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Under the Florida Sun
A brief glimpse into Florida's practices with renewable energy.
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Solar water heaters growing in power hungry Burkina Faso
A solar panel lies on the roof of Pierre Guissou's home in Burkina Faso, feeding power to his water heater and allowing his family to take precious hot showers in a country where most homes lack electricity.
The 42-year-old electrician is among a growing number of residents in this west African country turning to the sun to heat their water, helping them save money on utility bills and the environment along the way.
"Everyone washes with hot water at home, which was reserved for the children before," said Guissou, who lives in the capital Ouagadougou.
"It saves money, protects the environment and there's no more anxiety about electricity bills at the end of the month," he said.
With the country's electricity grid reaching only 12 percent of all households, the sun provides a powerful alternative source of energy.
But solar power remains scarce here like elsewhere in most of sub-Sahara Africa. While the sun-bathed continent has a huge potential for producing solar power, it accounts for a tiny percentage of the world's solar energy output.
Price is often a deterrent. Solar-powered water heaters cost 600 to 1,520 euros (860 to 2,190 dollars) in Burkina Faso, a country of 15.2 million residents where the minimum guaranteed income is a mere 46 euros (65 dollars) a month.
But headway -- at least on the micro level -- is being made slowly but surely thanks to a tenacious Swiss non-government organisation, the Albert Schweitzer Ecological Centre (CEAS) which arrived here in 1973 after a severe drought.
"Most of the NGOs that came here at the time resorted to reforestation and soil restoration," said Charles Didace Konseibo, a Burkinabe CEAS manager.
"Cutting fresh wood to make firewood or charcoal is very common here. There was a need for a solar alternative for those using wood to keep new trees from being destroyed years later," he said.
So in 1982, CEAS set up a facility in Ouagadougou to train residents in solar energy equipment. Since then, local workers have passed on their knowledge to other Burkinabes.
Saidou Porgo, the craftsman who delivered Guissou's 200-litre (44 gallons) water heater in 2002, owes his expertise to a three-week CEAS training course.
-- 'Our only wealth here is the sun' --
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"Our only wealth here is the sun," said Porgo, a welder. "We have plenty of it and it never dies. It's in our interest to promote this source of energy, since life has become more expensive."
The centre taught him to build water heaters, dryers and pumps, among other things. Porgo said he sold about 50 dryers and water heaters, earning him about 22 million CFA francs (33,500 euros, 47,000 dollars) in 10 years.
And his clients are "less cranky" when bills come around at the end of the month thanks to the solar technology.
Boniface Willy, another CEAS trainee, has done even better. Since his course in 1993, he has sold hundreds of solar water heaters to hotels, health centers and private homes.
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This is the future. This is what we should be doing with money. Educating people and bringing them the tools necessary to sustain their own lives and build their own futures. That is freedom. And the solution is so simple. The sun, and the trees, and the wind, and the rain. A solar panel lies on the roof of Pierre Guissou's home in Burkina Faso, feeding power to his water heater and allowing his famil... more -
PV and thermal- a new approach to solar energy
One of the limitations of solar photovoltaic systems is that, at the current state of the technology, no more than a quarter of the energy from the sun is converted to electric current. Most of the rest of the energy is lost as waste heat.
But Vinod Khosla, the founder of Sun Microsystems and now a technology entrepreneur and alternative-energy venture capitalist, says he’s found a solution that doubles or even triples the energy yield — a gargantuan leap in a field where engineers exult over the most incremental gains.
Mr. Khosla is funding a company called PVT Solar, of Berkeley, Calif., where engineers two years ago began trying to harness that wasted heat. In a sense, it was already being collected, either in the solar modules themselves, or underneath. (Solar arrays are often installed at an angle, to face the sun, thus creating a wedge-shaped space below for heat to collect.)
PVT’s founders decided the heat could be harnessed and pumped into the home for climate control, water heating and other uses. It is a sort of combined cycle for solar — a marriage of solar photovoltaic technology and solar thermal systems, which gather the sun’s energy in the form of heat.
Vinod Khosla, the former tech mogul and now energy venture capitalist, sees potential in PVT Solar. (Photo: Bloomberg)The company is currently testing electronic controllers that play traffic cop for the collected heat, pumping it automatically, using a small fan, to the basement hot-water heater, for example, or to individual rooms, or even to the swimming pool, as needs arise. If the heat is not needed in the building, the fan vents it to the outside.
Because solar panels perform better at cooler temperatures, removing heat from around the panels also has the effect of increasing their production on hot days — adding to the overall efficiency gains for the system.
And given that the system requires little or no additional infrastructure, it can be deployed with only a small amount of added cost.
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If taxpayers are to look now to support anything, shouldn't it be renewable energy that will pay them back in years to come with a sustainable planet for their children and granchildren with cheaper energy prices, more and better jobs, and cleaner safer choices? Joining phototvoltaics to thermal solar is a great way to do just that. So while we are getting all wrapped up in the 'financial crisis,' realize the other crisis this planet now faces that is even more urgent that is related to our economy and the ways in which we can make positive changes.
