Solar Power Digest

Jobs In Solar: Sales Executives (TN)

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:26 GMT

Date: 2010-03-17, 9:10PM CDT
Reply to: job-wunbb-1649181178@craigslist.org

Sales Executive Position- Rewarding Position in sales. This job is exstremly rewarding & earning potential is high. First year is between 40,000 to 95,000 and up . Excellent benifits package and rewarding perks. The company is a national construction & solar enegy company.

If you feel like you are a goal oriented individual , that wants to take control over there career and positive cash flow, then call curatola construction . There is some travel and you will need your own car and cell phone . This position will is for the road warriors out there and the networkers. Excellent Bonus Plan . Please Feel free to call - Curatola Construction & Energy Co at 615-584-2795 or visit us at www.curatolaconstruction.com

Location: TN

Compensation: Salary & Commission based postion , with bonuses
Telecommuting is ok.
This is a part-time job.
This is a contract job.
This is an internship job
OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Phone calls about this job are ok.
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

British Solar Panel Sales to Increase 1000 Percent in Two Years

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:52 GMT

Things are looking up for solar power in England, thanks to a bevy of solar incentives soon to take effect in the notoriously cloudy island nation. Sharp Corporation, a world leader in solar panel production that controls some 40 percent of the British market, predicts that panel sales will increase “tenfold” in the next two years, according to The Daily Mail. The main impetus for the sudden and dramatic increase, says Sharp, is a feed-in tariff (FIT) for renewable energy that goes into effect on April 1.

The Japanese electronics and solar giant expects the number of solar homes in England to increase from 28,000 to 250,000 by the end of 2011 because solar system owners will soon be able to make a profit from excess energy sold to the national electric grid. Moreover, by 2014, Sharp General Manager Andrew Lee predicts there will be more than 400,000 homes with solar power, creating 30,000 new green jobs in that period, and England's Department of Energy and Climate Change finds it likely that 800,000 homes could be equipped new solar arrays over 25 years.

In addition to the FIT, the British government also announced a new series of loans that will enable homeowners to pay for solar power with preferential interest rates on loans from electricity providers. The loan program is set to kick on at the start of 2012.

In England, says the Daily Mail, it costs between £8,000 and £14,000 ($12,000-$24,000) to purchase and install an average home solar power system. Under the new loan scheme, it would take less than 10 years to repay the loan and homeowners would save an average of £150 per year while earning £900 per year through the feed-in tariff. That could equal a £36,000 profit over 25 years.

Sharp operates a manufacturing plant in Wrexham, England, but exports 98 percent of the panels manufactured there. Britain's new FIT and loan scheme should keep a lot more of those panels out of shipping containers and on British rooftops, and maybe even inspire Sharp to expand the facility, creating more permanent green jobs in the meantime.

Photo Credit: Guardian

Solar Power Inc. Brings Clean Power Plant, Green Jobs to Sacramento County

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:34 GMT

Solar Power Inc., a Roseville, Calif.-based solar panel manufacturer and installer, won $24.7 million in stimulus funding to build a new manufacturing facility in Sacramento County. The award comes through the county's Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, which in turn come from Recovery Act funds doled out to California and distributed among counties and cities throughout the state. Currently, Solar Power builds its panels in China and installs them here in the U.S.

The plant will top 10 megawatts of production and create 60 permanent jobs when it opens, which Solar Power says will come by the end of the year. That employee roster will increase to 100 in the future, said Executive Vice President Jeff Pontius to the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition, roughly 100 temporary jobs will be created during the construction process.

Solar Power is currently seeking out potential sites in Sacramento County for the manufacturing facility, which will also house the company's new headquarters, and expects to announce said location within 30 days. Solar Power also plans to erect a $50-million, 10-megawatt utility-scale solar photovoltaic system in the county. That site has already been chosen but the company has not revealed its location. Solar Power Inc. employs 63 people at its current Roseville headquarters.

Sacramento County's allotment of Recovery Zone funding, of which Solar Power Inc. received the full amount, was culled from a total $15 billion that the Obama administration allocated nationwide. Solar Power's new plant is the latest in a slowly increasing number of manufacturing facilities being built in the States as part of federal incentives aimed at bringing permanent, high-quality green jobs to the U.S.

