The market for solar power is continuously evolving as research and development advances. Here are some recent discoveries and innovations which may lead to higher efficiency and lower cost solar power.

Butterfly Inspired Solar Cells

Butterflies have natural scales that act like solar collectors, which scientists in China and Japan are using as a template for improved light harvesting on Gratzel cells.  Gratzel cells are dye-sensitized solar cells named after its inventor, Michael Gratzel.  Tests have shown that the butterfly inspired collector absorbs more light than conventional dye-sensitized cells.   And, the manufacturing process is easier and faster than traditional methods.   Researchers predict (more…)

It’s almost spring and about time to start thinking lawn care.  Maybe it’s also time to stop spilling gas on the lawn and spewing toxic fumes around the neighborhood.  Traditional gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers and weed wackers are some of the biggest polluters, pound for pound, of any consumer operated devices on the planet.   A cleaner, easier to operate, alternative is now on the market, the LEHR Eco Trimmer is the world’s first propane-powered lawn and garden tool.  The Eco Trimmer is the first product in LEHR’s Eco Series and has all the power and performance of a gasoline trimmer — minus the detrimental pollution and emissions associated with dirty gasoline engines.  The Eco Trimmer emits zero hydrocarbons, zero evaporative emissions, 96% fewer carcinogens and 97% fewer particulates than its gasoline counterpart and already exceeds the EPA’s 2011 regulations for home and garden equipment.

Fueled by a standard propane canister and its patented, “Twist ‘n’ Go” fueling system, the trimmer operates for 2 hours on a single propane canister, requires very little maintenance and starts at the push of a button.

It’s on-sale now at Ace Hardware, True Value Hardware and most Sears locations.  Other major home retailers to follow in June.  Learn more at www.golehr.com

A recent study commissioned by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust found that the electricity output from the 21 small wind turbines in the state was only about one-third of the manufacturers’ estimates.  The results seemed to agree with those of the U.K.’s Warwick Wind Trials which found that urban microwind performance varied widely depending on wind conditions, siting and height of the installation.

Basic conclusions are that optimal electricity production occurs when the turbine is mounted at least 30 to 40′ above the nearest obstruction, in an open, flat space, with steady winds at, or above, 10mph.  Roof mounted systems often suffered from associated vibrations and noise.  The Warwick study found that turbines mounted on high rise (more…)

• Thrift Fashions on the Money During Recession – cnn
• How about no ATVs?  Electric ATVs?  Organic Farmers Seen as Buyers – msnbc
• Is this just to appease the corn lobby?  Companies Study U.S. Ethanol Pipeline – reuters
• I’m glad they’re using this tech to solve big issues…‘Star Wars’ Laser Kills Mosquitoes – livescience
• Electric Cars Around the Corner – cs monitor
• Researchers Find Pint-Sized Meat-Eating Dinosaur – myway

There’s plenty of green going around today, especially in NYC.  After going for a nice jaunt down Fifth Avenue, duck into a fine Irish dining establishment and wet your whistle.  Or pickup some Irish soda bread, prepare a delicious Irish stew, grab an organic brew, a DVD of The Commitments or find The Quiet Man on the tube, and join all the Irish eyes smiling today. Erin go bragh.

Related:  previously on altCon – happy st pat’s tie on a green one

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University finds that shopping online instead of going to a retail store cuts carbon emissions. The research performed by the university’s Green Design Institute, found that shopping online via Buy.com uses 35 percent less energy and carbon dioxide emissions than making a traditional trip to the mall for the same item.  Shoppers consume the most energy and (more…)

The economy stinks, you’ve been cooped-up in a teensy apartment all winter, you’re depressed – why not hit the beach, collect some driftwood or other debris, and get creative?

The fish sculptures (pictured above) are the creation of Turkish artist, Yalos Alanya.   via: recyclart.org

I had the good fortune to receive an 18/8 stainless steel (18% chromium/8% nickel) water bottle from Otterbottle, and it’s great — lightweight, 100 percent recyclable, and made from recycled material.  The mouthpiece on the lid uses number 5 plastic, which is also recyclable; and there was absolutely no aluminum used anywhere in the making of this eco chic bottle.

Story goes, Calgary-based founder, Shannon Andrukow, was the first to create a safe and stylish sustainable water bottle (more…)

• There’s large scale good being done…When the Super-Rich Go Green, They Do It Big – cnn
• Change can be good…Commentary: Make the Recession Work for You – msnbc
• Black Sea Pollution Could be Harnessed as Renewable Future Energy Source – sciencedaily
• Apples and organges…Wind Cuts Exposure to Fuel, Carbon Swings: Lobby – reuters
• What does elk meat taste like?  National Park Sees a Stampede for Free Elk Meat – npr
• What was this guy’s thought process?  VT Hunter Busted for Bolting Antlers on Dead Doe – myway