April 17th, 2009 | Author:
Cindy
Zero-Energy Homes
Zero-energy homes are structures built with the eventual goal of producing as much energy as they consume. They incorporate the most advanced energy efficient features for heating and cooling, lighting, siding and insulation, roofing, and solar power. The attainment of zero energy involves not only the selection of the right high-efficiency components, but also the prudent use of electricity throughout the home.
From 2002 to 2005, TVA and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory built five such homes in Lenoir City, Tennessee, through the Habitat for Humanity program. As each new home was built, the lessons learned from the earlier homes were incorporated into the design to produce even greater energy savings. The goal of a fully sustainable zero-energy home has not yet been reached but should be attainable for new homes within a few years.
more…
April 13th, 2009 | Author:
Cindy
Just found this neat article over at chelseagreen.com. If you are into green energy, check this out.
Weekend Project: How to Build Your Own Cheap, Simple Solar Oven :
Source: http://www.chelseagreen.com
We got a great response to our post “Cheap “Sun in a Box” Solar Cooker Wins Climate Change Prize” from earlier today. It seems a lot of people are into solar oven cooking!
Cindy
April 09th, 2009 | Author:
Cindy
Frying eggs from 93 million miles away—now that’s power
The sun is an incredibly powerful source of energy. That’s why TVA is using photovoltaic panels to transform solar energy into usable electricity.
When rays of sunshine strike a solar panel, they give some of the electrons inside it more energy, a process that creates an electrical current.
How much power are we generating? Check the data on daily power output at TVA’s solar generating sites. (If you don’t see yesterday’s data, reload the page while holding down the Shift key.)
Learn more here.
April 09th, 2009 | Author:
Cindy
Properly placed wind turbines can generate electric power anywhere the wind blows steady and strong.
Wind turbines use the momentum of moving air to quietly turn large blades that are attached to the shaft of an efficient electric generator.
TVA’s wind power site is on Buffalo Mountain near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In 2004, TVA greatly expanded its wind generating capacity when it added 15 very large turbines to the three original, smaller turbines at the site. Wind energy is now a major contributor to Green Power Switch. Learn more about the wind turbines here.
