Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Toward a More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Sources
Young Guns: Small Wind Startup, Wide Open Market
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FRESNEL LENS Solar Cooking Fish Fry with the Sun Black Cast Iron Pan
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FRESNEL LENS Solar Cooking Fish Fry with the Sun Black Cast Iron Pan
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The Energy Report - 3/30/10: Afternoon Edition
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Buil Your Own Solar Panel
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Ford Pushes Its Electric-Drive Roadmap
Ford CEO Alan Mulally opened the New York International Auto Show with a keynote outlining the company's roadmap for greener cars and trucks. Mulally said there is still "so much room to improve the internal combustion engine," but said the company plans to roll out more hybrids and electric vehicles.
Ford demonstrated its commitment to its hybrid and electric car plan by unveiling the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid�the first of five new electric-drive vehicles expected in the next four years. Unlike competitors that announce green vehicles years before release, Ford chose to introduce the MKZ Hybrid only months before it will go on sale. The hybrid, the first from Lincoln, will be available this fall.
While the MKZ Hybrid�expected to deliver 41 mpg in the city� could beat all other luxury models in terms of fuel economy numbers, it�"s the most conservative of the four new electric-drive vehicles coming from Ford. The MKZ Hybrid is essentially an upscale and low-volume version of the company�"s award-winning Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Comprehensive and Aggressive Plan
On the other hand, Ford is taking bold and innovative steps with its next set of electric vehicles, including the Transit Connect Electric delivery truck in late 2010, the Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Escape in 2012, and a pair of next-generation hybrids by 2013. Mulally added that the company also continues to develop hydrogen technology.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
12. 08-01-2010 - Solar Energy and Water Dams (Part 1 of 2)
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Wind Turbine Designs.mov
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Senator Collins Explains Her Cap-&-Dividend Plan
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Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Energy Report - 3/29/10: Afternoon Edition
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DIY Solar and Wind Energy Guide
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All-Electric Nissan Leaf Well Sell for $32,780
Nissan today announced pricing for the Nissan Leaf electric car. The suggested retail price will be $32,780, while a monthly lease will cost $349 per month. A vast array of federal and state consumer incentives, including a $7,500 tax credit, will reduce the total purchase price. The 2011 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20.
Local incentives include a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.
In California, which is expected to be the biggest market for the Leaf, the combined federal and state tax credits would effectively reduce the total purchase price to the low-$20,000s. Of course, consumer would not receive the benefit until tax time�and will still need to pay for or finance the entire cost.
Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers. Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable. Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.
The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940, adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Solar Energy to 7 Billion People
Solar Energy - How The System Works
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Luxury Hybrid Category Gets Crowded
Great hybrids. Big jumps in MPG. But luxury, all too often, means low volume.
The field of hybrid gas-electric vehicles is expected to triple from about 20 today to 60 or more by the middle of this decade. If current trends continue, much of that growth will come in the luxury segment. Ford will offer a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid�essentially a luxury version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid�later this year. That news, which leaked out prior to the official announcement from the New York Auto Show, follows last month�"s reports from Mercedes and Lexus that more luxury hybrids are on the way.
Is the availability of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid worth getting excited about? Yes and no. The MKZ Hybrid will beat the fuel economy of the Lexus HS 250h by about 6 mpg�while providing room for an additional passenger. Moreover, Lincoln�"s first hybrid could more than double the conventional MKZ�"s current 18 mpg in city mileage. That�"s a big deal.
Unfortunately, the conventional Lincoln MKZ is not a big seller�so don�"t expect much of an impact on overall hybrid sales. That follows a pattern in which Ford produces a stellar hybrid product and puts marketing dollars behind it�but fails to pump out enough units to raise it above niche status.
