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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

When we hear rhetoric about meeting our nation’s energy needs in a sustainable way, most of us don’t often hear about water. Personally, I think it’s a shame that given the time I have spent in renewable energy circles, I can almost count on one hand the times I have gotten to talk about the role that water plays in energy.

The Department of Energy released a new report on the Water-Energy Nexus this week, which is the official term when one refers to the relationship between water and electricity generation or transmission .In light of this very comprehensive overview by the DOE and drawing from my research, I thought I’d take the time to share some basic points. Hopefully you will enjoy them. (more…)

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

Proterra's Electric Bus Shows a More Eco-Friendly Future For Public TransitCars that run on electricity have been around for a while now, but the fact they are still too expensive for most consumers prevents them from becoming commonplace. That’s why those who want to preserve the environment by using alternative modes of transportation, that are less harmful than conventional cars, but at the same time, can’t afford to buy an electric car, choose to use the public transport system.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainable Building

Rooflights (Skylights) Can Reduce CO2 EmissionsProtecting the environment is becoming an increasingly large concern – so anything that members of the public can do to help reduce carbon emissions in order to safeguard the planet for future generations must be encouraged.

Of course there are many different ways to do this. For example you can car-share on the school run or on the way to work, you can recycle more to reduce your waste, or can make your home more energy efficient, which will even save you money in the process. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

Renewable Energy and the Laws of PhysicsNormally, I ignore emails like this one from “Yura,” but, for some reason, I got sucked in here.

Yura: I have a proposition for you: a generator that produces electricity only using the Earth’s gravity. My device has been experimentally tested. I need your help in organizing, designing the copyright, and marketing.

Craig: The U.S. Patent Office doesn’t grant protection for concepts that violate the laws of physics; you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Yura: I know about this.  (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Photovoltaics

Solar Kit SolutionsThrough a wonderful coincidence at the end of a hike I took with a friend yesterday, I was introduced to Bill Hedgpeth, a four-decade veteran of the electronics industry, now CEO of Solar Kit Solutions.  Bill’s organization provides one-stop shopping for solar power conversion for both commercial and residential installations, which they accomplish through a tightly-managed international network of connections to the manufacturers of panels and inverters, as well as a local network of top-notch installers.  This combination enables Solar Kit Solutions to offer the best available prices, as well as one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.

I love their goal:  help lower energy costs to home- and business owners, while making our environment better for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.  Right on.

 

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Bill Gates: Let’s Invest in Energy R&DIt’s always interesting to follow the thoughts and actions of the wealthiest people on Earth, and that’s why I periodically check to see what Bill Gates is currently thinking on our energy picture.  To reduce it to a few words, the U.S. spends very little on energy R&D – about 2% (compared with 60% for the military and 25% in healthcare).  Gates has been saying this for quite a while, and he’s 100% correct.

Gosh, it’s almost as if there are powerful forces that don’t want to see too much advancement in the energy sector.  Hey, you don’t think….

 

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Photovoltaics

The Annual Intersolar Show -- Exploring Every Facet of the Solar Energy IndustryIt’s hard to imagine a better, broader presentation of the solar industry than that available at Intersolar–except that there is near-exclusive emphasis on photovoltaics, at the expense of solar thermal.

Having said that, Intersolar offers, under one (very large) roof, the offerings of vendors who cover nearly every conceivable aspect of solar energy, from the processing of raw materials, to the manufacturing of panels, to the enormous variety of constituents that represent “BOS” (balance of system), to dozens of different services related to the industry.   (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Electric Vehicles

Changing the Face of Energy and Transportation in the 21st CenturyI have been taking a break from writing books, largely because I was out of ideas—until just a minute ago when I had what I think is a good concept: how the tech giants (e.g., Google) and the American billionaires (e.g., Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Paul Allen, et. al.) will change the face of energy and transportation in the 21st Century.  I believe that these two enormous industries will be totally turned on their heads, and, most interestingly, by people from the outside.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Civil Disobedience and Environmental JusticeAs I mentioned earlier, it’s the birthday of Henry David Thoreau.  When we think of the long and important history of non-conformists, we probably think of Socrates first, but Thoreau is right up there in most people’s top five.

Moreover, Thoreau played a huge part in explicating the proper role of “civil disobedience” in society.  From his famous essay of that name:

“Unjust laws exist; shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once? (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

It’s the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, who, after living at Walden Pond, left us with this gem: “I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

Let’s also remember that Thoreau was a close friend of Ralph Waldo Emerson, who taught us: “Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm.”

As I wrote as a kind of “renewable energy new year’s resolution” late last year:

Truly, we’re right around the corner from a fully sustainable approach to energy here on our home planet. So let’s dedicate ourselves in 2014 to moving the ball across the goal line. What will be required? Little more than what we have in place right this minute: a powerful purpose, ever-improving clean energy technology and a ton of enthusiasm.

 

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