Kyushu Electric to Build Large-Scale Solar Power Plant Aug 26, 2008
said Monday it will build a large-scale solar power plant near this southwestern Japan city in an effort to increase its use of renewable energy (JCN Network, Japan)
Longest-lasting unmanned flight record claimed Aug 26, 2008
An ultra-lightweight plane built from carbon fiber and powered using paper-thin solar panels has broken the world record for longest-lasting unmanned flight, its manufacturer claimed Sunday. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Oerlikon Reports $287 Million First-Half Loss on Chinese Textile Slowdown Aug 26, 2008
The company agreed to sell its Blu-ray DVD gear business to competitor Singulus Technologies AG, which controls more than 60 percent of the optical disc market, saying it planned to use the proceeds to expand in solar panels instead. An optics unit will be sold this year, the company said. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Solar leaders shine light on thefts Aug 26, 2008
Solar industry leaders are sounding the alarm about thefts of solar panels in the Bay Area ... Sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 3:50 a.m., 29 solar panels and seven power converters were stolen from the roof of the commercial building on Dell Avenue. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Solar-powered plane in air for 82 hours Aug 25, 2008
The aircraft, a Zephyr, stayed aloft for 82 hours and 37 minutes powered by solar panels and a rechargeable battery at night. The flight, at the US army's Yuma ground in Arizona, more than doubled the record time but, since it was done to test the ability of Zephyr to relay ground radio messages, did not fulfil all the requirements of a world record attempt. (guardian.co.uk)
Big energy deals power OptiSolars local growth Aug 25, 2008
Crates of solar panels stood packed and ready to ship to Canada at s manufacturing plant in McClellan Park this week. The company expects to start construction of its first photovoltaic project in Sarnia, Ontario, within a month, said Phil Rettger, the company s executive vice president. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Zephyr broke flight time record for unmanned aircrafts Aug 25, 2008
I was wondering when they'd put those modern light-weight materials and solar panels into a plain that could go on forever. ADD A COMMENT. (CNET News)
Means test didn't cut solar panel demand Aug 25, 2008
He said demand had been inflated by the entry of bulk suppliers offering smaller, low-cost solar panels, as well as the introduction of a discount scheme by the Queensland government. "While some of the bulk, low-cost solar companies have not been adversely impacted by the means test, our inquiry heard from many solar companies which had lost enormous volumes of business and who had laid off staff," Senator Birmingham said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
News-Review live at DNC: Concert's stars overshadowed by new energy, Bush bashing Aug 25, 2008
He described a new economy driven by retrofitting thousands of buildings with solar panels. America can be a leader in solutions rather than pollution, he said. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Wind Power's Energetic Fans Aug 24, 2008
Sales of solar panels have greatly risen as governments have offered rebates and tax credits, and more people report turning off their air conditioners to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Gov. (D) recently presented a plan to join local governments and the in a commitment to buy wind power and other renewable energy as the state moves to overhaul its electricity system. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Energy Alert Aug 24, 2008
treehugger posted on Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at 9:09 amJeffrey, Could you direct me where to get solar panels installed in my home. I would love to join your fight in the approval of your Windmill and would love to have one in my back yard also. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Henion ready to go to Demo convention (19) Aug 24, 2008
Henion has signed up to represent the Green Caucus, which fits with his personal commitment to more sustainable living; he drives an electric car and has solar panels on his house. Convention business is scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. each day. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
QinetiQ says it has broken unmanned flight record Aug 24, 2008
An ultra-lightweight plane built from carbon fiber and powered using paper-thin solar panels has broken the world record for longest-lasting unmanned flight, its manufacturer claimed Sunday. QinetiQ Group PLC said its propeller-driven "Zephyr" aircraft flew for 83 hours and 37 minutes, more than doubling the official world record set by Northrop Grumman's "Global Hawk" in 2001. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Toronto-Made Zenn Electric Car Lures Fans in California, Is Banned at Home Aug 24, 2008
Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Mike Borbely likes his Canadian-made Zenn electric car so much he's planning to install solar panels on his garage roof so he can charge it for free. The Zenn really takes care of the lion's share of my commuting needs,'' said Borbely, a 45-year-old home designer from San Jose, California. (Bloomberg)
Delhi: Solar rickshaws in Chandni Chowk Aug 23, 2008
The battery would take five hours to be charged with the help of solar panels in the charging unit which will be functional above the Delhi metro stations, an official of the city government said. It is expected that these rickshaws would ply within a radius of 3 km from the Chandni Chowk metro station. (India Times, India)
Departing Sierra Club director will remain in Hawaii Aug 23, 2008
