Solarion

SILEVO Launches Breakthrough Triex Solar Technology!

2011-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Silevo Inc based in Fremont California, not very far from where Solyndra was located, has announced the industry's best performance to cost ratio for solar cells, or modules, a collection of solar cells.
The company offers Trilex Technology which is a hybrid silicon based high efficiency photo voltaic cell that consists of crystalline silicon N-type substrates, thin-film passivation layers and a tunneling oxide layer. Powered by "tunneling junction" architecture.
The current manufacturing Triex cells demonstrate between 20% and 21% conversion efficiency on full size substrates.
Silevo says that it is in a pilot production mode and plans to go in to high volume production in the first half of 2012.

Silevo Press Release;

FREMONT, Calif. — October 12, 2011—Silevo, Inc., a solar cell innovator and photovoltaic solar module manufacturer, today emerged from stealth mode to announce the industry’s best performance-to-cost ratio for solar modules by evolving the use of silicon with new groundbreaking technology. Founded by leading executives and engineers from the semiconductor industry, the Silevo mission is to enable the rapid acceleration of solar energy reaching grid parity to transition today’s subsidized photovoltaic (PV) market into a self-sustaining market with widespread adoption.
The Silevo proprietary Triex™ technology evolves silicon-based PV as the first hybrid solar solution to combine high-performance crystalline silicon N-type substrates, thin-film passivation layers, and a unique tunneling oxide layer – all in a single solar module. Powered by breakthrough “tunneling junction” architecture, these three materials together enable the Triex module to deliver high efficiency, competitive module costs, and optimal energy harvest. Based on these criteria, Silevo offers the industry’s leading system cost value.
“Until now, the solar industry has not had a module that optimizes both performance and cost at a ratio that creates optimal levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). While thin-film modules offer good cost and energy harvest, their low efficiency leads to a high balance-of-system (BOS) cost,” said Dr. Zheng Xu, founder and CEO, Silevo. “Conversely, high-efficiency crystalline silicon can drive lower BOS costs; however, high manufacturing costs and poor energy harvest negate these efficiency advantages.
With Triex, Silevo offers the best of all three key parameters – high efficiency, low cost manufacturing, and low temperature coefficients for high energy harvest — creating the highest value and, we believe, a major industry milestone,” he said.
Triex’s “silver free” technology also eliminates the use of costly silver pastes that traditional c-Si device manufacturers rely on for electrodes – typically the second highest priced material in a module after silicon itself. By utilizing a low resistivity copper-based metallization scheme instead, Silevo is immune to silver’s increasing cost issue in the marketplace, while capturing the performance advantages of copper.
Triex Drives Leading System Cost Value
Silevo is currently producing modules in pilot production, manufacturing Triex cells that demonstrate between 20 – 21 percent conversion efficiency on full-size substrates with proven production materials.
“Since our collaboration started in 2009, Silevo has matured their cell technology from R&D cells of ~13 percent efficiency to pilot production cells of ~21 percent efficiency – an impressive 60 percent improvement. They have achieved these gains by rethinking conventional silicon cells and taking innovative approaches to optimize all aspects of device performance rather than focusing on incremental improvements to efficiency” said Dr. Bruce King, PV Performance team lead, Sandia National Laboratories.
The Triex technology roadmap shows headroom for up to 24 percent conversion efficiency in commercial products. As well, Triex yields cell temperature coefficients of -0.22%/C, which will enable thin film module like energy harvest in real world service environments.
“The technological achievements of Triex coupled with the Silevo team’s strong background in semiconductor production and solar manufacturing equipment provides us confidence that the company will smoothly transition into high volume manufacturing,” said Chris Beitel, vice president of business development and marketing, Silevo.
Silevo combines the skills of innovative solar and semiconductor talent in its Silicon Valley corporate headquarters and R&D center with an experienced manufacturing operations base in Asia to deliver the highest-performance and lowest-cost commercial product that drives solar towards grid parity. Silevo recently closed $33 million in financing with new lead investor New Margin, along with existing investors GSR & DT Capital. The round is being used to build the high-volume manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, China, and further drive advanced research for Triex in Silicon Valley to 24 percent conversion efficiency.
Availability
Customer qualification samples are shipping today from the pilot production facility in Fremont, CA, with high-volume commercial production to begin the first half of 2012.
About Silevo, Inc.
Silevo, Inc., formerly known as Sierra Solar Power, was founded on the principal that technical innovation can evolve silicon-based cells and modules to both increase performance and lower costs. The company was founded in 2007 by leading executives and innovation engineers from the semiconductor industry with the business strategy of combining U.S.-based headquarters and R&D facilities with scalable, automated, low cost manufacturing operations in Hangzhou, China. Silevo’s unique technology and a low cost operations model aligns with its mission to transition today’s subsidized PV market into a self-sustaining future that furthers widespread solar adoption. For more information, please visit www.silevosolar.com.
Contact Information:
Schwartz MSL Gina Manassero 415-512-0770 Silevo@schwartzmsl.com
Silevo, Inc. Chris Beitel (510) 771-1394 Chris_beitel@silevosolar.com

The Carbon Footprint Of Your Life On Google Is Zero

2011-09-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Google has been making milestones, trying to help the planet go green. I always imagined those big server farms must be sucking energy like black hole. But my thoughts was proved wrong and even though these servers do draw energy, per user per month, it is much less than, in Google's words, a light bulb left on for three hours. I am not sure if it an incandescent, CFL or the ridiculously expensive bu efficient LED bulb that we just started using. In either case it is a lot less energy usage than running your own servers, specially for small business'.
Either was Google as one of the largest cloud service providers in the world, saving energy wastage and we reported yesterday how much energy GMail and YouTube Saving. But the story does not stop there and even the little energy per user mentioned above, is offset by Google's Carbon offset program, Google has been carbon neutral since 2007.
Google also has set the path for other big boys to go green sooner than later, Microsoft, Yahoo followed the Google footsteps and even got competitive in setting up green initiatives.
Google also invests heavily on green energy, like the investment on Geothermal energy, renewable energy projects, and so on.
I am glad, that I am / we are using Google services to the fullest, ok not the fullest but as much as we could.

Official Google Blog: How our cloud does more with less

Solyndra Going Bankrupt? 1,100 To Go Jobless!

