Who Says Solar Panels Have to be Ugly?

This solar gadget charger, in the shape of a bonsai, proves that you can have both form and function when it comes to solar panels.  Made by Vivien Muller, the PhotoSynthese charger has 54 photovoltaic cells.  The branches are composed of detachable parts that, when put together, create the shape of the tree.  You can rotate the parts different ways to create the shape you want. You can also perch your gadgets in the tree branches while they charge.

No word yet on the price or whether this is actually going into production, but what a cool idea.  We’d love to see more examples of functional green design!

Link [Inhabitat] + [Behance]

We’re No Longer Asking. Give Us 100% Clean Energy in 10 Years.

We’re no longer asking. Give us 100% Clean Energy in 10 years.

Link [We Can Solve It.]

Big Solar and Little Solar Engaged in Turf Wars

So it goes – in every industry, the little guys will battle the big guys. In this case, it’s the many small solar companies that are fighting power giant Southern California Edison, who plan to install 250 megawatts’ worth of solar panels on the roofs of warehouses. The pros of Edison’s plan are that it would lower the cost of photovoltaic power, expand the market and transform currently unused space exposed to plenty of sun throughout the day into mini power plants.

The lone con is a big one – solar companies, trade groups and consumer advocates are afraid that allowing a large utility company to own and operate such “massive green megawattage” will crowd out competitors.

From Green Wombat:

There’s no doubt the program will be a boon for solar module makers. For instance, thin-film solar cell company First Solar (FSLR) is supplying 33,000 panels for the program’s first project, a 600,000-square-foot roof array in the inland city of Fontana. However, Southern California Edison intends to contract for union labor to install the solar systems and tap its own capital and a rate hike to finance the project. That won’t leave many opportunities for solar installers and financiers like SunPower (SPWR), SunEdison and MMA Renewable Ventures (MMA).

“Even though this program is kind of taking bread out of our own mouth, the demand for solar will keep going up,” says Mark McLanahan, senior vice president of corporate development at MMA Renewable Ventures, a San Francisco firm that finances commercial solar arrays.

“What they have announced is extremely visionary,” McLanahan tells Green Wombat. “It’s game changing and opens up whole new realms of what solar can do. That’s exciting.” On the other hand, he says, “It’s certainly possible that a young, growing industry that is pretty fragmented could be hurt by this rather than helped.”

It seems that Edison’s program will be funded by a hefty rate hike. Some solar industry critics have suggested opening up the program to competitive bidding, not just for the procurement of solar panels. Of course, Edison’s not crazy about that idea, saying it would work against the economies of scale it says it can bring to the program.

Tough situation, and we’ll undoubtedly see a lot more of this sort of thing as our country starts making what could be a somewhat arduous transition to new energy sources.

Link [Green Wombat] via [The Huffington Post]
Photo credit: Flickr user clownfish

Great Green Job of the Week – Junior Electric Engineer at Solar Design Associates

Solar Design Associates of the Greater Boston Area are seeking a Junior Electric Engineer.  Solar Design Associates is a leading renewable energy firm, specializing in renewable energy systems for buildings. The 25-year-old company has earned an international reputation for the pioneering integration of renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaics, with buildings.  Past projects include the first solar powered Olympics, the US Mission to the UN, the SF Giants AT&T Park Stadium and the first solar powered neighborhood.

Job Description:

SDA offers motivated Electrical Engineers the opportunity to join a fast-paced, creatively challenging design team in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. Responsibilities will depend upon skill level and may include design/engineering of solar electric and wind energy systems, engineering calculations, production of detailed construction documents, field assessments, feasibility reports, installation oversight, and systems commissioning. In addition, you may interface with clients, architects, utility representatives and code officials, as well as hardware suppliers and installation contractors. Project involvement will include the design of building integrated and non-integrated photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, institutional and retail projects. Travel opportunities may arise within and outside the US.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, a stimulating work environment that is smoke-free, team-oriented, and committed to client satisfaction.

Qualifications:

You’ve earned an Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and have coursework or professional experience in the design of building power or renewable energy systems. You have a high level of computer skills and CAD capabilities as well as accomplished communications skills - written and verbal. Direct experience with renewable energy systems and knowledge of National Electrical Code are a strong plus. Professional registration is not required, but desirable. US citizenship is required. You thrive on making a contribution and taking on responsibility, while learning and employing new skills.

Apply for this job at the Treehugger jobs board, or get more information about Solar Design Associates at SolarDesign.com.

