GoingTrueGreen's Blog Postings - Going True Green

Dead Solar Panels

3/10/2020

solar, solar electric, solar panels, gallium, solar farms, photovoltaic, solar energy, recycle

Unusable Solar Panels: Recycle or Bury

Solar Panels have a life span of about 20 to 30 years. They help our environment in that time period by reducing the alternatives which would increase our carbon footprint. However, to prevent dark clouds from forming overhead due to the coming waste management issue with old solar panels that are decommissioned, we need a plan toward an efficient infrastructure to recycle up to tens of millions of solar panels.

America has over two million solar installations ranging from roof tops on homes and businesses to rack systems on the ground in solar farms. Many older systems are at the decommissioning stage. Currently, America does not have efficient solar panel recycling policies. The U.S. actually has no national policy.

Europe has policies for solar recycling programs because the Dual Systems laws, which have been in place for years have the manufacturers take back their products to recycle. In July of 2014, I wrote a GTG Blog post on this called:
eRecycling and eWaste. Here in the U.S. the homeowner is on their own, especially with older systems that do not have monitoring abilities in place to inform the contractor or homeowner when the solar panels need to undergo decommissioning.

Solar panels are 99% recyclable since they are made up of glass, aluminum, plastic, copper, lead, gallium, cadmium and silicon. However, the process to recycle solar panels is very involved. Dissembling all parts and separating some of them with melting, lasers, a solvent, cutting or a stream of electrons to selectively break apart components on a surface maybe necessary. Despite all that, great recycling opportunities are coming and an economic upside can come from recycling solar panels. Some estimates state that there will be a 15 Billion dollar business waiting for the new solar recycling industry by 2050.

The time to start is now, so we don't find ourselves burying dead solar panels in landfills.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Roof Tops

5/9/2019

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Altering Perspective

I have been on a several roof tops recently. A person's perspective is always altered when viewing their surroundings from a different angle, especially from above. I had the good fortune to meet with an American Space Shuttle Astronaut when visiting NASA in Florida one year. His view when in space was an extreme perspective of our Earth. Many astronauts described that view as an altering perspective.

Much closer to the ground, on my rooftop, I just did some air vent repairs and wiped down my solar panels for optimum performance. I also cleaned out the rain gutters to prepare for my next project. Collecting rainwater to flush my toilet!

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Tuscany Rain Barrel

I can no longer subscribe to paying money for clean drinkable water to flush away waste. Rainwater is Free and after a filter system to catch roof gravel, I am planning to implement my system for at least one toilet ASAP. I already collect rain water off my roof for my garden and lawn. From Tuscany style rain barrels to a giant rock design holding 80 gallons.

One's perspective must always include all angles to truly see all their surroundings and one's impact on God's green earth.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Batteries Included

1/1/2019

Apollo 11, Tesla, Lithium-air batteries, Lithium-ion batteries, power wall, nuclear, solar, fuel cells, hydrogen, electric cars, non-renewables, sustainability, going true green, going green, bill lauto

Tesla's Current Power Wall Battery

This New Year will bring us the 50th anniversary of America's Apollo 11 Moon mission. This American accomplishment, against all odds, proves what Team Work will always give us... Success.

Currently a Team effort for better batteries is underway at the University of Cambridge. Scientists from Cambridge have recently pointed out that in less than the necessary time it takes to build a Nuclear Power Plant, lithium-air batteries could be contributing to making oil, coal and nuclear obsolete. Lithium-Air batteries are five times cheaper and lighter than today's lithium batteries.

These new developments place the technology of battery storage comparable to non-renewable fuels. Lithium-air batteries have a density that is ten times more than a lithium-ion battery. That is over 90% efficient through the discharge and recharge cycle. Also these batteries can be recharged well over 2,000 times before a need to replace them. This can drive down the cost for an electric car with batteries to a fifth of current costs. Additionally, these newer lithium-air batteries will weight a fifth of current batteries, thus allowing a car drive of over 400 miles possible on one charge.

