Monday, March 26, 2007

Global fight for climate change

The key to fighting climate change is for the U.S. to take a leadership role in promoting a “new world wide web of electricity,” according to Michael Powers, board member and spokesman for Global Energy Network Institute, a non-profit research and education group based in San Diego.

Powers made the comments at Stanford University’s recent conference, “Energy in the Developing World: Working toward a Sustainable Future,” held on March 3, 2007. The conference was organized by the Stanford Association for International Development (SAID) and the Graduate School of Business.

“By connecting regional electricity grids around the world into a global network, it will be possible to tap new renewable resources and phase out our worst polluting coal-fired power plants,” Powers said....

Closer to home, the California Solar Initiative (CSI) plans to bring thousands of new solar energy systems online during the next 10 years and each of these systems represents a “new node on the global network,” Powers said. “We are creating a new market segment of ‘pro-sumers’ – energy producers during the daytime and consumers at night,” he said, He argues that this will launch a whole new industry of to supply equipment and software for managing this energy and tracking renewable energy transactions.

“Imagine an energy version of ‘Napster,’” Powers said. “We’re talking about peer-to-peer energy trading... where a solar homeowner in San Jose can capture kilowatts from the sun – and sell them to a homeowner in Shanghai – instantaneously. That’s the future.”

Global Energy Network Institute

Linking Renewable Energy Resources Around the World
The GENI Initiative focuses on linking renewable energy resources around the world using international electricity transmission.Three decades ago, visionary engineer Dr. R. Buckminster Fuller developed the World Game simulation, posing the question:

How do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological damage or disadvantage to anyone?

The results of this research show that the premier global strategy is the interconnection of electric power networks between regions and continents into a global energy grid, with an emphasis on tapping abundant renewable energy resources - a world wide web of electricity.

The benefits of this sustainable development world power solution ae proven:

Decreased pollution from fossil and nuclear fuels
Reduced hunger and poverty in developing nations
Increased trade, cooperation and world peace.
Stabilized population growth

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Clean Power Estimator

What is the Clean Power Estimator?

Clean Power EstimatorTM is an economic evaluation software program Licensing for use from Clean Power Research. The program provides residential and commercial electric customers a personalized estimate of the costs and benefits of investing in a photovoltaic (PV) solar or small wind electric generation system.

The program takes into consideration customer-specific information in order to provide the best estimate of a given system's costs and benefits. This information includes the estimated cost of the particular system under consideration, the customer's location, electric rate schedules, and other customer information.

Please note: The California Commission is providing this program as a tool to aid potential PV and small wind customers in evaluating the economics of these generating systems. The program only provides estimates based on generalized system data and limited customer-specific data you supply. The Commission cannot guarantee that the estimates developed by the program will actually be realized in practice.

PV in the home

March 13, 2007
Current Use: PV in the Home
Q: How about some information on current uses of photovoltaics for the home? -- J.S., Lewes, DE

A: The availability of federal tax credits for PV systems, additional credits in more than half the states and growing use of net metering, renewable portfolio standards and other financial incentive programs have stimulated tremendous interest in using photovoltaics (PV) in homes in the U.S.

It's hard not to find a reference to zero-energy homes in newspapers and magazines, with PV forming the heart of any system that has truly near- or completely zero energy use. Costs for a 4-kilowatt (kW) or 5-kW system that could power your whole home are still high, but even at current residential PV costs of $7 to $10 per watt, you can cut PV energy costs with the incentives to very close to today's conventional utility rates for smaller systems (caps on the credits generally keep them from full use on the larger systems).

But don't be discouraged if you can't afford a whole-house system. A smaller system of 2-kW, for example, could provide enough power to run about half the electric-powered appliances and lights in the typical home, including the refrigerator. That sized system has the capability of producing 7 to 8 kWh a day, so if you're a typical electric user of around 1,000 kWh month, the system could produce about 25 percent of your electric needs.

