Cleaning is a prime activity for any kind of establishment. It could an office or home, cleanliness should be at top priority. Regular cleaning ensures a hygienic environment and a healthy surrounding. The process of cleaning will keep all the disease causing bacteria and germs at bay.

The effectiveness and efficiency of cleaning depends on the kind of cleaning products used. There are several brands of cleaners available in the market but one cannot be sure whether all are hygienic. It is very important to choose a product which not only provides cleanliness but also is free from toxic substances. If toxic cleaners are used they clean everything for which they are used but simultaneously create health problems. It is always important to choose products that are not only efficient but also environment friendly and hygienic.

Healthy cleaning products are made available by a green cleaning company called Ecolibrium which is serving in the Middle and Upper Fairfield County Connecticut. This is a company which provides products for green house cleaning. These products keep your home clean and sparkling and also do not pose any risk to the health of your family members and pets.

These house cleaning ct products do not contain toxic substances and hence they are considered as superior for cleaning. The products and equipments supplied by the company are in accordance with the Green Seal standards. The equipments do not create cross contamination. They improve the indoor environment quality.

All the side effects that are caused by the usage of regular chemical cleaners are ruled out with the use of green cleaning products. Cleaning can be done at lower cost safeguarding your properties without wear and tear.

Ecolibrium also provides for cleaning, on making a phone call. The technicians work in an eco friendly manner and cater to your specific cleaning needs too.

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Green House Cleaning Service for a Healthy Home

Nowadays great importance is being given to aspects of eco friendly environment, going green in whatever way possible. All the possible efforts are being made for improving the environment. Various sources of energy are being conserved so as to avoid depletion and alternatives to the regular source of energy are also being explored.

One of such alternative sources of energy is the solar energy. The solar panels use silicon to generate electricity. When the sun’s radiation fall on the silicon coated panels, they generate electricity. This electricity can be used for domestic purposes such as heating, lighting, for domestic appliances etc. Since the carbon emission from solar energy is less, it is considered eco-friendly. Using solar energy helps in reducing your energy bills drastically. Moreover, this source is a permanent one. It will not become scarce in the near future.

Similarly, the use of underground heat pumps is another alternative source of energy for heating and lighting. The underground temperature usually remains constant throughout the year. So this heating source can be extracted and used as energy for heating.

In this technology, pipes are laid under the ground so as to extract the heat. The pumps use reverse refrigeration process for increasing the output temperature so as to make it sufficient for household purpose.

This source of energy minimizes the carbon dioxide emissions to a great extent. You can also increase your savings on your heating bill.

One more alternative source of heating is the use of Biomass boilers. These boilers use organic fuel which contributes to reducing the carbon emissions and saving the environment from being polluted.

The biomass boilers use wood pallets for fuel. The wood pallets are nothing but saw dust which when compressed become dry giving a high output to weight ratio. This in turn, increases the burning performance to the maximum extent and reduces the residue formation.

Hence, it is possible to use eco friendly sources of energy and also save your hard earned bucks spent on energy bills.

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Benefits of Solar Panels, Heat Pumps, Biomass Boilers

Your search for a variety of low cost gifts ceases with Empire Promotional products. Empire promotional products offer a variety of low cost gifts to suit your business needs. There are some excellent items to market your business. From cool leather photo frames, gift items under $1, promotional bags, hand sanitizers, customized stick ons, eco friendly products and many more gift items are offered here.

You can find some wonderful bags as promotional products. Amongst the variety of bags included are Non-woven bags, The Zip up Bag, Feather Weight Non-Woven Tote Bag, Two-Tone Recycled, Non-Woven Zippered Tote, Nonwoven Drawstring Backpack, Color Accent Non Woven Tote, The Simple Folding Tote, Velcro Closure, Non-Woven Shopping Tote, Quick Draw Non-Woven Backpack, and Eco-Friendly Tote and many more. Non woven bags are light in weight, durable and cost effective. The bags offered here are multi purposes and you are sure to find some bag in accordance to your requirements.
Your commitment to save the planet gets strengthened by our range of eco-friendly promotional gift items. EcoSmart and energy conservation promotional products provide you the opportunity to do your bit to help conserve our planet and its’ resources and also to express your environmental dedication to your clients and potential customers. Gift items in this category include bags, t-shirts, drink ware, pens, journal and many more.
In addition you will find many promotional items under $1.00, so if budget is one of your constraints we have a solution for that too. These items are selected for their remarkably high perceived value. These items make up as great gifts for mass distribution at tradeshows and conventions. Included in the list are ballpoints to sports bottles to non-woven tote bags and much more.

So the next time you go looking for promotional items, look through the ones offered by us. You are sure to find the one suited to your requirements.

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Low Cost Gifts

Money is a valuable source which is indispensable for everyone .Since it helps us to lead a life without any hassles we should try saving it. We should follow the line of the ant and be wise and not be foolish like the cricket. Money can be saved in many ways. To list a few: Insurance, bank savings, clip coupons, investments in movable and immovable property, etc.

Cheap car insurance policies help us to save money as well as help us to cut down our income tax. The premium amounts are varied and meager and don’t pinch our pockets .As it covers our accidents risks and also our health problems our money is save in our hands. Saving our money in banks has always been the best way to save money. Insurance on vehicles, especially, cars always help us to replace parts damaged during accidents .A small percentage of income deposited in our account always help us in times of need. As the proverb goes ‘Little drops of water make a mighty ocean’, hence little amounts of money saved can increase to a greater amount and that is why bank savings are always preferable. A word of caution to those who desire a greater interest rate, please don’t invest in benefit funds which offer large amount of interest rates. Clip coupons help to save money during a shopping spree. We can purchase things at a lower rate. We can also buy things we need, when there is a genuine rebate offered in shops, we can buy them at the whole sale retailers and save some money there too. But it’s always wise to remember that not all rebate offers are genuine. The best form of investment has always been buying lands and jewels. At present, with land and gold prices soaring high it’s a good idea to invest in them. But too much of gold can attract burglars, like bees, to your house so “Beware!”.

Other than these secure ways of saving we have other less secure ways like investing in shares which is not always safe, lending money for interest, winning lottery tickets and of course gambling! We do have numerous ways to save money but choosing what is the best way lies with your intelligence and common sense

Wishing all a happy and sensible NEW YEAR!!!!

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Ways to Save Money in the Year 2010

On summer days, it’s almost impossible to live in your attic spaces because of soaring temperatures. Radiant barriers are installed most commonly in attics to reduce the impact of summer heat and control winter heat loss. This helps in lowering the heating and cooling costs. The radiant barriers are made of highly reflective material that reflects the heat from the sun, also known as radiant heat, instead of absorbing it. A radiant barrier reflects back the heat from the sun. Living green for kids is a big criterion to keep them healthy and strong, so maintaining natural temperatures inside the house is very important.

There are many types of radiant barriers available in the market but with the increasing demands of people choosing for more green living and eco-friendly options more and more other types of radiant barriers are being developed. The most common types are:
1. Single-sided foil.
2. Double-sided foil with reinforcement between the foil layers.
3. Foil-faced insulation.
4. Multilayered foil systems.
5. Reflective paint coatings
6. Radiant barrier chips.

On a sunny day, radiant heat is absorbed by the roof which heats the roof and radiates heat downward in the attic. So, the hot attic conducts heat into the interior space of the home which makes your air conditioner work more and it eventually increases your energy bills. Radiant barriers can help prevent heated attics from warming the interior of a house and in the process helps you save energy and give comfort. If ductwork of the building is located in attics, this can also help into cooling energy savings.
Radiant barriers materials are installed in homes and buildings to reduce the impact of summer heat and absorb more winter heat. This helps in reducing overall heating and cooling energy expenses. Radiant barriers help in saving energy in substantial amount in hot and warm climates. If you place a radiant barrier on the attic floor then most of the radiant heat will be reflected back toward the roof. Radiant barriers are able to cut down the cooling expenses by 5 to 10 percent when used in warm and sunny weather. Radiant barriers can also reduce indoor heat losses in winter season. Radiant barriers can also be used as vapor barriers to prevent the opening of moisture.
The installation of Radiant barriers in new or existing homes is relatively easy. Once installed, it is virtually maintenance-free.

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Radiant Barriers

Since 1999 there has been a new kind of savings account available– the Individual Savings Account, or ISA. While the ISA can seem like a bit of a confusing mess, taking the time to understand how an ISA works can help you protect your savings from excess taxation.

One of the first thing to know about ISAs is how much they’ve changed over the years. There used to be several different kinds of ISAs: mini, maxi, and tessa-only, though these differences have since been combined into one simplified kind of account. Also, you should be aware that in order to invest cash in an ISA you must be over 16, and in order to invest stock or shares you must be over 18.

The current ISA only comes in one form, with rules that have been greatly simplified. Another recent change to the way ISAs function is the abolition of the insurance portion of an ISA. Because you can no longer use an ISA for insurance, you will need to purchase your home and contents insurance somewhere else.

What you can put in your ISA:

Your ISA can contain a total of £7,200, which can include stocks and shares worth up to the whole £7,200, though if you wish up to £3,600 of it can be composed of cash.

How ISA’s handle taxes:

One of the benefits of an ISA is that dividends and interest as well as capital gains are not taxed. However, there are some things you should be aware of. First of all, if you have cash in the stocks and shares part of your ISA, interest on that money will be charged 20%.

Things to remember when using an ISA:

You can only invest stocks and shares with one financial institution per year. To get around this, you can use a Fund Supermarket to keep your stock diverse.

Be aware that while ISAs themselves are a great way to avoid taxes, you are not protected by fees from your financial institution. You should remember that the same fees you would accumulate for dealing with stocks outside of an ISA can happen within an ISA as well, and plan accordingly.

By keeping these rules in mind, an effectively used ISA can be a great opportunity to save money without having it taxed.

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Saving money – Guide to ISAs

All over the world, buildings account to more than half of all the harmful greenhouse gas emissions. So, during the 3 phases of building projects -design, construction and operation, builders need to incorporate and integrate many strategies to make it more sustainable and environment friendly. The use of green building materials and products is one such important aspect during any building construction. Incorporating green living ideas into your building can really help you save your money and your earth in the longer run.
Building made of green environment friendly materials offer great advantages to the building owner and people staying in the building.
• Very less maintenance and replacement expenses.
• Helps in energy conservation.
• It helps improve building occupant’s health and overall productivity.
• Lower costs associated with changing space configurations.
• It gives great flexibility in design.
Using green and environment-friendly building materials highly promotes conservation of diminishing nonrenewable resources all over the world. More over, incorporating environment-friendly and green building materials you’re your building construction can help you reduce the brunt done to the environment because of extraction, transportation, processing, production, fitting and fixing, reuse, recycling, and finally dispose of all these building source materials.

All the green environment-friendly building materials are made of renewable resources and not nonrenewable ones. Green building materials are considered to be environmentally responsible because the impact it causes is considered over the complete life of the material. Builders are even recycling Coal Ash into environment-friendly building materials.
So, while selecting any building material your selection criteria should be:
• Resource and energy efficiency
• Quality of indoor air
• Water conservation
• Its affordability
Now, so many people are considering green living ideas that the building materials market is suddenly flooded with so many types of green building materials. The green building materials market is now very significant and growing at a fast speed. The green boom is here and it is here to stay!

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Building Materials

Solar tubes are a quick, easy and cost effective way to bring natural light into home as this collects the sunlight from top of the roof through a reflective tube and sends light down to a diffuser fixed in the ceiling. On the top of most solar tubes, there is a dome, which collect sun light and the tubes reflect the light down into your home.
Solar tubes are available in various sizes to meet the lighting needs of different size rooms. In the ceiling, these look just like a normal light fixture. These can be used for different part of house as well as offices for providing environmental friendly lighting.
Solar tubes are simplest way of going green. These are popular in new constructions and green homes where installation is lesser expensive than the conventional skylights. Due to their smaller sizes, solar tubes can work without heavy support system and don’t have problems such as leaking, overheating, heat loss or condensation.
To bring natural light into your home install solar tubes as it is the quick and easy way. Solar light is free of cost and also good for environment. Solar tubes are ideal for closets, laundry rooms, lobby, baths and office spaces without windows and most importantly you never need to change the light bulb.
Since the solar tubes do not use electricity for providing light, it reduces the greenhouse gas emissions. Use of solar tubes as lighting means reduces energy requirements by half and cut down on cooling costs because of better light-to-heat ration.
Solar tubes are also good for the health of the people. Natural sunlight greatly contributes to increased output in the place of work, making solar tubes a great choice for place of work or home offices.
Solar tubes are comparatively easy and cheaper way to go green and to reduce electricity usage. The natural lighting with solar tubes is better for us and Mother Earth also.

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Solar Tubes

Fire is one of the few things created by God that can create havoc. It can destroy houses and buildings completely. Homes made by humans with a lot of love and affection. And it is threatened mainly by fire, both, inside the house and outside as well. Statistic data collected in the year 2000 show that there were 368000 homes that were devastated by fire, which resulted in 3420 deaths. Hence, it is important by all house owners to protect their home by fire.

It is not important whether it a chimney or candle which has set the house on fire. What is important is to save people and property from the fire so that there is no or less devastation.

Using interconnected smoke detectors gives response to smoke. As soon as one detector activated, all the others sound and this network alerts everyone in the building. But the wirings in the house will be damaged. Though this is an expensive matter to install smoke detector, the cost can be minimized by combining it with other electrical work.

How to get it done?
One loves green living and keeps a lot of greenery around his house. But it is required to remove all the dead plants and other flammable objects within 10-15 feet from any chimney or other power lines which are risky. Remove all the low branches and replace them with materials that are inflammable.

One may contact experts who will help in fire mitigation. Fire safe landscaping is also done. This is known as fire escaping.

Green homes owners should take the help of these experts to protect their property from fire.

Home owners can also reduce the cost for fire fighting devices and use preventive measures like testing a smoke detector, practicing fire drills, making escape routes in case of fire.

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Fire Safety – Choices that Fight Fire Devastation

An environmentally sensitive and effective approach towards pest management is called Integrated Pest Management. These programs use information regarding the life cycles of the pests and their effect on the environment, and hence use pest control in such a way so that there is minimum damage to environment. Integrated Pest Management is an eco-friendly method of doing pest control.

