The Inaugural Meeting of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness

Editor's Note: This event has concluded.

Today, Secretary Chu heads to the White House to participate in the first meeting of the President?s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. The Council, whose members represent various sectors of the economy, will discuss how we can promote economic growth, spark innovation, create new jobs and invest in American industry so we can out-compete the rest of the world.

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Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/24/inaugural-meeting-presidents-council-jobs-and-competitiveness

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Energy 101: Home Energy Assessment

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YolBP0-vkBU&feature=youtube_gdata

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Who Are The Greenest Film Stars?

It is Oscars week so we got inspired by that and decided to seek out the greenest film stars out there. 1 ? Mark Ruffalo ? Mark is competing in the best supporting actor category due to his role in The Kids Are All Right movie, a contender in the Best Picture category. But apart [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/iyisOLN6H5A/

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Energy Today - February 18, 2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyTomorrowBlog/~3/A64NYmshloU/energy-today---february-18-2011.html

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Sunning Seagulls at Solar One

Check out the seagulls sunning themselves just outside the Solar One doors. A sure sign that spring is not too far away!

Source: http://solar1.org/2011/02/24/sunning-seagulls-at-solar-one/

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Is Algae Biofuel Ready to Take Off?

The Mexican government is funding an initiative to demonstrate industrial algae production to find out how viable it is for use in large-scale jet fuels production. ?Manhattan Project?, as the initiative has been dubbed, has recruited OriginOil, a California-based company that works to make algae competitive with petroleum. “We are excited to support Mexico’s ‘Manhattan [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/NqLjBpfo2R8/

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Hanwha SolarOne Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2010 Highlights of Unaudited Financial Results

SHANGHAI, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. ("Hanwha SolarOne" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: HSOL), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic ("PV") cells and modules in China, today announced certain preliminary highlights of the Company's fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Highlights:

    * Total net revenues are expected to be between USD325 to 330 million
    * PV module shipments (including PV module processing) are expected to exceed 220 MW, surpassing the Company's previous guidance of 205 to 215 MW
    * Average selling price ("ASP") excluding PV module processing is expected to be USD 1.77 per watt, slightly higher than the Company's guidance of USD1.75 per watt
    * Gross margins are expected to be approximately 20%


First quarter 2011 Outlook:

    * Total shipments (including PV module processing) are expected to be in the range of 235 MW to 245 MW
    * ASP is expected to decline slightly from the fourth quarter 2010


Fiscal Year 2011 Outlook:

    * PV module shipments are expected to reach between 1.0 to 1.2 GW


Dr. Peter Xie, President and CEO of the Company, commented, "We are pleased with our operating performance during the 2010 fiscal year and expect continued growth throughout 2011.  We have good order visibility and expect to regain our momentum in shipment growth quarter-to-quarter.  We also expect to benefit from relatively stable pricing as well as improved availability of purchased wafers and cells, which we believe will help to meet incremental demand."

"In the second half of 2011, we plan to increase our production capacity with heightened vertical integration, allowing us to improve our cost structure.  We also plan to continue to make significant headway in our geographic diversification, growing beyond Germany to reach key overseas markets including China, Italy and the U.S."

Change in Management

On January 17, 2011, the Company appointed Mr. Sungsoo Lee to serve as Chief Strategy Officer and Board Secretary.  Prior to joining Hanwha SolarOne, Mr. Lee was senior vice president of strategic planning and new business development at Hanwha Group, one of Korea's largest industrial conglomerates.  At Hanwha Group, Mr. Lee led the development of new lines of business in the renewable energy field.  Prior to joining Hanwha Group, Mr. Lee played a pivotal role founding Nemo Partners, a Korea-based management consulting firm.  Prior to that, he was a consultant at Bain & Company, where he advised clients on corporate strategy, business portfolio management, M&A and marketing.  Mr. Lee began his career at Samsung Group, where he led various corporate development activities and Samsung's entry into the incubator and venture capital industry in Silicon Valley.

Mr. Lee earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Seoul National University, and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sungsoo Lee as our Chief Strategy Officer and Board Secretary," said Dr. Xie.  "Mr. Lee brings years of experience in new business development and corporate strategy to this important role.  I believe his knowledge of trends in the global solar market and keen eye for growth opportunities will give us a unique advantage as we continue to grow our business." 

The Company's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Zhoumiao Gao, will resign to pursue other interests, effective February 25, 2011.  Mr. Gao joined Hanwha SolarOne in 2007 and lead the Company's manufacturing operations.  Dr. Xie will assist in the oversight of manufacturing operations in the interim until a new COO is found.

On the departure of Zhoumiao Gao, Dr. Xie commented, "On behalf of the entire organization of Hanwha SolarOne, I would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gao for his leadership and many accomplishments.  He has been a valued and respected colleague and we wish him the very best in his new endeavors.  We have excellent manufacturing systems and people in place and look forward to building upon this solid foundation."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/NrBn/~3/pyKCox-91rM/hanwha-solarone-announces-preliminary.html

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How Energy Efficient is your state?

