Last revised
12/14/2006
Links To Renewable Energy Information
(Solar, Wind, Hydropower, etc.)
Contents -
Case Studies and Information
Buildings Energy Efficiency & Renewables
Do-It-Yourself Energy Projects
Related Links
Tax Credits, Incentives, Loans and Other Financial Help
Products and Services
Buy Green Power For Your Home Or Business (electricity)
Biomass Gasification and Fermentation
Biomass can be converted to synthesis gas (consisting primarily of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen) via a high temperature gasification process. Anaerobic bacteria are then used to convert the synthesis gas into ethanol. Bioresource Engineering Inc. has developed synthesis gas fermentation technology that can be used to produce ethanol from cellulosic wastes with high yields and rates.Biomass Gasification Offers Energy Self-Sufficiency to the Forest Products
Biomass gasification combined cycle (BGCC) technology has the potential to generate process stream and electricity at a higher efficiency and with lower capital costs than conventional energy conversion technologies. With more than half of the pulp and paper industry's energy needs met by renewable and byproduct energy sources (e.g., hogged wood, bark, and spent black liquor solids), the industry is interested in integrating more advanced biomass gasification technologies into its operations. The gasifier selected for this project is particularly well-suited to a pulp mill environment since it produces a medium-Btu gas that can be readily used by existing oil- or gas-fired equipment, is tolerant of changes in feed quality, and requires less attention to fuel drying.The Economics of Plant Matter Derived Electricity
Originally delivered at the conference titled, "Renewable Electricity: Farming a Sustainable Energy Crop", in Collegeville, Minnesota, March 22, 1994. Author: David Morris, Vice President, Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Do-It-Yourself Energy Projects
Build It Solar - Great site - there are many ideas here!
Plans, tools, and information to help you build solar projects that save money and reduce pollution.Do-It-Yourself Solar Electricity
DIY Solar technique allows the self-assembly of low cost pv panels to power radios, torches, etc so allowing the replacement of dry cells which are often too expensive for the poor.Do-It-Yourself Solar Heat
The sun's energy can be captured by homemade solar hot-air collectors and thermosiphoning panels to provide free heat. The units direct air warmed by the sun through a window or wall opening into the adjoining room.Do-It-Yourself Solar Heat Collectors
Simple, inexpensive, do-it-yourself solar projects that can reduce your heating bills.Inexpensive DIY Solar Power - The $600 Kit
Solar Power Generator for Less Than $300
Using parts easily available from your local stores, you can make a small solar power generator for $250 to $300. Great for power failures and life outside the power grid.Sundance Solar
Ready-to-go, Plug-n-Play and Do-it-Yourself solar energy systems for emergency power to run radios, small TV, lights and more.
Fuel Cells 2000
Fuel Cells 2000 is a non-profit organization that promotes fuel cells, has just updated its Fuel Cell Directory, which features nearly 700 listings of fuel cell manufacturers, researchers and consultants, suppliers to the fuel cell industry, utilities, associations and interested government agencies around the world.The future is here - Japan launches fuel cell cars
Toyota and Honda lease fuel cell cars to the Japanese government and a few public agencies in the United States.Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Newsletter
Current news & independent analysisMelis Energy - Hydrogen production using Algae
Patent filed on energy discovery: UC Berkeley and Colorado scientists find valuable new source of fuel. A metabolic switch that triggers algae to turn sunlight into large quantities of hydrogen gas, a valuable fuel, is the subject of a new discovery reported for the first time by University of California, Berkeley, scientists and their Colorado colleagues. The news appears in this month's issue of the journal "Plant Physiology."NiSource, Inc.
NiSource, Inc. and the Institute of Gas Technology demonstrated a fuel cell system powered by natural gas that will produce electricity and thermal energy for heating, air conditioning and hot water in homes and small businesses. It is expected to be available to consumers by the end of 2001.Northwest Power Systems
Northwest Power Systems (NPS) unveiled a pre-commercial fuel cell system, fueled with methanol, that produces up to 3 kilowatts of electricity.Vote for your favourite hydrogen car
Learn more about, and get a chance to vote for, your favorite vehicle amoung the world's emerging H2 cars.
Renewable
& Energy Efficiency Case Studies
APS Environmental Showcase Home
Architectural Lighting Magazine
Case studies from a variety of sources, brought to you by Architectural Lighting Magazine.ASHRAE Technology Awards -1999 - Fellowes High School, Pembroke, Ontario (downloads Adobe PDF file)
Honorable Mention (Existing): David G. Eastwood, P.Eng., Member ASHRAE Fellowes.
