Transparent Solar Panels

Solar energy generation has come a long way. Solar panels have become cheaper, easier to install, and more efficient. But what if they were unobtrusive as well? What if we could use transparent solar panels as windows? Minute Earth tells us a new innovation that could change solar collection considerably.  

(YouTube link)

My bedroom is on the side of the house that gets all the afternoon sun, which makes taking an afternoon nap difficult in the summer. I can block the light, but it would be nice if I could store that light and especially the heat and use it for something else later.  

The problem with new technology is that the improvements and cost reductions come so quickly that early adopters are penalized for getting on the bandwagon early. But if we didn't have early adopters, innovation and sales would stall out before a new idea takes off. -via Geeks Are Sexy


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Much more expensive and much less efficient, combined with inefficient vertical mounting angle to make things worse. Also dense areas likely to have issues of being shaded by neighbors. Sure, eventually it might be an option for sky scrapers, but just improving the efficiency of the building is sure to be a much bigger and quicker payback. There's no shortage of companies willing to sell you cheap electricity here in the lower 48, and people happy to put PV on their roofs. No way you'd EVER want to put these on a house, here. Maybe a little interest from Europe where electric prices are crazier, cities are dense, and the steep angle will still work.
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"Is there any animal more pointless than a guinea pig?"

I don't know, what's the point of an animal? Any animal? Including humans.

Eat. Sleep. Reproduce. Rinse. Repeat.

There is no meaning to life that I know of (except this really basic survival instinct)
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Guinea pigs are not pointless. They can be trained to be very nice pets for little ones. We have had 5 of them and have really enjoyed them. They all have personalities and can teach children responsibility.

If properly trained, they don't bite, they are not skittish like a hamster or gerbil can be. They can give "kisses", and will stay by you for hours on end.

They don't run away (even if out of the cage), and I trusted my small daughter to hold & play with ours without constant supervision. They are sturdier than a hamster, they can take more handling than the smaller rodents can.

Plus they eat all of your vegetable scraps, and if you use their waste in the yard, you have great fertilizer.

Any pet can bring you joy, it just depends on your likes & dislikes.
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"what’s the point of an animal? Any animal? Including humans." Well, humans have points that are fun to touch.

I mean, with the consent of the human in question, of course.
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