In terms of hot topics, offshore drilling is kin to a raging forest fire. It is one of the more vehemently opposed, or supported, solutions to our accelerating energy crisis. The GOP ticket sure has plenty of experience in offshore drilling or, at least, in talking about it and voting for it. The Democrats have long opposed offshore drilling and have fought vigorously to keep it from expansion, claiming that it’s a short-term solution at best because there just isn’t enough oil off our shores (relative to our demand). Although, the Obama/Biden campaign has recently come out in support of some offshore drilling. So what’s the deal? Is offshore drilling suddenly a unifying force in politics? Could it really be safe now? Not likely. Still, risks are high and rewards are low. And yet a lot of myths persist in presidential debates and media discussions. Here are three big ones that I hear most and why they fall apart with just a little investigation:

Drilling offshore will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Sure there is oil off our coasts, most notably in the Atlantic, and they could be harvested. But to what end? Experts widely agree that the U.S. has but 3% of the world’s oil in reserve (including ANWR), but we consume 25%. Where will the other 22% come from? Foreign countries. There is no erasing our dependence on foreign oil with an energy policy focused on oil, on or off shore.

Offshore drilling is finally safe. The oil industry and drilling supporters claim that technology is so far advanced now that drilling can be done with little or no environmental impact. Yes the machinery is more high-tech and less likely for failure. But they are ignoring natural forces. Like a huge slap in the face to offshore drilling, Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, which spilled over a half-million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf and bordering wetlands. This is not to mention that Katrina and Rita, from a few years back, caused 734,400 gallons of oil to be spilled. Bear in mind that 100,000 gallons is considered a major spill. (more…)

The Myths Behind Offshore Drilling

Of the many variables inhibiting solar cell efficiency, shade is a big one. It’s not just the shadow of a tree over a panel that causes problems. In fact, just a leaf falling on one solar cell can cause failure in an entire string of cells. That is why you hear “peak sunlight” in reference to solar panel efficiency. Because it is only in full sunlight that panels are working at ideal capacity. To eliminate or reduce this problem would be a huge breakthrough for the solar industry. Solar researchers in Australia believe they have accomplished that very goal.

In answer to what they call the “cannibalizing” of solar power generation, these researchers from Australian National University have devised a system that alleviates the problem. Their design consists of curved mirror-like solar concentrators that focus light directly onto photovoltaic cells to produce electricity. The idea is rather simple. The troughs are much less affected by interference from shadows, falling leaves, birds, whatever. I can’t help but imagine a solar panel, complete with aluminum tray, sun-tanning on a beach. (more…)

Solar Coming Out of the Shadows

As the world turns, so solar spreads, making news all across the globe. We all know how fast it’s growing the U.S., but we often miss out on solar’s trek around the world. Here are some recent solar headlines:

• Early this year, Renee posted an article very similar to this one. In that piece she mentioned Japan’s Eurus Energy, a prominent wind power firm that was branching into PV with their first solar plant in South Korea. That 1 MW plant is now up and running. You can read the press release here.
• It’s hard to ignore Q-Cells, the German company that this year surpassed Sharp Solar as the world’s largest solar manufacturer. Involved in silicon processing, thin-film and PV manufacturing, Q-cells is constantly making news.
• Solar-aid plays a big role in bringing solar power to the developing world, most notably rural Africa. Through unique fundraising, the organization is solar-powering education, health, and welfare where it’s needed most. (more…)

  

  Solar Treks the Globe

In the ongoing effort to improve efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many large residential and commercial buildings are studying co-generation as a means of accomplishing both goals. In essence, co-generation signifies getting two forms of energy from one process. Blackouts, brownouts, and increasing demand on a weak utility infrastructure are causing many large cities to promote co-generation. Many complexes see it as a way to save themselves and their residents money on utility bills.

What is it?

Most buildings get their energy from the power grid, mainly through natural gas or oil-based systems. During the process, a lot of energy is lost, usually through steam. The idea of co-generation is to get two thermal energies from the one product. For instance, when a system produces electricity, oftentimes steam is released during the process. That steam can then be captured and used to provide water or space heat for the building; significantly cutting down on energy costs.

Rarely do co-generation projects provide all the energy needs for a building, but they can make a sizable dent. In addition, according to The Cooperator, a co-generation system is not for every building. There are several factors that must come together to make the project worthwhile, most notably the size and load factor of the building. New York City, led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has become a major proponent of co-generation in its effort to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. (more…)

Co-ops, Condos, and Co-Generation