Author Archive
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Underground Solar Panel: So Crazy It Just Might Work
Two new solar photovoltaic technologies. New and exciting, but not on the market yet. Underground solar panels, and Fiber Optic Photovoltaics. Read the article here.
No Comments » - Posted in Solar by Mark
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
New Technology May Lead to More Efficient Solar Panels
Those crazy scientists! I’m telling ya.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a nanostructure film that may help solar panels reach new levels of efficiency by trapping more photons and letting less energy escape from reflection. This could be a big deal. Any gain in effieciency matters, and if we string enough of them together [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Solar by Mark
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Solar Cell Efficiency Record Sets New High Mark
That’s right, a new record was recently set for solar cell efficiency. Maybe all the green economy stimulus money is starting to get us somewhere. Unfortunately this technology is not practical for everyday use, but I’ll take progress anywhere I can get it.
Check out the full article here.
No Comments » - Posted in Solar by Mark
Monday, May 18th, 2009
Make Magazine Full Of Renewable Energy Projects
This month’s Make magazine is all about remaking America, and there are a number of articles on DIY energy projects. There is everything from a very nice homemade solar water heater, to a hybrid recumbent taxi, or using rainwater to flush your toilet. If you’re at all handy and want to do some of this [...]
No Comments » - Posted in DIY Projects, Green Building, Save Money: Go Green, Solar by Mark
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Cylindrical Solar Cell Maker Gets First Green Federal Loan Guarantee
The company that makes a new type of solar cell that is cylindrical, instead of the classic flat-panel, has received the first Federal Loan Guarantee for an alternative energy company. These new solar panels are expected to produce 20% more electricity than flat panels, and offer better performance on overcast days.
Read the article here.
No Comments » - Posted in Solar by Mark
Friday, November 7th, 2008
Myco-Diesel: Fuel Made By A Fungus
A scientist at Montana State University discovered a fungus in the rainforest that makes Diesel. Boom. That’s it. You feed the fungus, it poops, then you drive your truck with it.
Of course this is still in the early stages, and it will take years to set up a project to see if this is commercially [...]
2 Comments » - Posted in General by Mark
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Don’t Forget to Vote Today!
If you live in the USA make sure you vote today. A lot of great Americans fought and died so that we had the right to vote, and this election is the most important one in most of our lifetimes.
If you’re not sure who to vote for, I’d recommend Barack Obama. Especially if you think [...]
No Comments » - Posted in General by Mark
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
NPR Talks About Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
A nice article about the details of near-future plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Good ol’ NPR.
Read the article here.
2 Comments » - Posted in General by Mark
Friday, July 11th, 2008
Electric Car Conversion Information
I still really want to make an electric car. The main argument against electric vehicles I’ve heard recently is that they deliver an environmental mess courtesy of the batteries. From what I’ve read tonight, that just isn’t the case. According to the Electric Auto Association:
The Battery Council International reports that 93% of all battery lead [...]
2 Comments » - Posted in DIY Projects by Mark
Monday, June 9th, 2008
Ultracapacitors Have Finally Arrived In Consumer Electronics
We all use rechargeable batteries everyday in everything from cell phones, to razors, to hybrid cars, to power tools. It is SO frustrating to be working on a project and discover that your rechargeable tool is out of juice. Now you have to either wait hours for the battery to charge, use hand [...]