Now technically the energy density is still lower than energy produced from oil. However, much of that oil producing energy is wasted by today's trucks and cars. The oil fuel is not utilized efficiently and as much as three-quarters of the oil fuel energy is lost in heat. Nevertheless, researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown how the development of a lithium-air battery looks very promising.

A New Year is upon us and time will tell. Meanwhile, Fuel Cells that make electricity by running off of free Hydrogen obtained from free rain water with power from free sun light working a photovoltaic panel are also moving closer to the launch pad, where we will all hear those heart stopping words, "Mission Control, we are GO for launch!"

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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NUTS

9/13/2018

Two colleagues and members of the Going True Green team created a video when in Boston last month. They saw an opportunity to send me a zinger and they were intrigued to see my reaction. Below is the video:

My return text to them was one word, NUTS. The same answer used by Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe's in World War Two's Battle of the Bulge. When I saw them a few weeks later, they were laughing as I slowly shook my head. We then laughed and shared how they made the short video.

Nevertheless, the point made is well known and with that understanding, the improvement and development of energy storage advances each year.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

Sustainable Payback With Solar

6/12/2018

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Above Data is tracked, recorded and presented by Tesla Incorporated

Three Years, Eight Months ago... I went with Photovoltaic Solar Panels for producing electricity at my house. This month I saved the complete amount of my cost to install the panels. The reasons for my fast Three year and Eight month Return on my investment starts with having an energy efficient house. The actions I have taken to live a more sustainable life and have a very energy efficient house took about 12 years prior to implement. Nevertheless, these energy efficient actions taken are NOT rocket science. The estimated "reach" of 1.7 million people who can access my Going True Green blog posts know that obtaining optimum energy efficiency isn't difficult when you have all the facts and done within your own budget of time and money. With my energy efficient house and solar panels, I have not had an electric bill above the 9 to 13 dollars per month service fees from my Electric Utility.

The second reason for the fast payback is due to my research and evaluation of many Solar companies. (Several of the companies that I did not go with are now out of business or their suppliers have bowed out) Product performance was also key, knowing where the products were manufactured, who installed what components and comparing the costs between Lease programs or buying.

The third reason is because I was confident enough with my knowledge of Solar to be one of the first to take the leap ahead. The timing was perfect because the best offers were being made as well as the best tax credits. I did a Lease Program that offered a 33% discount on the total cost if I pre-paid the twenty years of lease payments up front. I then received a tax credit from the Federal Government and the State that was equal to half of my up front cost.

So when I reached a savings of $6,000.00 this month, I had a full Return on my investment. In fact, I have been producing more electricity than I consume, thus suppling power back onto the Grid. Yes, I have AC cooling the house and the lights (LEDs) are on at night. As I took action to live a more sustainable life, I have saved money, energy, our environment and all without making any sacrifices. I am living healthier and happier as I try to present the educational facts through my GoingTrueGreen.com and EnergyHotwire.com websites that provide assistance to everyone who visits.

One additional note... Since installing Solar on my house, several neighbors followed and the value of my house has increased.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Invisible Glass

1/5/2018

Even though we can see through glass, glass is not invisible. Until 2017 when scientists at Brookhaven Lab’s Center for Functional Nanomaterials almost eliminated all surface reflections on their textured glass surface containing features that measure billionths of a meter.

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Image provided and Copyrighted by Brookhaven National Laboratory

This ultra-transparent nano-textured glass is antireflective over a large range of wavelengths that include the visible and near-infrared spectrum, along with viewing angles. The glass is virtually invisible because the reflections are reduced to almost non-existent.

With this discovery we should see many benefits such as:

Enhanced solar cell efficiency
Improved high-power laser applications
Eliminating glare on sunny days when viewing smartphones or screens
Resistant to fog
Improvements with steam turning condensation coils
Improvements in car and aircraft windshields

However, one immediate drawback that comes to mind is with those sliding glass doors. Visual stickers on the glass will now need to be mandatory.

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Solar Fountain & Eclipse

8/22/2017

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America's 2017 Solar E!

