All you need to go off-grid

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Energy

PV – all you need to know

Solar-electric (PV) design and installation – 25th -30th October

Learn to use photovoltaic technology to produce your own electricity. Workshop participants learn system sizing, site analysis, hardware specification, and component selection. Install a complete, operational system in the field with current renewable energy equipment. This workshop is for the novice who wants to use PV and for those seeking employment in the solar industry.…

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September 28, 2004 No Comments
Energy

Free power

A 19th century invention may hold the key to 21st century energy saving.
Clean, renewable, with heat as their only byproduct, Stirling engines sit on top of other energy sources. Invented at the beginning of the 19th century the Stirling Engine enjoyed its heyday until the combustion engine came along.

Ricemill
Ricemill powered by a Stirling engine
…
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September 27, 2004 No Comments

How to go off-grid

Quick Introduction to Renewable Energy – 16th October at Guemes Island Community Center, Washington State, US

This is an overview workshop of solar-electric, wind-electric, and microhydro-electric technologies. Participants will learn how to evaluate each resource and plan for high quality systems. Tours of renewable energy systems will supplement classroom sessions.…

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September 23, 2004 No Comments
Energy

Biofuel conversion kits

Running your car on vegetable oil will save money and reduce your impact on the environment. It is possible to convert diesel cars to vegetable oil by simply installing a fuel modification system.

Greasecar…

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September 2, 2004 1 Comment
Energy

Sunwarm heats the UK

A new heating/cooling system relying on solar energy is all the rage among house builders and developers in the UK.

sunwarmsunwarm3
Sunwarm solar panels and hot
water cylinder

Sunwarm from Nuaire, is a single system that provides home heating/cooling, ventilation and hot water, by harnessing the sun�s energy. At the heart of the system is a ventilation network and a set of solar panels. …

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September 1, 2004 1 Comment
Energy

Micro hydro revolution

Micro hydro is the most cost-effective and efficient source of alternative energy.

Hydro
A micro hydro plant

A micro-hydro system will produce 10 to 100 times more power than photovoltaic or wind power systems for the same investment. …

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August 31, 2004 1 Comment

Gas barbecues

We all love barbecues. But what’s best, gas or charcoal?

Gas barbecues are more eco-friendly than charcoal — they are more energy-efficient and release less pollution. Gas won’t give a funny flavour to your food like charcoal briquettes. Gas barbecues are not all expensive, and some are small enough to be taken on camping trips. Here’s where to find some online.…

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August 30, 2004 No Comments
Courses, guides & tutorials

Small is powerful

If you’re grid-connected, a small wind turbine will reduce your electricity bill 50 to 90%… Small wind turbines are silent and easy to set up.

Small wind

A small turbine should be placed at an unobstructed site, for optimum efficiency — a rooftop is fine, small turbines don’t need towers. …

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August 27, 2004 1 Comment
Energy

GE to open renewable energy lab

Megacorp General Electric doesn’t intend to be left out of the race for the new oil. The energy giant is opening a new $52 million research lab for renewable energy technologies near Munich, Germany.

Wind

The new lab is just another card in GE’s game to dominate the market for renewables.…

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August 26, 2004 No Comments