Want Distributed Solar in Urban Areas? BIPV Takes the Lead

The stars are aligned for a breakthrough of small-scale solar energy in urban areas. This could completely change the world, the planet’s source of energy generation and save the environment. However, there are also obstacles to this bright future from the unlikeliest of sources.

On the plus side, thin film solar cell (for example: GOAL ZERO NOMAD 100) efficiency records are broken almost every month and the cells are becoming cheaper to produce. More importantly companies are starting to consider the potential of solar panels that are not made with heavy glass or a rigid frame. To integrate PV on buildings and in cities, panels need to be lightweight, durable and flexible (in size and shape) so they can integrate into available building materials.

In addition, we are witnessing rapid development in battery technology and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Tesla is actively marketing its Powerwall rechargeable battery for the storage of solar energy, and is expected to soon launch its highly anticipated solar roof. There is promising research in more advanced and efficient battery technology, e.g. lithium-air batteries and solid-state batteries. Further, there is recognition that the energy needs of tomorrow’s megacities cannot be met with central generation. By 2050, it is predicted that 70 percent of the global population will live in urban areas.

But there are obstacles to this bright future. One comes from politicians and states. States and municipalities make money from various energy taxes and some have gone on record against people producing their own energy “for free.” Many countries wish to tax distributed energy even on a small scale. This is counterproductive to renewable energy generation.

Electric utilities, both public and private, also stand in the way. These behemoths have enormous lobbying power. They stand to lose their entire reason for being if customers start producing their own energy and trading it between themselves. However, electric utilities could transform into ‘energy banks’ or brokers in a new renewable energy world, charging interest on energy that is produced and “deposited” with them for later use. It might not be such a bleak future for them - banks, brokers and card companies are all profitable.

I believe in the renewable energy tidal wave. The prospect of a world without human CO2 emissions, and an end to global warming, where electricity is produced by “everyone” without effort and is cheap, readily available and reliable, is simply too good to be stopped.

How to Streamline Your Small Business in 4 Easy Steps

Running a business, no matter what its size, can be full of difficulties and challenges. One of the main aspects which any business owner needs to come to terms with is time. How you spend your time is of paramount importance within the confines of your business. After all, if you waste time, you waste money – the old adage is true. However, if you go too far the other way, your business will likely suffer. The last thing you want is to do shoddy work because you are trying to rush the endgame. Treading the fine line between these two can be precarious. But there is good news: it is perfectly possible to achieve in today’s world. Not only that, it is fairly painless to implement. All that is required is a little imagination and some forethought. As long as you plan ahead, and take the following on board, all should be fine. So how do you go about streamlining your small business? Let’s take a look at some top tips for achieving just that.

Prioritise Workflow

It is important for any business owner to learn the skills of prioritising work. It is especially important in a small business. In a multinational corporation, there is much more room for mistakes. But when you run a small business, there is no wiggle room at all. The slightest thing can have dramatic knock-on effects. As such, it is vital that you learn how to prioritise the workflow. This means putting things in order not just for yourself, but for all your colleagues in the office. Obviously, it is unlikely that you will have the time to do this all yourself. So hire some help to give you a hand.

7 Golden Rules to Drive Your New Business to Success

All new businesses set out with one common goal: be successful. The way you define that word can vary from company to company, but hitting those targets is a must.

There is no one route to business success, but there are a number of practices that will stand you in great stead. Getting those fundamental features in place should be a priority at all times. Pay close attention to the following seven aspects, and your chances of reaching those goals will be greatly increased.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

You Need Money

The business world has undergone huge changes in recent times, and it’s now possible to launch your dreams on a far more modest budget. It’s virtually impossible to get your venture off the ground without a little financial backing.

How Can Small Business Ship Products Internationally Efficiently

Most businesses, at some point, will be ready to expand and reach new markets. The advent of eCommerce and globalization has made it easier than ever to expand internationally and reach customers globally. With the expansion comes need to ship products to customers in multiple countries. As a small business owners you will need to worry about tax and custom implications when you start to ship products to other countries. Fortunately, there are tools and companies that specialize in this area and can help you alleviate the pain associated with international expansion. Here are the steps you need to look at before you jump in.

Make sure your product is suitable for a broad audience

Some products play best in certain markets, and that’s where your international knowledge comes in. For example, products geared toward certain weather will do better in warmer/colder climates. If your product is weather-specific, you may not be a viable option to people of a particular market.