Today is earth day, a day when we give our planet a break and remember all the things it provides us with. Today, many new projects are being announced to help make the world a more “green place”. Below is a recent project and new car that are on the cutting edge of environmental sciences.
Being Earth day, the companies of Exelon and SunPower made an announcement that plan to build the biggest solar power plant (in a metropolitan area) in the United States, by the end of the year. Receiving up 80% of the $60 million funding from the U.S. department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program Office, the project leaders hope to capitalize on some money put aside in the stimulus package. Exelon plans to lease 39 acres of land in the West Pullman “Industrial Redevelopment Area” which is approximately 17 miles due south of Chicago. SunPower will develop, manufacture, and install the 32,800 high-efficiency crystalline-silicon PV panels which will produce about enough energy to power 1400 homes a year. Although it’s not much, the plant is expected to produce 10 megawatts of electricity (standard coal plants sometimes produce about 50 times as much).
A design plan of the 39 acre "powerplant"
The idea behind the large purchase is that if enough sonar panels are bought, the price will eventually be forced down. There are also several other large projects planned, including one in Florida for $350 million and one in New Jersey for $773 million which would put solar panels on streetlights and schools. Solar panels kits are available online, and many people are making the switch; state governments often offer hefty tax cuts to people whose homes are powered using alternative energy.
Although not the most attractive car on the market, the Honda Insight won’t just save energy, it’ll help you become a more fuel-efficient driver. With a plethora of awesome features (see some below), this car not only teaches to become green, but can actually override your jerky accelerations into smooth ones, accelerate more slowly on cruise control, and cause the air conditioner to recycle air already in the car. 
The first and perhaps most important feature of the Insight is the Eco Assist. This feature has two components: the Econ button and the driver-feedback system. The Econ button was explained earlier, it helps change your habits so that you don’t accelerate jerkily or brake too hard. The driver-feedback system displays a glowing arc over the speedometer which goes from blue to green (economically friendly). As you drive, 5 stems gain 2 leaves each, then get 3 more each until you get 5 pedals on each. After you have 5 pedals you get a flower on each, and then a trophy. The pedals are gained by driving economically friendly. This system allows you to save money and the environment by inspiring better driving habits.
A couple of other interesting features involve voice command navigation and USB audio interface. If you’re in the market for a new car, this one is reasonably priced starting at $19,800 and will surely save you money with the amazing gas mileage it gets.
Comments? Suggestions? Post a comment below!
Let the world know how much you liked this article by submitting it to these popular sites.