I first heard about the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) list of energy efficient policies by state from Energy Circle.� When I click on the state I live in, Georgia, not too much comes up.� Mostly a bunch of info about what the state requires of utilities, but this isn’t ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/24/how-energy-efficient-is-your-state/

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Consumer Reports' secrets to the perfect paint job

Ahead of the spring remodeling season, Consumer Reports has released its latest review of interior paints. We tested all the big names, including Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Valspar, as well as regional brands Pittsburgh Paints and California. And we welcomed back Martha Stewart, who returns to the paint aisle (at Home Depot) after a several-year hiatus. Choosing a top-quality paint is the first step to a perfect paint job. Our Ratings of nearly 70 models are broken down by finish: satin/eggshell (best for most applications), flat/matte (ideal for low-traffic areas), and semigloss (targeting trim, doors, and shelves). We recommend five or six models in each category at a range of price points. Note that even a top-rated paint may be lacking in one performance area, so it's important to weigh all of our test results. Once you figure out the best paint, execution is key. Painting is the closest thing in remodeling to instant gratification, but it does take a bit of time and attention. Just slapping the paint on the walls is sure to mar the finish (and possibly your floors and furniture as well). Here's what to do instead: Ready the room. Either remove furniture or pull it to the center of the space. Drape drop cloths over valuable items; canvas cloths can be reused but cost more than plastic ones. Protect floors with cardboard or brown paper, taping it in place to prevent slips and spills. Prep the surface. The goal is to establish a clean, stable, and smooth surface onto which the new paint can adhere. That will likely involve scraping away cracked or loose paint; dulling glossy areas with fine grit (#220) sandpaper; caulking cracks around doors and windows and where walls meet ceiling; removing dirt, grime, and hand prints with a household detergent solution; and wiping away any remaining dust or particles. Safety note: If your home was built before 1978, refer to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Choose the right tools. You might like the sound of natural-brisle brushes, but their hollow fibers tend to clump as they absorb latex-based interior paints. Synthetic-bristle brushes with a tapered end deliver cleaner, more consistent brush strokes. Dampen the bristles before use so they load the paint evenly. As for rollers, choose a synthetic-fiber, seamless roll with a short nap, no more than 1/4-inch. Apply it right. If you're painting over a properly-prepped surface you can probably skip the primer, especially if you choose a self-priming paint that scores well in our Ratings. Exposed wood or plaster, as well as heavily-soiled surfaces, should be treated with a stain-blocking primer. For the finish coat, start by cutting in a 2-inch strip around windows, doors, corners, and edges. Then fill in the fields with a roller. Follow a W-shaped pattern, which will distribute paint evenly and prevent drips and lap marks from marring the surface. ?Daniel DiClerico

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/consumer-reports-reviews-of-interior-paints-.html

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The Nutmobile: Mr. Peanut goes green with new set of wheels

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Etc., Solar, Vegetable Oil

Planters Nutmobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mr. Peanut can't be relegated to just any automobile. After all, as the face of Nabisco's Planters division and as one of the most beloved (though just a wee bit creepy, if we're being honest) mascots in American history, Sir Nut needs a ride suitable of his stature. And, since he's apparently over 12 feet tall and carries a six-foot-long cane, we're talking some significant stature.

Fittingly then, Planters has seen fit to replace Mr. Peanut's old set of wheels with a brand new Nutmobile. And this is no ordinary Nutmobile... if such a thing actually existed. Based on a 2011 Isuzu NPR truck with a diesel engine running a five-percent mixture of biodiesel (oddly, though, it's not actually nut-based), this latest Nutmobile will be making appearances all around the country to "promote the peanut lifestyle" and draw support for The Corps Network.

According to The New York Times, this latest Nutmobile is quite the green machine. In addition to the biodiesel blend, it features "a wind turbine, solar panels, LED interior lighting, recycled parts and wood floors reclaimed from a 19th century Pennsylvania barn." Guess it's not very nutty after all, is it?

[Source: Wired, The New York Times]

The Nutmobile: Mr. Peanut goes green with new set of wheels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/the-nutmobile-mr-peanut-goes-green-with-new-set-of-wheels/

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Mainstream Energy Concludes 2010 with Record 60 Megawatts Sold

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mainstream Energy Corporation and its two subsidiaries, REC Solar and AEE Solar, each among the oldest, largest and most experienced solar energy companies in the country, reported record growth in 2010. Through its direct and indirect sales channels, 60 MW of commercial and residential photovoltaic systems were sold or installed nationwide, more than double over 2009. The company now employs more than 600 solar professionals in eleven states.
2010 was a remarkable year for Mainstream Energy?

The increase is due in part to the distribution arm of the company, AEE Solar, which boasts more than 2,000 customers ? installers, resellers and project developers ? in every state in the United States. The division saw a 250 percent year-over-year growth in East Coast markets alone and 78 percent increase in overall revenues.

Equally significant was the growth of REC Solar?s residential and commercial business. REC Solar maintained its momentum as one of the fastest growing installers in the United States and topped the California Solar Initiative (CSI) rankings as the state?s largest residential installer in 2010 for megawatts installed. REC Solar also signed agreements with a series of leading national retailers such as IKEA, Albertsons, Costco and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets, and installed or was competitively awarded 10 MW of Federal government projects ? including a 2.9 MW carport-mounted installation for the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

?2010 was a remarkable year for Mainstream Energy,? said Angiolo Laviziano, CEO of Mainstream Energy. ?Projects with leading partners such as IKEA and Costco clearly demonstrate the commercial viability of solar, and the phenomenal growth achieved on the residential side shows that homeowners understand the value and necessity of adopting renewable energy. We take special pride in the fact that our deployed solar modules will over the first 25 years of their operational lifetime result in avoiding three billion lbs of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 7.1 million trees.?

