Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

If there was one key takeaway from the most recent RenewableEnergyWorld.com and Solar Power-gen webcast it was that the year ahead will be difficult for large-scale solar power development due to poor access to capital, an uncertain policy landscape, the pending trade case against China and module prices that are too low to support a healthy indust

Induction cooktops are expensive but they’re also fast and efficient — a report for the Department of Energy says induction has a cooking efficiency of 84%. So when a company combines the efficiency of induction cooking with new cutting-edge technology, as shown by Thermador’s Freedom Induction Cooktop, there’s going to be some interest.

Freedom is one of the most talked about innovations at CES this week. It has a 6.5″ full-color touchscreen and 48 individual 3″ induction heating elements. The result is a limitless cooking surface.

With the Freedom Induction Cooktop, a cook can place cookware anywhere on the surface and the cooktop responds. This thing doesn’t have the typical predefined heating elements, providing a 63% more effective cooking area.

The new product will be available in July 2012 with an MSRP of $4,949. Visit Thermador for more information about the new Freedom Induction.

Credits: Thermador.

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1. Nest is a Next-Gen Smart Thermostat
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3. Google Intros Smart LEDs, Android@Home

Switch Lighting, creator of the only LED that uses liquid cooling technology, is on the cusp of a breakout year in 2012.  The Switch bulb creates the same warm color of an incandescent, yet it’s made with reclaimable or recyclable materials using the Cradle to Cradle methodology.  Inside the bulb is a liquid thermal cooling solution that helps cool the LEDs from all sides, producing more light from less LEDs.  In fact, a Switch bulb lasts about 25 times longer and uses 80% less energy than an incandescent.

The company featured a 75-watt replacement LED bulb at CES today.  This bulb produces 1,100 lumens using about 15 watts of energy or approximately 73 lumens per watt.

Switch will have other versions, too — 40w, 60w, 100w equivalents — all of which are dimmable and turn on instantly.  They don’t have mercury or other harmful chemicals and will be made in Freemont, California to start.

The first bulbs have shipped to hotels so far.  Consumers will be able to purchase them through Switch Lighting in mid-2012 for between $35-$45.  Switch is also working on a low-cost bulb at around $20, which could be available by Q3 2012.

[+] Visit Switch’s online store (opening in mid-2012).

Credits: Switch Lighting. 

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. 60-Watt Equivalent LEDs for Below $40
2. Switch Intros Affordable LED Light Bulbs
3. LED Bulb with Filament Bulb Appearance

Switch Lighting, creator of the only LED that uses liquid cooling technology, is on the cusp of a breakout year in 2012.  The Switch bulb creates the same warm color of an incandescent, yet it’s made with reclaimable or recyclable materials using the Cradle to Cradle methodology.  Inside the bulb is a liquid thermal cooling solution that helps cool the LEDs from all sides, producing more light from less LEDs.  In fact, a Switch bulb lasts about 25 times longer and uses 80% less energy than an incandescent.

The company featured a 75-watt replacement LED bulb at CES today.  This bulb produces 1,100 lumens using about 15 watts of energy or approximately 73 lumens per watt.

Switch will have other versions, too — 40w, 60w, 100w equivalents — all of which are dimmable and turn on instantly.  They don’t have mercury or other harmful chemicals and will be made in Freemont, California to start.

The first bulbs have shipped to hotels so far.  Consumers will be able to purchase them through Switch Lighting in mid-2012 for between $35-$45.  Switch is also working on a low-cost bulb at around $20, which could be available by Q3 2012.

[+] Visit Switch’s online store (opening in mid-2012).

Credits: Switch Lighting. 

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. 60-Watt Equivalent LEDs for Below $40
2. Switch Intros Affordable LED Light Bulbs
3. LED Bulb with Filament Bulb Appearance