Link [Treehugger Jobs] + [Solar Design]

New Solar Dish from MIT Powerful Enough to Melt Solid Steel

MIT students have created a new solar dish that is powerful enough to melt solid steel. While photo-voltaic solar technology has long been known as relatively inefficient in its current form, the new way to concentrate solar energy developed by the MIT students is far more powerful, and very inexpensive to build. Known as a ‘parabolic collector’, this way of harnessing solar energy has yet to be researched intensively. The students created their parabolic collector out of aluminum frames and mirrors.

From Inside Tech:

The MIT team believes that their lightweight, inexpensive device holds the promise of revolutionizing the power industry and providing solar power to even remote regions.

The key piece is the 12-foot dish, which the team assembled in several weeks. The design is exceedingly simple and inexpensive. The frame is composed of aluminum tubing and mirrors are attached to it.

The results are staggering – the completed mirror focuses enough solar energy at its focal point to melt solid steel. The energy of typical sunlight is concentrated by a factor of 1,000. This was showcased during a demonstration, in which a team member held up a board, which instantly and violently combusted, when brought within range of the focal point.

By directing the dish at a more practical target – water piped through black tubing – steam can be flash created, offering instant means of producing energy or providing heating.

The students have even created their own company, RawSolar, to mass-produce the design. The new dishes would provide a return on investment within a mere couple of years, rather than the 10 years or more it currently takes to make your money back on photovoltaics.

This is exactly what we need in green technology – some kickass muscle power! We should be seeing a lot more research in this area soon.

Link [Inside Tech]

Next Generation Toyota Prius Will Have Solar Panels

Toyota will be installing solar panels on the roof of the next generation Prius, set to begin production next year and released in 2010.  The power generated by the solar panels will be used to power the air conditioning system, which was previously putting strain on the hybrid powertrain.   The panels will only be available on high-end Prius models.

There have also been rumors that the next generation Prius will have a lithium battery and may get over 100mpg.  The body has been redesigned to be slightly larger and more aerodynamic.

I can’t wait to see how high gas prices are going to continue to spur innovation in all industries.  We should be seeing some extremely cool cars in the next few years, and the best part is they’ll be getting greener and greener!  With so many interesting new designs and concepts in the works right now, the hardest part will be choosing between them all.

Link [Reuters]
Photo credit: Popular Mechanics

U.S. Stops Solar Energy Projects Over ‘Environment Fears’

It sounds like a joke: the U.S. has decided to put off large-scale solar projects on public land so they can first study the effects that the solar panels will have on the environment. No word yet on whether they’ll do the same for coal mining, power plants and other major sources of environmental damage and disruption.

From The Telegraph:

The move has angered some solar energy proponents who argue it could hold up the industry at a vital juncture, given the pressing need to secure alternative energy sources at a time of soaring oil prices.

“This technology has been around for nearly three decades. If there is an environmental concern, that can be addressed without putting a halt to this technology and helping to impact our greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental degradation from coal-fired and natural gas plants,” said Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society.

Amazing, truly amazing. Granted, it’s just PUBLIC land. There will still be plenty of room for the growth of solar technology elsewhere – but that doesn’t change how incredibly stupid this is. Be cautious and think about the environmental repercussions of everything we do, absolutely. But we already know that our current energy production methods are far more damaging, and that we need a better way ASAP. Being conscious of solar panels displacing wildlife is good, but in the meantime, our current energy methods are hurtling us toward destruction of the entire planet at light speed.

Link [The Telegraph]

Photo credit: Worst President Ever

94% of Americans Want Solar Power; Politicians Lag Behind

Shock of the week: politicians are out of touch with the needs and desires of the people. I know, it’s hard to believe, considering what a great job they do of keeping our best interests in mind as they squabble, pocket lobbyist bribes, dive for power and eat filet mignon for a casual Wednesday lunch.

A recent poll found that 94% of Americans support the development and funding of solar energy including 91% of Republicans, 97% of Democrats and 98% of Independents. 77% of those polled feel that developing solar power should be a major priority of the federal government.

The Sietch Blog has it:

When asked which one energy source they would support if they were President, 41 percent of Americans picked solar. Solar and wind together were favored nearly 20 times more than coal (3 percent).

“These results are an undeniable signal to our elected leaders that Americans want job-creating solar power, now,” said Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of Republicans (72 percent), Democrats (72 percent) and Independents (74 percent) favor an extension of the federal investment tax credits (ITC) as a way to encourage development of solar power and fund continued development of the technology. In contrast, only 8 percent of Americans believe the ITC should not be extended.

At the end of this year, legislation that provides incentives for the growth of renewable energy are set to expire, and in order to build momentum and have a real hope of clean forms of energy becoming mainstream we need it to be renewed long-term. Get on it, lawmakers!

