A couple years ago, I watched with caution as Philippe Starck announced plans to design residential scale vertical axis wind turbines.  Everyone loves the idea of small wind — especially VAWT designs — but practical issues can sometimes preclude actual energy generation with these things.  Nonetheless, after two years of research, it seems the French designer has some actual products to speak about.  Speaking to a crowd in Milan, Starck unveiled two Revolution Air turbine models to be made by Pramac.

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At IBS 2010 last week, CertainTeed announced their new EnerGen Photovoltaic Solar Power Roofing System, which is offered through a partnership with Energy Conversion Devices, manufacturer of UNI-SOLAR thin-film solar laminates.  The EnerGen system combines lightweight UNI-SOLAR panels with traditional asphalt roofing shingles.  The photos in this article show a 3.2 kW EnerGen system installed on the official governor's residence of Michigan.

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About one month ago, construction began on this ambitious light rail substation for the South Terminus of TriMet's Portland Mall Light Rail Line.  The station, designed by Hennebery Eddy Architects, combines style with salvaged materials and a unique solar and wind power scheme. 

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