Kam Mofid, President of Mainstream Energy, added, ?In the past twelve months we made a number of significant changes to increase our capabilities, our market reach, and our ability to better serve our customers. I could not be more proud of our 600 employees and network of dealers across the country, and look forward to another record year in 2011.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/NrBn/~3/iJE1WUiGKYk/mainstream-energy-concludes-2010-with.html

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It's hammer time: How we test door locks

Some of the testers in our labs have been looking downright menacing lately. Using hammers, drills, pipe wrenches and other tools, they are attacking a series of door locks that we?re testing for an upcoming report. After all, when you?re buying a lockset, the last thing you want is one that someone can smash off with a few swings of a hammer?or get past completely with a good kick to the door. Hammering out a lock (see photo) can be an effective way to gain entry in a secluded area where no one is likely to hear the noise. For our test, we hammer vertically on a cylinder using a modified sledgehammer that weighs about 29 pounds. Each lock gets 10 hits. Under such punishment, two locks broke off altogether. Others took the 10 blows but afterward allowed us access with a screwdriver. Among other tests, we assess kick-in performance using a metal pendulum of about 100 pounds. We lift it to a pre-determined height, then release it repeatedly against a 1 �-in. door secured by 2 x 4 studding. The pendulum hits a polystyrene-foam cushion that distributes the impact in the same way the sole of a sneaker or shoe might. We also try to get past the locks using a cordless drill, pipe wrench, water-pump pliers (channel locks), a reciprocating saw, a crowbar, picking tools (wielded by a local locksmith), and even salt spray. True, no burglar has the time to wait for a lock to corrode in the sea air. That test is for durability of the finish, which protects the lock in the long run. The door lock tests will be included in a package of stories that will be online and on newsstands in early May. (It?s the June issue of Consumer Reports magazine.) Also included will be home, auto, and online security. ?Ed Perratore

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/how-we-test-door-locks-.html

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Say Goodbye to a Lightbulb We All Know and Love

You know which light bulb I mean. It is the one you burned your hands on when trying to unscrew it too soon after it’s been turned off. It’s the one you put in the lamp in your living room to read by in your comfortable chair; the one you use to light the stairways at night. It’s the 100-watt incandescent that uses practically the same technology put together by Thomas Edison in 1879. It’s a metal filament inside a glass vacuum that gives off light and heat when exposed to an electric current. Say goodbye. It’s out of our hands. It’s a goner. I’m guessing it won’t go quietly.

It’s a little late to say goodbye in California, where 100-watt incandescents have been effectively banned since January 1. The rest of the country will catch up to us next year, when the popular light bulb will be banned everywhere in the United States. It is not really an outright ban that is clearing the shelves of 100-watt incandescents in 2012, followed by the 75-watt bulb in 2013, and the 60- and 40-watt bulbs beginning in 2014. What’s killing the familiar bulb is an act of Congress that mandated efficiency standards that incandescents cannot meet: the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. As the standard for watts per lumen (a measure of light output) become higher and higher, the familiar bulbs will begin disappearing from store shelves. It will be illegal to manufacture the less efficient bulbs in the United States or import them from abroad. A few special use incandescents will still be allowed, for example 3-way bulbs and appliance bulbs.

The most popular incandescents will gradually give way to more efficient halogen, fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights, and solid state lighting (SSL) devices like light emitting diodes (LED). The reduction in total energy use and green house gas emissions in the United States will be dramatic. According to an analysis by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) the efficient light bulb provisions of the EISA will reduce national energy use by 60 terra-watt hours (terra equals trillion) of energy and reduce national emissions by 12 million metric tons of carbon by the year 2020.

Incandescents are already banned in Europe, but according to Ira Eisenstein, writing in the Home Energy Pros blog space, some stores there are selling 100-watt incandescents under the name “100-watt heat source.” Look for the creative American mind and the market to come up with similar workarounds in the United States. But gradually the incandescent bulb will be a thing of memory, while cleaner, more efficient, and longer lasting light sources become much less expensive.

Source: http://www.homeenergy.org/blog.php?id=122

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Energy 101: Concentrating Solar Power

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO5rUqeCFY4&feature=youtube_gdata

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Recycle Your Old Toilets!

Old toilets ready for the grinder

After replacing my old toilets that wasted huge amounts of water, I had four porcelain thrones that I didn’t want to dump in a landfill.� After a little research, I found a place in Atlanta that recycles old porcelain bathroom fixtures into gravel.

Packer Industries is located in Mableton, GA ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/08/recycle-your-old-toilets/

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Recovery Act update from Sr. Advisor Matt Rogers -- End of Obligations

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy-ovxvsqno&feature=youtube_gdata

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Who Are The Greenest Film Stars?

It is Oscars week so we got inspired by that and decided to seek out the greenest film stars out there. 1 ? Mark Ruffalo ? Mark is competing in the best supporting actor category due to his role in The Kids Are All Right movie, a contender in the Best Picture category. But apart [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/iyisOLN6H5A/

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Xcel Cuts Solar Incentives in Colorado

According to Solar Knowledge, Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, Inc. is cutting its solar incentives.

Referring to Xcel Energy as a solar company is slightly off-target, since the company is actually a major U.S. gas and electric utility serving eight states from Minnesota to New Mexico. Everything else hits a direct bull?s eye, and a very sensitive one at that, with a persistent recession creating a solar glut on the international marketplace that has brought solar component prices down by about half, and caused an equal loss in the stock prices of the companies themselves.

Nor are incentive cuts big news anymore. In Los Angeles, in November of 2010, the Department of Water and Power, or LADWP, cut its incentives (also known as rebates, or subsidies) by a third. Before that, it was Arizona utility Salt River Project, which in October cut its incentive program, reportedly to preserve the life of the program itself.

The damage to the nation?s solar pocketbook can be calculated. The damage to consumer confidence in incentive programs is immeasurable. In spite of that, and perhaps riding the previous wave of aplomb, the U.S. actually became a net exporter of solar in 2010, with 158 megawatts of Western solar coming online since 2005.

Xcel Energy defends its reductions by pointing out the industry declines I mention above. Seems to me that?s bass-ackwards thinking: when things are going badly, pull out all the stops. Only when they are going well is it time to cut back ? a bit of Keynesian economic logic that seems to have escaped the utility entirely.

