Innovations such as GPS technology, are 'driving the consumer to replace and renew their products', according to research company GfK in its latest assessment of the digital camera market.
'Specific connectivities and GPS-functionalities are some of the more interesting topics, and [in-camera] picture manipulation as an add-on is now available to use,' explained a spokesman for GfK Retail and Technology.
'3D is also a key focus of the imaging market, but this will need some time to mature into mass volume.
'Fortunately, these feature enhancements translate to higher average prices, with the consumer currently willing to pay for additional benefits from their imaging products.'
The video capabilities of compact cameras is also pulling in consumers, says GfK.
'Nearly every newly-sold compact camera has video incorporated and around half of changeable lens cameras sold have video options, with a strong tendency towards HD functionalities.'
The Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific regions have experienced the highest growth in digital camera sales, notching up a 20% increase in the first nine months of 2010.
In contrast, sales in the United States fell by 2% on the year before.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Solar Energy Trendsetters with Iberdrola Renewables
Residents in Pinal County of Arizona and Alamosa in southern Colorado are potentially one of the trendiest areas in the nation. And it doesn’t have anything to do with fashion, or celebrity power…but renewable energy.
Salt River Project in Arizona and Iberdrola Renewables partnered to buy 20 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy in the region from Copper Crossing Solar Ranch.
The 25 year power agreement can potentially provide enough solar energy for more than 3000 Salt River Project residents, a power used from photovoltaic panels.
“From wind power to solar, our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables has resulted in thousands of SRP customers benefitting from clean, renewable energy,” SRP General Manger Richard Silverman said in a statement.
“Iberdrola Renewables is delighted to partner for the third time with SRP, this time for one of the largest utility-scale projects in Arizona,” said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “SRP has been a leader in bringing clean, renewable energy to Arizona, by purchasing the output of the first commercial-scale wind farms in the state and now with this, one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects.”
Iberdrola Renewables isn’t stopping there. The nationwide wind power project developers also announced plans for a similar sale in Colorado near Alamosa with the Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. Iberdrola will purchase the company’s entire output of 30 megawatt photovoltaic with facility construction beginning before the end of next year. Announced just a day before the Arizona sale, this purchase would mark the first trial in solar power for Iberdrola.
‘This part of Colorado has been identified as one of the best locations in all of the U.S. for securing energy from the sun, and Iberdrola Renewables’ investment shows the potential for this region of our state, now and well into the future,” said Tom Imbler, vice president for Commercial Operations at Xcel Energy.
Salt River Project in Arizona and Iberdrola Renewables partnered to buy 20 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy in the region from Copper Crossing Solar Ranch.
The 25 year power agreement can potentially provide enough solar energy for more than 3000 Salt River Project residents, a power used from photovoltaic panels.
“From wind power to solar, our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables has resulted in thousands of SRP customers benefitting from clean, renewable energy,” SRP General Manger Richard Silverman said in a statement.
“Iberdrola Renewables is delighted to partner for the third time with SRP, this time for one of the largest utility-scale projects in Arizona,” said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “SRP has been a leader in bringing clean, renewable energy to Arizona, by purchasing the output of the first commercial-scale wind farms in the state and now with this, one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects.”
Iberdrola Renewables isn’t stopping there. The nationwide wind power project developers also announced plans for a similar sale in Colorado near Alamosa with the Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. Iberdrola will purchase the company’s entire output of 30 megawatt photovoltaic with facility construction beginning before the end of next year. Announced just a day before the Arizona sale, this purchase would mark the first trial in solar power for Iberdrola.
‘This part of Colorado has been identified as one of the best locations in all of the U.S. for securing energy from the sun, and Iberdrola Renewables’ investment shows the potential for this region of our state, now and well into the future,” said Tom Imbler, vice president for Commercial Operations at Xcel Energy.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Photovoltaic cells to power biological nanorobots inside the body
As the fields of bionanotechnologies develop, it will become possible one day to use biological nanodevices such as nanorobots for in situ and real-time in vivo diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of specific targets. A prerequisite for designing and constructing wireless biological nanorobots is the availability of an electrical source which can be made continuously available in the operational biological environment (i.e. the human body).