The High School was built in 1969. An air quality evaluation in 1996 found complaints such as absenteeism, stale air, cooking odors, health problems and diesel smells. The four main air-handling units did not have heating coils and were operated with outside air intakes closed. Under this project, the existing chilled water piping system to these AHUs was connected to the main heating water header. This allowed the AHU coils to operate as heating coils during the winter. With this new heating capability, the outside air dampers were repositioned to supply 20,000 cfm (9400 L/s) outside air. Two rooftop package units and ductwork were installed to provide ventilation and air conditioning to the main corridors and locker areas. More rooftop units were added to ventilate and flush the diesel fumes from the stairs and hallways and to supply air to a 1991 addition. Range hoods and a 1750 cfm (825 L/s) exhaust fan was installed and a motorized damper to the return air closes when the exhaust system is on, which prevents the recirculation of cooking odors.The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (wide range of technologies)
The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) is a student-intitiated, student-run and student-funded demonstration home at Humboldt State University dedicated to resource and energy-efficient living. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, USACommercial Building Case Studies
Information on successful projects to "Prove Your Case." Site provides 10 stories of successful projects in southern California. These documented case studies demonstrate that the methods recommended by Energy Design Resources really do produce high-performance buildings with lasting value. Of course, high-quality design services do cost a little extra. However, having such specific examples of the benefits that energy efficiency offers often can help justify the slight increase in design fees. The following case studies are summarized on this page:Skylighting Successes: school / warehouse store / manufacturer (drums) /manufacturer (boots, clothing).
Integrated Design Successes: factory (food industry) / movie studio / college library / police headquarters / office building / learning resource center.Commercial Building Solar Applications
A few examples of successful commercial (business) applications of solar energy from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).CREST: Renewable & Alternative Energy Information - a "mother load" of links !
The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology; Project of the Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation. Offices in Washington D.C. and San Francisco, CA, USA.DOE Building Technologies Program - HOT LINK
Energy-efficient schools grasp green incentive
The state of Massachusetts wants to dramatically change the way schools are built. They are providing $150 million for building projects to help offset rising energy costs, as well as improve indoor air quality and lighting, proven techniques for improving student health and academic performance.Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Network (EREN) Solar Page
The Energy Guy's Home
A good example of a successful addition/remodel. Low-cost energy efficiency and solar measures provide a high return on investment, reduce pollution, and increase comfort.NEW (3/26/00) -
ENERGYRESOURCE2000 - BRINGING TOGETHER THE WORLD'S ENERGY PROFESSIONALS
RMR Design Associates, in partnership with the World Energy Council, announce EnergyResource2000, the world's first inter-active, on-line energy conference and virtual exhibition to address the scale of the global transition required to ensure a sustainable energy supply and use in the new millennium.
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
Global Energy Marketplace - a "mother load" of links !
A powerful, on-line, searchable database of more than 2500 energy efficiency and renewable energy annotated Web links. Sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and created by CREST to promote a more sustainable energy future and mitigate global climate change that results from energy use.Green Schools
"Green schools are doing good things for the environment and the campus. Whatís driving them is more than a warm feeling; itís cold cash." This article is from FacilitiesNet, a great source of information on issues facing facility professionals. You can also search some of the leading magazines in the industry - Building Operating Management, Maintenance Solutions and Energy Decisions from this site.A High Performance, Low Cost Solar Building Approach
An example of a successful residential applications of solar energy from Bob Starr of Radiantec, Inc. This system demonstrates exceptional efficiency, simplicity and is definately worth a look!International Energy Agency (IEA)
Advanced Active Solar Devel Task Force
NTTC task13; Passive Solar
Solar Heating and Cooling Programme Publications
A list of publications about solar building technologies and DOE's ongoing research. U.S. Department Of Energy, Washington D.C., USALarge Scale Solar Thermal Applications
Lighting Design Strategies for Classrooms
A variety of lighting design problems with solutions relative to a typical 30' x 30' classroom. Included are computer generated renderings of the space with luminaires, complete room dimensions and surface characteristics, product specifications, installation details and economics. Case studies from a variety of sources, brought to you by Architectural Lighting Magazine.North Carolina Solar Center Factsheets
OM Solar
The OM Solar system is based on a fundamental objective: to create homes and buildings that respond flexibly to exterior environmental conditions so as to optimize the use of available solar energy and other climatic patterns for indoor heating and cooling, ventilation, dehumidification and hot water supply.Parade of Homes to Feature Green Building
Passive Solar "Sustainable Building Sourcebook"
Passive Solar Water Heating
The Renewable Energy Design Institute (REDI)
They can be reached at 707-459-1256. California, USAPhoenix Federal Correctional Institution Solar Water Heating System
his project demonstrates the viability of solar technology to reduce conventional energy use. The ESPC also projected the financing, installation, operating, and maintenance needs of the project at no cost to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.Renewable Energy Education and Discussion (7/5/00) - lots of interesting links !!
