For the first time, U.S. homeowners can buy solar panels off the shelves from a major retailer, *-(this assumes that Fry's electronics and Harbor Freight are not major retailers, and that they have not been selling solar panels for 5 or more years now)-. Akeena Solar Inc. last week announced that its Andalay AC panels are available at 21 Lowe's Home Improvement stores in the state of California. The panels, which were recently honored with a 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Product award, are featured as part of Lowe's Energy Center at the stores.

The Andalay AC system is fully integrated with built-in racking, grounding, wiring and micro-inverters. Andalay panels also have built-in inverters that produce household AC power, so there is no high-voltage DC wiring. *-(The built in inverter is a new feature as far as I know)-

Andalay AC systems use Suntech panels and Enphase micro-inverters. Andalay modules are UL listed and CSA certified. Akeena said that Andalay AC panels produce 5 to 25 percent more energy output compared with ordinary DC solar panels.

*-(I find it interesting that the higher output is listed as a range, wasn't there a controlled setting to determin the output value with some degree of accuracy?)-

For the whole article, follow the related link below.


* My comments injected into the article.

While it may not seem like architecture would have a significant energy impact, it does. If you really stop to think about it, something as simple as the direction a building faces and the layout of the most used rooms in relation to the direction will make a huge difference in lighting, heating and air conditioning requirements.

This building is an example of a simple efficient form that can save considerable energy, reducing environmental impact. Color selection is a separate topic.

SAKO Architects have challenged traditional Chinese architecture by constructing an energy-saving residential complex that is rotated by 45 degrees from the north-south axis for increased daylighting.

Follow the related link for more images.

Well, this cold snap is something else. I know if you watch or listen to the news, you have been reminded to cover or insulate your outside water lines. However, I'm reminding you again, did you do it?

As for conservation, water is still at drought levels. We can not let this become an out of site out of mind issue. We consume less water for our yards in winter, some water is replenished by rain, but our water account is so far overdrawn that it will take many storms to catch up.

We need to continue to be diligent and frugal with our water use. This should simply be our habit and ultimately our way of life.

Leaks are an easy way to lose lots of water and they are often easy to fix. One way to check for leaks is to follow these simple steps:

1. Turn off all water inside and outside, (not at the meter).
2. Read your meter.
3. Note your current reading
4. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and see if the meter has moved.
5. If the meter shows usage you probably have a leak.

Remember, these simple efforts add up and benefit your budget over time and the environment right now.

Well, I have not added anything here for almost a week. I have been running to catch up on a few things, meetings, site audits, etc...

One of the things I have committed a fair amount of time to is a new process for sharing some of our data here at the school district. I have configured a server that will eventually allow us to post information for general communications. There is a specific type of communication that this system is intended for, but as the system is not ready for kick off, I will have to share the subject later.

By creating systems like this, helping us move away from FAXing and paper delivery, to a more sophisticated PDF, JPG, email, internet based communication, we save a very large amount of paper. As we have been doing business as usual for many years, there is some adjustment to this style of thinking.

Who knows, we may start to create the truly paperless environment computers were supposed to help with over 20 years ago. We all need to focus on minimizing our paper use. An easy example: my email tag says "Save paper, don't print email." I recommend putting this or something similar on your email tag too.

Eventually we will all remind eachother enough times that we will change and ultimately reduce the amount of paper we use.

While Personal-Neo Urban Transport doesn't roll off the tongue, it seems car companies are going overboard trying to come up with catchy names, even for a concept car - (P-NUT). However, I like the look and the idea of a 3 seat vehicle. This could be perfect as a Taxi, or for someone who generally drives alone but needs an extra seat for a passenger now and then.

The idea is that the power plant is in the back, and is modular to accept gas, electric or hybrid engines. The three seat design places the driver front and center with passengers behind and legroom flanking the driver. Interesting.

I did not find any more details, but you can go over to Honda's website and see if there is more information now.