As the Solar Decathlon of 2011 kicks off, sustainable fundis around the world wait in anticipation to see how solar energy is going to be utilised in the homes. The decathlon is held to show how architecturally attractive homes can be built using minimal resources. The homes need to be cost effective, energy efficient, and use the power of solar energy, as well be attractive in appearance.

The theme of this year’s competition involves combining the latest in photovoltaic solar energy, building materials and technology when designing and constructing these houses. The houses will then be shipped to Washington DC where they will be put on display for the general public to see how renewable solar energy systems can be used without compromising on stylish design.

Renewable energy has become a buzz word across all industries throughout the last decade and the logistics industry is looking to answer the call by investing heavily in green shipping options, such as solar powered shipping vessels. Companies in Asia are already investing in this technology with the first ship, the Turanor Planet Solar crossing international seas as the first 100% solar powered vessel. International shipping agents will be looking to incorporate this technology into vessels to help reduce carbon emissions and lighten fuel costs incurred through international shipping.

Looking to invest in a solar panel? I’m sure that you are aware that not everything is how it seems in the world of solar power and for the purpose of this article we will be looking into how solar power is sometimes lauded into the world of mysticism in the modern media. We debunk the truths and reveal all lies!

Solar Panels need to be installed at odd angles

In the deepest corners of Africa, solar power is bringing internet cafes to those who were previously unable to access this seemingly mythical technology. In Zambia, giant cargo containers filled with computers and satellite dishes are now roaming down the dusty roads in the hope that they will bring interconnectivity to even the furthest reaches of the globe. All this is thanks to the wonders of solar power, as it will be juicing up the internet connection.

Yeah, fresh clean power is a beautiful thing. Imagine endless power harvest from the sun. Well, for some enterprising Canadians they now can now not only imagine the benefits but will feel them as well. Canada’s largest solar roof installation has recently been completed, the switch has been flipped and power is now being sucked into the photovoltaic roof tiles. This is a 600 Kilowatt solar panel farm and it will be able to generate enough electricity to power a total of one hundred homes. That is over a hundred homes that will now be free of the fossil fuels which once powered them.

While there are many types of wireless internet connections available on the market, much of the rural areas remain without wireless alternatives. This is partly due to the many obstacles in these areas such as vegetation, difficulty in finding suitable space for base stations, the availability of power in the area and the availability of spectrum. This is why a wireless internet connection is an excellent idea for rural areas. And with the advancement in green wireless internet services there is even more reason to turn to this kind of technology.

With Eskom’s rising electricity prices and concerns over the depletion of fossil fuels, we need to make more of an effort to utilise renewable energy. Solar energy is probably the most used form of renewable energy in South Africa, but there is plenty talk of harnessing wind power. We look at how these two renewable energy sources measure up.

When it comes to solar power not all people share the same enthusiasm. Some find the subject mundane and without excitement. However, solar power is an important part of our future and will play a big role in years to come. Therefore it is important to entice excitement in others. One such person is designer Andrew Schneider. The very creative Schneider designed the first ever solar power bikini.

With fossil fuel supplies dwindling and the greenhouse effect increasing we need to rely more on sustainable energy supplies such as solar power. According to analysts we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are ordering solar power systems, which is likely to lead to a number of mergers and acquisitions within the industry. So what can we expect to see in 2011 with regards to solar power energy?

Eco Marine Power is a Japanese company that develops solar electric energy and wind energy marine power and propulsion systems. They recently announced a new vessel named the Tonbo Hybrid Marine Power which will be launched sometime next year.

Tonbo is the Japanese word for dragonfly and the solar electrical energy-run vessel has been given this name due to the 140 watt solar modules that are mounted on the deck giving it the appearance of wings like those of a dragonfly.