Our society’s fuel transition from wood to coal to oil to gas has been steady and obvious. Now we are benefitting from the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. But we are also experiencing a change from technologies that are based on moving atoms (combustion, pipelines, engines with moving parts) to technologies that are based on moving electrons (photovoltaics, battery storage and electric motors).
These relatively new electron-based technologies allow us to generate, transmit and store energy without any moving parts. Nothing to wear out, re-fuel or maintain. The result is an energy economy that is cleaner and less expensive — as well as more efficient. Case in point: the differences between a gasoline car and an EV.
Please Listen Up to this week’s Energy Show on Renewable Energy World as we talk about the technology transition towards electron (and photon) based machines and appliances. Think about it: not a single atom needs to be moved when you listen to this week’s show — from the time you click “play,” until the sound emanates from the speakers in your headphones.
About The Energy Show
As energy costs consume more and more of our hard-earned dollars, we as consumers really start to pay attention. But we don’t have to resign ourselves to $5/gallon gas prices, $200/month electric bills and $500 heating bills. There are literally hundreds of products, tricks and techniques that we can use to dramatically reduce these costs — very affordably.
The Energy Show on Renewable Energy World is a weekly 20-minute podcast that provides tips and advice to reduce your home and business energy consumption. Every week we’ll cover topics that will help cut your energy bill, explain new products and technologies in plain English, and cut through the hype so that you can make smart and cost-effective energy choices.
About Your Host
Barry Cinnamon is a long-time advocate of renewable energy and is a widely recognized solar power expert. In 2001 he founded Akeena Solar — which grew to become the largest national residential solar installer by the middle of the last decade with over 10,000 rooftop customers coast to coast. He partnered with Westinghouse to create Westinghouse Solar in 2010, and sold the company in 2012.
His pioneering work on reducing costs of rooftop solar power systems include Andalay, the first solar panel with integrated racking, grounding and wiring; the first UL listed AC solar panel; and the first fully “plug and play” AC solar panel. His current efforts are focused on reducing the soft costs for solar power systems, which cause system prices in the U.S. to be double those of Germany.
Although Barry may be known for his outspoken work in the solar industry, he has hands-on experience with a wide range of energy saving technologies. He’s been doing residential energy audits since the punch card days, developed one of the first ground-source heat pumps in the early ‘80s, and always abides by the Laws of Thermodynamics.
Lead image: Green microphone. Credit: Shutterstock.