The solution comes up every morning. One of the limitations of solar photovoltaic systems is that, at the current state of the technology, no more than a quarter of the en... more -
NREL Solar Cell Sets World Efficiency Record at 40.8 Percent
I think you'll like this report on progress in the field of Solar Electric...
"August 13, 2008
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date.
The inverted metamorphic triple-junction solar cell was designed, fabricated and independently measured at NREL. The 40.8 percent efficiency was measured under concentrated light of 326 suns. One sun is about the amount of light that typically hits Earth on a sunny day. The new cell is a natural candidate for the space satellite market and for terrestrial concentrated photovoltaic arrays, which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the solar cells.
The new solar cell differs significantly from the previous record holder – also based on a NREL design. Instead of using a germanium wafer as the bottom junction of the device, the new design uses compositions of gallium indium phosphide and gallium indium arsenide to split the solar spectrum into three equal parts that are absorbed by each of the cell's three junctions for higher potential efficiencies. This is accomplished by growing the solar cell on a gallium arsenide wafer, flipping it over, then removing the wafer. The resulting device is extremely thin and light and represents a new class of solar cells with advantages in performance, design, operation and cost.
NREL's Mark Wanlass invented the original inverted cell, which recently won a R&D 100 award. His design was modified by a team led by John Geisz that further optimized the junction energies by making the middle junction metamorphic as well as the bottom junction. Metamorphic junctions are lattice mismatched – their atoms don't line up. The material properties of the mismatched semiconductors allows for greater potential conversion of sunlight.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute and Battelle.
For further information contact NREL Public Relations at (303) 275-4090." I think you'll like this report on progress in the field of Solar Electric... "August 13, 2008 ... more -
Making solar cells without using fossil fuels
Solar energy is touted by some as the solution to the world's energy woes. But the process of making the various components requires fossil fuels, both for power and for the components themselves, some of which are based on petroleum.
A new company, BioSolar, aims to kick petroleum to the curb, at least in the realm of building solar photovoltaics, cells of crystalline silicon that turn sunlight into electricity. Such photovoltaic cells rely on conventional plastic polymers to provide a protective backing, also known as backsheets. Those plastics are made from—you guessed it—petroleum.
"It's renewable and you don't use any petroleum," says electrical engineer David Lee, president and CEO of the California-based company about the new product. "The real merit is that we can actually reduce the cost of the backsheet compared to conventional petroleum-based backsheet." Lee claims their backsheets will cost 25 percent less than conventional backsheets, which cost between $0.70 and $1 per square foot.
Already, such backsheets are rising in price, thanks to the recent run-up in world oil costs, at a time when the solar industry is trying to bring down costs to make their technology more competitive with other forms of power generation, such as cheap, plentiful and extremely polluting coal.
BioSolar starts with used cotton rags and turns them into a film of cellulose, a natural fiber. They then blend this film with a type of nylon made from castor beans by Philadephia-based Arkema, Inc. to make the so-called BioBacksheet. Initial testing by the company at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that this flexible plastic backsheet lasts as long or longer than conventional ones, and keeps out just as much moisture.
In addition to keeping away from petroleum plastics, BioSolar also claims not to be using any genetically modified crops in its product—a further boost to its green credibility. But nearly 90 percent of the U.S. cotton crop is so altered, either to resist insects, herbicides or both, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And cotton cultivation still requires tons of pesticides and fertilizers, both of which are derived, in part, from petroleum.
Regardless, if the cotton and castor-based backsheet proves cheaper than the petroleum version it may help remove a bit more fossil sunshine from the new solar energy. "Our goal is to replace all the petroleum plastic out of the solar cells with this bio-based one," Lee says. Solar energy is touted by some as the solution to the world's energy woes. But the process of making the various components requi... more -
First Solar: Quest for the $1 Watt
Within five years, this company's thin-film solar cells could compete with coal.
Before First Solar's manufacturing innovations, cadmium-telluride photovoltaic cells were the size of postage stamps; now the company makes them as big as window panes.
This is great news!
I can't wait to see large solar generation plants put into action.
It isn't the end solution to get off oil but it will help. Within five years, this company's thin-film solar cells could compete with coal. ... more -
New Jersey Ranks Second For Solar Installations In The United States
Nexus Properties has begun installing fields of solar glass panels on the rooftops of their two large parking garages flanking the Trenton AMTRAK/NJ Transit station -- a first for commuter parking garages in New Jersey.
The solarization of the two parking garages reinforces the state's smart growth strategies, said Joseph L Fiordaliso, Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "New Jersey ranks second to California in solar installation in the United States; we're in the top 10 worldwide," he proudly added. "We now have over 2,500 solar installations completed. What Nexus is doing and what we're doing as a state is very impressive and environmentally important."
