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New World Record for Photovoltaic Module Efficiency

LMerker — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:18:07 +0000

The solar company Semprius, in which Siemens has invested as a strategic partner in June 2011, achieved a world record for photovoltaic module efficiency of 33.9 percent. This result was externally certified after measurement under standard test conditions at the Instituto de Energía Solar (IES) at the University of Madrid (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid).

Semprius, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, develops high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) modules. The latest prototypes achieved a major milestone with 33.9 percent solar module efficiency. In a joint collaboration with the Spanish Institute of Concentration Photovoltaic Systems (ISFOC) and the University of Madrid, this testing was performed by the IES institute of the university. For the first time a photovoltaic module converted more than one-third of the energy of the solar irradiation on the module area into usable electricity. Depending on the specific location and irradiation, the HCPV modules can deliver an energy output per square meter that is two times higher than common polycrystalline modules. Leading module manufacturers of conventional PV technologies achieve a maximum module efficiency of approximately 20 percent with monocrystalline PV modules and about 16 percent with polycrystalline technology.

In June 2011, Siemens acquired a 16-percent stake in Semprius to scale up the innovative HCPV technology to market maturity. The Semprius HCPV systems bundle the sunlight on the modules with the aid of integrated lenses on small photovoltaic cells.

HCPV is a prime alternative to conventional photovoltaics especially suitable for sunbelt regions with high direct irradiation.

Semprius as a leader in HCPV modules shows us that we have bet on the right technology,” said Martin Pfund, CEO of the Siemens Energy Photovoltaic Business Unit. “The world record is a breakthrough in module efficiency. Combined with our expertise in turnkey solutions business it has the potential to become a game changer for the solar markets in regions with high irradiation. With Semprius as a partner we will further broaden our portfolio in the photovoltaics market. We’re very pleased to be working together with Semprius to commercialize this technology globally.”

Oregon State University Study Reduces Estimate for Global Warming

eblock — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:55:44 +0000

Dec 7, 2011 – Andreas Schmittner recently published a report that reduces the expected effect of atmospheric increases of carbon dioxide on global warming compared to that of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

21st Century Home Thermostat

eblock — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:34:05 +0000

Dec 1, 2011 – It’s December and the winter months are upon us. David Pogue of The New York Times is one of my favorite technology reviewers. In today’s paper he writes, “A Thermostat That’s Clever, Not Clunky.” It was developed and is produced by Nest. The founder of the company is Tony Fadell, who helped design the iPod and IPhone and ran those divisions at Apple for years. So you know it has to be a cool gadget. And it is. It can be updated wirelessly and used wirelessly from your iPhone. Check it out.

Shop Black Friday Sales: Green Energy

eblock — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:07:05 +0000

Nov 19, 2011 – Black Friday, November 25, 2011 is almost upon us. There will be major sales around the United States, some beginning as early as midnight. Make sure that your shopping list includes items that will help you conserve energy or use alternative energy sources. Many hybrid cars will be on sale during December. Go green during 2012. Leave your comments here as to what you are doing to conserve energy.

11 – 11 – 11

eblock — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:57:19 +0000

11-11-11 – Today is very special day for numerologists. This Veterans’ Day is Eleven Eleven Eleven. Do something memorable. Honor and remember our veterans. Many people are getting engaged or married today. At a minimum, go out for a fancy dinner! Do something memorable so that you will always remember what you did on 11/11/11!

Start making your plans for the once in a century 12/12/12 next year!

Veteran’s Day

eblock — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:36:54 +0000

Nov 11, 2011 - Take some time today to honor the veterans of the United States that have protected our freedoms for over 200 years.

What is the New Must Have Energy Source?

eblock — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:57:39 +0000

Nov 10, 2011 – The New York Times says its an emergency generator in the Northeast USA. At least since Hurricane Irene and the recent early snow storm that both knocked out power. These generators don’t work on sunlight or wind power. They use gasoline, natural gas or propane. It seems nobody cares about green energy when the electricity grid is shut down to their house. We in Florida and other states prone to hurricanes already have our emergency generator. My 15,000 watt generator is 6 years old and is brand new as we haven’t had a power outage in that time. One does have to buy and store gasoline when a storm is coming your way. Luckily, in Florida most gas stations now have emergency generators themselves so that they can pump gasoline even if the main electric goes down. Earlier this year I filled up 10 5-gallon jugs with gas in case the predicted hurricane knocked out the electricity, which it didn’t. I stored them outside [locked with a chain; no, I'm not paranoid, just cautious.] Over the next couple of weeks I used the gasoline in my car. If your car needs premium, make sure that you buy that for your generator if it can run on premium. It is also useful to have a professionally installed transfer switch installed in your house or you will be running 100 foot heavy duty extension cords throughout your house. Please leave information about your use of emergency generators here.

Novak Djokovic Defeats Rafael Nadal in US Open Men’s Final

eblock — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:43:12 +0000

Sep 12, 2011 – Novak Djokovic defeated defending champion Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1 to capture the men’s U.S. Open title, further establishing Djokovic as the No. 1 tennis player in the world.

Ten Years After 9/11/01

eblock — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:43:08 +0000

9/11/11 – A day of remembrance for all those that lost their lives, were injured, lost loved ones and friends and the first responders, firemen, policemen and the brave individuals who prevented the fourth plane from attacking the capital. Never forget.

Crude Oil Pricing

eblock — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:46:43 +0000

Aug 31, 2011 – Where do you check the price of crude oil? It affects the price you pay for gasoline for your car. Look no further than GreenEnergyForEarth.com. It is on the right top side of the home page.