LONDON – Met Office and the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit recently released data from 30,000 measuring stations that reveal there has been no global warming in the last 15 years. In fact, the findings suggest the earth might be headed for a mini ice age similar to one in the 17th century. Several leading climate scientists told the UK Mail that the sun is transitioning from the unusually high levels of energy seen throughout the 20th century toward a “grand minimum” in solar energy output. Such a minimum promises colder summers, extended
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In apocalyptically-themed television shows, books, and movies, many different scenarios to explain the collapse of society and the end of the world have been imagined. Some of the creators of these dark works of fiction have chosen to center their doomsday storytelling around something called an electromagnetic pulse, which causes its own particular brand of mayhem by destroying the power grid along with most of the electronic devices and systems upon which we have all become so dependent. Without electricity and with its computerized systems no longer able to function, the implosion of society becomes
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The sun is entering a period of increased activity, and massive solar eruptions are beginning to wreak havoc on modern technology. A recent solar eruption disrupted radio communication in China, and there is concern that further eruptions could disrupt daily life on a wider scale. Scientists have long predicted that solar storms could disrupt global communications and affect telephone and power networks. A powerful solar eruption known as the Carrington Event struck in 1859, causing fires and shorting out telegraph wires. Imagine how much more powerful this disruption would be with modern infrastructure; with communications
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Hot water is one of the main “offenders” found each month hidden in your gas or electric bill.  In fact, for most households, hot water is the second largest chunk of overall energy use. And it’s relatively easy to see why. Hot water is a luxury many of us aren’t willing give up, no matter
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In today’s world, we rely on electronics to do everything from guiding us through the wilderness to cooking our food to keeping us connected. Whether your need is for a short-term or long-term emergency, there are likely ways you can keep powered using photovoltaics (PV or solar power). Every modern 72-hour kit, for instance, should
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Solar activity is difficult to predict. The sun itself has cyclic periods where activity ramps up or declines, and close monitoring of its activity lets astronomers warn public agencies if solar flare activity threatens technology on Earth. Unfortunately, research teams are providing differing long-term forecasts on solar activity. Scientists at the U.S. National Solar Observatory
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We like to track innovations in solar technology, and keep our readers up to date on the latest creations and progress with turning solar into the mainstream alternative to the grid. The latest improvements in solar technology will make a serious impact for those who want to get off the grid for good. SolarWindow In
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Continuing research is focusing on improving and enhancing solar technology, and on finding ways to create the optimal alternative power source. The following selection represents recent solar power innovation and improvements for existing photovoltaic modules. FUSION™ Solar Film Developed by Genie Lens Technologies, this transparent film enhances the performance of photovoltaic panels. The polymer film
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If you live in the northern U.S., you will probably benefit more from solar water heating than you would from solar power (photovoltaic or PV).  Because of the amount of average cloud cover and other atmospheric issues in the north, PV is not as effective as it is in the south – the energy production
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Since 2007, a thin film, portable, and flexible gadget charger sold under the trademark “SolarRoll” has been on the market.  Made by the Brunton company, the SolarRoll™ is a roll-up, easily-transported solar panel that can be unrolled and used to charge things like cell phones, digital cameras, etc.  The SolarRoll™ is sold in various sizes
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