How do we….

…move toward world peace?

…move toward collaboration on climate change?

…move toward economic and environmental responsibility?

…become energy independent and a member of the world community?

Here is a huge step in the right direction…

I just had to share this wonderful new video “Sol Solution” with all of you!

An inspiring combination of youth, hope, and solar energy… what’s not to love!

We need more uplifting solution oriented videos like this to empower our youth and all the big kids too!

In-joy,
Bruce

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Find more videos like this on Community2025.org
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This new technology is going beyond ideas and into reality. There is a huge potential and it is not as farfetched as it might sound. Idaho-based Solar Roadways is one of the trailblazers. The solar roadway is a series of interconnected Solar PV road panels that you can actually drive on. Electrical engineer Scott Brusaw was inspired to start the company when he heard Caltech solar energy expert Nate Lewis suggest that covering just 1.7 percent of continental U.S. land surface with photovoltaic (PV) solar collectors could produce enough power to meet the nation’s total energy demand.

The heart of the solar roadway concept is the solar road panel. Each individual panel consists of three basic layers, the road surface layer, which is translucent and high-strength yet rough enough to provide traction. The surface layer is capable of handling today’s heaviest loads under the worst of conditions and protect the electronics layer beneath it.

The three layers (top, middle, and bottom) of a solar road panel.
Next is the electronics layer, which contains a large array of cells, the bulk of which contain solar collecting cells with LEDs for “painting” the road surface. These cells also contain the “Super” or “Ultra” caps that store the sun’s energy for later use. Batteries are not used in the solar roadway. Since each solar road panel manages its own electricity generation, storage, and distribution, they can heat themselves in northern climates to eliminate snow and ice accumulation.

The third layer is the base plate layer, which distributes power (collected from the electronics layer) and data signals (phone, TV, internet, etc.) “downline” to all homes and businesses connected to the solar roadway. The power and data signals are passed through each of the four sides of the base plate layer. The base plate layer is directly attached to vertical risers, pneumatic or hydraulic pistons that raise or lower different points of individual solar road panels. Riser bases are installed beneath the frost line to avoid the “heaving” phenomenon common in colder climates where the ground freezes and thaws. This provides a natural earth ground for the electronics layer of the Solar Road Panels. The risers are controlled (raised, lowered, or locked) by the solar road panel’s microprocessor board. The microprocessor board communicates with each adjacent panel to ensure a seamless road surface.

The skeptics main concern is the surface. Solar Roadways has approached the nations top materials research labs. “Penn State University’s Materials Research Institute and the University of Dayton’s Research Institute [are] working of figures for developing the top layer,” Brusaw says. He has also said they could easily make the surface to the specs needed… i.e. durable enough for long term use of fully loaded 18 wheelers, non glare, transparent enought for PV, good traction for braking etc.

The possible “extras” from this technology are impressive…
•The first and best is power…. enough for the entire country.
•Rather than paint and markers on the road you would have colorized substrate that would even light up at night like a runway… no guessing where the road is.
•The roads would defrost themselves in northern climates
•All the other wires could be integrated, power, cable tv, internet, phone etc.
•Plug in or wireless microwave on board charging of electric vehicles… charge while you are parked. •Monitoring of traffic for safety and law enforement.
•Power all the street lights and intersections for safety
• Save hundreds of millions of animals lives by built in wildlife warning devises to keep the animals using the under roadway pathways built for them instead of on top of the roads.

“It looks like 2008 is going to be our year. Everything seems to be falling into place at just the right time,” says Brusaw.

solarroadways.com

article on renewableenergyworld

Happy PV trails,
Bruce

This exciting new technology has the potential to revolutionize national electircal grids using the simple principle of hot air rising.

The concept is simple…. use the sun to provide air movement which pushes turbines that create electricity and do it with a design that makes no impact on the quality of our air, water or soil…. what’s not to love?

I have provided a number of the videos detailing existing test installations and projects hoping to go forward.

Enviro-Mission - Roger Davy’s Solar Power Tower…

1800′ - 3100′ tall

a base of glass 6 times larger than New York’s central park.

Powering over 100,000 - 200,000 homes with no fossil fuel burning.

This would be the equivalent of taking over 90,000 cars off the road.

The Enviro-Mission proposed project in Mildura, Austraila desert 3281ft tall!

http://www.enviromission.com.au

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An Opportunity to Reduce Global Warming and CO2? -Discovery Channel

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Test installation Solar Tower Energy in Spain, Madrid

 Citizenre is part of the new wave of ‘GREEN’ economies… and it is happening on a global scale. Just like the Climate Changes…

“Increasingly, combating climate change is being perceived as an opportunity rather than a burden and a path to a new kind of prosperity as opposed to a brake on profits and employment.”