Xcel is also recommending that state regulators approve further cutbacks in its incentive program, a move that has the Colorado branch of the Solar Energy Industries Association calling the reductions a killing blow (or words to that effect).

That may be a bit fanciful, but the cuts ? from $2.35 to $2.01 per watt immediately, and as much as $1.25 per watt later ? are deep. Blood is bound to flow. Fortunately, customers already approved for incentives will still get the higher rate.

Xcel Colorado President David Eves is recorded as saying that such cuts will position solar to become self-supporting. But isn?t it odd that coal, oil and gas (propped up to the tune of $3.6 billion this year) haven?t yet managed to become self-sustaining, even after a century of adoption? Or is that just Republican-think and I?m not smart enough to understand it?

Photo Credit: Mike Weston via Flickr CC

Source: http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-funding/mpls-solar-incentive-cuts/

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10 Questions for a Materials Chemist: Elise Fox

Elise Fox | photo courtesy of Savannah River National Laboratory

At Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Elise Fox works on a wide breadth of projects from fuel cells and batteries to concentrating solar power. She recently took some time to give us the download on advances in energy storage technologies, her favorite fictional chemist (hint: she?s an expert in charms and potions) and why she became a scientist.

Q: What promoted you to pursue a career in science?
 
Elise Fox: On some level I have always known I would be a scientist. It was just a matter of determining what kind.
 
Q: At SRNL, you work on materials science and technology. Why did you choose this field?
 
EF: I knew I wanted to be a chemist since the second day of Chemistry I in high school. After college I also knew I wanted to go a slightly different route than traditional organic, physical or analytical chemistry. So, I found an interdisciplinary materials science graduate program at Penn State where I studied catalysis in various energy applications, particularly focusing on how the properties of a ceramic support and alloying can influence the reactivity of the active metal center.

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Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/17/10-questions-materials-chemist-elise-fox

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Solar Panel “Pole Tracker” Boosts Energy Intake 30%

When it comes to generating green energy via solar power, it goes without saying that the sun is a necessary component. So how can the amount of solar energy captured by these panels be optimized? By following the sun more closely, of course.

That was precisely the idea that Advanced Technology & Research Corp. ran with when they received a $1.1 million grant last year from the Maryland Energy Administration.

What came of that idea and the monetary support was a Solar Pole Tracker, a device that?by using a GPS controller to track the sun throughout the day?increases the panel energy intake by up to 30%.

With 1,200 of these tracker poles in the works, the company hopes to find government agencies and private businesses that would be willing to try them out. They are thinking that the technology would be perfect for light and utility poles situated anywhere from malls to parks.

The devices range in price from $700 to $1,760, but could pay for themselves within five years with help from energy credits and extra power that can be sold back to the grid.

Advanced Technology & Research Corp. doesn?t plan on stopping there, however. They are currently in the process of making a solar tracker for homeowners, and another that could even be attached to wind turbines.

Photo Credit: Andrew Maiman via Flickr CC

Source: http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/products/solar-panel-pole-tracker/

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Energy Today - February 16, 2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyTomorrowBlog/~3/rw_1A3VVwK0/energy-today---february-16-2011.html

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Sec. Chu Online Town Hall

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go0uCxCE070&feature=youtube_gdata

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China Nuvo Solar Energy Reviewing Strategic Acquisition Candidates to Enhance Shareholder Value

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China Nuvo Solar Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: CNUV), a development stage company in the renewable energy sector, announced today that it is actively seeking strategic acquisition candidates within that sector offering opportunities to enhance the Company's intellectual property portfolio and build lasting shareholder value.

"As part of our business plan and growth strategy, we are presently targeting acquisition opportunities that would fit synergistically with our current intellectual property portfolio in the renewable/clean energy sector. We believe an acquisition of this nature will allow China Nuvo Solar to finally gain traction within our sector with the potential to add top line revenue and a view toward increasing shareholder value," stated Henry Fong, CEO of China Nuvo Solar Energy.

The Company is currently evaluating several potential acquisition candidates. Although no agreements have been reached and there are no guarantees a transaction will be consummated, the Company is in discussions it believes could lead to at least one transaction opportunity.

China Nuvo Solar Energy, Inc. is a development stage company that owns unique patent pending solar and photovoltaic related technology. The Company's business model includes a roll-up strategy of clean energy companies and intellectual property within the renewable energy sector. More information can be found at the Company's website www.chinanuvosolar.com

This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/NrBn/~3/rbWAK8XYCpM/china-nuvo-solar-energy-reviewing.html

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How to bring a mold outbreak under control

Homeowners looking for guidance on how to clean up mold won't find easy answers on government websites. The Environmental Protection Agency, for starters, has been wishy-washy on the question of whether or not it's safe to use chlorine bleach. On one hand the agency recommends using just water and detergent to attack mold but then it doesn't rule out the use of bleach or other biocides that can be unsafe if used improperly. The answer from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a bit clearer, especially in the case of mold caused by flood waters. For those incidents, OSHA recommends using a mixture of � cup of bleach mixed into a gallon of water. ?Because floodwaters are likely to be contaminated with human and animal waste, OSHA recommends the use of bleach, but only in situations where there is a light covering of mold, and only after the area is cleaned with soap and water," says OSHA spokesman Richard DeAngelis. To sum it up, if your mold problem is small and caused by leaks or dampness, it's safest to remove it with just soap and water. But if the mold outbreak covers a large area and was caused by highly polluted water, your best bet is to consult a professional mold remediation service. You should also consult an expert if people who live in your home have health issues or are immune suppressed. Of course, the best way to get rid of mold is to find the source of the moisture that's causing it and get that under control. If you get rid of the mold but not the moisture, it just comes back. For more on mold, read our report on Cleaning up mold and consult the websites of the EPA, OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control. ?Reporting by Gian Trotta

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/how-to-clean-up-a-mold-outbreak.html

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Save water in the bathroom with faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads

 

Let?s face it: we all have to get our clean on from time to time. A little home water usage is a just a fact of life, but that doesn?t mean there isn?t room for conservation and savings. According to the EPA, the largest percentage of indoor water use occurs in the bathroom, with 41 percent used for toilet flushing and 33 percent for bathing. A quick and inexpensive way to reduce your water usage is by installing new aerators in your sink faucets. It?s easy! Here?s a quick video that?ll show you how.