Several possible sources – temperature displacement, kinetic energy derived from blood flow, and chemical energy released from biological motors inside the body – have been designed to provide the electrical sources that can reliably operate in body (read: "Nanopiezotronics – a pathway to self-powering nanodevices").
Recently, the conversion of mechanical energy to electricity on the nanoscale has been successfully demonstrated by using acoustically actuated nanogenerators based on piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowires by Zhong Lin Wang's group (see: "Nanoscale power plants"). These nanogenerators can be used to drive many kinds of nanodevices, but their output powers needs to be further improved to meet the power requirement (at least 1 µW) of biological nanorobots.
Light-harvesting by photovoltaic cells has been conclusively demonstrated as an efficient way to create electricity, and many kinds of solar cells have been developed.
Unfortunately, these traditional solar cells cannot be used directly to power in vivo nanodevices because they mainly absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light – which is difficult to penetrate into biological tissues. On the other hand, light that can easily penetrate body tissue such as near infrared light in the wavelength range from 700 to 1000nm cannot be efficiently absorbed by conventional solar cells.
Several possible sources – temperature displacement, kinetic energy derived from blood flow, and chemical energy released from biological motors inside the body – have been designed to provide the electrical sources that can reliably operate in body (read: "Nanopiezotronics – a pathway to self-powering nanodevices").
Recently, the conversion of mechanical energy to electricity on the nanoscale has been successfully demonstrated by using acoustically actuated nanogenerators based on piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowires by Zhong Lin Wang's group (see: "Nanoscale power plants"). These nanogenerators can be used to drive many kinds of nanodevices, but their output powers needs to be further improved to meet the power requirement (at least 1 µW) of biological nanorobots.
Light-harvesting by photovoltaic cells has been conclusively demonstrated as an efficient way to create electricity, and many kinds of solar cells have been developed.
Unfortunately, these traditional solar cells cannot be used directly to power in vivo nanodevices because they mainly absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light – which is difficult to penetrate into biological tissues. On the other hand, light that can easily penetrate body tissue such as near infrared light in the wavelength range from 700 to 1000nm cannot be efficiently absorbed by conventional solar cells.
Solar Air Heater for home and commercial heating
Solar Heating Air uses the solar radiation in a specific room with the heat from solar panels. There are many possibilities of solar hot air, and we can even build a house with the help of online resources. This is a kind of solar thermal power plant, where the heated air in a bin by the radiation of the sun and can be transferred directly in or on a storage bin as a rock.
The solar cells are used to operate these systems. Solar thermalthe air that is then transferred into a room. The key component of this system includes solar panels, a network of ducts and diffusers. The heated air can operate with or without fan. Without the fan distributes the air through the action of natural ventilation.
In agriculture, the food must be produced, sometimes kept in a warm, especially during the monsoon. The solar heating system works here. You can increase the temperature of the room so thattherefore heated. In this way, the products can continue to be safe and will not be spoiled, as the humidity.
The solar air heater works the same way as does a solar system. The water heater is outside the outdoor theater, so it can capture the sunlight. It is composed of solar cells, in general, but people use a variety of things. Some are equipped with aluminum cans and paint them black. Then they are placed on a plate and form a part. Plates orThe boxes must be drilled to connect with each other, so that air circulates through them. Therefore, the cold air moves through the piece cans and hot air enters the room leads to an increase in temperature.
In this way, the air solar heating is a very economical way to heat a room. Instead of requiring expensive heating systems, the quantity of electricity which is certainly a convenient solution.
The solar cells are used to operate these systems. Solar thermalthe air that is then transferred into a room. The key component of this system includes solar panels, a network of ducts and diffusers. The heated air can operate with or without fan. Without the fan distributes the air through the action of natural ventilation.
