More affordable energy independent of foreign oil? Where do I sign up? A look at how solar energy is a big political issue. Solar energy seems like a no brainer. By harnessing the power of the sun we can create affordable energy. In doing so, the solar industry can also create thousands of environmentally friendly jobs for Americans. So why does it seem that solar energy is always a … Read More…

These days, what isn’t DIY? Most homeowners are seeing the financial and creative benefits to many types of do it yourself projects. From bathroom remodeling to furniture up-cycling, do it yourself projects can save money and ignite a bit of creativity. Because of the do it yourself trend, many people are considering solar panel system installation as a feasible do it yourself project. While websites and even some solar panel … Read More…

No need to adjust your dial – this isn’t the year 2112. That futuristic spaceship you’re looking at is the Turanor, PlannetSolar’s (and the world’s) largest solar powered boat. The Turanor is currently completing an 18-month, record-breaking voyage around the globe. Traveling along the earth’s equator, PlanetSolar’s innovative and groundbreaking boat has only stopped at ports to spread the word about their journeys – not to fuel up. Currently on … Read More…

All over the news there are stories of cruise ship vacations gone wrong. Whether a power outage knocks out the electricity or a tragic turn capsizes a ship, more and more unfortunate accidents are taking place on cruise ships. While solar energy cannot make cruise ships safer, they can certainly help make them more economically and environmentally responsible. Case in point: a solar power system at the Port of Los … Read More…

Solar forecasting is a new science being developed to forecast where the sun will be located at different points throughout the day. Like a sophisticated sundial, sun forecasting equipment is being developed similar to wind forecasting equipment that can tell when and where the wind will be the strongest to produce wind power. The University of California at San Diego is developing sun forecasting equipment to make photovoltaic systems more … Read More…

In a solar energy breakthrough, the University of Notre Dame has made advancements in creating a “solar paint.” The product would transcend silicon-based solar producers in order to create an easily spread solar conductor that can be applied to any conductive surface. While the solar paint isn’t as efficient as silicon-based solar technology (the paint’s conversion efficiency is currently at 1% – roughly 10% behind silicon solar cells) it can … Read More…

It’s been a great year for solar energy, as well as other forms of renewable energy throughout the globe. In case you missed any solar power news, here’s a look at some of the more notable events in solar energy: Google goes Green - Google made a slew of renewable energy investments. The company’s solar energy funding totaled a staggering $880 million dollars including its most recent initiative towards a project … Read More…

Google is wrapping up 2011 in a green way! The company just announced this morning they have made a $94 million investment in four photovoltaic solar energy projects outside of Sacramento, California. While Google has invested over $880 million in solar energy in 2011 alone, this new project is unique in that it will produce energy FOR the grid, to power over 13,000 homes. Google is partnering with Recurrent Energy … Read More…

This year, even Santa Claus is going green! Instead of using reindeer to pull his sleigh, the man in red has upgraded his travel system to a sleek, photovoltaic solar powered sleigh. Don’t worry; because Santa Claus travels at night and the North Pole remains mostly in twilight during winter months, he spends the months before Christmas soaking up rays to power his sleigh. Kris Kringle wants to encourage all … Read More…

MIT researchers are busy perfecting a state of the art solar cell printed on a sheet of paper. The process involves depositing specific inks onto a flimsy sheet of paper. Once printed, the sheet of paper can be connected to several wires and can generate power for electronics like alarm clocks. This process eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals and high temperatures typically used when developing solar cells. Currently, the research … Read More…