green power

How Businesses Can Save 25% on Energy Costs: HP Introduces Tech to Cap Power Use of Data Centers

jplatt — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Data centers and servers take up an increasingly large slice of the average company's electricity expenses. But HP has an idea on how to make those data centers more efficient.

Their new technology is called HP Dynamic Power Capping. Essentially, it lets IT managers decide the upper amount of energy specific servers will use, and "cap" that server at a lower energy level than it might otherwise demand.

HP says this more efficient energy management can result in savings of 25%.

Dynamic Power Capping had already been preloaded on many HP servers, but this is the first time that it is available on its own, as an add-on to any existing physical or virtual server. License fees range from $399 to $549 -- not too bad for what could amount to a substantial power savings.

Even Rechargeable Batteries Need Recycling -- Do You Know How?

jplatt — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0400

Have you ever used a rechargeable battery so many times it stops holding a charge? It happens. Even the best rechargeable batteries are only good for so many uses. And yes, when they're dead it's time to throw them out -- or turn them in for recycling.

Some communities have programs for recycling batteries, but not everyone knows how to use them, or where to find them. The best way to find the options nearest to you is the Call2Recycle program from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. By calling 800-8-BATTERY or using their web site, you can find the nearest battery or cellphone recycling program. I found two locations less than a mile from my house, neither of which I knew took batteries for recycling!

The site also contains great tips on getting the most use out of your rechargeable batteries, and a fun guide to finding all of the batteries in your house. (Remember, we're not just talking about AA batteries here, but batteries for laptops, cellphones, power tools, toys and more!).

So give it a try and let's keep those batteries from ending up in a landfill!

What Will McCain and Obama Do About Nuclear Power?

jplatt — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:34:26 -0400

When it comes to the environment, few topics cause as much debate and friction as nuclear energy.

On the one hand, nuclear energy is relatively clean, creating no emissions and running at relatively low cost.

On the other hand, the byproducts of nuclear energy production take hundreds of years to become safe. They pose security questions, and no one seems to want the waste stored in the backyards.

Energy policies are obviously critical to this election, so it might come as a surprise to you that both candidates are actually pro-nuke.

Both McCain and Obama told ScienceDebate2008.com that nuclear power is critical to this country's ability to generate electricity without producing carbon emissions. Says Obama, "It is unlikely that we can meet our aggressive climate goals if we eliminate nuclear power as an option."

But Obama takes a hard-line look at nuclear security: "However," he says, "before an expansion of nuclear power is considered, key issues must be addressed including: security of nuclear fuel and waste, waste storage, and proliferation."

As for McCain, he tells ScienceDebate2008.com it's time to "recommit" to nuclear energy. He says he will "put the country on track" to build 45 new reactors in the next 20 years. Obviously, that's well past any term he would serve, but if he puts the investment in during his time in office, it's unlikely that any future administration would pull the plug.

So how about the issue of nuclear waste storage? Writing on his web site, Obama says he does "not believe that the current Yucca Mountain site is suitable." He promises to develop requirements for waste storage "using the most advanced dry-cask storage technology available." McCain has historically been pro-Yucca Mountain, but he has also called for the creation of an "international" site, although he has also suggested opening an international center overseas to store nuclear waste. (In other words, "Not in my backyard.")

So how do you feel about nuclear power? Will either candidates' position sway your vote? Let us know!

Grand Theft Solar

jplatt — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:10:42 -0400

I guess oil prices are really getting to people. Some folks are so desperate to get out from under the finger of the energy companies, they are resorting to stealing solar panels. In fact, solar-panel thefts are dramatically on the rise, as the expensive components become prime targets for well-trained thieves.

It makes sense, if you think about it. A solar-panel array can cost tens of thousands of dollars. I'm willing to be there's already a huge black market opening up for selling "hot" solar cells, and that's only going to increase as solar gets more and more popular.

If you've got solar cells already, it might be time to look into extra security for your house, such as motion-detector lights. Or maybe we should start installing LoJack on our solar cells.

Actually, this could be a very good business opportunity for someone: develop a security system to protect solar cells for people and companies. New technologies always open up new markets for industrious people, why should criminals be the only ones to benefit?

Residential Wind Turbines

Marcus — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Energy costs getting you down? Looking to cut down on bills, and get a little greener in the process? With energy bills rising by as much as fifty percent in recent years, chances are you’re eager for some alternatives. Which is where wind power comes in. Wind is a clean, efficient, sustainable and cost-effective source of energy, and it’s rapidly growing in popularity. A growing number of homes in the U.S. are opting to have residential wind turbines installed, and as a result are seeing dramatic reductions in their energy costs. Think wind power might be right for you? Keep reading to find out more.

Why wind?

First off, wind power will save you money—as much as 50-90 percent on your electric bill! Although wind turbines can cost from $6,000- $22,000, it’s an investment that usually pays for itself in around six to fifteen years. Once the cost of the turbine has been recouped, it’s not uncommon to see electric bills of $8- $15 dollars for up to nine months of the year! In addition, wind power is good for the environment—it produces zero pollution, and every kilowatt hour that is powered by wind will offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company.

What kinds of residences are eligible for wind power?

Since a wind turbine is a relatively large structure, this type of power isn’t really suitable for small-lot suburban homes or anything in an urban setting. Usually, a house on an acre or more of land is desirable. It’s also important to consider wind speed in your area—in order for a turbine to be efficient, wind speed should be at an average of at least 10 miles per hour.

Where can I buy a residential wind turbine?

Take a look at this list of small wind turbine equipment providers.

Is there any way to benefit from wind power if I live in a small and/or urban location?

Why, yes, there is. In most areas, you can contact your energy company and switch to green power—that is, your energy company will purchase your power from sustainable energy sources in lieu of coal or oil. There is a minor charge, but it usually only amounts to a few extra dollars per month. This is a great alternative for city dwellers who wish they could install a massive wind tower on the top of their high rise.

Want to learn more about wind power?

Wind Turbine Power: Farmers Turning the Wind Into Gold

Inexpensive Residential Wind Turbine—Wind Power—Alternative Energy For Your Home

Can You Harness Wind Power or Not?

Home Wind-Power Turbines Going Mainstream

What YOU Should Know About Wind Power!

Can You Use Wind Turbines to Power Your Home?