Flexible Electronics and Printable Solar Cells

We usually think of solar in terms of panels, flat sheets of polysilicon that are connected to the electric grid, and laid on top of homes or businesses at the cost of thousands of dollars. Continue reading

Posted in Electricity, Energy Efficiency, Energy News, Future, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Sustainable Design, Technology, Thermal Energy | Leave a comment

New Energy for Campuses: Energy Saving Policies for Colleges and Universities

Our country is dependent on an old, outmoded, fossil-fuel energy system that is simultaneously speeding environmental degradation and making us less secure. There is a better way. The Apollo Alliance has a plan to improve national security by reducing dependence on oil from unstable and undemocratic governments through investments in a resilient energy system, and by supporting new renewable distributed generation. Continue reading

Posted in Energy Efficiency, Energy News, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Design, Tips to be Energy Efficient | Leave a comment

COST AND ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR RENTERS

How can you save money and stay green? Cut back on your use! Here are a few tips to help you with both goals: Continue reading

Posted in Energy Consumption, Energy Efficiency, The Home, Tips to be Energy Efficient | Leave a comment

California Net Surplus Generation Rate is Set

The California Solar Initiative requires that solar systems that receive an incentive be sized to meet on-site load.
However, what if you install a solar system, then your kids go off to college?
Suddenly, without the hairdryers, radios, and extracomputers, you may find yourself with extra solar generation at the end of the year. Continue reading

Posted in Energy Consumption, Energy Efficiency, Energy Incentives & Rebates, Energy News, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Sustainable Design, Technology | Leave a comment

What the US Can Learn from Australia Going All-In on Carbon Tax

In the summer of 2009, U.S. and Australian climate politics had a similar look and feel. The lower houses of legislature in each country had passed carbon trading schemes and were waiting on their respective senates to act. While the U.S. House’s wide-ranging cap-and-trade bill didn’t stand much of a chance inthe Senate, many believed at the time that conservatives in the Australian Senate were on the verge of giving the go-ahead to an equally ambitious carbon plan. Continue reading

Posted in Energy Efficiency, Environment, Fossil Fuels, Future, Sustainable Design | Leave a comment

Where to Find Jobs in Energy Efficiency

Here’s something you don’t hear people complain about much these days: worker shortages. That is, unless you’re in energy efficiency, an industry that is booming as others are busting. Continue reading

Posted in Energy Efficiency, Energy Incentives & Rebates, Energy News, Environment, Future, Renewable Energy | Leave a comment

Superconductors to Wire a Smarter Grid

A superstation for connecting three independent grids could help solar and wind power.

A proposed hub for connecting the three independent electricity grids that span the continental United States could make it easier to ramp up production of renewable electricity. Continue reading

Posted in Energy News, Future, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Technology, Wave & Tidal Energy, Wind Energy | Leave a comment

Guidance to Heat & Cool Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Continue reading

Posted in Electricity, Energy Consumption, Energy Incentives & Rebates, Geothermal Energy, Heating & Cooling, The Home, Tips to be Energy Efficient | Leave a comment