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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One of the newest types of solar photovoltaics (PV) available for home owners is the solar shingle. These are replacement shingles for standard asphalt (they are also available as Spanish tile replacements) on the rooftop. These solar cell arrays are made to look like the asphalt shingles they replace. For the suburban prepper, this makes
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Arizona is experimenting with some pretty exciting stuff! SOLON Corporation has developed a 1.6MW solar array whose energy output will be made available to Tucson Electric Power Customers beginning February 1, 2011, through TEP’s Bright Tucson Community Solar Program. According to Solar Industry, “the 1.6MW array features SOLON’s Velocity MW Solar System, which provides preconfigured
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