Mikulina said his top accomplishments as Sierra Club director include enactment of a beverage container redemption law, passage of legislation making it easier to install solar panels, and capping the state s greenhouse gas emissions. The Wisconsin native has a master s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Living the green life Aug 22, 2008
Its 14 houses use lots of sustainable timber, are highly insulated, and have heat recovery systems and solar panels. Like co-housing developments, Living Villages emphasizes community as much as environmentally sound design, with the Wintles homes facing each other around a village green to encourage social interaction. (CNN -- International)
Ultra-green PA motel to be first on Peninsula Aug 22, 2008
She listed upcoming eco-friendly features from solar panels and water re-use to recycled blue jeans, now being considered for insulation. And the design will try to spread green-building awareness, she said. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
SDAT: what next? Aug 22, 2008
Castelli said her family had installed solar panels in the past but they quickly became obsolete. I think that technology is moving so fast, everything that is recommended to them could be outdated. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
New York mayor tilts at windmills Aug 22, 2008
He has also offered tax rebates to spur the use of solar panels and the creation of rooftop gardens, and has launched a pilot project to generate power from the Hudson and East Rivers that flank Manhattan. Now he has solicited responses from companies on how the city can derive more power from wind turbines, tidal currents, solar panels and geothermal energy. (Globe and Mail -- International)
APS offers loans to install solar panels Aug 22, 2008
APS offers loans for customers to install solar panels ... APS offers loans for customers to install solar panels ... Arizona Public Service Co. is introducing a new loan program that would allow customers to install solar panels on their houses at virtually no up-front charge. (AZCentral -- Business)
A Bull on Energy Aug 22, 2008
Sprott has been criticized for betting on high-risk penny stocks, most recently Timminco , a company that claims to have an inexpensive method of producing silicon for solar panels. But it's undeniable that many of his calls on uranium and gold have been on the money. (SmartMoney)
Report questions Timminco claims Aug 22, 2008
If solar cell makers used lower grade silicon from Timminco, they would have to produce larger solar panels to generate the same amount of power, the report says. Timminco hopes to produce 3,600 tonnes of solar-grade silicon next year and has plans to expand capacity to more than 14,000 tonnes. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
GM to light up White Marsh plant with solar panels Aug 22, 2008
More than 8,700 solar panels will sit on the roof, generating enough energy to power nearly 150 U.S. households. The panels will be financed, installed and operated by SunEdison LLC, a Belstville-based solar panel firm. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Big Blue's world is turning green Aug 22, 2008
Chains such as Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Safeway and Whole Foods are putting solar panels on their roofs to generate electricity -- and to take advantage of a tax break. Wal-Mart is lighting its refrigerator cases with energy-efficient LEDs. (News & Observer)
From Watertown to Weston, 'This Old House' has revived Victorians Aug 21, 2008
The new home will be environmentally friendly, with solar panels, natural plantings, storm-water runoff controls, and the removal of invasive species. Favat, whose wife Amy is a film producer, is enjoying the opportunity to work side-by-side with "This Old House.". (Boston Globe)
Building a brighter future in Boulder Aug 21, 2008
And they are oriented so homeowners can add solar panels later. The new homeowners say they re thrilled with the program. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
New York Mayor Sees Conservation as Main Path to Energy Savings Aug 21, 2008
To be sure, New Yorkers are more likely to see solar panels and green gardens on rooftops than wind turbines. Even offshore wind farms have run into opposition because of surging costs. (Bloomberg)
BEIN' GREEN: Bloomberg proposes windmills on New York City bridges, skyscrapers... Aug 21, 2008
Windmills On City Bridges rapers; Turbines On Rivers' Shores; Solar Panels On Buildings ... The plan also includes the use of solar panels, possibly on the roofs of public and private buildings. (The Drudge Report)
Answer to energy needs... Aug 21, 2008
He said he wants the city to start generating its own green power by harnessing solar panels, river tides - and maybe even windmills atop the Brooklyn Bridge or the. "There's a lot of logistical as well as esthetic considerations. Off-shore is much more likely," Bloomberg said later. (The Drudge Report)
German glass manufacturer to open plant near Pittsburgh International Airport Aug 21, 2008
The new Flabeg facility will manufacture glass and mirror components for solar panels, Onorato spokesman Kevin Evanto said. The company is expected to create about 300 jobs in Findlay. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Bourne may consider membership in energy co-op Aug 21, 2008
A photovoltaic project is being designed, Downey said, and solar panels could be situated on the middle school roof or perhaps the new elementary school under construction off Scenic Highway ... They said solar panels atop Massachusetts Maritime Academy dorms work well and are not bothered by gulls. (Upper Cape Codder, MA)
Space station toilet and solar panel await Discovery Aug 21, 2008
The two men expect to work quickly enough to troubleshoot the mechanism that rotates the space station's outstretched solar panels. In September, ground controllers noticed vibrations in the mechanism as it turned the panels to track the sun while the station circles the Earth. (Yahoo News -- Space Shuttle)
U.K. Government Delays Nuclear Power Recommendation Aug 21, 2008
