Comments on: New Report on Innovative Green Business Solutions

By: solarcostsolarhomessolarpanels

solarcostsolarhomessolarpanels — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:09:07 +0000

Ecological responsbility does not occur merely by switching from non-renewable energy sources to renewable ones. We also have to be aware of how green such systems--especially PV panels for solar--actually are. For example, a common manufacturing component of solar cells is comprised of gallium arsenide. From a toxicological perspective, this element, because of its arsenic content, is considered highly toxic and carcinogenic.

By: bandnerd145

bandnerd145 — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:02:26 +0000

McElroy metal roofing offers a 'Green roof solution' with Unisolar thin film solar PVs. They take a further advantage of low light, cloudy light, and winter light. Check it out online, because the roofing+solar package is pretty easy installation, you simply put up the metal panels, clip into place, and connect two cables at the top on each metal panel and cover with the ridge cap. Probably the best total system I've seen in our architecture firm…

By: Sheryl Canter

Sheryl Canter — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:24:23 +0000

One of the things that really appeals to me about green building is that it works WITH the environment rather than AGAINST it. From our "Green Buildings" post: "How do you make a building green? Well, it depends on where it is. If it’s a place that gets a lot of sun, solar energy might work. If it’s a windy locale, wind turbines might be the better choice. Glass, no glass, windows facing the sun or not - these are all decisions that depend on the environment in which you’re building. Standard buildings impose their artificially created climate on their environment. Green buildings work with the environment, rather than fighting against it."

By: kenzrw

kenzrw — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:44:44 +0000

It also helps to live in a sunny climate, I would think. I'm in the southern plains of the U.S. and there isn't much sunlight, in the winter months especially. Our next house will definitely have at least one room powered by solar panels.

If the oil companies could make a profit on solar that's as much as on oil, we'd be in business. Using that scenerio, we'd be paying almost as much as for coal-powered generation, but the greehouse gases would be almost none. Those companies could use solar power to send through the grid instead of coal powered generation.

By: Sheryl Canter

Sheryl Canter — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:39:54 +0000

Many people are doing this already. I've ready about systems that sell power back to the grid during peak times. The main impediment for most people is the initial cost. There are some incentive programs to make this easier on people, but not enough yet.

By: kenzrw

kenzrw — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:37:41 +0000

Great idea. How long do you think it will be until we can get a solar panel sufficient enough to heat and cool our entire home, not needing to be on the electric grid at all? I'd be the first to get one.