United Nations - More and more companies are embracing environmentally-friendly policies and investors are pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into cleaner and renewable energies, according to a new publication released today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

While the impacts of climate change range from the melting of permafrost and glaciers to extreme weather events, UNEP’s Year Book 2008 shows that it is also causing a shift in the mind-sets, policies and actions of leaders of governments, companies and the UN itself.

continue reading the article…

How will “U” make a difference in your world ?

Can we each make a difference in the defining issue of our generation… Global Warming?

“You are the center of creation… and everyone else is the center of their universe as well… thus we are all equal, and we are all one.” -Nassim Haramein (Unified Field Therory)

“Could the marriage of science and spirituality answer the deepest mysteries of our past, while solving the problems that threaten our future? A growing body of evidence suggests that the answer to this question is an empowering “YES!” -Gregg Braden

“Your work is to go forth into this physical environment looking for things that are a vibrational match to joy, connecting to Source Energy, and then following with the inspired action.” — Abraham

“A renaissance in scientific awareness is rewriting our fundamental perceptions about life and evolution. Weaving together the elements of the new physics (quantum mechanics), the new biology (epigenetics) and the new math (fractal geometry) reveal that today’s crises are not signifying an end to civilization, rather they are portents of an astounding new beginning, the emergence of a new Phoenix—global humanity.” - Bruce Lipton

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them, humanity cannot survive.” - Dalai Lama

One Sky…One Climate… One Future… One Chance…
“U”… have the power to change your world. http://www.1sky.org

I believe the good new is a resounding YES!!!
I know the answers lie not so deep within each of us. Our passion for life through love and compassion will change our own worlds. The gravitiy of how each of our worlds impacts the collective conciousness is emense. We are all co-creators. The collective conciousness is effected by each one of us. But even more importantly is that for any movement to happen we each need to be happy, joyous and awake to our potential.

Celebrating our wonderous co-creation!
May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

Please join me with your exciting cutting edge thoughts about this subject!

Namasté,
In-joy,
Bruce

http://empowured.net/allowing-joy/

This is great news about the solar industry and our market. It also gives a picture of the scale and scope of our first 500 megawatt manufacturing plant considering this huge jump in 2007 was only 314 megawatts! The excerts from the article below also raises valid concerns about the ramifications of congress not getting the extension to the renewable tax credits passed.

In-joy,
Bruce

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January 23, 2008
Solar Energy is Economic Engine for U.S. Economy

Statement by Rhone Resch, SEIA President:

“Over the past few years, the solar energy industry, which includes manufacturers and distributors of photovoltaic, concentrating solar power and solar heating technology, has witnessed unprecedented growth. 2007 was a record year for solar energy, with 314 megawatts of new solar installed in the U.S. This is an increase of 125 percent from 2006. This growth pumped over $2 billion into the U.S. economy and created 6,000 new jobs. And Wall Street invested billions of dollars in solar energy companies, foreseeing the growing global demand for clean, renewable energy sources.

“In addition to manufacturing, solar creates development jobs. As of today, there are 80 utility-scale solar energy projects in the planning stages that represent about 56,000 megawatts of new electric power and 20 thousand permanent jobs. As these projects move forward, they will create hundreds of thousands of construction jobs.

“We recently conducted a survey of our members and found that developing solar energy is an economic engine for America. From 2006 to 2007, their collective revenue grew by 116 percent and their job base grew by 103%. For 2008, the industry projected 60% growth in jobs and a 108% increase in revenues. Almost all of this growth is directly attributable to the solar investment tax credits created in the 2005 Energy Bill that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

“Specifically, if the investment tax credit for solar energy is not extended and expanded early in 2008, we will see a net job loss of over 40,000 high quality jobs by 2009.

“I want to echo the words of my colleagues and ask Congress to make an investment in renewable energy. Make an investment that will create jobs, improve our energy independence, ensure American energy security, and begin to address the biggest environmental issue that we face today - global warming. Extending the tax credits for solar energy is timely, targeted and temporary and will help stimulate the US economy.

“It is time for Congress to listen to the will of the American people and pass common-sense policies like the solar investment tax credit.”

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http://www.seia.org/solarnews.php?id=158

For many the debate about Global Warming or Climate Change or Creation Care is ongoing.

What I would like to propose is a way to cooperate with all points of views. This is important as we speak to each other but also how we embrace the wide array of opinions across our great nation.

1.Our solution is appealing to all from monetary, economic and social standpoints. We will give homeowners a way to save money, create thousands of jobs, and move our country toward a safer more energy independent country. We have little to do with weather or not humans are the cause of the climate changes or who is right or wrong in the “debate.”

