Tag Archives: Renewable energy

Amazing Glitter-Sized Photovoltaic Cells Look Like Golden Snowflakes

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sustainable design, green design, sandia national laboratories, glitter solar cells, solar power, renewable energy, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells

As snowstorms sweep the country, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are warming up our winter blues with the creation of these gorgeous snowflake-shaped photovoltaic cells. The glitter-sized solar sequins are made from crystalline silicon and use 100 times less material to generate the same amount of electricity as standard solar cells made from 6-inch square solar wafers. Perfect for soaking up the sun’s rays on unusual shapes and surfaces, the solar cells are expected to be less expensive, more efficient, and have promising applications in textiles and clothing.

sustainable design, green design, sandia national laboratories, glitter solar cells, solar power, renewable energy, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells

Photo by Randy MontoyaSandia Labs‘ stunning new solar cells are created using cutting-edge micro-electric and micro-mechanical manufacturing techniques, which ensure their tiny size and a small margin of mechanical deformations. One benefit to their miniscule size is that if a single solar cell in an array were to die it would only marginally reduce the array’s efficiency – compare that to conventional arrays where a large faulty panel can cause a huge loss in power production.

The solar cells could be incorporated into unusual shapes and materials such as tents, building facades, and clothing, making it possible for people to recharge cell phones and other electronic devices as they walk around or rest. According to Sandia field engineer Vipin Gupta, their tiny size also means that they can be easily integrated into rooftop applications that have “intelligent controls, inverters and even storage built in at the chip level. Such an integrated module could greatly simplify the cumbersome design, bid, permit and grid integration process that our solar technical assistance teams see in the field all the time.”

As of now the solar cells are producing energy with 14.9 percent efficiency, which is pretty great compared to off-the-shelf commercial modules which range from 13 to 20 percent. As the technology is perfected and economies of scale pick up, these snowflake-shaped microcells will certainly be a hot technology to watch.

+ Sandia National Laboratories

Via Physorg

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Connecticut Electricity Prices may Rise and Fall with the tides of change

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Looking ahead from 2017 to 2022, electricity generation could rise as much as 3 cents per kilowatt hour because of increased demand, rising natural gas prices, and New England‘s commitment to renewable energy. But first electricity price could decline for 5 years. Why the instability? In March 2012 I paid .079800/kwh, the saw a reduction to  .065900/kwh in April 2012  for my 450kwh of residential service. Delivery charges were about 60% of my total expense

The Ct  Department of Energy & Environmental Protection published the Integrated Resource Plan on June 7, 2012  which is intended to serve as a guide for the state’s energy policy for the next 10 years.(1)To offset the potential increase, the Integrated Resource Plan suggests we focus on cost-effective renewable power and , increased  investments in energy efficiency to assure the New England has enough natural gas supplies to meet rising demand in the electricity and heating sectors. (1)

This future demand and cost projection presents a window of action and opportunity to increase investment in energy-saving technology as a capital investment, while taking advantage of Tax Credits and Rebates.

Connecticut electricity prices could drop for five more years before a variety of market factors could force a 38 percent rise in prices by 2022, a new report says. We must be wary of this short-term reduction in rates as complacency will undermine the motivation in invest in energy-saving technology when prices are declining

In the report, DEEP officials said they expect the generation price of electricity – about 40-50% of a total electric bill – to remain at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour or below through 2017. The low prices are due almost entirely to the dropping price and increasing domestic supply of natural gas. (1)

Contributed by David Carr Ct Sales Manager

(1) HartfordBusinessJournal 06.14.12

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Green Inequality

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Green Inequality
Green Inequality Racism, ageism, classism– these are truths. They exist in all forms of our society. And if the last seven political years have taught us any one thing, it is we cannot look to government to correct societal wrongs. When we have a government that snatches up people off the streets because they have a mode of worship and dress unfamiliar to most in the US and a skin color a few shades darker; when we have a government that robs Peter to pay Paul, but only when Peter is old enough to qualify for social security, and Paul is a well-connected corporation; when oil prices hit $100/barrel and the government’s idea of alternative energy sources is to crank up the old coal mines: well, it is time we take matters into our own hands. These societal wrongs exist in an environmental context as well. If one were to map out where the primary Brownsfield sites in large metropolises are and then were to overlay first, where people of color lived, next, were the aged live, and finally where the impoverished live, I’m sure it would come as no surprise that people of color, older people, and poor people come in contact with more pollution than the average American. Our government will not correct this unfairness. The question remains, who will?The “green” construction industry has failed to address this issue of environmental racism/ageism/classism. How do we, as obviously concerned citizens, point our compasses toward not just a cleaner planet, but a fairer planet as well?Part of our mission as “green” builders is to develop means of limiting “green” construction costs. Further, developments designed for the elderly, for affordable and workforce housing, cannot simply be cheap. This is unfair thinking. This is wrong thinking. This is short sighted thinking. We cannot allow “green” construction to remain the pet boutique industry of the wealthy. This means that the wealthy will be the only beneficiaries of the newest environmentally friendly developments. More importantly, if this is the sole sphere in which “green” thrives, then “green” dies. Until “green” becomes the building mode of the masses, “green” has only minimal impact– except, of course, on the lucky few who can afford renewable energy sources and those builders who can build for clients without need of a budget. But will this narrow scope of change have any significant change on the environment? I doubt it. Simultaneously, “green” construction, particularly renewable energy sources shouldn’t be financially structured as too expensive. With public and private financing intervention, renewable energy sources could be viewed as just the opposite– it would be too expensive to not use renewable energy sources. How do we do this? Well, it is no more than torquing one’s perspective as both a consumer and a vendor. As a consumer, one must be forward thinking and understand that to not invest in sustainable energy sources is to incur significant financial burden for fossil fuel costs. As a vendor, to sell systems which imbue value into a project, be it single family home, a multi-family dwelling, or a commercial building, is a means of creating more value for your product, thus making that product easier to sell. Perhaps the perspective which needs most changing is that of the banking community and, dare I suggest it, the government– municipal, state, and federal. The banking community needs to jump on board and conclude that green construction is more valuable construction. If banks adopt this perspective, then value-added green components should then allow a consumer to borrow more money. After all, 80% of 120 thousand dollars is more than 80% of 100 thousand dollars. However, banks thus far have failed to adopt any form of value conversion, and this has slowed the development of green alternatives. As for our government, well, until we have someone in the White House who does not directly benefit financially from the burning of fossil fuels, we will not have a national plan for renewable energy sources, period.For a more academically formal investigation on this topic, please go to www.hinkleycenter.com/publications/poverty_pollution_siting_94-8.pdf.   -Miles Shapiro

via Building A Zero Energy Home.

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Building A Zero Energy Home

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Saturday, February 23, 2008

Lecture Series/ Krune Building

Last Thursday I began attending a lecture series at Yale in the School of forestry and Environmental Science. It was strange, returning to where I spent four years of my life over twenty-five years ago. Funny thing about it is, when I was an undergraduate, I never stepped foot in that building, or for that matter did I venture into that part of the university altogether. Science hill is the area of the university where the math, science folks went, and I was an artsy, writing guy.So we drove up to Science Hill, got out of the car and headed into the F&ES building. Harassed only one person for directions, and we entered Bowers Auditorium, where, oddly enough, it reminded me of being in a lecture hall in college. The only differences were 1) there were refreshments in the back, and 2) after grabbing a cup of coffee, I sat towards the front because I was actually interested in being there. The lecturer was Gus Speth, the Dean of the F&ES. His introducer went through the many incredible things Speth has done in his career, then ta-da, Speth stepped up to the podium, and to be totally honest about it, gave a pretty mediocre lecture. Not to say he’s a bad lecturer, but the topic was pretty dull. It was about the multiple administrative difficulties he faced over the previous 5 years getting the University to capitulate to the building of the new Krune building, and on the gloriousness of the plan for the building.I learned a lot about the resistance to new ideas during the lecture even within a supposed bastion for new ideas. Speth seemingly engaged in the academic form of open warfare with the temporary provost of the University for a multi-year stretch. After finally outlasting the temp, he actually got what he wanted, which was to have the university agree to get rid of the Pierson-Sage power plant, virtually an energy dinosaur, which of course, sat adjacent to where the Krune building is to be built. Throughout the lecture there were several references to the environmentally ground-breaking nature of the building and how those element will provide leadership for the rest of the university and the community at large to move toward a “greener” future. And I sat there and thought about it for a long time, and I realized this is exactly what is wrong with universities and right with them at the same time.Let’s tackle what’s right first. The Krune building is a brilliant building. Brilliant design, brilliant lighting, floor plan, usage of renewable energy sources. All that good stuff. Further, it is in some respects a beacon, a lighthouse offering direction through the fog of grants and red tape and construction costs and varying reports on the virtues of different forms of fuels and energy and passive solar design and fuel cells… on and on and on. Further,

