So-Cal Solar Blog

Because solar energy is worth blogging about…

Archive for March, 2009

Calling all Artist…Time to Turn Green

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” We’ve all heard it before and by now we’ve found some truth to it. All the non-believers will soon see the truth to that quote. Great things have been constructed from trash and even greater things are to come with the SMART Art Trash into Treasure competition. SMART is allowing submissions for the following forms of art: music, sculpture, photography, video, and functional items.

Art has inspired the world for centuries and now it’ll inspire a greener future. Art is one of the best ways to display innovative ideas. One great form of art is story telling and many stories talked about impossible technology that has become possible today. Harnessing the power of the sun was something ancient cultures only thought their gods could do. We’ve even been able to harness the power of the sun with solar technology. There are movies with sun powered and garbage powered cars which now exist because someone thought it and another person created it. We can do just about anything if we work together. This contest can only bring better things into our world by reusing waste.

Some people can’t imagine creating a masterpiece from waste and old junk. The results from SMART Art competition will show them otherwise. Tons of masterpieces have been created and inspired by waste. For example one of the most popular functional items seen today is the Spiral Island. Spiral Island is constructed of 100,000 plastic bottles, some nets, bamboo, and lots of sand. Rishi Sowa, a British eco pioneer and founder of Spiral Island, even incorporated solar technology to power an oven, waterfall, and pond. Solar goes with you anywhere and Rishi was able to harness the portability that you can only obtain from solar technology.

The ideas are limitless. Solar powering your entire project may even give you an extra edge in the competition. We hope to see a few entries for solar powered instruments, furniture, cameras, and other functional designs in this competition. Solar energy will reduce the need for other means of energy that are toxic for our environment. Imagine the fun that you could create with solar technology and recyclable products. There are designer lamps constructed of PET bottles and led lights. Maybe you could be the next Rishi Sowa and construct an artistic island or large habitable structure?

The winner of this competition will be able to participate in the Plastiki Expedition. The Plastiki is a boat composed entirely of recycled bottles. Its main mission is to inspire the world to rethink their waste. Waste has been recycled into wondrous things such as the Plastiki. The Plastiki has also incorporated solar energy to power their expedition. Most of the onboard electricity will depend entirely on solar power. The solar power used on the expedition will reduce the waste sent back into the environment because it decreases the need for oil and environmentally harmful batteries. This competition will have a positive impact on the environment as people go out pick up trash and turn it into a masterpiece or functional design.

Don’t limit yourself because these days everyone turns everything into junk. Show them it’s not junk. Show them a greener future.

—Additional Info For Those That Want to Enter—

Learn more here.

Deadline for submission is May 1, 2009. Guidelines are here.

Earth Hour…This weekend Get Ready!!

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009



A few weeks back I posted a blog in regards to Earth Hour 2009.  We here at So-Cal Solar are strong believers in this cause and really want to get as much support as possible.  Please take the time to check out the Earth Hour video.  Also below you will find some great ideas on how to spend your 1 hour without any electricity:

1. Plan a romantic candle light dinner for two at home.
2. Turn your backyard into an evening picnic and watch the stars.
3. Call some friends over for a night of board games lighted by candles.
4. Take a nice walk around the neighborhood and see how many participated in earth hour.
5. Plan a bonfire at the beach with a loved one or friends.

Whatever you decided to do make sure it’s with no electricity and know that together we can make an impact.

Gadget of the Month

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Have you given up on watches completely? If so was it caused by the hassle of having to change the dead battery over and over? Remember how annoying it was to pop open the back of a watch and replace the tiny battery? Do not give up on watches quite yet! Thanks to solar power and the company FreeStyle there is a new watch, the Boiler. That’s right it is solar powered for your convenience. The power of the sun will revive your lifeless watch when every bit of juice has been drained. Never mess with changing dead batteries again. One charge for this watch will keep you on time for 12 months according to FreeStyle. If you use direct sunlight to charge the watch it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. 10 minutes of charging is 12 months of power! Even if you don’t get out that often this watch will charge under fluorescent lights, or you can just leave it by your window.
The Boiler also benefits our environment with its solar technology. With old watches you’d be tossing away the dead batteries and more than likely you’ll dispose of it the wrong way. If not disposed properly, dead batteries can and will break down and emit toxins. The toxins affect wildlife, water, and the soil. Eventually all of that affects us, so end the problem before it starts by converting our lives towards cleaner sources of energy like solar energy.
We give Freestyle a thumbs up on creating a fashionable but yet convenient solar watch.