Luxury Brands Go All Hybrid
There�"s more cause for celebration�sort of�for green car fans. Numerous media outlets are reporting that Mercedes-Benz will go 100-percent hybrid with its next-generation S-Class lineup in America�excluding the $130,000 AMG models. In other words, you won�"t be able to buy an S-Class that doesn�"t have a hybrid system�lifting the fuel economy of the entire line. Bear in mind that the S400 Hybrid is the least expensive of the S-class models�although it sells for nearly $90,000. The other S-Class models move up in price toward Tesla territory and beyond. That renders the impact of an all hybrid Mercedes segment as mostly symbolic�until Mercedes goes all hybrid for the relatively proletariat E or C classes.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Solar Tower - renewable energy green global warming
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Toward a More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Sources
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Plug-in Hybrids: Renewable Energy Solution of the Month
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Renewable Energy From the Deep Ocean US Gov R&D
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The Rise of the Renewable Energy Age
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Off-Grid Living with Renewable Energy
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20% renewable energy by 2020
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Wind Energy Technology: Innovations and Challenges
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Renewable Energy and the Future
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Monday, March 29, 2010
Oettinger, in English, announces Intelligent Energy funding programme
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Neal Bastick, CEO Blue H Technologies: Meet the Eco-Innovators
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Renewable Energy and the Future
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Free Solar Energy Tool for PV-Photovoltaic Solar panels and solar cells
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MyDomain Brand .ME Contest - Sponsored Post
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Renewable Energy Leaders Push RES to Create Jobs
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Newconsumer.tv: climbing wind turbines
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iea's Houssin Says Prospect of Gas Cartel a `Concern'
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Residential Home Wind Turbine
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How to Make Solar Panel - A Quick And Easy 101 Guide to Solar Energy Production
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Toward a More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Sources
Shell CEO on Oil Outlook, Renewable Energy
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MyDomain - Sponsored Post
The Energy Report - 3/23/10: Afternoon Edition
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Electric Car Future? Fix the Grid First
This opinion piece was contributed by Chris Ellis, CEO, HyKinesys. HybridCars.com occasionally publishes guest posts in order to encourage meaningful debate on sustainable transportation issues.
One of the principal reasons put forward for encouraging electric vehicles is their potential to reduce the amount of CO2 produced per mile or kilometer. For example, the �SLondon's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy⬝ states:
“Given current UK electrical grid emissions, EVs are capable of emitting less than 100g CO2/km. This is 37 per cent lower than the 158g CO2/km emitted by the average new car sold in the UK in 2008. ”
Sounds good, doesn't it? However, the European Union has set a target of an average of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer by 2020 for new cars. The current level is approximately 150g CO2/km so this is pretty ambitious. But bear in mind that the latest (non-plug-in) Prius already achieves 89g CO2/km.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Solar Energy - The Future is Now
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Solar Energy Ideas
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Solar Energy to 7 Billion People
Renewable Energy
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Thursday, March 25, 2010
Canada Joins Global Test of Plug-in Priuses
Canada has some of the world�"s most generous consumer incentives for plug-in cars�and the most thoughtful pro-electric-car policies. Last year, Mitsubishi provided its all-electric i-MiEV to British Columbia government and utility fleets. The Canadian province will be among the first North American cities to roll out the Nissan Leaf electric sedan. And Toyota announced today that it will work with 13 partners test the Prius Plug-in Hybrid in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec. The Canada project represents a test of five plug-in Priuses, out of 600 models being tested in global markets.
HybridCars.com spoke with Larry Hutchinson, director of production planning, Toyota Canada, at the 2010 Globe Conference in Vancouver, where the announcement was made. "Canada has very diverse geographical areas. We have prairies where people drive a lot of distance. We have areas with very cold weather. Canada has a role to play in understanding the consumer and this vehicle." Canada is home to Toyota's global cold weather research center in Northern Ontario. Cold weather has a definite adverse effect on battery performance and range.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid, expected to hit the market about 2012, promises an electric driving range of about 12 miles�boosting fuel efficiency to approximately the equivalent of 75 miles per gallon. Today's announcement marks Canada's first test of a plug-in hybrid, rather than an all-electric car.
