Solar Energy Investing

Tri-Valley Central reports University of Arizona students are developing a solar car called the SolarCat.  The normal looking car will feature a solar panel that can track the sun and increase efficiency by 50%.  It will also have a back up diesel engine that utilizes biodiesel fuel.   SolarCat will race at Shell’s Eco-Marathon Americas and hopes to beat last year’s record of 3,000 miles per gallon.

The Rice Thresher reports a solar panel powered house will be completed at a national competition after four years of preparation.  The Solar Decatholon features 20 teams to display energy efficient technologies on the Mall in Washington, D.C.  Rice’s house will then be dismantled and given to a non profit agency that provides shot-gun style home preservation.

Renewable Energy World.com reports the Summer Olympics in Beijing boasted renewable energy sources, even if they had to hire people to scoop up the much from polluted waters and enforce alternate day driving.  Suntech provided a solar system of 8 million kWh at the “Bird’s Nest,” while Canadian Solar provided photovoltaic technology for the streetlamps lighting up Olympic Boulevard.  Also, the Olympic Village installed a solar energy hot water system to be used the 12,000 athletes and trainers.

Construction & Maintenance Technologies reports the largest solar initiative in Arizona was announced and is expected to produce more than 760,000 kW hours per year to power 50 homes for a full year.  The initiative includes SPG Solar Inc, The Gatorade Company, and Salt River Project Earthwise Solar.  The 797,000 square foot Gatorade Distribution Center will have solar panels installed to produce electricity.

The Earth Times reports carbon emmissions created by the Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup will be offset with help from Carbon Credit Environmental Services and a partnership with Greening of Detroit.  Use of solar passive hoophouses will power a sustainable farm that will provide food and produce for vendors and a greenhouse that will use geothermal and solar sources.

BusinessWire reports Future Lighting Solutions has donated LED light components to be used on a solar car.  The solar car is being built by students at the University of Minnesota to compete in the 2008 North American Solar Challenge.  The LUXEON Rebel is the smallest mountable LED available today.

The Uber Review reports the Czeers MK1 is the first solar powered boat.  It is covered in photovoltaic solar cells taht allow it to travel speeds up to 55.5 mph.  This boat is much quieter than traditional gas engines and would be a practical engine for fishing.

Inhabitat reports Simone Giostra and Partners, an architechtural firm in New York, has created the Greenpix Zero Energy Media wall for the Olympics in Beijing, China.  The light show is the world’s largest LED display screen and runs using solar power through photovoltaic solar cells.  Enough sunlight is stored throughout the day to display a light show at night.

Trading Markets reports Mattson Technology, Inc., along with SunPower Corporation, has become an official sponser of the Webcor King-of-the-Mountain Ride. The ride is taking place in San Jose and features and aggressive ascent up San Jose’s Sierra Road.

Kpho.com reports on the Super Bowl. The mega-event at the University Stadium was powered completely with renewable energy.