Can We Expand the Accessibility of Electric Vehicles?
Many of us are looking at methods to reduce our impact on the environment, including our choice of vehicle.
Renewable Energy Archive: Electric Vehicles, Solar Power & Smart Grids
Going Solar Made Easy
Toying with the idea of putting solar panels on your roof? Our Green Guide to Going Solar can help you find out about incentives, reputable installers, etc.
Clean Energy and Smart Grids: Where Are We Now?
Smart grids can make it possible to combine multiple types of renewable energy sources, and create a more powerful and comprehensive system.
The Dark Side of Sustainable Technology and How We Can Fix It
Solar power, wind power, and electric cars are high-end products and the result of long, complex production chains. Until we change the way those chains work, the footprint of clean technology may continue to have an unpleasant dark side. The bottom-up change is absolutely achievable.
Particle Board Blues: Could Your Furniture Be Making You Sick?
While good old particle board contains formaldehyde that can make you sick, safer alternatives use polyurethane as filler instead. Sealing particle board is another way to minimize exposure to toxic formaldehyde.
Rooftop Solar: Now’s the Time to Get Started
There’s never been a better time to go solar, given how much prices have come down while efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity has risen…
Wave Power Could Meet 1/4 of U.S. Electricity Needs
Wave power could account for a quarter or more of U.S. electricity needs if we work to develop its potential around our coastlines, and could also provide other countries with a readily available renewable and free energy source.
What’s on the horizon in terms of new solar power technologies?
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the latest in cutting-edge, hyper-efficient solar cells? Are we really moving beyond huge photovoltaic panels anytime soon? —Michael Williams, Hartford, CT Many people still consider environmentalists’ favorite black panels as the cutting edge of renewable energy. However, the burgeoning solar industry has […]
What’s wrong with ethanol?
Dear EarthTalk: I thought that putting ethanol in our gas tanks was going help fight climate change, but lately I’ve heard reports to the contrary. Can you enlighten? — Bill B., Hershey, PA Ethanol and similar “biofuels” made from corn and other crops seem like a good idea given their potential for reducing our carbon outputs […]
Solar Roadways: Just a Dream?
Solar roadways used to be just a concept, but Scott and Julie Brusaw have built them to withstand the weight and wear of trucks and heavy traffic, while producing electricity. Now the question is whether they can raise enough money to set up mass production…