Each test vehicle will be fitted with a telematics device to capture performance data, and partners�BC Institute of Technology, University of Manitoba, Hydro-Québec, and the City of Toronto�are being encouraged to drive the plug-in Prius in as many road, traffic and weather conditions as possible.
Hutchinson believes the plug-in Prius will find a sizable market in Canada. "The conventional Prius is now a mainstream car. And as we learn more and more about it, I think the Prius Plug-in Hybrid could also go mainstream."
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Ampera-Volt To Offer Multiple Battery Size Options
The Opel Ampera, the European version of the Chevy Volt, could be built for easy battery upgrades.
Electric cars are going to be more popular in Europe than in the United States. That�"s because, by and large, Europeans have higher gas taxes, denser urban centers, greater consumer acceptance of smaller cars, and more aggressive carbon emission targets.
The importance of electric cars for the European market was underscored this week by Nick Reilly, CEO of Opel-Vauxhall, the European carmaker owned by General Motors. In a report from Edmunds, Reilly said that Opel-Vauxhall is planning to produce a series of extended-range EVs�with a system similar to the Chevy Volt�each with its own styling.
With every global automaker announcing plans for electric-drive vehicles, Opel�"s plans are not surprising. But it�"s intriguing that Reilly says the third-generation�that�"s two generations away from the Volt rolling out later this year�will have a battery pack designed to only last a few years. Current-generation hybrids have been successful because consumers can expect their extra battery packs to last the full lifetime of the vehicle�without requiring expensive replacements. Instead, Reilly believes, the goal should be to make those upgrades cheap and easy, and therefore reduce the upfront cost of the Volt and the Ampera.
Not Quick Battery Swaps, But Much Greater Battery Flexibility
The key to that cost reduction is the ability to offer the battery pack with a choice of sizes�smaller cheaper packs for shorter all-electric ranges, and larger more expensive packs for longer ranges. Moreover, owners should have the ability to easily remove and replace packs in a matter of a few years�well ahead of the 10-years of battery life expected from the first plug-in cars.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
12V Briefcase Solar Generator
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45W Solar Backup Power and Lighting System
This 45 watts solar lighting system kit is designed for use in remote homes, cabins, construction sites and other remote areas without access to the power grid. It is a durable lighting system providing extended lighting hours. Simple plug-in connections make it easy to install. A basic power controller manages the system making it easy to use. This versatile system can also power a 12 volt radio or TV.
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GoldenGadgets.com - LED Lights, Solar Power, and Energy Saving Gadgets
SOLAR PANELS DIY BUILD YOUR OWN SOLAR PANEL MAKE YOUR OWN SOLAR PANELS DIY AT HOME
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
SOLAR PANELS DIY BUILD YOUR OWN SOLAR PANEL MAKE YOUR OWN SOLAR PANELS DIY AT HOME
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Exterior Doors and Entry Doors - Sponsored Post
Solar Tower - Large Scale Renewable Energy Animation
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Honda CR-Z Hybrid: A Surpise Hybrid Hit?
The Honda CR-Z hybrid might be the least anticipated gas-electric car heading to the market. Honda says that the CR-Z combines fun, small and efficient in a sporty package. Critics say the price�anticipated at around $20,000�is too much for a two-seater that lacks the size and practicality of the more affordable Honda Fit. They say the CR-Z�"s 122 horsepower make it anything but sporty. And worst of all, the fuel economy of such a small hybrid should be far more than its average of about 37 mpg.