You can also make the same modifications to your showerhead and your toilet. If you?re using a pre-1990s toilet, you could be flushing away up to 4 times as much water per flush as low-flow toilets use. You could conserve even more water by installing a WaterSense toilet or, if you?re really hardcore, a composting toilet. As for showerheads, older models flow at 5 to 8 gallons per minute (GPM), but the current standard for low-flow heads is 2.5 GPM and some showerheads deliver only 1.6 GPM! That?s a maximum of 5 times the possible water savings!

Speaking of showers, there are lots of things you can do to conserve water while lathering, rinsing, and repeating. We?ve already covered how shorter showers can save you money and water, but how about using the cold water before your shower warms up for watering plants instead of letting it go down the drain? Showering uses less water than bathing, but if you absolutely must take a bath, there are possibilities to reuse water there, too!

Here are some more tips:

• Checking for leaks in your faucets, shower, and toilet and repairing them can save gallons of water.

• Save energy on heating your water by lowering the temperature of your water heater and buying an Energy Star qualified water heater.

• Avoid running the water as much as possible during your clean routine ? turn off the water while you brush your teeth and rinse your razor in a few inches of water in the sink rather than under the faucet.

Related links

Top 5 home water saving techniques

25 ways to conserve water in the home and yard

Green tips for your bathroom from the EPA

Top 10 tips for renters from Energy Star

--Keith Caswell

Source: http://blog.microsoft-hohm.com/news/11-02-01/Save_water_in_the_bathroom_with_faucet_aerators_and_low-flow_showerheads.aspx

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Keystone is Key For Jobs and Growth

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyTomorrowBlog/~3/E1mcYnkysiA/keystone-is-key-for-jobs-and-growth.html

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Students Learn about Wind Power First-Hand through Wind for Schools Program

For years, Jenny Christman tried to find a way to get a wind turbine to educate the students at Northumberland Middle and High Schoolabout wind power. The Northumberland County Public Schools instructional technology resource teacher and veteran science teacher of 27 years had tried before to secure a grant for a turbine, but with little success. Now, with help from the Wind for Schools project and the Virginia Center for Wind Energy at James Madison University, the students at Northumberland are learning about wind power first-hand from the newly-constructed turbine at their school. 

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Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/18/students-learn-about-wind-power-first-hand-through-wind-schools-program

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Big Oil Ordered to Pay Fine to Ecuadorians

On Monday 17 Ecuadorian courts found Chevron (former Texaco) guilty of environmental contamination of the Amazon and was ordered to pay a fine of $9bn in damages, the largest judgement ever against a U.S. company for environmental contamination. It was the first time that indigenous and farmer communities won a judgement in foreign courts against [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/gYJf1H904uI/

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Living with a Smart Meter

Maybe you’ve heard about all the issues PG&E got into when rolling out the first wave of smart meters.� Maybe you were even one of their customers who decided to sue them because you thought it was their smart meter that was raising your utility bills (which probably had more to do with ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/11/living-with-a-smart-meter/

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New Orleans and Energy Efficiency

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqS5ADu3z0A&feature=youtube_gdata

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Wind Power Becomes More Competitive

A new report by Bloomberg New Energy reveals that wind turbine prices last year fell below 1 million euros ($1.4 million) a megawatt for the first time since 2005, writes Bloomberg. The average price for global turbine contracts in the last six months of 2010 for delivery in 2011 averaged 980,000 euros a megawatt. In [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/PURU2Mc8Oog/

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Solar Panel Film Boosts Efficiency by 300%, Cuts Costs in Half

Our heavy reliance on oil and coal in the U.S. is proof that old habits die hard. But with new technology on the horizon for solar power, this would be as good a time as any to move on to greener pastures.

HyperSolar, a company located right here in our own backyard, may not manufacture solar panels, but they know a thing or two about how they work?and their goal is to make them better.

Using photonics, HyperSolar developed a film designed to move specific light spectrums exactly where they?re needed most to increase solar panel efficiency. By how much? A monumental 300%.

This new technology could cut the cost of solar panel installations in half, while simultaneously making it faster and easier to get a return on investment.

In addition, it could put the United States back on track to being a leader in the renewable energy game.

Solar power installations are expected to increase from 16 gigawatts to 1,800 gigawatts globally over the next 20 years, and it?s about time we jump on the bandwagon.

The U.S. must lead the way toward 100% renewable power by 2030 (or sooner).

