solar.coolerplanet.com/Content/solar-energy-resources.aspx” target=”_self”>solar energy resources in the form of its new transit shelters. ]]>

You may not have heard about a solar box cooker before, but they are an efficient and interesting way to cook by harnessing the solar“>power of the sun. In addition, these small little machines can be assembled fairly easily and hassle free. The good news is that they can be put together by anyone who [...]

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Looks like all that climate legislatin’ going on in the US right now is contagious–Canada has just announced that it will likely follow suit and move towards carbon cutting measures of its own. It will probably pursue a cap and trade to cut carbon emissions with a market based system, too. And what’s more, Canada has said the two trading systems could later be linked–which is big news for anyone who’s hopeful about a successful …

solarpowered-water-plant.jpg”>solarpowered-water-plant.jpg” alt=”" id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339709962060733954″ border=”0″ />A water treatment plant at Lake Skinner in Temecula California features 10 acres of solar panels that collect the rays and power up the plant.

On Friday May 22 a switch was thrown that activated the panels to create more than two million kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California owns and operates the plant. The MWD plans more solar installations throughout its six-county service area over the next five-years.

solarpowerbuzz.blogspot.com” />

What if people ordinarily unable to install photovoltaic systems because of the initial cost or lack of an unshaded, well-oriented roof could buy into a community installation and receive a corresponding offset on their utility bills?

Speakers at today’s solar2009 session on community solardescribed first steps at making this model a reality. Two examples already provide valuable lessons, and more models are emerging.

Dana Hall of Pace Law School’s Pace Energy and Climate C [...]

<–click the map for all the AB811 style solar financing programs in the US.
solar power on your home makes financial sense, but it’s expensive.  So how do you stop solar projects from routinely taking a back seat to bathroom remodels?
Smart Financing.
That’s why we’re developing a resource to keep track of all the property tax solar [...]

solar.coolerplanet.com/Content/solar-energy-resources.aspx” target=”_self”>solar energy resources become more widespread. ]]>

For persons living outside the typical electrical grid, using a generator for electrical power means listening to the engine run 24-hours a day and seeing a lot of wasted energy when power usage is low. When they look at solar power verses generator power they begin to see the benefits of the high initial investment in terms of savings on fuel and reduced pollutants.

When using a generator for power, the device will run regardless of the amount of power being used. Typically, in the evening a residence will use less power but the generator will continue to run and the owner will continue to monitor the fuel level to make sure it does not run out. Looking at solar power verses generator power, there are some distinct advantages in addition to the saving on the price of fuel to operate the generator.

Comparing pollution control, there is no comparing solar power verses generator power and for many requiring an alternative power source, this is a major point. Additionally, a generator, regardless of how well the engine is muffled, will be a constant source of noise pollution. When it comes to noise, solar power verses generator noise offers to comparison since solar power only produces the same amount of noise as the sun.

Initial Cost Worth The Investment

Many may have initially went with a generator due to the cost of installation of a solar power system. Yet when looking at the amount spent on fuel, gasoline or diesel, comparing solar power verses generator costs, the investment will pay itself back in short order, considering the ever-increasing price of fuel. Add to that the amount of time each day or week spent making sure the generator does not run out of fuel, and additional savings can be realized.

One of the disadvantages that may be seen when comparing solar power verses generator power is the need for sunshine on a regular basis. While the system will operate through charged batteries, if the sun is not present for several straight days, the batteries may go dead. This is when a hybrid system may come in handy, in which the generator automatically comes on if solar power is not available.

The amount of sunshine your area receives, the cost of fuel and the availability of equipment large enough to operate your household are all things to consider when comparing solar power verses generator usage.

If you are like many people today, you have probably heard a lot about the problems that are associated with global warming and how they are affecting us. Scientists agree that the earth cannot continue to sustain the large amounts of carbon dioxide and other dangerous pollutants that we are using at such high levels. [...]

Architecture is an art, a science and a profession, but it is also a business. Green modern prefab design is a niche of a niche business. That is why I admire Michelle Kaufmann so much; She is a rare example of a good architect who gets green, but she is an equally talented marketer. We have already seen her assault of the booming prefab modern gingerbread scene, her takeover of google earth, her white papers and her