Energy Efficiency

Solar PV Panel Shading, a New Consideration for ROI?

13 years ago breathonthewind 3 Comments

One of the essential questions we ask with solar PV installation is “what will the return on the investment (ROI) be?” Many considerations are used to calculate a result. Researchers at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, under the direction of professor for environmental engineering Jan Kleissl, have recently provided us with yet another consideration to incorporate into these equations — the energy efficiency benefit of solar panel shade. Using a thermal infrared camera, they were able to calculate the value of solar panel roof shading.

sOccket, a New Way to Energize

13 years ago danielc 3 Comments

Let’s add two more people to the “who wants to make a change list?” Julia Silverman and Jessica Matthews have come up with another means to fight the battle against the lack of electricity in developing and third world countries. How, you ask? Through the use of a soccer ball.

US Economic Collapse Mitigates its Climate Chaos

13 years ago susan 1 Comment

Records broken around the country last week included temperatures to 111 degrees. Yet there were no blackouts due to the grid load from increased demand for air conditioners, despite temperatures and heat indexes never before seen in some parts, (and that climate science has been long been warning us of). To a large extent, that is because the great economic-apocalypse has reduced the overall US demand on the grid, especially from businesses.

Largest Airplane Order in History – American Airlines Orders Low CO2 Planes

13 years ago susan 3 Comments

Finally noticing that it really will need new low carbon airplanes in order to land in Europe starting in 2012, at least one airline in the US has just ordered the aircraft it will need to do that.

American Airlines just placed the largest order in history for a new fleet of fuel efficient airplanes, according to Green Car Congress. The 460 new planes meet the EU climate regulations to lower airline carbon emissions.

GM Sells Security

13 years ago breathonthewind 3 Comments

GM is in the business of selling vehicles. They also usually make them. Anticipating objections was the object of GM’s recent announcement of a “definitive agreement” with ABB, a back up power and energy storage company. For most an “Electric vehicle” means a battery car. Some question if electric vehicles are truly “clean.” GM wants us to imagine with confidence where batteries go when they “naturally die.”