From Booklist
Reviewed with Christine Petersen’s Wind Power.Gr. 3-5. The familiar small, square format and the large, well-spaced type of volumes in the long-running True Book umbrella series have been preserved in this new offshoot, Environment & Conservation. Petersen provides readers with a lucid picture of the sun and wind as natural forces before introducing some of the technology (windmills, turbines, solar panels) used to harness energy on a large scale. A few more diagram (more…)
Tags: harness energy, Solar, Solar Panels, solar power, solar power book, solar technology, solar technology book, true book
Glass Pyramid-Shaped Solar Cells (image from CASE)
Instead of bulky photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, one day soon you could instead go with a “Dynamic Solar Facade.” The technology will include a glass front with pyramid-shaped solar concentrators which capture light, magnify it by up to 500 times and then redirect it to solar cells.
The Dynamic Solar Facade could have a 60-80% efficiency ratio, using not only UV light, but also thermal heat from the sun, captured with a heat sink. In short, the pyramid-shaped solar cells can generate both electricity and provide energy to heat water, much like a thermal solar panel system.
A good looking, dual-function, highly efficient solar panel system?
Yes indeed! While CASE is still years away from commercializing the product, we could see it by the end of the decade. That wouldn’t be a minute too soon, as attractive clean energy sources are in high demand, particularly for landlords who lease office space. The overall appearance of a building – both inside and out – can increase rents, while saving energy and cutting down high utility bills.
Tags: center for architecture science and ecology, clean energy source, concentrating solar power, dynamic solar facade, glass solar cells, photovoltaic solar panels, pyramid solar cells, solar technology
Federal funding for solar photovoltaic research
Its budget time for the federal government. While the news has been buzzing about the deficit and cuts in funding, the Department of Energy announced that approximately $12 million has been allotted for solar R&D. The federal funds will largely be provided to several solar photovoltaics (PV) projects that are undertaken in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The goal of the solar technology research – and the provision of federal funds – is to help bring cutting-edge solar tech out of the laboratory to commercial production.
Bringing solar power from the laboratory to consumers
The Department of Energy’s Photovoltaic Incubator Program will receive about $10 million of the funds through the Recovery Act. According to the web site:
The goals of the projects include exploring the commercial potential of new manufacturing processes and products; fostering innovation and growth in the domestic PV industry; establishing an efficient and cyclic funding opportunity; and expanding and diversifying domestic “market-ready” PV technologies.
In short, the DOE aims to take prototype solar tech to demonstration or full-scale projects.
Of the total $12 million in solar research funding, about $3 million will be awarded in 2010 to each of four companies under subcontracts with the Department of Energy. This is the fourth year in a row that funding awards have been presented by the DOE to solar tech companies.
The 2010 funding recipients were announced in January, as follows:
- Alta Devices Inc. of Santa Clara, California will work on developing a solar module with a conversion efficiency better than 20 percent. The new solar panels could be sold commercially next year, in 2011.
- Solar Junction Corp., based in San Jose, Calif. is developing a manufacturing process for high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell which can be used in concentrating photovoltaics (CPV).
- Tetra Sun, also based in California, is working on back-surface passivation, which helps protect a semiconductor from contamination, for crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The result should be high-efficiency, low-cost c-Si solar cells, which are already the most efficient and durable solar cells on the market.
- Semprius Inc., of Durham, North Carolina, will develop a “massively parallel,” microcell-based CPV receiver. The company will combine manufacturing techniques unique to solar power with the inherent benefits of CPV.
With important funding from the Department of Energy/NREL, solar R&D will be able to continue to develop new technologies that are practical, efficient and affordable, and to bring them to the public for actual use!
We’ve got to agree that investing in a clean energy future is worth every dollar.
Tags: department of energy, national renewable energy laboratory, NREL, photovoltaic incubator program, recovery act, solar funding, solar photovoltaics, solar R&D, solar research, solar tech, solar technology research
EADS Astrium Solar Panel Laser: Solar Power That's Out of this World
Europe’s biggest space company, EADS Astrium (an aerospace subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), has announced that its entering the field of space-based solar power. Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about space solar power – also known as SSP – but many have dismissed the idea as a little too…. out of this world.
EADS Astrium joins several other companies that believe in the future of this futuristic renewable energy resource and are making investments accordingly. Pulling solar power from space can actually be more efficient than earth-mounted solar panels as you can have exposure to sunlight 24/7 without weather disturbances or the pesky darkness that falls every 12 hours or so on Earth. In addition, the concentration of energy from sunlight gathered in outer space is significantly more intense.
Its one thing to gather space solar power with giant solar panels, but another task to transmit the solar energy back down to earth. EADS Astrium has devised an infrared laser system that will beam the collected solar power to transmittal stations where it can be fed into the grid by utilities purchasing the power.
The lasers will be an improvement over prior SSP designs that planned for microwave transmission systems; these often raised safety concerns and appeared to be relatively inefficient. By 2020, Astrium plans on having a space based solar power demonstration project in place.
Solar Power from Space
Will we enjoy solar power that’s out of this world during our lifetime? What once seemed like science fiction is steadily gaining traction throughout Europe, Japan and the United States. With advances like EADS Astrium’s laser transmittal system, the prohibitive cost of SSP appears to be coming down, while efficiencies increase.
It may be less than a decade before we’re reaching for the stars for solar renewable energy!
Tags: eads astrium, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, solar panels space, solar power from space, solar renewable energy, space based solar power, space solar power, SSP
Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America. Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author’s (more…)
Tags: basics solar, energy conservation, Solar, solar energy systems, solar water, solar water hearing, solar water heating guide
Solar blinds let the light in, while functioning as energy saving insulation
We’ve talked about how an easy way to tap into free solar energy is to utilize passive solar design. No need to install solar panels when you can simply make minor changes to manage the amount of sunlight entering your home or office during certain times of the day or year.
