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1. 5 iPhone Apps to Help Save Gas
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2. California Approves First Thin-Film Solar Project for Utility
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3. Riverwired.com: Reasons Why Anyone Can Go Solar
5 iPhone Apps to Help Save Gas
Craig Rubens - Misc
If you upgraded early and don’t have an iBrick 3G, you’re presumably cruising Apple’s new app store. And if you’re also a green geek who’s looking to save fuel, and some money on high gas prices, we found 5 applications that can help you out; they’re basically replacements for the little notebook and pencil your dad kept in the glove compartment to track his gas usage, just with a touchscreen interface.
Also check out the video iPhone apps on our sister site NewTeeVee round-up.
California Approves First Thin-Film Solar Project for Utility
Katie Fehrenbacher - Energy
The California Public Utilities Commission has approved what it says is the first utility-scale thin-film solar project to be built in California, in a contract between utility Southern California Edison and thin-film solar maker First Solar.
The contract is for a 7.5 megawatt solar facility, with the potential to scale up to 21 megawatts, that will be built in Blythe, California, which is right on the border of California and Arizona. According to an advice letter for the contract, the project is expected to start operating in October 2009, and Southern California Edison will buy the clean power in a 20-year deal.
When First Solar purchased Ted Turner's Turner Renewable Energy, for $34.3 million in December, First Solar bought access to this Blythe project. According to the advice letter, Turner’s personnel will be involved in the development, installation and financing of the project, and the group has already gained control of a large portion of the land.
Because the project is supposed to go online in 2009, Southern California Edison says the project is “especially important in reaching the State's goal of 20% renewables by 2010.” Specifically Southern California Edison said in the advice letter that “without the approval of the FSE Contract it will be difficult for SCE to reach this goal.” Well, good thing it passed then.
Stock market darling First Solar uses the thin-film technology cadmium telluride to produce its thin photovoltaic panels and has been building utility-scale thin-film solar facilities in Germany, Spain, and the U.S. Some of the company’s larger utility-scale projects include a 40 megawatt project in Brandis, Germany; a 5 megawatt facility in Bullas, Spain, and a 6 megawatt project in Rote Jahne, Germany.
Riverwired.com: Reasons Why Anyone Can Go Solar
jchait - earth-friendly homes
One of my favorite books, The Solar Living Sourcebook, notes that too often people sort of whine about locating the perfect plot of land for a solar powered home, when really solar can work for every location, just to varying degrees.
They make a good point.
Obviously, there's more sun on a mountain in New Mexico then in a valley in Northern Oregon. However, there's still sun everywhere, and if you have sun, you have solar potential. Basically any amount of solar power your home can use is a good deal for the environment. Any amount you can use is just that much less used from non-renewable sources, and that much money saved.
The Solar Living Sourcebook notes the following ideas:
- Anyone can utilize solar power to a degree. You have to use what you have, make the most of what's available, and use super smart before building planning.
- Work with nature, not against it.
- You don't have to accomplish great strides all at once. Simply working hard to reduce your dependency on your heater and AC is a good start. Learning to use less is a key point. Sure your plot may not produce enough solar power to have your electricity running 24/7, but should it? No one needs their lights or TV on all day.
Learn more about solar power:
- Super Slick Solar Home Lighting Design
- Passive Solar Home Building
- Awesome Solar and Wind System for Greener Building
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