2011-08-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was very surprised to see this morning news splattered across many TV stations in the bay area that Solyndra has shuttered it's doors.
I pass this facility on 880 twice a week on my way to work in Mountain View (That is another story, burning gas to save bridge toll and traffic) and always remember how President Obama visited the facility and placed and encouraged hopes on job creation, solar technology, Cleaner environment and American innovation.
Those hopes and livelihood of 1,100 people are on the rocks. Company has not provided any information to employees but later released a press release stating;

August 31, 2011 11:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FREMONT, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Solyndra LLC, the American manufacturer of innovative cylindrical solar systems for commercial rooftops, today announced that global economic and solar industry market conditions have forced the Company to suspend its manufacturing operations. Solyndra intends to file a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code while it evaluates options, including a sale of the business and licensing of its advanced CIGS technology and manufacturing expertise. As a result of the suspension of operations approximately 1,100 full-time and temporary employees are being laid off effective immediately.
Despite strong growth in the first half of 2011 and traction in North America with a number of orders for very large commercial rooftops, Solyndra could not achieve full-scale operations rapidly enough to compete in the near term with the resources of larger foreign manufacturers. This competitive challenge was exacerbated by a global oversupply of solar panels and a severe compression of prices that in part resulted from uncertainty in governmental incentive programs in Europe and the decline in credit markets that finance solar systems.

“We are incredibly proud of our employees, and we would like to thank our investors, channel partners, customers and suppliers, for the years of support that allowed us to bring our innovative technology to market. Distributed rooftop solar power makes sense, and our customers clearly recognize the advantages of Solyndra systems,” said Solyndra’s president and CEO, Brian Harrison. “Regulatory and policy uncertainties in recent months created significant near-term excess supply and price erosion. Raising incremental capital in this environment was not possible. This was an unexpected outcome and is most unfortunate.”

Customers who have implemented Solyndra solutions can be assured that their systems will generate economical, clean, solar power for decades.

Contacts

Solyndra
Dave Miller, Director Corporate Communications, 510-440-2979

Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country, Economic Sector, and Gas

2011-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

The Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT), developed and maintained by the World Resources Institute, provides a comprehensive and comparable database of greenhouse gases and other climate-relevant indicators. CAIT 8.0 features greenhouse gas data through 2007 for most countries of the world. These data has been released on Google Public Data explorer and now you too can inspect and be educated about green house gas emissions.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country, Economic Sector, and Gas
There are other related visualization of the data as well;

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions intensity

Per capita greenhouse gas emissions

Documentation for the data is available here at CAIT site.
The Google Public Data Explorer makes large datasets easy to explore, visualize and communicate. As the charts and maps animate over time, the changes in the world become easier to understand. You don't have to be a data expert to navigate between different views, make your own comparisons, and share your findings.

Panasonic Invests In Electric Carmaker Tesla

2010-11-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

Tesla, the maker of $100,000 electric roadster sports car, added Panasonic, the largest rechargeable battery maker to it's list of investors. It already has Toyota Motor Corp. and Daimler AG among it's investors.
“a powerful endorsement of our technology, We believe our partnership with them will enable us to further improve our battery pack while reducing cost.”, ” said Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive officer speaking on the occasion.
Tesla just took over the former Toyota-GM joint venture factory in Fremont, California to produce it's Model S cars that sell for 57,400. Tesla also signed with Toyota to produce electric Rav 4, Toyota's smaller SUV
In January Tesla and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop next generation Lithium-Ion batteries for electric cars.
According to Business week, Panasonic bought 1.42 million Tesla shares at $21.15 bringing the investment near $30 million.
Yes those cars are nice and wish I could afford one.

Philomathia Foundation and The University of California, Berkeley Brings Together Experts To Discuss Pathways to a Sustainable Energy Future

2010-09-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

BERKELEY, Philomathia Symposium— Can we emulate the ability of green plants to harness solar energy? Can we create intelligent materials, buildings and even entire communities that generate their own energy? Will a price on greenhouse gases reduce emissions? Can the technology that produced an inexpensive anti-malaria drug also be used to extract fuel from agricultural waste?

An international all-star lineup of experts in solar and biofuel energy, climate science, urban design and other areas of research critical to sustainable energy technologies will gather in Berkeley for a public symposium Oct. 1-2 to answer these and other pressing questions. The goal is to lay out the best course of action for a clean, green energy future.
Sponsored by the Philomathia Foundation and hosted by the University of California, Berkeley, the event, which is free upon registration, will be held at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in downtown Berkeley and will feature presentations on cutting-edge developments in four key energy-related areas: supply, demand, policy and environment.
Keynote speakers in order of their presentations are Ralph Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences and chair of the National Research Council; Chris Field, co-chair of the International Panel on Climate Change's Working Group Two; Arun Majumdar, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy; Arthur Rosenfeld, dubbed California's "Godfather of energy efficiency" for having helped save the state billions of dollars in energy costs; Dian Grueneich, a commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission; and Steven Koonin, under secretary for science at the U.S. Department of Energy.
International presenters include Li Junfeng from the People’s Republic of China, deputy director-general of the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission; and Farooq Abdullah, India's Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy.
The Philomathia Symposium at Berkeley: Pathways to a Sustainable Energy Future was organized by Graham Fleming, UC Berkeley's Vice Chancellor for Research.
"The provision of sustainable energy is the defining problem of the 21st century, one that presents a challenge of unprecedented scale," Fleming said. "The decisions that we make now will influence the planet for thousands of years, and dictate our quality of life in both the near and long term."
Symposium presenters from Berkeley include leaders in their fields: Paul Alivisatos, director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab); Jay Keasling, CEO of the Joint BioEnergy Institute; Severin Borenstein, co-director of UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at the Haas School of Business; William Collins, head of Berkeley Lab's Climate Science Department; David Culler, chair of UC Berkeley’s Computer Science Division; Harrison Fraker, UC Berkeley professor of architecture and urban design; Inez Fung, faculty director of UC Berkeley's Berkeley Institute of the Environment; and Dan Kammen, founding director of UC Berkeley's Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory.
To learn more about the symposium, link to the symposium Web site.
To register to attend, visit the registration Web site.

Gulf oil spill in Google Earth, Learn the behavior of pollution

2010-05-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

We all are watching the Gulf oil spill or the gushing uncapped well under the oil rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico, wondering what are the consequences. At the same time the cost need to be protected and needed resources are to be directed to the most appropriate locations. The oil, still uncontrolled, poses a serious threat to coastal industries, sensitive habitats and wildlife, including numerous species along the coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Google added NASA Modis images to Google Earth and is available as an overlay. They will continue to add imagery as time passes.
You can also get a KML file of the radar images from ESA’s ENVISAT
Google also has a site setup for this crisis of the gulf.