In agriculture, the food must be produced, sometimes kept in a warm, especially during the monsoon. The solar heating system works here. You can increase the temperature of the room so thattherefore heated. In this way, the products can continue to be safe and will not be spoiled, as the humidity.
The solar air heater works the same way as does a solar system. The water heater is outside the outdoor theater, so it can capture the sunlight. It is composed of solar cells, in general, but people use a variety of things. Some are equipped with aluminum cans and paint them black. Then they are placed on a plate and form a part. Plates orThe boxes must be drilled to connect with each other, so that air circulates through them. Therefore, the cold air moves through the piece cans and hot air enters the room leads to an increase in temperature.
In this way, the air solar heating is a very economical way to heat a room. Instead of requiring expensive heating systems, the quantity of electricity which is certainly a convenient solution.
Revolutionary Tiny Solar Cells
Tiny, glitter-sized solar cells have been developed by the Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories. It might turn out to be the perfect alternative energy preference for the holiday season. This project is funded by the American government. The dimensions of the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells are merely 14-20 micrometers thick and measure 0.25 to 1 millimeters across i.e. only 10% as thick as regular ones. They also consume an estimated 100 times less silicon to produce the same amount of electricity compared to standard solar cells. Their efficiency level is 14.9%.
The USP of the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells is their size. Because of their infinitesimally small size, the glitter solar particles can be installed in a wide range of products needing energy. Another USP of the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells is they have the capability to fit into any given pattern shape or size such as fabrics. So they will convert your clothes into solar power generators. If we ponder a bit and visualize these tiny, glitter-sized solar cells can turn a person into a walking solar battery charger if they are fitted into clothing.
Because of their minuscule size they are also less prone to shading and heating effects. Their built-in tiny electrical contacts also make them sturdy and durable. Shade and heat often hinders the performance of larger solar cell performance. The sequin-like solar cell technology hopefully will soon appear on from high-tech items such as satellites to right on down to back-backers’ tents to help recharge electronics. If everything goes right these cells can revolutionize the way solar energy is used.
The USP of the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells is their size. Because of their infinitesimally small size, the glitter solar particles can be installed in a wide range of products needing energy. Another USP of the snowflake sized crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells is they have the capability to fit into any given pattern shape or size such as fabrics. So they will convert your clothes into solar power generators. If we ponder a bit and visualize these tiny, glitter-sized solar cells can turn a person into a walking solar battery charger if they are fitted into clothing.
Because of their minuscule size they are also less prone to shading and heating effects. Their built-in tiny electrical contacts also make them sturdy and durable. Shade and heat often hinders the performance of larger solar cell performance. The sequin-like solar cell technology hopefully will soon appear on from high-tech items such as satellites to right on down to back-backers’ tents to help recharge electronics. If everything goes right these cells can revolutionize the way solar energy is used.
Central Heating Boiler Scrappage Scheme in England announced
Today, the Government has launched a new £400 grant for those replacing old and inefficient boilers with modern or carbon efficient models.
Under the Solar Boiler Scrappage Scheme, if you are a homeowner or private tenant replacing a G-Rated or equivalent boiler you could be eligible for a grant of up to £400 to aid with the cost of having it replaced. The Government believe around 125,000 households will initially stand to benefit from the new scheme.
This £400 saving is in addition to efficiency savings which can reduce your heating costs and fuel bill by an average of around £235 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
You can get a quote for a replacement boiler at our brand new Quoter site, HeatingQuoter.co.uk.
Announcing the scheme earlier today, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said “The boiler scrappage scheme will save around £200 off heating bills per year for families that are replacing their old boilers, and in total will save the same amount of carbon equivalent to taking around 45,000 cars off the road.”
You can find out more information on the scheme, and of course get quotes for a replacement boiler, at HeatingQuoter.co.uk. Even if your boiler isn’t eligible for the scrappage scheme we can help you with a rough guide price, and help you find local registered boiler suppliers and installers to carry out the work for you.
