Oil companies are thinking about alternative energy. Or are they?

For the past few years oil companies like BP and Shell have put out multi-million dollar ad campaigns to tout their supposed "greening."  Obviously its the clear decision since oil reserves are few and far between and the burning of petroleum contributes to climate change.  And a great PR opportunity at that.  Greenwashing or not, there was a shift in these companies to at least consider helping to power the world through alternative energy like solar and wind, and to stop being so steadfast in their oil solution.  However, BP (British Petroleum) just announced that it would be significantly cutting back its Alternative Energy Division.  

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106437880

This is quite unfortunate and short-sighted of such a pioneering company.  Down-sizing is happening in this weak economy, but truly the road to economic growth is paved with solar panels and wind turbines, not oil.  When both the environmental and economic potential is blinking in your face, do the logical thing.  

We just have to fight harder now to make the big guys come to their senses and think about the integrity of the planet. 

Rural Electrification: Solar Power in Developing Regions

Think about it: poverty, lack of infrastructure, unequal distribution of wealth. Developing nations are plagued with what seems like bad luck and little hope for sustainable development, especially as survival is the main concern from day to day. The few resources that the nation may possess are controlled by the wealthy and the powers that be. However, there is one resource that is undoubtedly available to all: solar energy. More than ever before, underprivileged people in remote regions of the world have the opportunity to get connected and provide power to their communties. Organizations from Engineers Without Borders to The Solar Electric Light Fund to the World Bank are providing money and equipment for off-the-grid solar arrays in these regions. Currently more than 2 billion people on this planet lack electricity.

What is Silicon?

Silicon is actually one of the most abundant element's in the earth's crust, next to oxygen. Atomic number 14, Si, occurs in clay, feldspar, granite and quartz. This material is used in very thin layesr in solar cells because of its high ability to absorb photons at the right wavelength from the sun. The excited electrons are then passed through a layer of aluminum or other similar metal, then through wires, making electricity! Its as simple as that.

Obama considers solar panels for the White House

Remember how Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House in the late 1970s, and then Ronald Reagan had them taken off as a symbolic act to support oil companies once he took office? Yeah, that was a set back for the clean energy movement.

Well, President Obama just announced that he's been meeting with solar energy companies and in the process of getting panels installed, once again, on the roof of the White House.

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