2. The skeptics are always of value. They enlighten areas we may have overlooked and push us toward that which we want in an indirect but honest way. Sometimes the political spin personal attacks and sarcasm can get ridiculous on both sides of the issue. Finding ways to remain open minded and not accusatory or retaliatory is very important. “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” -Gandhi

3. Use common sense. Let’s say global warming is all a political spin and they are wrong that humans are the cause. Or let’s say special interest groups and political spins are trying to create doubt for their own benefits. Then let us find solutions and ways to create a better economy without sacrificing our lifestyle or liberties through a strong renewable energy policy that promotes economic growth and national security. We do not have to have painful governmental mandates. We can responsibly wean our selves from fossil fuels and use our military to protect Americans and not need to fight over oil on foreign soil. The bottom line should be a common goal that benefits all the people not just the corporations although the corporations and the private sector will be providing the solutions. Make going green profitable not just a popular trend and then will will have a solution everyone can get behind.

4. Let the scientific community continue the debate. To pretend to know as much as they do would be foolish. Look at the big picture and the overall message from the majority of scientists with up to date peer reviewed studies. Scientists by nature are very conservative and can never reach total consensus because there is always a margin of error built in to their calculations. Look for overall trends and realize there will always be disagreement.

5. Step back and find common ground with each other. Step away from the political and religious platforms and find ways to be inclusive rather than fault finding or trying to persuade others to your point of view. Use compassion and kindness as a guideline.

6. Make a difference with the Citizenre REnU renewable energy solution, help folks upgrade their homes to solar… everybody wins!

Below is an article from the Christian Science Monitor that is very congruent with these points.

Hope this helps bridge the gap on climate change.

In-joy,

Bruce

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GLOBAL WARMING REPORT: A CALL FOR ALL TO CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION
Faith and science can complement each other to accomplish a common cause.
By Joel C. Hunter
from the February 8, 2007 edition Christian Science Monitor

“The earth is not heating up nearly as fast as the debate about its climate. We can blow up so irresponsibly that we lose the steam we need to act constructively. Or we can respond to this environmental challenge in a way that increases respect and effectiveness, while decreasing the hot error.”

“The most credible authority on climate change is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a panel of hundreds of the world’s best scientists, evaluated by hundreds of other scientists, further evaluated by government officials of 154 countries and the major national academies of science around the world. Scientists, like cats, are difficult to coordinate. Therefore, this continually updated consensus report is a very conservative document. This year’s report, released last Friday, says that there is more than a 90 percent likelihood that human activity is a significant contributor to climate change. I believe it because they are the experts (not politicians or some retired engineer who has “done his own research”). All the disagreements I have read have either been founded on old information or have very limited perspectives.”
###

This is an amazing presentation from the UK-Channel 5.
It has many, many points woven into a problem solving approach to the out of control Consumerism that is growing on a global scale. It makes the point, much like the “Story of Stuff” that we are living a linear mode of consumption on a finite planet… we will run out of resources.

It may take a few minutes to watch all four parts but it will be well worth your time.

Big Ideas That Changed The World - Consumerism (1/4)

Big Ideas That Changed The World - Consumerism (2/4)

Big Ideas That Changed The World - Consumerism (3/4)

Big Ideas That Changed The World - Consumerism (4/4)

Consumerism re-born?

There are many ways to think of how to funnel the impressive power of a group of individuals and the larger community. One way is by setting an example for the renewable energy wave of change that is under foot.

Sometimes it is difficult to be the first one in your neighborhood to make the move to renewable energy. Most all of the time it is well worth the effort and has benefits that go far beyond your expectations!

Below is a wonderful video by Good Energy Films in England. This north London church brings solar energy to the community providing green electricity and raising awareness for renewable energy.

Suprisingly, buildings produce the biggest share of green house emmissions. More than transportation or industry. The good news… is that no other sector offers a simpler or cheaper way to cut emmissions and save energy.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report in April 2007 highlighting the importance of energy efficient buildings in the global campaign to combat climate change.

“By some conservative estimates, the building sector worldwide could deliver emissions reductions of 1.8 billion tons of CO2,” says UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner. “A more aggressive energy efficiency policy might deliver over two billion tons or close to three times the amount scheduled to be reduced under the Kyoto Protocol.”

Currently the building sector has it’s CO2 emmissions are rising at the rate of one and a half to two percent per year. So conservation, higher efficiency, better insulation and renewable energy are key elements to dramatically reduce this trend. Sustainable building practice has attracted some high-profile projects and has gone mainstream over the last few years. In May-2007, The Clinton Initiative launched the Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, a five Billion dollar project that will create more efficient energy consumption in existing uban buildings.

The new green standard Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has garnered a new respect in the building industry and has has a tremdous amount of public interest.LEED certifications take into account site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Some insurance companies are now offering lower insurance rates due to the lower risk factor…. everybody wins.

In-joy,

Bruce

Energy From The Community - Good Energy Films