Wind Power isn't new either

5000 BC Wind energy propelled boats along the Nile River

2000 BC The first true windmill built in ancient Babylon

200 BC Simple windmills in China were pumping water, while vertical-axis windmills with woved reed sails

1270 AD Wind power used for mills

1854 AD Wind power used to pump water

1888 AD Windmill to generate electricity built in Ohio by Charles F. Brush

When did we start going backwards and using other things?

Solar and Electric Cars

Solar Racing

EURIKA ALERT!!! - The 2005 North American Solar Challenge (NASC2005) is almost here!!

The North American Solar Challenge (NASC2005) is a competition to design, build, and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. The route - a 2500 mile journey from Austin, Texas to Calgary, Alberta.

The race begins on July 17^th, but the kick-off conference stars at the end of March.

See the American Solar challenge NASC2005 website for more information.

If they can race solar cars – why can’t I own one????

That’s a good question – In the late 1990’s GM came out with the EV1. Many were sold, but later GM took them from their owners and crushed them claiming liability and insurance issues. 70 of the EV1 cars are remain and as of Feb 27 there was a vigil being held to try to save them. Visit the EV1 site for more information.

A similar vigil saved Ford Ranger electric trucks

Hybrids (cars using gas and electric), like the Ford Escape SUV, are still available for about $27,000 (front wheel drive). It will have to do until the car companies decide to let us drive electric cars with no ties to the pump.

Cave of the Sun

Solar Timeline Update (or back date)

All the way back to 3000BC – in what is now Newgrange, Ireland

In Gaelic it was called Uaimh na Greine – the “cave of the Sun.” The builders designed it so on a winter solstice the sunlight perfectly aligns with an opening in the structure to illuminate the inner chamber.

It is the oldest known structure with evidence of scientific thought.

Not really solar energy, but still really cool!