Did you know that in every hour of the day, enough solar energy hits the earth to power the world’s global energy needs for a year? This energy has been around for billions of years. It’s completely free and nonpolluting. And it has the potential to revolutionize how we as humans live together. Just imagine. …
Mining the ocean is here. And in much cooler ways than previously imagined. Here’s the science behind it: As you likely know, Lithium (Li) is one of the more popular metals in circulation right now due to its ability to store much more energy than most metals and other substances. The development of electric cars …
One of the first hurdles in generating your own electricity is determining how much you need. Each home is different, there are so many determining factors such as home efficiency, size, average outside temp, and more. Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2018 report, the average electricity consumption in the U.S. was 10,972 kWh …
If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’re more or less pretty familiar with solar energy. But just what exactly is passive solar energy? By definition, passive solar energy is low-tech solar with only one moving part: the sun/earth. Comparatively, active solar energy is high-tech with more moving parts used to capture heat or …
The first real mountain I ever climbed was Mt Rainier in Washington State. Years ago, when we were 17 my buddy called me up out of the blue and said: “hey we’re climbing Rainier in July you want to join?”. No experience. No real training. Of course, I said “hell yeah!” *Disclaimer: at the time …
Have you ever gotten Pho at a restaurant? I love Pho. And I especially enjoy the beanstalks that come with it. However, I never looked into them or even really knew what they were. Recently, I took a gut test that told me mung bean sprouts were one of my personal superfoods. Huh? I was …
If you know anything about healthy food, supplements, or spices you have probably heard of the spice turmeric. But what exactly is Turmeric? Turmeric is a flowering plant root that is part of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It is commonly used today as a supplement and healthy food additive. It’s been used for thousands of …
Maria Telkes is widely considered the founder of solar thermal stilling and storage systems. Nicknamed “the Sun Queen” she holds over 20 patents and won 12 international awards. Much of her brilliant work has greatly influenced modern solar systems today. Early work Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1900 she attended the University of Budapest where …
This book changed my whole viewpoint on science and energy. I did a book report on this years ago in Jr. High and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since, even past my own collegiate education and in the job world. It unfolds the life of a poor Malawian farmer, William Kamkwamba. In his youth …
Starting the Solar Journey One of the first questions any potential solar home user should ask is; “Should I stay on the grid, or go off-grid?” No doubt, it’s a great question with many different factors that can influence your decision. Money saved, money earned, freedom, reliability, safety, ease-of-use. Going solar can be complicated, but …
Everyone knows the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S is smoking, but do you know the second leading cause? An estimated 21,000 preventable deaths in the United States are attributed to the indoor exposure of Radon gas. What is this Radon? Radon is the decay of radioactive elements like radium and uranium found …