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Solar power is on the verge of becoming mainstream in the California housing market. The goal of a new bill passed in California is to create a million solar-powered homes. In addition, new solar energy start-ups such as NanoSolar are expecting to decrease the cost of solar cells by a factor of 10. So, it should be no surprise that here in California, even boats are going solar! Yes, a new solar-powered (hybrid electric + diesel) passenger ferry called the Solar Sailor is expected to begin operation by 2008, shuttling passengers to and from Alcatraz.

And while we're talking about alternative-fuel boats, there's also the EarthRace, a biodiesel powerboat that is circumnavigating the world, and happens to be in California right now. Check it out.. this is one of the coolest looking boats you'll ever see.

Posted by spotsearch at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have always wondered why prefab houses had to be drab houses. Why doesn't someone just spend some time to design a cool, modern prefab that can be produced cost effectively while exuding style and class? San Francisco architect Michelle Kaufmann has done just that, and thrown in some eco-friendly design as well. I want one!

Video Tour of a BreezeHouse

Some Assembly Required - Wired

Michelle Kaufmann Designs

BreezeHouse- LiveModern

GlideHouse - LiveModern

Posted by spotsearch at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Energy prices have been at record highs in recent months. The price per barrel of crude oil is around $66, which is near historical absolute highs (prices not adjusted for inflation though). So, with such high energy prices, everyone, even (surprisingly) President Bush, is suggesting we look at alternative energy sources. Socially responsible funds might fill the bill here- there are a few that I'm looking at.

At the top of the list is the Winslow Green Growth Fund (WGGFX) which invests in environmentally responsible, environmentally benign, or best-of-the batch (least irresponsible) companies. It is not a pure energy focused fund, but diversifies into various industries, including alternative energy, software, health care, and industrial materials among others. It currently has a 5 star Morningstar rating. It's a bit risky though, with a high beta of 1.81, and it is weighted more in small-caps. It's a no load fund with a 1.45% expense ratio (higher than I'd like, but within the range that I would consider).

Another SRI fund is the New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) which is more focused on the energy and industrial materials sectors than WGGFX - more concentrated, if that's what you're looking for. This fund has a 1.32% expense ratio, however, has a HUMONGOUS 4.75% front load- rather ironic that a socially responsible fund is gouging its investors charging such an outrageously high fee- Shame on them!

See also:
* Top Morningstar SRI Funds
* In the year of the oil boom...

(Disclosure:  I am considering investments mentioned in this article)

Posted by spotsearch at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)