Daily updates in appearance of chronological order http://www.solarcompanies.com/ The Coast Guard has launched the first tidal power project that produces usable electricity. The experimental project is located in Maine and online as you read this. http://www.solarcompanies.com/tidal/coast-guard-starts-using-tidal-power- Vice-President Joseph Biden is making some startling claims about solar energy. Specifically, he is claiming the cost of solar energy will be half what it is now by 2015. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/biden-claims-solar-to-cost-half-by-2015 Advancements in solar energy technology have been halting to say the least. This will all change with the launch of thin cell nano particles as a coating in 2016. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/thin-cell-nano-particles-to-revolutionize-energy-in-2016 Solar energy has long suffered from an efficiency problem. Then along came PETE. After years of research, PETE looks set to double solar cell efficiency in the immediate future. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/how-pete-technology-will-revolutionize-solar-energy Those of us who believe in solar power tout it for just about everything, but solar powered clothing? It looks like it could be on its way to the shelves sooner rather than later. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-power-clothing NASCAR is not exactly what one would think of as a green sport, but that is changing. The NASCAR Pocono Race Track has gone solar in a huge way. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/nascar-pocono-race-track-goes-solar Solyndra has launched a real world breakthrough in some ways with the announcement it is going to be placing light solar panels on big box retailers and industrial buildings. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solyndra-launches-real-world-application-of-light-solar-panels Oregon has long been considered a progressive state when it comes to renewable energy. Perhaps that is changing with the announcement that it has slashed residential solar tax credits. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/oregon-slashes-residential-solar-tax-credits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have put a halt to a program where homeowners could finance solar purchases through mortgages. California is suing to stop the move. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/california-sues-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-over-solar-mortgages The International Energy Agency has announced China has passed the USA in annual energy consumption. The question for many is what is the significance of this? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/significance-of-china-passing-the-usa-in-energy-consumption President Obama has committed $2 billion to new solar initiatives designed to turn us to clean energy and create jobs. Clean energy is justifiable, but what about job claims? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/are-solar-power-plants-key-to-job-growth Solar panels are about to get a lot cheaper. China has invested a staggering $5.3 billion in Yingli Green Energy Holding Company so that it can expand solar panel production by leaps and bounds. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/china-makes-huge-investment-in-solar-panel-production Drive out of Chicago for about an hour and you will notice something new with the corn fields of Illinois. They are dotted with wind turbines and more are going up constantly. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/corn-farms-and-wind-turbines-in-illinois The idea of a solar powered car has been an ideal for a very long time. While it isn't here yet, cars are starting to get solar powered roofs that hint at an interesting future. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/cars-starting-to-get-solar-panel-roofs The movement for offshore wind farms is on along the East Coast. A two year study along New Jersey has just signaled a go for the industry with a favorable environmental finding. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/new-jersey-offshore-wind-farms-get-favorable-study-results The news that the Air Force is investigating wave energy is big news for the energy niche. The primary reason is major research money always comes with military interest. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/air-force-getting-into-wave-energy A government program used to finance solar installations and other energy efficiency programs is being undermined by the loan giants Fannie and Freddie Mac http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/fannie-freddie-threaten-solar-incentive The cost of buying and installing solar panels is the biggest hurdle for most homeowners. PG&E is helping with this by budgeting $100 million financing solar panels for customers. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/pge-to-spend-100-million-financing-solar-panels-for-customers The Department of Energy is charged with supporting renewable energy development. The DOE is doing just that with loan guarantees for big geothermal projects in Oregon and Nevada. http://www.solarcompanies.com/geothermal/doe-backing-big-geothermal-projects-in-oregon-and-nevada Wind power is a very popular alternative energy platform. Now, it is about to become popular on a huge scale with development in atmospheric wind power technology. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/atmospheric-wind-power Michael Gratzel has created a new solar cell that might finally be the big breakthrough in solar energy we've been waiting for. The cells could actually be used in any window. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/gratzel-cells-to-revolutionize-solar-energy Apple has long been considered an innovative technology company for obvious reasons. There are rumors out now that Apple may be planning solar powered iPhones! http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/apple-to-make-solar-powered-iphones States are joining together to pursue offshore wind energy on the east coast. Virginia is the latest to join the Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/virginia-joins-atlantic-offshore-wind-energy-consortium The Holy Grail of solar technology has been panels on the molecular level. Well, the good news is nano particle solar panels are just around the corner. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/nano-particle-solar-panels-just-around-the-corner Rachael Maddow is a liberal commentator on MSNBC. Whatever your political views, here exposure of just how big the oil spill fix efforts are is absolutely a must watch. http://www.solarcompanies.com/fossil-fuels/rachael-maddow-exposes-what-a-joke-oil-spill-repair-efforts-are Biomass is perhaps the most controversial of the clean energy platforms. This isn't stopping the largest biomass plant in the world from going online later this year in the UK. http://www.solarcompanies.com/biomass/largest-biomass-plant-in-world-goes-online-later-this-year-in-uk The Welsh coast is known for its wind, which makes a wind farm a logical idea. Now it is coming to fruition with the announcement of a huge wind farm to be built off the coast of Wales. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/huge-wind-farm-to-be-built-off-coast-of-wales Solar power is often pigeonholed in ways that limit its use. Thinking outside of the box can make solar power dynamic as the New York subway system has found in saving millions of dollars. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-power-saves-new-york-subway-system-millions In one of the odder political U-turns, former President George W. Bush has come out touting his role in introducing wind power to the nation when he was President. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/george-bush-claims-wind-power-legacy Some companies are not content to try to develop just one kind of technology. Consider, for instance, the wave energy desalinization plant that will launch by the end of 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/wave-energy-desalinization-plant-experiment-in-gulf-of-mexico Japan has been in a horrific economic slump the last 15 years. As it thrashes around for a strategy, one idea has come to the forefront. Geothermal energy just might be the ticket. http://www.solarcompanies.com/geothermal/geothermal-energy-a-savior-for-japan States are leading the way on renewable energy. In this article, we take a look at why states seem to love wind power above all other renewable energy platforms. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/why-states-love-wind-power Of the fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest source of energy to use for many of our every day needs and activities. It plays an important part in reducing pollution so that a clean and healthy environment can be maintained. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/natural-gas-the-clean-fossil-fuel Google is so big now that it is entering other industries. It just announced, for instance, that it will invest in a geothermal energy project. Yes, Google is getting into energy! http://www.solarcompanies.com/geothermal/google-tests-waters-in-geothermal-energy-with-investment Oil is one of three fossil fuels found in the earth's surface formed about 300 millions of years ago before the time of the dinosaurs during the Carboniferous Period. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/the-formation-of-oil-in-the-earth-s-surface Consider some of the good reasons why you should choose natural gas appliances and amenities for your home. Certainly, you want your home to be a safe environment where your family can relax and feel comfortable. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/the-natural-gas-advantage-for-your-home Solar energy is considered one of the cleanest energy sources available to us, but that doesn't mean it can't be a source of wealth building as solar energy stocks show. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-energy-stocks Oregon has always been considered a fairly progressive state and it is proving the label is accurate once again by launching its first wave energy farm to produce power. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/oregon-launches-first-wave-energy-farm Of course, everyone realizes petroleum products are used in the gasoline we fuel our vehicles and in the heating oil we use to keep our homes warm. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/petroleum-based-components-used-in-products-you-never-realized Wind turbines are a popular form of green energy in many countries. In Norway, they are moving forward with a new giant wind turbine approach that is simply amazing. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/the-new-giant-wind-turbine-approach You have decided you want to cut down on both your utility bill and carbon footprint. Yes, you are going solar. Okay, where can you buy solar panels? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/where-can-you-buy-solar-panels Solar energy technology is advancing in leaps and bounds as more money is put towards research. Given this evolution, let's take a look at how we use solar energy today. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/how-we-use-solar-energy-today Fossil fuels are the dominant energy resource we have today. So, just how are fossil fuels turned into electricity in today's world? The answer is surprisingly simple. http://www.solarcompanies.com/fossil-fuels/how-are-fossil-fuels-turned-into-electricity You've decided to install solar panels. Now you have just one question. How does one go about connecting solar panels to the electric grid without any problems? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/connecting-solar-panels-to-grid The merits of solar energy are often brought up, but most seem to just assume everyone realizes the benefits of it. Well, let's back up and ask the basic question of why is solar energy important? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/why-is-solar-energy-important Because it can be stored indefinitely, natural gas is the most readily available of the fossil fuels. The exploration, production, and transportation of natural gas takes time. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/underground-natural-gas-storage-facilities Wave energy and California would seem to be a perfect match. After all, this is where surfing is huge. Despite this, California is only now really exploring wave energy as a power source. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/california-exploring-wave-energy-possibilities The UK is ripe for green energy given its geology. Now, the British are making a huge wind power commitment beginning with offshore wind farms opening in 2014. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/british-make-huge-wind-power-commitment Tidal energy is considered part of the clean energy movement. So, what about present and future technology of tidal energy and how will it provide us with much needed energy? http://www.solarcompanies.com/tidal/present-and-future-technology-of-tidal-energy We all know President Obama likes a challenge. Apparently feeling health care was to easy, he has decided to jump into the Cape Wind Project brawl that has been going on for years. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/president-obama-jumps-into-cape-wind-project-brawl Solar energy is being touted as a major renewable energy force, but there are cons with just about everything if you look hard enough. In this article, we look at the cons of solar panels. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/cons-of-solar-panels Energy problems will be a huge issue this century and solar will play a big part of the solution. So, just what is the future of solar energy? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/the-future-of-solar-energy Global warming is often discussed in somewhat vague terms. To see an impact occurring now, one needs look no farther than the relationship between global warming and coral reefs. http://www.solarcompanies.com/global-warming/global-warming-coral-reefs The higher you go, the more wind you are going to run into so long as you don't keep heading off into space. This simple idea has given rise to the concept of high rise wind turbines. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/high-rise-wind-turbines Scotland has a ferocious coastline with pounding surf. This would seem to make it a natural place for a wave energy platform. Starting in 2014, it will be. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/scotland-gives-wave-energy-a-try Fossil fuels have become the bane of modern civilization. What we need are solid, realistic ideas to reduce the use of fossil fuels across the world. Let's take a look at some of the best options. http://www.solarcompanies.com/fossil-fuels/ideas-to-reduce-use-of-fossil-fuels The wind turbine mechanism is very misunderstood, which gives rise to question such as why do wind turbines spin when there is no wind? Let's answer that very question. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/why-do-wind-turbines-spin-when-there-is-no-wind Solar power is trumpeted as a tremendously beneficial alternative energy source. So, do home solar energy systems really work or is it much ado about nothing? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/do-home-solar-energy-systems-really-work A court in Switzerland acquitted geologist Markus Haering in a case accusing him of causing earthquakes in Basel. The case involved a concept known as deep geothermal energy. http://www.solarcompanies.com/geothermal/geothermal-geologist-found-not-guilt-of-causing-earthquakes-in-switzerland Global warming is often said to be caused by gasses, but there are practical causes as well. On needs look no father than the effects of electronic appliances on global warning. http://www.solarcompanies.com/global-warming/effects-of-electronic-appliances-on-global-warming Most discussions of wind turbines are based on large farms of giant spinning devices. Residential wind turbines are one way to bring the benefits of wind energy to your home. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/residential-wind-turbines Coal is a fossil fuel, which makes its use hotly debated. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of coal as an energy resource? Let's take a look. http://www.solarcompanies.com/fossil-fuels/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-coal When natural gas is cooled at normal pressure to about -260°F, it condenses into a liquid form known as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). LNG takes up about one six hundredth the volume of gaseous natural gas making it very efficient to transport. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/the-increasing-use-of-liquefied-natural-gas There is no doubt there is massive energy in the oceans. To tap it, an Israeli firm has launched a wave energy platform that may become the wave of the future on two fronts. http://www.solarcompanies.com/Wave/israel-launches-wave-energy-platform You are sick of your utility bills and have decided to put up solar panels. You buy them, but then get a notice that putting them up violates homeowners association rules. Now what? http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-panels-homeowners-association-rules Crime rates tend to increase when things get tough. Such is the case these days with solar panels being stolen. This brings us to the subject of theft prevention of solar panels. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/theft-prevention-of-solar-panels What is the importance of fossil fuels? Well, look around you. Nearly everything you see that is not organic was made possible by fossil fuels in one way or another. http://www.solarcompanies.com/fossil-fuels/what-is-the-importance-of-fossil-fuels The tides tick off every day like clockwork. There is massive energy in each and we are striving to harness it. Okay, so just how does tidal energy work and is it a realistic energy platform? http://www.solarcompanies.com/tidal/how-does-tidal-energy-work Biomass is one of the renewable energy options that is getting a lot of attention these days. Let's take a different tact with it. What are the disadvantages of biomass energy? http://www.solarcompanies.com/biomass/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-biomass-energy New York City is on the cutting edge of energy issues given its huge power needs. It is now seriously considering the prospect of an ocean wind farm power system. http://www.solarcompanies.com/wind/new-york-city-eyes-ocean-wind-farm-power Do you want to rile up a hornets nest of opinions? As a group of people whether global warming is a natural cycle or man made. There is much to debate on the subject. http://www.solarcompanies.com/global-warming/is-global-warming-a-natural-cycle-or-man-made There various renewal energy platforms are often a hot subject of debate if you'll excuse the pun. So, let's cut to the chase and ask why is geothermal bad? http://www.solarcompanies.com/geothermal/why-is-geothermal-bad Remember the big hoopla a few years ago about the nanotechnology revolution? Well, we're still waiting, but solar energy nano particles are starting to cause some excitement. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-energy-nano-particles Is biomass a viable energy option or not. One needs only look at the conversion of sugar cane biomass into ethanol to know that it has a very strong future. http://www.solarcompanies.com/biomass/conversion-of-sugar-cane-biomass-into-ethanol As people look to alternative energy sources, tidal energy is getting some play. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy? Let's take a closer look. http://www.solarcompanies.com/tidal/tidal-energy-advantages-and-disadvantages Tidal energy has the potential to be a major clean energy platform for coastal areas. On the other hand, there are definite environmental concerns that must be considered. http://www.solarcompanies.com/tidal/tidal-energy-clean-energy-vs-environmental-concerns What is the number one thing that keeps people from installing solar on their homes? The up front cost. Sonoma County has a plan that could serve as a model approach for the country. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/the-model-solar-panel-plan-of-sonoma-county The idea of generating solar energy from space has seemed like science fiction. No longer! California has licensed the first solar energy project in space. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/california-okays-solar-energy-produced-in-space Solar energy is usually discussed in terms of providing electricity to homes, but there are other applications. The fact a solar plane took its first flight recently proves as much. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-plane-takes-first-flight Explosions caused by natural gas leaks are rare considering the 1.9 million miles of natural gas distribution pipeline in the United States. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/new-natural-gas-pipeline-excavation-laws The vast energy available in sunlight is so bountiful. If we could only find a way to harness it, we would have no energy problems. The idea of solar roadways may be the answer. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-roadways-an-idea-that-could-change-everything Solar power is always shown as an energy source in sci-fi movies, but is space based solar power a viable solution to our energy problems? The answer might surprise you. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/is-space-based-solar-power-viable You wake up one morning and walk out to get the paper. Something seems odd as you look around. Hey, where are my solar panels? Yes, solar panel thefts are on the rise. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/solar-panel-thefts-on-the-rise The cost of buying solar panels for your home requires a big cash outlay. Not many of us have that these days. One solution being offered now is to lease solar panels instead of buying. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/leasing-solar-panels Each state has a public utility commission that regulates natural gas utilities. Surprising as it may seem the natural gas utilities aren't allowed to make any money from the natural gas itself. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/who-regulates-natural-gas-and-the-effects-of-regulation-on-prices Finally facing a looming energy crisis, the federal government is nearing the launch of an effort to massively improve solar technology. It is known as the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/the-solar-technology-roadmap-act Increased energy demands combined with a reduction in resources makes energy our number on future problem. The question is whether solar is a realistic answer to the energy problem. http://www.solarcompanies.com/solar-articles/could-solar-power-really-be-the-answer-to-energy-problems Most people have heard the term - the Oracle of Delphi. In ancient times Delphi was thought to be the center of the world. To the Greeks it was the place where heaven and earth met. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/natural-gas-and-the-oracle-of-delphi There is a 200,000-mile petroleum pipeline network constantly working to supply us with the products that make our nation tick. America's economy depends on these pipelines to run efficiently, safely and to be reliable. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/pipelines-are-the-nations-energy-lifeline The natural gas industry is an extremely important commodity in the energy sector of the U.S. economy. In addition to providing one of the cleanest burning fuels available, it offers constant value and growing commerce to the nation. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/natural-gas-distribution The unprocessed oil that comes out from the ground is called crude oil, also known as petroleum. Crude oil is one of the fossil fuels from which we get energy. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/just-what-is-in-crude-oil Gasoline prices are down one month, after they were up the previous month, and then will shoot up the next. Many variables affect the price of gasoline. Tracking them is difficult making it practically impossible to predict. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/tracking-gasoline-prices-in-america The Arctic National Wildlife Range (ANWR) was established in 1960 to protect the "unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values" of the area. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/oil-drilling-in-alaska To meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the petroleum industry is now producing a new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. A major reduction in the sulfur content of diesel fuel was indeed necessary. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/the-new-ultra-low-sulfur-diesel-fuel Inside more than 16,000 square miles of rock and sand, an area called the Green River Formation, sits a gargantuan supply of oil. This land covers portions of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. What lies in this region is what geologists call oil shale. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/oil-shale-in-the-green-river-formation The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has successfully compiled a group of regulatory and non-regulatory standards for reducing emissions from diesel engines. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/clean-diesel-engines-and-fuel Biodiesel can extend the life of your engine whether it is in your diesel equipped auto, truck, tractor, bus or highway rig. Biodiesel can increase the longevity of your engine by up to 100 %. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/biodiesel-extend-the-life-of-your-diesel-engine The vertical axis wind turbine which is sometimes referred to as the (VAWT) for short, is a wind power machine that has been designed so that it maybe attached to a flat roof or stand on a platform in either the rural or urban environment. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/vertical-wind-power-generators After September 11th, 2001, the U.S. oil and natural gas industry partnered with federal and local authorities to reevaluate and strengthen our domestic security. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/protecting-our-reliable-supply-of-fuel Abrupt climate change has a specific definition and should not be confused with climate changes that occur slowly or individual extreme events that affect relatively small areas. http://www.solarcompanies.com/upart/abrupt-climate-change