This can be applied for both agricultural and non-agricultural purpose. It is used in places like homes, gardens and office places. It opposes synthetic use of chemicals which are harmful to the environment and are easy tips for green living.

The aims of Integrated Pest Management are reduction in usage of organic pesticides, eco-friendliness to the environment, pest minimal risk in human health and provide safety on consumable food.

An analysis done of pesticides residue can show us the difference between organically and non-organically grown fruits and vegetables.

Integrated Pest Management reduces the overall use of pest control and pesticides. Thus, it takes protective measures and reduces the use of pesticides exposure to the environment.

How is Integrated Pest Management done?
It can be done for any pest problems and is applicable to agricultural as well as non-agricultural settings. The following steps are used to practice IPM.
? Know at what level pests becomes a threat to the economy.
? Use of IPM control methods such as crop rotation, plantation of pest-free rootstock, selection of pest resistant crops etc. so that there is no risk to environment.
? Less risky methods come in these IPM programs.
? Identification of pest.

The following are some of the tools of IPM
? Different crop production practices are used such as crop rotation, plant spacing, harvesting and planting dates etc. which makes the environment less exposed to pest.
? Pest resistance is bred and is used on continuous process.
? Pest and their damage to the crop and environment are monitored.
? Only if the population of pest goes above the control limit, are pesticides used. The use of chemical control method is practiced.

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Alternative Pesticides – Integrated Pest Management

The common home causes more air pollution than the normal car because most of the energy in our homes comes from power plants, which burn fossil fuel. Burning fossil fuels causes air pollution and contributes to smoke, acid rain and global warming.

Some of the main appliances in your home are refrigerators, washing machine, dishwashers, and air conditioners which stand for major energy consumption. Using appliances designed with energy conservation in mind, can save money in the long run. The more energy-efficient appliances require less energy to operate, lower your utility bill and help to protect the environment and keep it green.

There are some tricks to find out which models use the least energy and are eco-friendly. Here are some guidelines:
• Always check for the Energy Star label. Energy Star models are the most energy efficient for the most of the products.
• Consider both purchase price and estimated energy at the time of buy. In some cases, you may actually save money in the long run by buying the more expensive, but more energy-efficient model.
• Check the Energy Guide label that all the new appliances have. This allows you to compare the annual energy consumption and operating cost of different models.
• Try to buy appliances that run on natural gas, not on electricity. The initial cost of the energy-efficient appliances is more, but they will save your money in the long run.
• Make sure the product you are purchasing suits your needs as extra-large appliances waste too much of energy and money.
• For maximum efficiency, the air conditioner is of right size, properly installed and has a thermal expansion valve. Make sure all your ducts are sealed and insulated.
• Refrigerators with freezers on top use less energy. The energy efficient sun frost refrigerator makes powering a home both feasible and affordable.
• In washing machines the energy efficiency can be increased by decreasing the amount of water used. Front-loading washers generally use less water than top-loaders.
• The most efficient dishwashers use less hot water, have energy-efficient motors.
• Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. Use according to the need.

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Energy-Efficient Appliances

Windows are our home’s one of the most useful and attractive part. Windows provide us with light, outside views, ventilation and nice sun light in winters. They also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. Installing energy efficient windows, curtains and shade reduce your energy bills.

Change your windows with energy efficient windows that are filled with Argon or krypton gas. These gases helps your windows reflect heat back into your house and deflect heat out of your house. The gas filling reduces condensation and frost due to the higher temperature of the interior glass. Usually the Argon filled windows primarily cost more but repay in energy savings over the years.

Use of flashing around the window framing instead of only caulk which helps reduce heat loss around the window. Energy efficient windows help you save energy and reduce fuel cost in your home and these are practical solution to the rising electricity bill. Being energy efficient is a great way to go green with your lifestyle. It not only saves you money but also saves the earth as well.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you plan on making simple energy efficient, and lifestyle changes around you own home:

• Use the maximum natural light. Windows are the best way that allows the natural light.

• Try to have one window available in every room. This will allow flow of air in each room and it can help cut down on your air conditioning cost.

• If you fix skylights you will take advantage of the day light during the sunlight hours as well as bring additional natural light into your home.

• Use energy efficient windows to cut down on air loss and choose the right types of window blinds and shades.

• Solar shades or sheer is another type to maximize the sun’s heat shades. During daylight hours with these shades you can make use of the natural light.

• Try to place your windows on the south facing.

Apart from the above shades energy-efficient, you can also insulate your house by using weather-stripping to seal windows and doors.

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Energy Efficient Windows

Private lands in the United States are permanently conserved by Conservation Easement. It is the most powerful and effective tools available for it and is widely used in United States. Its usage has successfully helped in the protection of millions of acres of wildlife and open space, helping to keep land private and generating benefits to public.

It’s a voluntary and legal agreement which sets the limitation of use of property. It prevents any kind of development on property and also retains the private ownership of the land. It leads in protection of the open space value of the property.

It is duly signed by the landowner, also known as easement donor, and the receiving party, known as conservancy. The property remains as a private property of the easement donor. It is also recorded with the Country Register of Deeds and is kept private. Conservation Easement does not make the land public. This is a voluntary decision of the landowner. Once the Conservation Easements is set, it is a binding for the property for all future owners. The restriction lasts forever.

The main purpose of conservation easement is for the protection of the land from some forms of development. They are mainly used for agricultural land, timber resources, solar power, wind power, other natural resources such as clean water, clean air, green homes, green buildings, wildlife, etc. These lands are protected by separation of the right to subdivide the land/property and build on the land.

By using this method, the landowner does well for the environment so that the resources can be used by future generations too. Landowners continue to own and manage the land and at times receive tax advantages for donation of the conservation easement of the land.

Importantly, the landowners have donated the land for public good by preserving the land for future generations.

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Conservation Easement

We already knew it was coming, but now it’s official. the US fuel economy standards are being beefed up starting in 2012, ramping up by 5% a year to a fleet average (cars & trucks) of 35.5 MPG in 2016. This makes the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 (requiring an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020) pretty much obsolete. More details below.

This should also bring a reduction of 900 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions (though the White House isn’t clear if this is over the 4 year period or over the lifetime of the vehicles produced during that period.

What’s particularly interesting about this regulation is that it creates a national policy. Instead of having the EPA, DOE and California all fighting with each other and passing different laws that the automakers must then try to follow, this one target should create some predictability that helps everybody.

Of course I wish they had gone even further (maybe it could keep ramping up by 5% a year after 2016?), but after years of stagnation, this is a good start.

Courtesy of TreeHugger.

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Obama Announces New Fuel Economy Standards (35.5 MPG in 2016)

Empowering Green Investors with Research Tools and Stock Directories in Renewable Energy, Water, Environment, Fuel Cells

www.InvestorIdeas.com a global investor research portal covering leading sectors including water, renewable energy has expanded the green stock directories to include environment stocks and fuel cell stocks, resulting in a comprehensive one stop destination for investors researching the sector .

Investor Ideas members following the cleantech sector can now access comprehensive global stock directories in renewable energy, water stocks and environment and fuel cell stocks.
Water Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp
Environment Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Enviro_Stocks/Stock_List.asp
Renewable Energy Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/Stock_List.asp
Fuel Cell Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/FCCN/Stock_List.asp

The complete renewable energy stocks directory features stocks listed on the TSX, OTC, NASDAQ, NYSE, AMEX, ASX, AIM markets and other leading exchanges. The directory includes info and links on Alternative Energy Funds, Biogas and Ethanol Stocks, Energy Efficiency Stocks, Flywheel Stocks, Fuel Cell Stocks, Geothermal Stocks, Hydrogen Production, Micro Turbine Stocks, Solar Stocks, Green Transportation, Wind Power and Wind Energy Stocks and Green Infrastructure Stocks.

The environment stocks directory sub sectors include:
Air Control Technology & CO2 Recycling Clean Coal Stocks Energy Efficiency Stocks Environment Consultancy Stocks Environment/ Green Newswires Environment Stocks & Green Tech Stocks – General Garments & Textiles Stocks Green Building and Sustainable Construction Materials Green Certificates – Carbon Credit Stocks Natural, Organic & Alternative Health Oil Industry Environmental Technology Recycling and Biodegradable Stocks
Sustainable Construction & Materials Stocks Sustainable & Social Financial Institution Stocks Waste to Energy Water Treatment Technology Stocks.

As an added bonus, members can access biotech stocks directory, defense stocks directory, as well as the Insiders Corner by Michael Brush.
“The Insiders Corner “http://www.investorideas.com/insiderscorner/ By Michael Brush is also an Investorideas.com members only feature. Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.

Other Green Investor Resources and Tools:

Subscribe to the Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

Solar Stocks Commentary with J Peter Lynch: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/PL/

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Investing In Water Podcast: http://www.investorideas.com/ws/
The investing in water podcast features audio interview with some of the sector’s leading experts and fund managers.

Investorideas.com Members- access to green stock directories and trading trends
With markets and investor sentiment changing daily- it is more important than ever to stay on top of key trends! Gain Exclusive Insight on Leading Sectors, Global Trends, and Insider Trading Ideas, News, Articles and Investor Ideas Members only Restricted Content including the water stocks directory, environment stocks and renewable energy stocks directory.
Become an InvestorIdeas.com -Learn more: – click here http://www.investorideas.com/membership/

About InvestorIdeas.com:
Investor Ideas is a global financial media online destination specialized in sector investing content. Investor Ideas (and portals within the hub) was one of the first online investing and business resources providing in-depth information, news and stock directories in renewable energy, homeland security and water sectors. InvestorIdeas.com features over twenty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences, Blogs, and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.

Other green investor portals owned and within Investorideas.com
www.greentechinvestor.com, www.environmentstocks.com, www.fuelcellcarnews.com. www.water-stocks.com

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

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Source – Investorideas.com

Published at The Investorideas.com Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed: Subscribe : http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml
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Empowering Green Investors with Research Tools and Stock Directories in Renewable Energy, Water, Environment, Fuel Cells

KYOCERA (finance.yahoo.com/q?s=kyo” rel='nofollow'>NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) Supplies Solar Modules for New Toyota Prius
Providing New Function for Solar Modules on the World’s Best-Known Eco-Car

KYOTO, Japan–May 19 2009 –Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) announced today that it is supplying solar modules for the new Toyota Prius solar ventilation system, an optional feature for the hybrid car model introduced in Japan by Toyota Motor Corporation (hereafter “Toyota”) on May 18. The system ventilates the air inside of the car by using the electricity generated by the solar module on the rooftop to drive the fans while the car is parked during the daytime. This feature automatically moderates temperature rise inside of the vehicle even during hot seasons.

For this product, Kyocera has implemented strict quality control evaluations, done through rigorous testing to confirm heat resistance, vibration resistance, shock resistance and other aspects, in order to ensure that the quality meets the standards required for onboard components used on the new Prius. For the production of this module, Kyocera has set up a dedicated production line with specialized manufacturing engineers to ensure thorough manufacturing control.

By supplying solar modules for the Prius, a leading eco-car that has won praise all over the world, Kyocera is proud to offer a new function for the use of solar modules to the owners of the vehicles.

? Specifications of Solar Module Equipped on the New Prius Model Output Average 56 W (Solar module) Conversion efficiency 16.5% (Solar cells) Production bases Solar cells: Yohkaichi Plant (Shiga Prefecture, Japan) Solar modules: Ise Plant (Mie Prefecture, Japan) Application Driving onboard ventilation system

Features of Kyocera Solar Modules Equipped on Prius

? High quality derived from the fully integrated production process

In 1982, Kyocera successfully began mass production of multicrystalline silicon solar cells using the casting method, which has now become the mainstream method used in solar power generating systems today. Since then, Kyocera has carried out all production processes in-house, from procurement of raw materials to silicon casting, cutting, wafer substrate production, cell production, and solar module assembly. The integrated production process enables Kyocera to make improvements in each step of the production process including the fusing and casting of raw materials, thus making it possible to enhance overall quality by implementing quality improvement, performance enhancement and cost reduction.

? Kyocera solar cells utilize unique technology

A high level of aesthetic quality was also required of the design of the solar modules to be mounted on the roof of the new Prius model. Since 2002, Kyocera has offered high-performance solar cells to the global market that utilize a unique Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) technology.

RIE is a technology utilized to create microscopic ridges on the surface of the cell using plasma and reactive gases. The subtle ridges allow the solar cells to better absorb the sunlight reflected on the surface, therefore enhancing output and conversion efficiency. At the same time, a uniform dark navy blue color has been realized. The product responds to customer needs not only in terms of performance but also with its stylish appearance.

“Kyocera will continue to strive for enhanced quality and product innovation in order to pursue the full potential of solar power,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “We aim to contribute to the protection of the global environment through the expanded use of our reliable, high quality products.” In order to supply products to meet market needs, Kyocera has set up solar module assembly plants in the major markets across the world. Kyocera supplies the U.S. market with its Tijuana Plant located in Mexico.

For more information about Kyocera solar products: http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/solar/

About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, laser printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2009, the company’s net sales totaled 1.13 trillion yen (approximately US$11.5 billion). The company, which marks its 50th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of its U.S. operations this year, is ranked #418 on the Forbes magazine’s 2009 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5968418&lang=en

Contacts KYOCERA Corporation (Japan)Akiko CHUJO, +81-(0)75-604-3416Corporate Communicationswebmaster.pressgl@kyocera.jpFax: +81-(0)75-604-3516

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KYOCERA (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) Supplies Solar Modules for New Toyota Prius

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TOKYO (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp said on Monday its new Prius had received pre-sale orders for 80,000 vehicles in Japan, kicking off what promises to be a fierce battle against hybrid rival Honda Motor Co.

Toyota, which has dominated the market for gasoline-electric cars so far, is looking to take back the crown after Honda’s new Insight became the first hybrid ever to top the best-sellers’ list in Japan last month.

“The hybrid market is going to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world,” said JPMorgan Securities auto analyst Takaki Nakanishi.

