Solar & Renewable Energy News
Solar Engineering and Photovoltaic News
DBM Solar Raises The Bar in Solar Design
The year 2015 has paved the way for much success at DBM Solar. DBM Solar is comprised of a team of experienced designers with over 20 years of combined photovoltaic and solar thermal experience. We offer custom turn-key design sets of the highest standards. Other core services include financial and production modeling, shading analyses, 3D presentation models, feasibility and consulting services, and DAS design. We have achieved new heights with the support and hard work of our team and in thanks to our loyal clients. Earlier this year, we added to our list of accomplishments by receiving the prestigious NABCEP PV Certification. NABCEP was founded in 2002 as a non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation. Their mission is “to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.” The new year brings so much hope for new technology development to help improve the quality of life and better the environment. What makes our field so enjoyable is being able to bring our clients and our community a sustainable output that will increase savings in energy while helping preserve our precious resources. For 2016, we hope to challenge the solar design industry and to continually improve design efficiencies. We wish everyone a prosperous new year. It is indeed a time for new chances and new beginnings. Let this year be a chance to take another step towards positive impacts and a better... read more
World Congress on Sustainable Technologies
The World Congress on Sustainable Technologies (“COST”) is an integrative conference, which puts together efforts throughout the engineering, social and natural sciences. COST promotes the development and dissemination of new information regarding sustainable technologies and their impact on the environment. This year’s COST will be held from December 14 to 16 at Heathrow Windsor Marriott Hotel, Ditton Road, Langley in London, United Kingdom. It will present various prospects for reflection and collaboration, which could be of vital importance in improving the foundation and competence for organization, and application of art, technology, and science in sustainability. COST fuses together the academe and the industry by promoting awareness regarding new and modern improvements in sustainable technologies. During the conference, topics regarding all aspects of sustainable energies and technologies will be discussed and encouraged. They will be divided into seven general areas. Sustainable Energy Technologies Renewable Energy Managements, Economics and Environmental Impact Education Green Computing Sustainable Building Design Sustainability and Policy Waste Management Sustainable Energy Technologies Nanotechnology in Energy New Enabling Technologies Power Electronics and Energy Conversion Energy Harvesting Energy Efficiency in Utilization Off-Grid Isolated Energy Systems Renewable Energy Managements, Economics and Environmental Impact Climate Change Sustainable Waste Management Technologies Energy from Waste Pollution Prevention Environmental Policies and Planning Hazardous Chemical Education E-Society Education and Training Environmental Education Green Computing Technology as Green Enablers Advanced IT energy-aware technologies Smart Grid Applications Green Computing Geo-Energy Power Aware Networking E-Cycling Sustainable Building Design Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Building Design an System New Building Materials and Recycling Creative Industries Sustainability and Policy Sustainable Technology Program Sustainable Applications Sustainable Innovations Sustainable Development Policy Waste Management Waste... read more
Solar Roadways
Imagine a world where everyone benefits from solar energy. Imagine a clean planet. Imagine safer living. This are the ideas of the couple Scott (engineer) and Julie (psychotherapist) Brusaw when they started the “Solar Roadway Project.” What is Solar Roadway? Solar Roadways Incorporated is a startup company based in Sandpoint, Idaho. It was founded by the Brusaw couple, Scott (President and CEO) and Julie in 2006. The company’s vision is to replace asphalt surfaces with structurally-engineered solar panels. As explained by the Brusaw’s, this technology is a fusion of a transparent driving surface with underlying solar cells, electronics and sensors to act as a solar array with programmable capability. Solar Roadways awards and honors: 2009 EE Times Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards “Best Enabler Award for Green Engineering” category finalist. 2010 EE Times Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards “Most Promising Renewable Energy Award” category finalist. 2010 General Electric Ecoimagination Community Award of $50,000. 2013 World Technology Award finalist. 2014 Popular Science. One of 7 “Best of What’s New” Engineering category in the “100 Greatest Innovations of the Year-2014” article. The Challenge with Solar Roadways The idea of developing a “smart highway” exciting, unique, and promising. Not to mention the health and environmental benefits should it become fully implemented. However, just like other science projects, Solar Roadways have run into skepticism and hurdles. Funds and resources top the main problems. A glimmer of hope surfaced in 2009. Brusaw’s efforts paid off when he earned a $100,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant was to fund creating a solar parking lot.... read more
Fracking Basics
Among the largest economic booms that our country has had since 2008’s recession is a result of energy production from fracking. Although the practice of hydraulic fracking of natural gas has a huge economic benefit, it has not come without negative effects, too. Studies show that extensive use of fracking can cause environmental problems. a tremendous amount of water utilization carcinogenic chemicals contaminate the groundwater These negative impacts have not gone unnoticed and have further supported the world towards embracing alternative, renewable energies. Solar Power vs. Fossil Fuels While fossil fuels have to be extracted from pinpointed locations, the source of solar power, the sun, is also easier to identify and can be accessed from anywhere. Solar power is an efficient energy source with no side effects on the environment. Compared to fracking, solar power is limitless, requires minimal extraction, and provides sustainable energy all year round. Solar powers limitless supply not only benefits those that embrace it, but it welcomes more friendly options for the environment, too. Clean Renewable Zero emission of harmful gasses such as nitrogen and sulfur No fuel requirement in producing energy No radioactive waste In addition to paying for itself, solar power is maintenance free. As long as sun rays can hit your home or business, harnessing solar energy is possible. Solar Power Today Solar power has been explored in the past but has only recently been embraced by the mainstream. Germany has been dubbed as the most solar efficient country. Tokelau Island became the first island powered by one hundred percent solar. Imagine if we all utilize solar energy in our homes and... read more
National Forest Products Week
