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Derek said: ""I guarantee you this will spark huge debates around the world," she said. "We have to delve into this in a way that hasn't been done in a long tim..." [read]

Revolutionary Cable Suspended Solar: Cost-Effective Solar Structures (Video)

by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 11. 4.09
Science & Technology

REM solar cable installation
Image credit: REM eyewear

Only the other week I posted about an innovative project to integrate solar power with food production, and while the photo-shopped graphics for that post may have left something to be desired, a new installation may give a better idea of what's possible. In what's billed as the "first, cable-suspended free span solar energy system" REM eyewear and P4P Energy have created a patented system that could help expand the potential for integrating solar with other types of land use.

Article continues: Revolutionary Cable Suspended Solar: Cost-Effective Solar Structures (Video)

Energy Sun-Bag Makes Your Solar Power As Obvious As Possible

by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 10.30.09
Science & Technology

solar powered bag photo
Photo via Press Release

There's often something left to be desired when it comes to the styles of solar bags. Many are simply ugly, though quite a few also make it into the realm of hip. This bag falls somewhere in between, bordering on ugly if it didn't do such a great job of stating the obvious via a massive solar cell on the front flap - "This Bag Is Solar Powered!!" It's the Energy Sun-Bag from Neuber and Konarka Technologies.

Article continues: Energy Sun-Bag Makes Your Solar Power As Obvious As Possible

The Best Swag Bag EVER! PopTech Hands Out Solar FLAP Bags That Turn Into Lanterns

by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California on 10.26.09
Science & Technology

flap swag bag image

If I didn't already have a solar bag from Voltaic, I'd be so jealous right now. Attendees at this year's PopTech received as their swag bag the FLAP - Flexible Light and Power. It's messenger bag with built in flexible solar cells that can charge up a mobile device, or power an LED in the bag, turning it into a lantern. It certainly sets a new standard for swag bags at events. How great is it to offer attendees not only a cool bag, but off grid charging capabilities too?! Check out how neat this bag is - it's far more than just fancy swag, it's a solution for off-grid lighting for impoverished people.

Article continues: The Best Swag Bag EVER! PopTech Hands Out Solar FLAP Bags That Turn Into Lanterns

Win A Solar Array and an Eco-Refurbishment: 10:10 Campaign Offers Big Prizes

by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 10.24.09
Science & Technology

Home of the Future solar competition image
Image credit: Solarcentury

Imagine a free solar array for your home, combined with a full eco-makeover to eliminate draughts, improve comfort, efficiency and air quality. That's the prize on offer to green minded UK householders right now. It's just one part of the 10:10 Campaign's call to cut UK carbon emissions by 10% by 2010. (See also their search for the Voice of Green Britain.) So what do you have to do to qualify?

Article continues: Win A Solar Array and an Eco-Refurbishment: 10:10 Campaign Offers Big Prizes

The Sexiest Solar iPhone Charger by Regen

by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 10.23.09
Science & Technology

Regen Renu Solar Charger Photo
Image via: Earthtechling

The sleek design of the Regen ReNu offers customers a solar panel charger, that looks like well a solar panel, but also looks like it would blend into the background of a modern, chic, loft apartment. Styled similar to many iProduct docking stations, the Regen ReNu can recharge a variety of electronic gadgets and get several charges off of one battery. But will it be available in time for the holiday rush?

Article continues: The Sexiest Solar iPhone Charger by Regen

Dell HQ Gets a 130 kW Solar Parking Lot with Plug-In Charging Stations

by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada on 10.22.09
Science & Technology

dell solar parking lot photo

Park In the Shade, Recharge Your Plug-In Vehicle
Dell's headquarters in Round Rock, Texas, now have a shaded solar parking structure called the Solar Grove. It was built by Envision Solar, and it has a capacity of 130 kilowatts, which should help avoid about 145,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. But the clean electricity is only part of the benefit; there's also some energy savings that come from the shade produced by the "solar trees" since cooler cars don't need as much A/C.

Article continues: Dell HQ Gets a 130 kW Solar Parking Lot with Plug-In Charging Stations

Earthship Makes Landfall in Nicaragua, Builds Home Out of Tires

by Kristin Underwood, Sacramento, CA on 10.21.09
Science & Technology

Casa Llanta Earthship in Nicaragua Photo
Image via: Jessica Dore

In the San Juan Del Sur region of Nicaragua, the famed Earthship crew, along with 13 Nicaraguans from the local community, created the start of what will be entirely off-grid, sustainable community, titled Casa Llanta ("Tire House"). This is the first Earthship in Nicaragua and tipster Jessica Dore sent in her thoughts and impressions from her trip to this futuristic community.

Article continues: Earthship Makes Landfall in Nicaragua, Builds Home Out of Tires

Solar and Agriculture: Double Cropping Energy and Food

by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 10.21.09
Science & Technology

solar integrated agriculture photo
Image credit: Piedmont Biofuels

From a 25-megawatt photovoltaic plant in Florida to a 4,500 acre solar thermal installation in California, solar just keeps getting bigger. Within that context, a 100kw array may seem hardly worth mentioning, but folks in my community are excited, and not without reason. (Disclaimer alert: Friends of mine are involved with this project.)You see traditionally, unlike wind, large-scale solar has often meant displacing otherwise productive land, to the point where some areas like Ontario are looking at banning solar from class "a" and class "b" farmland. What sets this project apart is that it aims to not just co-exist with productive farm land, but actually enhance the agricultural process.

Article continues: Solar and Agriculture: Double Cropping Energy and Food
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