Where We Rank In Solar Power

The blog entitled 1bog, stands for One Block off the Grid.  I wanted to pass along their new infographic: The Top Ten Countries Using Solar. The graphic explores the rapid growth of the solar power market in Europe, and how we here in the U.S., rank and measure up.

To view this graphic as a full page visit this link. Infographic: The Top Ten Countries Using Solar .

Where We Rank in Solar Power- Germany is the leader

According to this graphic, Germany has set the pace in solar power growth since 2010.  They continue to attract investors with remarkable low prices, and a feed-in tariff, that has allowed for price certainty and long term contracts.  They are now in the best position in Europe, to consider self consumption,  making a smooth transition and integration of solar systems into the grid.

Where We Rank- 7th in Solar Power

Here in the U.S. the solar power market is poised for rapid growth. However, we rank seventh on the global scale. The rising cost of electricity, along with a high level of insulation (meaning how much sunshine we get) has consumers looking to the sun for economic answers.  California, dominates the U.S. solar power market, with 60% of all installations. They also boast a very good school, called Boots on the Roof.  In a prior post of mine, Put Your Green Boots on the Roof, I spoke of how the school offers top notch, training and certification in solar installations.

In recent news, a California based company called Wagan Tech, is making available solar power generators available for in home installation, and at great prices.  As for where we rank in solar power, it could be better.  But, we have planned projects, that represent strong future growth, and a consumer market that is looking to green up with solar power.  We are working toward a better tomorrow and a brighter and greener future.

A Look at Our Energy Consumption

A look at our energy consumption, is probably the furthest thing from your mind, as you are putting away all those Christmas lights. Don’t you sometimes feel like you might actually get ahead of the game, if you weren’t paying so much for your electric bill?  Thanks, to this new infographic chart from Credit Sesame, you can now get a better idea of where all that money goes, and how your energy dollars are used. It takes a look at our energy consumption.

Right now, our electric costs may be the last thing on our minds, as we are putting away our holiday chores and preparations for the end of 2012. But, if you’re like most of us Americans, chances are you’ll get a bit of a shock in the mail when that next bill arrives.

A Look at Our Energy Consumption and How We Consume Energy

This chart, is a look at how we consume energy. It’s not just because of those festive holiday lights, all around your house and yard, that are driving up the cost. It’s everything else we tend to do more of during the winter. Especially, during the holidays, there is more cooking, washing and drying, heating the home, and cranking up the heat on those chilly nights. Even watching TV, or using other electronics, seems to cost more this time of year, perhaps, because we spend more time indoors. We want our homes warm and cozy.

Here in Washington, it seems crazy what we pay for electricity, when we have an abundance of hydro-electric power. Perhaps, we shouldn’t complain much, because other places in the world, are doing without our creature comforts, or they are paying even more, than we are.

A Look at Our Energy Consumption and Your Questions

So, just a few questions for you to ponder and check out on the chart here, about our energy consumption and how we consume energy.

How does your typical monthly electric bill compare to the average in your state? How about the rest of the United States? Where exactly do those kilowatts go?  Where is electricity the cheapest? Check out this handy chart for some eye opening information.  I hope you have found this information useful, and you are welcome to share your thoughts, here.  In more ways than one, here’s hoping 2012 brings Power to the People, as we take a look at our energy consumption!

Related articles

• Infographic: America’s Energy Prices Vs. The World (fastcompany.com)
• Why energy markets prove ultimately unfair (usedthoughts.com)
• How Lighting Effects Your Home’s Energy Consumption (zen.homezada.com)

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Is your office cube (cubical) depressing you, so much so, that you hate going to work?  Well,you can change all of that, starting today! What a great way to treat yourself in the New Year!

Pimp My Cube has partnered with the Contest Factory, to offer you the Pimp My Cube Contest.  They are searching for the worst, most pathetic and gosh awful messy, cubicle or office space.  That terrible area, may have bad furniture, old technology, be messy and unorganized, noisy, dirty, dark and/or any other horrible attributes that make it a bad space to work in, or want to be in.

If this describes you or your work space, here is want you need to do:

Upload a video showing your cube(cubicle)office workspace. While you’re doing so,  explain the details about why your cube is horrible, and why it is so important that Contest Factory come in and ‘Pimp’ your cube.  Here is a sample video to spark your imagination.  It’s not hard to do.

Once you’ve completed and entered your video, then invite your friends, family and coworkers to vote for your video.

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The grand prize of your cube being the one ‘pimped’ will be selected by CF (Contest Factory) judges. The decision will be based on various criteria, including the most votes, best (really the worst workspace) video and the most compelling story.

 The “Pimp My Cube,” contest has a total grand prize value of approximately $1200.

The Prize is to update your office workspace cubical with one of three  following prize packages:

 New high end computer system
 New Desk, Chair and Decorations – to make your cube a more pleasant space
 New Entertainment Package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc.

As of Right NOW, no one has uploaded a video yet, so YOUR chances of winning are very good. Time to get busy on that video!

It’s  easy to upload your video to the site and enter from your phone or webcam.

Your video should be fun and witty – anything goes!! The better the story, the funnier the video , the better YOUR chances are of winning.  Visit the PMC site here at the link above. Then register and upload your video to enter in the contest.  Be sure to have your friends and family vote for your video, to enhance YOUR chances of winning.

There is also a second sweepstakes prize of a $200 gift card, that will be awarded to the registered user, chosen by random drawing at the end of the contest period, which is from 12/5/11 at 12:00 PM to 1/31/12 at 12:00 PM.

Best of luck on YOUR video entry.  Have fun, and make yourself the winner of the “Pimp My Cube” Contest!