Photo Credit: world construction equipment

Power-One, Inc. Appoints Kent Sheldon as Vice President of Renewable Energy Sales, North America

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:50 GMT

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Power-One, Inc. (Nasdaq: PWER), a leading provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, announces the appointment of Kent Sheldon as Vice President of Renewable Energy Sales for North America. Kent joins Power-One with considerable experience in the renewable energy business sector, having supported both photovoltaic (PV) and large-wind business development activities.

Most recently, he held the position of Director of Sales at Enphase Energy. Prior to his tenure at Enphase, Kent was the Director of Sales at SMA America and held senior sales and engineering positions at Xantrex, a division of Group Schneider, and Kenetech Windpower. Kent holds a BSEE from California State University and has participated in the formulation of many regulatory standards pertaining to the solar industry and grid connection legislation.

Mark Hogan, Senior Vice President for Global Sales, said, "Power-One is excited to have Kent aboard, as he brings a wealth of experience to our team. With the addition of Kent to our sales force, Power-One is committed to expanding its global PV and wind inverter market footprint, as well as growing its sales, marketing, technical service and training in the North American and global markets."

Solar Power Sentenced to Life in Alcatraz

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:05 GMT

Alcatraz Island is going solar. Known best as the most famous prison in the United States, Alcatraz is also home to the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast, and what was once a beacon for ships entering the Bay Area will now serve as a beacon for solar energy.

The National Park Service announced in the first week of March that Alcatraz will be equipped with 1,000 solar photovoltaic panels, to be installed on the main prison and laundry building. The panels will provide between 40 and 60 percent of the prison's electricity needs and eliminate the need for two diesel generators that currently cost $700,000 annually to operate.

The solar system will be installed this spring using money drawn from the Obama administration's economic stimulus package. The projected cost of the solar power system has not been released.

Alcatraz began as a military prison in 1861, was taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934, and became home to some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. In late 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied the prison for 19 months and nine days, winning several key victories for Native rights, including the rescinding by President Nixon of the Indian termination policy designed to end federal recognition of native tribes. Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction and home to some unique flora and fauna.

Via San Jose Mercury News and Wikipedia

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Berkeley, California

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:06 GMT

America's FIRST Solar City

There are moments when history is made. When necessity, inspiration, creativity and determination come together to change the world as we know it. When individual and collective willpower embrace. Women suffragettes finally won the right to vote in 1920. Ghandi fought nonviolently for freedom, and won it, in India. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. In 2007, Berkeley, California became an instant leader in the renewable energy movement with the approval of a revolutionary clean energy financing program.

FIRST

Berkeley has a long history as a cradle of social activism, and while its game-changing solar play is relatively new, its effect is already being felt around California, the United States and the world. The story of Berkeley's Financing Initiative for Solar and Renewable Energy (FIRST) begins in the mayor's office. There, a staffer named Cisco DeVries had an idea. You might say an LED light bulb went on in his head. The city had already laid a foundation on which neighborhoods could come together to vote self-imposed taxes to pay for utility and telephone wires to be run underground. DeVries took that idea and ran with it, only with clean energy in mind.

Before long, a pilot program was in the works. This program allowed homeowners to avoid the high up-front costs of home solar power by borrowing cash from the city of Berkeley, and repaying it with interest through a voluntary property tax increase over 20 years. In this way, homeowners avoided immediate costs while the city gained revenue to pay for the financing and program administration. Moreover, the loan is tied to the property, not the individual, so the home can be sold without worrying about losing the value of the system before payback in energy savings is reached.

To say that Berkeley FIRST hasn't changed the face and mood of the clean energy movement would be a gross miscalculation. A slew of other cities, including nearby Oakland, have adopted their own version of the program and the federal government is working on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs directly spun from FIRST and designed to guide cities across the country through the process of adopting a Berkeley-esque financing scheme.

Applications for Berkeley's pilot program were “sold out” in just nine minutes — easily as fast as any Led Zeppelin or Pearl Jam concert. Following the successes of, and lessons learned from, the Berkeley FIRST pilot, city officials are now working with the state and Alameda County to expand the program statewide (California FIRST), and expand it to include energy efficiency improvements much like the federal PACE programs.

Berkeley residents interested in solar power should make a point to stop by the interactive solar map the city set up. It contains a map of all 626 solar systems (including solar thermal) and 2.9 megawatts of solar power installed within city limits so far. You can also enter an address to find out the solar potential of your home, cost of a solar system on that home and energy savings you can expect as a result. Plug these numbers into Berkeley's online calculator to learn how to finance the system, how much cash you'll save and how long it will take for the system to pay for itself through those savings.