Solar blinds, also known as insulating window panels, are an affordable home improvement project that can help you save 40% or more on annual heating and cooling bills! No wonder they are Energy Star-rated.
Custom Climate Control Solar Blinds provide an environmentally friendly energy saving system that is beneficial any time of the year. By functioning as insulation, they help regulate indoor temperature no matter what outdoor conditions are like.
Because windows are the most susceptible part of the building envelope to heat extremes, insulating window panels can minimize unnecessary swings in temperature inside your home.
Toronto Solar Blinds offers customized insulating window panels. From consultation to design to installation, this company does it all! As for the blinds themselves? Here’s a brief summary of their functions in both hot and cold months of the year:
Solar Blinds function in summer
In the summer:
- Solar blinds keep heat out and cool air in
- Stop furniture and flooring fading caused by UV rays
- Reduce need for air conditioning
- Block up to 92% of harmful UV rays
- Reduce solar heat gain by 68%
In the winter:
- Blinds absorb sunlight and convert it into interior radiant heat
- Increase insulation value of windows by R10
- Reduce night time thermal heat loss
- Reduce condensation and ice build up
- Stop up to 71% of cold air infiltration
Even if you don’t purchase specially-designed Climate Control Solar Blinds, you can still capture some of the same passive solar energy benefits by properly opening and closing your own drapes or blinds. Southern-facing windows should be shielded during summer months. Over the winter, you’ll want to allow sunlight in to help warm the house during the day, but close the window coverings in the morning and evening to trap heat indoors.
Do you use passive solar energy techniques to cut down on heating and cooling bills? What works best for you?
Tags: climate control solar blinds, energy saving system, energy star, free solar energy, insulating window panels, passive solar design, passive solar energy, solar blinds, toronto solar blinds
Scotchshield Technoloy for Solar Panels (image from 3M)
A quarter century ago, scientists at 3MTM first started developing solar energy and mirror films; it was a pioneer in the industry. Today, the company is making major investments in new plastic film production for solar and other renewable energy tech.
For use in crystalline silicon PV modules, revolutionary 3M ScotchshieldTM Film will be manufactured in Singapore. The American corporation has two primary goals: to lower the cost and improve efficiency of solar cells. In fact, 3M has dedicated an entire Renewable Energy Division for R&D in this energy sector. Already, it produces films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives for solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and biofuel businesses.
A U.S. patent was awarded for the new Scotchshield Film in December 2009. A multilayer film will be applied to the back of a solar cell during the PV module lamination process, in order to improve its protection. The 3M film is superior over previous designs with respect to both cost and ease of application.
The layers of the Scotchshield solar film include semi-crystalline fluoropolymer on the outside (.5 to 5 millimeters thick), a polyester intermediate layer (1-10 mils) and an outer polyolefin layer (1-20 mils). Thickness of the individuals layers will be variable based on specific requirements.
Scotchshield solar film is one of several solar and other renewable energy products under development by 3M, which promise to have a major impact on the industry.
Tags: 3M, performance solar cells, plastic film production, PV modules, renewable energy tech, scotchshield, scotchshield film, solar film
From Booklist
Packaged in a small, square format, this title presents a surprising amount of information about solar power in brief sentences that are calibrated to newly confident readers’ abilities. The short chapters start with essential definitions of terms such as solar system before moving into topics such as renewable energy and greenhouse gases. The selection of well-chosen color photos, which are crisply reproduced on each page, is particularly strong in final chapters (more…)
Tags: energy for today, greenhouse gases, renewable energy, Solar, solar power, solar power book, solar system
Attend the annual Solar Expo in Portland, Oregon
Its time to register for the 2010 Northwest Solar Expo and Professional Training Conference. The event will be held right here in my home state of Oregon, from April 27-May 2, 2010.
- Where: Portland, Oregon
- When: April 27-May 2, 2010
- What: 5th Annual Solar Expo
- Why: To educate renewable energy professionals as well as business owners and residential customers interested in clean energy solutions.
- Who: Sponsored by the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association
The annual event features three days of Professional Solar Training and certification. In addition to the educational aspects, you’ll be able to network with solar professionals, manufacturers, installers, integrators and potential solar and clean energy customer. Private corporations will be represented, along with government and non-profit agencies.
The official web site notes that:
Many of the Professional Solar Training Conference Courses are approved for NABCEP continuing education credits. The Solar Expo will offer workshops, exhibitors, and seminars to homeowners and business owners interested in clean energy solutions for their homes and buildings.
For general information about the expo and training conference, including conference sponsorships, contact Ericka Katz at 503-236-0367 or ericka@oseia.org. For information on becoming an exhibitor and available sponsorships for the expo, contact Sean Lowery at 503-570-6295 or seanl@prosperaevents.com .
Tags: 2010 northwest solar expo, annual solar expo, clean energy solutions, clean technology showcase, Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association, professional solar training, solar expo portland oregon
Canadian Solar continues its global expansion efforts, announcing this week that it has signed a solar joint venture with Japan’s West Holding. Although it is incorporated in Canada, the company bases its manufacturing operations in China. Canadian Solar’s solar cells and modules are sold worldwide.
On the other hand, West Holding distributes residential solar systems in Japan. The new solar joint venture should help grow its expansion into the Japanese PV panel market. Specifically, West Holding will distribute and sell solar residential rooftop systems designed by Canadian Solar Japan, with a 2010 sales target for this year of about 18 MW.
Under the terms of the deal, the Japanese subsidiary of Canadian Solar will transfer 14% of its shares to West Holding, while retaining the rest.
Tags: canadian solar, PV panel market, residential solar systems, solar cells modules, solar joint venture, solar manufacturing, west holding