Called "Steve's Renewable Energy Musings," this page has a wealth of discussion and educational resources on renewable solutionsRenewable Energy Fact Sheet
This fact sheet expresses a greater need to integrate energy and environmental policiesRenewable Energy Links (All Over The World)
Renewable Northwest Project
This broad coalition of public-interest organizations and energy companies promotes renewable energy development in the northwestern region of the United States. The site covers the basics of wind, solar, and geothermal energy, as well as their potential for use, cost, economic and environmental impact, and any available incentive programs. Northwestern renewable energy news and statistics are also included.Schools Going Solar - Huge number of case studies !!
A Guide to Schools Enjoying the Power of Solar Energy.Solar Electric Professional Papers
A wide variety of professional papers covering market/economics of solar electric applications - by Pacific Energy Group.SolarFacts - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Using Sunshine To Heat And Power Our Homes.Solar Industrial Process Heat (SIPH) Catalog of Successfully Operating Systems
Solar Information - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Find solar products and services, learn about solar, join SEIA, order publications, answers for solar related questions, Solar Fact Sheets, Tax Credits for Solar Investments.
Solar Retrofit (Urban Options House Tour)Space Heating and Cooling
General information and description of system types.
U.S. Department Of Energy, Washington D.C., USA
Surviving Disaster: Solar Water Heating
Solar Water Heating These solar panels heat water for an administration building at Fort Huachuca Army Base in Sierra Vista, Arizona.Sustainable Building Design
This introduction to sustainable building design includes the economic and environmental benefits, information to help pick the right solutions, and more - an Energy Guy page.Sustainable House Plans
Pre-designed sustainable plans for residential buildingsThe World Transformation web space
The U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is the building industry's only balanced nonprofit consensus coalition, promoting the understanding, development, and accelerated implementation of "Green Building" policies, programs, technologies, standards and design practices.
Used Building Materials Association
The UBMA is a non-profit, membership based organization that represents companies and organizations involved in the acquisition and/or redistribution of used building materials. This site contains membership information, links to other sites and information on excess used building materials.
Cheap, Superefficient Solar
Using concentrators . . .The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (wide range of technologies)
The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) is a student-intitiated, student-run and student-funded demonstration home at Humboldt State University dedicated to resource and energy-efficient living. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, USADOE Solar Buildings Program - HOT LINK
Full Spectrum Solar Cells
Research into new materials could yield solar cells with efficiencies on the order of 50-70% or more and at lower cost.
Here Comes the Sun!
How the U.S. government could push solar power into the big time, and we'd ALL benefit. Very well written and inspirational reading. By Denis Hayes, 5-8-00.Mr Solar
"Mr. Solar's" web site provides a wealth solar energy information, links, and products.The National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV)
This site was developed and is maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Net Metering - selling your own renewable power to the electric utility
Net metering allows homeowners to reduce their electric bills by generating power using small-scale solar energy systems. Under a net metering arrangement, homeowners who use solar systems run their electric meter backwards as they feed extra electricity back to their utility. This allows the homeowner to obtain the benefits of solar energy regardless of whether they are using electricity at the same time their system is generating power.New Sliver CellTM offers revolution in solar power (12/10/02)
A joint venture between the Australian National University and Origin Energy has developed a new type of solar cell with the potential to revolutionise the global solar power industry. Director of the ANU Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, Professor Andrew Blakers today unveiled the Sliver CellTM, which uses just one tenth of the costly silicon used in conventional solar panels while matching power, performance and efficiency. From Origin, 11-28-02.Schools Going Solar - Huge number of case studies !!
A Guide to Schools Enjoying the Power of Solar Energy.Solar Electric Professional Papers
A wide variety of professional papers covering market/economics of solar electric applications - by Pacific Energy Group.SolarFacts - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Using Sunshine To Heat And Power Our Homes.