Climate Action Plan

Berkeley's dynamic move toward energy independence is not limited to just one solar pilot program, however epic that program might be. Residents of Berkeley have never been keen on complacency, and the environmental ambitions of the city are arguably unrivaled among other large cities.

In November 2006, a whopping 81 percent of Berkeley voters said yes to a goal of reducing citywide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. In June 2009 Council adopted a Climate Action Plan, adopting the 2050 goal and an 2020 interim goal of a 33% reduction. Those goals will be achieved not only through solar and renewable energy, but also waste reduction, building initiatives and transportation, among other specific steps. Not to mention the collective will of residents to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Anyone who wants to know exactly how Berkeley plans to meet those goals or what's already been done will be happy with the incredible amount of disclosure and community outreach being exercised by city departments and the citizenry. You can find just about everything you'll want to know, especially if you live in Berkeley, through an interactive website that guides visitors through the city's seven-tiered plan to make Berkeley as green as green can be… and then greener some more.

Resources: Berkeley FIRST, Berkeley Climate Action Plan, Berkeley Solar Map, PACE, & Berkeley Climate Action Community Forum

Worlds Collide: Mary Tchamkina Interviews Greg Kiss for GreenHomeNYC

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:46 GMT

If you came to a Solar One event last summer, or if you've attended any of our Green From the Inside Out workshops, you may know, and have most likely seen, NYSERDA E$C Program Assistant Mary Tchamkina. But did you know that she's a wonderful designer and aspiring architect? It's true! And now she can add another talent to her resume: journalism. When she's not working at Solar One or preparing grad school applications, Mary finds time to work as a staff volunteer for GreenHome NYC, a community-oriented, volunteer-run organization that promotes green building practices in our city. And it just so happens that they recently published an interview she did with Greg Kiss of Kiss+Cathcart Architects, the very same firm that designed the Solar 1 building and are designing Solar 2!

You can read the interview here.

So Cal Edison Launches Request for Offers from Independent Power Producers for Solar Program

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:21 GMT

ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern California Edison (SCE) is requesting offers from independent power producers for the utility’s Solar Photovoltaic Program.

The program was designed to help the state meet its 2006 Million Solar Roofs goal. Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission approved SCE’s plan to generate hundreds of megawatts of emission-free solar power from the rooftops of large industrial buildings in SCE’s service territory. SCE will own and produce 250 megawatts; another 250 megawatts will be power purchased from solar companies that are successful in the Request for Offer (RFO) process.

“SCE is proud to offer a competitive solicitation for clean, green power, where and when our customers need it the most,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president, Renewable and Alternative Power. “This innovative approach seeks independently owned projects that require no new transmission and avoid any potential land-use issues due to their installation on commercial rooftops.”

SCE anticipates completing the procurement for the entire 250 megawatts of the Solar Photovoltaic Program over the next five to six years. Most of the installations are expected to be on rooftops and be one to two megawatts of solar electricity in size.

Potential sellers can find RFO instructions, schedule and other materials at www.sce.com/spvp-ipp. SCE will host an RFO Conference on April 1, to present information about the RFO and to answer questions from prospective participants. The deadline for submitting non-binding offers is April 19. Those on the short list will be advised of their status May 10. Binding offers will be submitted July 19 and final agreements will be executed July 26.

SCE is the nation’s leading utility for renewable energy. In 2009, SCE delivered 13.6 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy to its customers; about 17 percent of its total power portfolio. In 2008, (the latest year nationwide data is available), SCE bought 65 percent of all the solar power produced in the nation.

Victor Valley College Goes Solar with SolFocus Power Plant

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:36 GMT

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Victor Valley College and SolFocus announced today that they are installing a 1 megawatt facility of high concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems for Victor Valley College in Victorville, California. The Victor Valley College solar micro-generating facility will produce 2.5 million kilowatt hours per year, which is roughly 30 percent of the college’s electricity demand. Construction on the six acre plant is currently underway on the college’s main campus, and consists of 122 8.4 kW arrays. When the solar plant is completed in May, it will be the largest energy facility of its kind in North America.

“After reviewing several options for a solar provider, SolFocus demonstrated that it could deliver the best value in solar energy for the college,” said Victor Valley College President Dr. Robert Silverman. “This project can be a model for other colleges and universities in meeting energy needs and supporting a green jobs economy.”

