Solar for everyone...soon

I just found the most amazing slideshow of up and coming solar ideas for everyday objects. It is on this great site called treehugger.com which highlights many ways humans are improving.

link: solar-cell-prototypes-that-could-change-the-future

I love #3 - the little solar cells that sit on your desk and make power. And #9 is for my husband who is constantly being bitten by mosquitoes. I love the multiple ideas that fold out a solar panel during the day to capture energy to be used at night. So many solutions seem like they could work well on a person by person, simple daily level.

But I have to admit, my favorite is the solar powered refrigeration system. This one is small scale for use where electricity does not go, but I love the idea of it becoming the norm everywhere. The refrigerator is my largest home energy consumer which I would love to eliminate. I love the idea of using the natural heat of the sun to cool it all down. Who doesn't want a skylight in the kitchen?

Green renovation tax credits

A story headline with the words tax credits in it seldom get me to click on it, but I wanted to share a story I read in Architect magazine. It gives the tax code info on a new credit home or building owners can get when you renovate your house to better your energy use. You have to get the house tested to see how well you did, but it seems like it could be valuable.

For architects: it says if the owner does not need/want the tax deduction, they can transfer it to their architect. For instance the govmt will not use it, or if a big land owner has other deductions and does not need it. A great idea to give the designer incentive to do good work too.

Story here: green renovation tax credits