Andrea Sussman, a managing member of Nexus, said the solar fields will be installed on the rooftops of Clinton Commons and Station Plaza Park and Ride. Each field will contain 662 individual solar panels that measure 2.5 feet by 5 feet. The combined solar fields are expected to reduce electric consumption at the garages by 467,500 kwh annually -- enough energy savings to heat and light 50 homes for a year, according to PSE and G.
On many days, the solar fields will generate surplus energy that will be routed to PSE and G's electronic grid, said Bill Harris, vice president of operations for Nexus. He said Nexus will also prepare several docking stations in each of the garages for electric vehicles.
"Parking patrons utilizing this form of renewable energy will have their cars recharged by the power of the sun while they take mass transit to and from their place of work," he said. "As electric vehicles gain in popularity, we'll be able to convert additional parking spaces to docking stations." Nexus Properties has begun installing fields of solar glass panels on the rooftops of their two large parking garages flanking the Tre... more -
China's 24,000 sq. ft. LED solar-powered wall
t’s called the GreenPix Zero Energy Media Wall, and with 2,292 individual color LEDs, comparable to a 24,000 sq. ft. monitor screen, it’s said to be the largest color LED display in the world. The wall is solar-powered too — photovoltaics are integrated into the wall’s glass curtain, and it harvests power during the day, to illuminate the display at night.
Designed by, Simone Giostra & Partners Architects, the GreenPix wall is part of the Xicui Entertainment Complex in Beijing, near the site of the 2008 Olympics.
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...sounds expensive and unnecessary. t’s called the GreenPix Zero Energy Media Wall, and with 2,292 individual color LEDs, comparable to a 24,000 sq. ft. monitor screen, i... more -
Solar Power Expo Set for Fall - 2008 in San Diego, California
Rise and shine, sunshine. Wake up to more good news about solar energy via TouchArt
from Bill Brown, our friend up at nmglobalwarming.org and theclimatechange.org.
Bill Brown writes, "Greetings, All -- The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) just opened registration for North America's largest solar power event.
"The event will take place October 13-16 in California at the San Diego Convention Center and is expected to attract a record 12,000 professionals from more than 70 countries and 400 exhibitors from 14 countries."
See http://www.solarpowerconference.com/ for conference information.
Have a sunny earth day.
Charleen Touchette for TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
(currently on the road in LA for Mixed Blood Radio Archive)
Last year's event sold out in advance, so organizers encourage early registration to guarantee participation. For more information, speaker and session updates, and to register visit: www.SolarPowerConference.com.
The Solar Electric Power Association bridges electric utilities and the solar industry to push solar forward more tangibly, one real business at a time. From national conferences to one-on-one counseling and peer matching services, SEPA's unique joint partnership offers members critical access to the key business relationships and unbiased, actionable intelligence needed to make solar practical and profitable in today's shifting energy landscape.
www.solarelectricpower.org
Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and marketers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar. www.seia.org
California Center for Sustainable Energy fosters public policies and provide programs, services, information and forums that facilitate the adoption of clean, reliable, renewable, sustainable, and efficient energy technologies and practices. www.energycenter.org
William M. Brown
Sage West Consultants & The Climate Project
Energy Science, Law, Architecture
Arroyo Hondo & Taos, New Mexico
Email: nmglobalwarming@yahoo.com
Web: http://nmglobalwarming.org
Web: http://www.theclimateproject.org Rise and shine, sunshine. Wake up to more good news about solar energy via TouchArt ... more -
Spectrolab to Provide Renewable Energy To Australia
Boeing has announced a third multimillion-dollar contract award with Solar Systems for concentrator photovoltaic cell assemblies used to produce renewable energy. The cells will be used in the new 154-megawatt solar power station to be built in the state of Victoria, Australia, in addition to other power stations located throughout Australia and the United States. Contract details were not disclosed.
Under the terms of the new contract, Spectrolab Inc. of Sylmar, Calif., a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary, will provide solar cell assemblies capable of generating more than 350 megawatts of electricity. When combined with previous contracts awarded in April and August 2006, the Hawthorn, Victoria-based Solar Systems has ordered approximately 360 megawatts of renewable power from Spectrolab.
"Solar energy is in high demand, and our record-breaking conversion efficiency of over 40 percent is an industry best," said David Lillington, president of Spectrolab. "Our partnership with Solar Systems has resulted in the demonstration of affordable and reliable concentrating solar power systems. Renewable energy is a worldwide priority, and Spectrolab is well positioned to expand its global role in this rapidly expanding industry."
Spectrolab is one of the world's leading suppliers of photovoltaic solar cells, solar panels, searchlight and solar simulators and is currently celebrating 50 years of supplying solar array panels to the space industry. Boeing has announced a third multimillion-dollar contract award with Solar Systems for concentrator photovoltaic cell assemblies used ... more -
U.S. Air Force Leads The Nation In Solar Power
Now the nation should follow with solar being cheaper and easier for us civilians to have. Kudos to the U.S. Air Force.
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