Affordable Solar & Wind

Is Solar Sustainable?

It’s no secret, especially around these parts, that solar is more than a viable alternative to fossil fuels and a number of other energy sources. It’s one of the top renewable energies there is, as far as feasibility and accessibility go. And every day things are looking brighter for solar. But just as with anything or anyone who gets too close to the spotlight, solar power is being picked apart by some who go so far as to say that solar power systems are unsustainable in the long run, and even in the not-so-long run.

At an energy conference in London last week, speakers from IBM boasted that 2008 was the first year that silicon wafer production for Solar Cells overshadowed the production of silicon used for electronic devices. With all this talk about Silicon Valley being turned over to solar, the future is certainly looking bright for this green energy solution. And yet.

We know that silicon is naturally uber abundant; in fact, after oxygen, silicon is the the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. The thing is, silicon makes for some rather inefficient solar cells, causing solar to remain in competition with fossil fuels, and it’s for this reason that more advanced solar technology doesn’t use the material. Instead, those high-tech solar solutions rely on indium, a rare metal, to create multi-composite solar cells that achieve higher efficiency. Currently, indium can be found in LCD screens, and its frequent usage has some analysts projecting that we only have another ten years before the precious metal runs out.

To me, this talk of non-renewable sources of materials and energy is an old one, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes inapplicable. The rate at which scientists are discovering new ways to emulate resources imperative to life, like clean drinking water, is astonishing. I’m not saying we can all sit back and let the lab slaves do the work, but rather, that with a combination of creative innovation, open discussion, technological advancements, government policies and consumer acceptance, we will produce a source of energy that harnesses what we already have, like solar, with synthetic materials and processes to come up with a sustainable solution. So far, solar is still the leader in this race for sustainability.

About the Author

Cooler Planet is a leading solar resource for connecting consumers and commercial entities with local solar Installers. Cooler Planet's solar energy resource page contains articles and tools such as our solar calculator to help with your solar project.

Solar Solutions

Designer Skin Luminary 25x Black Label XXV Bronzer w/Silicone 13.5 oz $34.99 2010 Designer Skin Luminary 25X Black Label Private Reserve Magical Solar Silicone Light Engaged Defiance Ascend to t he highest bronzing peak and illuminate those around you in the glistening aura of dark tanning perfection, distinctively combines superior ingredients with stellar bronzers to take you on a journey beyond the outer limits of the bronzing spectrum. Bask in the revolutionary L.E.D. ...

Sunforce 50013 1-Watt Motorcycle and Powersports Solar Battery Charger $24.95 Never again worry about dead batteries on your Motorcycle, Personal Water Craft, ATVs, Snowmobiles, etc with the Sunforce Products 50013 Solar Powered 12V Sports Charger. The Sports Charger will charge any 12V battery with the power of the sun. The integr...

Sunforce 50012 1.8-Watt Solar Battery Maintainer $17.00 The Sunforce 50012 1.8 Watt Solar Battery Maintainer gives you another reason to love the sun -- it'll help keep your car's battery charged. Just plug this helpful 1.8-watt solar charger into your vehicle's 12-volt lighter socket and position the panel to pick up the most daylight possible. Or, if you prefer, use the included alligator clips to connect it directly to the battery, so you can keep y...

Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit $279.95 Dead batteries got you down? Soak up some sunshine with this 60 - watt Solar Kit! Solar power: efficient, abundant and FREE. Looking for a little juice? Solar may be the answer! These super-efficient crystalline Solar Panels were designed for use with cabins, outbuildings, RVs, boats... anywhere running electrical line is not practical. A 7-amp charge controller and 200W inverter help use the sun'...

Powerpack Hybrid Solar Charger Cell iPod Camera Black $24.98 Powerpack Solar Power pack. This is a green conscious, USA designed and developed, Hybrid Solar Charger. This new stylish and eco-friendly solar battery pack was created to charge any USB powered entertainment and communication device by using and storing the natural power of the sun to help you on the go.buy with confidence! Check our feedback.Buy from a trusted seller! ...

The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) $46.29 This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The ...

Electric power system for high altitude UAV technology survey contract NAS2-96011 (SuDoc NAS 1.26:206337) ...

