Energy

New Super-Powered Organic Solar Cells – We Can Has Solar-Powered Laptops Nao?

13 years ago charis 14 Comments

The solar power industry is hard at work (we think, based on neat things they all keep telling us) improving, refining, and redefining solar technology. This week, Molecular Solar Ltd informs us that they’ve got what they describe as a “significant breakthrough in the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.” They’ve managed a record voltage output in organic PVs, which more or less means that yes, you can power your electronic devices with solar cells.

We Told You Solar Power Was Great — America Agrees (Poll)

13 years ago charis 11 Comments

Finally, America agrees that something good for the environment is also good for the economy. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released a new poll this week, which showed that a high percentage of Americans agree solar power is a pretty good deal all around. 74% of those polled saw solar power as not only green and clean, but also as helping to produce jobs and bolster the economy. In fact, it was seen as the energy source most deserving of U.S. government support.

Shut It Down — Mayor Calls to Decommission Tokaimura Reactor

13 years ago charis 8 Comments

In the wake of public protests opposing nuclear energy, at least one elected official has joined the cause. Tokaimura Mayor Tatsuya Murakami called on the federal government to decommission the nuclear reactor in his town 68 miles northeast of Tokyo. The reactor, which has had some problems in the past, has been shut down for routine maintenance since the tsunami and resulting nuclear incidents of March 11 this year.

Re-generation: The Next Wave of Entrepreneurship is in Sustainability

13 years ago ahurwitz 1 Comment

“A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move towards higher levels.”- Albert Einstein

Our nation’s economic success has always been based on our technological superiority coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit: In the 1940’s, it was our superior infrastructure and distribution capabilities. In the 60’s and 70’s, we had an explosion of scientific revolutions through the “space race.” And in the late 80’s and 90’s, the technological revolution turned into the internet revolution.

Electric Vehicle: Cost of Electricity

13 years ago breathonthewind 9 Comments

There is a growing interest in Electric Vehicles with many vehicles being offered and planned for future release. The uninspired and those who may be in the employ of the Koch Machine will long and loudly rail against the EV for its status as a ZEV. But at ground level, especially in difficult economic times it is the vehicle’s cost that will motivate mass adoption of electric cars.

Local Solar Could Power the Mountain West Right Now, All of America in 2026

13 years ago John Farrell 9 Comments

The Germans have installed over 10,000 megawatts of solar panels in the past two years, enough to power 2 million American homes (or most of Los Angeles, CA). If Americans installed local solar at the same torrid pace, we could already power most of the Mountain West, could have a 100 percent solar nation by 2026, while enriching thousands of local communities with new development and jobs.