Solar Lifts California Home Sales Prices

From an article from Renewable Energy World: “Homeowners in California who invest in photovoltaic systems are netting up to 6.4 percent more in resale value for their homes than for similar homes sold without solar systems, according to a new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in Berkeley…..” Read the rest of the article

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Five practical solar gadgets from 9.95

If you love gadgets and you love solar, check these out. Summer may seem like a distant dream, especially if you’re buried in snow or drenched in rain, but here are four solar gadgets that could come in handy very soon. There’s two that will light your way without requiring expensive batteries and two that will keep annoying critters at bay. These are all available from the Solar division of  Global Merchants.

Solar Powered Flashlight

 This bright flashlight can be used in any situation. It is especially designed for emergency/disaster uses. An all-in-one flashlight, it recharges and operates on multiple battery sizes: D,C, or AA with the aid of an adapter (included). Its powerful solar array recharges these battery (2 at a time, not included) in one full sunny day. Our nickel-cadmium batteries are recommended for biggest money saving because they can be recharged thousands of times and are specifically manufactured for solar environment. This flashlight is watertight. Available from Global Merchants. Price: $39.95

 

 

 

Solar Powered Halogen Lantern

This rechargeable LightHawk with Quartz Halogen brightness is the perfect light for use when camping, travelling or around the home. The exclusive dimmer switch lets you select just the right amount of light from a soft glow to a bright area light. The lightHawk provides up to 10 hours of bright light on a full charge. It comes complete with 110V AC and 12V Dc (auto) chargers. 220V AC is available as an option. You can even buy one of our solar panels to recharge it using the sun, while camping. Price: $65.75

 

 

 

 

Solar Mosquito Guard

This remarkable device combines advanced technology of solar engineering with electronic circuitry to produce a specially calibrated mosquito repelling ultrasonic frequency. This sound drives mosquitos crazy and away from your vicinity. It is very effective within a five meter parameter of the users. A built-in reghargeable battery guarantees a fail-proof operation as long as your repeller is fully charged during day time. Price: 9.95

 

 

 

 

Solar Powered Gopher Repeller

Need no traps or chemicals to rid rodents in your garden or lawn. It gets better. Unlike other available rodent repeller of its kind, this one is solar powered. Just stick in the ground and forget it is there. It does the rest. It emits a powerful sonic waves (vibrations) to the keen ears of underground rodents. It causes them to flee the region. It effectively repels undergrund moles, shrews, gophers, groundhogs, field mice and squirrels. Built in battery gets charged by solar by incorprated solar panel and gives years of operation. Results differ from region to region, depending on the qality of soil and density. Ground stake is made of brushed aluminum and it is water resistant. Range of coverage is approximately 4,500 square feet. Weatherproof.  Price: $59.95

Sunseeker II-manned solar power aircraft

February 28, 2009 A variety of solar powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have been setting world records for flight duration and altitude in recent times, there are even plans for solar powered craft that can remain aloft for years at a time. But it’s not just aircraft of the unmanned variety that stand to benefit from solar technology, with planes that carry pilots now starting to take to the skies. Based on glider/sailplane construction methods, the Sunseeker II is the only manned solar airplane flying in the world, and according to SolarFlight, it has logged more time in the air than all other manned solar powered airplanes combined.

Sunseeker II is a hybrid aircraft that uses battery power to take off and increase altitude and can maintain level fight on solar power. The aircraft can also be flown as a glider. As the battery pack is small, the solar cells fully recharge the battery in 90 minutes and with a recharged battery climbing is again possible under power. With its current generation of batteries, solar cells and electronics installed in 2005, the Sunseeker II has never been forced to land before late afternoon.

The team at SolarFlight developed a new technique for integrating the latest generation of solar cells into the actual wing structure rather than bonding them to the surface. The aircraft also features a unique teetering propeller, which drastically reduces vibration and is fitted with four packs of lithium polymer batteries in the wings. The control electronics for the batteries and solar arrays were designed by Alan Cocconi of tzero electric vehicle fame.

Maximum performance is achieved when the aircraft climbs above the clouds and flies on direct solar power in the clear, bright conditions. Under direct solar power, the Sunseeker II is able to fly at 18 m/s (~40 mph) on solar power alone or 36 m/s (~80 mph) when the batteries are also used. It flies slowly enough that it is comfortable to fly with the canopy open. Because of the low speed and the virtual silence of the aircraft birds are not afraid and come very close, matching the plane’s speed, almost landing on the aircraft at times. When the motor is finally shut off, it takes hours to glide down, and the airbrakes are normally needed to get down before dark.

http://www.gizmag.com/solar-powered-hybrid-aircraft-sunseeker-ii/11121/picture/69721/

Solar garden lights

 Illuninate your gardens and walkways with this SohoDecor Classic Solar Lanterns. Constructed of durable rust-resistant stainless steel with distressed iron look finish and embossed daisy pattern. Solar lights feature a highly sensitive Amorphous solar panel, charges even on a cloudy day while improving the run time at night by almost double. One jumbo sized super bright LED bulb(equal to 5 regular LEDs) is housed in an extra large multi faceted reflector within glass panels to provide ample light to its surroundings. Automatic on at dusk and off at dawn means hands-free operation. Durable and elegant, an excellent choice for adding beauty and light to the energy. See these and more solar garden lights at Sohor Decor.

Let the sun shine

Stimulating Energy and Employment

Highlights of how the Stimulus bill will affect the solar market

from the Global Macro EconoMonitor

• Of the renewable energy sources, solar photovoltaic (PV) power is best suited to realize the potential of distributed and renewable energy generation.  It matches peak energy demand most closely and offers the best opportunity to substitute expensive, centrally-generated electricity.
• Direct federal procurement and renewable energy loan guarantees, grants, and tax credits should favor smaller, distributed PV installations connected to the local distribution grid or generating electricity directly at the point of consumption.
• A significant share of the stimulus bill’s funding for modernizing the electricity grid should go to installing the electrical gear and smart power electronics and communication devices necessary for integration of distributed PV systems into the grid and better management of onsite generation, storage and use of energy.

 For full details: http://www.rgemonitor.com/globalmacro-monitor/255693/stimulus_bill_and_solar_power-_let_the_sun_shine_stimulating_energy_and_employment