Photo Credit: OregonDOT via Flickr CC

Source: http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-research/film-efficiency-cuts-cost/

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Space heaters recalled after reports of flames, smoke and melting

Flames emanating from two different space heaters sold at Dollar General stores resulted in the recall of 92,000 TrueLiving heater fans and quartz radiant heaters. At least one injury has been attributed to the heaters as well as property damage, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The distributor, Atico International, has received eight reports of the A14B1053 heater fan overheating including one report of damage to an electrical outlet and wall and one report of flames coming out of the front of the unit. Reports for the A14B0979 quartz heater (far right) include 21 reports of overheating, one report of flames coming from a control knob and one report of a consumer receiving minor burns to the hand. Botjh heaters has reports of smoke and melting of the plastic casing. We recently wrote about problems with another space heater that melted. Earlier this year Costco initiated its own recall of a EdenPure US 1000 ?due to the potential to overheat and cause the plastic front casing to melt.? And last week, the CPSC recalled 110,500 space heaters after at least 36 incidents of overheating, half of which resulted in burn damage to floors or carpets Space heaters cause an estimated 21,650 home fires and 1,512 fire-related injuries and deaths each. And a heater that actually catches fire only underscores our advice to never leave one unattended. So it goes without saying that owners should stop using these units. Made in China, the two TrueLiving heaters were sold at Dollar General Stores from September 2010 to December 2010. The heater fans sold for $15 and the quartz radiant heater for $42. They can be returned to any Dollar General Store for a full refund. For more information, call Atico International at (866) 448-7856 or visit the Atico website.

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/92000-atico-heater-fans-and-quartz-space-heaters-recalled.html

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Linac Coherent Light Source Overview

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKbJMFFjnNU&feature=youtube_gdata

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Energy Today - February 18, 2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyTomorrowBlog/~3/A64NYmshloU/energy-today---february-18-2011.html

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2011 Residential Federal Energy Tax Credit

If you’re not aware, some of the Federal tax incentives that were in place for home energy improvements have expired as of Dec. 31, 2010! If you installed or upgraded your energy systems in 2010, you’re good to go for tax season this year. The changes that took place will affect installations in ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/04/2011-residential-federal-energy-tax-credit/

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More Regional Science Bowl Winners

With the deadline for the White House's Race to the Top Commencement Challenge right around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to see how the regional science bowls were coming along, too.

The Virginia winners: coach Sharon Webb, Alexander Yang, Steve Qian, Alec Brenner, Owen Gray, Zeming Lin and Ollie, the Virginia Regional Science Bowl puppy | courtesy of National Science Bowl

read more

Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/17/more-regional-science-bowl-winners

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10 Questions for a Materials Chemist: Elise Fox

Elise Fox | photo courtesy of Savannah River National Laboratory

At Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Elise Fox works on a wide breadth of projects from fuel cells and batteries to concentrating solar power. She recently took some time to give us the download on advances in energy storage technologies, her favorite fictional chemist (hint: she?s an expert in charms and potions) and why she became a scientist.

Q: What promoted you to pursue a career in science?
 
Elise Fox: On some level I have always known I would be a scientist. It was just a matter of determining what kind.
 
Q: At SRNL, you work on materials science and technology. Why did you choose this field?
 
EF: I knew I wanted to be a chemist since the second day of Chemistry I in high school. After college I also knew I wanted to go a slightly different route than traditional organic, physical or analytical chemistry. So, I found an interdisciplinary materials science graduate program at Penn State where I studied catalysis in various energy applications, particularly focusing on how the properties of a ceramic support and alloying can influence the reactivity of the active metal center.

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Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/17/10-questions-materials-chemist-elise-fox

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Secretary Chu and the 'Sputnik Moment'

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNrOxRpP1PM&feature=youtube_gdata

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Why Cool Roofs?

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0GKcdgxHsk&feature=youtube_gdata

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Frozen assets: Three cool ideas for meals fresh from the freezer

If the phrase "frozen food" conjures up ice cream and chicken nuggets, you're missing out on the healthful benefits of a stand-alone freezer. As part of Consumer Reports latest freezer review (including both upright and chest models) we ticked off three ways that frozen food can foster nutritious eating. Extend seasonal fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and vegetable will maintain their flavor and texture in the freezer for 8 to 12 months. Berries and cherries should be frozen in air-tight storage bags right when you get them home, while peaches, plums, and apples should be allowed to ripen. Blanching vegetables before freezing stops enzymes that harm flavor, color, and texture. Vegetables with high water content, like celery, cucumbers, and lettuce, aren't suitable for freezing since they turn limp and soggy when thawed. For more information, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Stock up on freezer-friendly recipes. Cookbooks and recipe web sites are filled with potentially healthful dishes that lend themselves to freezing. Some of our favorites include lentil-and-potato stew, butternut squash soup, and vegetable enchiladas. Many of these recipes can be made in bulk so that you can freeze multiple meals, saving you time and money. Tomato sauces and chicken stocks are also easy to freeze. Rigid plastic containers with straight sides are ideal for storage. Be picky about packaged foods. Frozen entrees used to be crammed with processed ingredients. But in Consumer Reports latest review, we found several options with natural ingredients and fewer additives. Kashi, in particular, earned a very good in all the meals we tested, though they cost a bit more than the competition. Note that most frozen diet entrees have low calorie counts, so you'll need to augment them with other items, perhaps some of the frozen fruits and vegetables you've got stored in the freezer. As for frozen pizzas and chicken nuggets, none of the brands we tested were better than good at nutrition, though some contain fewer grams of fat than others. ?Daniel DiClerico

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/three-ways-to-be-a-healthy-freezer-.html

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Energy Monitoring CEO Interview ? Blue Line Innovations

Peter Porteous and PowerCost Monitor

I was lucky enough to snag an email interview with the CEO of Blue Line Innovations, Peter Porteous. �Blue Line manufactures the Power Cost Monitor, which we’ve written about several times on the Mapawatt Blog. �They’ve come up lately because they are one of the only device manufacturers that I ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/02/energy-monitoring-ceo-interview-blue-line-innovations/

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Energy 101: Geothermal Heat Pumps

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ZGBhy48YI&feature=youtube_gdata

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Frozen assets: Three cool ideas for meals fresh from the freezer

