Japanese multinational company, Kyocera, has begun shipping solar panels for the 127MW Arlington Valley Solar energy II power project. The company will continue to manufacture PV panels at its San Diego plant till the year 2013. It isnt known if Kyocera will be the sole supplier of PVs as no details of the deal have been released as yet.

Arizona Power Project

The Arlington solar energy project, located in Maricopa County, sits on an area of 1,160 acres and will supplement the energy needs of residents and businesses alike. The United States, being among the forefront of solar power, looks determined to win the race of who will be the ultimate user of green energy. With Europe deeply involved in renewables, countries across the globe are gearing up to establish wind farms and solar parks to meet power requirements.

Kyocera has begun shipping 34MW of modules and will continue to provide more as the days go by. The company, which is engaged in a multitude of manufacturing sectors, is well known for producing solar panels. Earlier, the corporation had announced that it wanted to increase multicrystalline PV production to 1,000MW every year by March 2013. In the same period, it invested heavily as part of its expansion, putting in about 50 billion Yen.

Kyocera Solar, a subsidiary, is aiming for a worldwide production capacity of about 1GW of PVs per year by March next year. With its new venture to supply the Arizona solar power project, the company looks determined to meet that goal.

The Arlington II project is being established by LS Power which had earlier received funding to construct the $550 million plant. What power thats generated from the project will be sold off to San Diego Gas & Electric. The site of the project is in an area that also houses other power plants like the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station.

Via: Bloomberg

The Endesa Pavilion, Solar House 2.0, is a rare structure that adopts to maximize the renewable energy potential of its location. Conceived by the Institute of Advanced Architecture for Catalonia (Iaac), it has a modular facade covered with protrusions that support additional solar panels. These protrusions are designed to creatively maximize the use of energy; they allow a steady absorption of the suns energy independent of the seasons. Also the structure uses solar bricks that insulate it from solar radiation.

Barcelonas Solar House 2.0 Pavilion

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Barcelonas Solar House 2.0 Pavilion

Barcelonas Solar House 2.0 Pavilion

According to Endesas website, the building is capable of generating almost 100kWh of electricity, whereas its average daily consumption stands at 20kWh. This does not seem farfetched as the roof alone features 150sq m of photo voltics. During summers, the protrusions form a barrier when the sun tracks higher across the sky, whereas during winters it allows the suns rays to directly penetrate.

The building structure has been constructed from wood and it efficiently exploits its thermal and natural expanding properties. IAAC states that wood is an inexhaustible material that is soft and easy to work with; it can be molded and adapted to provide warmth and insulation. Besides, this building looks more like a huge log cabin, suitable to belong to the Scandinavian woodland. But, the reality is that beneath its deceptive appearance, there is a high tech and energy efficient test centre.

Via: Gizmag

Four-wheelers arent the only transportation modes that are witnessing a green touch. With manufacturers such as Zero Motorcycles Inc. working to develop electric bikes, it appears that all may not be lost as we ride out the current trend of depleting fuel sources. Zero has introduced its new line of 2012 DS bikes specifically designed and meant for security forces like police departments. After two years of working with security agencies, the DS is the result of all that hard work.

Zero Motorcycles

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Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles

Like many electric-powered automobiles, e-motorcycles arent as powerful as conventional bikes. But their zero or near-zero emissions make them a hit among the eco conscious of society. The DS is a very silent motorcycle. Since the electric motor deliver instant torque, theres no shift noise and exhaust heat, giving cops an edge as they sneak up behind criminals. Zeros new line-up may not be the most ideal for chasing felons on highways but they look to be perfect for use on city streets. And, since bikes are usually used within city limits, the DS should give police departments something to be proud of.

The Zero DS is available in two configurations of 6kWh and 9kWh. According to the EPA, the bikes deliver a driving range of 70 and 112 miles per full charge. Regenerative braking and a top speed of 80 mph complete the specs.

The DS takes about 8 to 9 hours to fully charge and while that figure is pretty high, a quick charging kit cuts the duration by half. The base model features such components like front and rear LED lights, frame protection bars, a front battery, a light-cut switch and emergency flashers. Optional accessories include a detachable windshield and hard storage cases. The 6kWh unit will sell for $15,845 while the more powerful 9kWh variant carries a price tag of $18,345.

