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Can your bench do this? Here’s how solar furniture attracts visitors and makes your company look amazing.

Ah, the good old bench. It’s the background subject of affection in many movies. A couple holding hands on a park bench. An old man sitting on a bench feeding pigeons. Two strangers sitting on a bench engaging in a conversation on a beautiful…
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Simple Spring Tune-ups

At the start of the new year, many of us set resolutions for things we would like to improve.  For some, trimming our waist is a recurring item on our list.  How do we do that for our buildings?  Experts agree that we start by taking a look…
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Fortune telling… Predict failure before it happens

Do things ever break when it's a good time?  I've never had my car break down when I had no where in particular to go.  The projector never stops working until the client is getting ready to arrive for a presentation.  If only we had a crystal…
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How to cut $21 Billion a year in healthcare costs

When I was a kid, a lot more people smoked.  But they usually knew that it was bad for you and smelly.  When they asked my parents if they would mind if they smoked, My dad would simply say, "go right ahead - but don't exhale".  It seems…
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Hackers Infect Cameras, DVRs to Pull off Massive Internet Breach

With the internet becoming integral to just about everything in our lives, building owners are connecting their buildings and machines - the Internet of Things (IoT).  With this, is a mad rush by vendors, big and small to launch wireless products.…
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Is cleaning solar panels worth the cost?

Many solar power owners ask, is cleaning panels worth the cost?  Until now - no. Let's face it, all panels get dirty. They're outdoors.  All you have to do is drive around any neighborhood and look at rooftop panels to see the dirt buildup,…
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High performance windows for the price of tint.

As the sun bears down on our buildings or cars, most people reach for the thermostat instead of stopping the heat BEFORE it gets inside your space.  Luckily, there's a great new solution that will not only keep you comfortable, but will save…
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Blockchain-based microgrid gives power to consumers

A new project in New York City is letting residents buy and sell renewable energy to each other, bypassing the central authority and the associated costs.  Could this be the future of distributed energy?  If so, what are the impediments? Who…

How US coastline would change when the ice melts

According to estimates of the worst-case scenario, global sea levels will rise by up to 10 feet in the next century.  That may not seem like much, but it threatens millions of citizens in coastal communities and will result in billions of dollars…

Feds: Drought kills 66 million trees in California’s Sierra

The number of trees in California's Sierra Nevada forests killed by drought, a bark beetle epidemic and warmer temperatures has dramatically increased since last year, raising fears they will fuel catastrophic wildfires and endanger people's…

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah – seriously…

When it comes to comedy, Jimmy Kimmel is right up there.  Now my new favorites are climate scientists.   As Jimmy says, " they are people just like you and I but smarter".  I just wish they were truly joking.   You have to watch this excerpt…

‘I don’t give a f— if we agree’

While most media thrives on conflict and polarizing discussions, US politicians often follow their "leadership".  Climate change really isn't a debate, but for those who think it is, the "Govenator" offer these words.  Arnold Schwarzenegger…

Why does my battery suck? – CNET

Why will public charging of mobile devices be needed for years or decades to come?   Here's the simple answer... Phones, tablets and watches continue to improve. Their batteries? Not so much. Source: Why does my battery suck? - CNET
Photo courtesy Jamie Scot Lytle
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Behind San Diego Unified’s Solar Power Struggles

San Diego Unified School District was one of the first to deploy large scale solar and has learned some valuable lessons along the way. Despite its struggles with solar power so far, the district is preparing to ramp up its solar footprint…