Link [The Sietch Blog]
Photo credit: Flickr user Jimmy_Joe

Rotating Wind Power Skyscraper to be Built in Dubai

Bloody hell! (Oh, how I wish I could use that in conversation without sounding like an asshole.) That is one sexy building in more ways than one. From David Fisher’s Dynamic Architecture firm comes the Rotating Tower, a self-sufficient sun and wind powered design that will be built in Dubai. Construction is set to begin this month.

Inhabitat has the details:

The Dynamic Architecture building has been aptly named Rotating Tower as the floors would be capable of rotating around a central axis. It will be continually in motion, changing shape and giving residents the ability to choose a new view at the touch of a button. The form of the building would constantly change as each floor rotates separately giving a new view of the building as it turns. According to Fisher, the building ensures a very high resistance to earthquakes as each floor rotates independently.

The new tower is the first building of its size to produced in a factory. Each floor, made up of 12 individual units, complete with plumbing, electric connections, air conditioning, etc., will be fabricated in a factory. These modular units will be fitted on the concrete core or spine of the building at the central tower.

With so much wealth concentrated in Dubai, I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more green innovation coming out of this little country. Imagine the possibilities that are still out there even after incredible inventions like this are conceived and built. This takes the shiny, cool sci-fi future of your childhood dreams and wraps it all up in a green package that can help take us out of the age of oil and into a new era.

Link [Inhabitat]

Apple Working on Solar Powered Portable Devices

There’s no way around it: portable electronic devices are here to stay. We’ve all got them: cell phones, electronic organizers, laptop computers, mp3 players and other handhelds. While it’s great that many of them are getting lighter and smaller, what we’d really love is to be able to charge them with the power of the sun. Well, we’re getting closer.

TrendHunter Magazine has it:

Imagine your iPhone or iPod automatically charging by the sun as you use it. A new Apple patent promises exactly that, by exploring the use of solar power in various versions of their mobile devices: iPhone, iPods and portable computers. The mechanism augments the devices, including the transparent screens, with layers of solar cells,.

According to the patent, “Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials… Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns.”

We have all of our fingers and toes crossed on this one. How great would it be to sit on the beach or in your garden, with your phone and iPod charging next to you, no cords required? Steve Jobs, you’re our only hope, give us solar powered handhelds!

Link [TrendHunter Magazine]
Photo credit: Flickr user ernop

Sweet! The Dutch Build the World’s First Solar Speedboat

Oh, how I love basking in the sunshine, smelling the salty air and dipping a foot into the water while relaxing on a boat. Too bad motor boats are really not good for the environment – they’re noisy, they use a lot of energy and leak oil. Then I saw this: the world’s first solar powered speedboat. Drrooooollll.

From gizmag:

Electricity and water: we usually do everything we can to keep the two apart, but it seems the electric engine revolution is moving through the boating world as well. And when you’re out on the water enjoying a speedboat, what more appropriate power source is there than the sun? The Czeers MK1 prototype solar speedboat is a 30-knot photovoltaic dream in delicious shades of carbon fiber Carbon fiber , solar cell and lush orange leather. Solar boats for environmental warriors eh? Next thing you’ll be telling us they’re making wind-powered ones.

The Czeers MK1 prototype is, as far as its Dutch creators are concerned, the world’s first solar speedboat. The Delft Technical University Solarboat Team built the original platform as an entry in the 2006 Nuon Frisian Solar challenge, which it easily won - and in the process, attracted serious investment power from Rabobank to get a full scale test boat built.

The resulting test boat, made from 100% carbon fiber inlaid with leather trim, photovoltaic cells on almost all horizontal surfaces and an LCD touch-screen control system, launched at the Millionaire Fair in 2007, and has since proven itself up to 30 knots on the water.

We are really looking forward to being rich ass green media tycoons. We’ll have a whole fleet of these babies. They won’t have leather trim though (yuck!). Seriously though, this thing is pretty sweet. No oil, no fumes, no engine noise. If you’re wondering about the cost, let’s put it this way: there’s a reason the LCD touch-screen system was launched at the Millionaire Fair.

You can check out a video of it in action on YouTube, complete with a weirdly inappropriate song choice (Aphex Twin).

Link [gizmag] + [YouTube]

Green Desk: Eco-Friendly Coworking Space in Brooklyn

Ooh, this place looks fab: it’s a carbon neutral coworking space in DUMBO Brooklyn featuring a fitness center, shared bicycles and rooftop access. Each space comes fully furnished and equipped with high speed internet, voip phone, an mp3 music server preloaded with songs, utilities, copying and even free organic coffee. There are solar panels on the roof, energy efficient lighting, recycling programs, filtered water and low/no VOC finishes on everything. Sounds like a green businessperson’s dream. If you want to get in on it, act fast: they’re nearly sold out already before the place has even opened.