But could the cool design and sporty handling make the CR-Z a sleeper success? That�"s apparently what�"s happening in Japan. After the first month on the market in Japan, Honda received more than 10,000 orders. That�"s 10 times the pace of its monthly sales target. Honda said it expects to sell 40,000 to 50,000 of the CR-Z a year worldwide, with sales scheduled to start in North America and Europe this summer. (Keep in mind that the Honda Insight got off to fast start when it debuted in Japan last year, only to fall short soon after. In the US, the Insight never developed into the �SPrius-killer⬝ that Honda had hoped for. )
Fun Factors
The CR-Z borrows much of the hybrid system from the Honda Insight�but its engine has 16 valves instead of the Insight's eight. This is to help increase power at higher rpm and improve efficiency at lower speeds. The Honda CR-Z�"s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine�compared to the Insight�"s 1.3�is also mated to a six-speed manual gearbox�making it the only hybrid on the market available with a manual transmission. Drivers of the CVT version, when selecting �Ssporty" mode can simulate stepped shifting manually by flipping paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The "normal" and "economy" modes are designed for greater efficiency.
According to some reports, Honda is already considering adding battery storage and making the motor and inverter smaller and lighter to deliver better performance.
The wedge design features an oversized front grille with small openings on each side of the front panel. The CR-Z clearly borrows its overall shape from the Honda CRX sports car, a version of the Civic that was produced from 1984 to 1991.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
EliteCruises - Sponsored Post
Wind Energy
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Executive VP of Polar Beverages, Chris Crowley, on Renewable Energy in Manufacturing
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The Energy Report - 3/23/10: Morning Edition
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Renewable Energy and the Future
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
OpTrip - Car Rental Deals - Sponsored Post
The Energy Report - 3/22/10: Morning Edition
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China�"s BYD Offers Plug-in Hybrid to Individual Buyers
By this time next week, China�"s BYD will become the first automaker to offer a mass-produced plug-in hybrid to individual buyers. That sounds like a major milestone, but the realities of such an event tell a different story. Despite fears that BYD and other Chinese carmakers will quickly dominate the emerging global market for plug-in cars, the introduction of advanced battery-powered vehicles in China will likely occur at a slower than expected pace.
The key question is if US sales of plug-in hybrids and electric cars will follow the Chinese narrative: media buzz, fleet sales, big government subsidies, and then a long tough battle to sell cars with big price premiums. The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and all-electric Nissan Leaf will begin rolling out to limited US markets late this year.
The F3DM, a plug-in hybrid promising about 60 miles of all-electric range and selling for around $22,000, was first offered to fleet buyers in late 2008. Yet, the company only managed to sell about 100 cars to government institutions. On the other hand, the gas-powered F3 compact car, China�"s best-selling model in 2009, sells for about $14,000. Sales of the gas-powered F3 helped BYD triple its net income last year to more than a half-billion dollars. Last year, BYD sold 450,000 gasoline-engine cars in China, more than doubling its 2008 sales and becoming the sixth biggest Chinese automaker.
Li Yizhong, minister of Information and Industrial Technology, said that the ministry was discussing direct consumer subsidies�at least several thousand dollars� for alternative vehicles like the F3DM. Meanwhile, the government is already providing aggressive tax cuts and Cash-For-Clunkers-style subsidies for gas-powered cars with small engines.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Monday, March 22, 2010
Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco
By Gavin Newsom
Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.
We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.
I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 57 percent alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
GOOD: Mini Wind Turbines
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Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco
By Gavin Newsom
Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.
We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.
I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 57 percent alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco
By Gavin Newsom
Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.
We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.
I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 57 percent alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco
By Gavin Newsom
Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.
We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.
I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 55 percent alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
How does solar energy work
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FLASHLIGHT FIRE STARTER Torch Light Boils Water, HID 35 Watt High Intensity Discharge Spot Light
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Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco
By Gavin Newsom
Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.
We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.
I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 55% alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Wind Turbine Shadow Flicker and Noise, Byron Wisconsin
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LIZARD ON MY WIND TURBINE ANOLIS CAROLINENSIS GREENPOWERSCIENCE.COM
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California Ballot Initiative Aims to Block Tougher Emissions Standards
Energy industry money is fueling a campaign currently underway in California to prevent the state's landmark AB32 emissions standards from taking effect as planned. With the most aggressive pieces of the legislation scheduled to kick in in 2012, a new bill called the California Jobs Initiative would block their implementation until the state unemployment rate drops below 5.5 percent—an annual level seen only six times in the last 30 years.