“With the global economy in a recession, luxury and large cars are not selling but fuel-conscious cars are in fact growing. Toyota’s earnings performance is hurting right now, and they can’t afford to lose the lead in this market,” he said.

Introducing the third-generation Prius, Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda said the upgraded model, which costs about $3,000 less than the previous version, had received more than 80,000 orders ahead of the start of sales on Monday in Japan, where it aims to sell 10,000 vehicles a month.

“We lowered the price to appeal to a broadening customer base,” Toyoda, who will be promoted to president next month, told a news conference.

The new Prius, first unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January, will also go on sale in North America and Europe this month, followed by other markets later. Toyota has set a global sales target of 400,000 units for the car in 2010.

Although gasoline prices have nearly halved since peaking last July, automakers expect growing interest in the fuel-saving technology with consumers continuing to trade in big SUVs in favor of small cars, even in the United States.

By 2018, JPMorgan Securities expects roughly one in every 10 cars to be a hybrid, with global sales reaching 9.96 million vehicles as more brands such as Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, as well as General Motors Corp’s plug-in Chevy Volt, join the market.

Hybrid sales are also being supported by governments offering consumers incentives to trade in older gas-guzzling cars in favor of more fuel efficient models to stimulate demand amid the worst industry slump in at least three decades.

For a graphic of Toyota’s and Honda’s hybrid sales click here

VOLUME TRAP

The new Prius will start at 2.05 million yen ($21,620), or at least 300,000 yen less than what executives had originally said the car would cost.

The about-face came after Honda’s Insight became an instant hit after going on sale in Japan in early February. Honda sold nearly 10,500 Insights in April, more than double its target of 5,000 units a month.

Toyota had originally planned to raise the price on the latest Prius because it packed more advanced features, a bigger, 1.8-liter engine and better mileage of 50 miles per gallon, or 38 km/liter.

With an eye on competing with the Insight, Toyota will also take the unprecedented move of continuing to sell the entry-level grade of the previous Prius in Japan at the same price as the Insight’s 1.89 million yen, with a monthly target of 3,000 units.

Honda’s boss was critical of the move. “You can’t just suddenly change your pricing policy — that’s going to destroy the market,” Chief Executive Takeo Fukui told Reuters last week.

“We’re not paying any attention to (the Prius). They’re not going to last long with that strategy,” he added, speculating that the Prius would eat into sales of other Toyota cars and hurt its dealers.

JPMorgan’s Nakanishi agreed that striking a healthy balance with sales of non-hybrid cars will be crucial going forward.

“As hybrids become more attractive and cost-competitive, we need to worry about how the other cars are going to hold their own. Hybrids still have lower margins (than gasoline cars,) so there’s going to be some pressure on profitability. All that has to be taken into account while they sell their hybrids,” he said.

Toyota’s shares ended down 0.8 percent at 3,560 yen on Monday, outperforming the benchmark Nikkei average’s 2.4 percent decline. Shares in Toyota, which is forecasting a $8.6 billion loss for the current financial year, have rallied about 23 percent so far this year, lagging Honda’s 41 percent rise.

($1=94.80 Yen)

By Chang-Ran Kim, Asia autos correspondent

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Toyota cranks up heat on Honda with new Prius

Indiana became the first state to pass a major electronics recycling law in 2009 as Governor Mitch Daniels signed HB 1589 into law Wednesday, making Indiana the nineteenth state to pass a law creating a statewide e-waste recycling program. Eighteen of these 19 states, including Indiana, have adopted “producer takeback” laws, requiring the manufacturers to pay for the collection and recycling of old products.

The Indiana law is similar to the law passed in 2007 by Minnesota, and requires manufacturers of video display devices (TVs, monitors, and laptops) to collect and recycle 60% by weight of the volume of products they sold in the previous year in Indiana. After the first two years, manufacturers who fail to meet those goals will pay an additional recycling fee for every pound they fall short of their goal.

While the goals are based on sales of video display devices, the program allows consumers, public schools and small businesses to recycle a larger group of products for free, including TVs, computers, laptops, keyboards, printers, fax machines, DVD players, and video cassette recorders. The program begins collection in April 2010.

“With the signing of HB 1589, Indiana has become a leader among states working to regulate electronic waste,” said Carey Hamilton, Executive Director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC). Hamilton went on to say, “Because of this law, more of our electronic waste will be safely recycled as opposed to land filled, incinerated or exported. We also believe that HEA 1589 will lead to the creation of new green jobs, including sorting, processing, and recycling jobs in Indiana.”

The Indiana Recycling Coalition has championed producer responsibility in Indiana as a practical and effective way to reduce electronic waste. They presented this issue to the legislature’s Environmental Quality Service Council in October 2008, and led support for the bill throughout the session.

Barbara Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, said, “We are already seeing that states which adopted strong laws that include collection goals or convenient recycling standards are getting excellent participation from consumers, who are bringing back their old products in record numbers.”

E-waste recycling laws are under consideration in several states, including Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Utah. Hawaii, Missouri, and Texas are considering laws that would add televisions to their current laws, which only cover computer recycling.

The states which have passed e-waste recycling laws are:

2003 California
2004 Maine
2005 Maryland
2006 Washington
2007 Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, North Carolina
2008 New Jersey, New York City, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, Missouri, Hawaii, Rhode Island Illinois and Michigan
2009 Indiana

SustainableBusiness.com News

05/15/2009 10:20 AM

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Indiana Mandates E-Waste Recyling

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Biofuels: No get up and go?

Ecological Intelligence: Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy
By Daniel Goleman
Allen Lane £16.99, 265 pages
FT Bookshop price: £13.59

Review by Jonathan Birchall

www.ft.com

Published: May 11 2009 06:06 | Last updated: May 11 2009 06:06

Daniel Goleman, a trained psychologist and erstwhile science journalist, made his name in the 1990s with a book called Emotional Intelligence. It was a huge bestseller that contributed to a movement in US schools to start teaching “social and emotional literacy” along with mathematics and writing – a concept Goleman later extended to business leadership.

Now he has turned his attention to the deteriorating state of the planet and what we can all do about it. How, he asks, can we humans, trained by our evolution to focus on short-term benefits, think instead about the longer term implications of our actions on the environment – what he calls “ecological intelligence”.

Time Magazine has already hailed “ecological intelligence” as one of the “10 ideas changing the world right now” – a refreshingly optimistic view, given the state of the polar ice caps.

Ecological Intelligence is a summary of one school of current thought on the environment; if we as consumers are given sufficient information about the true impact of our actions and our purchases, we will together force businesses to become more sustainable. In short, the virtuous market will save the earth.

Goleman argues that we can train ourselves to think differently – to develop an innate flight instinct when confronted by, for example, a shampoo that contains methylparaben, or a garden chair made from tropical wood.

Helping the consumer along the way are new websites which drive “radical transparency”. Skin Deep, a “cosmetic safety database” evaluates the chemical content of more than 50,000 different products and rates them on a score of one to 10.

An even more ambitious website, GoodGuide.com, rates everything from yoghurt to toys and laundry detergent. It gives products an overall mark out of 10, with subdivisions for its health, environmental and social impacts. Companies will seek to improve their ratings, and all will be well – or at least not quite so bad.

Radical transparency depends on the quality of its data, however. Goleman admits that the data is not always that good, particularly when it comes to assessing issues such as factory conditions. For the environment, the data is better, and can build on the “life cycle assessments” of products and processes increasingly used by companies such as Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and Tesco. These help to establish a comprehensive picture of the carbon footprint of any product, including its components.

Goleman wants us to use this information to go shopping with our amygdalas – the part of the brain that governs our “flight instinct” – which might work when it comes to perceived direct threats, such as lead levels in children’s toys, or concerns over phthalates.

But all this radical transparency, he argues, could also change the way we think about broader environmental and social issues. “Shoppers in Berlin or Brooklyn or Beijing could make informed choices that would speed the conversion of China’s power grid from coal-belching plants to alternate sources … or enhance the health of miners in Africa,” he writes.

Goleman could take confidence in the argument, recently made by a senior executive responsible for customer research at Procter & Gamble, that the current economic crisis and loss of confidence in public institutions will lead to an increase in “consumer engagement” – the desire for independent information that allows us to assess the value, in a broad sense, of our purchasing decisions.

But the big problem – which Goleman does not get to grips with – is that this is unlikely to be enough. Towards the end of his book, he undermines much of what has gone before by noting that John Ehrenfeld, a founder of the field of “industrial ecology” has concluded that gains delivered by efforts towards increasing the eco-efficiency of business “are too small as yet to offset the growing threats”. Ehrenfeld wants innovations that “radically reduce the amount of stuff that humans all over the globe use to produce well being”.

Unfortunately, history suggests that businesses do not do that kind of thing unless they are pushed, and not just by concerned consumers. Yes, we each need to be ecologically intelligent, and aware of the consequences of our actions. But to really change the habits of the majority of us who carry on regardless will require government action – as well as informed consumers.

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Ecological Intelligence

Without more efficient consumer electronics, the world will need to build hundreds of gigawatts worth of new power plants to run the exploding number of electronic gadgets, according to the International Energy Agency.

The Paris-based energy industry watchdog on Wednesday published its “Gadgets and Gigawatts” report, saying that consumer electronics already account for 15 percent of households’ electricity bills and is rising rapidly.

Around the world, a growing number of people are acquiring electronics, from mobile phones to televisions, which means the total amount of electricity from electronics is poised to explode in the next two decades.

The IEA estimates that the yearly energy consumed from IT and consumer electronics is on pace to double by 2020 and triple by 2030 to 1,700 terawatt-hours. That would be the equivalent of the combined residential electricity consumption of Japan and the United States in a year.

It’s clear that there is technology available to make devices more energy efficient, the IEA said. Because consumers want a long run-time, mobile devices are already more efficient than appliances that run from outlets.

“This example shows us what can be achieved. Where no such commercial drivers exist, governments must step in to ensure that we make the most of every energy efficiency opportunity,” IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka said in a statement.

He said that governments should “urgently implement” energy-efficiency policies. The biggest opportunity for energy savings improvements from consumer electronics companies is “making hardware and software work together more effectively to ensure that energy is only used when, and to the extent needed,” the IEA said.

Courtesy of CNET

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IEA: Little gadgets consume gigawatts of power

On average, a bathroom remodel costs $15,789 and a kitchen remodel costs $55,503 according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a fresh look in your home. Focus on the items that get used the most, like the faucet.

“The faucet is really a focal point in the bathroom and kitchen,” says Andy Martin of Fontaine Faucets. “It’s the item that gets used the most, and therefore, it always gets noticed. A new faucet is like an instant facelift that can provide upgraded style, functionality, or both! And it’s one of the more easily accomplished DIY projects.”

The faucet has come a long way from years past when it was simply a means of delivering water inside the home. It has become a centerpiece of style. Now, taking that evolutionary step beyond just beautiful designs and great finishes, technology is starting to play a role in the world of water delivery. Helping to combat the spread of germs, conserve water, and help our environment, technology in the form of hands-free operation is making its mark in our homes.

What is a hands-free faucet? They are new “tap on demand” faucets for kitchens. They build upon the technology for faucets in public restrooms that turn on with the wave of a hand. With simple taps or pre-sets you can adjust flow, temperature, and pressure on the kitchen faucet hands-free. The faucets can include motion sensors and a traditional handle if you want to use your sink in another mode.

Touch-free faucets are now available for residential use and are becoming increasingly popular in homes around the country. These new faucets offer homeowners a myriad of advantages:

Advantages

Hygiene: Because it does not require touch, hands free faucets are effective in reducing the spread of germs. This is beneficial for families or areas that experience high traffic.

Water Conservation: Water is only used when the sensor detects a hand next to the faucet. This will minimize the amount of water that is wasted.

Style: When first introduced many hands free faucets did not have a very aesthetic appeal for housing. Today though you can find a variety of finishes & styles that appeal to your taste.

TapMaster is an assembly of two basic components – the valve block that connects in-line to the hot and/or cold water lines and the pilot/actuator valve that activates the unit. A standard TapMaster consists of two valve blocks one for each hot and cold water line and one pilot/actuator valve that may use a cabinet door or foot activator. The versatility and adaptability of this component design allows for a variety of configuration to suit virtually any faucet/sink arrangement.

No electrical, no batteries, no electronics. TapMaster operates using water pressure in existing water lines. Installation hardware and detailed instructions included. 5 year limited warranty

This Hands Free Faucets & many others are available at

Hands Free Faucet

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Hands Free Faucets

LONDON (Reuters Life!) – Most motorcyclists are happy enough to go green, except when it comes to the bikes they ride.

Pollution-free electric scooters and bicycles have been available for a while but nothing on the market so far has come close to providing what bikers would regard as a ride with the style and performance they crave.

The Zero, an electric motorcycle from California with enough speed to embarrass other vehicles at the traffic lights, may be about to change that.

Neal Saiki, the founder and inventor of Zero motorcycles, has produced the Zero S, an electric street bike with sharp styling and even sharper acceleration.

“People have waited decades for these things to be practical,” he told Reuters as he launched the new bike in Europe, where he hopes to make half his sales.

“We make every part of the bike. It’s very light, half the weight of a normal motorcycle.”

A quick spin round the streets of east London’s Isle of Dogs confirmed what Saiki meant.

The bike is quick, nimble and easy to ride. With its frame constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and other high quality components, it’s also an attractive-looking machine.

“We’ve had people put their motorcycles in their living rooms,” Saiki said.

If most electric vehicles are the motoring equivalent of muesli, this bike is more like a martini.

It runs almost silently, which can be a little alarming. I came up behind a small group of people on bicycles, who had no idea I was there until I sped past them.

One of the Zero’s limitations is its range. It will do between 40 and 60 miles on a single electric charge.

This of course cuts out long trips, although most owners will probably stay in town, where it excels, and keep topping the battery up regularly so they are not embarrassed by having to push the bike to the nearest electrical outlet.

When the bike is plugged into the mains, charging it up equates to about one penny a mile in running costs, which is certainly cheaper than fuelling up a petrol-driven bike.

Sadly, what is not cheaper is the price. The Zero S costs 9,000 pounds ($13,500), or about twice what its petrol-powered equivalent might cost.