Google LatLong: Mapping the Gulf oil spill in Google Earth

Children of the Amazon See It On PBS On Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

When you talk about Google and Amazon, you might think of the mega online mall and the search engine. But today, on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Google and Amazon takes a different meaning.
In 2008 Google Earth Outreach team went to train the Surui people of the Brazilian rainforest on Google tools to help preserve their way of life. Brazilian filmmaker Denise Zmekhol joined them.
A year later in 2009, another team went back to the Amazon to teach the indigenous people how to use GPS-enabled mobile phones and mobile data collection tools, including Open Data Kit on the Android platform, to show the world where and when illegal logging is taking place within their protected territory. You can watch the story on Trading Bows and Arrows for Laptops -- One Year Later,
But the same film maker, created another movie, Children of the Amazon, will air on over 100 PBS stations nationwide, as well as on Link TV.
So on this earthday, watch a video about deforestation in Rondonia using Google Earth’s historical imagery and explore maps inspired by the film at www.childrenoftheamazon.com. Then step out and do something.
Thanks
Google LatLong: Children of the Amazon airs on PBS on Earth Day

Two Seater EN-V (ENVEE) From GM And SAIC Makes Urban Mobility Attractive, Again

2010-03-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

After dealing with Segway, you might have thought Urban Mobility a tough dream. But now GM (General Motors) and SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group) making it softer and letting you dream again. The new concepts based on twin electric motors and "dynamic stabilization technology" will alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities.

"EN-V incorporates significant technology and material innovation, which has given the design team a whole new world to explore,” said Clay Dean, Director of Advanced Design for GM North America. “Because of the lightweight structures, materials and integrated controls, we created unique surface forms not traditionally found in automotive applications.”

“The future of how we move around in urban areas like Shanghai can combine the best of personal mobility and public transit. There is a better solution and it is called EN-V. It demonstrates that we have both the knowledge and the ability right now to create a way to move people that not only ensures a ‘better city’ but also offers people a ‘better life,’” said Alan Taub, Global Vice President of GM Research and Development.

Direct From Copenhagen, World Climate Leader, Live on YouTube

2009-12-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

This morning, world climate leaders like U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and journalist Thomas Friedman, gathered in Copenhagen to answer questions submitted by viewers of YouTube Climate Debate Channel.
8890 people have submitted questions and you can see a map of people who submitted questions from all corners of our earth. I like the question;
Why is it "climate change" not "global warming" as we have seen from the "Danish Text" that rich nations are trying to cool down some of the facts at COP15.
But working together, we all can come to a better solution for all, every citizen of the planet. Get involved and be truly green.
If you missed the live broadcast, youtube and CNN will have highligts starting from 17th December. (But there are other videos you can watch now)
Official Google Blog: Live on YouTube: Leaders answer your questions in the CNN/YouTube Climate Debate

The Danish Text,

2009-12-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

DRAFT 271109
Decision 1/CP.15
(Decision 1/CMP.5 in separate document)
Adoption of
The Copenhagen Agreement
Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
The Conference of the Parties,
Pursuant to the Bali Road Map adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its thirteenth session,

Acknowledging and building on the work by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under the Convention and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol, Sharing a commitment to take immediate and enhanced national action under the Convention in pursuit of its ultimate objective, and in accordance with its principles and commitments including the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, Seeking at the same time to move ahead promptly to take action related to address climate change, Believing it imperative that the Parties continue to work together constructively to strengthen the world’s ability to combat climate change, Affirming the need to continue negotiations pursuant to decisions taken at COP13 and COP15, with a view to agreeing on a comprehensive legal framework under the Convention no later than COPXX Decides to adopt this political agreement (hereinafter “the Copenhagen Agreement”), which will become effective immediately.
The Copenhagen Agreement
1. The Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter “the Parties”) seek to further the implementation of the Convention in a manner that pursues its ultimate objective as stated in its Article 2, that recalls its provisions, and that is guided by the principles in Article 3.

I. A Shared Vision for Long-Term Cooperative Action

2. The Parties underline that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and commit to a
vigorous response through immediate ambitious national action and strengthened international cooperation
with a view to limit global average temperature rise to a maximum of 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels
The Parties are convinced of the need to address climate change bearing in mind that social and economic
development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities in developing countries. The
Parties note that the largest share of historical global emissions of greenhouse gases originates in
developed countries, and that per capita emissions in many developing countries are still relatively low. The
Parties recognize the urgency of addressing the need for enhanced action on adaptation to climate change.
They are equally convinced that moving to a low-emission economy is an opportunity to promote continued
economic growth and sustainable development in all countries recognizing that gender equality is essential
in achieving sustainable development. In this regard, the Parties:
- Commit to take action to mitigate climate change based on their common but differentiated responsibilities
and respective capabilities,
- Commit to take action on adaptation including international support assisting the poorest and most vulnerable countries,
- Commit to strengthen the international architecture for the provision of substantially increased finance
for climate efforts in developing countries,
- Commit to establish a technology mechanism to promote the development, transfer and deployment of
environmentally sustainable technologies in support of mitigation and adaptation efforts.Welcoming the significance of the commitments on all Bali Building blocks reflected in this Agreement, the Parties emphasize the need for full implementation, both domestically and internationally, take note of theadditional efforts being taken, and planned, by the Parties, such as cooperative efforts regarding transformational and other technologies; and encourage each other to take appropriate additional steps.

3. Recalling the ultimate objective of the Convention, the Parties stress the urgency of action on both mitigation and adaptation and recognize the scientific view that the increase in global average temperature
above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed 2 degrees C. In this regard, the Parties:
- Support the goal of a peak of global emissions as soon as possible, but no later than [2020], acknowledging

that developed countries collectively have peaked and that the timeframe for peaking will be longer in
developing countries,
- Support the goal of a reduction of global annual emissions in 2050 by at least 50 percent versus 1990 annual emissions, equivalent to at least 58 percent versus 2005 annual emissions. The Parties contributions
towards the goal should take into account common but different responsibility and respective capabilities and
a long term convergence of per capita emissions.

II. Adaptation
4. The adverse effects of climate change are already taking place and are posing a serious threat to the
social and economic development of all countries. This is particularly true in the most vulnerable developing
countries, which will be disproportionally affected. The adverse impact of climate change will constitute an
additional burden on developing countries´ efforts to reduce poverty, to attain sustainable development and
to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Both adaptation and mitigation efforts are
fundamental to the fight against climate change. Adaptation must include action to reduce risk and
vulnerability, taking into account gender equality, and build resilience in order to reduce the threats, loss
and damages to livelihoods and ecosystems from disasters caused by extreme weather events and from slow-onsetevents caused by gradual climate change. Recognizing that the impact of climate change will differ according to regional and national circumstances, planning and implementation of adaptation actions must be considered in the context of the social, economic and environmental policies of each country. Adaptation action at national level will be a country driven process taking into account national development priorities and plans.