Environmentalists want the government to support wind farms, tidal power and solar panels. The U.K. has an ambition to produce 15 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020. (Yahoo News -- Nuclear Power and Waste)
Babson alum's business plan receives kudos Aug 21, 2008
Solar panels keep the battery charged for up to five years, Poss said. The BigBelly design has changed over the years, becoming sleeker and less boxy. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Solar rebate is too popular Aug 21, 2008
REBATES for solar panels will continue to be paid to householders by the Federal Government even though the original allocation for this year is likely to be exhausted next month ... "This is a critical process we are undertaking in the months ahead and throughout this consultation process we will continue to meet demand for those Australians who most need assistance to put solar panels on their roof," the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, told industry representatives this month ...... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Levine, Smith to face off in primary Aug 21, 2008
Smith said the region is already home to manufactures of solar panels and other emerging new technology and that it is goal to improve upon the already existing industry. Lastly, Smith is an advocate of tax reform, saying that it makes common sense to switch from the current system of collecting taxing residents based on their property value to an income-based system. (Hyde Park Townsman, NY)
Honda Considers Exporting Home-Use Solar Panels Aug 21, 2008
Production of solar panels is part of the company's drive towards a home-use energy business ... Honda Soltec Co, a wholly owned subsidiary based in Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, started producing solar panels in October 2007 and has so far sold panels for some 100 domestic households for slightly less than 2 million yen (US$18,200), each with capacity of about 3 kilo watts. (Planet Ark, United States)
NYC Mayor Calls for Wind Turbines Atop Skyscrapers Aug 21, 2008
Geothermal plants and rooftop solar panels are also options, said the billionaire mayor, whose second and final term ends in January 2010. He gave companies until Sept. 19 to submit innovative proposals toward the mayor's broad goal of making the city greener by 2030. (Planet Ark, United States)
Letters to the editor (Aug. 14) Aug 21, 2008
Would you support a 5,000 tax credit for hybrid car purchases and a 5,000 tax credit for home solar panels starting immediately ... boomslang wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:31 AM:" John, The potential for wind energy isn't even 25%.http://www.awea.org/pubs/documents/FAQ2002%20-%20web.PDFHow many people are going to want to have a wind turbine in their view? Not Ted Kennedy, that's for sure. If you mean 50mpg in just cars, not trucks, that might be possible, but not likely in that short of time. I would... (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Crew may do extra ISS spacewalk Aug 21, 2008
The array, which needs to be folded away to make room for new solar panels, jammed as the astronauts attempted to retract it by remote control ... New solar panels, fitted in September, will take over the job of powering the ISS, boosting its power by about 50. (Yahoo News -- International Space Station)
Letters for Thursday, August 21, 2008 Aug 21, 2008
Have KIUC start a new ROEP (resident-owned energy production ) program responsible for maintaining solar panels and/or wind turbine systems purchased and paid for by individual island residents ... Owners of the solar panels/wind turbine systems would then receive monthly wholesale net-metering credit for the energy their devices produce. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Dont stop at offshore drilling Aug 21, 2008
But it s also true there is no projected date by which the nation s energy needs will be met by forests of wind turbines charging plug-in hybrid autos, or acres of solar panels boiling liquid to drive generators, or some other scheme. It s true that there is an environmental risk from oil spills, and we need to make sure that penalties are certain and quick, not delayed for 20 years as in the Exxon Valdez case. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Silicon Valley's next big thing: 'clean tech' Aug 21, 2008
Silicon valley: SunPower, which made these solar panels, has applied mass-production techniques from chipmakers ... In the past year, for the first time, more silicon in the US has gone toward making solar panels than computer chips. (Yahoo News -- Alternative Energy)
Congresswoman Tsongas tours Clock Tower Place Aug 21, 2008
The mill is also in partnership with Maynard company Nanoptek to place solar panels on the mill s roof. These panels would generate the energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and use the hydrogen to power shuttle buses that run from the mill to the commuter rail station in south Acton. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Democratic National Convention Media Tip Sheet -- Colorado State University Experts on Politics in the West and Election Hot Topics Aug 20, 2008
Sampath developed a continuous, automated manufacturing process for solar panels using glass coating with a cadmium telluride thin film instead of the standard high-cost crystalline silicon. The process can be completed more cheaply than existing technologies because the process produces high efficiency devices at a very high rate and yield. (PR Newswire)
S.F. cuts misuse of disability parking fine Aug 20, 2008
When all was said and done, the 12-story city Public Utilities Commission building at the Civic Center - complete with wind turbines, solar panels and a water-recycling system - was expected to come in at between $173 million and $190 million. Plus, it turned out that the celebrated wind turbines on the roof would be blocked by the City Hall dome. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
