As a barrel of oil hovers around $130, the news has been bombarding us with the obvious effects of high oil prices. As most people weep at the pump, some environmentalists are rejoicing. Gas consumption is down, but there are additional hidden costs to high gas prices that leave even … [continued]
Truck stop electrification is boosting fuel efficiency and minimizing dependence on foreign oil from idling trucks There are 1.3 million long-haul diesel trucks with sleeper cabs in the United States, with most drivers averaging over 100,000 miles annually. These trucks are highly affected by skyrocketing fuel prices and are dependent … [continued]
Xtreme Concentrated Solar Power: if a magnifying glass is like lightning to ants, this would be their atomic bomb. We already know that concentrated solar power (CSP) is shaking things up in the solar industry. A subset within the industry is turning up the heat. “Extreme” Concentrated solar magnifies intense … [continued]
[social_buttons]Buying a solar system is similar to going to Cosco and buying a 30 year supply of a staple. It will have a large upfront cost, but will result in long-term savings in states with good solar energy potential. What if you could lease a solar system and have the … [continued]
Despite all the talk about solar energy, it only generates a measly .1% of electricity in the US. Meanwhile, national demand for electricity is growing by 2% annually. Considering that solar technology has been in use for decades, why is it not more widespread? Cheap Fossil Fuels Even though sunlight … [continued]
The chemical perchloroethylene (or “perc”) might not ring a bell, but it is likely be found in your home. Considered by the EPA to be both a health and environmental hazard, it is a solvent used by most dry cleaners across the country for more than 70 years. It is … [continued]
If solar panels cost $1/watt, you can sell them (installation included) for $2/watt. Coal (installation included) costs $2.10/watt. To date, solar is still reaching to compete with coal, but the margins are closing. To (over)simplify how this works, you need to ignore issues like subsidies, qualitative costs, or kinks in … [continued]
There’s been a lot of focus on renewable energy on Cleantechnia recently but energy is not the only “clean” tech out there. What about recycling wastes? What about recycling… human wastes? What’s the difference between traditional wastewater treatment and sewage purification (also known as ‘indirect potable water reuse”)? Is it … [continued]
After concluding last week’s post with water conservation tips, I was motivated to look deeper into more steps homeowners can take to conserve water, as well as the new technology surrounding this issue. I found all I needed (and MUCH more) at www.h2ouse.org. The website was created by the California … [continued]
Many businesses are putting the sun to work for them and saving a bundle on utility bills. While much of the country is experiencing increasing energy costs, some are looking to the sun as a solution. Although nearly all solar applications will eventually save money, a large upfront investment is … [continued]
