renewable

Duke Energy, a Charlotte electric company, is looking to spark solar development in the Charlotte area. While solar panels may still be too expensive for the average Joe to put on his roof, Duke Energy is willing to pay rent if you'll let them put solar panels on your home.

For many, this seems like a win-win situation. Customers will receive a cheaper utility bill and a feeling that they are helping the environment without the big down payment. » read more

Hawaii is in the news this week for setting ambitious goals for itself. Governer Linda Lingle and the Hawaiian Electric Company signed an agreement to make Hawaii a model for clean, renewable energy. Their goal: generate 70% of Hawaii's energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.

In case 2030 seems far away to you, remember that this is less than 22 years away. » read more

For several years now, residents of Cape Cod and all of New England have been talking about the Cape Wind project. This project calls for the construction of 130 offshore wind turbines in a shallow area between the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The proposed plan, which is still struggling to obtain permits and approvals, could potentially supply three-quarters of the Cape and Islands' electricity needs.

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The rock band Cake, perhaps best known for the song "Going the Distance," has a lot to brag about when it comes to being green. They recently announced that they outfitted their studio with solar panels so that their next album will be recorded with 100% solar power. 

The band has a page on their site dedicated to the endeavor, which includes a short video and facts about solar power. » read more

In this atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, it is easy to get caught up in idealism, especially when you've got someone like Barack Obama running for president. Obama stirs in some of us a feeling of positivity, growth, progress, and (of course) hope. But we must understand that no one candidate is going to fully meet all our expectations on every issue. On the issue of "clean coal" many environmentalists would say "100% not what we mean by 'alternative energy'", but it is what we are getting from the Obama campaign. » read more

Last Saturday (June 7), a concert was held Yokohama, Japan that was run on a different kind of renewable energy. They didn't use wind or solar power, but rather pedal power. That's right, members of the audience pedaled stationary bicycles to power all of the electronic equipment needed to hold the concert. Not suprisingly, the concert was free to attend. The name of the event was "Yokohama Human Powered Concert: Power Saving Saves the Earth." You can check out the concert poster below. This is such a great idea! » read more