Solar Silicon Refining by Ciftja, Arjan [Paperback] $130.64 The main objective of the present work is the removal of inclusions from silicon scrap and metallurgical grade silicon. To reach this goal, two various routes are investigated. First, settling of SiC particles from molten silicon followed by directional solidification is reported in this book. Then, removal of SiC and Si3N4 inclusions in silicon scrap by filtration with foam filters and wettabilities of silicon on graphite materials are studied. To supply the increasing needs of the PV industry it is necessary to produce a low cost silicon feedstock. The high carbon content of the metallurgical grade silicon in the form of SiC particles, needs to be removed before the silicon could be used as a feedstock to PV industry. The difference in density between the particles and the melt gives the SiC particles a relatively high settling velocity leading to a high removal efficiency. However, higher removal efficiencies are required. Filtration with foam filters appears to be very efficient and the removal efficiency for a 30 ppi SiC filter is more than 99. A new filtration model named branch model is developed in this work. Author: Ciftja, Arjan Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: 2010/06/05 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.40 inches

Silicon Graphics $66.91 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Silicon Graphics, Inc. was a manufacturer of highperformance computing solutions, including computer hardware and software, founded in 1981 by Jim Clark and Abbey Silverstone. Its initial market was 3D graphics display terminals, but its products, strategies and market positions evolved significantly over time. Initial systems were based on the Geometry Engine that Clark and Marc Hannah had developed at Stanford University, and were derived from Clarks broader background in computer graphics. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 82 Publication Date: 2010/05/19 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.19 inches

Outdoor Solar Solutions#44; Llc 8 Volt Solar Battery ZSB32 $82.93 Battery. Solar powered. 8 volts. Length: 6. Width: 8. Height: 7

Concept Green Energy Solutions#44; Inc. CGS3500S Portable Solar charger#44; 3500mAh Battery#44; Compatible with iPhone#44; iPod most Digital Devices Silver $55.89 Solar converves energy high capacity. Compatible with iPhone iPod amp; most digital devices. 0.5W Panel 3500mAh battery. Color: available in Black Silver amp; Red. Battery tyoe: lithiumPolymer. Battery Capacity: 3500mAh. Solar panel: Monocrystalline Silicon. Maximum Solar Power Generation: 0.5 Watt. Output Voltage: DC 5V. Output Current: 500mA. Input current: 700mA. Weight: 2.1 ounces (60g). Size: 4.3 inches x 2.5 inches wide x 0.5 inches height. USB cable for charging and discharging. Charge time: lt; 7 hours by USB. Standard adapters: Micro USB Mini USB and Apple. Will charge on IPAD for 5 hrs. Materials: solar panel li battery. Dimensions: 4.3x2.5x0.5H

Concept Green Energy Solutions#44; Inc. CGS3500B Portable Solar charger#44; 3500mAh Battery#44; Compatible with iPhone#44; iPod most Digital Devices Black $55.89 Solar converves energy high capacity. Compatible with iPhone iPod amp; most digital devices. 0.5W Panel 3500mAh battery. Color: available in Black Silver amp; Red. Battery tyoe: lithiumPolymer. Battery Capacity: 3500mAh. Solar panel: Monocrystalline Silicon. Maximum Solar Power Generation: 0.5 Watt. Output Voltage: DC 5V. Output Current: 500mA. Input current: 700mA. Weight: 2.1 ounces (60g). Size: 4.3 inches x 2.5 inches wide x 0.5 inches height. USB cable for charging and discharging. Charge time: lt; 7 hours by USB. Standard adapters: Micro USB Mini USB and Apple. Will charge on IPAD for 5 hrs. Materials: solar panel li battery. Dimensions: 4.3x2.5x0.5H

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSPUMP3 Replacement Pump for solar pump kit ZSK0600 $82.01 Replacement pumps are available for all OSS solar pump kits. These pumps all come with dry run protection. This new technology senses when water is low and turns the pump off automatically preventing damage to your pump.

Solar Shingles $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Solar shingles, also called photovoltaic shingles, are photovoltaic cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are several varieties of solar shingles, including shinglesized solid panels that take the place of a number of conventional shingles in a strip, semirigid designs containing several silicon solar cells that are sized more like conventional shingles, and newer systems using various thin film solar cell technologies that match conventional shingles both in size and flexibility. Solar shingles are manufactured by companies including SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, and Dow Chemical. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 148 Publication Date: 2010/07/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.34 inches

Oerlikon Solar $79.66 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Oerlikon Solar provides fully automated endtoend production lines for manufacturing thinfilm silicon solar modules. The company employs over 800 people worldwide, has manufacturing and RD centers in Truebbach and Neuchatel, Switzerland, and provides global customer support and training through sales and service centers in the United States, Europe and AsiaPacific. The companies production lines are modular and claim to offer best in class performance and lowest cost of production per watt (/Wp) for thinfilm silicon. Oerlikon Solar says it holds a portfolio of over 350 living patents, and has a large inhouse pilot plant at Truebbach that allows fullscale production size for testing and optimization. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 108 Publication Date: 2010/08/27 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.26 inches

Outdoor Water Solutions Fish and Game Feeder 6V Solar Charger $19.99 Keep your fish and game feeder up and running with this solar charger. The waterproof charger features electric gates and 6V of power. Note - Game feeder not included.

