Over the past decade, world wind electric generating capacity grew at nearly 30 percent per year, its increase driven by its many attractive features and by public policies supporting its expansion. Wind is abundant, carbon-free and nondepletable. It uses no water, no fuel, and little land. Wind is also locally available, scales up easily, and can be brought online quickly. No other energy source can match this combination of features.
Tag: solar
The Great Transition, Part I: From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy
The great energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is under way. As fossil fuel prices rise, as oil insecurity deepens, and as concerns about pollution and climate instability cast a shadow over the future of coal, a new world energy economy is emerging. The old energy economy, fueled by oil, coal, and natural gas, is being replaced with an economy powered by wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
A Look Inside Active House USA
The first home in the US built to Active House standards is well underway in Webster Groves, Missouri. The builders and contractors took a break from their work this past weekend to show off what they’ve accomplished so far.
How to Build a Simple Solar Concentrator: SolarFlower Tutorials Now Online
Want to build a Solarflower, the open source solar concentrator we featured a little over a year ago? Now you can: designer Daniel Connel has published tutorials for simple, cheap solar collector.
Can Solar-Powered Sailing Ships Open Up Ocean-Based Commerce?
Lower-tech forms of shipping could open up whole worlds of economic opportunity… and with marginal environmental impact, if done right. The creators of the Greenheart Project are trying to accomplish those goals with the development of a simply-designed, solar and sail-powered ship created specifically for use by some of the world’s poorest people.
The Five Worst States for Renewable Energy Development
Despite the availability of clean and sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass, many states depend on outdated and dirty energy sources. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee are among the most in need of an energy portfolio diversification.
How Much Solar Power Does the Sun Provide? [Infographic]
How much solar power does the sun provide to us? A nearly limitless amount: this infographic puts it into perspective.
Xcel Energy Sells Out Community Solar Garden Program
It didn`t take longer than half an hour from opening before Colorado-based Xcel Energy had to close their Solar Rewards Community program for new applications.
New Jersey Solar Installer Reaches Milestone
New Jersey as a leader in solar power? Yep… and one small company’s success story shows just how well the Garden State is doing in terms of leveraging its renewable energy resources.
Solar LED Lights: The Key to Developing World Productivity?
Technologies like solar-powered LED lights may seem like cool gadgets to those of us in the “first world”… but they’re necessary tools for combating poverty and poor health in the developing world.
A Guide to Cutting your Utility Bills with Solar Power
Depending on where you live in the country, a solar energy system can be much less expensive than you might imagine.
iPhone and iPad Solar Power Suitability Checker App Released
A leading UK solar power resource site has just launched their first application for both iPad and iPhone.
Pay as You Go Solar: Off-Grid Power for the Developing World
Think “pay as you go” models only work for cell phones? Think again: social enterprise Eight19 has applied this model to solar panels for residents of the developing world.