Even if you're not looking for a rooftop system for your home, there are other PV products available today that'll help save energy. The technological advances in garden and walkway lights now give you the choice of products that will provide the light you need for several hours or even all-night long. PV-powered roof ventilators will help lower attic temperatures and keep your house more comfortable while you use less air conditioning.

Issues often become of interest to citizens when there is a real or perceived crisis.

Human habit has a nice way of want the ideal but not pay the price. At least until it is "me"...If it's only "you", you fend for yourself.
When green power is the same cost(or less) we'll all have it.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Clean Power Estimator

The program developed by Dr. Thomas Hoff (Ph.D., Stanford University and 15 years of experience) takes your selections, combines them with pre-collected data (including electric rate schedules; federal and state income tax rates; federal, state, and utility economic incentives; local weather data; electric load profiles; and clean energy system performance) and analyzes the information using published research methods.
It evaluates the economics and pollution reduction associated with installing solar power. The program includes potential economic incentives and tax benefits of purchasing a renewable energy system. You should confirm the availability of the economic incentives and you should consult your tax advisor about the tax deductibility of any interest payments before you purchase a system. The estimator data is kept up-to-date.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Save Power-Power Controller

Thursday, January 18, 2007 I wrote How to save and monitor your electric use, and highlighted the Power-Save's KVAR PU_1200 and how it works.The Power Controller is an advanced computerized technology that is specially designed and do the same, though I do not know if it works by the same mechanism.

Free Electricity with New Technology

The International Tesla Electric Company (ITEC) and Better World Technologies is developing a technology that they believe will produce clean, non-polluting, electricity at no operating cost using a permanent magnet motor to drive the world’s most efficient generator. ITEC hopes to set up an alternative to the existing power plants in America by placing 16,000,000 units on residences in America. Their plan is for families to have a 30 kwh free electric generator to not only provide their energy consumption but also to facilitate cash flow to ITEC by selling the excess power produced to the electric companies back over the grid. They are willing to give people an allotment of 26,000 kwh of electricity annually at absolutely no charge for the power, possibly for life, just for attending public demonstrations of the technology. [The average ALL electric home (for heat, lights, appliances, water, and everything) uses 2 kwh average every hour.]To participate become a club member of Better and Better Technologies at the link above. The site is cluttered but has amazing stuff!

Pre-Ignition Catalytic Converter (PICC)

To use gasoline with the most efficiency a new technology has been produced patent pending and about to be marketed. They have three video's: the CHALLENGES that must be overcome to improve fuel efficiency; their SOLUTION; and a Gas and Water Demo to increase fuel economy even further by running an engine on a gas and water mixture. Well, someone learned to fly, and rocket-ship to the moon and everyone said it could not be done. We do it daily now.

Until the car manufacturers install their device, you can be getting significantly increased gas mileage now with their Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell(HAFC)! In tests conducted on a Toyota Corolla and a Hyundai Accent, the vehicles got 60 miles and 75 miles per gallon respectively. In order to get one,they are merchandising by first mandating a quote for the PICC. If it works: better gas mileage, clean the internal engine, and stop emissions, it may be a great step.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Free Electricity?

Better World Technologies (BWT) believes they have the ability to produce an electric generator that will produce more electricity than it will consume, thus Free Electricity. BWT conducted a nationwide tour in 1999 to demonstrate one half of this technology the Hummingbird Motor (the driver) proven to be 100% efficient. In 2001 BWT conducted another nationwide tour to demonstrate the second half of this technology, the Sundance Generator, proven to produce five units of mechanical energy for each unit consumed (1 in 5 out). Both tours were heavily advertised and invited anyone to bring their own test equipment to disprove the above technologies. Many experts came and NOT ONE disproved either technology (all demonstrations were video taped).

