To begin with, you might want to know what algae is. Isn’t it that slimy stuff you find at the top of your pool after a few hot summer days? Or the gooey green floating around your goldfish pond? Yes it is, and it turns out to have some interesting abilities and benefits. True, some algae is toxic, like blue green algae, which produces neurotoxins. But most are harmless and potentially useful.

Algae farming, or algaculture, entails the same general principles as farming corn or soybeans. One of the interesting things about this stuff is that it looks like a plant and acts like a plant, but it is a single cell organism, with photosynthetic abilities. It is able to change sunlight to chemical energy. This energy comes in the form of oil similar to vegetable oil. Sound familiar? As you know, vegetable oil can be used to make fuel; in this case, biodiesel. (more…)

I was recently reading a blog by Paul at Sun Volt on the possibility of solar panels increasing global warming. I wanted to find out more about the solar heat island effect, or as Paul put it “Heat Islanding” effect. I was wondering just how much concern we should have over this effect as it seems to be a major factor in the possibility of global warming. Most of the information was over my head, but I did get the picture.

Generally, cities are much warmer than rural areas. This is caused by solar energy and how it is reflected and absorbed. The following graph from the Heat Island Group shows how the heat is distributed, you can see the Island effect.

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On the Aesthetics of Solar Panels

One major impediment to more widespread popularity for solar home systems has been aesthetic value. Many homeowners and community organizations have frowned at the prospect of large, unsightly, glaring solar panels on their roofs or in their yards. In an age of regimented color schemes and tiny satellite dishes, the solar panel, despite its energy-saving benefits, has faced an uphill battle. But the industry has responded. There is now an industry-wide race to perfect an aesthetically pleasing and cost effective solar array.

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