AI and the Sun

Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI can benefit many areas where data is dominant. A novel application is in solar arrays at the utility level. Heliogen’s technology, for example, is a modular, turnkey, AI-enabled concentrated solar energy system that has the potential to deliver clean energy with nearly 24/7 availability. Heliogen has been granted by Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. a Limited Notice to Proceed to begin procurement of key equipment for a 5 megawatt commercial-scale demonstration facility in California.

Bringing Solar into The City

Major urban areas have not seen significant solar applications due to density and the age of many structures. New York City’s five boroughs contain many buildings that retain their 100-year-old and older walls and roofs, making them unsuitable for the often heavy solar panels newer building sport. In response, one company has come up with a “solar canopy” approach that has promise.

What’s On Top?

The three basic elements of a building are the foundation, the walls, and the roof, creating the envelope or box. Roofs are one of the most important factors in sealing the building, preventing heat leakage in winter, and generally making the building inhabitable year-round.

Sunny Texas

Solar energy isn’t confined to Arizona, Nevada, and California although those states seem to be in the news weekly with reports of new projects. Texas has sunny days, too, and several solar projects completed or in the works.

Tracking the Sun

Despite the Flat Earth Society’s claims, the world isn’t really flat, not nearly. Even the desert isn’t as flat as it looks with the naked eye. And as the suitable desert locations are becoming populated with solar “farms” at a rapid rate, a growing number of solar project sites feature uneven or undulating terrain. Keeping those panels pointed at the sun can be a challenge.

See-Through Solar

Windows are a mainstay of all buildings other than bunkers. Renewable energy sources such as solar are becoming mainstays of all new and many existing buildings. There is a way for these two to work together.

Using the Italian Sun

The European Union countries are moving rapidly to implement renewable energy resources as they see the results of the climate changes that have been predicted for years. Solar is a major source of potential power, especially in the Mediterranean countries. Companies from across the EU and the world are looking to help out.

See-Through Solar

Windows are a mainstay of all buildings other than bunkers. Renewable energy sources such as solar are becoming mainstays of all new and many existing buildings. There is a way for these two to work together.

Public-Private Partnerships

Governments large and small are finding they need to set a good example for their community in adopting energy conservation and sustainability efforts. Cities are turning to private contractors to provide the services they need to meet a growing demand for energy reduction and cost savings now that climate change is back on the front pages.

Sights Set on Solar

The residential market is hot, but challenges persist. In this blog series, I have addressed how demand is high, supplies are short, and the climate is creating a lot of chaos. Sustainability becomes the solution. Last week, we addressed the benefits of energy-management systems for builders. In this column, let’s look at solar.