My Solar powered water fountain is another action I did so that I can be “going true green.” I improvised the construction with left over parts and pieces that all came together as a conglomerate, thus provoked the fountain’s name…

Then the American 2017 Solar Eclipse occurred slowly casting a shadow that decreased the output from the 10 watt solar panel. As crickets became pronounced in sound production with this false twilight, the babbling water in the fountain stopped. The event gave a realistic aura to my fountain named The Ruins of Pompeii.

So the moral to this story is… Well, just look into a Solar powered pump for your water fountain, if you have one. Make sure you recycle and reuse the same water running through the pump. A battery backup works fine for the cloudy days and evenings when you sit outside with family and friends. The benefits are numerous all around. My water fountain comes on every morning when the sun comes up and runs all day with Free electrical energy from our sun. If I had to pay an electric bill, then I guess I would only turn the fountain on for special occasions. With Solar, I can enjoy the sounds of running water from the fountain every time I step into my yard. Even when I am just outside to pick some carrots or a water melon. This is an excellent Going True Green action that saves money, energy, water, and our environment. All by just living a more sustainable life right in your own home. If we all did these actions, together we the people, will save more of everything compared to any corporate entity.

Solar Eclipse image and video above is Copyright © 2017 by BBV Publishing and can not be reused without written permission

Bill Lauto, at GoingTrueGreen.com
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
Contribute your comments!

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Mouths Drop Open

2/24/2017

Solar, solar panels, solar energy, energy saving, electric bill, going green, going true green, saving money, lowering electric costs

Holiday Conversations

This past year's holiday parties that I attended all had a common topic, Electric Bills. I guess when the weather outside is cold and all the lights are on by 5 in the afternoon, electric bills come to mind. Yet, I myself was surprised by the dynamism and strength of the conversations. Especially because I didn't start the conversations!

At one event, where I didn't directly know the host, guests took turns talking about various steps they have taken to lower electrical costs. Then while dessert was being served, the host proudly announced how much they reduced their electric consumption.

"We went from about $325.00 to $275.00 a month!"

Everyone congratulated our host and so did I which provoked another guest, who knew about my background, to inform everyone that I was an Energy Consultant.

"Oh, what are your electric costs?" Someone asked.
"Mine is around $120 dollars."
"Wow," people replied. "That is really amazing, 120 dollars per month."
"No," I responded. "That is per year."

Mouths dropped open with or without dessert still in them. They slowly closed as I explained:

For almost 15 years I have been making my house energy efficient and more sustainable. No rocket science, common steps everyone can afford to accomplish. So when I went with solar panels two years ago I have been producing more electrical power than what I consume. Prior to this winter, I had 2,000 Kilowatt hours in excess and with our sun low in the sky I have been using that supply to make up the difference. By the time winter is over, I will have about 1,400 Kilowatt hours still left over and the power company will write me a check after I start my new calendar year in April. The ten dollars or so that I pay per month is for taxes and fees. I hope the check from my power company will cover most of that cost. However, that will depend on how much my electric utility pays me per Kilowatt. They charge us at least 18 cents but pay out between 3 and 4 cents per Kilowatt. How do you like them apples?

If you want solar panels to work this well for you, there are many steps to be taken first. The most important one is to have a very energy efficient house and that does not mean a "smart" house. I mean a common sense efficient house. Just peruse through my blog posts, you will understand what I am talking about soon enough.

Bill Lauto, at Going True Green
Environmental Scientist
International Sustainability and Energy Consultant
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Telling the untold stories™

What's Your EBB?

7/15/2016

electric bill, electricity, saving energy, lower electric bills, lowering electric costs, bill lauto, going green, sustainability, sustainable living, solar, solar power, natural gas, electronics, cost of electronics, grid, electric grid, kilowatts, kilowatt hours, vampire power, vampire draw, electrical costs

Electric Meter

Electric Bill Breakdown:

Saving at home on electricity starts with knowing what is using the most electricity in the house. Differences will exist between an ALL Electric houses or a house that uses natural gas to make hot water in a separate gas fired Hot Water Heater. Nevertheless, let us look at some examples so that we can start to put our own house bills into perspective.

