95% Sunlight Absorbtion Rate!

A new coating has been invented that when applied to pvc panels will absorb approx. 95% of sunlight. This new antireflective coating is the result of research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that has branches in Troy NY and Hartforn Connecticut.

Rensselaer Professor Shawn Yu Lin who led the research project says “To get maximum efficiency when converting solar power into electricity, you want a solar panel that can absorb nearly every single photon of light, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky, Our new antireflective coating makes this possible.”

Further, the angle at which the panel is positioned also contributes to how much sun it's absorbing. Professor Lin's new coating absorbs light from any angle much more efficiently, allowing much more flexability when it comes to positioning solar panels.

Professor Lin: “At the beginning of the project, we asked, ‘would it be possible to create a single antireflective structure that can work from all angles?’ Then we attacked the problem from a fundamental perspective, tested and fine-tuned our theory, and created a working device,” Lin said. Rensselaer physics graduate student Mei-Ling Kuo played a key role in the investigations.

"Lin’s discovery could antiquate these automated solar arrays, as his antireflective coating absorbs sunlight evenly and equally from all angles. This means that a stationary solar panel treated with the coating would absorb 96.21 percent of sunlight no matter the position of the sun in the sky. So, along with significantly better absorption of sunlight, Lin’s discovery could also enable a new generation of stationary, more cost-efficient solar arrays."

A regular joe untreated solar panel currently absorbs only 65% of sunlight, so you can see how this new coating, if developed correctly and successfuly will re-energize the solar panel market. The price would come down making more affordable for the average household and small business.

More details on the new coating here at Rensselaer.

Jobs In Solar: CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IS NOW HIRING (Farmingdale, LI)

Reply to: jkulczyk@citizenscampaign.org
Date: 2008-12-30, 11:50AM EST

Citizens Campaign for the Environment, with over 90,000 members in NY and CT, is the Actual largest and Most effective environmental organization in Long Island. Since 1985 we have worked successfully, through grassroots organizing, to preserve our land, air, water, public health, and wildlife.
Our most Recent victories include: the defeat of Shell Oil's (2nd largest oil company worldwide) natural gas proposal in LI Sound, the preservation of our water quality, through legislation, by keeping contaminated NYC reservoir water out of our aquifer, and the outright banning of the carcinogen MTBE from gasoline, which we started in NY and is now nationwide! That's just naming a few. Check out our website:

www.citizenscampaign.org

Currently, we are urging the Governor, LIPA, and NYPA to finally draft a comprehensive renewable energy policy, focusing on wind and solar power, that will preserve our environment and save us money on utilities. This is long overdue. We are also working to expand recycling (Bottle Bill) to bottled water and sports drinks and to reduce needless usage of plastic bags.
To win on these important issues, we are now hiring more bright and energetic people with good communication skills. Don't worry if you don't know alot about the issues of the day, we provide information and training. If you have the will to do good, call us.
The hours are 2-10 pm, Monday through Friday. The pay is $440+/wk. We offer health benefits and paid vacation and personal days to our full-time employees. We also offer part-time positions. Calling for an interview nets a quicker response than simply sending a resume. We can be reached in Farmingdale at:

516-390-7150

Whether you're on your Winter Break, graduating, taking a break from school, looking for steady work, need a second job, or are an activist and want to get paid for things you do anyhow... call us. Join our impressive, professional team today so that you can start to make a difference in the world!

" A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."
- John Lennon Location: Farmingdale, LI

• Compensation: $440+/WK - health benefits - paid vacation and personal time
• This is at a non-profit organization.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Phone calls about this job are ok.
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Recession Woes hit GT Solar

GT Solar a Merrimack N.H. green energy company had made the decision to release 25 of it's hight-tech workers. The slow down in the economy means orders for their equipment that produces solar panels have also slowed. They manufacture furnaces and components that are used to produce pvc panels.

Some countries have modified or reneged on their solar tax incentives which also has contributed to the pink slips.

"Globally, the industry estimates that about three-quarters of solar projects are financed by banks and institutional inventors, making them vulnerable to the credit crisis."
Even though GT Solar's stock price has dropped to $6 from an opening $16.50 the company reassures us that their long term outlook is good.

Details at Nashua Telegraph.

The solar industry is just as vulnerable as any other industry maybe more so because of being backed by banks. The current estimate by some talking heads on Wall Street is two years before the economy gets back to normal. The solar power industry has been very patient, quietly building and upgrading, waiting for it's time in the sun (so to speak). Waiting an additional couple of years to really step on the gas isn't going to stop it's inevitable progress.

Six Greener Ways to Keep Warm

Six Greener Ways to Stay Warm this Winter

(ARA) – With cool weather on the way you may be wondering just how you’ll manage to maintain your eco-friendly habits and stay warm at the same time. While your home, like most in America, will likely rely on fossil fuels for heat for years to come, it’s still possible to have a “greener” winter.


When it comes to home heating costs, “green” practices can also save you another kind of green – cash. The average American household spends $2,000 on energy costs each year, and half of that total goes to heat and cool the home, according to EnergyStar.


“Making environmentally friendly changes to your heating habits can significantly reduce household energy costs,” says David Kogan, a home-heating expert with Indus-tool.


Here are six simple ways to stay green and warm this winter:


1. Winterize your home. Make sure weather stripping around doors and windows is adequate and in good shape. Check the insulation in your attic. If you can see the wooden beams, you likely need more insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 80 million American homes are inadequately insulated. Proper insulation can save you up to 20 percent on energy bills, according to the DOE.


