Converting solar energy to hydrogen fuel, with help from photosynthesis
The search for new ways to provide energy and more of it is a constant concern for multiple industries. A team at the Israel Institute of Technology has developed a new efficiency record for converting solar to fuel. They’ve begun to incorporate photosynthesis to increase this development. Using sunlight, they are driving chemical reactions to turn water into hydrogen fuel. Challenges are the multi-step processes and ensuring material stability. Various approaches have been taken into consideration to convert solar energy into fuel. Developments have surpassed records in photocatalysis and they are well on the way to viably converting solar to hydrogen. The team’s discoveries are a breakthrough and are leading researchers to further solar-to-chemical conversions.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://phys.org/news/2020-08-solar-energy-hydrogen-fuel-photosynthesis.html
Solarize Chicagoland group-buy program bears fruit even in rough times
Environmental benefits and lower energy bills are a main draw for solar customers. Solarize Chicagoland’s participants reap those pros and then some. For those that find researching options and requirements to be laborious, this group-buy program might just gain your attention. They have support through each step of the solar installation process and their developer is accounted for. Windfree Solar was approved by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and partners. Plus, with more customers partaking, there’s an increase in savings and extra rebates through federal and state incentive programs. Helping the environment, increasing home value, decreasing monthly costs, and benefiting the community are valued aspects of the Solarize Chicagoland program.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://energynews.us/2020/07/29/midwest/solarize-chicagoland-group-buy-program-bears-fruit-even-in-rough-times/
WattScale is an open source AI tool that identifies energy-wasting homes
It’s no secret that artificial intelligence can have both pros and cons depending on the application. However, this tool seems to improve multiple concerns with potential to address even more issues. Researchers developed WattScale using AI to help consumers reduce their carbon footprint. The program recognizes a building’s energy efficiency or in many cases, its inefficiency. Addressing various ways on how businesses and homes can make changes to better their energy usage will save consumers money on their bills as well as create a lower environmental impact. WattScale also plans to incorporate satellite data in the future to forecast, build patterns, and further investigate tracking energy savings and effectiveness.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://venturebeat.com/2020/07/07/wattscale-is-an-open-source-ai-tool-that-identifies-energy-wasting-homes/
Upgrades to make your home more energy-efficient
Summer 2020 is here. With the warmer weather and current events, many will see a spike in electric bills. We’ve provided tips before on how to lower your energy usage here: https://realgyenergyservices.com/fast-ways-to-cut-your-home-energy-bills/.
However, if you find yourself looking to increase those savings, you may want to invest in some changes to make your home or business more energy-efficient. Take a look at these suggestions: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/25/upgrades-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Amazon pledges $2 billion fund to invest in clean energy
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder has constantly made rounds in the media for years. His recent projection of becoming the world’s first trillionaire created an uproar. However, the conglomerate has just promised to invest $2 billion towards green energy. Due to their large extent of worldwide business, their footprint has a significant environmental impact protested by many activists. Focusing on zero carbon, sustainable development, and a better future, Amazon has pledged to be net carbon neutral by 2040. Let’s see if any other retail giants follow suit in the next few years.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/amazon-pledges-2-billion-fund-invest-clean-energy-n1231854
How wind turbines are changing
Taller than a 10-story building, able to be built on site, and can power 14,000 homes!
These are the newest machines in harnessing wind energy.
GE’s turbines reached a record last year at 12 MW and roughly 10 stories tall.
The latest is 14 MW and a bit taller. Wind speed increases about 10 MPH every 100 feet up from the ground.
Along with improvements in efficiency comes the next phase of 3D-printed concrete bases. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bpOLSWtE1U . This is so cool (engineering geek here).
A major limitation has always been transporting bases to site. This technique will allow for wider and taller bases with greater generation.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/17/3d-printing-dizzying-heights-how-wind-turbines-are-changing.html
Renewable energy has now produced more electricity in the U.S. than coal for 40 days straight
Add another first stemming from this COVID-19 period: renewable energy surpasses coal in electric supply.
As demand for energy dropped off, utilities had to shut down power plants because they needed less power. The first to shut down are the most expensive. Coal is more expensive than solar, wind, and hydro-generated electricity.
Overall, energy demand is expected to fall at least 3% in 2020. Investments in new power generation are dominated by renewable energy sources due to their cost benefits. As renewable energy continues to grow, coal-generated electricity could fall by more than 20%. Renewable energy does not contribute to climate change as coal fired energy production does.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-lockdowns-renewable-energy-overtakes-coal-record-40-days/
Utilities vs. grid edge upstarts: Turf battles in an increasingly DER-centric world
You’ve heard of the Internet of Things… devices using a network to transfer data such as door bells, Alexa, light switches, TVs, thermostats, etc.
What about solar panels or car chargers? Think about this:
The fastest growing portion of the US electric market is in solar panel installation and EVs (Electric Vehicles).
Consider the following growth:
PV Solar and EVs produce as near real-time information about their energy production or usage.
This data is the issue.
Utilities want the data to be part of the electric grid while almost everyone else disagrees.
Regulators will be hearing both sides of the arguments about data control and best-practices. Given the importance of the issue for all parties, a final decision is likely years away but, initial decisions seem to favor the utility.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/utilities-vs-grid-edge-upstarts-turf-battles-in-an-increasingly-der-centr/572718/
Scotland Is on Track to Hit 100 Percent Renewable Energy This Year, Slàinte Mhath!
Scotland, like many countries, has been moving away from fossil fuels and replacing their energy generation with renewables. Wind is the largest power source in the nation and is continually growing. Enough energy is being created to power every resident’s home and more. Their target is to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Offsetting by planting more trees and using carbon-capture technology will allow them to emit some gases and still net-zero by their goal date. They are on the path to 100% green energy and seem to be able to do so by the end of 2020. Hosting the United Nations’ international climate talks in November this year will allow the world’s largest emitters to view firsthand the results of reaching those renewable goals.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://earther.gizmodo.com/scotland-is-on-track-to-hit-100-percent-renewable-energ-1841202818
Looking Back
As we prepare to ring in the new year, most are looking back on an incredible year of innovations and historical moments. Events such as these do not occur without hard work, inspiration, and dedication. Look back at the last year and relish the ups and downs, the hurdles and accomplishments; whether minor or grand, know that 2019 set the precedence for our future. And it sure is looking bright.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://realgyenergyservices.com/illinois-100-clean-energy-bill/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/midwest-groundcovers-completes-addition-to-solar-power-project/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/transforming-energy-education-in-the-digital-age/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/wind-energy-supplies-nearly-7-of-us-electric-demand/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/powerhouse-building-produces-more-energy-than-it-needs/