IKEA's Bright Future

IKEA, a Swedish furniture retailer, is aiming to power all stores from 100% renewable resources.  In an effort to fulfill this goal, IKEA purchased 39,000 solar panels in the UK.  Additionally, IKEA purchased a 12.3 MW wind farm which will generate 30% of the retailer’s energy.  This purchase increases IKEA’s wind turbine ownership to 67, generating 127 MW.

To further increase IKEA’s power supply, the retailer purchased $6.5 billion in solar panels. IKEA projects to be between 70-80% by 2015.   Hopefully this is the beginning of retailers moving toward renewable sources of power world-wide.  

Source:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/09/idUS401034494220110809

For more information on SOLAR POWER, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: SOLAR POWER – An Alternative Energy Source.
http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#5

Staying Cool with Solar Power

Thought solar panels were only good for providing solar power? Researchers are finding that solar power is not the only benefit. Solar panels have been found to reduce rooftop temperatures by as much as 38%.   A recent study found that areas shaded by the panels were 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than parts of the roof exposed to the sun.

The solar panels absorb the suns heat and act as a shade for the roof. In situations where there are gaps between the panel and the roof, the roof is cooled more efficiently; the same goes for highly efficient solar panels.  This new discovery adds to the already known benefits of solar power by reducing the need for cooling buildings.  In an effort to encourage solar panel usage, companies such as SunPower are leasing panels.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/07/solar-panels-expand-help-cool-buildings/1

For more information on SOLAR POWER, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: SOLAR POWER – An Alternative Energy Source.

http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#5