http://www.AltEnergyMag.com/ AltEnergyMag Alternative Energy Industry News and eMagazine - Recent Articles from our eMagazine http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1476The ESD, the acronym for the Engineering Society of Detroit, is now 115 years old and it remains an august institution in the City of Detroit. Once housed in a magnificent marble building next to the Detroit Institute of the Arts it is an encompassing institution that holds many fine conferences on Engineering developments and Issues. Their recent conference held on March 3rd on Alternative Energy was something of a rousing affair, which we do indeed need since Michigan has been hardest hit in this recent Economic turn-down. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:56:24 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1473A distributed model revolutionized the way industrial-scale computing was delivered. Is it possible that something similar could be achieved for energy production? Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:53:02 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1469Energy, Food, & Transportation for the Components of our Genes, Forevermore! Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:30:58 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1472Aaron Fowles is the Specialist of Corporate Communications for SANYO North America Corporation’s Regional Offices, based in San Diego. In this position, Mr. Fowles oversees all public relations activities, including media relations, strategic planning and implementation for all North American regional companies. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:58:08 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1470Renewable Energy companies need Public Relations (PR) for several reasons. The following are the top 10 things I believe every RE company should be aware of in 2010. Remember, the solar industry is still a nascent industry just at the beginning of its steep growth curve. But general awareness of solar and other renewables and their benefits is very low among the general public. The industry needs to educate and communicate with the American public so they better understand renewables and the bright future they can bring to our world. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:55:58 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1471By offering a means to install a solar power system without the initial capital, Power Purchase Agreements could be the Holy Grail for mass market adoption of solar. After being a major driver of solar installations over the last couple years, however, a number of obstacles still stand in their way. What makes these instruments so attractive? Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:21:13 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1468Key trends and growth opportunities up to 2015. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:34:44 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1467Significant issues for the operator may include the operator’s right to enter onto the land and monitor the land for wind potential before an agreement is executed with the landowner. This right is typically set forth in an option granted to the operator for a period lasting anywhere from two to ten years, in exchange for a fee paid to the landowner, allowing the operator adequate time to carry out a wind study to ascertain whether the land is a good candidate for a wind project. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:11:19 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1466Thin-film silicon uses about one-hundredth the amount of silicon used by crystalline silicon PV but now that the silicon shortage is over what will keep TF Si'c current 43% market share from dropping? Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:40:05 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1463Interview with Jack Jacobs, Managing Partner of Cleantech Law Partners. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:59:02 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1457The most pressing questions surrounding energy policy now are: 1) How do we reach these goals? And 2) Are they even attainable? Advocates from both sides of the aisle and in many industries, such as wind, solar, biomass, nuclear, and even domestically sourced natural gas and clean coal, have all thrown their hats in the ring professing that their technological approach is the way to go if there is any hope of truly changing the energy landscape. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:32:41 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1456Images of the 3 bladed wind engines are now seen everywhere and they have come to symbolize intelligent energy creation for virtually everyone but are these designs actually the most efficient ones possible? No one seems to know their efficiency so that vital issue is completely overlooked and rarely discussed. Efficiency is important to all. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:24:49 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1449Greenhouse gas & energy are major problems for the future of America and Geothermal heat pumps are a great form of alternative energy has been around for over 30 years. Below are some facts about geothermal that you need to know. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:03 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1462Knowing what’s happening inside a fuel cell is a critical function, especially as fuel cells are continuing to be developed. One important aspect of this is to measure the voltage of each cell in a stack. Although this may sound trivial, it can be more complex and more expensive than it may at first appear due to high voltages, high channel counts, communication types, etc. There are a few products commercially available that are designed specifically for fuel cell voltage monitoring. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:02 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1455What can you do as an investor to protect your wind farm investment? What can you do as a wind farm owner to secure your wind power production? How can the trust of insurance companies for wind farm projects be improved? The solution is to find an independent inspection, testing and verification company that combines technical consultancy with project certification. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:01 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1452Marc Doyle is global business director, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS). He is responsible for creating business strategy for DuPont within the Photovoltaics (PV) market space, coordinating activities across DuPont in the PV industry to create a singular market-facing business, and aggressively growing DuPont’s business within the PV space by identifying and championing new business opportunities in white space areas. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1461REPOWERING, in general, can be defined as the set of changes aimed at increasing the power and therefore also increase the energy yield. The convenience of the repowering is in the benefits of technological modernization, which provides solutions for higher power and performance as the technology matures. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:37:33 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1460GlobalData’s report “Asia-Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook” presents an in-depth analysis of the renewable energy policies across the major renewable energy markets in Asia-Pacific. It details the key policy instruments adopted by the major Asia Pacific countries in order to promote the deployment of renewables. The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of their renewable energy industry. The report also provides technology specific support policies and measures used in different countries. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:10:57 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1459A succinct-analysis of the increasingly widely discussed alternative and renewable energy universe serves to bring the Phoenix "Hydrogen Economy" initiative (with its REPLACEMENT energy status) into its special perspective. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:14:12 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1458Using Lean to produce renewable energy products will keep costs low, make the investment of capital more efficient, provide product in the shortest possible lead time, and ensure the continued growth of the industry. Using Lean will drive cost out of the products/processes allowing more conversion to renewable energy for every dollar spent. Some renewable energy manufacturing companies are using some Lean tools, but much more can be done to reduce the waste in manufacturing these products. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:45:03 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1454We believe that renewable energy services play to the strengths that we have developed in offering electrical and communications services to the commercial, industrial and residential markets. These renewable energy services are a very natural and logical extension of our traditional offerings. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:44:14 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1453Greg Schulte is the President and CEO of Bonfiglioli USA, one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of gear motors, drive systems and planetary gearboxes. The company is also a primary developer of systems which integrate electronic, hydraulic and mechanical engineering. He was appointed to this position in June 2008 and oversees the Bonfiglioli Group’s American subsidiary headquarters located in Hebron, Kentucky Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:28:07 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1451With over two decades of engineering, marketing, sales and executive management experience in high technology, BioSolar, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dr. David D. Lee founded the company in 2006. An electrical engineer, Lee recognized that historically, manufacturing costs have been one of the biggest barriers to driving down the cost per kilowatt of solar energy for consumers. In response, BioSolar was the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based components derived from renewable plant sources. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:44:06 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1447This article reviews the recent history of PV monitoring; the shift from single-meter systems to module-level control using highly reliable electronics, and future direction of the industry towards active system management from utility-scale solar farms down to the residential PV system. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1446One solar PV innovation has largely flown under the radar: pole mounted solar electric panels. That is, mounting solar PV panels on a steel pole anchored in cement, fully capable of adjusting to daily and seasonal sun positions. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1420Solar PV expert and consultant Kyung Nam Kim, author of the report “The Korean PV Market”, is optimistic about his country’s solar future. His report provides a unique and comprehensive overview of Korea’s PV market and industry, and it is available in English. It includes a detailed description of the market situation, forecasts, regulatory procedures, and a detailed overview of Korea’s PV supply chain. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1421Ed Feo, Senior Partner of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCloy LLP discusses Solartech's contract template for Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1422Third-generation thin-film solar devices are beginning to emerge in the marketplace after approximately 20 years of research and development, due to the insight of leading material developers such as Konarka and Plextronics in the organic photovoltaics (OPV) domain, and Dyesol, EPFL, G24i, Mitsubishi and Peccell on the dye-sensitized cells (DSC) front. Both DSC and OPV technologies lag far behind on the efficiency curve when compared to conventional solar (i.e., >20 percent efficiency), so they will likely succeed in markets where their low cost, substrate flexibility, and ability to perform in dim or variable lighting conditions provide them with a significant competitive advantage. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1423For solar providers, Clean Power Finance offers CPF Tools, the leading solar sales solution in the US. CPF Tools is a web-based suite of services that includes residential and commercial project financing, verified leads, and a solar quoting and customer management tool. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1424The impending energy crisis and global warming warrant the need for eco-friendly sources of energy. Non-conventional, carbon-neutral sources of energy such as solar, wind, biomass and nuclear energy are being explored and exploited to a considerable extent. At this juncture, when the atmosphere is laden with greenhouse-gases, we can least afford to release stored carbon. The following article gives an account of the basic principles involved in the functioning of Microbial Fuel Cells and the major applications of Microbial Fuel Cell technology, as it stands today. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1425With Presidential direction and Congressional support, NASA’s wellspring of talent could help foster the creation of solar power satellites – spacecraft that circle the Earth and beam the energy they generate down to the ground for distribution as electricity. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1426According to a new poll from Droege & Comp. and Gibbs & Soell, U.S. Solar businesses are poised for strong growth in 2010 and significant growth in 2011. However, respondents indicate that obstacles still remain. Favorable legislation, customer knowledge and heightened marketing will be keys to the expansion of their business. Participants included nearly 100 professionals representing key areas of the solar business value chain. Results from the 2009 Solar Industry Monitor were unveiled at the 2009 Solar Power International Show in Anaheim, Calif. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1427Jack leads Lincoln International's global Electronics and Solar Energy Group which includes Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Controls, Interconnects, Power Electronics and Solar Energy. Jack is an expert in the electronics industry. He spent 20 years in various operating management positions in the industry, beginning with Honeywell and culminating as CEO of publicly traded EFTC (now part of Suntron). Jack is a frequent speaker at industry events and oversees Lincoln’s publications in the EMS, Power and Solar Energy industries. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1428Hannover Fairs USA, Inc. is helping American companies compete and succeed in the global marketplace. As the U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe AG, one of the largest and most active tradeshow organizers in the world, Hannover Fairs USA develops and manages targeted marketing programs for U.S. SMEs at Deutsche Messe events worldwide. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1429Constructing a solar-powered light in a jar is a great project to do with kids. It can be done at home, or in a classroom, with simple materials, and will serve to give them a good understanding of how solar energy is used. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1430Brazil, the third largest territory in the Americas and the fifth largest in the world, with nearly 200 million people, has suffered with the environmental problems generated by the traditional model of dumping their waste in landfills. That process unfortunately, turns worse by the inhabitants practices of simply throwing the waste away on areas without any control or care, constituting the so-called "lixőes" (slang meaning “big garbage” in Portuguese language). Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1431Interview with Federico Brucciani, independent solar PV expert and author of the report "The Italian PV market". Brucciani is very optimistic about market growth in his country. He says that grid-parity will be reached in all market segments within the next 6 to 8 years. He adds that the market is becoming more sustainable than in Spain and that a new and appealing FiT program can be expected as a follow up to the current program, which has met with so much success. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1432Phoenix is maintaining a material investment program in a research and development program targeting the production, from virtually inexhaustible hydrogen resources, the "replacement" fuel for applications we consider, both technically and economically, as beyond the many "alternative" energy solutions advanced in recent years to respond to the world's accelerating energy deficit. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1433Algae biofuels promise greater productivity, and can be grown on nonarable land, and with mostly non-potable water. However, as with any new technology—especially in the biofuels space— many questions about its technical potential and sustainability remain. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1434One of the major benefits of Community Wind projects is that they provide incremental jobs, wages and business income in communities, since ownership is retained and profits are recycled locally. In addition, the community has a significant amount of control over management of the project and there are opportunities for members of the community to have a direct financial stake in the project. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1435A discussion about the future of the wind energy industry and the goal of 20% Energy from Wind by 2030 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1436Ecology and Environment Sets the Sustainability Bar Even Higher in Achieving an 80-Percent Carbon Reduction at Net Cost Savings. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1437How can you invest the time and money necessary to make our planet greener while your company is struggling? It’s no secret that many “green” initiatives require massive capital expenditures and changes in policies by government, but is there a green solution that actually saves you money. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1438Fuel cells are already powering hundreds of installations world-wide from cell phone towers to large scale facilities. In the United States fuel cells are providing low-carbon electricity to businesses such as Whole Foods grocery stores in New England and Sierra Nevada’s brewery in California. Fuel cell power systems can also be used to generate power in your home. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1439Decent jobs report bolsters week... Solar Tops Dow, NASDAQ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1440XsunX is combining its thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) process knowledge and processes with magnetic media thin-film manufacturing technologies used by the hard disc drive industry to mass produce high efficiency, low cost solar cells. Current techniques for the production of CIGS thin-films do not leverage stationary small area, high rate, production technologies which allow for the precise control of thin-film properties. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1441Raising capital for an alternative energy company? Consider a Standby Equity Distribution Agreement, or SEDA Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1442GreenGen and GoodSpring are based on the TPRI technology so they have some common traits that are unique in the industry. Record setting levels of cleanliness in acid rain causing gasses, mercury, and particulates should allow both facilities to reduce those major emissions by about 99% or greater when compared to the average coal power plant in the USA. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1443Condition Monitoring involves a set of activities wherein various components of the wind turbine are regularly inspected and monitored. The process gathers condition parameters of the machinery, such as lubricant condition, temperatures, vibration data and visual inspection results, on a regular or permanent basis. A minor failure in a key component of the wind turbine can cause down-time and severe losses Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.altenergymag.com/emagazine.php?art_id=1444Lunera designs and manufactures low-profile LED lighting solutions for commercial spaces. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800