March 2011
34 posts
Making Fuel from Sun, Water, and Carbon Dioxide
A Massachusetts biotechnology firm (with a fantastic name) recently announced that it has perfected a process wherein diesel fuel is produced using only sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Could our foreign oil dependency be cured? Check out the link below to learn more:
http://huff.to/gJB15e
February 2011
37 posts
#MardiGras Getting Going!
Enjoy all the krewes parading around today!
http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/
Solar Technology: Diversifying and Improving
Many people have already realized the benefit of using solar energy to power their homes and heat their water (check out our solar portfolio for some fine examples). But what is not as widely known is the incredible diversity of solar products available. Along every step of the installation process, engineers and innovators are improving efficiency and lowering costs. Improved solar panels,...
Inspired Designs, Sustainable Architecture
At Joule, of course we support installing sustainable features (like solar panels!) in homes or businesses. In a recent, fascinating TED talk, Michael Pawlyn discusses how we can learn from nature to design green buildings with gorgeous architecture. Check out the link below to hear his thoughts:
http://bit.ly/hTKvQp
Zeroing Out Your Energy Bills
At Joule, we take pride in bringing your monthly energy bill as close to zero dollars as possible, and we love seeing the reactions of our customers when their energy meters spin backwards after we install a new solar panel system. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory kept this goal in mind while designing their new headquarters. The result? Check out the article below!
http://nyti.ms/f2s5YR
New Orleans Ranked #1 as Biggest Brain Magnet
More college-educated people are moving to New Orleans than ever before, and the city ranks as the most attractive destination for young adults looking for a mix of culture and affordability. Now is a great time to be in New Orleans, as the city displays in pride and resiliency in recovering from dual setbacks.
Any college graduates looking for solar energy jobs? At Joule Energy, our greatest...
Krewe du Vieux Parade Tonight at 6:30!
The #MardiGras parade season kicks off tonight in the French Quarter at 6:30 p.m. with the #KreweduVieux parade! With wild costumes and bumpin’ brass bands, this parade is sure to be a blast. See you there!
2012 Budget Supports More Solar
In President Obama’s new budget proposal for 2012, solar technology will receive increased funding, nearly doubling the amount of discretionary funds in the solar portion of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program. We here at Joule Energy strongly support increased funding for solar energy research and development, and we support the administration’s efforts to move our...
Largest Solar Dish in North America
The largest commercial solar dish in North America was commissioned this week, in Phoenix Arizona. The dish will be used to power a turbine generator, providing a clean and renewable source of electricity. Learn more about the project via the link below:
http://bit.ly/dYJFQ6
We Can't Afford To Cut Solar Jobs!
In documents released this weekend, members of the House of Representatives have proposed cutting billions of dollars in loan guarantees for solar projects. While there is certainly a need to address the long-term fiscal issues in the United States, these cuts to the loan guarantee program would be disastrous for major solar projects with pending loan guarantees.
Click on the link below to let...
The White House is Going Green
This spring, the White House will be installing solar panels on its roof for the first time since the Carter administration. This highly visible installation is physical evidence of President Obama’s commitment to creating American jobs by encouraging the development of clean, renewable energy sources. You can read more about the project via the link below:
http://usat.ly/aG2pS6
Happy Valentine's Day!
Let your loved one know you care about them and the environment today, by investing in solar energy. A box of chocolates, and a solar water heater? Joule Energy can make this a Valentine’s Day that they’ll never forget.
Thank You
… to everyone who came out to chat with us at the NOLA Marketplace Expo yesterday. It was a great event, and we were thrilled to see how many people were interested in solar technology for their home or business. Keep following the blog for more information on the next event we’ll be attending!
Still a chance to catch Joule Energy at the #NOLAMarketplaceExpo at the Lakeside Shopping Center!
Come to the #NOLAMarketplaceExpo now at the Lakeside Shopping Center to see the perfect solar panel for your roof!
Come visit us at the #NOLAMarketplaceExpo today from 10 to 4 at the Lakeside Shopping Center!
