Solar Airplane
In Switzerland, the "Solar Impulse" was flown by Bertrand Piccard, a Swiss adventurer, on December 3, 2009. The "Solar Impulse", a prototype solar airplane has a wingspan of a Boeing 747, but it has the weight of an average car. The test flight was short and the altitude was one meter above the airfield. Piccard stated that he plans to attach solar panels next year for a first flight at night.
Read article: Solar plane pioneer says first short flight OK
See "Solar Impulse" website: SolarImpulse
Image Credit: Associated Press
Image Credit: The Wall Street Journal
Stimulus Funds Awarded to Solyndra, A Solar Company
Solyndra, Inc, located in Fremont, California, received a federal loan of $535 million from the Department of Energy under the stimulus program that aimed to spur renewable energy projects. Solyandra will hire 3,000 employees to build the factory, which will produce solar panels, and will ultimately hire 1,000 workers to run the facility. Solyndra, whose solar panels are designed for rooftops, has more than $2 billion worth of back orders, primarily from European customers.
Read Article: Solar funds create jobs in Fremont
New Jersey and Solar Power
Surprisingly, New Jersey is the second largest producer in the production and use of solar power. Although New Jersey does not have the large open space like the leading solar producing state, California, New Jersey implemented alternative sources of production of solar energy by using utility poles and flat roof tops. More information is available at:
New Jersey Outshines 48 of its Peers in Solar Power
New Jersey Outshines 48 of its Peers in Solar Power
Image Credit: Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal
