. A copy of the complaint filed today in the Orange County Superior Court is attached to the online version of this release at www.oag.ca.gov.

U.S. And Chinese Solar Companies Square Off

California Leading America In Solar Technology

Posted on October 26, 2011 by quest

According to a recent IHS iSuppli report, U.S. solar installations are predicted to rise 166 percent this year. North America’s premier exhibition and conference for the solar industry, Intersolar North America, consistently provides key insights and unparalleled knowledge to the industry’s leading integrators, cell and module manufacturers, balance of systems manufacturers, project developers and financiers. Permanently located in San Francisco, Intersolar North America is California’s largest solar event, making it the key meeting point for solar professionals across the entire value chain to form the partnerships needed to maximize market potential and develop the projects that are growing the U.S. and California solar industries.

“Among U.S. states, California far and away will be the leader in renewable solar power this year, accounting for nearly 1GW on its own,” said Mike Sheppard, Analyst, Photovoltaics at IHS iSuppli. “New Jersey is expected to be second with 260MW, followed by Arizona with 240MW. Rounding out the remaining top five, in descending order, include New Mexico and Nevada.” California this year is expected to top out with a total of 967MW of newly installed solar. In IHS iSupply’s recent report, market data estimates installed solar in California for 2012 at 1.2GW, generating more solar power than the next six states on the U.S. PV ranking combined.

California Dreamin‘

“California continues to be instrumental for the U.S. solar industry, as so many of the technological innovations and models to integrate solar are developed here,” said Markus Elsasser, CEO of Solar Promotion International, one of the event’s organizers. “Therefore, it is essential that solar professionals from around the United States meet in this all-important market and take with them the knowledge gained and business developed at Intersolar North America to grow their company. Our program is designed specifically with this in mind.” “California’s representation in the U.S. solar market reached 45 percent this year, up from 38 percent in 2010. With so much activity and growth, the state is ripe with opportunities for sales and strategic partnerships,” said Troy Dalbey, Managing Director of North America for Upsolar. “From our North American headquarters in San Francisco, we’re able to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry.”

Apple To Power Data Center From Solar Energy

T.C. Chan Center to Host the UN Environment Program

These Are The Voyages Of PlanetSolar

Posted on October 26, 2011 by quest

PlanetSolar is on a bold solar power global journey. It is the world’s largest solar-powered boat. It is now heading for Mumbai as part of its 18-month journey around the world.The boat, which started its journey on September 27, 2010 from the port of Monaco, will travel across the Indian Ocean before finally returning to Monaco in May next year. The goal of PlanetSolar is to be the first “solar” boat” to circumnavigate the globe driven by a silent, pollution-free electrical engine powered exclusively by solar energy.

With its crew of four they provide updates on the journey as it unfolds. Here’s one of their recent reports, “Weather conditions: Sunny and warm. Distance covered during the last 24 hours (from 20 o’clock till 20 o’clock): 0 miles (0 km). Today the crew had a day off after the intensive work during the last weeks. Nevertheless, Erwann and I discussed our route for the crossing of the Bay of Bengal. For the moment, all options remain open. We discussed 3 or 4 possible routes, namely, two direct ones, one southern route and one northern route. The sun is going to be rather modest, however, the wind and the currents are apparently going to be favorable. On our route there will be some islands, which we will be able to visit and explore. Moreover, in case of thunderstorms we could find a shelter there and recharge our batteries. By the way, I also updated the expedition diary, where the whole adventure is recorded. Wishing you all a good start of the week! Raphael and the PlanetSolar Crew“

Today, more than 100 people are working for the PlanetSolar project around the world. Some of its backers include the likes of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs , Sunpower Corporation, visionary and founder Raphaël Domjan and Jean Verne great-grandson of the writer Jules Verne.

PlanetSolar’s purpose is to demonstrate the potential of renewable energies and photovoltaics, show that we already have the technology required for sustainability, take part in the technological development of renewable energy and advance scientific research, inform the public and make them aware of the importance of renewable energy, make the best possible use of energy efficiency and show that the economy and ecology can and must work together.

Solar Contributes To Zero Net Energy At UC Davis

IBM Grants $50 Million For Sustainable Eco Smart Cities

Posted on October 25, 2011 by quest

IBM today announced that it has opened the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant program to new applications for 2012. Smarter Cities Challenge is a three-year, 100-city, $50 million grant program in which IBM’s top technical experts and consultants provide actionable advice to urban centers. Issues that IBM’s consultants addressed this past year were diverse, ranging from transportation and public safety, to economic development and budgeting. One of the funded recipients of IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grants from last year was Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Leaders from Milwaukee’s private sector, and local urban agriculture organizations are establishing an Urban Agriculture and Aquaponics Council to advance the aquaponics industry, an eco-friendly approach to agriculture that recycles water from fish farms to nourish crops without the use of soil. Participants want to collaborate more effectively to make food healthier and more profitable, available, and affordable — and in the process, create opportunity and local jobs.

This highly successful grant program provides select applicant cities with access to teams of elite IBM employees with expertise on a variety of urban-related matters, such as finance, sustainability, public safety, and citizen services. After conferring with officials, citizens, businesses, academics and community leaders, the IBM teams recommend actions to make the delivery of services to citizens more efficient and innovative. Issues addressed include jobs, health, public safety, transportation, social services, recreation, education, energy, and sustainability.

Key factors for a successful grant application include strong city leadership, willingness to collaborate with many stakeholders, and the desire to make their cities smarter and more efficient. Cities will also need to champion actionable and measurable efforts that have the potential to make a real impact on the lives of its citizens. In addition to Milwaukee some of the other dozen cites participating included: Rio de Janiero, Brazil, Johannesburg, South Africa, Boulder, Colorado and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As in 2011, selected applicants must demonstrate a commitment to using all publicly available urban data to help identify local problems and solutions. To that end, IBM will provide special assistance to each winning city on the use of City Forward, a free online tool it developed with public policy experts that explores trends and statistics in a visual way, and which can be adapted for the study of any number of issues across cities. The deadline for 2012 grant applications is December 16.