Via: Autoweek

Harmony Tower is pointy skyscrapper which has been deisgned by architect Perrault. It will be located in the north-eastern corner of the Yongsan International Business District. This new skyscraper will have offices on 38 floors out of all the 46 floors. Sheltered gardens will provide scenic Han river views. This building will be in line with the southern and eastern facades. The ground level base of this tower will also inch towards the interiors to give a spacious look around the entrance.

Harmony Tower by Studio Daniel Libeskind

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Harmony Tower by Studio Daniel Libeskind

Harmony Tower by Studio Daniel Libeskind

Harmony Tower in Seoul, South Korea is a project of the new Yongsan International Business district. This YIBD project is an iconic high-rise building of the 21st century which is made of sustainable materials. It has 46 floors with an innovative design enthused by YunDeung. The chiseled tower is finely cut by the urban context. The spacious base gives a feeling of openness for the pedestrian arcade. The tower captures the light from various angles that creates a glowing access to this iconic tower. The tower is deigned in a way that allows maximum light on its top and air to the surrounding towers creating a rising peak to the tower.

The multistory building offers multiple views and creates diverse perspectives. The high rise has an unique upright winter greens on the south and west facades. This gives the users admittance to natural aeration at every office floor. These gardens benefit the glass building by prohibiting direct sunlight and act as a special comfort to all the occupants. With the focus to maintain the green attribute of the building; the gardens also help in reduction of heat gain. This helps the state of the art workplace to function more sustainably.

Via: Dezeen

Ever looked out of your window on a beautiful spring day and felt the urge to take your laptop and go out in the in the open to a spot surrounded by greenery, so you could breathe fresh while working? If you ever felt limited by the battery supply of your laptop or even your cell phone, then you might as well check the solar kiosk developed by students of Singapore Polytechnic in collaboration with Ascendas. The solar kiosk features six thin film solar panels that can generate enough power to charge a laptop for 6 continuous hours on a sunny day.

Solar Kiosk

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Solar Kiosk

Solar Kiosk

The modular design of the kiosk comes with a seat and a table top , which can be adjusted according to the needs of the user. One can use these for organising outdoor meetings in clusters, or for outdoor exhibitions and beside a poolside lounge as a resting platform, or just place them in business parkas or community gardens, it will provide mobile shelter to people while charging their basic gadgets.

Apart from the thin film soalr panels, the kiosks will also have a hidden battery placed beneath the seat along with an inverter that will power its lighting system and work as a supplement when the sun is out of sight.

Very single modular measures 1.8m side, 2.2m long and 2.5 m in height. Aluminium frames support the table and the roof and roller attached to a timer base provide it mobility. It will take around three hours for three men to install the kiosk by assembling the structure. The practical idea befits the modern life, where rest is not possible without your gadgets beside you, therefore , it gives you a sheltered place and the power that keeps your gadgets going.

Via: Designcot

In our experience of covering on energy efficient conceptions, we had came across a slew of designs ranging from being subtly eccentric to being wholesomely ridiculous. But, in this case, we are not too sure on how to categorize the above pictured contrivance. Christened simply as the 2Wheela, this ‘dual vehicular’ concept is designed by one Andrej Kregar.

2-N-1

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2-N-1

2-N-1

Now, of course some of us would like to know more about the aforementioned duality. Well, in a nutshell it entails the combination of two different sports cars in a single vehicular scope. In their fused form, the 2Wheela can maneuver like a normal vehicle; however, the cars can also split up to form two different vehicles with their individual maneuvering capabilities.

Simply put, when more passengers are at hand, the cars combine to increase their spatial ambit. But, when there is more need of flexibility of traveling, the cars can divide to go to their individual destinations around the city.

Now, it doesn’t really take rocket science to figure out that this capricious design is still in its conceptual stage. However, the designer has divulged some primary attributes about the futuristic vehicle. These include the powertrain of low emission electric motors, a comprehensive system control and a stability computer for regulating the fusion and detachment of cars.

Via: YankoDesign

As environmentally conscious as some of us may be, it isnt always easy to go about accumulating green points. Aside from walking to work, minimizing power consumption and responsibly disposing of waste, it can be difficult finding other ways to lighten our carbon footprint on the planet. In view of the increasing awareness of people to act more responsibly towards the environment, Superkul Inc Architect has designed a home that is eco friendly without compromising on aesthetics. The firm even won the Design Excellence Award for 2012 presented by Ontario Association of Architects in view of the work performed on +HOUSE in Canadas Ontario.