At a time when education is suffering unprecedented losses in funding, Victor Valley College has chosen to move forward with this innovative solution that achieves three important goals: reduces energy costs, increases revenue streams from outside sources, and creates training opportunities for well paying jobs in the new energy economy. The advanced solar micro-generating facility is central in achieving these three goals. Funding for the project was provided in part by a capital construction bond, Measure JJ, approved by voters in November 2008 along with other capital funds. The college will also benefit from around $4 million paid over five years through performance based incentives as part of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program.

Commenting on the technology and project, Al McQuilkin of ggworks, the District’s program manager, said, “SolFocus’ advanced CPV technology met the College’s rigorous criteria and offered the best combination of quality, performance, sustainable materials, and cost.”

SolFocus will be supporting the college in its curriculum development around advanced solar energy technology, a critical element in supporting US President Barack Obama’s green jobs initiatives.

“This project between SolFocus and Victor Valley College is the first of its kind in North America,” said Mark Crowley, President and CEO of SolFocus. “SolFocus technology can scale up or down very easily to accommodate a wide variety of energy demands from smaller distributed generation projects to utility-scale projects.”

According to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, 75 percent of the solar installations at colleges and universities around the country have less than 100 kW of capacity1. “This 1 MW installation puts the College and SolFocus in the top echelon of campus installations,” added Crowley. “A small proportion of the 4,000 college and university campuses in the US have begun solar projects, so the market opportunity for this sector is promising as the CPV industry scales up to utility deployments.”

SolFocus CPV technology employs a system of patented reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. The SolFocus SF-1100S system deployed at the college uses approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels. In addition, the cells utilized in SolFocus CPV systems have over twice the efficiency of traditional silicon photovoltaic cells. SolFocus also offers environmental benefits including next-to-no water usage, a small land footprint with dual use potential, and no permanent shadowing or wildlife corridor disruption. Additionally, SolFocus CPV provides the shortest energy payback and lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of any solar technology. In solar-rich regions like the southwest US, the SolFocus CPV technology yields significantly more energy than other technologies with an extremely light environmental footprint.

Alcoa and National Renewable Energy Lab Testing New Innovative Concentrating Solar Power System

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:01 GMT

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it is jointly testing an advanced solar technology with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), with the goal of making Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology competitive in the United States by lowering its cost to generate energy.

NREL and Alcoa recently installed a new Alcoa-designed Concentrating Solar Power parabolic trough at NREL’s test facility in Golden, Colo., USA. The series of tests will measure the 20-foot by 46-foot collector’s efficiency to generate energy and evaluate its structural performance. This round of validation at NREL follows successful tests at Alcoa Technical Center outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.

"NREL is looking forward to performing outdoor efficiency tests on the innovative new parabolic trough collector developed by Alcoa,” said Dr. Chuck Kutscher, Manager, NREL Thermal Systems Group. “We are excited to see a major U.S.-based manufacturer entering the Concentrating Solar Power market through the financial support of the U.S. Department of Energy's Funding Opportunity Announcement Program."

Currently, commercial Concentrating Solar Power systems installed to date use glass mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect the solar energy and convert it to heat. This thermal energy can then be used to produce utility scale electricity via a steam turbine.

Instead of glass mirrors, the new Alcoa solution uses highly-reflective aluminum mirrors, which are more durable and environmentally-friendly than fragile glass-based mirrors. The Alcoa design solution enables high-volume manufacturing techniques to lower installation costs, plus its monolithic structure enables a simple “drop-in-place” collector for easy installation. The Alcoa design includes sheet, extrusions and fasteners.

The new Alcoa CSP design leverages high volume manufacturing and assembly approaches utilized in the aerospace and automotive markets as well as the Company’s materials and technology leadership to lower the cost of CSP trough systems.

“We understand the end-customers’ need to lower the capital investment in these systems in order to lower the cost of energy,” said Dr. Eric F. M. Winter, Alcoa’s Director of Development Laboratories. “After listening to numerous industry experts, our multi-faceted team combined its materials knowledge with design, manufacturing and engineered finishes capabilities to develop a system solution that enables manufacturers to more easily scale up to meet the growing demand for this solar technology.”

One of the benefits of Concentrating Solar Power technology is that thermal energy can be stored and drawn upon during short periods of clouds and at night. Therefore, the technology provides better grid stability and increased capacity factors compared to photovoltaic applications.

The project is being partially funded by a US$2.1 million DOE grant. Test results are expected by the second quarter of 2010, after which the system will enter its next level of large-scale testing.

