Energy COOL: Direct Wafer

by A Siegel

Since diving into the deep end when it comes to energy issues, almost every day sees new fascinating concepts, approaches, and technologies. Fascinating ... exciting ... even hope inspiring at times. And, as well, as the passion builds, so many of these are truly Energy COOL.

The concept of Silver Bullet solutions  concerns me and the tendency to jump on lab announcements as 'the solution to all our problems' is a real one in the techno-optimist portion of those concerned about climate change and our energy challenges. These concerns lead to hesitation as to whether to report on developments or not, even as there are so many existing ideas filtering out from the labs. That hesitation, however, has likely led to under discussion of the power of ARPA-E and the U.S. government's (the U.S. taxpayers') targeted investments to leap frog the nation toward transformational energy opportunities.

One of our investments was made in the solar photovoltaic company 1366 Technologies.

continued at Daily Kos...

Energy HOME: Steps toward a solar life ...

by A Siegel

Every day, I strive to Make Energy CENTS from the Home to the Globe.  Whether programming the thermostat to low temperatures overnight to providing comments on national energy policy drafts to opening discussions as to Energy COOL technologies and concepts, my efforts to Energize America to a prosperous, climate friendly future cross a broad spectrum.

To be clear and blunt: there is NO SILVER BULLET solution. In my own life, every year sees more 'investment' in energy efficiency, new ways to think about / execute conservation from what food we buy to our travel choices, and ways to help remediate the damage I inevitably cause to the planetary system's ability to support my children's children to the seventh generation and beyond.

continued at Daily Kos...

Energy COOL Roofing is Cool

by A Siegel

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has advocated cool roofing as a very high payoff tool to improving energy efficiency in the built environment, reducing heat island impacts, and helping to move us forward in climate change mitigation.  Tuesday, Secretary Chu announced a series of initiatives to spur cool roof deployment in (on) Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and the rest of the Federal government.  In short

Secretary Chu has directed all DOE offices to install cool roofs, whenever cost effective over the lifetime of the roof, when constructing new roofs or replacing old ones at DOE facilities. With cool roofs, these federal buildings will consume less energy, offset additional carbon emissions, and save taxpayers money.

Cool roofs are one of the most cost effective paths to save money, reduce wasteful energy use, cool cities, and help mitigate climate change impacts.

continued at Daily Kos...

Solar Decathlon: News from Europe ... News from DC ...

by A Siegel

The biannual Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the US Department of Energy and bringing together 20 university teams from the United States and other countries, is an amazing event that merits far more attention than the hundred or so thousand visitors and the spotty news (and blog) coverage of the event.  Truth be told, the Solar Decathlon is far from just a few week event on the Mall but encompasses years of effort from the multi-disciplinary teams developing a vision and making it a reality.  As someone who has been to all of the (US) Decathlons and had the chance to visit most (sigh, not all) of the homes, there is something quite important to note: with each Decathlon, the overall quality of the homes has improved -- significantly.  Every home had things that made it stand out.

Virginia Tech's Lumenhous' precision cut steel louvers made a statement on the Mall ... and, well, in Europe as well as it won Solar Decathlon Europe.

NOTE: Exhibit in DC for one more week on the 2011 competition ... beneath fold

continued at Daily Kos....