Introduction to Solar Water Heating
This introduction to solar water heating includes freguently asked questions (FAQ's), the economic and environmental benefits, information to help pick the right system, and more. By yours truly, The Energy Guy.North Carolina Solar Center Passive & Active Solar Water Heating
Residential & Commercial Hot Water
General information and description of system types. U.S. Department Of Energy, Washington D.C., USASolar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
SEIA is the industry group representing installers, manufacturers, and other solar professionals. The site has links to technical information, solar products & services, publications, Q & A's, and fact sheets. Theres also a news section and links to tax credits and net metering (your meter lets power go both ways, spinning the meter backwards if you're generating more than you're using).Solar hot water system R&D
This link is to an interesting set of pages, describing a solar water heating research and development project.Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC)
The U.S. entity responsible for testing and certifying solar heating systems.Solar Water Heating Collector Mounting Options
A page offering a few ideas for mounting solar collectors. By yours truly, The Energy Guy.Solar Water Heating Economic Analysis Example
A page offering a (life cycle cost) economic comparison of various water heaters. By yours truly, The Energy Guy.Solar Water Heating Q&A's - By Mr Solar
Solar Water Heating Reliability
The only known page addressing solar water heating reliability on the internet.
By yours truly, The Energy Guy.
Solar Water Heating Repair & Replacement Costs
The only known page addressing solar water heating repair & replacement costs on the internet. By yours truly, The Energy Guy.
Solar Pool HeatingRSPEC
The RSPEC! Program was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to assist pool owners and operators to Reduce Swimming Pool Energy Costs (RSPEC)!Swimming Pools
General information and description of system types. U.S. Department Of Energy, Washington D.C., USA
Stanford Solar Center
A collection of fun solar energy related educational
activities.
Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
Univ. of Wisconsin
Solar Energy Laboratory
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Hydropower
Micro-HydroElectric Power
The Micro-Hydro Centre has been carrying out research into low-cost equipment for small-scale hydro-electric plants since 1985. In particular, they have identified an induction motor used as a stand-alone generator provides good reliability at low cost. They are also researching the use of cheap, readily available standard pumps as turbines. For very low-head sites, work is being undertaken to design a low-cost turbine suitable for local manufacture in developing countries.Micro-Hydro Design Manual : A Guide to Small-Scale Water Power Schemes
This link will take you to Amazon.com, where you can learn more about this book by Adam Harvey, Andy Brown, Priyantha Hettiarachi, and Allen Inversin.The Micro-Hydro Pelton Turbine Manual : Design, Manufacture and Installation for Small-Scale Hydro-Power
This link will take you to Amazon.com, where you can learn more about this book by Jeremy Thake.Small Hydropower
Science, history, case studies and economics, from the Sun Joules, CREST.
Complete Water Wheel Kits
Water Wheel Kits made of Western Red Cedar, from 2' to 8' diameter and $60 to $636.Hydro-Powered Electric Generator Related Products - Business Listings
The Source, Momentum Transfer Technology, Aurora, CO, USAJade Mountain
A variety of different types of hydropower systems.
The Complete Hydraulic Ram Manual
Written by Tom Moates, author of the 1996 how-to build your own hydraulic ram pump article featured in Mother Earth News.Hand Pumps
"In the 1990s, handpumps continue to be the principal technology used to supply water to rural people in developing countries. This is because, in most cases, handpumps represent the most cost-effective option for supplying safe water to low-income small communities. Handpumps are environmentally friendly, relatively simple to operate, and manageable by the community itself." (Source: HTN Network)Home Water Power
Gert Breur's water-powered suction ram-pump and a simple water-pump made even simpler: Rope-pumpHydraulic Ram Pumps
Prepared by: Gregory D.Jennings, Agricultural Engineering Extension Specialist. Published by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension ServiceParts for the low head hydraulic ram
The plans for this low head hydraulic ram have been developed over 3 years to be simple in construction and use about $25.00 of retail available parts. Assembly time is about 2 hours if all the parts and tools are in one place. The plans include 12 pages of detailed instructions with diagrams and templates. An installation and trouble shooting guide is also included. Most of the construction is cut, screw and glue with a few simple parts that are heated in an oven and re-shaped.Pumps Powered by Non-Conventional Energy Sources
Pumping facilities are required wherever water is stored at or below ground level. Conventionally powered pumps, such as diesel and electric pumps, require readily available sources of fossil fuels or electricity. In countries where access to conventional energy is limited by cost or sources of supply, pumps powered by non-conventional energy systems may provide an alternative.Ram Pumps from "All About Pumps"
Water For The World - Designing a Hydraulic Ram Pump
Plans for a Hydraulic Ram Pump
This web site offers for sale plans for a low head hydraulic ram. Cost: $8.00 U.S ($10.00 U.S. for foreign orders).
American Wind Energy Association
International Wind Energy Associations
Wind power at Spirit Lake Elementary School
School uses wind power and finds it to be an excellent investment in education!
Last revised
12/14/2006
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