Want Some Green Energy With That New Roof?

In 2007, Dow Chemical received $20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop “building integrated” solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets. Which lead Dow to form the Solar Solutions business unit and invest more than $100 million in solar solutions.

This past October the company unveiled its product called Powerhouse Solar Shingles, which can be nailed to a roof like ordinary shingles by roofers without the help of specially trained solar installers or electricians. The solar shingles should cost 30% – 40% less than other solar-embedded building materials and 10% less than the combined costs of conventional roofing materials and rack-mounted solar panels, according to company officials.

The majority of solar technology today is built around silicon-based solar cells, Dow’s technology uses a much more cost-effective and durable PV material called CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide). The new thin-film technology is incorporated into the product by over-molding the cells with a proprietary Dow polymer formulation, resulting in a unique product design that has similar reveal, weight, and installation practices as an asphalt shingle. (more…)

Travelers on Germany’s A9 Autobahn are likely to do some double-takes this holiday. That giant light isn’t an alien–it’s the world’s largest spinning Christmas star.

Power giant Siemens contracted multimedia artist Michael Pendry for the massive project done in partnership with Munich City Utilities. A crew attached 3,000 tiny, colored LEDs on each of three turbine blades using special adhesives. The lights glow in different patterns as the blades rotate, putting on a show evenings and early mornings through January 6, 2010. Since the turbine is part of a local smart grid system, clean energy is powering the lights.

Hat tips to Jacob Gordon at TreeHugger and Bridgette Meinhold at Inhabitat for bringing this star story to light. Maybe next year power companies here in the States will see their turbines as canvases.

Do you know who the top ten countries are as far as wind farms is concerned?

1. Germany
2. United States
3. Spain
4. India
5. China
6. Denmark
7. Italy
8. France
9. United Kingdom
10. Portugal

Interesting list but what do you think?

….  as the green world turns!

I am so glad you came by because I wanted to say ….

…. as the geen world turns!

His Hot Water Saves Money – See Mr. Grouchy Smile

My father lives in a little cabin on Junior’s (my niece – named after me), land. The cabin’s builders in what can only be described as a cranial-rectal infarction, put the 30 gallon hot water heater in the attic where it promptly burnt out after less than a years use. (more…)

Saving The Planet, One Pint At A Time

Everybody is jumping on the green wagon. PARTY!!

…. as the green future unfolds.

You’re out there, I know your are.

The ones who see the problems with the environment, but you’re not rich, nor well known, and your time is pretty much wrapped up in working for a living. The ones thinking, “can one everyday working stiff actually make a difference?” Yes, it starts with one.

Folks that feel if they only knew how to go green, they would. You can.

Those having the ‘Rip Van Winkle’ syndrome, silently wondering, “how long have I been asleep?” Because it seems you’re the only one hearing words and phrases being bantered about that you’ve never heard before. You’re not alone, now everyone can be in the know.

The people who want to ‘green’ their lives but feel it is too expensive. It’s not.

Intrigued? Come back on August 15, something exciting happens.

As the green future unfolds …..

Being as such we are all encased in the cold weather and are looking forward to spring, I thought I would give you something to make your heart jump with glee. It did me and would of loved to been there!

This video was shot in the Sea of Cortez between Isla la Guardia and Bajia de los Angeles. While fishing these guys  ran through a pod of several hundred dolphins. Enjoy!