By Giles Elgood
5/13/09

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New electric bike adds style and speed to virtue

Investorideas.com Solar Stocks Commentary with J Peter Lynch; The Stock Market and Solar Market Sector Outlook

Point Roberts, South Salem, New York- May 13 2009- Investorideas.com a leading green investor portal, presents solar stocks commentary with J .Peter Lynch, a solar expert and frequent contributor to Investorideas.com.

The Stock Market and Solar Market Sector Outlook
J. Peter Lynch
Read More Peter Lynch Solar Stocks Commentary: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/PL/
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As I have said many times over the years solar stocks have a bright future, a very bright future. But investors have to understand a number of things about the current stock market and solar stocks in particular in order to fully take advantage of this long-term trend.

Markets go up and markets go down and these moves usually occur when it is least expected. At the present time solar stocks, the energy industry and the market in general have been in a totally amazing rally since early March 2009. Unfortunately the market and solar stocks have put on the equivalent gains two excellent years (NOT average years) in the past 8 weeks and in my opinion this is simply not sustainable.

As I said in early March in my previous article:

“The Dow Jones Industrial Index recently recorded a twelve year low and the media is FULL of doom and gloom. This terrible news was all over the financial press, accompanied by scenarios of more of the same to come. In fact, the recent survey from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) had fallen to the most bearish level in history – 70% of those surveyed felt that the direction of the market would be DOWN over the next 6 months”.

“Nothing is 100% for sure, as we all know. But I think we are either at a significant bottom or very close to it. Everything is so “oversold” at this time, that I think the worst case is that we get a significant rally in what could still be a bear market”.

“Keep in mind that ALL the bad news out there is in media now. We already know all the bad news. Remember that the stock market IS actually a discounting mechanism which looks out 6 to 9 months into the future. We do not need GOOD NEWS to turn the market around, only LESS bad news”.

Well in retrospect that was certainly prescient insight and the market took off with most of the major indexes being up over 25% and some of the foreign markets being up over 35% percent and the solar sector of the market being UP over 70% in JUST 8 WEEKS more than triple the general market indexes.

Symbol
Current Value
%Change Since 3-12-09
%Change Since 1-1-2009
AKNS
1.28
88.2
-25.5
ASTI
5.55
63.2
47.6
CSIQ
8.23
131.8
27.4
CSUN
3.39
111.8
-14.2
DSTI
0.86
-33.2
-8.4
EMKR
1.11
48
-14.6
ENER
16.41
-7.1
-34.9
ESLR
2.28
88.4
-28.5
FSLR
190.65
50.7
38.2
JASO
3.72
74.6
-14.9
LDK
9.42
133.1
-28.2
RSOL
2.28
33.3
-37.5
SOL
3.8
65.2
-13.8
SOLF
5.2
92.6
3.8
SOLR
7.22
85.6
149.8
SPIR
7.13
56.0
38.7
SPWRA
27.25
17.9
-26.4
STP
16.45
141.2
40.6
TSL
17.5
139.1
88.4
WFR
16.53
6.6
15.8
YGE
9.23
119.2
51.3
Solar Average

72%
12%

S&P 500
908.35
20.99
0.56
Dow Jones
8469.11
18.12
-3.5
NASDAQ
1715.92
20.32
8.81

The Solar Stock Market Sector Then and Now

Then

In March solar stocks had been doing terribly since the second quarter of 2007. Just like the general market, we need to look a little deeper, past the media hype, and see what is actually happening with solar stocks in the market. One of the measures (tools) that I utilize when looking at individual stocks is their 50 day moving average and whether the current price is above (bullish) the 50 day average or below (bearish) the average. It is not the only way to look at stocks and may not be the “best”, but it always seems to give me an idea of which way a stock is heading in the short to medium term and when looking at a specific market sector, what sort of condition that sector is in.

At that time, 3 of the 35 solar stocks I follow are ABOVE (Bullish) their 50 day moving average. On the other hand 92% of the stocks (32 of 35) are BELOW (Bearish) their 50 day moving average. This clearly told me that the solar sector was deeply OVERSOLD and that while it could go lower, it was probably due for at least a “technical” bounce.

Now

At the current time 34 of the 35 solar stocks I follow are ABOVE their 50 day moving average and only one stock (DayStar Technologies – DSTI) is trading below it 50 day moving average. Even in this case, DSTI’s decline was due to an announcement that it is basically running out of cash and will need more financing.

This situation clearly tells me that the solar sector is approaching a condition of being very OVERBOUGHT. It is possible that this is the dramatic of a HUGE new bull market for solar stocks, but as I said in the March article:

“To put it a different way, I do not think ALL the bad news regarding the solar sector is out yet and that there will be future negative surprises, such as earnings disappointments (ENER earlier this week for example), inventory write-offs, and possibly even bankruptcies. The solar sector will probably get carried UP when the general market rallies, but since they will have to work out some additional problems; I do not think their rally will be sustainable”.

However, I DO NOT feel that this is the case and I think there will be a significant correction and the industry will have to digest further bad news that will be coming BEFORE it turns around and moves up in a more sustainable manner.

Numerous opportunities will come, but investor patience will be required to wait out this tough period and for sector volatility to “settle” down. This is still an embryonic industry and it is going through a painful retracement and consolidation phase.

Rewards come to those investors who are patient and do not follow the crowd

Aspiring investors need to acquire and nurture patience. Historical data clearly shows that more money is made MISSING the downside than catching the upside. As I read my e-mails from readers, I get the feeling that people really want to buy solar stocks and ride them into a bright future. Many times I get the sense that they are afraid, that if they delay, they will miss the chance to profit from the solar industries bright future. This is NOT true. There will be plenty of time and many advances and declines in the future. Be patient, look for the strongest stocks and try not to get swept up in the crowd, because the crowd is always wrong.

Mr. Lynch has worked, for 32 years as a Wall Street security analyst, an independent security analyst and private investor in small emerging technology companies. He has been actively involved in following developments in the renewable energy sector since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in this field. He was the contributing editor for 17 years to the Photovoltaic Insider Report, the leading publication in PV that was directed at industrial subscribers, such as major energy companies, utilities and governments around the world. He is currently a private investor and has from time to time been a financial/technology consultant to a number of companies. He can be reached via e-mail at: SOLARJPL@aol.com. Please visit his website for the promotion of solar energy – www.sunseries.net

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Investorideas.com Solar Stocks Commentary with J Peter Lynch; The Stock Market and Solar Market Sector Outlook

[If you have been following the development of the Waxman-Markey cap and trade bill in the US Congress you will note that they are proposing that organizations who are regulated to emit CO2 will be required to purchase $1.25 in offsets for every $1.00 they acquire in emission permits. It is expected that Canada will follow the US lead in the adoption of a North American cap and trade market.

Most research universities in the US will have to register as primary emitters under the proposed EPA regulations for all institutions that emit over 25,000 mtCO2e. A typical research university can produce as much as 500,000 tons CO2 (both Scope 1 and Scope 2) of which cyber-infrastructure and ICT can contribute 300,000 tons (mostly Scope 2). Many research universities also have their own power and heating plants.

According to data from Cisco , business ICT in buildings is also a major culprit, as buildings account for 50% of all CO2 emission of which 25% can be attributed to ICT equipment (not counting cooling)

It is estimated that 15-20% of Waxman-Markey cap and trade will be spent on these offsets which could represent billions of dollars in potential revenue. Cyber-infrastructure and ICT is the one sector where we can quickly move to a zero carbon strategy by moving to clouds, virtualization and de-materialization (see my posting on Kindle DX) where the underlying cyber-infrastructure is located at zero carbon data centers connected to universities through high capacity, low latency R&E networks. The costs of such a strategy including network capacity could be easily paid for by the carbon offsets, and perhaps permit offsets as well – but what is needed is well defined protocol and methodology to measure, quantify and audit the offsets. One of the major problem with today’s carbon offset market is the lack of transparency and audibility. Today’s offset markets are riddled with fraud and bogus claims of CO2 reduction. What is needed is a rigorous process to quantify and qualify the offset claims (this is particularly true of many claims about energy efficiency). The ISO 14064 standards are the de facto process for doing this, but we need specific protocols to be adopted under these standards to address ICT and cyber-infrastructure. CANARIE’s upcoming Green IT pilot hopes to start this process to enable universities and business to learn how to calculate carbon offsets and develop ISO 14064 protocols for virtualization, clouds, networks etc. It may even be possible to use “virtual” offsets where ICT companies and networks offer products in service in exchange of offsets instead of cash –BSA]

More reading on Waxman-Markey cap and trade bill and offsets
http://climateprogress.org/2009/05/12/waxman-markey-domestic-offsets/

More on Amazon Kindle DX from Slashdot
http://news.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/05/09/1615247

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what’s the noblest Amazon Kindle DX project of all? While other universities announced similar programs, Princeton is boasting its project is unique in that it will focus on sustainability by reducing the amount of electronic-reserve course materials that students print. Under the pilot program, $60,000 will reportedly be used to provide 50 lucky Princeton students with $489 Kindle DX devices loaded with materials for three courses. In a FAQ, students are told not to worry about ‘this time of severe economic constraints’ — Princeton and Amazon have managed to tap into a fund specifically endowed to support sustainability projects to provide Kindles at no cost. In addition to a $30,000 grant from the High Meadows Foundation, which is headed by Princeton alum Carl Ferenbach (who, coincidentally, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Environmental Defense Fund with the wife of Amazon Director John Doerr), a matching amount will be provided by Princeton alum Jeff Bezos’ Amazon. The E-reader Pilot Program has more information

http://blogs.msdn.com/see/archive/2009/03/31/software-downloads-help-microsoft-and-customers-reduce-carbon-footprint.aspx
Software Downloads Help Microsoft and Customers Reduce Carbon Footprint
Today, Microsoft released the results of a comparative carbon footprint study which found significant environmental benefits to providing its software to consumers online. The study concluded that downloading Office 2007 avoided 8 times the amount of carbon emissions compared to producing and shipping a DVD and its associated packaging through traditional retail distribution channels.
The study determined that carbon emissions avoided through online purchasing of 10 million copies is equivalent to:
• the electric consumption of 7,715 US households, or
• 13,008 passengers cars driven in one year, or
• 231 acres of avoided Amazon rainforest deforestation.
Microsoft worked with its partners, Accenture and WSP Environment & Energy, to apply leading standards for product carbon footprinting in accounting for greenhouse gas emissions arising from the complete lifecycle of its software products. Based on several distribution scenarios, the study captures carbon emissions associated with the raw materials, production, distribution, customer purchase, and end-of-life processes for 10 million off-the shelf retail software products. Microsoft then compared these results to the online delivery model for 10 million downloads, accounting for the data centers used for hosting software downloads and even the energy used by a consumer’s personal computer to download the Office 2007 program. Not surprisingly, transportation and packaging materials were identified as the largest contributors to carbon emissions for the off-the-shelf product. Avoided carbon emissions associated with downloading 1 copy of Office 2007 are roughly equal to 1 gallon of gas.
Read more at http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/go-green/

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Using Carbon offsets to fund network services, cyber-infrastructure and ICT equipment

[Japan has launched a massive ICT stimulus package of which a key component will be Green ICT focused around a nation wide “private” cloud for e-government. The use of private clouds gets around the many concerns of privacy and security. Kudos to Japan government for this initiative. Some excerpts – BSA]

http://www.greentelecomlive.com/2009/05/13/japan-to-build-massive-cloud-infrastructure-for-e-government/

Japan to build massive cloud infrastructure for e-government

In a document that outlines a Digital Japan Creation Project, dubbed the ICT Hatoyama Plan, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed plans to build a massive cloud computing infrastructure to support all of the government’s IT systems.
Called tentatively the Kasumigaseki Cloud, the new infrastructure will be built in stages from now until 2015. The goal of the project consolidate all government IT systems into a single cloud infrastructure to improve operation efficiency and reduce cost.
“The Kasumigaseki Cloud will enable various ministries to collaborate to integrate and consolidate hardware and create platforms for shared functions,” the MIC said. “Efforts will be made to efficiently develop and operate information systems with the aim of greatly reducing electronic government–related development and operating costs while increasing the pace of processing by integrating shared functions, increasing collaboration among systems, and providing secure and advanced governmental services.”
According to the MIC, the Kasumigaseki Cloud will eliminate the need for individual ministries to maintain their own IT systems by consolidating current data centres, and allow each ministries to use only the computer resources necessary through the cloud platform.
Additional proposals were put forth to develop and implement ubiquitous Green ICT solutions, including initiatives like the Kasumigaseki Cloud, boost ICT human resources, and the creation of “safe and secure networks” for the public.

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Japan to build massive cloud infrastructure for e-government as a Green ICT strategy

[It is not only Al Gore that is raising the alarm about worrying climate trends, but new data from the National Academies of Science, MIT and other sources point to similar trends. We don’t have the luxury of waiting until 2050 to undertake serious climate action. Drastic steps are required now, in all aspects of society including universities and research networks – BSA]

At TED2009, Al Gore presents updated slides from around the globe to make the case that worrying climate trends are even worse than scientists predicted, and to make clear his stance on “clean coal”. (Recorded at TED2009, February 2009, in Long Beach, California. Duration: 7:44.)
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TEDBlog/~3/UkUwC_RvGII/alarming_new_sl.php

Preparing for the next 911 catastrophe – some useful pointers:

Obama’s National Science Advisor John Holdren on Global Climate Disruption
http://greenmonk.net/john-holdren-on-global-climatic-disruption/
Stephen Chu – new head of DoE – “Wake up America!!”
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/california-agriculture-global-warming-47020402
MIT report predicts median temperature forecast of 5.1C
http://globalchange.mit.edu/pubs/abstract.php?publication_id=990
Last Ice age average global temperature was 6C cooler than today
Most of Canada was under 2-3 km ice

USGS Abrupt Climate Change report finds that future climate shifts have been underestimated and warns of debilitating abrupt shift in climate that would be devastating.
– http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap3-4/final-report/default.htm
– http://climateprogress.org/2008/11/24/what-are-the-near-term-climate-pearl-harbors/
Tipping elements in the Earth’s climate -National Academies of Science
– http://www.pnas.org/content/105/6/1786.abstract?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=tipping+elements+lenton&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
“Society may be lulled into a false sense of security by smooth projections of global change. Our synthesis of present knowledge suggests that a variety of tipping elements could reach their critical point within this century under anthropogenic climate change.

