Hybrid Solar Lighting channels visible light into buildings through a bundle of plastic optical fibers. These fibers hook into special luminaires that distribute the light indoors. As daylight wanes, a sensor kicks on conventional electric bulbs to maintain a constant level of illumination.
http://www.sunlight-direct.com/power-generation.php
Sealing in Heat with Soybeans
Spray foam has become the insulation of choice in walls and ceilings for its ability to prevent air penetration from the outside, and retain heated or cooled air inside. Most expanding foams are petroleum-based, but BioBased 501 Insulation derives from soybean oil -- a renewable resource. http://www.biobased.net/
GreenGrid's Drought-Tolerant Roof Plants: Keeping It Cool
Surface temperatures on a flat, black roof can easily exceed 160 F on a sunny afternoon. The same roof covered in drought-tolerant plants will be as much as 100 degrees cooler -- dramatically reducing the cost of a/c. GreenGrid, a modular system of preplanted, recycled-plastic trays, presents a lightweight, low-cost alternative to permanent systems. In many cases, it can be installed atop existing roof gravels, residential or commercial. http://www.greengridroofs.com/system/index.htm
HelioVolt's Thin-Film Cells: Solar Cells on Every Surface
The rising cost of solar-grade silicon sparked a race to find alternative photo-voltaic materials; HelioVolt responded with a thin-film solar cell composed of copper, indium, gallium and selenium. The company's proprietary printing process can rapidly coat solar cells onto glass (above), metal and other construction materials, eventually making it cost-effective for even windows and exterior cladding to become power sources.
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