Packaging includes five different cell phone and MP3 connectors for the following devices: compatible with LG (KG90, KG99), Palm Treo (650, 700, T5, Tungsten E2), Samsung (D800, D808, D828, 4P, P1, P2, P19, P20), iPhone and all iPod devices, and a mini-usb connector which works with many of the popular devices such as Motorola, Blackberry and much more.

Located 90 miles east of Seattle, the Teanaway Solar Reserve will be among one of the largest photovoltaic solar facilities in the world. The project is expected to will bring more than 200 construction jobs and 35 permanent jobs to the area at “family wage”–a key component for this economically depressed region.

The project is also expected to produce a significant revenue stream for the county, generating more than $97 million in purchases of goods and services during construction, and more than $1.5 million annually in property tax revenues to support local schools, roads and hospitals.

1. Age of your roof
Has it been more than 20 years since anyone has tended to your roof? If so, a specialist should take a quick look at your roof. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, make sure you make any home improvements on your roof before the actual installation.

2. Available space
Solar panels typically take about 1 square foot of space for every 10 watts produced. This means that if you want 3,000 watts produced by your panels, you’ll need about 300 square feet of open space on your roof. Make sure you have enough space for the amount of solar power you want to generate. You don’t have to plan to offset all your electricity usage. Even with a smaller system, you can substantially lower your utility bill.

3. Direction of your Roof
The most effective solar panels are on roofs that face south in the Northern Hemisphere, that way the solar panels get maximum exposure to sunlight. Houses that face east or west can still generate solar power and an installer will alert you if your house fits in this category.

4. Type of Roof
Installers have been doing solar for many years and are well educated in the different types of roof that are supportive of solar. The easiest type of roof for installers to work on is a composite shingle roof and the most difficult ones are wood-shake roofs. In general, most roofs can hold solar panels but there may be added fees for more equipment and steep angled roofs.

5. Angle of Roof
The angle of your roof can make a difference in your solar system’s price. For example, the steeper your roof is the harder it is for installers to navigate and install the panels. Installers may add on extra charges if your roof is incredibly steep and hard to work on, but you will still get solar panels. Flat roofs require more equipment because of the reverse tilt that goes on under the brackets to tilt the panels to make sure as much sun hits them as possible.

6. Shading
Making sure there are no objects blocking the sun from hitting the solar panels is very important. If surrounding trees are proving to create shade, you do have some options, so don’t worry.

If your home doesn’t meet the grade for each of these 6 factors, don’t fret. There are often ways to work with less-than-ideal roofs. It’s best to work with a professional to evaluate your home for solar. SunRun home solar offers free solar consultations and quotes so sign up today to learn if solar is right for your home.

Nami Sung is a solar energy professional currently employed at SunRun, a solar financing company. She enjoys writing about clean, renewable energy and is excited to contribute her first post to Solar Power Ninjas. You can read her articles on Renewable Energy World and follow her on Twitter (@sunrun_nami).

We haven’t tried out this gadget yet, but if you have, let us know what you think! Write your Surge Hybrid Solar iPhone Charger review in the comments below and let us know!

The project, called the Ivanpah Solar Energy Generating System (ISEGS), consists of a three-plant, 392-megawatt solar electric generating system located in California’s Mojave Desert. After a 30-day comment period passes, the final permits allowing the commencement of construction will most likely be issued. Additionally, Brightsource Inc. has received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to fund the project.

The durable and weather-resistant panels collect energy from the sun’s rays even in reduced light and poor weather conditions and they the provide most cooling effect when it’s needed most: during the hottest part of the day.

Once the Solar battery is charged you can use it to charge other devices such as your cell phone or any iPod. It will charge them at the same time frame as your conventional charger. You can also charge your device when you are out (say, at the beach or the park) by plugging it into the battery and leaving the battery under direct sunlight.

The panels are lighter than glass-encased solar panels and can be installed much faster than other types of solar systems, SoloPower CEO Tim Harris said in a statement. The solar panels can be laminated onto rooftops and mounted on racks to tilt the panels. SoloPower is currently applying for a Department of Energy loan to increase its production abilities at their San Jose factory.

Pilot Andre Borschberg landed the Solar Impulse at Payerne airfield about 30 miles southwest of the Swiss capital Bern last Thursday.

The engineering team behind this project said it had now proven that the single-seat plane can theoretically stay in the air indefinitely, recharging its used-up batteries using 12,000 solar cells and the rays of the sun while the sun is shining on it.