Solar Carabiner Crank Flashlight $15.94 Solar Carabiner Crank Flashlight Solar Carabiner Crank LightEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source: Rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel or cranking LED technology - Bulb never needs replacing Carabiner Clip to hang light where needed 5 Hours of full sun powers light for ~2 Hours (solar charging) 1 minute of cranking powers light for ~10 minutes

Solar Spot Light $27.94 Solar Spot Light Solar Spot LightEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source - rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel or car adapter LED technology - bulb never needs replacing 5 hours of full sun powers light for ~2 hours (low mode) Waterproof - 1 meter for 30 minutes

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSPUMP1 Replacement Pump for pump kit ZSK045 ZSK0100 $41.85 Replacement pumps are available for all OSS solar pump kits. These pumps all come with dry run protection. This new technology senses when water is low and turns the pump off automatically preventing damage to your pump.

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSPUMP2 Replacement Pump for pump kit ZSK0200 ZSK0500 $55.35 Replacement pumps are available for all OSS solar pump kits. These pumps all come with dry run protection. This new technology senses when water is low and turns the pump off automatically preventing damage to your pump.

Thin Film Solar Cell $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A thinfilm solar cell (TFSe, also called a thinfilm photovoltaic cell (TFPV), is a solar cell that is made by depositing one or more thin layers (thin film) of photovoltaic material on a substrate. The thickness range of such a layer is wide and varies from a few nanometers to tens of micrometers. Many different photovoltaic materials are deposited with various deposition methods on a variety of substrates. A silicon thinfilm cell is a thinfilm cell that uses amorphous (aSi or aSi:H), protocrystalline, nanocrystalline (ncSi or ncSi:H) or black silicon. Thinfilm silicon is opposed to wafer silicon (also called bulk or crystalline silicon). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 140 Publication Date: 2010/07/15 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 inches

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK0600 Solar Pump Kit Max. head 6.9ft Max. flow 359.3GPH $492.08 Enjoy the sound of moving water in your back yard. The solar pump has an extralong cord that allows the solar panel to be placed up to 16 feet from the fountain.Replace your present electric power with this solar pump kit to make your fountain more environmentfriendly more portable and safer for your kids. Fountain height up to 80 inches water flow capacity up to 360 gph with adjustable variable flow rate. This kit includes Dry Run Protection if the water runs low the pump will automatically shut off preventing your pump from burning up

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK039 Solar Pump Kit Max head 20 inches Max. flow 39GPH $71.08 This 40 GPH pump ships with a small 5 x5 solar panel that can provide plenty of power to push your water to this pumps max 21 inch head height. Includes a 5 head nozzle kit for many different looks also a 16ft extension cord and garden stake will allow you to securely place your solar panel in the optimal position.

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK045 Solar Pump Kit Max head 27inches Max flow 46GPH $82.01 This 46 GPH pump ships with a 6 x4 solar panel. With more photo cells this panel can provide more power lifting the water to max head height of 28 . Includes a 5 head nozzle kit for many different looks also a 16ft extension cord and garden stake will allow you to securely place your solar panel in the optimal position.

Solar Folding Lantern $27.94 Solar Folding Lantern Energizer Solar Folding LanternEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source:Rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel3 D Primary Cells 5 Hours of full sun powers light for ~2 Hours (low mode) D Cells: 110 Hours (high mode) The lens folds out to provide 360 degree illumination or down for 180 degree light. 3 Light Configurations: Low, High, Amber Nightlight

Energizer Solar SOLCKCCBP Flashlight $16.99 3 x LED White 4.90 oz - with Batteries 5.20" Width x 2.20" Depth 9 Lumen Dual power options - solar panel or crank handle Solar panel charges even in low light Versatile spring carabiner clip attaches to backpacks or belts Crank operates clockwise/counterclockwise 5 hours of charging in the sun provides 3 hours of runtime Crank charging for 1 minute provides 9 minutes of runtime Energizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation. Push Button Switch Carabiner Cilp Compact Crank Powered Energizer Energizer Holdings, Inc Flashlight Impact Resistant LED SOLCKCCBP Solar Solar SOLCKCCBP Carabiner Crank Light Yes www.energizer.com

Solar $124.99 Solar - Laminated Oversized Art

Pv Crystalox Solar $81.25 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles PV Crystalox Solar plc (LSE: PVCS) is a Britishbased business manufacturing photovoltaic solar energy materials. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Crystalox was established as a private limited company in 1982 in the town of Wantage in Oxfordshire specialising in the design and manufacture of equipment for purification and crystal growth of metals, alloys, semiconductors and electrooptic materials. In 1990 the company started their pioneering development of industrial production systems for directional solidification of multicrystalline silicon for the solar cell industry. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 112 Publication Date: 2010/07/16 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.27 inches

