Solar Update

Power Spar has a novel new solar cell product that puts a twist on energy conversion:

Using patented technology, the Power-Spar® panels reflect and concentrate solar rays onto an absorber that runs the length of the spar units. Within the absorber, there are channels containing a heat transfer fluid (typically propylene glycol). The fluid is heated by the sun's energy and is then pumped to the building.

The heated fluid is either used directly (for process heat or steam) or passed through one or more heat exchangers to transfer energy from the fluid to space heating applications, domestic hot water pre-heat, etc. This system can supply up to 70% of your heating energy requirements from free solar energy.

Surplus heat energy is transferred to a thermal storage tank. The mass of water in this tank allows for effective retention and distribution of energy even during prolonged 'non-solar' periods (i.e., at night or on cloudy days).

Micromansion

This might be all I need. Buy some land near a lake or stream in remote Wisconsin or Michigan. Instant cool. put them together for a little retreat, colony, what have you. Microcompact rules!

Fast Food Nation

My kid loves cheeseburgers. Really loves them. I know about meat processing. It's crazy. I watched Fast Food Nation last night. A little sloppy, a little self-righteous, but effective. The last 10 minutes are all they needed to show. I'm buying local as much as I can, because I don't need my son to be a passive consumer. Until he's old enough to be educated about it, It's my responsibility to make sure he's healthy mentally and physically. As a consumer and parent, why would I take the risk?