Posts Tagged: light

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10
Sep 10

Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Nuclear for the First Time

Here’s bright spot in the news of the day: energy from new solar installations has, for the first time, become cheaper than energy from new nuclear plants, according to a new Duke University study.

…The main cost of nuclear is NOT actually building it. It’s working with all the regulators and making sure everything is up to code that is actually an ancient code that hasn’t been updated in 30 years. The cost of Nuclear is truly 1/10th of what it is currently listed at if we had good but not excessive regulation.
For example, there are $20 valves that are inspected for quality, given a Nuclear rating and then cost $2000. This is maintained because the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) has only approved certain manufacturers to build Nuclear rated equipment. The problem is because the NRC is backwards looking, and only wants to do what has been done in the past. They only approve people who have already done the work before, and they only approve the type of work that has been done before. One supplier means he can charge whatever the hell he wants. It’s a multi-billion dollar project right? What is a couple of thousand percent markup?
Nuclear is stuck in a regulatory trap. The old nuclear power plants…

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Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Nuclear for the First Time

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8
Sep 10

Ten Beautiful Solar-Powered Homes

We’ve got everything here– modern and traditional architecture, large and tiny homes, from all over the U.S. and even Europe. They’re all proof that, besides making you look like a good environmental citizen, home solar panels can actually add to the beauty (and value) of your home.

…3 Malibu 5 Modern Beach House, Kanner Architects

This home is a good example of the fact that solar panels don’t necessarily have to be visible. The roof holds both home solar panels (PV) and solar hot water collectors. Set into a hillside in Malibu, California, the house has several other environmentally-friendly features: it’s made from green and recycled materials, and is designed to naturally heat and cool itself. Windows let in natural light and breezes. The house uses so little power that it contributes energy to the grid. Image: Kanner Architects….

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Ten Beautiful Solar-Powered Homes

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27
Aug 10

New Portal 2 Wheatley Footage (Video)

New Portal 2 video introduces British comedian Stephen Merchant (Extras, The Office) as the voice of Wheatley.

…Thank god we have REAL professionals here to tell us if the voice acting sucks. I mean, a normal person like myself might not be able to tell the caliber of a character voice from a scant 3 minute clip, but we are clearly in the presence of those who can. Someday I hope to be as discerning. Were I to type such to-the-point and well calculated comments, I’d probably just appear glib and dismissive. So I guess congratulations are in order for being more vastly more relevant and important than strangers! I eagerly await your credentials, gentlemen….

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New Portal 2 Wheatley Footage (Video)

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12
Jun 10

Florida Approves Largest Solar Power Plant in U.S.

The Florida Public Service Commission has “unanimously and enthusiastically” approved a plan to build America’s largest commercial solar-power plant in the state. The committee also gave the green light to a further two facilities, due to go on-line in 2009.

…You’re all correct. Photovoltaic is extremely expensive, with an 80 year ‘break-even’. Those folks who promote it are simply relying on the politicians’ lack of math skills, and corruptibility. They are giving away our tax dollars for a negative energy effect. Those solar panels will never break even.
On the other hand, thermal solar can be cost effective. But the surprise is that those big concentrating collector farms in California can only attract investors because of the federal and state tax rebates. They don’t make money if they have to compete in the real world.
Low temperature solar thermal is extremely cost effective. But absolutely no one is using it other than one small development company in Miami. They estimate that they will produce solar thermal electricity for $0.02 per kilowatt hour, with no tax dollars or government grants.
Since the major cost of solar energy is associated with the cost and maintenance of the collectors, low temperature solar collector can cost one cent per kilowatt…

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Florida Approves Largest Solar Power Plant in U.S.

Video — 8 Comments
10
May 10

cheap - Solar power! technology

solar power that is to be cheaper then building a coal plant. BAD NEWS: www.abc4.com :(

Video — 12 Comments
8
May 10

SELCO India, Affordable solar home systems - Ashden Award winner

This video can be downloaded here: www.ashdenawards.org SELCO won an Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy in 2005. To find out more visit the link above and check out the Ashden Awards Blog ashdenawards.blogspot.com SELCO-India is a private business which has designed and sold over 48000 solar home systems, powering electric lighting and small appliances for 220000 people in Karnataka and other states in South India. Around 46% of households in India do not have mains electricity, and for many others the supply is unreliable. The use of photovoltaic (PV) solar-home-systems (SHS) can provide reliable power for lighting and low-power appliances, which brings great practical benefits. Smoky, dangerous kerosene light is avoided, people have extended hours for work and study, and more opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Many programmes throughout the world have attempted to improve quality of life using SHS, but often they have not led to long term use and continuing markets. SELCO-India believes that the use of SHS will become widespread only if the system and after-sales service are of high quality, and if people want an SHS enough to pay for it. What they provide is properly designed and installed systems, excellent on-the-spot service and links to organisations which offer appropriate and affordable finance. The Ashden judges were highly impressed with the philosophy and excellent management within SELCO-India they have built a thriving business by providing poor …

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5
May 10

GoldenGadgets - 45W Solar Backup Power and Lighting System

45 watt solar power and light system. Power your laptop and cellphone anywhere you go. - 3 pieces solar panels with frame assembly: - Providing lighting and power for DC applications where there is no electric power supply - Simple design, easy to use, virtually no running cost - Charging for one day to support up to 10 hours’ lighting - Supporting other DC devices such as recorders, DC fans, etc… - With water proof solar panel that last for years - With system charge regulator that provide 12V, 9V, 6V, 3V outputs, and over charge / discharge / load protection

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4
Feb 10

Solar-powered ‘Energy Bucket’ collects sunshine

Wouldn’t it be great if you could store just a little bit of sunlight for a rainy day? That’s what designer Stefano Merlo thougt, and while actually storing sunlight might just be a bit too difficult, his solar-powered Energy Bucket, might just be the next best thing.

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Solar-powered ‘Energy Bucket’ collects sunshine

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28
Jan 10

Solar-Powered Park Bench With Wifi Access

The Solar Inside’s made with thin-film solar which works in a variety of weather conditions. The rechargeable battery not only turns the bench into a night-light but also provides wifi access.

…Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:3 Cyclists Document 12,000 Mile Trip on Solar Powered BlogLet There Be Light: Lighting Haiti One Solar Flashlight At A TimeEmeril Green Episode: Fall HarvestHow to Go Green: Alternative EnergyCheer Up Hippy! 5 Reasons to Banish the Green Blues in 2010How to Raise a Thrift Store-Loving Kid…

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Solar-Powered Park Bench With Wifi Access

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24
Jan 10

Times Square Gets Solar-Powered Billboard

A solar and wind-powered electronic billboard will debut in New York’s Times Square in December, becoming the flashy intersection’s first eco-friendly ad. Forty-five solar panels and four wind turbines will power the nearly 6,000 square foot billboard, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide usage by 18 tons a year

…The billboard, for Ricoh Americas’ parent company Ricoh Company Ltd. of Tokyo, will measure 47 feet (14 meters) high by 126 feet (38 meters) long. Its floodlights will be powered on site by 45 solar panels and four wind turbines….

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Times Square Gets Solar-Powered Billboard