DBM Solar not only supports the use of solar power, but we embrace the benefits of all renewable energies. From solar and wind to sustainable forests, tidal power, and more. In recognition of October’s National Forest Products Week, let’s explore the world of sustainable forests. This occasion falls annually on the third week of October. It aims to recognize products made from renewable forest resources. It also honors people who have contributed to preserving and managing the country’s trees, flowers, and natural resources of the forests. Almost everything we see and use today comes from or is influenced during manufacturing from trees. This includes everything as small as paper to as large as infrastructure materials, all of which play a significant role in our lives. Healthy Economy Based on a study conducted by the American Forest and Paper Association, our country’s forest product industry accounts an approximately six percent of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Forests provide the raw resources we use in medicine, engineering, trade, industry, and hundreds of other sectors. The research also suggests that sales from forest products generate up to more than 200 billion dollars per year. Furthermore, the forest products industry provides jobs for almost a million workers across the country. It is an economic sector that pays about fifty billion dollars to its workers annually. Sustainable Resources Forest products are largely renewable and sustainable. A freshly cut tree can be paired with a newly planted seedling to maintain the cycle and keep the forest ecosystem sustainable. Environmentally Friendly Forest products are not only sustainable, they are also typically biodegradable. Forest products... read more
World Solar Challenge 2015
The World Solar Challenge, a friendly solar-powered car race, takes place every two years in the vast Australian Outback. Often referred to as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, due to Bridgestone Corporation’s sponsorship, 2015’s race is scheduled for October 18 – 25 and covers an approximate 3,021km from Darwin (North) to Adelaide (South). The Inception of World Solar Challenge World Solar Challenge started in 1987 and was sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission. While the event attracts amateurs and professionals alike, the largest group of participants are fielded by technology-related corporations, universities, and tech-students from high schools. Before World Solar Challenge first edition, Hans Tholstrup, along with Larry Perkins traversed across Australia from west to east riding a home-built solar powered transport, The Quiet Achiever. The success of this quest led to the idea of founding a race competition of sun-powered cars, in which, eventually became the World Solar Challenge. Today, the World Solar Challenge is considered the world championship event of solar vehicle racing. What Does World Solar Challenge Promote? World Solar Challenge is a mix of technology, business promotion, and amateur enthusiasm. The friendly competition intends to showcase the efficiency of solar energy and promote energy sustainability. The challenge not only tests the power limits of solar vehicles but also in pushing their efficiency. The solar capacity of the solar powered vehicles is tested for longevity once their 5kW hour stored energy runs out. Aside from using solar power, the competing vehicles are also encouraged to utilize power recovered from kinetic energy during movement. World Solar Challenge is a great way to show the world that... read more
Columbus Day: Discoveries and Innovations
Twelfth of October welcomes Columbus Day. Known for wild travels, intentional or not, Christopher Columbus is credited for opening up a new trade channel between the Americas and Europe. In recognition of days that inspire minds to explore, let’s take a historical look at discoveries and innovations in energy. Coal Coal is among the most abundant sources of energy and it currently generates up to 40 percent of the world’s electricity. While there is no definitive answer as to when coal was first discovered, few archaeological pieces of evidence suggest that it has been used for light and heat in China as back as 3,000 years ago. However, it wasn’t until the 1880’s when it was first used to generate electricity for homes and various establishments. Hydropower Hydropower is energy harnessed from the gravitational force of flowing water. The production of electrical power depends on the force or current of water. Currently, hydroelectricity generates around 2.8 percent of our country’s power. (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Review 2009) The modern hydropower turbine started in the mid-1700’s. It was conceptualized when Bernard Forest de Bélidor – a French engineer – wrote his most famous book L’architecture hydraulique. In the following years, turbine’s evolution remained consistent, providing more efficiency and usage. This includes Lester Allan Pelton’s invention of the Pelton Water Wheel in the late 1870s. Solar Energy Among the renewable energy sources with the most potential is solar. It’s clean, safe, cost-effective, and abundant. As of 2015, our country has over 20 gigawatts of solar panels operating – enough to energize up to 4.6 million homes. But we... read more
Solar Tech US Conference 2015
Power generation through solar energy is gaining ground in the world market. More and more people are now investing their time, money and efforts towards studying solar energy and masses are embracing the possibilities and positive benefits of natural energies. Green World Conference will hold Solar Tech U.S. Conference October 1-2, 2015. The conference promotes the exploration and use of solar energy as a source of power and electricity. Solar tech experts, as well as individuals from the government, business and energy sectors, will be attending the event. Displays from smart grid professionals, financial managers and end users of solar energy products will also be available. Topics of discussion will cover solar power inverter innovations, large-scale solar developments, updates on solar-thermal technology, as well as education about ongoing researches and development. PV installation Solar feasibility studies Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) Concentrated solar power (CSP) Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) Solar Power Financing The Solar Tech US Conference includes addressing questions about funding solar design projects within the solar energy industry, as well as project risk management. Plus, it will help attending entrepreneurs understand financing a solar energy startup. A featured financial topic for discussion will be tips on how to utilize crowdfunding for a solar energy project. Crowdfunding is a unique way of raising money through contributions from other people, usually via online crowdfunding sites. It has now become one of the most efficient alternative ways in financing a project. Future of Solar Technology Now that renewable energy sources are gaining popularity, unending studies about solar energy have led scientists to breakthrough after breakthrough. The Solar Tech US Conference will be shedding... read more