2. Use safe, green electric space heaters. Oil or kerosene heaters present tipping and burning hazards, plus they emit greenhouse gases. Modern electric space heaters are more energy efficient. For maximum safety and efficiency, choose a heater like the Toasty Toes or Cozy Legs flat panel heaters by Indus-tool. Thermostatically controlled, both products put the heat right where it’s most needed – on your feet and legs – rather than inefficiently trying to heat an entire area. “They use less energy than an incandescent light bulb and are safe for use around pets, children or elders,” Kogan says. Visit www.indus-tool.com to learn more.


3. Dress for the season. “Every winter, I’m amazed by the number of people I see dressed inappropriately for the season. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to look good,” says Diane Artzberger, a fashion expert who blogs about beauty, fashion and cosmetics at www.thebeautyalchemist.blogspot.com. “You can look fashionable and stay warm by layering and choosing fabrics like cashmere, flannel or polar fleece and warm styles like hoodies, turtlenecks and cardigans.”


4. Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically reduce heat settings when you don’t need as much warmth – like when you’re not home or when you go to bed. Homeowners can reduce energy bills by as much as $180 a year with a programmable thermostat, according to the government’s EnergyStar program.


5. When you’re home, set back the heat and get cozy. Use afghans and throws to stay warm. Create a warm atmosphere with candles and the fireplace – just be sure to follow basic safety rules. Don’t leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended and keep flammable items away from the flames.


6. Rely on nature to help heat your home. Not everyone can afford to install solar heating panels on their homes, but you can open the drapes and blinds on a sunny day. The sun’s rays will help warm the house. Use landscaping wisely as well. Cut back shrubs or trees that block the sun from coming in windows. Plant trees on the north side of the house to naturally insulate it from winter’s northern winds.


On average, homeowners will pay 20 percent more to heat their homes this winter, according to the Energy Information Administration. A few environmentally smart changes can make a big difference in how much more winter’s bite will hurt your wallet – and your conscience – this season.


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fort Pierce Fl. Solar Powered Marina Being Planned

** Correction: Ecocove Marina is in no way based on "Sun Harbor Marina." Sorry to Mr. Blaine Campbell and associates for the inaccuracy.
-----------------

Treasure Coast company "Ecocove" is planning to build a 20 slip marina that will be completely green and solar powered. Based on San Diego's "Sun Harbor Marina", the project has an estimated cost of $10 million. After the project is built and operational Ecocove plans to add additional slips in the future.

They expect the project will get off the ground early next year and have investors lined up despite the economic slow down.

Ecocove also hopes the new marina based in a Fort Pierce inlet draws tourists from not only Florida but all over the world. The marina will have an event center that can be rented out for meetings, weddings, etc. Also will include and oyster bed.

It's hoped at the same time they will be able to offer "green jobs" at the marina and give a little boost to the local economy as well.

More details about Ecocove's solar powered marina plans at TCPalm.

Harvard Wants Your PC for Solar Research

IBM and Harvard scientists want to make use of your computer. They are developing plastic solar cells that will be more flexible and allow more absorption of sunlight than traditional silicon cells. Their goal is to make the material more cost efficient and flexible.

To do this they would like to be able to use at least 1 million idle computers from around the world. The pc's would help in their calculations and reduce the time they acquire and process needed data from a possible 20 years down to approximate 2 years.

You can download the software and let it run on your computer while it's idle and also includes security software.

Story about the Project Here at Reuters.

Find out more at the "World Community Grid."

Solar Powered Taxi Circles The World!

A Solar Powered Taxi took a trip around the world, the first to do so. Swiss teacher Louis Palmer drove the car and says people love solar/electrical cars, everybody wants to see them upgraded and improved over time.

He can get 186 miles out of one small battery and going about 55 mph. He carried extra batteries for such instances as night-driving and rainy days.

Get the full story here.

Jobs In Solar: Operations Manager (Maui, Hawaii)

Reply to: job-947002687@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-12-05, 7:45PM HST

Industry: Technology

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m.-5p.m.

Description of Position:
We are a leading solar electric integrators in Hawaii with high profile projects on the Big Island, Maui, Molokai and Kauai. We seek an Operations Manager to solidify and expand our presence on the Valley Isle and take our success and operations to the next level.

Summary of Responsibilities
• Provide oversight and coordination of day-to-day Maui operations
• Project management of residential and commercial installation projects
• Preparation of project documentation
• Public relations with customers, contractors, industry officials, County and State representatives
• Possible sales

Required Skills
In-depth knowledge of and experience with PV(photovoltaic) applications.
Must have a minimum of three years of solar electrical applications.
Must have a strong electrical applications background.
Must have a minimum of three years of operations management experience.
Great organizational skills and people skills
Sales experience desirable Location: Maui, Hawaii

• Compensation: 50-70K, plus bonuses
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

The Future of Energy in Two Minutes or Less

Discover Magazine ran a contest to see who could make the best 2 minute video about how hot and important solar power is right now. Out of all the contestants 4 were chosen. Here are the 4 videos. An official winner will be chosen by a judge from the Natural Resources Defense Council and named Dec. 17. The winning entrant gets a full home energy audit and some $2,000 worth of energy-saving gadgets.

Web visitors can also view and vote on what video you think is best here at Disover Magazine.