“We are proud to partner with the Department of Energy to develop a new, clean, reliable and affordable source of electricity,” said Scott Kerns, Vice President and General Manager of Alcoa Transportation Products. “Alcoa has a long history of developing sustainable solutions for its customers, and aluminum – which can be infinitely recycled – is a natural fit for this green energy solution.”

New Act Would Extend Solar Tax Credits to Collectives

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:54 GMT

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Management of Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets:EVSO) was pleased to learn that US Senator Mark Udall (D-Colorado) announced today that he is introducing a bill in Congress to extend residential solar energy tax credits to community-based solar farm collectives.

Current tax law allows homeowners to receive a 30 percent tax credit for installing solar panels on their property. The proposal named the Solar Uniting Neighborhoods Act, would allow homeowners to receive tax credits for panels installed somewhere else. That would extend the credit to community-owned solar farms, where neighbors designate sunny, treeless areas for installation of community solar panels.

"By grouping these solar panels, you can reduce the cost by 30 percent compared to installing a panel or a set of panels on every roof in the neighborhood," Udall told the Senate.

Udall said this change would make the tax credit more accessible financially and logistically. The tax credit would run until 2016.

"By eliminating the requirement that the solar panel be on one individual's property, it frees Americans to work together on community projects where each individual can claim a tax credit on part of a shared project," Udall said.

“We at Evolution Solar encourage any and all initiatives that would make solar projects more financially feasible for Americans,” said Robert Hines, President of Evolution Solar.

Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be placed at the university’s Houston campus. This project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in an industry that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which contains the Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU), Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO), CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) and Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK).

Carmanah and Sabik Partner to Deliver Total Marine Lighting Solutions

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:49 GMT

VICTORIA, British Columbia, & PORVOO, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marine lighting pioneers Carmanah Technologies Corporation and Sabik Oy announced today that the two organizations have joined forces to deliver a complete range of marine lighting solutions under the Carmanah/Sabik brand.

Under the terms of the agreement, both Carmanah and Sabik will expand their marine product families to include the other company’s marine lighting solutions and will leverage each others’ sales and distribution channels to deliver a complete range of marine lights to their respective global customer bases.

“Sabik is a leader in optical technology and communications systems, and we are delighted to partner with them to deliver total marine lighting solutions to our customers,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “Whether a customer is looking for a one nautical mile self-contained solar LED lantern or an 18 nautical mile range light, they will only need to reach out to a single point of contact. Anything that makes the process easier for the customer just makes good business sense,” said Lattimore.

Kalevi Sarvikivi, Managing Director for Sabik said, “Carmanah’s understanding of energy management is evident in the performance of their short-range solar LED marine lights, and we believe the Carmanah lights will be an excellent complement to Sabik’s marine product family.” Sarvikivi added that he expects future joint product development that will combine the best of Carmanah and Sabik’s technology to bring new products to the marine lighting market .

Carmanah and Sabik will be exhibiting March 22-27 at IALA 2010 in Capetown, South Africa.

GE Sees Bright Future for Thin Film Solar Technology

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:43 GMT

NISKAYUNA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the race on in earnest to have the most efficient, low-cost solar module on the market, GE (NYSE: GE) announced it is focusing its research and development efforts on thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology in conjunction with PrimeStar Solar Inc., the startup firm in which GE is a majority investor. Working closely with PrimeStar technology experts, the company is bringing to bear the full scale of its four Global Research operations to address each of the challenges required to bring a new product to market.

“After having completed an exhaustive survey of the PV landscape, we determined that thin films were the optimum path for GE,” said Danielle Merfeld, GE’s solar R&D leader. “Specifically, the CdTe technology from PrimeStar has great potential. Bringing together world-class materials expertise, unique materials and systems modeling and design capabilities and state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor solar testing facilities, GE researchers are innovating across our four global research centers—literally around the clock—to deliver a breakthrough product to market.”

The GE/PrimeStar product is being developed at PrimeStar’s headquarters in Arvada, Colo. A team of PrimeStar technologists with more than 100 years of combined thin film deposition expertise is working closely with GE researchers, who are focused on several key areas in order to achieve best-in-class technology. These include device efficiency, reliability, production and installation costs and manufacturability. Hundreds of technologists in Germany, China, India and the United States are working on GE solar technologies today—addressing these challenges in the following ways:

The team in Munich, at the heart of the global solar industry, is utilizing world-class indoor and outdoor solar system test facilities where they study finished module performance to identify and address degradation mechanisms and packaging issues. In addition to the focus on the module itself, this team also brings deep expertise at the system level. This allows them to define system-level optimized features and metrics for the module.