5. In this regard, the Parties endorse the adaptation framework in decision X4/CP.15 with the objective of reducing vulnerability and building resilience to present and future effects of climate change through
national action and international cooperation. This includes the provision of finance, technology and
capacity building in the immediate, medium and longterm. Support should be provided with priority for the
poorest and most vulnerable countries. In the context of this Framework institutional arrangements will be
established over time to support Parties’ actions and provide technical assistance including for risk reduction and provide financial risk transfer such as insurance. Further, this will include a system to ensure mutual accountability with monitoring, review and assessment of support and actions and share lessons learned. A share of fast-start financing comprising [$X] for 2010-12 will be provided through existing channels, including the Adaptation Fund, to implement actions identified in National Adaptation Programmes of Action and other urgent needs and to build capacity for further planning.

III. Mitigation

6. The shared vision limiting global average temperature rise to a maximum of 2 degrees above pre-industrial
levels is addressed by nationally appropriate mitigation contributions to be carried out by the Parties
consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and
with developed countries taking the lead.Developed Countries nationally appropriate mitigation commitments
and actions

7. The developed country Parties commit to individual national economy wide targets for 2020. The targets in Attachment A would expect to yield aggregate emissions reductions by X1 percent by 2020 versus 1990 (X2 percent vs. 2005). The purchase of international offset credits will play a supplementary role to domestic
action. The developed country Parties support a goal to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases in
aggregate by 80% or more by 2050 versus 1990 (X3 percent versus 2005).

8. Attachment A reflects the individual economy-wide targets, including quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives by all the developed country Parties. Developing countries nationally appropriate
mitigation actions

9. The developing country Parties, except the least developed countries which may contribute at their own
discretion, commit to nationally appropriate mitigation actions, including actions supported and enabled by
technology, financing and capacity-building. The developing countries’ individual mitigation action could in
aggregate yield a [Y percent] deviation in [2020] from business as usual and yielding their collective
emissions peak before [20XX] and decline thereafter.

10. Attachment B reflects individual commitments to nationally appropriate mitigation actions by developing
country Parties. Developing country parties which have not reflected their contributions at COP15 should do
so before [XX], except least developed countries. A developing country Party may subsequently amend its
national contribution to register additional national appropriate mitigation actions which increase its overall mitigation outcome.
11. A Registry in the form of a database under UNFCCC is established in order to enable the international recognition of developing country mitigation action. The Registry shall include supported mitigation actions
that meet agreed MRV specifications and unsupported actions that are subject to national MRV based on
internationally agreed guidelines and a consultative review under UNFCCC. Developing countries commit to
inscribe supported nationally appropriate mitigation actions in the Registry and indicate the expected
emissions outcomes. Unsupported action shall, except for the least developed countries which may do so at
their own discretion, be inscribed via the National Communications and can be inscribed directly in the
Registry beforehand on a voluntary basis.

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation

12. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is an important aspect of the necessary
response to climate change. Developing countries should contribute to enhanced mitigation actions through
reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, maintaining existing and enhancing carbon
stocks, and enhancing removals by increasing forest cover. Parties underline the importance of enhanced and
sustained financial resources and positive incentives for developing countries to, through a series of
phases, build capacity and undertake actions that result in measurable, reportable and verifiable greenhouse
gas emission reductions and removal and changes in forest carbon stocks in relation to reference emission
levels. Parties collectively endorse the framework in Decision X/CP.15, with the aim of stabilizing forest
cover in developing countries by [X] and reducing gross deforestation in developing countries by at least
[XX]% by [2020] compared to current levels.

Bunkers
13. An effective mitigation response includes reduction of emissions from international bunker fuels. The
Parties therefore commit to set and implement a global emission reduction target for international shipping
equal to [x]% in 2020 compared to [2005] and a global emission reduction target for international aviation
equal to [y]% in 2020 compared to [2005]. The Parties shall work through the International Maritime
Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization to take this issue forward and secure a timely
implementation of actions needed,

Carbon markets

14. An effective mitigation response requires a well functioning carbon market. Carbon markets have the
potential to deliver significant mutual benefits to developed and developing countries in terms of both on-
the-ground investment and environmental and energy security co-benefits. The Parties will work towards an
effective and orderly transition from project based to more comprehensive approaches. They will also improve the existing project based carbon market mechanism in order to ensure the environmental integrity and further underpin a broad and liquid carbon market. [In this regard, the Parties endorse decision 3/CP.15 and X2/CMP.5.]

National policies

15. The Parties commit to further integrate low-emission development policies into national planning. The
Parties commit to rationalize and phase out over the medium term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that
encourage wasteful consumption. As we do that, we recognize the importance of providing those in need with the ability to purchase essential energy services, including through the use of targeted cash transfers and
other appropriate mechanisms. In addition, the Parties commit to work towards adopting domestic policies
aiming at payment for actual consumption of energy. Furthermore, transparency concerning consumption and cost of energy should be increased. Response measures

16. Parties decide that countries must strive to implement policies and measures in such a way as to minimize
adverse social, environmental and economic impacts on developing country Parties taking fully into account
all relevant articles of the Convention and as set forth in decision in X/CP.15. Parties further decide that
action relating to response measures should be handled in a structured manner, in accordance with the
Convention recognizing the needs of developing country Parties and as set forth in decision X/CP.15.

IV. Technology

17. The international community can only be fully successful in addressing climate change if it is able to
effectively develop, diffuse and deploy existing climate friendly technologies and rapidly innovate new and
transformational climate-friendly technologies. This will require a combination of efforts, including
substantially increased public and private sector investment in RD&D, enhanced international cooperation and transfers, the removal of barriers, increased incentives to promote the development and dissemination of environmentally sustainable technologies, elaboration of global technology roadmaps, information sharing on best practices, and greater capacity-building efforts to promote the development and deployment of environmentally sustainable technologies in support of mitigation and adaptation efforts.

18. Parties commit to enable the accelerated large-scale development, transfer and deployment of
environmentally sound and climate friendly technologies across all stages of the technology cycle, respecting
IPR regimes including protecting the legitimate interests of public and private innovators. Developed country
parties commit to work towards doubling aggregate public investments in climate related research, development and demonstration by 2015 from current levels and quadrupling the efforts by 2020. Parties stress the need for up front finance for inter alia technology capacity building, joint research and development and demonstration projects. Parties endorse the “Technology Mechanism” set forth in decision X5/CP15, containing a technology objective, a UNFCCC technology body, the development of technology action plans, the establishment of six Climate Technology Innovation Centres in developing countries, support to joint RD&D efforts between developed and developing countries, and technology support to nationally appropriate mitigation actions, and adaptation activities, by developing country Parties.

V. Financial resources and investments to support actions on mitigation, adaptation, capacity building and technology cooperation

19. Substantially scaled up financial resources will be needed to address mitigation, adaptation, technology
and capacity building. It is essential to strengthen the international financial architecture for assisting
the developing countries in dealing with climate change and to improve access to financial support. Resources
will derive from multiple sources and flow through multiple bilateral and multilateral channels.

20. The Parties share the view that the strengthened financial architecture should be able to handle
gradually scaled up international public support. International public finance support to developing countries [should/shall] reach the order of [X] billion USD in 2020 on the basis of appropriate increases in mitigation and adaptation efforts by developing countries.

21. The Parties confirm climate financing committed under this agreement as new and additional resources that supplement existing international public financial flows otherwise available for developing countries in
support of poverty alleviation and the continued progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. In this
regard:
- Developed country parties commit to deliver upfront public financing for 2010-201[2] corresponding on
average to [10] billion USD annually for early action, capacity building, technology and strengthening
adaptation and mitigation readiness in developing countries as set forth in Attachment C;
- From [2013] The Parties commit to regularly review appropriateness of contributions and the circle of
contributors against indicators of fairness based on GDP and emissions levels and taking into account the level of development as set forth in Attachment C.

22. Recalling article 4 of the Convention, Parties decide that a Climate Fund be established as an operating
entity of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, which should function under the guidance of and be
accountable to the COP as set forth in article 11 of the Convention. The Fund should be operated by a board with balanced representation, which will develop the operational guidelines for the Fund and decide on
specific allocation to programmes and projects. The COP will formally elect members of the Fund Board and
endorse the operational guidelines and modalities for the Fund. The Fund should complement and maximise
global efforts to fight climate change through up-scaled support for climate efforts in the developing
countries, including mitigation, adaptation, technology and capacitybuilding. Support from the Fund may be
channeled through multilateral institutions or directly to national entities based on agreed criteria.
Parties commit to allocate an initial amount of [$x] to the Fund as part of their international public
climate support. Medium term funding should be based on a share of no less than [y%] of the overall
international public support. Parties decide to operationalise the work of the Fund following the modalities
set forth in annex/decision [Y].

23. In the context of the commitment in paragraph [14] Parties commit to global financing contributions from
international aviation and international maritime transport generated through instruments developed and implemented by the ICAO and IMO respectively should be channeled through the Climate Fund from [2013],

[mainly for adaption purposes], taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibility.

24. To enhance transparency and overview The Parties decide to establish an International Climate Financing
Board under the UNFCCC to monitor and review international financing for climate action and in this context
identify any gaps and imbalances in the international financing for mitigation and adaptation actions that
may arise. The Board will consist of [x] representatives from developed countries and [y] representatives
from developing countries. [Z] Representatives from international institutions will participate in the Board as permanent observers. Decision making will be by consensus. [If all efforts to reach a compromise have been
exhausted and no agreement has been reached, decisions shall be taken by a two-thirds majority]. The UNFCCC Secretariat will serve as secretariat for the International Climate Financing Board. Parties endorse the further guidelines as set out in attachment D and decision X7/CP.15.

25. [Placeholder for facilitative matching mechanism]

VI: Measurement, Reporting and Verification and improved National Communications

26. The Parties commit to robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of the commitments undertaken in this Agreement and to review global progress in addressing climate change. The Parties endorse the further guidelines as set out in decision X7/CP.15. Measurement, Reporting and Verification for developed countries

27. In order to promote transparency and accountability the developed country Parties will report on the
implementation of their individual mitigation commitments or actions in Annex A, including methodologies and
assumptions used. The implementation of the respective mitigation contributions and the related reductions
are subject to international measurement, reporting and verification and each developed country Party is to
report on emission reductions achieved in relation to targets in Attachment A utilising a common methodology.

Finance, technology and capacity building for developing countries actions are subject to robust MRV.
Provision of international public climate financing should be verified in conjunction with the MRV of
supported action and according to international guidelines. Measurement, Reporting and Verification for
developing countries

28. In order to promote transparency and accountability the developing country Parties will report on the
implementation of their individual mitigation actions and emission outcomes achieved in relation to their
estimates in Attachment B. The supported mitigation actions and the related reductions are subject to robust
MRV. MRV of supported actions must verify that financing as well as action is delivering in full towards
commitments. Implementation of developing country mitigation actions that are not externally supported will
be subject to national MRV based on international agreed guidelines and a consultative review under UNFCCC.
The Registry

29. Parties decide to establish a Registry that will be managed and operated independently by a professional
secretariat which shall perform its tasks to the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity. The
secretariat shall further prepare and propose the accounting standards for MRV of specific mitigation action
and of financing. [further tasks] Improved National Communications

30. Noting that low-emission development is indispensable to sustainable development and recognizing that
development strategies and priorities are sovereign national decisions, the Parties decide to strengthen the
reporting regime and to enhance the forward looking aspects in the National Communication by including
mitigation plans. The Parties decide
- That Parties are to provide their greenhouse gas inventories on an annual basis with the exception that the
developing countries can provide updates on a biannual basis and the least developed country Parties on a
triennial basis;
- National Communications should be provided every 2 years. The Parties endorse the further guidelines as set out in decision X1/CP.15.
- To include a forward looking mitigation plan would help frame actions planned in the near- and medium- term (2020) in the context of longer-term goals (2050). The plans should describe countries’ current mitigation and energy policy frameworks including regulation and pricing and mitigation potential. For developing countries, these plans will help facilitate access to support for mitigation actions anchored in the plans.
The Parties, except the least developed countries which may contribute at their own discretion, are invited
to put forward National Communication including forward looking plans as early as possible and [before 31 May [2011] in accordance with revised national communication principles and procedures in [Attachment X]/[Decision X/CP.15]. The plans will be updated every 2 year.
- The Parties will report, as applicable, on support received and support provided to developing countries
for their actions in National Communications. A comprehensive set of statistics for climate change finance
will be established enabling transparent monitoring of both provision of finance and supported climate
actions. Financial flows from the international carbon market should be monitored and recognized separately.
- To enhance and expand the scope of the review of inventories and National Communications a consultation
procedure is established under the SBI. The Parties undertake such consultations on the basis of input
prepared by a newly established Expert group on National Communications that consider National
Communications, including countries’ forward looking plans.