If the phrase "frozen food" conjures up ice cream and chicken nuggets, you're missing out on the healthful benefits of a stand-alone freezer. As part of Consumer Reports latest freezer review (including both upright and chest models) we ticked off three ways that frozen food can foster nutritious eating. Extend seasonal fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and vegetable will maintain their flavor and texture in the freezer for 8 to 12 months. Berries and cherries should be frozen in air-tight storage bags right when you get them home, while peaches, plums, and apples should be allowed to ripen. Blanching vegetables before freezing stops enzymes that harm flavor, color, and texture. Vegetables with high water content, like celery, cucumbers, and lettuce, aren't suitable for freezing since they turn limp and soggy when thawed. For more information, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Stock up on freezer-friendly recipes. Cookbooks and recipe web sites are filled with potentially healthful dishes that lend themselves to freezing. Some of our favorites include lentil-and-potato stew, butternut squash soup, and vegetable enchiladas. Many of these recipes can be made in bulk so that you can freeze multiple meals, saving you time and money. Tomato sauces and chicken stocks are also easy to freeze. Rigid plastic containers with straight sides are ideal for storage. Be picky about packaged foods. Frozen entrees used to be crammed with processed ingredients. But in Consumer Reports latest review, we found several options with natural ingredients and fewer additives. Kashi, in particular, earned a very good in all the meals we tested, though they cost a bit more than the competition. Note that most frozen diet entrees have low calorie counts, so you'll need to augment them with other items, perhaps some of the frozen fruits and vegetables you've got stored in the freezer. As for frozen pizzas and chicken nuggets, none of the brands we tested were better than good at nutrition, though some contain fewer grams of fat than others. ?Daniel DiClerico

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/three-ways-to-be-a-healthy-freezer-.html

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White House Science Fair Recap

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZJ4ydtcsew&feature=youtube_gdata

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Winning the Future with a Responsible Budget

As part of President Obama?s commitment to winning the future, the Department of Energy will make critical investments in science, research and innovation that will create jobs, grow the economy, and position America to lead the global clean energy economy. Next week, the Administration will unveil its budget for FY 2012, which will include over $8 billion for research, development, and deployment investments in clean energy technology programs.

But while we are making these investments, we are taking responsible steps to cut wasteful spending and reduce expenses.

Fiscal responsibility demands shared sacrifice ? it means cutting programs we would not cut in better fiscal times. Some of the tough budget cuts the Department is making in its FY 2012 budget request include:

• In the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Department is reducing funding for the hydrogen technology program by more than 41 percent, or almost $70 million, in order to focus on technologies deployable at large scale in the near term.
• In January, the Department decided to end operation of the Tevatron at Fermi National Laboratory rather than extend it through FY 2014, which will save taxpayers a projected $35 million for FY 2012.
• The Department is reducing the budget for the Office of Fossil Energy by 45 percent, or $418 million. This includes zeroing out the Fuels Program, the Fuel Cells Program, the Oil and Gas Research and Development Program, and the Unconventional Fossil Technology Program.
• Additionally, current law provides a number of credits and deductions that are targeted towards certain oil, gas and coal activities. In accordance with the President's agreement at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels so that the country can transition to a 21st century energy economy, the Administration proposes to repeal a number of tax preferences available for fossil fuels. Repeal of these preferences will save the taxpayer approximately $3.6 billion in FY 2012. The ten-year estimate (FY2012 to FY2021) is $46.2 billion.
• The FY 2012 budget request closes the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which will save $10.3 million.

read more

Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/11/winning-future-responsible-budget

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Enphase Energy Drives Continued Innovation with New VP of Engineering

PETALUMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Enphase Energy, the leader in solar microinverter systems, today announced that Dennis Hollenbeck has been appointed to the executive team as vice president of engineering. Hollenbeck brings to Enphase more than 25 years of high-volume, low cost system design and ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) development expertise in addition to extensive executive level management experience.
 
?Enphase is scaling quickly to support existing and new markets. Core to our growth is the rapid pace of innovation we bring to solar inverter technology,? said Paul Nahi, CEO of Enphase Energy. ?Dennis?s leadership skills, technical breadth and experience in fast growing businesses is ideal as Enphase expands beyond 500,000 units shipped with plans for continued expansion.?

Before joining Enphase, Hollenbeck was the chief operating officer at eSilicon, a service company for custom chip design and fabrication. Prior to eSilicon, he was with Quantum Corporation, a leading hard disk drive manufacturer in Milpitas, California, and held several engineering and general management positions, including general manager for its high-end disk drive division. Hollenbeck joined Quantum in 1984 and helped grow the company from a start-up to one with annual production exceeding 30 million disk drives and $6.5B in annual sales. During his stay, the company also successfully garnered OEM design wins with several leading PC and server manufacturers.

?My background with successful Silicon Valley companies and high volume semiconductor-based products was a natural fit for Enphase,? said Hollenbeck. ?I?ve experienced what it takes to scale successfully at companies like Quantum, and I?m enthusiastic about being part of a highly relevant and rapidly growing industry like solar.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/NrBn/~3/8Epze4Vis60/enphase-energy-drives-continued.html

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Solar Technology Innovators Get Official Support

Photovoltaic solar power gets a financial boost through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which earlier this week announced an investment of up to $7 million in total to support the development and commercialization of emerging solar energy technologies. The funding will be delivered through DOE?s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The program is called [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/q0tuv82Vzh8/

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With temperatures rising, suddenly it's sodden

