Solar explosions generate acoustic waves

Pic: Coronal loops are generated by the Sun's magnetic field

Whenever there are descriptions about the size and scope of energy generated by the sun, it's pretty awe inspiring. And now, sound waves too!

"Solar explosions called micro-flares generate sound booms which are then propagated along the coronal loops....The coronal loops arch hundreds of thousands of kilometres above the Sun's surface like huge fiery fountains, and are generated by the Sun's magnetic field...As solar plasma travels from the photosphere into the loops, it is heated from about 6,000 Kelvin (5,700C) to upwards of one million Kelvin.Solar explosions called micro-flares can release energy equivalent to millions of hydrogen bombs.These blasts can send immensely powerful acoustic waves hurtling through the loops at tens of kilometres per second, creating cosmic "organ music". "These loops can be up to 100 million kilometres long and guide waves and oscillations in a similar way to a pipe organ"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6574059.stm

Super Solar Cells

"The green dye Dr Campbell (pictured) is synthetic chlorophyll derived from the light-harvesting pigment plants use for photosynthesis. "

"Solar cell technology developed by the University’s Nanomaterials Research Centre will enable New Zealanders to generate electricity from sunlight at a 10th of the cost of current silicon-based photo-electric solar cells. "

It's also more environmentally friendly, and works well under low light.

They hope to incorporate the dyes into windows and other building materials to capture energy. Besides, that is an awesome shade of green.

http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2007/Press_Releases/04-04-07.html

More build your own projects: Backyard Fuel Cell

Seems there are more and more of these available every day.
This would be one I'd love to have someday.

Backyard Fuel Cell
"In 2004, they started rigging up a Rube Goldberg contraption that uses solar panels and electrolyzers to generate hydrogen and allows Web-based monitoring of its proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell. In late 2006, a bemused but impressed inspector granted state approval. Now the system, which they built for around $50,000, taps any surplus solar electricity to fill a 500-gallon hydrogen fuel tank, enough reserve for about 14 days’ worth of power (a second tank can be added to double that capacity). Friend thinks of the setup as sort of a TiVo for energy — bank hydrogen during the summer, then consume as it’s needed."

Set up and run a hydrogen-fueled house in 5 easy steps.
1) GENERATE SOLAR POWER. Jason Lerner, an alternative-energy expert and family friend, installed the home’s photo­voltaic panels (cost: around $13,400) in the front yard. The cells pump out 1.6 kW during the sunniest hours of the day, which is just under a typical load for the Friend family.
2) TURN WATER INTO H AND O. Two laboratory-grade electrolyzers (Hogen GC 600 units at $7,900 each) run on solar electricity and water to make 0.3 gallon of hydrogen per minute, which is then forced into a steel tank at 200 psi. A second tank may be added to double the capacity to a month’s worth of power.
3) LEARN TO PLUMB FOR H. High-end stainless steel tubing prevents the plumbing from corroding. (Hydrogen ions are the active ingredient in acid.) A blast of nitrogen can be used to remove the air from an empty 500-gallon propane tank, which can then be carefully filled with home-brewed hydrogen.
4) TURN H AND O BACK INTO H2O. A 148-pound, 48-volt fuel cell combines hydrogen with the oxygen in air to charge the battery bank. An inverter converts the DC electricity to AC for the home’s 110-volt system. Find this gear at www.fuelcellstore.com. The builders caution that these products aren’t perfect.
5) AUTOMATE AND MONITOR. The crew connected system switches to relays controlled by battery voltage. After 20 minutes sans sun, the electro­lyzers shut down, and the house is powered by the fuel cell. A satellite link transmits reports on voltage and tank capacity, and a hydrogen sniffer checks for leaks.

Solar Panels for rent/lease?

Seems there a bit of controversy in the solar photovoltaic community, but if this really works out, it would be awesome! I just don't know if the math actually works out...

"Instead of making you spring for $25,000 or more in gear, Citizenrē says it will loan you a complete rooftop solar power system, install it for free and sell you back the power it generates at a fixed rate below what your utility charges. The company hopes to make back its investment with those monthly payments, augmented by federal tax credits and rebates."

The good: "Citizenrē plans to lower those expenses by building its own manufacturing plant. "It will be the largest solar manufacturing plant in the world, 600,000 square feet and 1,600 workers," says Rob Styler, the company's executive vice president of marketing. "By manufacturing our own panels and systems, we cut our costs to the bone.""

The bad: "Much of the criticism is clinging to the company's multilevel marketing scheme. So far, more than 700 people have enlisted as independent Citizenrē sales agents -- what the company calls "ecopenuers" -- or about one sales representative for every 10 customers, with significant overlap. Heading that sales army is 42-year-old Styler, a veteran of multilevel marketing and a colorful figure in his own right."
Even more bad, their marketing setup. "Then agents will earn 5 percent of their customers' monthly solar bill, as well as bonuses based on the performance of downstream sales representatives." How is the NOT multi-level marketing?

It does sound too good to be true, which is really unfortunate. The concept is a good, but it just doesn't sound feasible in its current incarnation. Maybe if they kicked out the sales people, and just advertised via the web or something...

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,72752-0.html?tw=rss.index

Universal Solar charger for your many accessories

For about $60, and some sunlight (or a USB port), you can charge up most of your hand held devices (no, laptops are too big for this one).

"Once charged, Freeloaders internal battery can power an iPod for 18hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, PSP for 2.5 hours a PDA for 22 hours and much much more."

Charges up in 5 hours of sunlight (120mA crystalline solar cells), or 3 hours of USB power. See website for more pics.

Sounds perfect for Burning Man, camping, long road trips, or just because...

http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/products/Solar_chargers/freeloader.asp