MetaEfficient Reviews » Renewable Power

REI’s LEED Certified Stores

benjamin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:15:20 +0000

LEED Gold REI Store In Round Rock, TX (image: REI)

REI’s newest LEED certified retail stores are evidence that smart business and environmental responsibility sometimes lead down the same path. These new stores enjoy lower operating costs, and customers appreciate the company’s dedication to sustainable building.

(more…)

Toshiba Dynario Fuel Cell Device Charger

benjamin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:01:44 +0000

Toshiba Dynario Fuel Cell Device Charger (photo: Toshiba)

The first commercially available fuel cell device charger is here! (Well, technically it’s only “here” if you’re reading this in Japan, but that should soon change). Toshiba’s Dynario charger packs fuel cell technology into a portable package that can provide instant power to a dead mobile phone or other gadget, completely off the grid.
(more…)

An Energy Producing Home In Disguise

benjamin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:24:44 +0000

The Energy Producing Home (image: Neumann Developments)

Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency has to look like an ultra-modern pod? This recently completed Wisconsin home packs so much energy tech that it makes money by selling electricity back to the grid, and it still keeps a low neighborhood profile.

(more…)

Kite Gen – The Future Of Wind Power?

benjamin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:22:01 +0000

Kite Gen Wind Power Generator (photo: Kite Gen Research S.r.l.)

Wind power holds great promise as a clean energy source, but current windmill generators aren’t appropriate for all locations. Italian firm Kite Gen hopes to change that with its innovative new generator designs, which use “kites” to capture strong high-altitude winds.
(more…)

A Solar Flower Tower Rises In The Desert

Justin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:14:26 +0000

This unusual solar tower was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan for AORA Solar. It is set to launch on June 24 in South Israel.

The tower has 30 tracking mirrors (heliostats) that reflect sunlight towards the top of a 30-meter high solar tower. The top of the tower has a special solar receiver and a 100kw gas turbine.

The patented receiver uses the sun’s energy to heat air to a temperature of 1,000 degrees Celsius and directs this energy into the turbine. The turbine in turn converts the thermal energy into electric power that is fed directly into the national power grid. (more…)

World’s First 100% Solar-Powered Stadium

Justin — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:29:21 +0000

A couple of years ago, we wrote about a 1.3 megawatt solar-powered stadium in Switzerland. A new solar powered stadium has been built in Taiwan for the 2009 World Games in July. Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the stadium incorporates 8,844 solar panels on the roof. The roof will generate enough energy to power the building’s 3,300 lights and two giant television screens. (more…)

Is This The World’s Most Efficient Windmill?

benjamin — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:30:31 +0000

Is This The World’s Most Efficient Windmill? (photo: William Kamkwamba)

Sometimes the epitome of efficiency is using whatever tools are available to accomplish the job at hand. No one understands this better than William Kamkwamba, a teenager from rural Malawi whose ingenuity provided his family and neighbors with electricity from a most unlikely source.
(more…)

Falcon Wind Turbine: Versatile & Efficient Power Generation

benjamin — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:19:32 +0000

Falcon Wind Turbine: Versatile & Efficient Power Generation (photo: Innovative Windpower)

Innovative Windpower AG, a German manufacturer of wind turbines, has developed the Falcon 1.25 MW model to be the most efficient and versatile wind turbine ever created. It is designed for use in challenging new locations as well as existing wind farms, with substantial advantages over competitors in both its construction process and operation.
(more…)

Free Book: Sustainable Energy — Without The Hot Air

Justin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:42:31 +0000

I’m very glad to see the publication of a book called Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air. Don’t be fooled by the cover — this is book is a lively look at sustainable energy.

I liked the way reviewer Cory Doctorow describes the book on Boing Boing: “This is to energy and climate what Freakonomics is to economics: an accessible, meaty, by-the-numbers look at the physics and practicalities of energy. MacKay, a Cambridge Physics prof, approaches the subject of carbon and sustainability with a scientific, numeric eye.” (more…)

The Best 12V Solar Battery Chargers

Justin — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:05:15 +0000

Happy new year! This post on 12V Solar Battery Chargers has been updated for 2009.

Solar cells really shine at charging your batteries at remote location or on a boat. They are also useful for maintaining a charge on a 12V battery, such as a car battery. The best (and most expensive) solar battery chargers are flexible, thin-film solar cells. These cells can be folded and packed away easily.

(more…)