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Alarming new data depict a worsening climate crisis

Nanostart holding Nanosys launches new solar photovoltaic division, QD Soleil™

Frankfurt / Palo Alto, CA – May 13, 2009 – Nanostart holding Nanosys recently announced the creation of QD Soleil™, a wholly owned division focused on the use of its proprietary nanotechnology in solar panel cell designs. Nanotechnology is the next step in the natural evolution of a solar generated grid-ready energy supply.

QD Soleil’s intellectual property is a seminal estate that includes over 500 patents and patent applications. This technology has been refined over many years by Nanosys and exploits the best in class inorganic material compositions, processing and integration chemistries, and includes the most stable nanomaterial formulations known. Applications of the technology and intellectual property are broad and include additive enhancement layers for light conversion engineering, nano-particle inks, light waveguide concentrators and nanomaterial composites for enhancing overall solar cell efficiency. Nanosys is considering strategic options to maximize the value of QD Soleil, including possible sale to a large photovoltaic manufacturer.

QD Soleil is now meeting with potential partners and parties interestedin acquiring a substantial footprint in nanotechnology for photovoltaics. “Based on the current administration’s energy focus, the U.S. is likely to grow into the largest installed market of solar panels in the world over the next five years,” commented Nanosys CEO Jason Hartlove . “Nanosys is one of the world’s leading nanotechnology companies, with a consolidated position in inorganic nanotechnology, and significant product launches in other areas such as green lighting this year. Therefore, we believe that QD Soleil can focus and execute more effectively as a separate division.”
“It’s an exciting time for QD Soleil to engage with larger companies best poised to fully exploit seminal IP, know-how and critically enabling technologies,” said Vijendra Sahi , VP and GM of the QD Soleil division. “We are particularly excited because we can utilize much of the technology base and materials now being launched in products by Nanosys.” For more information about QD Soleil, visit QD Soleil’s website at www.qdsoleil.com.

About Nanostart:Nanostart AG is the world’s leading nanotechnology investment company. The Frankfurt-based company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases. It also provides the benefits of its experience and expertise to developers of financial instruments and to investors in the nanotechnology sector. For further information about the company, please visit www.nanostart.de.
About Nanosys:Nanosys, Inc. is a leader in the development of nanotechnology-enabled products utilizing high performance inorganic nanostructures. Nanosys has built one of the broadest technology platforms in the industry with approximately 500 patents and patent applications covering fundamental areas of nanotechnology. Based in Palo Alto, California and privately held, Nanosys collaborates with industry leaders to develop revolutionary high-value, high-performance products for computing, optoelectronics, communications, renewable energy, defense and the life sciences.More company information can be found at: www.nanosysinc.com.
Disclaimer:This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the “Entry Standard” segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

Media contact:Nanostart AGPublic RelationsDr. Hans Joachim DürrGoethestrasse 26-28D-60313 FrankfurtGermanyphone: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 111 fax: +49 (0)69-21 93 96 122e-mail: presse@nanostart.de

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Nanostart holding Nanosys launches new solar photovoltaic division, QD Soleil™

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – A lack of project funding threatens to undermine the solar industry’s already fragile growth prospects, two of the sector’s biggest players said on Tuesday, reporting profits that missed market forecasts.

Q-Cells, the world’s largest maker of solar cells, slashed its 2009 sales outlook for the third time since December, while German peer Solon, a solar module maker, posted a bigger-than-expected first-quarter net loss.

“In view of the ongoing uncertain market environment due to financing restrictions for larger PV (photovoltaic) systems in particular, it is currently still difficult to give a precise forecast for the full year,” Q-Cells said in a statement.

Q-Cells said it now expected 2009 sales to come in between 1.3 billion and 1.6 billion euros ($1.77-2.18 billion), down from the previous 1.7-2.1 billion euro forecast range.

Massive oversupply of cells, modules and wafer had led Q-Cells — along with the world’s No.2 cell maker Sharp Corp — to cut outlooks or jobs earlier this year, while Solon withdrew its 2009 outlook last year.

“The cut in guidance is somewhat negative but no huge negative surprise,” DZ Bank Sven Kuerten wrote in a note.

“Due to the relatively good cost control, the fact that short-term financing issues are resolved due to the sale of the REC stake and the good project business we keep our Buy rating unchanged,” he added.

Shares in Q-Cells reversed earlier losses and were 3.5 percent higher at 0846 GMT, while the FTSE clean tech index was off 0.1 percent.

Q-Cells posted sales of 224.8 million euros for the first quarter and a net loss of 391.9 million euros, partly linked to writedowns on last week’s sale of its stake in Norway’s Renewable Energy Corporation, a move that was widely expected by analysts.

SOLON SEES Q2 LOSS

Solon’s net loss was 18.5 million euros, missing a consensus of 14 million in a Reuters poll of analysts [ID:nL8287392]

Its stock pared losses but were still down 1.3 percent.

“All in all, reported Q109 results should be taken very negatively by the market especially when considering the recent upmove and the very high likelihood of significant earnings downgrades in due course,” Equinet analyst Sebastian Growe wrote in a note.

Solon shares have more than doubled since hitting a 2009 floor on March 9.

“While demand for solar modules has been on the rise again in the second quarter, the power plants business is still suffering from the ongoing critical situation in project finance,” it said in a statement.

“Therefore assume that Solon will also finish the second quarter with a loss.”

Solon in April said it may have to take an impairment loss of 40 million euros due to funding problems at Silicium de Provence, an affiliated French company.

“The extremely weak operating performance is further increasing the very high liquidity risk of Solon. We see the stock as a very clear ‘sell’,” wrote DZ Bank’s Kuerten.

According to StarMine, which weights analysts’ forecasts based on their track records, Q-Cells trades at 14.3 times estimated 12-month forward earnings, less than half of No.3 cell maker Suntech Power’s 30.6, as well as No.4 Kyocera, trading at 66.5 times. Solon trades at 12 times.

($1=.7349 Euro)

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; editing by John Stonestreet and Rupert Winchester)

May 12, 2009

http://www.reuters.com/finance/greenBusiness

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Solar gloom overshadows Q-Cells, Solon

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The crumbling U.S. infrastructure is routinely in plain sight, from potholes strewn across interstate highways built during the Eisenhower administration to rusting Depression-era bridges connecting those old highways.

At its most extreme, neglect can turn catastrophic: Experts had long expressed concern that New Orleans’ aging levees could fail in the face of a major hurricane and they did dramatically in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

By contrast, the condition of the nation’s water infrastructure is often hidden from view. Drinking water and efficient sewage disposal is taken for granted along with the safety of the buried pipes, but was much on the minds of several guests at this week’s Reuters Infrastructure Summit.

Out of sight, water infrastructure remained largely out of mind for U.S. policymakers in the federal economic stimulus effort. The $787 billion program allotted less than $10 billion for drinking and wastewater projects.

State and local officials will not turn the cash away but they say much more is needed to fix and add capacity to the nation’s water systems.

“It’s something that concerns me, because we pay so much attention to things we see and this is something we don’t see — until it’s too late,” Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp told Reuters in a recent interview.

“In Maryland and other eastern states there have been repeated episodes in which pipes carrying clean water or sewage have collapsed,” Kopp said. “Over the next 20 or 30 years, water systems are likely to hit obsolescence.”

CONSERVE OR BUILD?

In Western states where epic water projects from the mid-1900s helped propel growth, many policymakers were likewise underwhelmed by stimulus spending for water works.

California, the most populous state, is receiving less than $1 billion for water projects and the money will not fund the kind of engineering feats that cross hundreds of miles to sustain coastal population centers with water from distant mountains and a handful of rivers, which water-issues researcher Peter Gleick applauds.

Instead of helping to build a new batch of monumental water works, California should focus on making use of its water more efficiently, Gleick, of the Pacific Institute of Oakland, California, said during the Infrastructure Summit.

“About 30 percent of the water used in urban California could be saved with existing technology,” Gleick said.

Paying households to adopt the technology would also help avoid the economic and environmental costs of building traditional and pricey water projects such as dams.

“In a sense, a million low-flow toilets is the same as building a dam, but faster and quicker,” Gleick said.

But if the federal stimulus effort was meant to spur job growth, it flubbed it in giving water such a small slice of its pie, Scott Paul of the Alliance for American Manufacturing said during the Summit.

“Water systems have the biggest bang for the buck,” said Paul, noting his group recently commissioned a study that found water projects topped infrastructure categories in terms of job creation with 19,769 jobs created from every $1 billion spent.

By Jim Christie
Fri May 8, 2009 3:12pm EDT

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U.S. water infrastructure needs seen as urgent

Investor Ideas adds Fuel Cell Stocks and Environment Stocks Directories to Green Investor Tools for Members Following Green Investing Sectors

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta, B.C.–May 8, 2009 – www.InvestorIdeas.com, a global investor research portal, and one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy and water, has added the environment stocks directory and the fuel cell stocks directory to the growing directory of members only content and resources.

Investor Ideas members following the cleantech sector can access comprehensive global stock directories in renewable energy, water stocks and environment and fuel cell stocks.
Water Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp
Environment Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Enviro_Stocks/Stock_List.asp
Renewable Energy Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/RenewableEnergy/Stock_List.asp
Fuel Cell Stocks Directory: http://www.investorideas.com/FCCN/Stock_List.asp

Fuel Cell Stocks Directory
Excerpt:
Acta (AIM:ACTA.L) Acta has patented a unique family of platinum-free catalysts, which offer new possibilities in fuel cell design, in the supply of hydrogen gas and in the application of new fuel options.
Advanced Engine Technology (OTCPK:AENG) Company’s mission is to successfully achieve commercial introduction of the OX2 engine. The primary focus of the company will be on the commercial introduction of the OX2 engine and the subsequent licensing of the OX2 engine technology to approved manufacturers.
AFC Energy plc (AIM:AFC.L) AFC Energy PLC is a commercially focused, very low-cost fuel cell company, and we’re entering the market place by targeting waste hydrogen applications.
Air Liquide SA (Paris: AI.PA) Air Liquide manufactures and sells industrial gasses including hydrogen. More than half of the company’s research and development is directed toward fuel cells and other new energy sources, plus also energy efficiency and cleaner fuel consumption. The company is involved in carbon capture and sequestration projects in the U.S. and France.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:APD) operates in the industrial gas and related industrial process equipment business worldwide. The Gases segment recovers and distributes industrial gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, synthesis gas, and helium. The Equipment segment manufactures equipment for cryogenic air separation, gas processing, natural gas liquefaction, and hydrogen purification equipment. It also designs and builds systems for recovering hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and low dew point gases using membrane technology.
American Security Resources (OTCBB:ARSC) is a holding company actively seeking to acquire and develop clean energy companies and technologies. ARSC’s Hydra Fuel Cell subsidiary has developed a high volume, mass producible hydrogen fuel cell. Its American Hydrogen Corp. subsidiary is developing an inexpensive method to produce hydrogen from ammonia.
Arotech Corporation (NASDAQGM:ARTX) engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of defense and security products worldwide. It’s battery and Power Systems businesses include the subsidiaries: Electric Fuel Battery Corp., Epsilor Electronic Industries and Electric Fuel Limited
Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy in the United States and Canada. The company operates in four segments: Avista Utilities, Energy Marketing and Resource Management, Avista Advantage, and Other. Avista Labs is a leader in the development and marketing of modular Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The company markets a variety of commercially available fuel cells using its patented Modular Cartridge Technology ™.
Axion Power Intl Inc (OTCBB:AXPW) Axion uses patented carbon electrode assemblies to replace the negative electrodes found in conventional lead-acid batteries. The end result is the e3 Supercell; a battery-supercapacitor hybrid that offers higher power, faster recharge; longer-life and reduced lead content in a low-cost device that can be designed to deliver maximum power for fast discharge applications; maximum energy for slow discharge applications; or almost any balance between the two.
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQGM:BLDP) engages in the design, development, manufacture, sale, and service of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for various applications. The company operates in three segments: Power Generation, Automotive, and Material Products. Ballard’s focus is on further enhancing product performance, reducing costs, designing market-viable products, developing additional volume-manufacturing capabilities, and continuing to build customer and supplier relationships. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, EBARA, ALSTOM and FirstEnergy, to commercialize Ballard® fuel cells. Ballard has supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha and Cinergy, among others.
Learn more:
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Fuel Cell Stocks and Environment Stocks Directories added to Green Investor Tools for Members Following Green Investing Sectors

A giant mirror drifts slowly through space between the earth’s surface and the sun, intercepting the rays of sunlight before they reach the earth and deflecting them safely away.

The mirror, made of millions of silicon chips, is situated at a point in space where the sun’s gravity and the earth’s cancel each other out. This vast structure, assembled painstakingly for years by spacecraft, drifts naturally away from its starting point over time, but complex on-board systems nudge it gradually back to resume its vital role in keeping us safe.

This space mirror is – so far – science fiction. Such a structure would cost hundreds of billions of dollars, even if it were technically feasible. But soon many scientists say we may need to start building space mirrors, creating artificial clouds, or altering the chemistry of the sea to prevent the worst effects of global warming.

Climate change is occurring faster than predicted and the risks are growing day by day. Altering the earth’s systems to help cool the planet may soon be the only option, many scientists believe, as our runaway appetite for fossil fuels overtakes our good intentions on emissions.

“The chances of reducing emissions fast enough now are very low,” said Stephen Salter, professor of engineering design at Edinburgh University. “This is a jolly strong reason to look at alternatives.”

The science of altering the world’s natural systems is called geo-engineering. Once on the whacky fringes of scientific research, the subject is rapidly becoming mainstream . John Holdren, chief scientific adviser to US president Barack Obama, said in public a few weeks ago: “It’s got to be looked at . . . We don’t have the luxury of ruling [out] any approach.”

