Moth’s eye and lotus leaf inspire more efficient, easier to maintain solar panels
Just as the cost of solar energy has been dropping precipitously, innovations sprout to accelerate the trend while improving the technology. In a recent example of biomimicry applied to solar, Oak Ridge National Lab was inspired by the moth’s eye to create an antireflective coating that increases Read More...
How the sharing economy can boost the rooftop solar market
Nearly half of households are currently unable to host a solar photovoltaic system, according to the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. One major reason is that the rooftop solar market is closed to renters. Boston-based startup Yeloha intends to explore that untapped Read More...
US military vets to receive free training to join the solar industry
The Obama Administration is determined to support the growth of the solar industry, while helping veterans land on their feet. Days after declaring its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions nationwide by up to 28% below 2005 levels within a decade, it announced it would train 75,000 workers by Read More...
Energy hackers
After Chris Dalby found instructions online for track-ing home energy use, he installed a monitor in his house, so he could see how much energy he was consuming at any time. Then he experimented, flipping stuff on and off, to see what used how much energy and how he could save. “There is a Read More...
Renewables come in from the cold
If you're in the U.S. (with the possible exception of California), you probably noticed it's cold this week. But while Americans endure the cold snap—yes, that's an understatement—other parts of the world are undergoing a heat wave. And although The Onion is defeatist, countries around the Read More...
Tree of Life
This bonsai tree is striking as well as smart: it uses solar energy to recharge your phone. The Electree’s 27 photovoltaic panels can load a battery inside the pot in 36 hours. The user plugs in a phone or other device using a USB cable. The 15-inch tree is sold partly assembled, so the user can Read More...
The new black gold?
Biochar - charcoal derived from burning plants - can boost crop yields and help fight climate change. Andrew Tolve | July/August 2010 issue In the summer of 2002, scientist and entrepreneur Danny Day sent a lab assistant to retrieve some charcoal from behind Day’s lab in Blakely, Read More...
Danny Kennedy: Solar energy entrepreneur
Actress Cate Blanchett applauds Danny Kennedy's work in the solar power industry. He helped in turning the Sydney Theatre Company into a green building. Cate Blanchett | Jan/Feb 2010 issue I first met Danny through my husband, Andrew, and have followed his work on clean energy for years. Read More...
Terry Tamminen: Mastermind behind new energy laws
Robert F. Kennedy J.R. thinks Terry is playing a key role in guiding the U.S. to the energy independence, sustainability and prosperity promised by the new energy economy. Wroth,Carmel | Jan/Feb 2010 issue Terry Tamminen, Energy Consultant. Santa Monica, California Photo: Terry Tamminen June Read More...
Counting carbon: How accurate emissions reporting can help businesses help the planet
Amy Domini | Sept/Oct 2009 issue The planet is in trouble. Whether you call the problem global warming or climate change, we're facing an environmental crisis that's already reshaping life on Earth. Everything from polar bears to insurance companies will be affected. Smart investors—whether they Read More...