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Innovation
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Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. As the sun strikes a PV cell, the semi-conducting materials within the cell absorb the sunlight, producing electricity. Solar cells are often used as simple systems that power small calculators and wristwatches. More complicated systems provide electricity for pumping water, powering communications equipment, lighting homes, and running appliances. A series of solar cells form a PV array or "solar panel." Between 10 and 50 solar panels are needed to power an average household. PV panels are installed on buildings in places of maximum sun and minimal shade in order to take full advantage of the sun's power. There is very little maintenance required to sustain solar equipment. Panels that are kept clean, can last 20 to 30 years.
Solar power can be used in a grid-tied system or in a distributed system. A solar grid-tied system links a series of solar panels through a power inverter to the utility's electric grid. The solar panels generate a direct current (DC) by drawing on energy from the sun. The inverter then converts that direct current to an alternating current (AC), which electronic devices and appliances can use. Batteries are not necessary to supplement the system and any excess electricity generated by the solar panels is redirected by the inverter back into the grid where it can be used on other premises.
Distributed systems work independently from a utility's electric grid, using batteries to store the power. Similar to a grid-tied system, distributed solar panels typically use a power inverter to convert the direct current from the sun into an alternating current, to be used on location. However, some systems function without an inverter and run only DC appliances.
Thanks to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Act of 2004, 18 percent of electricity sold at retail in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2021 will be required to be generated by alternative energy sources. This includes 800 MW from solar energy, known as the "Solar Share." To see this Solar Share Fact Sheet, click here. |
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Maastricht, The Netherlands: This paper offers a discussion of eco-innovation and methods for measuring it. Eco-innovation is a new concept of great importance to business and policy makers, covering many innovations of environmental benefit. The paper argues that eco-innovation research and data collection should not be limited to such environmentally motivated innovations, but should encompass all products, processes, or organizational innovations with environmental benefits. Attention should be broadened to include innovation in or oriented towards resource use, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, waste minimization, reuse and recycling, new materials (for example nanotechnology-based) and eco-design.
For measuring eco-innovation, no single method or indicator is likely to be sufficient. In general, one should therefore apply different methods for analyzing eco-innovation - to see the "whole elephant" instead of just a part. More effort should be devoted towards direct measurement of eco-innovation outputs using documentary and digital sources to complement the current emphasis on innovation inputs such as R&D or patents. Innovation can also be measured indirectly from changes in resource efficiency and productivity. These two avenues are underexplored and should be given more attention in order to augment our rather narrow knowledge basis. Click here for a downloadable copy of the paper. |
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DOE's Energy Savers Web Site Helps Consumers Stay Cool, Save Money |
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Washington: Warm weather is on its way. That usually means electric bills will increase and Americans will use more energy than at any other time of year to keep their homes or businesses cool and comfortable. Finding ways to combat these high costs is essential, and that is why the U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Stay Cool, Save Money Web site. This educational tool can help consumers be more energy efficient by implementing simple, cost-effective, energy saving solutions this spring and summer.
Stay Cool, Save Money offers energy-saving tips modeled after whole-house building design, in which all the parts work together to optimize efficiency and save money. The site also has a variety of long-term strategies, such as conducting home energy audits, finding financial assistance opportunities, and locating local providers to install better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and ENERGY STAR® appliances. Itis a year-round resource for Americans' energy needs, revised as the seasons change, with weekly energy saving tips for consumers.
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Study finds Biomass Electricity more Efficient than Biofuels |
 California's Mercury News reports that "Ethanol from plants can fill up drivers' gas tanks, but people could drive 80 percent farther if we converted those crops into electricity, according to a new study by Stanford and University of California researchers." In terms of converting the plants into energy, the scientists considered conversion "into ethanol through fermentation" and converting the plants into electricity by burning biomass to power electrical generators. The researchers "compared the energy costs and output of the electricity and ethanol produced from the same patch of land," and concluded "that an acre of switchgrass could power a small SUV for 15,000 miles if converted into electricity, but 8,000 miles if turned into ethanol." Biofuel advocates counter that "battery technology is still developing," while ethanol uses technology that "is currently cheaper and more accessible." The researchers conceded "that their calculations do not account for every factor in comparing the two energies."
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Innovation