via Building A Zero Energy Home.

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The New Energy Revolution Theme Song

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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A challenge thrown down by environmental Entrepreneur Mr. Steve Schappert. He invited us all to do something to help pull us all together to save the planet. I though “what could I do” Steve challenged Ebony and I to write a song. Here it is. Much blessings to all. – Joe Torcicollo

Im one, But Im not alone here. We Two can make a change. Each one, reach out and teach one. Gotta fix this mess that we all made. We’re moving way to fast, how much more can this all last. We got it get it together so we can live forever. Can we do it….yeah Can we do it…yeahCan we do it…yeahBeen Rockin on million years or more, we wanna rock one million more. Been rockin one million years or more, we wanna rock one million  more its  time  we all come together, Growing from one voice. Into millions strong each one can make a difference. We’re getting on the right track, Keep on moving along, been living way to tough. The earth has suffered enough

via The New Energy Revolution.

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SustainableBusiness.com

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About SustainableBusiness.com

We Help Green Businesses Grow

What is our vision?

A world where human activities live in harmony with the earth’s carrying capacity.

What is the definition of Sustainable Business?

Business that contributes to an equitable and ecologically sustainable economy.

How does a business do this?

Sustainable businesses offer products and services that fulfill society’s needs while contributing to the well-being of all earth’s inhabitants.

Sustainable businesses operate across all business sectors: energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, water and wastewater treatment, resource-efficient industrial processes, advanced materials, transportation and agriculture. They create products and services that compete on price and performance while significantly reducing humankind‘s impact on the environment.

Sustainable technologies – also called cleantech or greentech today – improve financial performance because products are made using less energy and materials, and less waste and toxics. These companies tend to attract experienced, visionary management and top employees. They also attract leading suppliers and customers who want to work with and buy from companies that contribute to their own green business strategies.

We are the future of business: organic products, efficient and renewable energy, green materials, recycled products, and green building. Isn’t it about time?

The Business of Restoration & Stewardship: True Sustainable Business

We are witnessing the beginning of a profound transformation – the successor to the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions – the Environmental Revolution. We are finally in the early stages of transitioning from our current extractive, exploitive economy into one where humans will learn to live within the means of nature. At the 11th hour of climate change, biodiversity collapse and extreme human overpopulation, society is starting to get serious about doing things differently. That is the silver lining to the grave environmental problems human and animal-kind are about to experience – out of the impending crisis will come true change.

The fundamental long term goal is a re-ordering of priorities. “Quality of Life” – the stuff that makes us human – will eventually supersede profits #for business# and consumption #for “consumers”#. In the next stage of our evolution, the role of business will change from thoughtless Industrial Age producer of endless products and profits for an unsustainably expanding population and economy to Environmental Age trader of services and products necessary to maintain a steady state balance for life on earth.

We’re nowhere near attaining this vision, but since we opened our web doors at SustainableBusiness.com in 1996, the landscape has completely changed. In the last few years, as the science behind climate change became irrefutable (and, luckily, gas prices spiked), we’ve seen every segment of society commit

via SustainableBusiness.com.

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Renewable Energy Jobs from Greenjobs.com

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North America

Eval. & Mkt. Research,

Oregon

Solar Lead Generator,

California

Regional Coordinator,

California

Certified Electrician,

Colorado

Senior Installer,

Colorado

Outside Sales Consultant,

New Jersey

International

Laboratory Manager,

Germany

Key Account Manager,

Germany

Cables,

Germany

Site Manager,

England

%

via Renewable Energy Jobs from Greenjobs.com.