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Dr Farooq Abdullah in the opening ceremony of CSP TODAY INDIA
 Dr Abdullah, the Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy of India demonstrated the commitment of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to the concentrated solar thermal power industry by opening the inaugural CSP TODAY INDIA event. |
Efficiency record of 17.6% on flexible CIGS solar cell on plastic developed at EMPA
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A Textbook Example: Why American Schools Must Go Green
 Schools are a black hole for energy consumption. The buildings, which often serve as the hub of communities, are open from early morning to late at night. With air conditioning or heating systems that run continually, it is not unusual for a single building to use hundreds of thousands of gallons of fossil fuel each year. While this energy consumption is a major concern to students, teachers, administrators and the community ? who all wish to lessen dependence on fossil fuels ? school systems are moving at a glacial pace when it comes to making environmentally conscious decision regarding what technologies should power their facilities. |
US-India Solar Business Council Formed
In an effort to promote trade and investment in the solar industry between the U.S. and India the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) was formed this week. The USIBC is comprised of private-sector companies and seeks to help the United States' export solar technologies while furthering India's goal of reducing its dependence on imported coal and fossil fuels through the use of solar energy. The USIBC Solar Task Force is a subcommittee of USIBC's Energy, Environment, Enterprise (EEE) Executive Committee, which is comprised of more than 100 members. |
RENEWABLE ENERGY BUSINESS SECTOR RESPONDS TO RICK SCOTT ATTACK
 A group of businessmen, farmers and renewable energy advocates who met today to support Alex Sink for Governor, were abruptly met with an attack from the Rick Scott campaign. |
Green Collars--Where are the Jobs?
 What about a recently laid-off woman who now pushes a reel mower yard to yard to make money? Would lawn lady's be a green job created, a general job lost, or would the two cancel one another for a net job gain of zero? |
| Everyone Should Weigh In on the New EPA Vehicle Ratings |
What's a Watt?
The evolving discussion over renewable energy technologies has a tendency to get a bit technical. Most of us who work in the renewable energy space take for granted that many potential customers, investors and partners haven't spent any time in academia studying photovaltaics or wind turbines. In fact, they may not have a background in general energy metrics. Terms that once belonged to the realm of industry-insider jargon are quickly becoming standard. Thus, anyone who wants to follow the renewable versus traditional energy debate needs to know what we mean when we say "watt." Here, then, is a brief crash course in energy lingo. |
Desertec Solar Hopes Cloud over as Support Starts To Waver
 A significant piece of good news for the ambitious ?400 billion (Dh1.87 trillion, US $509 billion) scheme came in April, when one of its members, Germany's Solar Millennium, said its 150 MW Kuraymat project in Egypt was nearing completion and could serve as a template for other north African solar farms. |
Cheaper, Better Solar Cell Is Full of Holes
 A new low-cost etching technique developed at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory can put a trillion holes in a silicon wafer the size of a compact disc. |
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Latest comments made on this video:
By: Bobster986. on 15 Aug 10, 13:37:56
Less Sugar, More BPA in the can! I wonder if the heat would activate the BPA fumes in the cans when the heater is on. Instead of eating the chemical, you can breathe it in a lot faster!
By: matrixm777. on 04 Aug 10, 14:19:17
@CHOCCYDAZZLE You're welcome and thank you for your kind words.
By: CHOCCYDAZZLE. on 02 Aug 10, 16:18:38
Thanks again .......you sure are a very capable guy ~FANTASTIC and quality workmanship Love your work xxx
By: matrixm777. on 02 Aug 10, 13:47:03
@chuckebaker Thanks for the ideas, Chuck. Unfortunately both panels are already complete and functioning very well.
By: chuckebaker. on 02 Aug 10, 12:12:59
Great video; nice step-by-step instructions. I have a few quick ideas for you to consider for round 2: Consider using 1/4 inch polycarbonate (Lexan) instead of glass for protection from flying sticks on windy days. Also, instead of removing the top and bottoms of the cans, try cutting slits in the top at the opening, and punch holes in the bottom with an awe and reem out with a larger spike. This will leave the aluminum on the can to act as a heat fin for the air passing throught the cans.
By: chuck200453. on 01 Aug 10, 15:43:07
Thanks, I think I will build one this winter or at least get started...
