solardude.com

eSolar Announces Big Solar Plant in So. Calif.

Mark — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:22:44 -0700

Score another big idea for Bill Gross and his IdeaLab. The same people that brought us eToys, PetsMart and Picasa put solar power in the headlines today.

eSolar, a producer of scalable solar thermal power plants, announced today that it has signed a power purchase agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) to build a total of 245 megawatts (MW) of concentrating solar plants in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California to begin production in 2011.

Solar Shingles - Great Idea or "Still in Beta"?

Mark — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:15:00 -0700

Solar Shingles? It's a great idea, but do they make sense for the average homeowner?

First, let's take a moment to explain the concept. Thin-film photovoltaic material is bonded to shingle material and presto! - a shingle that generates electric current. The benefit is that your roof won't have an obvious solar panel sitting on it, so the roof is aesthically more pleasing (in case you're dealing with onerous HOAs or neighborhood associations) The compromise is efficiency... thin film PV is about half as efficient as regular PV panels.

Solar shingles require no additional under-roofing, so they replace part (or most) of your south-facing roof. As with traditional PV installations, for maximum efficiency, you should receive unblocked sun on your south roof for the entire day. If this isn't possible, an west or east-facing installation can be 90% as efficient as south-facing . Because solar shingles can't be cut or modified, traditional shingles are used along the edges of the roof.

Solar Vest - Wear the Power!

Mark — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:52:00 -0700

Solar Fashion takes a big step forward... or backward! Check out this Scott eVest with a small photovoltaic unit to power or recharge your small electronics.

The detachable solar panels enable you to recharge *most* USB compatible devices on the go, either while wearing the jacket or with the panels removed. When attached, the solar panels compliment the jacket’s design.

Typical charge times in direct sunlight range from 2-3 hours. Unfortunately, the iPod is not a supported device.

Solar 2008 - First Thoughts

Mark — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Just got back from Solar 2008 in San Diego, CA and I have to say it was an outstanding event. Virtually all the major US players in solar energy were there. The lectures and classes were uniformly well presented (and on time!). I met lots of great people in the solar community: energized manufacturers, savvy utility guys, geeky engineer types, and beleaguered, but optimistic, community activists.

Solar 2008 Expo

Mark — Sat, 03 May 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Two important events are happening in San Diego this weekend!

I'll be checking out the Solar 2008 Expo, presented by the American Solar Energy Society. BTW, it's year 37 for the expo! It's a terrific event, because it appeals to both solar energy professionals and consumers who are contemplating a solar array for their home

Then later in the day, I'm headed to BarCamp San Diego , which will be taking place at Microsoft's San Diego offices. BarCamps are always exhilarating - and exhausting - so I'll have to pace myself.

Updates to come.

Solar Dude and California's Solar Revolution...

Mark — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:36:00 -0700

Solar Energy's time has finally come.

It's true for economic reasons: the manufacturing costs of solar photovoltaic panels are dropping, even as the cost of oil goes through the roof; but also because of factors like climate change, global competition, and concerns about public health.

But the solar revolution is still moving very slowly. It's not yet apparent to the average American that it's in our best interests to pursue energy efficiency and alternative energy with a zeal our country once displayed for the space program.