Better World Technologies further believes they can combine the Hummingbird Motor with the Sundance Generator to produce "Free Electricity". BWT does not claim to have a Free Electricity generator and have not, to date, combined the Hummingbird to the Sundance. Due to the suppression of technology by Corporate America, BWT will not come forward until a critical mass of public awareness is achieved. Once 1.6 million people of North America has been registered for this program and agreed to be a witness at our demonstrations, BWT will produce 100 units to be demonstrated nationwide. These demonstrations will be held at the same time across America in sports stadiums and large public meeting places.


In appreciation to these first 1.6 million witnesses, the International Tesla Electric Company (BWT's utility company) will provide up to 26,000 kWh of free electricity per year for as long as ITEC is able to sell the excess electricity on the open market. This is our way of rewarding these witnesses for their faith in God, His technology and us. After the technology has been publicly demonstrated and proven to the world the remaining 14.4 million units planned for distribution to North America will be made available to the public at a projected cost of $2,000.00 per registrant.
The unit is not now for sale and will never be made available for sale but will remain the property of BWT and ITEC. Those fortunate enough to be registered with ITEC will receive the 26,000 kWh per year absolutely free for as long as ITEC is able to sell the excess electricity on the open market.
There are four options to register now as a witness, this offer will be withdrawn without prior notice once BWT announces it has achieved the initial 1.6 million witness goal and the initial demonstrations will be scheduled. All registrants will be notified by mail of the time and date of the demonstration closest to their location. We thank you for your patience, your faith and your support, there is a periodic update you may subscribe to here authored by this UCSA dealer. There is also a periodic updated phone recording by Dennis Lee you may listen to at 212-461-8738.
Either ITEC will be successful in recruiting the 1.6 million witnesses by May 1, 2007 and proceed with Plan A and the public demonstrations on July 10th of 2007, or initiate Plan B beginning May 31, 2007.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Credits for Homeowners

Washington — The Treasury Department and the IRS today have issued guidance (Notice 2006-26) on the certification that homeowners may rely on when they claim credits for purchases that make their homes more efficient.
During 2006, individuals can make energy-conscious purchases that will provide tax benefits when filling out their tax returns next year. The credit will also be available for purchases in 2007. Manufacturers offering energy efficient items such as insulation or storm windows can assure their customers that their energy efficient items will qualify for the tax credit if certain energy efficiency requirements are met.
A recent tax law change provides a tax credit to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. The law provides a 10 percent credit for buying qualified energy efficiency improvements. To qualify, a component must meet or exceed the criteria established by the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (including supplements) and must be installed in the taxpayer’s main home in the United States.
The following items are eligible:
Insulation systems that reduce heat loss/gain
Exterior windows (including skylights)
Exterior doors
Metal roofs (meeting applicable Energy Star requirements).
In addition, the law provides a credit for costs relating to residential energy property expenses. To qualify as residential energy property, the property must meet certification requirements prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and must be installed in the taxpayer’s main home in the United States.
The following items are eligible:
$50 for each advanced main air circulating fan
$150 for each qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler
$300 for each item of qualified energy efficient property.
The maximum credit for all taxable years is $500 – no more than $200 of the credit can be attributable to expenses for windows.
Additionally, the new law makes a credit available to those who add qualified solar panels, solar water heating equipment, or a fuel cell power plant to their homes in the United States. In general, a qualified fuel cell power plant converts a fuel into electricity using electrochemical means, has an electricity–only generation efficiency of more than 30 percent and generates at least 0.5 kilowatts of electricity.
Taxpayers are allowed one credit equal to 30 percent of the qualified investment in a solar panel up to a maximum credit of $2,000, and another equivalent credit for investing in a solar water heating system. No part of either system can be used to heat a pool or hot tub.
Additionally, taxpayers are also allowed a 30 percent tax credit for the purchase of qualified fuel cell power plants. The credit may not exceed $500 for each .5 kilowatt of capacity.
These items must be placed in service after Dec. 31, 2005 and before Jan. 1, 2008.
IR-2006-34, Feb. 21, 2006