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Many analysts think so and the target date being touted around is 2015. The reason for this fresh optimism is a mixture of technological development and simple economics. Traditional conductive materials make up 40% to 50% of the cost of a finished module. Newer conductive materials (including, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium diselenide) only need to be about one micron thick, so material costs are significantly reduced.
But thin film solar cells are just the beginning. Here are a few more examples of the most cutting-edge and interesting advances in solar energy and the companies behind them.
Solar Energy - from salt. Rice Solar Energy, a spin-off of United Technologies, is planning a solar energy installation in Riverside County, California. Salt - 4.4 million gallons' worth will be stored in a 538-foot tower surrounded by 18,000 mirrors called heliostats. The heliostats will aim light at the tower, subjecting the salt inside to such great temperatures that it melts, which in turn creates steam which then spins the turbine thus creating electricity.
Internet access - from sunlight. Late last year, Meraki, a provider of wireless networking solutions, developed a solar self-powered WiFi device. The Meraki "Solar" uses a solar panel and a solar-charged battery to provide Internet access in hard-to-wire areas. The units can be mounted on roofs or poles or anywhere else that receives sun exposure.
iPhone juice - without an outlet. Anyone who has an iPhone is plagued by the relatively low battery life, but we were recently alerted to a solution in that beacon of invention oddities, the SkyMall catalog. A company called Novothink recently developed the first Apple-approved solar charger for the iPhone. The $70 "Surge" is like an iPhone case, except it has a solar panel on the back. Just snap it on, and you'll have full access to the iPhone, while you charge. It even comes with a cord so you can hang the iPhone from a backpack or your wrist while outside. It will keep you Twittering all day long.
While all of those devices may be interesting, the first question on the minds of many may be just how close we are to generating all of our householder electricity from solar power. The answer: Closer than you think. One Japanese company, The Seven Ryoju Estate Group Companies, recently announced that it has developed a rooftop unit called the "Eco Sky Roof" that can provide 65 percent of a household's energy consumption from solar power. The roof works by creating a path of hot air between solar panels and a roof. That heat can be used to generate household heat and hot water, as well as electricity. The first installations are expected in 2010.
If Solar companies can stay the course and deliver on their promises, maybe a world powered by clean energy has a chance of becoming reality.
This article was submitted by www.OilPrice.com who focus on Fossil Fuels, Alternative Energy, Metals, Oil Prices and Geopolitics. To find out more visit their website at: http://www.oilprice.com
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Wu xi is situated in the middle of the Yangtze Delta, Taihu Plain southeast of Jiangsu province; the Yangtze River to the north and Taihu Lake south;183 kilometers away from Nanjing,85737, 128 kilomenters from Shanghai.Wuxi was already settled in the Zhou period (11th-3rd c. BC), as the capital of the Wu kingdom, when it was known as Youxi, "a place having tin." The current name, meaning "without tin" came into use by the early Han dynasty (2nd-1st c. BC), suggesting the tin deposits used in bronze metallurgy were already played out by that time.The Climatic Features of Wuxi are subtropical monsoon maritime climate; mild and humid with 4 distinct seasons; long frost-free period of 230 days, enough sunshine of 2000 hours annually.
What to see:
(1). Donglin College: It is a famous college in ancient time of China, which is located in No.867 of Jiefangdong Road. It"s also called"Guishan College".The architecture of college adopts the traditional symmetry style,nike Air force, and the axle wire includes stone torii, Donglin House, Lize Hall,复件 84085,new balance 410, Yiyong Hall, Yanju Temple, Sangong shrine. West garden includes Wancuishan House, Laifu Room, Baogong Shrine and Daonan Shrine.
Wuxi belongs to sub-tropical humid climate type. There are four distinct seasons with a temperate climate, plenty of rain, abundant sunshine and a long frost-free period. You can tour in Wuxi in each season, especially,www.nikedunkprix.com, spring and autumn.
(2). Taihu Lake Paradise: It is directly opposite the best hotel in town, a hilltop resort that gives you a great view of Taihu Lake, the third largest fresh water lake in China. Travelling in Taihu Lake Paradise makes for an easy daytrip, a short stopover on the way, with shopping, history, and some scenery all within hand's reach. Most importantly,Supra Chaussure, it offers the all-too-rare opportunity to wander off the beaten path in a Chinese city.The Taihu Lake Villas are separate manors built in European style on sprawling grounds,85005, and guests have use of a disco hall, sauna, bowling alley, billiard room, and of course, KTV.
(3). Yuantouzhu: To get here, you can take the city bus line 1 or 212. The admission fee is 70 rmb for a person. Openning hours: 6:00-17:00.
(4). Liyuan park: You can get here by city bus line 1,85642,9 or 820. The admission fee is 35 rmb for a person. Openning hours: 6:30-17:30.
(5). Lingshandafo: To get here, you can take the city bus line 88 or 91. Admission fee: 68 rmb. Openning hours: 6:30-18:00.
Some useful bus routes:
(1). Line K 1: Yuantouzhu-baojieqiao-Ouzhoucheng-Liyuan park-Dachengxiang-Xiajiabian-Zhongqiao-Daoxiangxincun-Yunhefandian-Shenglimen-Wuxi railway station.(5:30-17:30, available every 20 minutes)
(2). Line 88: Wuxi railway station-Zhongshanlu-Wuailu-Jiaotongju-Liangxidaqiao-Hefukou-Rongxiang-Meiyuan-Qinglongshan-Shibu-Mingzhengganxiao-Yaowan-Huazang-Yangwan-Aermeigongsi-Lvjiang-Huaruigongsi-Xicai auto-Zhongjichang-Shiwangtaihuishui-Mashanquzhengfu-Liuyuan-Huaxinzhongxue-Fengyinglu-Guzhuzhen-Biboshangzhuang-Lingshan.(5:30-18:30,available every 15 minutes)
(3). Lvyouguanguang Line 2: Wuxi railway station-Shenglimen-Congansi-Babaiban-Chaoyangguangchang-Rongfenglu-Renmindahuitang-Qinyanglu-Mazexiangqiao-Shuixiuxincun-Tiyuzhongxin-Zhengdadianqichang-Liyuan-Ouzhoucheng-Baojieqiao-Yuantouzhu-Baojieqiao-Tangcheng-Shuihucheng-Sanguocheng.(7:00-16:00,复件 84096,available every 25 minutes)
Tips:
The Shanghai Transportation Card can be used in Wuxi. You will get a 5 off if you use it here.
Copyright belongs to Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM . You can find more information about china travel,airlines,cheap flights,non-stop flights,direct flights from our web site. (This article written on 03/20/2011).
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