Top 10 Green Trends

Green Trends

There is no doubt that 2010 was a difficult year for the economy, yet the hope for the coming year is high. And for good reason - Many leading U.S. economists predict that the economy will grow an astounding two to four percent in 2011. This is welcome news after two years of a painful recession.

What can businesses do to prepare?
What can executives, entrepreneurs and webmasters set in place so as to benefit from the projected economical growth of 2011? As economists begin to try and answer this question, we must first look at the possible trends and business motives that grasp the world economy. A common theme within the economy that has shown increased popularity is green technologies, products and services.

Solar Energy History-Present-Future

The genesis of solar energy history goes way back to the year 1838 to an observer by the name of Edmund Becquerel who at that time had published findings on the capability of materials to change light into raw energy. Although it was fascinating at that time no one took the opportunity to pursue it then.

As time would have it, the first patent design for a motor running on solar energy was done by a man called Augustin Mouchot in 1860. Fortunately for him the monarch of France funded his project which gave him the ability to create a device that would turn solar energy into the first steam engine. This however was the beginning of things to come, for August went on to illustrate that the sun's rays can be used to make ice by connecting the steam engine to a refrigerator device. A medal was awarded to him for his discovery.

Solar Energy Trends

According to a recent study, 80% of over a thousand American respondents think all new home construction from now on should include some sort of solar energy systems. Once informed of the higher resale value that homes with solar systems can have, 2/3 of those surveyed said they'd expect to pay more money for such a home, a would do so willingly; what's more, 1/2 of those surveyed said they'd even be willing to pay a 10% premium on for homes with solar energy systems built-in.

Solar Water Heaters: People living in warm climates and freezing climates alike can now enjoy the benefits of solar water heating. Though the technologies are slightly different depending on whether there's ever a freeze lasting longer than a night or two, solar hot water is a viable option wherever a person may reside.
Solar Shingles: By all appearances, these look like ordinary shingles, but look closer and you'll see that they're actually thin-film solar cells. The amorphous silicon material used in these shingles is reported to be even more effective at collecting sunlight than regular solar panels while still being strong enough to be used as a roofing material. They're installed in an overlapping pattern, just like regular shingles, thus providing the same level of weather protection. The wires run underneath a plywood roof deck that protects the house from the intense heat these solar shingles absorb, and the shingles are held in place by a glue-like EVA compound that is activated by heat.