Link [Amit Gupta] + [Green Desk]

Off-Grid Homes Save Electricity and Provide a Great Example for the Rest of Us

We can all learn a lot from the people who have decided to go off-grid – completely or just partially – using renewable energy to power their homes. When most people think of being off-grid, they imagine living like the Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie: using candles at night, spending hours doing back-breaking manual labor to keep your home heated in the winter and having no televisions or computers.

The fact is, using alternative energy sources for at least some of your home’s power isn’t just within reach, it’s not going to force you to sacrifice all that much. Your quality of life won’t be adjusted beyond feeling better about your energy consumption.

Charmaine Watts of New Zealand is a great example of making off-grid work while still living a modern life of convenience.

From the New Zealand Herald:

Her family of two adults and three children are one of hundreds around the country generating their own electricity.

With power prices on the rise, the $20,000 the Watts spent installing solar panels, a small wind turbine, storage batteries and wiring is starting to look like a good investment.

“I don’t need to worry about power cuts,” said Ms Watts. “It’s just like a normal house. I flick the switch on my computer or my DVD player and away I go.”

Watts says solar panels lasting between 25 to 30 years cost $25,000 , making them a good option even for city dwellers.

“Anyone with a roof has the potential to make their own electricity.”

$20,000 is definitely a lot of money, but many homeowners spend that much or more just on a bathroom remodel. Why not live with a smaller, vintage bathroom and spend that cash on something that’ll reduce your dependence on electricity and lower your carbon footprint? Seriously, watch those HGTV remodel shows – they spend exorbitant amounts on something that doesn’t even look all that great when they’re done. That money could be put to much better use.

Living smaller and keeping older stuff longer isn’t really the American way, and that’s part of what got us into this mess in the first place. Instead of focusing our consumerist drive on crap we’re going to get sick of in a few years and toss in a landfill, we could focus it on turning this country around for the sake of the planet.

You can learn more about going off-grid at Off-Grid.net.

Link [New Zealand Herald] + [Off-Grid.net]

Village in South Korea Runs on 100% Solar Power

Not too long ago, a town in Missouri proved that running on 100% wind power is an attainable goal. Now, the village of Donggwang on Jeju Island in South Korea is showing the world that solar power works, too. Hurray for innovation and leaders willing to take chances!

EcoWorldly has it:

Donggwang has achieved what even the most powerful countries in the world are still struggling to accomplish: total energy independence with clean technology.

On the roof of each of the 40 houses in Donggwang lies a large beds of solar panels. Even the small, local elementary school runs on free electric energy from the sun. The photovoltaic panels produce enough energy to power the entire area. Amidst cattle and fields, Donggwang is a state-of-the-art renewable energy village.

In 2004, the government helped to install solar systems in Donggwang, paying 70% of the installation fees.

When Eco Worldly writer Gavin Hudson asked Choo Chan Lee, a Donggwang resident, whether he was concerned about environmental issues, his easy response was that he just wanted to preserve the clean air of Jeju Island. Jeju-do is the largest of South Korea’s semi-tropical islands and is home to Halla Mountain, a volcano and the tallest mountain in South Korea.

This little paradise, so close to the overwhelming pollution of China, sets a great example for countries around the world – especially the United States. If we could accomplish this in a few of our own cities, more people would see that it’s not just ‘possible’, it’s reality – and it could mean a happier, healthier home for all of us.

Link [EcoWorldly]
Photo credit: Gavin Hudson, EcoWorldly

Solar-Powered Boat Does Not Come With Sexy Mannequins

Remember those pedal-powered boats you would always beg your parents to take you out on — only to get tired half-way out, cry, and watch as your parents struggled alone to get back to shore? Generally, a fight would ensue, followed sometimes by divorce, and the painful memory that it all started with your whining.

Thankfully, there are new advances in pedal-powered boats that will help avoid such conflicts. Take a look at this concept by French designer Jonathan Mahieddine that incorporates solar power and human power into once nice package. Adding to the amenities of your average human-powered boat, there’s a sun deck and easy-dive access. The best part, however, is what happens when you get tired of pedaling around the bay. Just flip a switch and cruise your way home to continue the family fun unimpeded. Don’t you just love renewable energy? It’s just a concept now, but for the sake of parents everywhere, let’s hope this one hits the waves soon.

via Ecofriend