Possibilities in Solar Energy (Video)
September 20, 2008 by admin
Filed under Technology, Videos
The champion of all energy sources is the sun. More energy from the sun hits the earth in one hour than all the energy consumed on our planet in an entire year. In a year more energy from the sun hits earth than all the oil, coal, gas and nuclear power ever consumed in the history of mankind. However, the boom in solar panels will not be nearly enough to limit climate impacts from burning fossil fuels.
Scientists say that fundamental advances that are more likely to come from government research are what is needed to fix the carbon emission problem. Yet the electric utility industry spends less as a percentage of revenue on research and development than does the dog food industry. If the attitude is that we have to change the biggest business in the world in the next 30 years this needs to change.
New Methods Slice Solar Power Costs
University of Utah mechanical engineers Dinesh Rakwal and Eberhard Bamberg watch as an electrified molybdenum wire cuts a thin wafer of germanium semiconductor, which is used in a solar power cells. Their new cutting technique promises to reduce the cost of the most efficient type of solar power cell.
New Method Cuts Waste in Making Most Efficient Solar Cells
Sept. 15, 2008 - University of Utah engineers devised a new way to slice thin wafers of the chemical element germanium for use in the most efficient type of solar power cells. They say the new method should lower the cost of such cells by reducing the waste and breakage of the brittle semiconductor.
The expensive solar cells now are used mainly on spacecraft, but with the improved wafer-slicing method, “the idea is to make germanium-based, high-efficiency solar cells for uses where cost now is a factor,” particularly for solar power on Earth, says Eberhard “Ebbe” Bamberg, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “You want to do it on your roof.”
P. G. & E. Bright Ideas Grants for California Solar Schools Program
September 1, 2008 by editor
Filed under Resources, Solar Programs
The PG&E Solar Schools Program will award up to $250,000 in grants to schools with Bright Ideas. The program is designed to support the understanding of renewable energy in public schools throughout northern and central California.
- Qualifying schools may apply for grants of $2,500 or $5,000 to be used for innovative classroom and extracurricular programs that further the universe of solar science.
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Past winners have explored solar cooking projects and created solar gardens to harness the sun’s energy. This grant is limited only by one’s imagination!
Who Should Apply
- K-12 public schools in underserved communities, or those in rural communities that have limited access to solar curriculum.
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Community colleges are eligible to apply for Bright Ideas Grants.-new
Requirements
- Schools chosen to receive a “Bright Ideas Grant” are asked to designate who they would like to attend the solar teacher training workshop provided by the PG&E Solar Schools Program.
- A final report of grant activities, including photos and documentation, is due one year after the receipt of the grant.
Reports should be sent to:
Mary Spruill
NEED Project
8408 Kao Circle
Manassas, Virginia 20110
Grant Application
Register and submit grant application online
Or print and send application (.pdf 390k)
- Spring Entries: Applications are due March 20. Winners will be announced in April.
- Fall Entries: Applications are due September 20. Winners will be announced in October.
