Discovery Channel and Planet Green to Celebrate a Month-Long, Multi-Platform Earth Day Event

Maryland, U.S. -- GreenMonster is an avid viewer of Discovery Channel shows. Well, I received an announcement that Discovery Communications' Planet Green will lead the network's company-wide, multi-platform initiative to inspire, inform and motivate people of all ages to take action for the future of the planet. Discovery will feature original eco-focused content across its family of networks, digital platforms and mobile channels. Celebrating the 39th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the month-long effort will include participation by some of the world's leading non-profit organizations, and events across the country through a partnership with America's largest Earth Day event, the Green Apple Festival. PlanetGreen.com will present a special feature that will serve as a one stop destination for a wealth of information, "take action" resources and volunteer activities.

"Celebrating and promoting environmental awareness has been at the heart of Discovery's mission since its inception, when John Hendricks made the Earth the centerpiece of the company's logo and synonymous with its very identity," said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications. "It is a responsibility and commitment we take very seriously. From the launches of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and last year's debut of Planet Green - the first and only network fully dedicated to protecting and preserving the planet - to the airing of the historic Planet Earth series in 2007, and now, our month-long, multi-platform Earth Day celebration, Discovery is continuously looking for innovative, inspiring and engaging ways to spread the word about environmental stewardship."

"Earth Day gives us the opportunity to engage people at a time when interest and awareness about the environment is elevated," said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager of Planet Green. "Whether it's original programming, special online content and resources or volunteer events, we are committed to helping people take that next step toward a sustainable future."

US Solar Market Hit 17% Growth in 2008 Despite Economic Crisis

Washington, U.S. -- The GreenMonster checks out solar energy installations in the United States and finds out that it reached a total capacity growth by 1,265 megawatts (MW) in 2008, up from 1,159 MW installed in 2007. This brings the total installed capacity up by 17 percent to 8,775 MW. This includes 1,547 MW of electric capacity from Photovoltaics (PV) and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and 7,636 MW of thermal capacity (water heating, pool heating, and space heating) -- according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association in the U.S. Well, this is good news!

The U.S. added 342 MW of PV in 2008, including 292 MW of grid-tied capacity. For grid-tied PV, this represents a 81 percent growth rate over the 161 MW of grid-tied installations in 2007 and brings total installed grid-tied PV capacity in the U.S. to over 1 gigawatt.

Installations grew especially fast in 6 states, including California, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania, where on-grid capacity additions more than doubled over 2007 figures.

At the same time, solar was not spared from the global economic meltdown that has hit all sectors of the economy. As a result of the continuing housing crisis, solar pool heater shipments remained below record levels set in 2006.

Your Travel Companion -- the Kewet Buddy Electric Car

Norway -- Still in Norway, the GreenMonster drops by Oslo and checks out the Kewet Buddy electric car of ElBil Norge.

The 3-seater 3-door highway-capable Kewet Buddy accelerates at 0-50 km/h (31 mph) in 7 seconds and has a top speed of 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) on its SepEx 72V DC, 13 kW electric motor with a gear wheel transmission with differential rear-wheel drive and fully automatic electric gear shift system, gearing 1:7.

The lead-acid batteries which costs about NOK 19,000 has a range of 50-100 km (31-62 mph) on a full charge, depending on road conditions, temperature and the driver. Charging is 0-100% in 6-8 hours, 30-95% in 3 hours. A 1 hour charge gives a 10 km (6 mi) range. Lithium-ion batteries can also be used and has up to 150 km (93 mi) range. Batteries' lifespan is between two and five years, or about 20,000 km (12,400 mi), depending on driving and charging habits. Driving range is enhanced by the regenerative braking system.

The body is made of welded tubular steel space frame (optional hot dip galvanised), with a fibre-glass reinforced polyester surface. MacPherson struts is the front suspension and independent telescopic suspension for the rear.

There were 1000 units of Kewet produced before the 6th generation of its kind -- the Buddy was released in the autumn of 2005. Currently being sold only in Norway, production is aimed at 5000 cars a year as of 2008.

This cool electric car has an optional sun roof, ski rack and bike rack as well.

Thinking Different with the Th!nk City Electric Car

Norway -- Going back to the non-sports car category, the GreenMonster visits Snarøya and Aurskog in Norway and takes a look at Th!nk City by Th!nk Global.

It's a 3-door (including rear hatch), 2-seater (2 more rear seats optional) crash-tested and highway-certified electric car with a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and accelerates at 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in 6.5 seconds with a range of 170 km (106 mi).

Battery options are available namely the sodium-based batteries from MES-DEA and the Lithium-based batteries from either A123 Systems or Enerdel. Charging time is approximately 10 hours, 230 VAC / 14A for a 100% charge and approximately 8 hours, 230 VAC / 14A for an 80% charge.

Batteries can be leased from Th!nk for a monthly fee of NOK 975 per month ($160, £81, EUR120) for full maintenance, WiFi and car insurance.

Orders are available for Norway at NOK 199,000 before optional features, which is approximately $32,500 US, or £16,600 UK, or €24,500. As of August 2008, 100 cars had already been made. The car will be available soon in Denmark, Sweden, in the UK, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.