A new study by the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition has found that much of the solar energy industry still lacks widespread standards to make its products as environmentally safe and “green” as the renewable energy it produces.

While solar energy may be one of the fastest growing forms of energy in the country, a new study suggests the industry still has some environmental health and safety adjustments it must make to improve its products’ quality.

Of the 14 solar energy products companies surveyed, more than half said they supported mandatory take-back and recycling programs where their solar panels are sold, while 50 percent said they would consider offering recycling programs to consumers free of charge.

Read more at: CoolerPlanet.com

Image by Dave Dugdale & SolarDave.com

Most homes get electricity from the local power company. The local power company is part of what is called “the grid”.

The electricity from the grid enters our home trough a meter. By adding solar energy or PV to our homes, the home can generate its own electricity.

First, sun light must be captured and converted to electricity, that is what PV cells do. By grouping many cells into a panels, enought power is generated to run a home or business.

29 Governors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger are calling for a national standard for renewable power that they believe will could help spur job growth, economic development and make the U.S. less dependent on foreign fuel.

A report, compiled by the bipartisan Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition also recommended that utilities be required to obtain at least 10% of their electricity from alternative energy sources such as wind and solar by 2012.

A policy in the United States could untangle the web of more localized standards, they said.

They also requested more federal funding for research into offshore wind technology, such as in coastal areas or the Great Lakes, to compete with efforts in Europe and China.

Read more at: Los Angeles Times

In the Herefordshire countryside a couple use solar panels at home to heat water and generate electricity and help them to lead the good life.

A great example of people living a really good life, while being environmentally friendly as well.

I’ve found the video very inspiring and enjoyable.

Save up to 80% of home electricity by building cheap solar panels.

Energy prices are rising up and we need alternative energy sources to generate savings, and also to be secure for the future.

At the times of financial crisis, some cheap solar panels can help us to save money on electricity, while keeping the environment pollution-free.

You do not require to invest on commercially made solar panels, when you have the option to actually build one yourself.

Whether you just want to cut your power bills to half, or completely eliminate them, the plans contains a simple step-by-step instructional guide that can be easily followed by anyone.

The plans explain the procedure of finding all necessarily parts and putting them together.

However, is it true? Did the plans really work?  The site claim that you can build your own solar or wind generator for less than $200.

Well, after going through the plans, the first thing that shocked me was to learn how to get a $600 battery for free. If you can follow the instruction properly, you can even reduce costs by 90%.  I had built a mini solar system that generates enough electricity to power my workshop to test it out, and it worked out fine.

And these panels can be made for less than $200, unlike those commercially made panels that costs at least $1000.  A complete home made power generator can be built in less than 3 days.

So you can go ahead and build a big one and save up to 80% on the electricity bill. The results may vary from person to person, because everyone has a different level of electricity consumption at their home. But it is sure that you will get back your investment after following these plans and the guide within a few days.

If you are planning to save money on those high energy bills, then you should bring these plans and start working on it.

And do not rely just on the free information shared over the internet, because if you make a single mistake the entire project can be ruined, and could be dangerous for you.  I advise you to follow the plans carefully as they are written by professional environmentalists, who will keep you safe.

David and Sarah built a passive solar home in Upstate NY in 2002.Fifty percent of the heat the home needs is generated from the sun. Supplemental heat is obtained by burning 1 cord of wood over the entire heating season.

All the needed electricity is produced by a 1 Kilowatt onsite solar electric system and a 1 Kilowatt windmill coupled with a battery bank to store power for when it is needed.

This home is one of hundreds that open their doors every year for the Green Buildings Open House the first saturday in Ocotober. For more information about GBOH, browse to NESEA.org

Steorn announced today the public demonstrations of its controversial Orbo technology. The demonstrations will begin in Dublin and continue for the next six weeks.

Orbo technology, which has been in development for six years, provides free, clean and constant energy at the point of use.

It can be engineered to power anything from a phone to a fridge to a car. It is controversial because it is an "over-unity" technology, meaning that it produces more energy than it consumes without the degradation of its constituent parts.

This is an apparent violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy, which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. The implications, not just for energy production but for society as a whole, are profound.

The public demonstrations – which will include live test and replication sessions – will take place in the Waterways Visitor Centre, Grand Canal Basin, Dublin.

They begin today, 15th December 2009 and will run until 31st January 2010 (with a break between December 24th and January 4th, inclusive).

Orbo technology represents a revolution for energy production and use. It offers a convenient, clean and constant supply of energy at the point ot use.

Learn more at Steorn.com

Categories: Magnetic Energy, News
Tags: Steorn, Orbo Technology, Zero Point Energy
Published : Dec 15, 2009

Full Press Release: http://www.steorn.com/news/releases/