The environmental movement has long had its sights on the automotive industry as a central point of change. They have pushed the idea that gas-guzzlers are one of the main culprits in the war on the environment and that if we change our ways to alternative energy sources, we can improve the world around us. What about our health? Can EVs improve our health conditions as well? That’s the contention of the study-based infographic below. It came to us from Baker Electric Solar thanks to Milwaukee Ford Dealers. Click to enlarge. …

It doesn’t take a political pundit to know that the Solyndra scandal has hurt the energy industry’s credibility. Investors are wary, but the same may not be true for direct consumers. One Block of the Grid compiled data from 45,000 solar estimates and put together a visualization that depicts from state to state how much it costs to “go solar” for homeowners. The interest is likely spurred by increased utility prices more than just a desire to be eco-friendly; do-it-yourself energy at the home tends to pay for itself in less than 2 decades. In Louisiana, for example, the cost after state, regional,…

Few developments, notions, or facts relating to green technology surprise us anymore. Alternative energy continues to expand while oil consumption slowly drops (perhaps too slowly for most). The alternative energy industry seems to be heading in the right direction (other than some notable failures recently). It’s for this reason that the huge acceptance of solar power in Germany blindsided us a bit. It’s common knowledge that they lead the world in solar, but the extent of their domination is mind boggling. The infographic below by 1bog looks at the top 10 countries from a solar perspective….

Many politicians in both parties are pointing to the Solyndra debacle as proof that we’re either handling the solar energy industry incorrectly or that it’s simply not valid in today’s world. Then, there are those who say Solyndra was an isolated case, that the industry as a whole is still thriving and valid. Who is right? The infographic below points towards the “isolated case” side of the debate, demonstrating that despite Solyndra’s massive failure, that the industry shouldn’t be tainted as a result. General Motors and Chrysler nearly failed just a couple of years ago – should we stop building…

When it comes to renewable energy, solar is often considered the easiest to acquire. The sun is a source of so much energy and the potential to collect it is almost limitless. There are both financial and logistical challenges surrounding solar, but in tough economic times any industry that has been proven to create jobs should be incentivized over others. Yet, 37 states do not offer incentives to bring in solar jobs. This infographic breaks down the statistics about the states the do and do not have incentives, the states that are most “ripe” for a solar job boom, and ways that people can act. Click…

Solar power has long been perceived as the answer to many of our energy woes. It is relatively efficient, extremely renewable, and as clean as it comes. It’s also extremely expensive when compared to the “dirty fuels” of coal, oil, and even natural gas. If it were possible to put solar panels on every roof, what impact would it have? Is it even conceivable? According to Techvert, “It will be very easy for trolls and skeptics to take jabs at the concept. It’s impractical, expensive, inefficient, and extremely unlikely to ever happen in any of our lifetimes. Still, one should ask, ‘What if?’” The…

The needs to go green, be mobile, and be productive collide in Andrea Ponti’s concept design for solar powered laptop, one that does not require a peripheral attachment to harness the power of the sun. Designed with a solar panel behind the monitor and one beneath the touch keyboard, it would be the first completely-solar laptop ever… if it gets produced. That part of the equation is unclear at this point. While it did not win a prize at Fujitsu’s 2011 design competition, it is reportedly shortlisted amongst their potential projects. Dubbed the “Luce” (Italian for “light”), it weighs 1850g (4…

Researchers at MIT have genetically modified a virus that helps carbon nanotubes self-assemble along solar cells to improve efficiency of electron collection. The virus, called M13, helps to separate the two types of nanotubes – those that enhance solar cell performance and those that inhibit it. According to Engadget, “Adding virus-built structures to dye-sensitized solar cells increased power conversion efficiency by almost one-third and, with only one additional step in the manufacturing process required, the new approach could be rapidly taken up by existing production facilities….

Proponents on both sides of the fence will argue feverishly about how the benefits of their chosen energy preference are better for the environment and the economy. Fukushima put a damper on the arguments for nuclear and the solar community is coming out full force to remind everyone about it. Case in point: this infographic by our friends at 1bog. In it, you’ll see some of key points that make their argument strong in a hypothetical format. Some may consider it unfair to look back with 20/20 hindsight and say “shouldacoulda” but one can’t help to wonder if the situation would be completely different…