Opponents of AB32 say that the stricter emissions standards are coming at the wrong time, with the unemployment rate currently hovering above 12 percent. But many question the true motives of the movement behind the initiative, which receives most of its funding from oil companies. According to EE News, $500,000 of the money spent gathering signatures to get the so-called �SJobs Initiative⬝ on the ballot comes from Valero Energy Corporation, with at least an additional $350,000 coming from other major energy firms—most of which are based out of state.
Opponents of the new emissions standards point to a letter written by California Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who cited flaws in the state's calculations when it predicted that AB32 would create 120,000 jobs statewide. Taylor goes on to forecast that the law will result in "near term job losses," but makes no specific predictions or calculations about its specific economic impact.
Also known as the Global Warming Solutions Act, AB32 was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger back in 2006, with the goal of reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In the past, California's aggressive environmental standards may have acted as catalysts for stricter national standards—the best example being 2007's Corporate Average Fuel Economy overhaul, which followed a lengthy court battle over similar increases in the Golden State. Fearing that they would have to produce a separate line of cars for the California market, carmakers eventually got on board for a nationwide increase in fuel economy standards.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
California Ballot Initiative Aims to Block Tougher Emissions Standards
Energy industry money is fueling a campaign currently underway in California to prevent the state's landmark AB32 emissions standards from taking effect as planned. With the most aggressive pieces of the legislation scheduled to kick in in 2012, a new bill called the California Jobs Initiative would block their implementation until the state unemployment rate drops below 5.5 percent—an annual level seen only six times in the last 30 years.
Opponents of AB32 say that the stricter emissions standards are coming at the wrong time, with the unemployment rate currently hovering above 12 percent. But many question the true motives of the movement behind the initiative, which receives most of its funding from oil companies. According to EE News, $500,000 of the money spent gathering signatures to get the so-called �SJobs Initiative⬝ on the ballot comes from Valero Energy Corporation, with at least an additional $350,000 coming from other major energy firms—most of which are based out of state.
Opponents of the new emissions standards point to a letter written by California Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who cited flaws in the state's calculations when it predicted that AB32 would create 120,000 jobs statewide. Taylor goes on to forecast that the law will result in "near term job losses," but makes no specific predictions or calculations about its specific economic impact.
Also known as the Global Warming Solutions Act, AB32 was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger back in 2006, with the goal of reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In the past, California's aggressive environmental standards may have acted as catalysts for stricter national standards—the best example being 2007's Corporate Average Fuel Economy overhaul, which followed a lengthy court battle over similar increases in the Golden State. Fearing that they would have to produce a separate line of cars for the California market, carmakers eventually got on board for a nationwide increase in fuel economy standards.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Saturday, March 20, 2010
DIY Solar Energy - 10 Tips Video
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Solar Panels Become "Hot" Items
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DIY Wind Turbine Blade DC 180 Volt Electric Generator HAWT Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
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Friday, March 19, 2010
J.D. Power Study: Toyota Prius Is Most Dependable Compact Car
High-profile media reports of runaway cars give the impression that the Toyota Prius is unsafe and undependable. However, the hard data tells a different story. J.D. Power�the auto industry�"s top source for information about vehicle dependability�yesterday reported that among compact cars, the Toyota Prius had the fewest numbers of problems experienced per 100 vehicles over the past three years.
This marks the third year in a row that Prius took the top spot in the study.
The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, includes 198 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. The 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 52,000 original owners of 2007 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2009�prior the most publicized reports of Prius unintended acceleration.
