Solar energy is available in plenty and the only problem with using it to the fullest is our inability to tap it completely. A large part of this problem is because of the angle of the rays of the sun and how that keeps changing through the day. One needs the sun?s rays to be perfectly perpendicular to the surface of the photovoltaic plate to generate the optimum power. But, by using a flat solar panel that would not always be possible. Solaroad Technologies Group LLC believes that they have found the solution to the problem in a simple yet effective fashion.

ElectraWall is a photovoltaic system featuring a cylindrical design. It could supposedly harness energy from the sun no matter its angle of incidence due to its form factor. It can be placed on a variety of locations including “rooftops, highway infrastructures, light poles, decks and fences” as long as there’s a surface to mount its track on upon which solar cells are clipped on place. Aside from the ability to harness energy, the device itself incorporates recycled materials.

While the solution sounds great in theory, there is still one major problem with it. When building a cylindrical surface only a fraction of the area would be always perpendicular to the rays of the sun. This pretty much makes for not much of a gain in net energy production. A better solution would be to have a flat surface change its direction along with the sun- much like a field of Sunflower plants! Nature always has the best solutions.

Via: Goodcleantech

We have been covering products and practices depicting ways to capture the solar energy, thereby utilizing it in the best way possible. And honoring the latest pro-active nature of the drive aimed at powering the city with solar freeways is another eco-friendly solution coming from the house of “Going Solar.” I would invite your argument on possibilities to power cities, which currently is facing the problem of massive terra firma necessary to access the traditional inventions. They say photovoltaic panels are horizontal and extensive, posing a serious loss of wide space. Now Australian renewable energy vendor “Going Solar” has envisaged a clever policy that instills built-up shipment systems with energy producing potential, erecting solar panels on highway as sound blockades!

Positioned in Australia, Calder Interchange is witnessed as the first solar sound-barrier highway installation by Going Solar. The solar sound fence consists of 500 meters of photovoltaic panels that features project’s power output after being attached to a public display. Respecting its location near suburban region, each colossal solar panel offers much desired soundproofing to the residence nearby. The unique feature of the project can be counted as the fact that energy doesn’t have to travel far-off to reach its target as it is already engulfed with domiciles.

Anticipated to produce 18.7 megawatts per year, the intelligent minds behind it are hopeful to generate the cost-spent within 15 years. If you still have doubts regarding the functionality or efficiency of the project then here I have a confirmation that is suffice to erase all: The project has enabled Going Solar gab the ATRAA’s award for best grid-connected system.

Via ResourceSmart

A newly set up innovative appliance in Nicaragua serving twofold benefits gravely deserves our consideration as this exceptional eco device while curbing global warming surely cuts down one’s disbursement level as well. Originally invented by researchers from the Agrarian University of Nicaragua and Spain’s University of Lérida this machine is presently accommodated in the Agrarian University of Nicaragua’s Department of Animal Sciences.

It is nothing but a freshly installed milk pasteurizing machine that could be powered purely by sunlight charged panels. Earlier people who used to boil unpasteurized milk would promptly hit upon this machine to get rid of superfluous parasites while meeting international health standards. Here in this application, the milk is warmed up to a temperature of 185° Fahrenheit or we can say 85° Centigrade by means of a mechanical system which gets powered from solar panels. Nowadays, the machine is being utilized to prepare cheese and many other dairy products.

One remarkable point regarding this mechanism is that via the design techniques available on internet, we could be able to make up this piece of equipment our own way. This venture costing around 40,000 dollars which was accomplished largely over internet got supported by Center on International Cooperation.
This green technology could also bring out profitable export business probabilities for milk products. As by evaluation, it is proved that 12 to 14% of greenhouse gases come out of milk production process, consequently this ecofriendly concept would help diminish the carbon emissions produced through milk pasteurizing. Accordingly, this expertise appears to be an exclusive power economical and emission less solution for milk decontamination.

This model producing 240 liters of milk in just six hours is likely to be a winner in approaching point in time and would undeniably rule worldwide.

Via EcoWordly

Will you be amazed if I told you that bubbles made out of fiberglass can be eco-friendly? If yes, then you might as well be interested in knowing what these bubbles are, who makes them, what’s their use and likes…isn’t it?
A UK- based company ‘Our Planet Retreats’, manufactures prefab buildings which are bubble-shaped eco-resorts which you can purchase at affordable prices! The company’s eco-sphere is actually a tree house giving you a feel of how Tarzan might have felt living on trees. What’s more Tarzan never had the modern day comforts which this eco-sphere comes laced with!
The cost of constructing one for you can be different and depends upon whether you belong to a developing country or a developed one. But, Our Planet Retreats has innovative ideas like communal financing to help buy you one for your own special ecological retreat in exotic locations like Papua New Guinea, Vanatu and Philippines.