Twenty years ago and still today, the biggest daily user of electric power is most likely your refrigerator and/or your Air Conditioner. All your Incandescent light bulbs used 15% of your total power. Today that has changed to your electronics. They pull power even when they are not on! Today, electronics will use about 15% of your total electric consumption. Please review my blog on October 31, 2013 called Vampire Appliances.

Below is the average breakdown of electric power consumption for a house in the northern States of America. If the house is in the southern areas of America, the shown percentage for heat must be reversed with the percentage for cooling:

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Electric Meter

Heating 29%
Cooling 17%
Consumer Electronics 15%
Water Heating 14%
Appliances 13%
Lighting 12%

Yearly electric bill for areas with the highest Kilowatt cost (West and East Coast Cities) would be an average of $6,000.00. Please note that this is in addition to any natural gas or oil consumption bills.

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Solar Energy!

My costs are as follows:
Heating - I use Natural Gas with a 92% efficient unit, yearly cost: $ 340.00
Cooling - I use Solar Power, yearly cost: $ 0
Consumer Electronics - I use Solar Power, yearly cost: $ 0
Water Heating - I use Natural Gas with a 92% efficient unit, yearly cost: $ 420.00
Appliances - I use Solar Power, yearly cost: $ 0
Lighting - I use Solar Power, yearly cost: $ 0

My yearly grand total for Energy costs: $760.00. When I go with Solar Hot Water, I will save the $420 a year cost in Natural Gas. FYI: After the tax credits for going solar, my payback is just 4.5 years because I went with the pre-paid Lease program.

Now, I also receive a check at the end of the year from my electrical power company, this reimburses me for the approximate $10.00 a month cost they charge me to still be hooked up to the Grid. They pay me .4 cents per Kilowatt, while taking the extra power I created and placed back onto their Grid, so they can sell it to others for a price between .18 and .23 cents per Kilowatt. Wow! Twenty years ago we paid .12 cents per kilowatt and they paid .4 cents to anyone creating power by wind, solar, or a burning garbage facility. Since then our cost has gone up to .23 cents per kilowatt and they are still paying us .4 cents. Amazing, but that must be fair right? If it wasn't, how could they get away with that type of scalping? All our government politicians have failed us. For more on this, see my Solar Sabotage blog posting!

Bill Lauto , GTG
Environmental Scientist
 International Sustainability and Energy Consultant 
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GTG Updates

7/7/2016

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AESS Conference in DC

On June 8th, it was an honor to be a speaker at the 2016 AESS Sustainability Conference in Washington, DC. My three hour workshop was a success and I connected with people from the Philippines to Germany. I was happy to see other workshop attendees looking in on my presentation through the open doors and listening to me when in route to the bathroom or when on a break. The answer truly is, all of us working together as one team.

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Solar Panels at St. John's

St. John's University, my alma mater, had a school reporter for the Torch newspaper write a story online about St. Augustine Hall scheduling a new roof and the amazing opportunity to install a custom Solar Panel system. The article quoted me from 1979!
Ironically, I was the first person as a student back in 1979 to propose solar panels on the roof of St. Augustine Hall. The "photo" on the left is from St. John's The Torch newspaper article that had my original interview! So I hope to stand on that new roof two years from now and 40 years from the first article, with energy and earth saving Solar Panels all around me.

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International Blog Posts

Going True Green's Blog has been picked up by Maximpact, based in Monaco France. They have a force of International Sustainability Consultants which I am part of for providing corporate accounts consulting in energy savings, environmental protection, and going green technologies. Since the month of May this year, when Going True Green's Blog was first added and listed, our international readership has more than doubled.

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Chestnut Hill College

I will be speaking this November at the 5th Annual Interdisciplinary Sustainability Conference in Philadelphia. The event is hosted by Chestnut Hill College. This year's theme is Science, Public Policy and Faith Traditions in Environmental Relationships. Also hosting is the Sisters of St. Joseph Earth Center. Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, is the director of the Center and I hope to meet this amazing person who has done so much for our home we call Earth. Please Note: Conference was postponed until November 2017, then unfortunately cancelled.

Bill Lauto , GTG
Environmental Scientist
 International Sustainability and Energy Consultant 
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