By: matrixm777. on 06 Jul 10, 12:55:13
@queball147 It makes a huge difference... Two holes allow air exchange to take place. (CFM) Cubic Feet per Minute. The idea is to provide the heater enough air to heat and move into the house. The warmer the air is in the house, the easier it will be for the heater to heat that air. I hope this helped. Thanks for watching...
By: queball147. on 05 Jul 10, 17:29:34
Nice video thank you but on all the other vids they don't cut out a large hole both ens only one end, does it matter if you drill two large holes?
By: matrixm777. on 22 Jun 10, 12:25:28
@granitestatedave The only disadvantage that I can think of would be the size of the glass cover. A sheet that length would be more apt to break. Otherwise I believe everything would work the same; even if you mounted it horizontally. Just make sure you place the exhaust port at the highest corner. I live in North America where the winters can get to 30+ below wind chill and my panels will put out average temps of 140 degrees farenheight.
By: granitestatedave. on 22 Jun 10, 04:40:11
Hi there, do you think there are any advantages or disadvantages to building it as a 2x16 box versus a 4x8 box (so tall and narrow) ...since its the same amount of lumber? Also, assuming i have a decent blower, can I mount this horizontally (if that's the only space I have)? BTW- what area of the country do you live in...in New England, not sure how much heat will be produced(?)
By: matrixm777. on 20 Jun 10, 12:37:03
@winspiff There is no reason I can think of, but I will say this: Heat rises naturally so installing a heat source on the 1st level should be good enough. Natural convection will do the rest.
By: GospelTruth37059. on 19 Jun 10, 20:01:41
@matrixm777 Nice to see someone gives God the glory these days, amen brother amen!
By: winspiff. on 19 Jun 10, 15:18:09
Oh, quick question - is there any reason this cannot be done on two stories?
By: matrixm777. on 19 Jun 10, 12:53:44
@winspiff Thank you and good luck with your build...
By: winspiff. on 19 Jun 10, 03:51:57
I just want to commend you on your perspective and responses - particularly your humility and patience with others. // I have no experience with carpentry and this is is intimidating. I will try. My 1st level is one open room, about 1500 sq ft and over 9' ceilings. If I try to make two of these, I figure some of the heat will rise up the stairs. I have an efficient hydroair boiler for heat and HW. I'm hoping I can also do something affordable to preheat the water for that. Thank you!
By: matrixm777. on 24 May 10, 16:30:21
@bobo888bobo I always make sure to give credit where credit is due. I would be nothing without God and Jesus Christ. I'm glad you enjoyed the video...
By: bobo888bobo. on 24 May 10, 15:10:33
I am not sure what the god and jesus tags have to do with your project. Since it has electric fans(even though they are solar powered) it is not passive. but those are minor points. It is the nicest solar box I have seen!
By: jawbraeka. on 05 May 10, 16:48:59
if you planing on making another solar heater like that, try "finning" the tops of the cans so that the airflow will travel in a cyclonic motion allowing more air to pass through your system and therefore more heat.... i have seen may ideas for this trype of system and what can i say they all seem really great.. maybe get into building this as a fulltime idea as you could very well sell these for at least $100 a piece for something that requires no maintenance..
By: matrixm777. on 03 Apr 10, 15:47:19
@jasperricca Sorry about my earlier response... I wasn't getting what you were talking about, but I understand now. wiboater4 was correct; Those are guide rails for the covers I slide on during the summer. Thanks wiboater4...
By: wiboater4. on 03 Apr 10, 13:37:02
@jasperricca I think that's where he slides his summer covers into. I asked him and he say's he has metal roofing he cut to slide over for summer.
By: wiboater4. on 03 Apr 10, 13:35:53
good informative video. well done!
By: jasperricca. on 06 Mar 10, 13:22:48
What is the bent metal on the bottom of the front of your solar heat panel for? It looks like a gutter but I can't think of why you would want to channel water there.
By: jasperricca. on 06 Mar 10, 07:00:14
Great video and excellent craftsmanship.
By: kinbigbird. on 22 Feb 10, 18:09:32
I used the can opener on the tops as well and a 8 inch piece 1 1/2 inch pvc inside can then a 1 1/4 inch thin wall pipe (used for dog runs)with one end v cut and sharpened tape the flat end then push buy hand 1/2 way turn push through and the hole on the bottom is completed works well.Thanks for your tips!
By: psychomikeo500. on 21 Feb 10, 16:18:45
i have used the same thing to exhaust extra heat from a furnace room. Look in the ductwork section at Lowes. they have fans that fit inside round duct work and should have thermostats as well