The Efficiency Zone

Energy and Cost Savings from LED-Backlit LCD TVs Not Communicated to Consumers

July 18, 2011 6:30 am | News | Comments

According to an analysis in the DisplaySearch Q2’11 Quarterly TV Design and Features Report, brands are missing an opportunity to market LED-backlit LCD TVs based on cost savings.

Have You Added Value to Your Home with Energy Saving Upgrades?

July 15, 2011 12:28 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

This week, Eric shared his thoughts on Building Value with Energy-Saving Upgrades in Homes and Businesses. He also mentioned the U.S. Department of Energy's Commercial Building Initiative, which is a partnership between the department and industry representatives to encourage the...

At NREL, Even the Ones and Zeros Are Green

July 15, 2011 4:25 am | by National Renewable Energy Laboratory | News | Comments

NREL's data center redefines world class in energy savings with strategies and techniques that can serve as a model for others.

The benefits of the Smart Grid

July 14, 2011 5:31 am | by Walter Garcia-Brooks, Market Development Engineer Manger, TT Electronics / Optek Technology | Blogs | Comments

The benefits of the Smart Grid in the Unites States are endless, but among the most important benefits is the ability for the electricity supplier to adjust in real time to the user’s demand and in the future to perhaps influence demand.

Amplifier enables current measurement in green energy applications

July 13, 2011 11:56 am | Product Releases | Comments

Texas Instruments introduced an isolated amplifier and a delta-sigma modulator that enable best-in-class shunt-based current measurement in motor control and green energy applications. The AMC1200 isolated amplifier and AMC1204 delta-sigma modulator...

Energy Companies Gather with GE for European Conference on Software Innovation

July 13, 2011 9:32 am | News | Comments

SmartSignal Corporation held its first User Group meeting since being acquired by GE Intelligent Platforms in January 2011. More than 20 oil and gas super majors and power generation giants from Europe and the Middle East gathered at the SSE...

Microcontroller family includes Flash memory from 8 to 128 KB

July 12, 2011 10:55 am | Product Releases | Comments

Energy Micro has announced availability of its EFM32 Gecko and Tiny Gecko product lines in a QFP64 package. The new 64-pin devices are particularly popular in the growing smart metering market...

Italy's Largest Photovoltaic Panel Plant Opens its Doors

July 12, 2011 9:10 am | News | Comments

An innovative photovoltaic panels factory run by 3Sun, the equal share joint venture between Enel Green Power, Sharp and STMicroelectronics, was inaugurated today in Catania. In attendance were the President of the Sicily Region, Raffaele Lombardo, the President of the Catania Province, Giuseppe Castiglione, and the Mayor of Catania, Raffaele Stancanelli.

Building Value with Energy-Saving Upgrades in Homes and Businesses

July 12, 2011 7:21 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

When I’m at a dinner party or going to a baseball game with friends, the conversation sometimes turns to what people are doing to improve their homes. As many of our readers have discovered on their own, improving the energy performance of your home can also make it more comfortable...

Weatherization Assistance for the Hottest Days

July 11, 2011 10:21 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

The spring-to-summer transition in Colorado can be anywhere from unnoticeable to shocking. Case in point: the last few weeks we've had afternoon showers, mellow temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and overnight low temperatures in the 50s (read: good sleeping weather). Not anymore. Suddenly...

Lighting Science Group CEO Asks Congress Not to Roll Back Light Bulb Energy Efficiency Standards

July 11, 2011 8:06 am | News | Comments

Lighting Science Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Haworth issued the following statement regarding the movement to pass the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act, H.R. 2417...

Brainstorm: Power

July 11, 2011 4:55 am | Articles | Comments

What business or developmental opportunities do you see in your space for the smart grid?

Have You Seen Renewable Energy Projects While Traveling?

July 7, 2011 6:21 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

Since we blog about energy efficiency and renewable energy, it seems fitting that we would notice it even when we're not at work. This past Tuesday, Chris shared his first-hand views of Hawaii's renewable energy efforts while on vacation, including wind and solar, and did some...

Power Supplies Feature Efficiencies up to 90% at 115 VAC

July 6, 2011 12:29 pm | Product Releases | Comments

ICCNexergy, Inc. (www.iccnexergy.com) today announced an expansion of its high efficiency, high reliability Elpac brand 100 Watt external power supply series with the release of its new FWC100 series. The new FWC100 is a level V upgrade of ICCNexergy’s popular Elpac FWB100 series...

Positronic’s Blue Connectors are Green

July 6, 2011 10:40 am | by Gino Nanninga, VP of Sales, Positronic Industries, Inc. | Blogs | Comments

Energy is essential to everyone. Often we do not give thought to where energy comes from or how much we consume until energy is not readily available. Energy has become an area of focus for governments, private industry, and citizens.

LPRS Unveils IQRF Wireless Networking Components at UK Wireless Forum

July 6, 2011 5:33 am | Product Releases | Comments

LPRS is using their appearance at the UK Wireless Fortronic Forum to demonstrate the IQRF range of simple to implement, reliable wireless networks for smart metering, home and building automation, intelligent street lighting and environmental monitoring.

PV Inverter Market to Fall Below $6bn in 2011, But Exceed $10bn by 2015

July 6, 2011 5:22 am | News | Comments

Following 2010’s massive increase, the global PV inverter market is predicted to decline below $6bn in 2011, a fall of more than 10% according to a new report from IMS Research. Despite the analyst firm predicting global installations to grow this year...

Hawaii is a Renewable Energy Lover’s Paradise

July 5, 2011 9:22 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

Nearly six weeks ago I visited for the first time the paradise of Hawaii. While it’s easy for visitors to appreciate its sun-kissed beaches and warm ocean breezes, you may not realize Hawaii also is a renewable energy lover’s paradise. Sunshine and wind, especially, are in...

How Will You Save Energy Over the Fourth of July Weekend?

June 30, 2011 3:24 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

The Fourth of July is coming up and many people are planning to entertain. Though the Fourth is a the perfect holiday to spend outdoors, entertaining can still mean that many people are going in and out of the house. All those people and doors opening and closing can mean extra heat...

Rapid PV Module Price Declines To Drive Strong Recovery In Second Half of 2011

June 30, 2011 6:32 am | News | Comments

After declining for two consecutive quarters, PV module shipments are set to recover strongly in the second half of 2011, according to the latest report from IMS Research.

Lighting Science Group Sponsors Solar Decathlon Teams

June 30, 2011 6:19 am | News | Comments

Four U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 entrants announced today that they will rely on lighting solutions offered by Lighting Science Group, as they prepare to submit their solar home prototypes for final testing and judgment this fall.

Green pays off

June 30, 2011 5:48 am | News | Comments

trans data elektronik is one of the first German suppliers of passive data centre infrastructure that matches the code of conduct of the European Commission for energy-efficient data centres. tde’s cabling systems for data centres have always been tested for energy-saving potentials.

Finding Sharing Information about Energy Efficiency

June 29, 2011 9:21 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments

Vacation time should be relaxing, but it’s often just a different kind of work. Doesn’t mean it isn’t fun but I seem to come home from vacation more tired than when I left.

Nordic nRF2460 Audio Streamer IC Delivers Power Optimization for Mono Wireless Audio App at Low Cost

June 28, 2011 5:02 am | Product Releases | Comments

Ultra low power RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor ASA announces the immediate availability of the new Nordic nRF2460 audio streamer IC that offers unique, class-leading power optimization and performance specifically for cost-sensitive battery-powered mono wireless audio applications such as microphones, subwoofers, musical instruments, and gaming.