VII: The Copenhagen Process

31. The Parties underline their commitment to immediate action pursuant to this Agreement. Furthermore, the
Parties:
- Decide to continue negotiations pursuant to decisions taken at COP13 and COP15, with a view to agreeing on a comprehensive legal framework under the Convention no later than COPXX
- Decide on a review of commitments and actions under the Convention to be started in 2014 and completed in 2015 with a view of enhancing commitments and actions on mitigation and adaptation, and climate finance to achieve the Convention’s ultimate objective and paragraph 2 and 3 above taking into account the conclusions of the Fifth Assessment Report of IPCC.
- Will keep track of overall efforts with a view to ensure full transparency and allow The Parties tostrengthen their collective commitments and efforts if necessary to deliver in full towards addressing the climate challenge.

32. The Parties commit to work together in international organizations, including international financial institutions, to further integrate climate aspects in their activities, including country reviews.

- Decide on a review of commitments and actions under the Convention to be started in 2014 and completed in 2015 with a view of enhancing commitments and actions on mitigation and adaptation, and climate finance to achieve the Convention’s ultimate objective and paragraph 2 and 3 above taking into account the conclusions of the Fifth Assessment Report of IPCC.
- Will keep track of overall efforts with a view to ensure full transparency and allow The Parties to
strengthen their collective commitments and efforts if necessary to deliver in full towards addressing the climate challenge.

32. The Parties commit to work together in international organizations, including international financial
institutions, to further integrate climate aspects in their activities, including country reviews.

ATTACHMENT A
NATIONAL MITIGATION CONTRIBUTIONS
NAME OF COUNTRY [developed countries]
National Emissions Trajectory towards 2050
For example, reduce emissions to at least X per cent below X levels by 20XX, with milestones
specified
National Contribution: Mitigation in 2020
Brief Description Emissions outcomes, including baseline and
timeframe
Economy wide quantified emission reduction!
target in the form of QELROs
X per cent reduction on 1990/2005 levels by 2020
Quantified emission limitation and reduction
objective pursuant to or to be effected by
domestic law and regulatory authority.
Use of carbon offsets
Policies and measures contributing to
economy wide target if desired
Eg Renewable energy target
Eg Regulation on land clearing
X per cent reduction on 1990/2005 levels by 2025
A maximum of X per cent being achieved
with REDD credits included
A maximum of Y per cent being achieved without
REDD credits included
Contributing to economy wide target

ATTACHMENT B
NATIONAL MITIGATION CONTRIBUTIONS
NAME OF COUNTRY: [developing country minus least developing countries]
National Emissions Ambition
For example, specific milestones towards peaking and reverse emissions
National Contribution: Mitigation in 2020
Brief Description Emissions outcomes expected, including baseline
and timeframe
Eg Forest reference level Eg X Mt CO2 eq relative to a base year of XXXX by
20XX or defined business as usual of X Mt CO2 eq
Eg Renewable energy target Eg X Mt CO2 eq relative to a base year of XXXX by
20XX or defined business as usual of X Mt CO2 eq
Eg Regulations on land clearing
Eg Emissions / carbon / energy intensity
target
Eg X Mt CO2 eq relative to a base year of XXXX by
20XX or defined business as usual of X Mt CO2 eq
Eg X hectares of clearing avoided.
Eg X percent relative to a base year of XXXX by
20XX or defined business as usual of X Mt CO2 eq
Eg X percent energy intensity improvement is
implemented
Additional Mitigation Receiving Support
Brief description Emissions outcomes
expected, including
baseline and timeframe
Total costs
(all sources)
International support
( component of total)
Eg New Building Code:
minimum energy efficiency
for new constructions
Eg X Mt CO2 eq
reduction relative to
business as usual of X Mt
CO2 eq or base year of
XXXX by 20XX
$X $X

ATTACHMENT C:
FAST START FINANCE
Country National Contribution for 2010-2012
Listing of countries in alphabetical order $X
Total pledge [30]

Annexes:
- Attachment A: Mitigation Contributions by developed countries
- Attachment B: Mitigation Contributions by developing countries
- Attachment C: Upfront public financing pledging [and contribution key ]
- Attachment D: Governance and MRV
CP Decisions
- X1/CP.15: Principles for enhanced national communications
- X2/CP.15: “REDD plus” framework
- [X3/CP.15: Improved market mechanisms]
- X4/CP.15: Adaptation Framework
- X5/CP.15: Elements of “Technology mechanism”
- X6/CP.15: Function and governance of Climate Fund
- X7/CP.15: Attachment E: Principles for amending attachment A+B
CMP decisions
- X/CMP.5: improvements of existing flexible mechanisms
- X/CMP.5: Rules for LULUCF
- Etc.

Connect with world leaders on the Climate Change Conference

2009-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

The leaders of 192 countries will be meeting this week in Copenhagen ( Climate Change Conference) to set standard on Carbon reduction.
While there are many a voices for and against the planned methods, Google and Youtube and CNN are providing you with an opportunity to participate in the televised town hall on CNN.

hat's why, starting today, you can submit and vote on questions to ask world climate leaders during a televised town hall on CNN. With Google Moderator on YouTube for the first time, you can view, add and vote on video or text questions in one spot.

Follow this link for more information.
Official Google Blog: Connect with world leaders on the climate debate

Youtube

Google Is Building It's Own Solar Thermal Technology

2009-09-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

"We've been looking at very unusual materials for the mirrors both for the reflective surface as well as the substrate that the mirror is mounted on," the company's green energy czar Bill Weihl told Reuters Global Climate and Alternative Energy Summit in San Francisco on Wednesday.
Weihl said Google is looking to cut the cost of making heliostats, the fields of mirrors that have to track the sun, by at least a factor of two, "ideally a factor of three or four."
"Typically what we're seeing is $2.50 to $4 a watt (for) capital cost," Weihl said. "So a 250 megawatt installation would be $600 million to a $1 billion. It's a lot of money."
Another technology that Google is working on is gas turbines that would run on solar power rather than natural gas, an idea that has the potential of further cutting the cost of electricity, Weihl said.
"In two to three years we could be demonstrating a significant scale pilot system that would generate a lot of power and would be clearly mass manufacturable at a cost that would give us a levelized cost of electricity that would be in the 5 cents or sub 5 cents a kilowatt hour range," Weihl said.
Google is invested in two solar thermal companies, eSolar and BrightSolar but is not working with these companies in developing the cheaper mirrors or turbines.
Reuters

Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet

2009-09-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Can art inspire conservation? Can conservation inspire art? Human/Nature: Artists Respond to a Changing Planet began six years ago in the form of these questions, triggering an unusual collaboration and an extraordinary and circuitous journey. BAM/PFA, in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) and the international conservation organization Rare, commissioned eight of the world’s most thoughtful and innovative artists to travel to eight UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites and to create new works of art in response to their travels and experiences there.
UC Berkeley Critic's Choice

Come See the GreenHouse Gas Emissions With Google LatLong

2009-07-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

GHG Emissions.
From dedicated scientists, governing bodies, media and everyday folks like us will be able to visualize how CHG emissions by industrialized nations.
The map takes one through from global view down to individual country level, and also different CHGs like CO2, CH4 etc.
One of the best visualization tools that I have seen a while.
The informative map was created by United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC) in collaboration with several Googlers.

Google LatLong: Visualizing greenhouse gas emissions

Finger Paint Protest By Green Peace At HP Head Quarters In Protest Over "Hazardous Products" In HP Products.

2009-07-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

After protesting at HP Offices in China and The Netherlands (Holland), the Green Peace have come to Bay area to protest over Hewlett Packard's backtracking on it's promise to eliminate "Hazardous Products" from it's production line.

Amsterdam, International — A Greenpeace action in the US today exposed Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) continuing contribution to the toxic electronic waste crisis. The peaceful protest is in response to HP backtracking on its commitments to phase out toxic chemicals from its products by the end of this year (1).

In California, USA, employees at the computer giant’s global headquarters were greeted with the message ‘HP = Hazardous Products’, painted on the roof in large yellow letters and automated phone calls from actor William Shatner, calling upon the company to phase out the toxic chemicals. This protest follows similar demonstrations against HP at its offices in China and Holland highlighting the continued presence of toxic chemicals in HP products.

Earlier this year, HP postponed its 2007 commitment to phase out dangerous substances such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic(2) from their computer products (excluding their server and printer lines) from 2009 to 2011.

“It’s shameful that HP is continuing to put hazardous products on the market, despite the promises it had made,” said Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International toxics campaigner. “Instead of going back on its commitments, HP should be following the lead of companies like Apple, which has led the sector in phasing out these toxic chemicals.”

Apple’s new computer lines, virtually free of PVC and completely BFR-free(4), demonstrate the technical feasibility and supply-chain readiness of producing alternatives to these hazardous substances. HP’s competitors, Dell, Lenovo and Acer have also stayed ahead of HP, putting models on the market that are free of, or at least significantly reduced in their use of, PVC and BFRs. HP now stands 14th on the quarterly Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics(3), having been penalised in the previous edition for backtracking on its PVC/BFR phase out.

“Greenpeace will continue to expose those companies who fail to implement their environmentally responsible commitments,” said Harrell. “As the number one seller of PCs worldwide(5), HP has both the responsibility and the ability to provide environmental responsibility and leadership.”
GreenPeace

City of Los Angeles and the Provincial Government of Jiangsu, China, Come Together To Promote Solar Energy.

2009-07-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) held a meeting of minds of solar industry leaders, policy, and solar technology researchers from Jiangsu province, China and California, The solar State of the USA. The summit brought together the largest ever delegation of Chinese solar industry representatives and the U.S. Representatives from such companies as, Canadian Solar Inc., Suntech, Best Solar, and Trina, were in attendance.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City of Los Angeles and Jiangsu province of China was also signed at the summit. The City of Los Angeles and Jiangsu province agreed to further bilateral cooperation in the solar energy sector between the two political entities. This MOU is the first of its kind between the U.S. and China, bringing together two of the world’s largest energy consumers as well as Solar energy related manufactureres.
Following is the press release of the event;

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACORE Contact: Jing Su

su@acore.org

(202) 393-0001 x7548

City of Los Angeles and the Provincial Government of Jiangsu, China, Announce Relationship to Promote Solar Technology Development

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) Fosters This International Cooperation Through Its US-China Program

July 16, 2009—Today, the City of Los Angeles and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Jiangsu Provincial Government of the People’s Republic of China entered into an agreement focused on the promotion, expansion, and development of solar energy technology in both regions through new cooperative initiatives.

The new relationship will be inaugurated at the US-Jiangsu China Solar Business Summit 2009, to be held on July 17^th at the USC Davidson Executive Conference Center,

3415 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. The event will host the largest Chinese solar delegation to visit the United States, comprised of top executives from twenty-five leading Jiangsu solar companies. Researchers and entrepreneurs from a number of prominent U.S. solar companies will also be in attendance.

Organized with the assistance of the Washington D.C.-based American Council On Renewable Energy, the Summit will facilitate an exchange of information on solar technology and respective market access and conditions in Jiangsu and Southern California, encourage researchers and entrepreneurs to exchange their expertise and the innovations required for a thriving solar technology sector in both regions, and promote dialogue on business expansion in solar technology and manufacturing between regions. “ACORE recognizes that the climate challenges we face are global challenges and will require global solutions,” said Michael Eckhart, President of ACORE. “Our US-China Program was created to build new collaborations between our two countries and to encourage the deployment of solar and other renewable technology as a real answer to the growing global demand for energy.”

“Because the City of Los Angeles plans to eliminate the use of coal-fired power plants and generate 40 percent of the city's electricity from renewable resources-- including 1,280 MW of solar power--by 2020, we felt this kind of knowledge exchange was particularly useful,” said David Freeman, the Deputy Mayor of Energy and Environment.

Jiangsu Province is known worldwide as an innovative leader in solar technology development, operates over 500 solar companies, and has exported $6.5 billion in photovoltaic products to the world market. “We believe that both Jiangsu and Los Angeles need an aggressive renewable energy development strategy to strengthen our economic futures and to encourage the growth of clean technology in both countries,” said Shaoyun Fei, Deputy Director General of Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of Jiangsu Province (DOFTEC).

Speakers at the one-day Summit will include: Linda Adams, Secretary, Cal EPA; Cecilia Aguillon, Board Member, CalSEIA; Feng An, Founder, President and Executive Director,

Innovation Center for Energy & Transportation; Michael Eckhart, President, American Council On Renewable Energy; Shaoyun Fei, Deputy Director General, Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of Jiangsu Province; David Freeman, Deputy Mayor of Energy and Environment,City of Los Angeles; Polly Shaw, Director of External Relationship, Suntech; Terry Tamminen, Former Chief Policy Advisor to the Governor, State of California; and Huijuan Xu, Chair, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Wuxi Branch.

More information can be found at: http://www.jiangsu-us.com/home/index.html

About ACORE

ACORE, a 501(c)(3) membership nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to bringing renewable energy into the mainstream of the US economy and lifestyle through research and communications programs and membership committees. ACORE’s membership works in all sectors of the renewable energy industries including wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydropower,ocean energy, biomass, biofuels, and waste energy. ACORE provides a common platform for the wide range of interests in the renewable energy community including end users, technology companies,manufacturers, utilities, professional service firms, financial institutions, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. ACORE serves as a forum through which these parties work together on common interests. ACORE co-organizes the REFF-Wall Street and REFF-West Finance Conferences, the RETECH All-Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition, the Phase II National Policy Forum in Washington, DC, and hosts both domestic and global policy events furthering the mission of renewable energy. Additional information is available at www.acore.org.

About ACORE’s US-China Program

To strengthen renewable energy deployment efforts in China and the US, ACORE facilitates cooperation by linking policymakers and renewable energy enterprises across the Pacific. ACORE’s US-China Program (USCP) provides a platform for businesses to interact with one another and pursue collaboration. Additionally, USCP convenes government leaders to forge the policy tools that will drive forward the scale-up of renewable energy in the United States and China. More information about the ACORE US-China Program can be found at www.acorechina.org

Solar Impulse HB-SIA, 100% Solar Powered Airplane Gets Ready To Take Off

2009-07-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Solar Impulse HB-SIA, the world’s first aircraft designed to fly around the clock completely with solar power was unveiled last week in Switzerland.
Four elecric motors will power this air plane and the motors get their juice from an array of lithium polymer battery cells which are charged by the high efficiency solar cells on the wings and stabilizer. The cells can turn about 22% of the total solar energy falling on the cell into electricity. These four solar powered electric motors produce power equivalent to a small motor scooter or the Wright brothers’ first air plane engine. I am really amazed as a Solar Energy buff and and an Air Plane buff. What a long way since Wright Brothers!
Omega, which designed the instrumentation panel for Concord was the creator of the instrumentation panel for the Solar Impulse HB-SIA.

Solar Impulse HB-SIA,
Images from Computerweek

Sharp Corp's Solar Powered Cell Phone

2009-06-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

Sharp Corp has produced a solar powerd cell phone Solar Phone SH002 fro KDDI of Japan. The phone was released as a part of KDDI's summer 2009 line up.
Sharp Corp's "Solar Phone SH002" | VOIP IP Telephony
Tags: Solar Phone SH002, Nikkei Electronics Teardown Squad, KDDI Corp, Sharp

Powering The Internet

2009-05-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

There was too much talk about how much energy is used (wasted) using google search engine. Of course everyone wanted to use the internet without having to spend any energy. SO google has written a very nice article on the subject and now you know where to save energy for your Google Searches.
The table below computes average daily events in terms of Google Searches.

Activity	Google Searches
CO2 emissions of an average daily newspaper (PDF) (100% recycled paper)	850
A glass of orange juice	1,050
One load of dishes in an EnergyStar dishwasher (PDF)	5,100
A five mile trip in the average U.S. automobile	10,000
A cheeseburger	15,000
Electricity consumed by the average U.S. household in one month	3,100,000

Official Google Blog: Energy and the Internet

Happy EarthDay 2009

2009-04-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Call the Capitol switchboard at 202 224-3121 and tell your member of Congress to support the Markey climate bill
Get involved at Earth Day Network and make everyday an Earthday!
Earthrise

Fast forward to 2:00 mark to see earth rise in HD

200MPG With Segway / GM Puma

2009-04-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Travel up to 35MPH and getting about 200MPG in a secure and well balanced vehicle on two wheels! (It has two tiny wheels in front and another in the back in case the balancing mechanism fails.
If you have seen those Segway i2 PT, ride abouts (I rode one at Angel Island!) and once you get used to it, it is zippy!

Give An hour for the Earth

2009-03-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Earth hour
People from all over the world, who has electricity (There are people without such amenities, you Know) will turn off lights for one hour tomorrow. Just to show the awareness to enery conservation and the troubles our earth is facing. Earthhour 2008 was a success and a lot of people had positive outlook on the results and the process. Even Google went Black.
But I am sure we would have saved much more on a weekday but loose a lot in these economically hard times. But a Weekend is still fine and it will be easier for you to turn off lights and for for awalk or bike ride with the family.
So think of our earth, think of people, and turn the lights off for an hour. You can watch the progress before and after that hour, how our fellow citizens do at Earthhour.org

Official Google Blog: An hour for the Earth

Have A Carbon Neutral Holiday In Maldives.

2009-03-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Have a Carbon Neutral Future in Maldives, Yes the country most threatened by global warming, (facing the possibility of disappearing under water as the sea level rises) has declared that it is going to be carbon neutral within a decade.
The guardian posted that the president of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, will unearth his plans to try and save his country today.
"The president will formally announce the scheme - and make a plea for other countries to follow the Maldives' lead - this evening, following the world premiere of The Age of Stupid, a major new climate change film in which a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055 looks at old footage from 2008 and asks why people didn't stop climate change when they had the chance."
In the Maldives case, the man might be on a boat.
Guardian

Saving The Planet With Your Computers Power Switch.

2009-03-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

I have a few computers running at the same time and yes some of them could not be powered down and some could. Like my notebook had "do nothing" when the lid is closed ;( . But I have changed over the years.
The computers that run all the time have become better by using power efficient components. For an example, one computer that provided DNS and Simple web services have gone down from 400 Watt to 60 Watt and being better in processor, memory and storage (Now uses flash drive). My notebook, whch is more powerfull than most desktops, now hibernates the moment the lid is closed or been left unattended and not being used for more than 5 minutes. Yes little things like this can save our planet and we should kick ourselves, for not doing it earlier.
But there are thousands of other small things that we could do to help and save our planet.

You can pay a visit to Google co-founded Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI) to learn about promoting a smarter, greener computing future. Simple things I mentioned and many more around the house can help to reach the goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 54 million tons per year by 2010 — the equivalent of taking 11 million cars off the road.

So Google blog posted about the following contest, go join and help to powerdown the planet.
"The biggest obstacle we face is not technological, it's awareness. That's why we're excited that CSCI has launched the Power Down for the Planet video contest, a challenge to you and your friends to develop original and creative videos that educate, entertain, and inform others about the importance of energy efficient computing."

Official Google Blog: Power down for the planet