Congratulations to our week four #Chemistry2Energy photo contest winner, Brian Long (@yesknow1), who tweeted the image seen here along with the caption:
I bought a solar powered house. Here’s a picture of the solar converter box. My avg bill: $70 p/m #Chemistry2Energy
Making smart use of solar energy is one of a variety of effective ways to cut back on monthly energy bills and can play an important role in a comprehensive energy strategy for our country.
Chemistry is the source of many innovative technologies that are currently revolutionizing the way we generate and store energy.
For example, Silicon Valley startup Innovalight, Inc. has developed a silicon-based ink that, when applied to solar cells, effectively boosts the cells’ ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.
A recent ACC analysis found that, overall, the products of chemistry help save up to 10.9 quadrillion BTUs of energy annually, enough to power, heat and cool up to 56 million households, or run up to 135 million vehicles each year.
As a result of his great photo and caption, Brian will receive a $50 gift card from ACC to add to his monthly energy savings! He is also eligible to win our $1,419 grand prize in November. That’s what the average U.S. household paid for electricity alone in 2010!
We’ll select another $50 dollar winner next Friday, October 26, so be sure to upload your photo today!
