Monday, April 13, 2009 at 10:37:28 AM - by Danny Vo

As the solar energy industry continues to develop, a growing number of projects are emerging nationwide that put the technology to use in innovative new ways.

One of the latest such examples comes from the Contra Costa Times in California, where a Redlands-based company, American Custom Coach, is developing what is thought to be the first solar-powered bloodmobile.

The bloodmobile will reportedly be used by the Community Blood Bank of Palm Springs. A representative from the blood bank told the newspaper that staff members are "just tickled pink" by the new solar energy resource, and are also "really proud of this thing." The $243,000 vehicle was said to be paid for with donations and will cut traditional electric use by 50 percent over traditional models.

With a strong residential sector and innovative products such as the bloodmobile, this is just the latest example of the growth of solar in California over the years.

Elsewhere, a report in the Arizona Republic describes the ongoing construction on an 18,000 square foot, $4 million house that will use about 140 photovoltaic panels to generate about 70 percent of its power.