""Rooftop solar gets a sharing economy option from Yeloha, which allows you to subscribe to solar panels installed on someone else’s roof.
One of the biggest barriers to wider solar adoption continues to be the initial cost of a solar energy system, which can keep solar inaccessible to many solar advocates, even though solar can be a low cost and high return option over the long run. Ponying up tens of thousands of dollars for a rooftop solar installation simply isn't an option for many of us, and if you don't own your roof, or your roof is less than optimal for producing solar energy, there really isn't a simple way to purchase solar electricity for your home otherwise.
Companies such as CloudSolar are making it easier to invest in solar energy through a solar PV farm, which might be a viable option for those with cash to purchase panels, but a recently launched solar sharing platform looks to be an even more accessible way to go solar.
Yeloha, which bills itself as a peer-to-peer solar sharing network, will allow anyone to receive the benefits of solar energy at home through the purchase of a solar subscription, which is said to be cheaper than the cost of electricity from their utility. And those with adequate roof space to host an array of solar panels can opt for free installation of a solar PV system, which will give the hosts access to a portion of the generated solar electricity in exchange for sharing that clean electricity with others.
"Yeloha has created a peer to peer marketplace that turns consumers into hosts and partners, allowing both to reduce their electric bills. Roof owners can register as "Sun Hosts" and receive free installation of solar panels in return for sharing access to a portion of the solar energy they generate. Residents whose roofs are shaded, live in apartment or don’t wish to install panels can now, at the click of a button, become “Sun Partners” and purchase as much or as little solar energy as they choose.""
""Bionic ants and butterflies produced on a 3D printer are just as beautiful — and industrious — as their counterparts in the natural world.
Research efforts into minitaurization, practical adaptation of nature's tactics and functional integration with technology by the Bionic Learning Network will be showcased. The research network links German electronics company Festo to universities, institutes, development companies and private inventors as they seek creative solutions and test new technologies and production methods.
BionicANTs borrow not just from the physical characteristics of ants, but the design also incorporates many of the behavioral features of the highly social insects. The insect-inspired devices are slightly over 5 inches long and weigh just over 1 ounce each.
The artificial ants are created on a 3D printer, forming both the basic structure of the device and electrical connections in a single pass. Each artificial ant is equipped with a small video camera, providing a sense of "sight" for the robotic insects. The robotic insects recharge their internal batteries by placing their antennae against a charging station.
Piezo technology is used to drive bending actuators in the devices, which provide the joints within limbs, allowing the device to propel itself along surfaces. This system also uses little electricity, essential for operating time of the robots.
Autonomous Networking Technologies (ANTs) carry out collective activities in much the same ways as their counterparts in the natural world. The ants use a wireless signal to communicate with each other to carry out their tasks.
eMotionButterflies also use a similar system to carry out social activities, including collective flying. These ultralight flying objects take to the air inside a specially designed room, where 10 infrared cameras detect the position and movement of the artificial butterflies. This information is relayed to a central computer, which coordinates motions of the devices.
"The eMotionButterflies impress with an intelligently employed mechanical system and the smallest possible power units in the tightest space. The reduced use of materials enables the true-to-nature flying behavior," Festo managers reported on the company website.""
Bionic Creations:
