But how do you find that out?

Much easier now with a solar power calculator from the US Government’s National Renewable Energy Lab.

This calculator lets you use the standard settings so all you need to do is click on your location and you can get a general idea of the solar power you can generate in your area as well as how much credit, on average, you can earn.

For more advanced users, there is another version of the solar calculator that allows you to choose any location, not just major metropolitan areas in the US, but is more complicated to use.

To get a better idea of the solar generating potential in your area, here’s a map of the US. You’ll notice that the highest collection areas are noted in orange and lowest in blue and purple (only found in Alaska!).

Not surprisingly, the highest collection areas are in Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Colorado.

Scheduled to start shipping withing the next 30 days, the Zero is an all electric powered motorcyle with a lightweight design.

The Zero is green in both design and power. It uses a completely non-toxic lithium ion array and most of the motorcycle is fully recyclable. The power pack that powers the Zero S recharges in less than four hours while plugged into a standard 110V or 220V outlet and is landfill approved. It has zero emissions and is cost effective, operating at less than one cent per mile. Very eco-friendly.

“The innovation behind the Zero S is what separates it from the competition. The Zero S is a high performance motorcycle that also happens to be fully electric and green. The fact that it’s electric means not having to get gas and reduced maintenance.” noted Neal Saiki, inventor and founder of Zero Motorcycles.

Priced at $9,950, it qualifies for the federal 10% plugin-in tax credit.

Get more details at the company website: www.zeromotorcycles.com

Wind farms often receive a bad press, especially when they’re situated near homes or in popular hiking areas. They can make a lot of noise and because they have to be placed on skylines for maximum efficiency they often spoil views. Offshore wind farms are less problematic in this way and can take advantage of fierce sea winds, increasing their output, but they rely on a nation having a lot of suitable coastline.

While the Netherlands does very well with its wind farms, the US, considering the comparative size of its population, is at a distinct disadvantage. For the home-owner, small wind-powered generators are available, but they’re not very efficient and often result in complaints from neighbors.

Hydroelectricity is a much more effective way of generating power, using the natural energy of rivers or tidal forces. However, there are a limited number of suitable locations for hydroelectric generators, and often these are in areas which already provide fertile farmland, so a lot of people have to be displaced and lose their land in order for them to be built. They can also have a damaging impact on local wildlife.

Of these three major alternative energy options, only solar energy passes the test of being truly non-polluting, practical and easy to access. Modern solar panels can still function effectively even in areas where it’s frequently cloudy. They don’t get in anyone’s way,  and once installed, they require very little maintenance. For these reasons, the greenest way to generate the power we need is by harnessing the power of the sun.

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Although official estimates and details aren’t available, word is that the fuel efficiency will only increase slightly, from 12 city/18 hwy to 18 city/22 hwy (mpg). The body will remain the same with only minor changes to the signage of the model name.

The two-mode hybrid system uses regenerative braking and an auto stop mode engine. When the Escalade hits 0 mph, the gasoline engine shuts off and the electrical system powers it, especially helpful in heavy stop and go traffic. These two systems contribute to fuel efficiency, but hardly.

It’s hard to even call this hybrid green since the dismal mileage on this huge SUV is less than most inefficient cars on the road today.

My suggestion? Pick up a diesel and run it on vegetable oil or biodiesel saving yourself thousands of dollars a year on fuel alone each year, of course not considering the lower cost of the vehicle itself. Now that’s more green… not only in your pocket, but also to our environment as well.

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• Greasecar Videos