This is big news for the green building revolution, because a solar farm like this could power roughly 190k homes in California.  Referred to as the Topaz Solar Farm, this $1 billion, 550-megawatt plant would cover roughly 9.5 square miles, and if constructed, would be the world’s largest photovoltaic solar farm.  Hayward-based OptiSolar is developing plans for the project as we speak.  According to their current time line, OptiSolar will apply for a conditional use permit in May 2008 and begin construction in 2010.  Topaz Solar Farm would then be completed over three years.

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You've probably already heard of BedZED, but have you seen it?  Feel free to watch a short little video about the cutting-edge community. 

BedZED is a 100-home, sustainable community in Beddington (UK) that's designed to be a Zero Energy Development.  Hence the Bed and the ZED. 

The colorful wind-driven ventilation system gives it a quirky, kind of playful look — but don't be fooled: This joint is all business.  Most of all, residents appear to enjoy the sense of community and quality of life.

[Live] 2:45 EST – President Makes Remarks on Climate Change !!

Response Links: what people are saying.

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Swift Wind Turbine is a quiet, rooftop mounted wind turbine.  Unlike some designs you’ve seen previously, this one has an outer ring and five blades.  The outer ring acts as a diffuser — the wind travels down the blades and is dispersed along the ring, therefore eliminating noise and keeping the turbine quiet.  The company estimates a noise of less than 35 decibels for all wind speeds.  The 7 foot diameter ring needs a roof line clearance of a couple feet and in good winds, can generate up to 2000 kWh of power (1.5 kW @ 14 m/s). 

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There was a fantastic article in the NY Times on a positive energy home dubbed Solar Harvest.  Solar Harvest generated more electricity in 2006 than what it took from the grid, so Xcel Energy sent the owner a check for $8.45.  Nice!  Solar Harvest was built by Eric Doub and his company, EcoFutures, in Boulder, Colorado for $1.38 million, including land.

[+] Solar Harvest Flickr Album

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