The negative impact of recalls on perceptions of dependability apparently did not affect the Toyota Prius in J.D. Power�"s 2010 study. Complaints to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by car owners commonly increase after automakers announce plans for recalls. Lars Perner, professor of clinical marketing at the University of Southern California, told Associated Press, �SWhen people expect problems, they're more likely to find them.⬝
Human Error?
It remains to be seen how the negative publicity will influence next year�"s study. But there�"s mounting evidence that the most publicized Prius accidents involving unintended acceleration were caused by human error�not bad brakes or acceleration pedals. "Information retrieved from the vehicle's onboard computer systems indicated there was no application of the brakes and the throttle was fully open," NHTSA said Thursday in a statement about a Harrison, N.Y., crash. NHTSA officials said the findings mean the accident was caused by the driver, most likely because she pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
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Narec wind turbine training tower
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Thursday, March 18, 2010
China's push for renewable energy
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Venture Capitalists Don't Understand Solar Energy
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Honda�"s Low-Cost Hybrid Strategy: Lithium Ion Batteries
While the high cost of next generation lithium ion batteries is viewed as an obstacle to adoption of pure electric cars, lithium might be the key to making conventional hybrids more affordable. Bloomberg reported today that Honda�which has focused its hybrid marketing strategy on making hybrids nearly as affordable as gas-powered cars�is swiftly moving to put lithium batteries in the Civic Hybrid and its other hybrids.
Honda hopes that shifting its hybrid battery technology to lithium ion�which packs more power in a smaller space�will help the company gain an advantage over Toyota. In addition to moving to lithium batteries, Honda is planning to increase hybrid production in small and large cars and to introduce Acura luxury hybrids.
Toyota�"s recent safety troubles have created an opportunity for other producers of hybrid cars. Honda hybrid sales have been lagging in recent years. Yet, February 2010 sales of the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid increased by 54 percent and 37 percent respectively, compared to the previous month. Sales of the Toyota Prius dropped by 6 percent in February�although the model still dominates the US and Japanese hybrid markets. Koichi Kondo, Honda executive vice president, told Bloomberg that Honda could put lithium ion batteries in the Civic Hybrid �Swithin the next two to three years.⬝
By contrast, Toyota believes that lithium batteries do not justify the higher cost, and that current hybrid battery technology�nickel metal hydride�is best suited for conventional hybrids. The company came to that conclusion last fall after conducting three years of �Ssecret tests⬝ on 126 Toyota Priuses equipped with lithium ion batteries.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
Sun Rising On Careers In Solar Energy.mov
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Honda�"s Low-Cost Hybrid Strategy: Lithium Ion Batteries
While the high cost of next generation lithium ion batteries is viewed as an obstacle to adoption of pure electric cars, lithium might be the key to making conventional hybrids more affordable. Bloomberg reported today that Honda�which has focused its hybrid marketing strategy on making hybrids nearly as affordable as gas-powered cars�is swiftly moving to put lithium batteries in the Civic Hybrid and its other hybrids.
Honda hopes that shifting its hybrid battery technology to lithium ion�which packs more power in a smaller space�will help the company gain an advantage over Toyota. In addition to moving to lithium batteries, Honda is planning to increase hybrid production in small and large cars and to introduce Acura luxury hybrids.
Toyota�"s recent safety troubles have created an opportunity for other producers of hybrid cars. Honda hybrid sales have been lagging in recent years. Yet, February 2010 sales of the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid increased by 54 percent and 37 percent respectively, compared to the previous month. Sales of the Toyota Prius dropped by 6 percent in February�although the model still dominates the US and Japanese hybrid markets. Koichi Kondo, Honda executive vice president, told Bloomberg that Honda could put lithium ion batteries in the Civic Hybrid �Swithin the next two to three years.⬝
By contrast, Toyota believes that lithium batteries do not justify the higher cost, and that current hybrid battery technology�nickel metal hydride�is best suited for conventional hybrids. The company came to that conclusion last fall after conducting three years of �Ssecret tests⬝ on 126 Toyota Priuses equipped with lithium ion batteries.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]