The debate has been intensified by a set of studies published last week in the journal Nature. They concluded the world had little chance of holding temperature rises to 2°C – a level widely regarded by scientists as the limit of safety, beyond which climate change becomes irreversible and potentially catastrophic. Such a level of warming risks leading, for example, to the melting of permafrost in Siberia, so releasing large quantities of methane, and in turn causing stronger and more rapid warming.

Most suggestions for geo-engineering fall into one of three categories. Some of the most outlandish would block out the sun’s rays using mechanical means – a sunshade or mirror, for instance. These would be enormously expensive, even if possible. Some of the most promising proposals involve ways to increase the earth’s ability to reflect sunlight back into space. Sulphur particles shot into the stratosphere, could reflect enough sunlight to make a measurable difference. But sulphur causes acid rain, although proponents point out much less sulphur would be needed than pours from power stations.

A cheaper method would be to spray seawater into the air from boats. This creates clouds made up of smaller- than-usual droplets of water, which reflect more light. Prof Salter says a drawback would be that, as well as reflecting sunlight, clouds trap infrared heat. But he says the net benefit would be huge – each drop would reflect 20bn times the amount of energy used to make it. He estimates that a about 500 ships would be needed.

Scientists are also exploring removing carbon from the atmosphere. One way is to fertilise the oceans with iron, so plankton grows and absorbs carbon. Less realistic are enormous air “scrubbers” – banks of sails coated with chemicals that react with CO 2 . Two unsolved problems are mastering the chemical absorption and the sheer amount of energy that would be needed to propel vast volumes of air.

Employing geo-engineering would not remove the need for deep emissions cuts, Prof Salter warned: “No one in geo-engineering would argue that.” The two must be pursued in tandem, or rising emissions would counteract the benefits of the earth-altering projects.

Tim Lenton, professor of earth system science at the University of East Anglia, who conducted a review of geo-engineering methods, said scientists must beware of “tinkering with a system you do not fully understand”. For instance, he said, studies showed that putting sulphate aerosols into the atmosphere caused drying in vulnerable regions.

By Fiona Harvey, Environment Correspondent

Published: May 9 2009 03:00

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How changing the planet might help preserve it

The body and interior are not at all like the production version. That’ll be a four-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback that can hold four or five passengers. But the battery pack and electric motor in the prototype are the same that’ll be in the small car, which will start down the assembly line in fall 2010 in Japan.

And when you get to drive a car this far ahead of time — one that the automaker says is “90% there” in performance — how can you not drive and dish?

The still-unnamed Nissan electric, like the Chevrolet Volt electric reviewed last Friday, was a mule: a body from a car about the right size snugged over the correct running gear and chassis. Nissan is using the body of a previous-generation Cube, a small car for the Japan market.

Nissan is short on specifics. We don’t know, for instance, the capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack, which runs down the center under the floorboards. It’ll be at least a 16-kilowatt-hour pack. Nissan promises the car will qualify for the $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit, and that requires 16kWh. Volt’s pack is 16kWh.

The motor was right-by-gosh-now powerful, which is typical of electrics. Unlike gasoline engines, electrics deliver all their torque the moment they begin to turn. No need to rev.

Here’s a bet: Americans in urban or busy suburban areas will fall in love with electrics’ instant response. Hole in traffic? You’re there.

The Nissan felt quicker than Volt. But there was no side-by-side comparison or stopwatch, so that’s totally seat-of-the-pants.

Nissan engineers differ considerably from rivals on how to tune the regenerative braking. Regen braking is the system that turns the electric motor into a generator on deceleration and throws some juice back into the battery pack.

You’d never know the Nissan even had regen braking, based on the mule. Lift the throttle, the car slows exactly the way you’re used to. Hit the brake pedal, and the car slows more, in exactly the way you’re used to.

Nissan says the car will sell best to mainstream buyers if it’s, well, exactly the way they’re used to.

Regen braking in some electrics slows the car severely the moment you ease pressure on the throttle and gets even more aggressive when you hit the brakes. Nissan engineers believe that’s the wrong approach. “We want the driving experience to be transparent,” says Mark Perry, U.S. director of product planning for Nissan.

Truly, it was a refreshing change. The motor is still acting as a generator and refilling the battery, but the oddball feel and typical whine were absent.

To be clear: Electric cars have conventional brakes. The regen system is a recharging setup. It isn’t the primary way to slow or stop the car.

The nod to mainstream buyers is a big issue for Nissan. It must begin selling at least 100,000 electrics a year in the U.S. as soon as 2012 to meet its business plan, and to prevent demanding CEO Carlos Ghosn from whacking some heads.

The Nissan is pure electric. You drive until the battery pack is low, then stop and plug in for a recharge. Unlike the Volt, it has no “range extender” gasoline engine. But Nissan says its car will go 100 miles on a charge compared with Volt’s 40 miles on battery before Volt’s gas engine has to start running to generate power.

Nissan says 100 miles covers about 98% of daily driving needs in America.

As is becoming the norm, Nissan will encourage customers to have a heavy-duty circuit, typically called 220 volts, because that charges much faster than plugging into a standard 110- to 120-volt household outlet. A few hours vs. overnight.

Eventually, merchants and offices may offer 480-volt “fast-charge” hookups — 30 minutes or less — as a shopper lure or worker perquisite.

All Nissan will say about price is that it should be about the same as a bigger family sedan. So — wild guess — maybe $25,000 for a car that — if not electric — would be $15,000.

In return, you can ignore gas stations. And even where it’s expensive, electricity’s cheaper than gas. Nissan swears its electric makes economic sense even if gasoline were just $1.10 a gallon.

The body and interior will play a big role in the car’s appeal. But if the mule was a true harbinger, nobody’s likely to reject it because of how it drives.

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

5-8-09

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Nissan’s zippy electric car should generate lots of buyers

A few companies peddling their cutting-edge, LED lighting products at this year’s Lightfair resorted to trashing — literally — fluorescent and incandescent lamps in their sales pitches.

A transparent trash pail filled with standard and C.F.L. bulbs, for instance, was set up at a booth belonging to Digital Light, and LED supplier. A glowing, LED-powered light stood triumphantly above the refuse.

According to a Digital Light representative, the message behind the display is that with the advent of ultra-efficient LED products, consumers can now toss out their fluorescent bulbs — along with incandescents, which are already being phased out by federal legislation.

(Digital Light distributes Lemnis Lighting’s 6-watt L.E.D. bulb, which Green Inc. wrote about on Wednesday.)

Meanwhile, another LED light maker, Cree, Inc., displayed large posters saying: “It’s time to break your fluorescent shackles.”

The company’s message? Consumers and office desk-jockeys have been suffering the unflattering light of fluorescent bulbs for too long. Cree claims its products cast an attractive, incandescent-like light, but with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

“C.F.L.s started the conversation with consumers. LEDs are going to convert them,” declared Michelle Murray, a company spokeswoman.

The Fulham Company, whose core business is selling fluorescent lighting components, had the misfortune of having an exhibition space right next to Cree’s smack-talking booth.

Tom Woods, the company’s chief operational officer, believes Cree may be jumping the gun a bit with its fluorescent-bashing campaign – especially given that LEDs cost so much more and are relatively unproven.

“Today there are about as many people saying LEDs are the next great light of the future as there are people saying it’s not,” Mr. Woods said. “There is a place for every technology.”

By Leora Broydo Vestel
greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com
5-7-09

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Light Bulb Makers Talking Trash

[Several people pointed out an error in my calculations. Carbon is priced per metric ton not by pound. The carbon offset value of placing a textbook on Kindle is about 25 cents per textbook with carbon at $100 per ton. If the Kindle can hold 1000 textbooks then the carbon offset value is about $250, which is still significant – but not thousands of dollars. But I still believe the real value for the Kindle is in gCommerce application where the Kindle DX and its content can be given away for free to students and faculty in exchange for them reducing their personal carbon footprint, for example by taking public transportation, or paying a premium on parking and faculty travel. Collatech is live on second Life – watch for my avatar. – BSA]

Collabtech Conference
http://www.case.edu/its/collabtech09/

The carbon footprint of textbooks, paper etc
http://www.stewartmarion.com/carbon-footprint/html/carbon-footprint-stuff.html
One pound of printer paper generates 4 pounds of CO2; one pound of newspaper produces 3 pounds of CO2; one pound of textbooks produces 5 pounds of CO2; one pound of 20oz plastic bottles creates 1 pound of carbon dioxide; and one pound of aluminum cans produces 5 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Amazon’s Kindle DX
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-DX-Amazons-Wireless-Generation/dp/B0015TCML0

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More on how the new Kindle DX can help reduce CO2 at universities

[I am currently at the very exciting Collabtech Conference at Case Western which is about using information and network technologies for collaborative research and education. This morning Case Western announced a partnership with Amazon to deploy the Kindle DX. Amazon has made arrangements with a number of textbook publishers to make textbooks available on the Kindle for students at Case Western. Not only with this improve access to the textbooks, lower their costs and save student backs, but it will also help to significantly reduce the university’s carbon footprint. According to a study at the Babcock School of Business the production and shipping of average textbook result in 5 pounds of CO2. This means that if carbon is $20 a ton, the carbon offset value of making a textbook available on Kindle is $100, and if carbon trades at $100 per ton, as is expected to happen to the price of carbon with cap and trade then the offset value is $500 per textbook. One Kindle can hold hundreds, if not thousands of textbooks and other documents – so the offset value of a single Kindle can be worth thousands of dollars! (Of course you have to discount life cycle CO2 cost of Kindle itself and additionality of the extra textbooks). There are only 160 students at the Babcock School of Business and they estimate the carbon footprint is 45 tons per year for the textbooks purchased by these students. But not only does the Kindle have a direct CO2 reduction potential it can also be used a powerful tool for “gCommerce” applications where the Kindle DX and its content can be given away for free to students and faculty in exchange for them reducing their personal carbon footprint, for example by taking public transportation, or paying a premium on parking and faculty travel. Collatech is live on second Life – watch for my avatar. – BSA]

Collabtech Conference
http://www.case.edu/its/collabtech09/

The carbon footprint of textbooks, paper etc
http://www.stewartmarion.com/carbon-footprint/html/carbon-footprint-stuff.html
One pound of printer paper generates 4 pounds of CO2; one pound of newspaper produces 3 pounds of CO2; one pound of textbooks produces 5 pounds of CO2; one pound of 20oz plastic bottles creates 1 pound of carbon dioxide; and one pound of aluminum cans produces 5 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Amazon’s Kindle DX
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-DX-Amazons-Wireless-Generation/dp/B0015TCML0

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How the new Kindle DX can help reduce CO2 at universities

[Al Gore was instrumental in raising consciousness in the 2 most important planet changing issues of the last 50 years – the Internet and Climate Change. He now brings these two themes together at his upcoming talk at SC09 in Portland, which I think confirms the critical role that research Cyber-infrastructure and the Internet will play in addressing the challenge of climate change. SC09 is the preeminent conference for cyber-infrastructure involving supercomputing and advanced networks. Thanks to Harvey Newman for this pointer – BSA]

Al Gore to Keynote 22nd Annual Supercomputing Conference, SC09
http://www.computer.org/portal/site/ieeecs/menuitem.c5efb9b8ade9096b8a9ca0108bcd45f3/index.jsp?&pName=ieeecs_level1&path=ieeecs/press/April09&file=algore.xml&xsl=brief_display.xsl&

PORTLAND, Ore.—27 April, 2009 – SC09, the 22nd annual event in the SC conference series, recognized globally as the premier international conference on high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis, announced today it has selected former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to deliver the conference keynote address.
SC09 has adopted the theme of “Computing for a Changing World,” and will present a special focus on initiatives related to Sustainability, Bio-Computing and the 3D Internet.
Gore will deliver the keynote presentation on Thursday, 19 November for the anticipated crowd of 11,000 attendees made up of leading computational scientists, researchers, and supercomputing experts from around the globe, many of whom work on High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms and supercomputers researching life-changing issues such as disease understanding, drug discovery, renewable energy, and global climate change.
Gore has been an evangelist on global climate and energy-related issues since the 1980s. He has lectured around the globe and his climate change documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth” won an Academy Award and was instrumental in his selection as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
“Al Gore has been a champion of applied computing technology for more than two decades,” said Dr. Wilfred Pinfold, General Chair of SC09. “The High Performance Computing and Communication Act of 1991, often referred to as ‘The Gore Bill’ was undoubtedly a milestone in Internet history. That bill led to formation of the National Information Infrastructure (NII), which Gore labeled the Information Superhighway. We are honored to name Al Gore as our SC09 keynote speaker.”
About SC09
SC09 will be held 14-20 November, 2009 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. SC09 is sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society and ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and offers a complete technical education program and exhibition to showcase the many ways high performance computing, networking, storage and analysis lead to advances in scientific discovery, research, education and commerce.
This premier international conference includes a globally attended technical program, workshops, tutorials, an exhibit area, demonstrations and hands-on learning. The SC conference series is among Tradeshow Week magazine’s Top 200 events. For more information on SC09, please visit http://sc09.supercomputing.org/.
________________________________________

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Al Gore to Keynote 22nd Annual Supercomputing & Networking Conference, SC09

Evergreen Solar Introduces New Black-Framed String Ribbon™ Solar Panels at Solar Expo 2009 in Verona, Italy

The Company’s most powerful solar panels features aesthetic improvements

Solar Expo 2009MARLBORO, Mass.–May 7 2009 –Evergreen Solar, Inc. (finance.yahoo.com/q?s=eslr”>Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, will introduce its new black-framed ES-A Series String Ribbon solar panels at its booth during Solar Expo 2009 in Verona, Italy, May 7-9. These panels are an improvement of the company’s line of 200, 205 and 210 W solar panels designed with a black frame that, when installed on roofs, improves the aesthetic appearance of solar arrays..

Evergreen Solar’s new line of ES-A black-framed String Ribbon panels will be available for viewing throughout Solar Expo at the company’s booth located in Hall 5, B3.1.

The ES-A line of panels deliver more electricity with the least environmental impact of any solar panel currently available. The ES-A series panels feature the best power tolerance currently available in the industry and String Ribbon panels received high rankings in recent TÜV and Photon performance tests. All Evergreen Solar panels are manufactured using its proprietary silicon wafer technology which is the most environmentally-friendly process in the industry giving them the smallest carbon footprint and quickest energy payback of any panel ever made.