Get Ready for Earth Hour on March 28, 2009

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Many of us have certain days of the year that hold some sort of value, such as a birthday, anniversary or holiday. We all look forward to these special days by setting countdowns on our computers or placing big sticky notes preparing us for the occasion. What if we got excited about 1 hour a year? What if everyone or the majority came together for 1 hour and did something good for our Earth? I know it seems like a far fetched idea but in some way it carries the same idea of “pay it forward”. Who would of thought paying it forward to Mother Earth for giving us a home to exist on.

Earth hour occurs on the last Saturday of March and this year the event will take place on March 28, 2009 at 8:30. Earth hour is not using any electricity for at least one hour worldwide. Almost like a giant black out that we get to cause and control and not the electric company. Millions partake in this great event year after year and each year the number of participants increases. I challenge you all to take one hour to pay it forward to Mother Earth and increase energy conservation.

OBAMA’S STIMULUS PLAN- WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOLAR

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Solar power is moving at a rapid pace with the help of Obama’s 787 billion dollar stimulus plan. 42 billion will be used to develop clean energy sources. The president aims to double the United State’s production of renewable energy in three years. In terms of the nations, RPS (renewable portfolio standard), 10 % of our energy will come from renewable sources by 2012. This output will increase to 25% by the year 2025. Additionally this money is intended to upgrade more than three fourths of all federal buildings to more eco-friendly energy systems. 5.5 billion will go towards this particular initiative.

Funding for various projects will be available through loan guarantees. Examples include renewable energy and electricity transmission projects at 6 billion dollars. Also the infrastructure for a smart grid (network based on digital technology to deliver electricity to consumers) will receive funding in the form of loan guarantees and spending.

Grants will be available to subsidize a percent of the cost for building or installing clean energy systems 30% of the cost of building a renewable energy facility will be covered through these grants. Homeowners will be entitled to a similar benefit, as they will also receive 30% for buying water heating systems that are solar powered.

Continued research on renewable energy will receive 2.5 billion dollars from the stimulus plan.

1.6 billion dollars is allocated for bonds that will support facilities which generate electricity from renewable sources like solar power. Also allowing tax credits for converting clean energy sources into electricity will be extended to 2013.

In addition to environmental benefits, these measures will address the unemployment crisis through growth of stable job opportunities in the green industry, as the demand for labor will increase for building new infrastructures. If there was ever a time to go solar now would be the best time. President Obama is deeply passionate about our current energy crisis and ensuring that a huge portion of our energy is generated through solar.

Don’t Forget the Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

paddy-celebration

We are now embarking the month of March and many of us are getting ready to celebrate one of the best holidays next to Christmas…St Patrick’s Day.  The first thing that comes to many minds when preparing for this joyous holiday is to ensure there is some sort of green in our wardrobe and of course green beer.  Why not go one step forward and also include some “green techniques” on this green day.  Here are some great green ideas to incorporate into your St. Paddy’s party planning:

 

1.      Make sure all beer bottles and cans are tossed into a recycle bin.  Not only are you doing a good deed by recycling but you can also recoup some money from spending so much on the party.

2.      If you are going to have other drinks other than beer make sure your guest use the same cup to limit the waste of plastic cups.

3.      When a spill occurs make sure to wipe up the mess with a towel to limit the waste of paper towels.  We all know a spill will occur so make sure towels are easily accessible.

4.      Make sure all guests know they must wear green if not they have to contribute $5 to the “green jar” which will be donated to a local eco charity of your choice.

 

Lastly, drink lots of green beer and enjoy the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

 

Happy Green Day!