The floating eco-sphere can be accessed by stairs that lead you to it. The bubble-shaped house is crafted so as to leave a minimum environmental impact. Carved out of hard fiberglass, it is well insulated & wired, bears large windows for the sunshine to pour in and has lights, switches and outlets inside! This portable accommodation spells out sustainability when it comes to energy options-mini solar panels & solar water heating systems. May I say, to me it resembles a cozy bird’s nest!

Our Planet Retreats offers simple steps to get involved with them. You need to buy a share or a sphere. The former will cost you $30 and the latter around $2,500. However at this price the sphere comes unfurnished! If you are among those who like to purchase fully-furnished accommodations then this spherical prefab could be yours at a higher price tag.

Any eco-resort is truly considered to be environmentally-oriented when it takes the locals under its wings. So does Our Planet Retreats! It has plans to employ locals for building its unique eco-spheres and they will be encourage to buy shares so as to strengthen the local economy by empowering native people. So, if you are truly green-minded, I’m sure this eco-sphere will delight you!
Via: ourplanet-retreats

An evening gala or a wedding-style car require a certain level. But if you do not want to give up our touch environmentalist, perhaps here is the solution that is for ours. Cars solar panels and plastic biodgradabile design decidedly curious, elegant and retro. The idea came from Japan, the prototypes were developed in the University of Kyoto, a name that is a guarantee.

From next week will be on sale the wireless keyboard to 2.4 GHz powered solar: on gadgetblog have already spoken and many have collected our own impressions. The more a fun giocattolino for fans that a real contribution since it consumes virtually nothing. Surely if it were made with recycled materials and was sold at a lower price could make a serious contribution to the problem of electronic waste.

The keyboard in addition to solar panel above the numeric keypad is characterized by a system wireless 2.4 GHz for communication and can be used 2 AAA rechargeable batteries model. For Japanese experts, the keyboard BSKBW01SB be bought on the site of Buffalo Kokuyo for 120 dollars.

Some mesetto ago gianlkr outlined the problem to install photovoltaic panels in condominium. Well Japan comes the future solution (gianlkr unfortunately have to wait a few annetto): photovoltaic leaves. He designed the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) with Mitsubishi Corp.. and Tokki Corp..

Roberts Radio-a UK based radio manufacturer, has created a super green product. Its first solar powered DAB radio the world has ever witnessed and is appropriately called solar DAB. The radio set range comes in stylish colors like olive green, red, rose pink and the formal black and white. These compact and portable radios are powered by sun’s bountiful energy via a solar panel mounted on top of the unit. The panel absorbs the solar energy and kicks life into the radio sets. But the built in rechargeable batteries require ‘direct’ sunlight. Once fully charged, you can use the radio set till 27 hours even in complete darkness. And if the batteries are exhausted before you have a chance to charge them again using sun head for the electric switch board in your room and charge your little radio using mains adaptor. A single radio set will cost you £79.99 ($158).

So, now you can afford some green music for your ears! Cool isn’t it?
Via Engadget

The bulk limit energy efficiency of solar panels can be overcome with modern superconductors that triple the number of electrons transportable: the researchers have discovered the University of Technology in Delft (Netherlands) and the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter of having used nanocristalli for the experiment el’hanno renamed “snowball effect”, precisely because of the considerable increase in performance.

The trials will take off after the publication of the journal Nano Letter. To date it is not possible to estimate how many years will be available commercially this neimportant thing is to know that a turning point for the w technology, but the energy problem exists. In a time of crisis of supply and soaring energy demand, a similar technological innovation that can only benefit the environment and perhaps slow down a little ‘growth in prices.

We keep ourselves engaged with hunting green products that can be installed inside our living space, thereby cutting down electricity bills. But today, I have come across an energy saving product concept designed for public spaces. Spread over 7.3 square meters of the main panel, the solar cells along with Movement sensors energy saving system (MoSES) provide lighting all through all night.

All components required in this concept are well interlinked by a secretive connection to an electric grid that facilitates distribution of surplus energy as and when required. This energy can be utilized for not only illumination but also cater to numerous digital devices viz. computers, LCDs, information panels, wireless devices, Internet connectivity, public telephones.

Idea is to extract energy (of course solar) from every possible means that has it but doesn’t need. In layman’s language, bus stops can be seen as a perfect medium to install huge protective panels that can capture good amount of solar energy and can deliver it to those users who consumer more electricity.

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Via NikolaDesign