So head over to HeatingQuoter.co.uk today and check out the latest addition to the Home Improvement Quotes family.
Under the Solar Boiler Scrappage Scheme, if you are a homeowner or private tenant replacing a G-Rated or equivalent boiler you could be eligible for a grant of up to £400 to aid with the cost of having it replaced. The Government believe around 125,000 households will initially stand to benefit from the new scheme.
This £400 saving is in addition to efficiency savings which can reduce your heating costs and fuel bill by an average of around £235 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
You can get a quote for a replacement boiler at our brand new Quoter site, HeatingQuoter.co.uk.
Announcing the scheme earlier today, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said “The boiler scrappage scheme will save around £200 off heating bills per year for families that are replacing their old boilers, and in total will save the same amount of carbon equivalent to taking around 45,000 cars off the road.”
You can find out more information on the scheme, and of course get quotes for a replacement boiler, at HeatingQuoter.co.uk. Even if your boiler isn’t eligible for the scrappage scheme we can help you with a rough guide price, and help you find local registered boiler suppliers and installers to carry out the work for you.
So head over to HeatingQuoter.co.uk today and check out the latest addition to the Home Improvement Quotes family.
Middle East/Med Region Could Solar Power World 3 Times Over
The sunny MENA (Middle East- North Africa) region and its associated countries could solar power the world, Maurice reports. This map-maker left out Israel.
Middle Eastern and North African countries, often referred to under the umbrella term MENA countries, have the potential to create more than 3 times the world’s power needs, according to a new study reported in the Dubai-based Khaleej Times.
Countries that move fast, the study suggests, could have the competitive advantage. Who could take the lead: MENA countries, especially ones located on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as others like Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel could be. These countries are no strangers to the notion of solar energy, and Green Prophet has covered countless articles touting solar energy in the Middle East.
One of the region’s leading solar energy development countries, Israel, has even been asked by the UN to increase its development of solar energy. Despite being an instrumental innovator through companies such as BrightSource or Solel, Israel’s own use of solar power at home more closely resembles that of a developing nation.
The Khaleej Times article pointed out that countries in the MENA region have the “greatest potential for solar regeneration” supplying 45% of the world’s energy sources possible through renewable energy. Renewable energy sources of interest in this region include Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City as well as its hosting of the World Renewable Energy Agency headquarters . Known as IRENA, this center could fuel development in the whole region.
A big problem, however, is under-funding of renewable energy projects, due to a big abundance of oil and other fossil fuels, says Beirut based Ibrahim El Hussenei, a partner in the London based energy project development company, Booz & Company whose representatives were present at the COP 15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Middle Eastern and North African countries, often referred to under the umbrella term MENA countries, have the potential to create more than 3 times the world’s power needs, according to a new study reported in the Dubai-based Khaleej Times.
Countries that move fast, the study suggests, could have the competitive advantage. Who could take the lead: MENA countries, especially ones located on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as others like Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel could be. These countries are no strangers to the notion of solar energy, and Green Prophet has covered countless articles touting solar energy in the Middle East.
One of the region’s leading solar energy development countries, Israel, has even been asked by the UN to increase its development of solar energy. Despite being an instrumental innovator through companies such as BrightSource or Solel, Israel’s own use of solar power at home more closely resembles that of a developing nation.
The Khaleej Times article pointed out that countries in the MENA region have the “greatest potential for solar regeneration” supplying 45% of the world’s energy sources possible through renewable energy. Renewable energy sources of interest in this region include Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City as well as its hosting of the World Renewable Energy Agency headquarters . Known as IRENA, this center could fuel development in the whole region.
A big problem, however, is under-funding of renewable energy projects, due to a big abundance of oil and other fossil fuels, says Beirut based Ibrahim El Hussenei, a partner in the London based energy project development company, Booz & Company whose representatives were present at the COP 15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
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