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The New Solar Lifestyle

Mark — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:19:31 -0700

I've noticed that a lifestyle is beginning to emerge around the idea of solar energy and sustainability. I've seen this in both my community and internationally.

This lifestyle isn't necessarily defined as green. One reason is that word "green" has been co-opted by corporate marketing campaigns. Another reason is that this new lifestyle involves a systems view of one's life.

While the permaculture movement has aspects of this view, they're too agrarian for the techno enthusiasts who are embracing solar. I've defined this emerging movement as the "Solar Lifestyle".

It appears to have 7 components:

Self-reliant
Energy efficient & renewable
Local (buy & invest locally)
Sustainable
Design & technology oriented
Mobile
Networked

Part of this movement has been imprinted by the notion of radical self-reliance that's emerged from Burning Man. Where 40,000+ people survive in difficult conditions -- without money, without facilities, without a grid, without a grand plan... and without leaving a trace! Burning Man proves that people can come up with their own bottom-up solutions to energy, water, food...all that a person needs.

Now take that notion of personal responsiblity and plug it into our everyday communities. And put the smartest techno-geeks incentive to create highly-efficient buildings, cars, tools and appliances and suddenly that's something you can build an entire economy around.

There's lots more to ponder in this. I welcome your comments

Prius Gets Solar Panel Roof

Mark — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:45:46 -0700

Hats off to Toyota for deciding to take the plunge and install solar panels on the roof and hood on at least one model of the upcoming plug-in Prius, due in showrooms in 2010. Lots of automotive blogs are snickering over the fact that the panels will only generate a fraction of the energy needed to power the car, but they're missing 2 important points: First- the panels can power the "part" of the car's air conditioning, which is something many drivers in the South and Southwest will be thankful for. Not sure how much "part" is, but it's a start. Second - and more importantly, it's a psychological statement. A reminder that the car could be 100% solar power, if you install solar panels on the roof of your house, and use that to charge the Prius. Sure it's a big expense up front, but your fuel costs would be fixed for the next 30 years! Thanks, Toyota.

Watts Up America Brings Solar PV to Low-Income Families

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:10:30 -0700

At the Los Angeles Permaculture meeting this week, I caught up with Ben Clayton of Watts Up America.

He told me about their mission to bring solar PV electricity to low-income families, both here in California and in places of need around the world.

PV Summit - More Developments

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:42:16 -0700

More key points from the PV Summit:

Renewable energy must be integrated into the building process. It should be part of every new residential, commercial and government building. Solar PV can be integrated into building materials, so it doesn’t have that kludged, stuck-on look. When the cost of a solar PV system is amortized into a new home’s 30-year mortgage, the additional cost becomes negligible.

PV Summit - Key Points

Mark — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:33:47 -0700

The PV Summit is now history. I don’t know if actual history was made, but it was a thoroughly informative and well-organized conference. Kudos to IntertechPira, the organizers. They produce about 20 conferences a year, each focused on a rapidly-changing high tech industry.

Organizers Anneke Mueller and Laura Limoge snagged a number of luminaries for the PV summit, including Dr. Tom surek of Motech America, Dr. Jean Prosbic of BP Solar, and Paul Maycock of PV Energy. High profile executives from major players like SoloPower and SunEdison were there.

For my money, the most exciting news was the announcement by Richard Lewandowski of Prism Solar regarding their hologram-enabled photovoltaic array. I hadn't heard of this technology before and i was struck by the utter beauty and simplicity of the technology. Each panel has alternating strips of PV cells and transparent holographic plastic. The holograms concentrate a specific light spectrum on the PV cells for increased efficiency, but direct the infrared (heating) parts of the spectrum away from the cell. As a result the PV cells stay cooler and more efficient than regular concentrating PV cells.

Solar Manufacturers Agree - Cheap Solar Electricity by 2012

Mark — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:48:00 -0700

A variety of manufacturers and experts at the PV Summit agree; solar electricity will achieve grid parity by 2012 or before.

Grid parity is the point at which photovoltaic electricity is equal to or cheaper than grid power (powered by traditional fuels) without the support of subsidies or tax rebates. This is the holy grail for the solar industry and many agree that it could come even quicker depending on the costs of natural gas.

Note that the projections given today are more aggressive than represented by the Deutsche Bank graphic, which is 2 years old.

The Solar Economy Is Huge

Mark — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:31:32 -0700

A recurring message at the PV Summit

is the extraordinary growth projected for the solar photovoltaic field for the next 10 years.

Because of the need for energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have predictable costs over the long term, solar energy is getting the starring role. At least 50% annual growth is projected for world solar PV cell production for at least 10 years. Beyond that, one can only guess, but the German Advisory Council projects that by the year 2100 most of all worldwide energy (70%) will come from solar.

Solar Map of United States

Mark — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:29:16 -0700

You can see from the map how solar energy (or clear, daylight hours) are distributed across the US. Arizona is in the hot seat!

Expert Claims Solar PV Not Economical For Residential

Mark — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:18:42 -0700

Paul Maycock, a legendary figure in the solar photovoltaic field, gave the keynote address at the PV Summit 2008 in San Diego.

He dug into the costs of residental PV installations and pointed out that unless the residential rebate programs are extended, solar PV doesn't make financial sense for homeowners. He figured $5 to $7 for peak watt electricity with grid-connected PV.

Maycock estimated that the financial landscape will change in 3 to 4 years, when the cost of PV panels decrease and efficiency increases, not the mention the projected higher costs of traditional power.

Headed to PV Summit

Mark — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:35:37 -0700

Starting tomorrow (Tue, June 18) I'lI be heading to San Diego for the Photovoltaic Summit 2008, a conference focusing exclusively on PV energy and research. Event organizer, IntertechPira, is bringing together a powerhouse roster of entrepreneurs, scientists, venture capitalists and utility executives to discuss the leading edge of PV; an exciting area for energy growth over the next 10 years.

2008 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for solar power for a number of reasons: skyrocketing energy costs, more efficient and affordable PV panels, the issue of renewable energy being championed by all three presidential candidates and rising public consciousness.