quantum dots

While solar energy is the wave of the future, it is currently hampered not only by its expense, but by its technological inefficiency. Currently, on average, solar panels convert only about 15% of the sunlight hitting them into power.

However, additional investments in research will quickly get us to where we have to be. We already have the inklings as to where that is. Read on:

"Quantum dots have the potential to change the world. They are a form of solar cell that is completely beyond anything you might imagine. Traditional solar cells produce electricity in a unique way. When the sunlight hits material in the cell, the material kicks off an electron and the charge is the electricity. Quantum dots work the same way, but they produce three electrons for every photon of sunlight that hits the dots. The dots also catch more spectrums of the sunlight waves, thus increasing conversion efficiency to as high as 65 percent, a stunning figure.

The really interesting thing about quantum dots is they do not require big, bulk solar panels to work. Researchers are combing the dots with liquid polymers. In practical terms, this means they can be sprayed onto any surface. This literally means that anything painted can act as a solar cell. Think about that. In the near future, you will be able to go solar by just repainting your house. Hybrid cars will be revolutionized, so will your mobile phone. On a cold day, you can put on a coat and gloves that are heated by the solar cells imbedded in their surfaces. The scope of this breakthrough is as breathless as it is unlimited."

When my kids were very little, they used to walk to school. When it was very cold outside, I gave them a headstart in staying warm by putting their coats in the dryer for a few minutes so when they put them on, they were all toasty. But the heat soon ran out. Imagine putting your kid in a coat covered with quantum dots! They could play outside in the snow (assuming we ever get snow again in Baltimore, and assuming they dust the snow off every now and then so it is exposed to the light), and never get cold!

For more information about this and other inventive technologies that will save the world, check out their site:

http://nanotechnologyfordummies.com/uncategorized/the-nanotechnology-solar-cell-revolution

good energy from eilat

From February 17-19, 2009, Israel will host an international conference (in Eilat) that is expected to attract 1000 people from around the world, all gathering to talk about, and advance, the latest renewable energy technologies, not least of which is solar energy.

In addition to bringing together inventors, venture capitalists, government officials, businessfolk and more, this conference will launch the US-Israeli Energy Cooperation Act, passed two years ago by the US Congress. This act promises $20 million to promote the R&D of renewal energy. This is a triple-winner: good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for US-Israel relations.

for more info on the Eilat gathering, look here:

http://greenprophet.com/2009/01/13/6024/eilat-energy-conference-2/

The latest sunrise

Today is the latest sunrise of the year. 7:27 am Baltimore time. Not nice. It feels pretty dismal when you wake up around 6:00 or 6:30 am all ready to embrace the day, and you can't even find your slippers. The night still hangs heavy on the air. Some schools are beginning their work days just as the sun peeks over the houses, trees and hills. Surely some folks would like to argue that they shouldn't have to bare their shiny bodies to the world before the sun bares hers.

The good news, though, is that today (in daylight hours) is 51 seconds longer than the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. We will enjoy a whopping 9h 30m 21s of daylight today, to be precise.

The longest day of the year around here - may it come soon! - is a full five hours longer - running 14 hours and 56 minutes and 21 seconds. As if to reward us for drudging through the dreary darkness, this year at least we actually get TWO days of this length: June 20 and June 21.

I am paying particular attention to the sun this year for two reasons: it seems that Seasonal Affect Disorder - or at least its younger cousin SLOTH (Seasonal Lethargy Or someTHing) has settled in for the duration of winter. So every additional second of sunlight is scooped up and cherished.

And this year is, as I have said before and will no doubt say again, The Year of the Sun, the year in which we get to celebrate Birkat Hahammah, the once-in-28-years celebration of the sun.

I am bound and determined to learn more about the sun, and do more to invigorate the world with the energy from the sun, than I have in the past.

If you too want to track the comings and goings of the miraculous gift of the sun, you can check it out at http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=419&month=1&year=2009&obj=sun&afl=-11&day=1

This helpful website gives you the sunrise, sunset, noon time and things I cannot understand, like the azimuth, different twilights and more.

And if you want to help the sun help heal the earth, plant a tree, visit www.blessthesun.org and get all your friends to do the same and adopt some of the projects you read about there.

Learn about renewable energy and how we can move the world to embrace it (Israel is heavy into solar technology research. Japan and China are hopping on board - America cannot afford to be left behind). You can find lots of information by searching the web or coming back here for updates.

Meanwhile, don't forget your Vitamin D!