NOLA Marketplace Expo Tomorrow
Visit us tomorrow at the Lakeside Shopping Center from 10-4 to get all your solar questions answered!
Joule Energy at the NOLA Marketplace Expo
Come to the Lakeside Shopping Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (2/12) to talk to our Joule representatives in-person about investing in solar for your home or business!
Clean Energy Analysis of the Southeast
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is hosting a seminar today at noon, central time, focusing on a clean energy analysis of the Southeast. You can watch the seminar happen online, by following the link below:
http://bit.ly/5IuBHz
China Emphasizes Clean Energy in New 5-Year Plan
China will release a new 5-year economic plan in March, which will emphasize clean energy development and usage. From solar to wind to hydro, the most populous nation in the world is taking steps to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Check out the article below for more information:
http://bit.ly/hnUKtY
Smart Meters Coming to New Orleans
Entergy New Orleans will start offering smart meters to New Orleans residents this month. Smart meters provide real-time updates to residents on their power usage, and encourage people to adjust their behavior to save energy and money. Smart meters are a crucial step toward reducing overall energy demand, and will play an important role as New Orleans’ current infrastructure is...
January Record-Setting Month for Solar Investment
Over $1 billion was invested in green energy technology worldwide in the month of January. This is a great start to the new year, and yet another sign that momentum is building throughout the world for a shift to clean, renewable energy. Click on the link below to see a breakdown of the solar companies that received investments:
http://bit.ly/fAV1JD
Sunshot Program Sets National Solar Goals
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu recently described the government’s new “Sunshot” program, an ambitious new program that aims to reduce the total costs of solar energy systems 75% by the year 2020, to roughly $1/watt overall. Check out the link below for more details about how solar energy prices will soon be directly cost competitive with traditional energy sources.
...
7 Billion People in the World
and counting … At Joule Energy, we believe we need to harness the power of the sun to provide clean, renewable energy for our ever-growing world. Check out this fascinating video from National Geographic describing our path to this population threshold.
http://bit.ly/hVDcwb
The State of Solar Today
Click on the link below to view a fascinating interactive map, detailing the development of solar energy throughout the United States. As you can see, southern Louisiana is off to a good start, but still has plenty of room for improvement. Improve your home or business today with Joule Energy!
http://openpv.nrel.gov/
Greening your Company
At Joule Energy, we’re all about promoting energy efficiency and clean energy to protect the environment. We also realize that most companies are focused on the bottom line, and can’t waste time and resources discussing sustainability and carbon footprints. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between one or the other - going green is good for your business!
...
Hornets v. Lakers Tonight!
#GeauxHornets!
Proposal to End Oil Subsidies
Oil production remains a hugely profitable industry, despite growing awareness of its destructive effects on the environment (painfully demonstrated by the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill this past April). President Obama has recommended that government subsidies for oil production be reduced and/or altogether terminated, allowing for clean energy technologies to work their way into the highly...
Gasoline Made From Wood chips
The government has offered a $1 billion loan to make gasoline from wood chips. If finalized, it would be four times larger than any previous guarantee for biofuels. This is exciting news, as progress towards using biofuels and renewable energy sources continues at a rapid pace in the U.S. and throughout the world. To read the whole article, click below:
http://bit.ly/ibqyDl
2011 Water Challenge Business Competition
http://www.ideavillage.org/waterchallenge/
7-Eleven Going Green
Another reason to enjoy your green Slurpee: http://nyti.ms/fjnRCx
2010 Tied For Hottest Year On Record →
Happy Groundhog's Day!
Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow - should be a good year for solar!
Solar Power Generation Rising Nationwide
The year 2010 saw more solar energy produced domestically in the United States than ever before. The number of megawatt-hours-produced increased, while the cost-per-kilowatt decreased. This is exciting news, particularly as multiple large, utility-scale solar generation projects are just getting underway. Solar energy creates new jobs and strengthens our economy, improves our energy security, and...
Plastic Solar Panels
Plastic photovoltaics could be the next breakthrough in solar energy: http://bit.ly/hlBnQv