Energizer Solar SOLRE35BP Lantern $29.99 1.71 lb 165 Hour 3 x D Alkaline 40 Lumen 7.64" Width x 5.40" Depth 8 x LED White 5 hours of charging in the sun provides 2.5 hours of runtime of maximum light output 3D alkaline btteries provide 165 hours of runtime of maximum light output Choose bright area light or an amber night light setting Lens folds out to provide 360° illumiation or down to provide 180° illumination Solar panel folds out to maximize sun exposure for charging Powerful enough to light a room or campsite Energizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation. Battery Energizer Energizer Holdings, Inc LED Lantern SOLRE35BP Solar Solar SOLRE35BP Folding Lantern Yes www.energizer.com

Energizer SOLCKCCBP Solar Caribinner Crank $31.88 Solar Light Series Caribinner Crank Light. Manufacture ID: SOLCKCCBP. Energizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels crank primary batteries and car adaptors making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation. Features:. Dual power options solar panel or cranking. 3 White LEDs. 13 Lumens (based on 5 hours of charging in the sun). 2 hours of run time after charging in the sun for 5 hours. 1 minute of cranking provides 4 minutes of run time

Energizer SOLRE35BP Solar Folding Lantern $42.74 Solar Light Series Folding Lantern. Manufacture ID: SOLRE35BP. Energizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels crank primary batteries and car adaptors making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation. Features:. Dual power options solar panel or 3 D batteries (not included). 8 White LEDs. 1 Amber LED. 66 Lumens (based on 5 hours of charging in the sun). 2.5 hours of run time after charging in the sun for 5 hours. Runtime with batteries: 165 hours. 5 Position Switch. Adjustable Solar Panel

R-7 7w Rollable Solar Panel Charger $190.94 R-7 7w Rollable Solar Panel Charger PowerFilm R-7Weight: 0.6 lbsOperating Voltage: 15.4Operating Current: 0.45Folded Dimensions: 4 x 14.5Unfolded Dimensions: 14.5 x 23Ultra Light - Ultra Thin - Easy to UsePowerFilm® integrated solar panels (thin film on plastic) are developed and manufactured with a proprietary roll process and they are truly rollable unlike other thin film technologies that are only somewhat flexible. PowerFilm solar panels are all monolithically integrated which eliminates the need for damage-prone manual connections of individual solar cells. PowerFilm is made of silicon, a natural resource in abundant supply. PowerFilm is Cadmium Free, unlike some other solar technologies, and performs well in diverse environments, including hot sun, and does not suffer from wasted over-voltage.IncludesRA-2 (12v Femail Cigarette Lighter Adapter)RA-11 (15ft. Extension Cord with O-ring Battery Terminal Connectors)

R-21 21w Rollable Solar Panel Charger $374.94 R-21 21w Rollable Solar Panel Charger PowerFilm R-21Weight: 1.42 lbsOperating Voltage: 15.4Operating Current: 1.35Rollded Dimensions: 14.5 x 4Unrolled Dimensions: 14.5 x 60.75Ultra Light - Ultra Thin - Easy to UsePowerFilm® integrated solar panels (thin film on plastic) are developed and manufactured with a proprietary roll process and they are truly rollable unlike other thin film technologies that are only somewhat flexible. PowerFilm solar panels are all monolithically integrated which eliminates the need for damage-prone manual connections of individual solar cells. PowerFilm is made of silicon, a natural resource in abundant supply. PowerFilm is Cadmium Free, unlike some other solar technologies, and performs well in diverse environments, including hot sun, and does not suffer from wasted over-voltage.IncludesRA-2 (12v Femail Cigarette Lighter Adapter)RA-11 (15ft. Extension Cord with O-ring Battery Terminal Connectors)

R-28 28w Rollable Solar Panel Charger $440.94 R-28 28w Rollable Solar Panel Charger PowerFilm R-28Weight: 0.6 lbsOperating Voltage: 15.4Operating Current: 1.8Rolled Dimensions: 4 x 14.5UnRolled Dimensions: 14.5 x 79.75Ultra Light - Ultra Thin - Easy to UsePowerFilm® integrated solar panels (thin film on plastic) are developed and manufactured with a proprietary roll process and they are truly rollable unlike other thin film technologies that are only somewhat flexible. PowerFilm solar panels are all monolithically integrated which eliminates the need for damage-prone manual connections of individual solar cells. PowerFilm is made of silicon, a natural resource in abundant supply. PowerFilm is Cadmium Free, unlike some other solar technologies, and performs well in diverse environments, including hot sun, and does not suffer from wasted over-voltage.IncludesRA-2 (12v Femail Cigarette Lighter Adapter)RA-11 (15ft. Extension Cord with O-ring Battery Terminal Connectors)