The Idiocy of Energy Independence Aug 20, 2008
Not with windmills and solar panels -- they are not yet close to providing enough -- but coal and nuclear power could produce America's electricity. But cars need oil. (Townhall.com)
Event focus: Add green to your bottom line Aug 20, 2008
Gerardo Ruiz, founder of freEner-g, which leases solar panels to small businesses and homeowners. The company partners with. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
New York Aims To Be The Real Windy City Aug 20, 2008
The plan also includes the use of solar panels, possibly on the roofs of public and private buildings, Hickey reports. "When it takes to producing clean power, we're determined to make New York the number one city in the nation," Bloomberg said. (CBS News -- 60 minutes II)
Proton rocket in return to flight Aug 19, 2008
The solar panels span 45m. The two previous I4s were lofted by Atlas and Sea Launch vehicles. (BBC News)
BUILDING HOPE Aug 19, 2008
Barnes' house and the others have solar panels and environmentally "green" amenities, and they look different from what LeBlanc is used to, she said. Still, she and her neighbors plan to be neighborly, just like the old days, she said. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Rell: Extend energy tax provisions Aug 19, 2008
Rell has seized upon a number of energy-related programs this summer, from a state-sponsored leasing program to help make solar panels more affordable for low- and moderate-income residents to providing State Bond Commission money for the state s first refueling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles in Hamden. Federal lawmakers are considering renewing a variety of tax incentives that apply to both consumers and businesses. (New Haven Register, CT)
First Solar to expand Ohio solar-panel plant Aug 19, 2008
The company, most noted for the surging price of its stock, which rose in 2007 from less than $30 a share to near $270, also makes solar panels in Germany and is expanding its production lines in Malaysia. Shares closed Monday at $256. (AZCentral -- Business)
GREENBUSTOUR Aug 19, 2008
The tricked-out school bus has broadband Internet access powered by five solar panels on the bus roof. The panels provide more than enough electricity to power a TV, refrigerator and freezer, PlayStation 2, laptops, iPods and cell phones. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Living a Green Dream on Danish Island Aug 19, 2008
On Samso, which is home to just 4,000 people, wind turbines tower over green fields and rise from the choppy waters of the North Sea; rye, wheat and straw are used to heat the one-storey buildings and solar panels have sprouted on roof tiles ... There have been secondary benefits for islanders too: cement was needed to build the turbines' foundations, solar panels had to be installed and homeowners began to demand better insulation. (Planet Ark, United States)
Soggy return for students Aug 19, 2008
There are 69 solar panels that turn light into electricity and shades made from recycled materials that prevent the school from getting too hot. Playground equipment was built from recycled plastic milk jugs and sits atop artificial turf made from old tires. (The Palm Beach Post)
Casino gambling highlights debate between slew of state hopefuls Aug 19, 2008
He said local schools should install solar panels, for example. "In a broad sense, I will work for a sustainable and growing economy. This economy must be clean," he said. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
READERS WRITE Aug 18, 2008
These new trucks could also have solar panels on their roofs, saving even more in energy costs. The stopping and going from mailbox to mailbox is the ideal application for this type of vehicle; it also will boost the refinement of this technology. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Fairs tout green efforts, but struggle Aug 18, 2008
Fairs in California and Washington are ahead of the curve, installing solar panels to generate electricity and converting used cooking oil into biofuel. Others, like Missouri, are introducing recycling bins for the first time. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Energy Alert Aug 18, 2008
So Why is it that I am having such a difficult time getting my Windmill approved; it seems they could use the power; the people I talk to say they would love the use this type of power, for the cost or environmental reasons; We have State and Federal laws that allow it. So come on Farmington let s get the rules in place. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Pink Slipped? Go Green Aug 18, 2008
-based company that installs solar panels for businesses and homes. He didn't have experience in this type of building but the company was impressed with his background. (Forbes)
Oil profits retirees, teachers and more Aug 18, 2008
We have solar panels on the roof making electricity ... How come more San Francisco roofs aren't decorated with solar panels. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
PNM adds incentives to boost number of solar systems Aug 18, 2008
com Positive Energy installed these solar panels on this complex in Santa Fe. A lot more solar photovoltaic systems could light up public and private buildings, thanks to a plan to offer more incentives to consumers. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
The sacrifice-free election strategy Aug 18, 2008
As the TV screen glows with scenes of happy workers, the offscreen narrator buoyantly promises, "The hands that install roofs can also install solar panels. The hands that build today's cars can also build the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles. Barack Obama [will] ... create 5 million jobs developing homegrown energy technologies." The underlying message is that global warming and an Obama presidency will spur the biggest jobs program since Franklin Roosevelt's WPA. As Democratic... (Salon)