+HOUSE by Superkl

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+HOUSE by Superkl

+HOUSE by Superkl

+HOUSE is a gorgeous abode with plenty of large glass windows donning the faade. Designed to comfortably house occupants all year round, the firm conducted research into environmentally sustainable materials and products, locally sourced to minimize carbon footprint. The project is hoping to win LEED Gold certification, one of the most sought-after certifications in sustainability.

+HOUSE is nestled against a natural slope and is surrounded by greenery and trees. It faces a stream-fed pond that adds to its allure, making it appear one with nature. 14-feet high glazing provides excellent views of the surroundings as well as access to a deck. Bedrooms are situated at the ends of the house. The open-living-designed home is classy in its simplicity, further heightened with the use of sustainable materials in a minimalistic design.

The walls of +HOUSE are built using inert cementitious blocks that prevent the growth of mold and fungi to keep occupants healthy. They are further coated with a clay plaster that doesnt require the use of paint. The counters and concrete floors were subjected to soy-based sealers while the curtains were fashioned from hemp and untreated silk. The house is also equipped with solar shading, a green roof, a geothermal system, and heat mirror triple glazing.

Via: Contemporist

An affordable housing project of architects ACXT in Salbura is all about sustainable housing. With a sustainable design this ACXT project claims to generate a substantial reduction in the structure’s carbon dioxide emissions. This residential development was completed in 2011. It integrates nine shops at ground level and up all the way is communal housing. You can view the block with a curve between four and seven levels. This forms the building’s outline, along with the edifice that rises above one side of that curve, with other twenty one floors.

Social housing scheme

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Social housing scheme

Social housing scheme

The variation in height in the main block is all about reasons of daylight and explicitly sunlight. The height limitation towards the south grants a direct view of the sun to most apartments. The tower positioned at the structure’s south-west side, bathing a major proportion of the building in sunlight at any given point of time. The cogeneration system makes this building more sustainable. It produces 109 kW of heating on the site location and 70 kW of power. The onsite fuel power proximity to the power generation offers great energy savings as compared to grid power. This is due to the fact that a large amount of the heat produced can be utilized at a place near to where it is spawned. Hence cogeneration is like utilizing the same fuel twice.

As per ACXT the building can generate electricity which can be sold back to the network. This means that the cogeneration system is generating more electricity as compared to the buildings requirements. More Further design touches are being looked at, to create this building into a more enjoyable place to stay.

Via: Gizmag

With increasing awareness about global warming and congestion on the roads, we need more hybrid varieties of vehicles or electric vehicles. This will help in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting carbon footprint. And one great solution to this is the C-1 which is being nicknamed as the rolling smartphone. This name relates to its broad amalgamation with mobile gadgets. This electric vehicle (EV) utilizes gyroscopes to remain upright even during a crash or when stationary.

The rolling smartphone

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C-1 ‘rolling smartphone’ electric vehicle

C-1 ‘rolling smartphone’ electric vehicle

The design of this prototype is a combination of a motorcycle and a car. This revolutionary model is an urban electric vehicle which is based on the efficiency and durability of a motorcycle and safety of a car. This is a great option during unsuitable weather conditions or for areas ailing with traffic congestion to experience comfort at an ease. It is a great utility at construction sites as well. C-1 can be charged within four to six hours and gives a top speed of over 120 mph which is like 193 km/h. This iconic device comes with a battery pack which is designed to provide a range upto 220 miles per charge which is close to 354 kms.

This smart electric vehicle is accessible via exit doors on either sides with a space for two passengers. This gives a motorbike ride experience with a comfort of a car. This efficient device is scheduled to hit the showrooms in 2014, with an expected price tag of $12000 to $16000. With more such vehicles on our roads, we can surely make a positive impact on our environment.

Via: Designboom

Every day new innovations and different products come up, as change is the way of life today. These smart and trendy products are most often environment friendly and are designed to cater to the needs of the general public. In todays world of smart phones, every other person is looking for a place to charge their mobile devices. The Street Charge, coined by PENSA as urban intervention is a solar powered rest stop that lets you charge your mobile phones, on the way.