Archive for 2007

Nanosolar is perhaps the most exciting new development on the energy horizon I know of. Silicon-wafer based solar cells have been the basic option for anyone wanting to generate electricity from the sun. Despite many improvements over the last 30 years, they are still expensive and difficult to install, and if aesthetics are a factor, well… forget it. When you are trying to integrate these into an older neighborhood you are most likely asking for a fight.

Nanosolar is a new technology that seems to offer much greater flexibility as well as lower installation cost. With nanosolar tiny solar cells are printed onto flexible materials offering possibilities for new rooftop applications. According to the Nanosolar web site “On June 16, 2004, Nanosolar achieved a historic achievement: the first time that someone managed to simply roll-print the semiconductor of a solar cell that can be as efficient and durable as a conventional crystalline silicon cell.” Imagine if this can be incorporated into everyday roofing materials, which is the suggestion.

Nanosolar says that they can produce these cells for $1.00 per watt, which is one-tenth the cost of traditional silicon solar cells. If so, that is huge, especially combined with greater flexibility for installation. Move over power plants.

Nanosolar http://www.nanosolar.com/about.htm

I can’t think of a more relevant topic today for a house plan site like this, than going “Green”. If you are buying a new home, please don’t, unless the builder has some credibility in this area. There are different ”Green” programs in different areas of the country a builder can go to be qualified to display a “seal of approval”. Don’t buy from a contractor who does not demonstrate a high level of awareness of these new standards. Most of my business is with builders, not individuals, so this could be offensive to some who ignore these principles. Sorry, not meaning to stop someone from buying your product, but I hope my plans are only built by builders with this awareness. Fortunately, this is a rapidly growing practice. One builder I know who does a great job at this, has a very nice web site illustrating their work and principles. You can see it at… http://www.theecobuilders.com