Installation of the new black-framed ES-A series panels is identical to former panels with silver frames. Evergreen Solar recommends the use of black anodized mounting clamps to ensure a homogenous appearance of the system.

“The black-framed ES-A series panels allow our customers to create installations that not only provide more electricity and less impact on the environment than any other solar panel made today but also do so in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to the end user,” said Dr. Terry Bailey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “We created this improvement of our product line in response to input we received from our installers and partners. They have been very well-received since their introduction in April.”

All panels in the ES-A series are produced at Evergreen Solar’s new state-of-the-art Devens, Massachusetts, manufacturing facility and use the company’s proprietary Quad furnaces to create the solar wafers.

About Evergreen Solar, Inc.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets String Ribbon™ solar power products using its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology. The Company’s patented wafer manufacturing technology uses significantly less polysilicon than conventional processes. Evergreen Solar’s products provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power for residential and commercial applications globally. For more information about the Company, please visit www.evergreensolar.com. Evergreen Solar® and String Ribbon™ are trademarks of Evergreen Solar, Inc.

Contacts Evergreen Solar, Inc.Chris Lawson, 508-357-2221 X7214Director Marketing Communicationsclawson@evergreensolar.comorMedia:Elevate CommunicationsJim Connelly, 617-861-3654Account Supervisorjconnelly@elevatecom.com
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Evergreen Solar Introduces New Black-Framed String Ribbon™ Solar Panels at Solar Expo 2009 in Verona, Italy

DOE announced it plans to provide $93 million from the Recovery Act to support further development of wind energy in the U.S. The funding will support projects that draw on the innovations of DOE’s national laboratories, universities, and the private sector to help improve reliability and overcome key technical challenges for the wind industry. These projects will create green jobs, promote economic recovery, and provide the investments needed to increase renewable energy generation.

DOE will also invest over $100 million in Recovery Act funds for facility and infrastructure improvements at its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), including $68 million for the nation’s most energy efficient office building, the Research Support Facility, as well as $13.5 million for the Integrated Biorefinery Research Facility and $19.2 million for other infrastructure improvements, such as renewable energy systems to help power the laboratory. The Research Support Facility is currently under construction at NREL; see the NREL construction update.

Of the $93 million in wind energy funding, $10 million will go toward DOE’s National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), which is part of NREL, to enhance the testing of wind turbine drivetrains and to upgrade the electrical distribution system, allowing NREL to feed power from two new utility-scale wind turbines into the grid. Under previous agreements, the two new turbines will be installed at the NWTC for testing and evaluation.

DOE will also award $14 million to support the development of lightweight, advanced materials for wind turbine components and the development of process controls for the manufacture of wind turbine blades. DOE will also offer $69 million through two competitive solicitations: a $24 million solicitation for the development of up to three university and industry consortia, which will focus on critical wind energy challenges, and a $45 million solicitation to support the design and construction of a new drivetrain testing facility for large wind turbines. See the DOE press release, the NREL feature articles on the new funding and the two new wind turbines, and the notices on the DOE e-Center Web site of the upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcements for the university and industry consortia and the drivetrain testing facility.

Weekly Clean Energy Roundup: May 6, 2009

from Sustainablebusiness.com

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DOE to Invest $93 Million in Recovery Act Funds in Wind Power

Tesco is charging ahead with its plans to slap a carbon label on all of its private label products to denote the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it takes to produce each item.

The U.K.-based retailer said on Friday it would include the labels on its Tesco-branded toilet paper and kitchen rolls beginning in late summer. The Carbon Reduction Label accounts for all emissions generated by each stage of the product’s lifecycle; Tesco must reduce emissions or lose the right to use the label.

Not surprisingly, the company’s recycled toilet paper comes with a smaller carbon footprint when compared to its conventional counterpart: 1.1g of carbon dioxide emissions for each sheet of recycled toilet paper versus 1.8g for Tesco’s standard roll.

The company said the emissions savings can be traced to an integrated tissue mill that can turn waste paper into tissue paper in one place in order to achieve greater energy efficiency. The company’s kitchen rolls, or paper towels, made from recycled content also achieved a 15 percent smaller carbon footprint.

The company’s labeling program began a year ago with 20 products in four categories — light bulbs, laundry detergent, potatoes and orange juice — and now rings in at roughly 100 items.
Tesco NonBio liquid detergent with carbon label
The move is part of a collaboration with The Carbon Trust, a government-funded entity that has already worked with companies such as Walkers, Boots and innocent Drinks to test the carbon label pilot program. Coca Cola, Continental Clothing, Halifax, Cadbury, Marshalls and British Sugar are among the companies that have pursued carbon labels for their products and services.

According to Tesco, consumer surveys indicate more than 60 percent seek products with low carbon footprints if they don’t have to sacrifice cost or convenience.

Tue May 5, 2009 1:27am EDT
By Tilde Herrera
Reutersonline

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What’s the Carbon Footprint of Your Toilet Paper?

GE Energy Joins Forces with WSI, a Member of the Weather Channel Companies, to Launch Forecasting Technology for Wind Farms

Windpower 2009 -Booth 4148
CHICAGO–GE Energy and WSI Corporation, the global leader in weather information and a member of The Weather Channel Companies, are joining forces to launch more accurate forecasting tools for wind farm owner/operators and transmission/distribution providers.

GE Energy, the leading U.S. supplier of wind turbines, and WSI announced today at Windpower 2009 that they have formed an alliance. “This relationship brings together two technology platforms to further the science of wind forecasting and its use in wind farm operations,” said Victor Abate, vice president, renewables for GE Energy.

WSI Corporation is the world’s leading provider of weather-driven business solutions across industries that span media, aviation, energy trading, utilities and insurance. In its alliance with GE Energy, WSI will build upon its existing wind power and wind speed forecast capabilities to develop technology that provides more accurate forecasts for the wind power industry. The improved accuracy can assist in optimization of turbine performance, power production planning and wind energy transmission integration.

As part of the alliance, WSI and GE Energy will develop technology to collect real-time turbine and wind data, incorporate this data into proprietary forecast models, and provide customized forecast and operational guidance services. “The integration of timely, accurate weather forecasts with turbine operations can provide tools to help operators improve the efficiency of their wind farms,” explained Abate.

“This is an important time to be involved with wind energy and in helping to shape the future of our nation’s renewable energy agenda,” said Ira Scharf, general manager of WSI’s energy and risk division. “This alliance builds on our proven strength in wind forecasting and is a natural extension of our capabilities from traditional energy production and trading to cutting-edge renewable sources. We are excited to be teamed with GE Energy, the global leader in wind turbine and wind energy systems. Our combined efforts will lead to the creation of new and innovative solutions for forecasting and optimization of wind power generation and transmission.”

The alliance with WSI supports GE Energy’s ongoing commitment to help move the wind industry forward. “Wind power has become a mainstream energy option and will play an increasingly important role in helping the United States attain energy independence, while also meeting our environmental responsibilities,” said Abate.

Since entering the wind business in 2002, GE Energy has invested more than $850 million to improve wind turbine technology. Today, more than 12,000 GE-technology wind turbines are installed worldwide.

About WSI Corporation

WSI Corporation is the world’s leading provider of weather-driven business solutions for professionals in the energy, aviation, insurance and media markets, and multiple federal and state government agencies. WSI is a member of The Weather Channel Companies and is headquartered in Andover, Mass. with offices in Birmingham, England. The Weather Channel Companies are owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.wsi.com or call 877.WSI.Corp or +44 121 233 7600.

About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

Contacts GE EnergyMilissa Rocker, +1 518-385-2381milissa.rocker@ge.comorMasto Public RelationsKen Darling or Howard Masto+1 518-786-6488kenneth.darling@ge.comhoward.masto@ge.comorWSI CorporationKristen Sullivan, +1 978-983-6607ksullivan@wsi.comorEditorial ContactBarbara Rudolph, +1 781-229-1811bjr@rudolphcommunications.com

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GE Energy Joins Forces with WSI, a Member of the Weather Channel Companies, to Launch Forecasting Technology for Wind Farms

Hello Folks

We have yet to study this but we plan to and thought you may want the link to study it yourself

http://www.energy.gov/recovery/index.htm

Whenever the government spends a great deal of money there is opportunity for us all and in this instance a more “green” approach to life is to be rewarded

Good luck in finding what helps you

Conserv-A-Store Management

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Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act)

Renewable Energy, Environment and Water Companies can Now Submit Company Profiles to Investor Ideas Green Investor Portals

Sector Profile Includes Executive summary, Stock Symbol, Product Info and Key Executives

Delta B.C., May 4, 2009 – www.InvestorIdeas.com, a leading global investor and industry research portal covering multiple industry sectors, announces a new service for company profile submission for renewable energy, water, and environment companies.

The green company profile consists of the company name, logo, contact info , sector, executive summary, products and services summary, key executives, keywords, and if publicly traded- stock symbol and exchange.

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Seeger-Orbis Takes the Wind Industry by Storm with Tempest™ Retaining Ring Series

BRISTOL, Conn.–May 4 2009 -Over the last decade, wind energy capacity has grown globally at an average cumulative rate of more than 32 percent annually. With turbines getting bigger, Seeger-Orbis, a leading manufacturing of retaining rings and business of Barnes Group Inc. (finance.yahoo.com/q?s=b&.yficrumb=IC4TVF0O8V3″>NYSE: B), has launched a retaining ring series designed specifically for the growing demands of the wind energy industry.

Seeger-Orbis, regarded as the leader in retaining rings in Europe, tailored the new Tempest™ series to meet the large size requirements and durability necessary for the extreme service requirement of wind turbines. High performance and precision products, Tempest™ rings are manufactured from high-grade spring steels that are chosen for the special characteristics they deliver to wind turbine nacelles. Tempest™ rings range in sizes up to 1000 mm or larger depending on customer needs, making them ideal for various applications including the gearbox, pitch system, main bearing, yaw system, brake system and generator.

“Due to the nature of the wind industry, rings must be extremely durable and ensure performance in critical force situations,” said Jörg Eberhard, Manager, Industry Management – Energy, Barnes Group Inc. “Leveraging our CAD-Systems and engineering ingenuity, Seeger partners with customers to design and manufacture the Tempest™ product line for their specific needs. Seeger’s retaining systems are recognized all over the world for their superior performance. We are taking this commitment to precision, quality, technical innovation and reliable design solutions to the next level with the Tempest™ series.”

All rings in the Tempest™ series meet TS 16949 Certified Quality Assurance system specifications. For more information on Seeger’s Tempest™ ring series, visit its Web site at www.seeger-orbis.de.

About Seeger-Orbis and Barnes Group Inc.

Seeger-Orbis is one of the leading manufacturer of retaining rings and snap rings for the wind power industry. Europe’s premier ring producer for the last decade, Seeger-Orbis engineers, manufactures and delivers customer service for a large assortment of fastening elements, including retaining rings, snap rings, tight tolerance select fit shims and support washers.

Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE:B) is a diversified global manufacturer and logistical services company focused on providing precision component manufacturing and operating service support. Founded in 1857, the 5,700 dedicated employees at more than 60 locations worldwide are committed to achieving consistent and sustainable profitable growth. For more information, visit www.BGInc.com. Barnes Group, the Critical Components People.

Contacts Barnes Group Inc.Lori Kupec, 860-973-2132

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Seeger-Orbis Takes the Wind Industry by Storm with Tempest™ Retaining Ring Series

The United States and other Arctic nations have established an international task force to study black carbon, a dangerous pollutant that kills millions worldwide and accelerates global warming, particularly in the Arctic.

Earthjustice, which is campaigning to curb black carbon–also known as soot–welcomed the agreement but said there is an urgent need for more immediate action.

“We have the technologies to reduce black carbon today,” said Erika Rosenthal, an Earthjustice attorney. “Quick action on black carbon will slow Arctic melting and buy valuable time to address the larger problem of carbon dioxide emissions. ”

Black carbon consists of microscopic airborne particles of soot that come from diesel engines and industrial smokestacks in the developed world and residential cooking and heating stoves in the developing world. Breathing black carbon causes serious respiratory illness responsible for 1.6 million deaths a year, and when it falls on ice or snow in the Arctic, it causes it to melt faster. Since black carbon stays in the atmosphere only a short time, fast action to control it will buy time for addressing the larger issue of carbon dioxide, the chief cause of global warming, according to an Earthjustice statement.

Earthjustice is urging the United States and the European Union to tighten controls on domestic sources and increase aid to developing nations to help them transition to cleaner fuels and stoves.

Last week, U.S.senators who are usually far apart on environmental issues agreed that the EPA should look at ways to control black carbon. Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE) and Jim Inhofe, the Oklahoma Republican known as the Senate’s chief global warming skeptic, introduced a bill requiring the EPA to study black carbon pollution and within a year come up with solutions for reducing emissions.

At the Norway conference, former Vice President and Nobel Prize winner Al Gore called on the world to reduce black carbon emissions by burning less diesel and wood: “The principal [climate change] problem is carbon dioxide, but a new understanding is emerging of soot. Black carbon is settling in the Himalayas. The air pollution levels in the upper Himalayas are now similar to those in Los Angeles.”

Rosenthal said the U.S. and the E.U. must show global leadership for an action plan that immediately reduces black carbon from diesel engines, agricultural burning and marine vessels.

“The Obama administration has made a good start at home by increasing funding to clean up dirty diesel engines,” she said, “but much more must be done–and quickly. The U.S. must increase transportation efficiency through retrofits and turnover of pre-1994 trucks; include the Alaskan Arctic in the U.S. Emissions Control Area to reduce global warming pollution from marine vessels; transition to using shore power for ships at berth; and develop special black carbon mitigation initiatives for the American Arctic.”

A Differing Viewpoint

The mud-stove, commonly used in villages throughout the developing world, is projected as a ready alternative to CO2 handling in Green House Gases (GHG) management; a quick and cheap redressal to glacier-meltdown and of global warming. But soot clears out of the atmosphere in a matter of weeks whereas CO2 hangs about for a long time. So, by leaving CO2 in the atmosphere and removing the soot, what kind of time are we really buying? That’s the question asked by Vandana Prakash.

