Solar Power

Is it time for solar? The pricing is getting closer to conventional sources and there are incentives in various states.

Japan is a big user and provider of solar energy systems. Our own Silicon Valley has more than a few start-ups working on moving this technology forward. Why there is even a solar energy company listed on the NASDAQ (Ticker: SPWR).



Most home systems deliver 3-6kW of power. I am personally looking for a system that can deliver 6-7kW, so I can sell the excess power to my local utility. I think solar's time has finally come!





Let me know your thoughts and experiences with SOLAR!



TheGreenGuy 

Plug-in Hybrids

Hey,

I'm back and ready to talk about hybrids. Oil has been up and down and up again. $60 is the high now and we keep moving between $55 & $60. So with gasoline back around $2.25 per gallon do we still need hybrids??

There's lots of talk about Plug-in Hybrids lately. Energy independence and zero emission bragging rights of a pure electric vehicle are now available in new package.



At least for 20-30 miles, when the small generator/engine kicks on to recharge the on-board batteries and keep you moving. The secondary system can be a small 2cyl. gasoline engine, an efficient diesel, a natural gas turbine or even a Hydrogen fuel cell.




General Motors (GM) annouced that they plan to show their version of this technology at the LA Auto Show. Can everyone say EV1 flashback. You just cannot keep a good technology down.

I think this is great news for EV lovers and the fearful that need a safety net (a backup power-train).

Toyota, has a plug-in hybrid under evaluation as well. Choice is very good when it comes to transportation.... bring it on!

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy

Oil is going down!

The Middle East is stabilizing again and oil prices dropped for most of last week.  Oil dropped below $70 per barrel for almost five whole minutes; then it jumped to $71.


Corn supplies are forecast to be "beyond good" so Ethanol producers are in a great position to keep E85 flowing.

Many people are saying oil prices will continue drop into next year. China is slowing.... Yeah Yeah Yeah!!  $25 oil is making a comeback.

Well, TheGreenGuy thinks oil is going up again and sooner and than anyone knows right now! It should stay up for a while and then drop back to some level under $65.

The United States needs to stay focused on alternative energy and fuel sources.  Even if you do not think oil is peaking, having a backup makes a lot of sense.  It's smart, strategic and should be better for the environment.

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy
 

High Temps and Lots of Electricity

It has been a while, but let's see.

The daily temps in most of the country have been in the high 90's for over a week. Is it global warming or just part of the normal cycle of the Earth. Almanac anyone??

Oil is high, Natural Gas is up, down, up ?? Let's hear how you're keeping cool.  

Conventional electricity from the grid, Wind power, Solar? Or maybe a hybrid process like me; I get windpower through the grid.  

I am cool ... how are you all doing?? Any environmental friendly suggestions?? Lower the shades, turn off those fun electronics?

Let me know your thoughts!!

TheGreenGuy

Oil hit $70 per barrel today.  I think alternative fuels might be getting a little more discussion around the country now?? Ethanol is starting to look cheap in comparison.

Do you think the USA is ready to get serious about alternative fuels for our almost "1 Billion vehicles"?

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy

"If you thought high oil prices were just a blip think again - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has ruled out any return to the era of cheap oil."


Oil is up again! Countries around the globe are nationalizing their oil fields. Is this the time for alternative fuels?? I think SO! What do you think?


The GreenGuy

Cold Conditions Equals Higher Heating Fuel Prices!

Now that cold weather has found some of us around the USA again, what can we expect Oil and Natural Gas prices to do? Few people have alternative methods to heat their homes other than heating oil or natural gas. Natural has been quite low in price the last month or so after hitting all time highs in the late fall.

The questions of the day is: Is there a better way to fuel our home? Are Biodiesel, Solar, Wind or Fuel Cells viable options?

Are you a user of one these alternative options? I know some of you are!

Let me know what you think!

The GreenGuy

Ethanol (E85)

I have a question for our readers today:

What do you think of this fuel being used more widely? Did you know it is or will be 10% of every gallon of regular gasoline you buy in the near future. It's used as an additive. But it could be much much more .. it could be up to 85% of each gallon. That's E85 (85% Ethanol, 15% Gasoline).






Per the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (www.e85fuel,com):

E85 has the highest oxygen content of any transportation fuel available today, making it burn cleaner than gasoline. Fewer exhaust emissions result in reduced production of smog and a decline in respiratory illness associated with poor air quality. E85 also reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, the main contributor to global warming, as much as 39 to 46 percent compared to gasoline.

Since E85's main ingredient is ethanol, which is non-toxic, water soluble and biodegradable, E85 is simply a better fuel for the world around us.
________________________

There are pros and cons to all fuels, but at least Ethanol can be grown domestically forever!!

Let me hear your comments!

TheGreenGuy