May 23, 2013

Energy In, Energy Out: Net-Zero Homes Produce as Much as They Use

solarpanels

By now, most green-minded folks have at least been a passenger in a hybrid automobile. These cars run on renewable, battery-powered electricity in city driving and stop-and-go traffic, then turn to their small but efficient gasoline engines for cruising down the highway ñ and when the car’s batteries need to be charged.

Living greener with home entertainment and technology

green-home

Home theatre systems, smart phones, game consoles and computers are transforming our homes into modern hives of connectivity and entertainment. As the number, size and variety of home gadgetry ramps up – so do our power bills. It’s a good time to be aware of hidden energy costs.

Who’s afraid of feed-in tariffs?

solar-panels

CLIMATE SPECTATOR reports: Feed-in tariffs were always set to be controversial – they turn the electricity market on its head by opening it for true competition.

Queensland Police Service Tenants Power Station.

dandiiri1

Before the “Occupy” protests across the world began to occupy the newspapers I recall reading about a spate of solar panel thefts. When you think about it, these panels are ripe for the picking – big dollars left unattended and ready for resale. Maybe that’s why one of Brisbane’s largest solar systems is being created [...]

Push for Solar Thermal Plant

BZE-Mark-Ogge

THE TRANSCONTINENTAL reports: An organisation that wants to convert Port Augusta’s power stations to solar thermal plants visited the city again last week to further promote its bold vision for future power generation.

Politicians Question the Role of Gas in Australia’s Energy Future

energy-web

Politicians have raised fresh questions about the role of coal seam gas in Australia’s energy future.

Fracking – An Open Letter from Olivia Newton-John

Photo: Chad Smith

Open Letter to My Fellow Australians: I love this country, its people, its rugged beauty, its rainforests, its vastness and unique wildlife.

Berlin – Green city in a Green nation.

P1020334

It is obviously in Germany’s interests to both push solar power and use it. They make most of the good solar panels and it is one of their most important exports. As well, following Fukushima, they have decided to shut down ALL their nuclear plants within the next ten years. Of course, they may still [...]

Solar Thermal Shines On in the United States

solar-panels

Another large-scale concentrating solar thermal project is underway in the United States thanks to strong financial support from the Federal Government. The news is the latest example of the United States moving forward with investment in renewable energy.

Davy’s Quick Tip #2: Polly Put The Kettle On.

Zarafina

We, as subservient members of the British Empire, love to quaff a cuppa at any time of the day with nary an excuse needed. Whether it be by mug, cup, infuser, or pot – we’re loving it. We’re saying pass the honey, honey. Pass the sugar, sugar. And pass the tea, bag. And getting slapped. [...]