Is it fair to ask some small village that makes but a tiny contribution to GHG emissions to alter its lifestyle fundamentally, so that major polluters can continue their ways unchanged?

05/01/2009 11:01 AM

SustainableBusiness.com News

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What is Soot’s Role in Climate Change?

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – SolarWorld, Germany’s third-largest solar company by revenue, confirmed its 2009 sales outlook after first-quarter net profit rose more than a quarter as the company offset falling module prices by cutting costs. Chief Executive Frank Asbeck told Reuters on Monday that the company still expects to post 2009 sales of more than 1 billion euros ($1.33 billion), while full-year profit would depend on how prices develop in the battered industry.

SolarWorld in March held off giving a 2009 profit outlook, providing guidance only for sales as falling prices for cell modules and wafers has weighed on margins in the industry.

Net profit for the first three months came in at 24 million euros, up 26 percent from last year’s 19 million, while sales rose 5 percent to 176 million euros.

Its shares were indicated 1.1 percent higher in pre-market trade, while Frankfurt’s technology index was seen 0.2 percent lower.

Cost-cutting measures also helped peer First Solar last week, whose shares rocketed after its results beat analyst expectations despite strong price declines.

Like peers, SolarWorld is looking to expand beyond established and saturated European markets. It has said it aims to double sales in the United States this year, boosted by investments earmarked by the Obama administration.

SolarWorld — which makes solar panels, cells and silicon — is among few companies in the sector that have not been hit by the economic crisis so far. Analysts cite its activities in several parts of the solar value chain.

More specialized peers such as Q-Cells and Norway’s Renewable Energy Corp (REC) are struggling to maintain the high growth rates that have been a hallmark of the industry.

According to StarMine, which weights analysts’ forecasts according to their track records, SolarWorld trades at 14.3 times estimated 12-month forward earnings, a premium to Q-Cells’s 10.6 and REC’s 11.7 times.

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Anneli Palmen)

Mon May 4, 2009 2:29am EDT

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SolarWorld keeps 2009 sales outlook

Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu announced $93 million in funding for American wind energy research and development on Wednesday, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The goal is to set America on a course for a secure and sustainable energy future,” Mr. Chu said to a crowd assembled at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. The secretary restated President Obama’s target of generating 10 percent (PDF) of the nation’s electricity from renewables by 2012.

According to energy department statistics, in 2008, wind energy accounted for 42 percent of all new energy generation capacity in the United States.

Of nearly $100 billion in stimulus funds for energy, $26 billion have been authorized for clean energy projects since mid-February, Mr. Chu said. The Department of Energy’s goal is to award 70 percent of this total by Labor Day.

In addition to increased funding, the secretary also pledged to speed up the the energy department’s loan-making process. He said in the past it was not unusual for loan approvals to take four years. “This is a very sick economy,” said Mr. Chu. “If it takes four years to get a new set of loans out, either the patient will have recovered by himself — or he will have died.”

The secretary said the new loan approval system will cut that time to a matter of months, and drastically reduce the amount of paperwork. “We want to launch projects quickly and logically that will provide enduring value,” said Mr. Chu.

The speedier turnaround time, however, will come with greater oversight, he said. “The president has made very clear that he holds all agencies accountable for making sure the states spend this money wisely.”

To loud applause, Mr. Chu also announced a $100 million grant to the renewable energy lab for building upgrades and other infrastructure fixes to its biorefinery, which is exploring ethanol- and cellulose-based fuel.

Before the talk, Mr. Chu and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter toured a wing of the N.R.E.L. facility focused on developing low-cost photovoltaic technology

Last year, N.R.E.L. researchers set a world record for efficiency for a thin-film photovoltaic cell, which achieved an efficiency of 19.9 percent, close to that of the more traditional silicon-based solar cell.

The silicon-free cells hold promise, said Joe Verrengia, an N.R.E.L. spokesman, because they are cheaper to manufacture and replace than traditional solar panels.

By Jeremy Miller

greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com

April 30, 2009, 11:49 am

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Chu Promises Speedier Funding for Renewable Energy Projects

That’s the line Cathy Zoi recalls from former vice president Al Gore when he urged her to become CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection.

Americans are aware of global warming, “but they don’t get the urgency of it and that this is solvable,” says Zoi, who took the job last year.

The new group is about to launch the most ambitious U.S. marketing campaign ever on climate change, at a cost of more than $100 million a year for three years, to focus on the urgency of the problem and solutions.

The need for a different approach is apparent, environmentalists say.

“We’ve come up against a brick wall with Americans,” says Lee Bodner, executive director of ecoAmerica, an environmental group based in Washington, D.C. Despite Americans’ widespread familiarity with global warming, “only a small group are changing their behavior.”

There’s little research on how to lower people’s energy use, but early evidence suggests that many people will change if:

• They think others similar to themselves are jumping on the “green” bandwagon.

• They get frequent positive feedback for effort.

• They feel able to make a difference by taking concrete steps.

• They think their children will be harmed by global warming, or children encourage the family to lead a greener life.

Though research about green behavior is sparse, there’s strong evidence on what sparks behavior change in general. “We just haven’t applied it to global warming the way we have to public health issues like smoking and cholesterol,” says Douglas McKenzie-Mohr, environmental psychologist in Fredericton, Ontario.

Fact-jammed books — appeals often used by global warming activists — and terrifying threats about the future that don’t offer solutions won’t motivate many people and may even backfire, says Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale University Project on Climate Change. The more people are inundated with facts and figures, the more emotionally turned off many become, “and you have to have an emotional response — bad or good — to put a high priority on doing something.”

That’s not to say dire threats work better. If not paired with positive, doable actions, fear tactics can make people feel overwhelmed and powerless, Leiserowitz says.

Spreading the word

It’s understandable that activists want to heighten a sense of the threat. Most Americans see global warming as a problem of the future in a far-away place, likely to affect other species but not people, Leiserowitz’s surveys show. Although concern has grown, fewer than one-fifth of Americans are passionate about the issue, suggests a sweeping 2007 poll by Jon Krosnick of Stanford University.

Amping up awareness could raise pressure for policy changes by government but won’t necessarily change personal behavior. Decades of research show little correlation between attitudes and behavior, says Carrie Armel of Stanford’s Precourt Institute for Energy Efficiency. On global warming, action can be hard: Even concerned people may live where there’s no good public transportation and be unable to afford solar heat panels.

So what does spark change?

For one thing, many are prompted to take green actions if they think others like them are doing it.

In studies at hotels, guests who read in-room cards urging them to reuse towels to save energy were much less likely to comply than travelers whose cards said most hotel visitors recycled towels. Cards that said most who stayed in that very room had reused towels were even more likely to recycle.

“We most want to follow those who seem similar to us,” says study leader Robert Cialdini, a persuasion expert at Arizona State University.

Cialdini’s studies also have found that people use less energy if they think most neighbors have cut back.

“This ‘everybody’s doing it’ pitch is almost never used in the PSAs around energy conservation.” If people hear they’re doing better than neighbors, they’ll raise their energy use. But they’ll come down again if they just get a smiley-face icon on their bill praising their extra effort, Cialdini says.

Tailoring messages to diverse audiences and hearing them from many sources also fosters change, says Edward Maibach, director of a new center on climate change and communication at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

“We have to mainstream this. It has to become easy and normal,” Zoi says.

The Alliance for Climate Protection will buy ads and partner with grass-roots groups to spread the word on how to cut greenhouse gases. It also is seeking partnerships with consumer product makers “to amplify the message” on how to curb global warming through their packaging, websites or ads, Zoi says. The website www.wecansolveit.org, scheduled to launch in the next week, will spell out concrete steps for change.

Even with mass exposure, “you need to offer a reason to make changes that connects to something they care about, probably something close to home,” says ecoAmerica’s Bodner.

At work and at home

For Brian Flynn, it was bears creating havoc in Aspen, Colo. Bears were coming into town a few years ago, breaking open containers of discarded vegetable oil behind restaurants and scaring people.

Companies supply and pick up the containers, because commercial oil can’t be dumped into landfills. Flynn, a manager for the city, came up with the idea for a bear-proof container. He learned of a company in Denver that converts the oil into a cleaner fuel for automobiles, “and the next thing you know I had a recycling business on the side,” picking up the oil so it can be converted into fuel. His own Ford pickup has been modified to run on the recycled fuel.

When Flynn and his wife, Lisa, built their first house three years ago, they used recycled wood and framed with huge foam panels that cut the need for heat. That and other green features increased costs by $50,000 to $60,000 — roughly 8% more than a similar house without such materials, he says. “We have a very large mortgage, and we don’t have a lot of extra money, but I don’t want to be a drain on this society. It makes me feel good to live this way.”

Surprisingly, money doesn’t matter nearly as much as many think in deciding whether to buy a gas hog or fuel-efficient car, according to new research. “Most people don’t buy cars based on fuel economy,” says Tom Turrentine, director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California-Davis. “Again and again, we hear ‘I buy cars I really like.’ ”

As for buying a hybrid car, money matters, “but buyers often are much more motivated by making a statement about their values and beliefs. They feel it shows they’re ethical people, that we need to get together as a community to solve this,” says Rusty Heffner of Booz Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm in McLean, Va.

Tom Creasman, 61, of Cincinnati says he likes the $3,000 he saves — compared with previous cars he has owned — by driving 25,000 miles a year in his Prius.

“But it’s equally important that it fits with our lifestyle,” he says. The family has drought-resistant landscaping, eats organic and is considering adding solar heat panels. “I’ve always been a backpacker, kind of leave-no-footprint-oriented. We try not to live our lives like pigs at the trough.”

Persuading people such as Creasman to lighten their carbon footprint is easier than persuading others, says Bill Guns, CEO of SRI Consulting Business Intelligence, a consumer behavior research firm. Since 1990, SRI has used a method called the VALS System that separates Americans into categories based on what motivates them to make choices.

About 20% will be driven by facts and ideals to change behaviors that contribute to global warming, he says. Most are already convinced of problems linked to climate change.

But another, highly influential 25% are middle-of-the-road, achievement-oriented people, many of them 30 to 50 years old. “They never have enough time or money,” he says.

Wonky research gives them a desired pretext to toss global warming concerns in the “ignore” box, he says. They’re drawn to appeals that promise more success or financial security.

The youth factor

And one thing matters greatly to many of them: their children.

“Kids are particularly effective in getting changes into these ‘achiever’ households,” for example by demanding a greener household, Guns says.

Any pitch that suggests their children will suffer harm from global warming would hit this group hard, and their choices often spread to the rest of the population, he says.

To achieve widespread greener behavior and big policy changes, “we need to get this group on board,” Guns says.

Changes in how people live and use energy are inevitable, “because nature bats last,” McKenzie-Mohr says.

“We’ll be forced into it, whether we do it proactively or retroactively, and I hope it’s not retroactive because then we’ll always be in a crisis mode. If we do it proactively, we’re more likely to do it wisely.”

By Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY

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‘Green’ bandwagon is getting a big push

Boston’s home heating season came to an abrupt close in April and with it my experiment with a technology known as micro-combined heat and power, or MCHP.

The idea behind this and other so-called co-generation systems is to minimize wasted energy by generating two forms of it — electricity and heat — from a single source.

My system — called the freewatt — burns natural gas to create 1.2 kilowatts of electricity from an electrical generator. The heat from that combustion also warms the water in my home’s cast iron radiators and, incidentally, the hot water heater. (Larger, industrial sized co-generation systems can even harness heat to reduce cooling costs, using evaporation technology known as desiccant cooling — though the co-generation cooling systems are not yet scalable to residential use.)

Using the system from November through March, I saved $2,000 in energy costs over the same period last year. Much of that, of course, can be attributed to switching from oil heat to natural gas, but the MCHP unit also saved me $500 by generating electricity (power that I don’t have to buy from the grid) — and it produced fewer carbon-dioxide emissions.

By all means, residential co-generation is technology still in development. A 2008 report from IDC, the market research firm, noted that while the market for residential systems of this kind was “fast expanding” in Europe and Japan, in the United States, where MCHP (also known as micro-CHP) is still in its infancy, growth is slow moving.

Still, in the report summary, Nick Lenssen, the director of energy insights for IDC, said, “We expect to see micro-CHP systems gaining ground in the United States over the next five years, especially in the Northeastern part of the country, which manufacturers are targeting due to that area’s cold climate and more favorable regulatory policies.”

Marathon Engine Systems of East Troy, Wis., and Whisper Tech, a subsidiary of Meridian Energy of New Zealand, are among the very few manufacturers with MCHP systems in the American market.

ECR International, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning manufacturer in Utica, N.Y., is a third — and the one distributing the freewatt. ECR says it has “a couple hundred” MCHP systems operating in New England — including about 40 purchased by the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network of Massachusetts, which is funded by the commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Trust fund.

“I feel pretty positive about the systems,” says Bruce Ledgerwood, manager of the Network’s alternative energy program, which has also installed co-generation systems that use photovoltaic, geothermal and wind power.

Still, there are downsides. MCHP isn’t exactly cheap. The cost for my system, including installation, came to $24,880. Rebates from the local utility and other incentives brought my out-of-pocket expense down to about $20,000, but even so, any payback in terms of annual savings on my utility bills will take several years to realize.

Another caveat to the system: it only produces electricity when it is also producing heat. In the warmer months, or any time heat is not needed, electric power must be drawn from the grid.

Harvey Sachs, senior fellow at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a Washington nonprofit organization funded by environmental groups, energy utilities and others, suggested that this was why MCHP is not for everyone.

“MCHP systems, in general, are a misapplication for most residences,” he said, though he added: “There are some exceptions. For example, if you have an old Victorian that’s hard to heat.”

That’s precisely what I have, and even after buttoning up the house with new storm windows and attic insulation, my old oil system — and New England’s chilly winters — combined for pricey utility bills. So far, that has made my MCHP experiment seem well worth the expense.

By Kevin Ferguson

April 29, 2009, 9:18 am

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/a-winters-tale-my-first-season-with-micro-combined-heat-and-power/#more-7243

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A Winter’s Tale: My First Season With Micro-Combined Heat and Power