The snow left behind by the huge storm that caused havoc for millions of people last week poses a new problem. With nowhere to go, water from a sudden thaw or rain storm can seep into basements causing more damage, warns the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A flood of just one inch in a 1,000-square-foot home can cause $10,600 in damage, according to FEMA?s flood-damage calculator. Since most homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage, FEMA recommends buying a flood insurance policy through the federal government?s National Flood Insurance Program (our Money Blog has more on this). Do it soon because there's a 30-day waiting period for new customers. There are also some things you can do to prevent water from getting into your home or at least minimize the damage if it does. Here's what the experts at Consumer Reports and FEMA recommend. Some tasks you can perform yourself while others require a professional. Remove any large piles of snow near the house paying special attention to areas around basement windows and window wells. Moving the snow just three to five feet away from the foundation can reduce problems. Make sure your downspouts as well as gutters are free of ice and clogs and that they carry the water several feet away from the foundation. If necessary, you can easily attach low-cost plastic extenders but make sure the extender is sloped so water flows freely and doesn't freeze. Examine, clean, and test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. The drainage hose should carry the water well away from the house. Make sure your unit has a battery backup and keep a spare one on hand. Don't have a sump pump? Consider installing one if you've had problems before. Install an inexpensive one-way valve in your main sewer or waste drain to prevent backlogs. (This FEMA video shows how.) Elevate your water heater and washer and dryer on pieces of pressure-treated lumber or masonry and take note of the model numbers. Label the circuits in your electrical panel so you can quickly shut off power to outlets in flooded areas. Seal any cracks you spot in your foundation walls?or seal the entire wall with a waterproofing compound?to avoid seepage. Replace electrical outlets with ground-fault-circuit interrupters to avoid the risk of electrocution. You may also want to have an electrician move your outlets above possible water levels. Move anything of value, sentimental or otherwise, to a higher floor. ?Gian Trotta

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/how-to-keep-water-out-of-your-basement-fema.html

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Cathy Zoi on Weatherization

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjUtpS028Hg&feature=youtube_gdata

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Energy Today - February 7, 2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyTomorrowBlog/~3/3KV9fIwccjM/energy-today---february-7-2011.html

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Have a Green Valentine?s Day

February 14 is the day when people across the globe celebrate Love. But we should also be showing our love to Mother Earth by making the date as eco-friendly as possible. Those billions of cards, millions of heart-shaped chocolate boxes and flower bouquets all come with a heavy environmental price tag. Here are a few [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EnergyrefugecomBlog/~3/PwqglLh37lE/

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Geek-Up[2.11.2011]: Fuels from Fungi & Medical Probes from Fireflies

Scientists at Sandia National Lab, in collaboration with Montana State University Professor Gary Strobel, are working to advance fuels from fungi. More specifically, to modify a class of fungi ? endrophytes ? to produce biofuels for internal combustion engines.

Why fungi?

Endophytic fungi are naturally designed to grow on cellulose and digest it, forming the hydrocarbons necessary for biofuels as a by-product of their metabolic processes.

To modify the fungi, the Sandia bioscience team is using genetic sequencing to understand how changes in feedstock determine the type and amount of hydrocarbons these fungi can make. Meanwhile, engine combustion researchers Craig Taatjes and John Dec are evaluating these compounds on their ignition chemistry and engine performance.

read more

Source: http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2011/02/11/geek-up2112011-fuels-fungi-medical-probes-fireflies

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False adverstising for 40 Watt LEDs?

Is this false advertising?

A reader recently brought to my attention an LED that he thought may be misleading consumers.� The LED in question was the Feit “40 watt equivalent” Soft White LED sold here by Lowes.� The problem is, the LED isn’t the equivalent of a 40-watt incandescent!

EFI.org has a nice comparison ... continue reading

Source: http://blog.mapawatt.com/2011/02/14/false-adverstising-for-40-watt-leds/

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Buy it now! Don't wait until it's damp to get a dehumidifier

With much of the U.S. still buried in snow, dehumidifiers aren't exactly a red-hot retail item at the moment (humidifiers are more likely to be flying off shelves). But once all that snow melts, flooding could be a serious concern for many regions. What's more, the effects of La Nina will likely make it a soaking spring for many northern states, according to the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center. All of which makes now the time to research a dehumidifier. Stores are just starting to stock up on new units as they roll out their spring inventories. Consumer Reports' buying guide to dehumidifiers will help you decide between a large, medium, and small-capacity unit. Our Ratings of 30 models from brands like Frigidaire, GE, and Kenmore will then tell you which dehumidifiers are best at removing water from the air. ?Daniel DiClerico

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/consumer-reports-review-of-dehumidifiers-.html

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First Solar, Southern California Edison Sign Contract for 250 Megawatts of Solar Photovoltaic Power

ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern California Edison (SCE) has signed a power purchase agreement with First Solar for 250 megawatts AC of electricity to be generated with solar photovoltaic panels. This emission-free power source is the equivalent, in greenhouse gas terms, of removing 30,000 cars from the road annually.

The solar panels will be ground-mounted on about 2,500 acres of public land near Primm, Nev. First Solar is developing the project, named Silver State South, which will interconnect with SCE?s proposed Eldorado-Ivanpah 220-kilovolt transmission line. The project is expected to begin producing electricity as early as 2014 and be fully operational by May 2017. It will create about 300 construction jobs, and the solar panels will be recycled after their useful lifespan.

?First Solar?s industry-leading technology makes solar PV an excellent option for clean, emission-free power we can deliver to our customers,? said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president, Renewable and Alternative Power. ?When we get projects of this magnitude, we make great progress toward our renewable energy goals.?

This contract is subject to California Public Utilities Commission approval.

?This agreement represents another important milestone toward our goal of grid parity,? said Frank De Rosa, First Solar senior vice president of North American Project Development. ?First Solar applauds SCE?s commitment to renewable energy and looks forward to bringing this project to completion.?

Southern California Edison is the nation?s leading utility for renewables. In 2009, SCE delivered 13.6 billion kilowatt hours of renewable power to its customers, about 17 percent of its total power portfolio.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/NrBn/~3/Cs-owE7UZA8/first-solar-southern-california-edison.html

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