In China, where most of the world’s CdTe raw materials are found, researchers at GE’s China Technology Center in Shanghai are focused on CdTe materials and the impact they have on device performance. Improving material quality and developing advanced materials characterization techniques are key topics being addressed by the Shanghai team.

In India, GE is leveraging extensive modeling capabilities at its John F. Welch Technology Centre in Bangalore. Unlike the exclusively experimental approach favored by many in this field, GE believes that dramatic improvements in the device performance and reliability will be realized through a deeper understanding of the materials and basic physics of the device. The team in Bangalore is tasked with building comprehensive models to help guide advanced device design.

Finally, GE’s research team in Niskayuna, N.Y., is working on all facets of CdTe module development, including material growth, device development and robust process development. Their technical expertise cuts across diverse fields such as surface chemistry, laser processing and plasma physics. Equally diverse is their product development experience, which they have derived from GE’s other technology-focused businesses such as Healthcare, Lighting and Batteries.

GE currently provides a range of utility-scale solar solutions, including smart grid power electronics and pre-packaged systems. GE’s Brilliance™ solar inverter offers reliable power conversion technology derived from its industry-leading 1.5 megawatt wind turbine.

Wells Fargo Releases 2009 Environmental Finance Report

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:38 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Building on its 2005 commitment to environmental finance, Wells Fargo announced today that it has extended more than $6 billion in loans and investments to businesses focused on environmentally beneficial activities. In its latest Environmental Finance Report, Wells Fargo details its efforts to support a wide variety of projects, including wind farms and solar installations, green building development, renewable energy equipment manufacturers, smart-grid companies, and other environmentally oriented companies.

Specific 2009 highlights include:

Increased environmental loans and investments to over $6 billion
Launched three business groups to serve customers with environmentally oriented interests:
- National Cleantech Commercial Banking Group
- Clean Technology Investment Banking Group
- Sustainable Public Infrastructure Group
Invested in over 75 commercial-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects and 3 utility-scale wind projects
Developed new project financing relationships with two solar developers
Installed solar PV projects on 10 retail banking stores in Colorado

To access the complete report, please visit: https://www.wellsfargo.com/downloads/pdf/about/csr/reports/environmental_finance_report.pdf

Wells Fargo ranked #1 among banks and insurance companies – and No. 13 overall – in Newsweek magazine’s inaugural “Green Rankings” of the country’s 500-largest companies.

JCPenney Receives 2010 Energy Star® Award for Sustained Excellence

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:33 GMT

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) with a 2010 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting environmental resources through energy efficiency. This is the Company’s second time to win the prestigious Sustained Excellence Award since receiving the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year awards in 2007 and 2008. JCPenney’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18.

“JCPenney is honored for its inclusive approach to reducing energy usage throughout its entire operation by incorporating superior energy management into its overall organizational objectives,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator. “That is why EPA is proud to recognize JCPenney with our highest ENERGY STAR distinction – the 2010 Sustained Excellence Award.”

JCPenney is credited with being the first national retailer to achieve Sustained Excellence for its comprehensive “hands-on” approach to energy management. Last year, the Company invested more than $10 million to install advanced meter technology, lighting retrofits and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in Stores across the country with nine locations utilizing solar power. In addition, JCPenney has adopted an enterprise-wide culture of energy stewardship that encourages every Associate to seek innovative ways to save energy.

“We believe everyone has a responsibility to minimize their impact on the environment,” said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney. “This award is a testament to our Associates who demonstrate each day how their individual actions and habits can have a profound effect in achieving energy conservation.”

Currently, 96 JCPenney stores and the JCPenney Home Office in Plano, Texas have qualified for the ENERGY STAR Building Label. The Company expects to expand the number of ENERGY STAR certifications to 200 Stores by the end of 2010.

Solar Roadways Solar Road Panels

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:29 GMT

Solar Roadways is a company with a big vision. They intend on covering America's highways with a type of solar panel that will replace asphalt yet still be engineered to be as safe for driving as asphalt. The panels can also be used to message drivers.

They've finished their first prototype in February (12ft x 12ft road panel) and will continue to test, design and plan.

Here's the home page at Solar Roadways.

Solar Roadways First Prototype photos Here.

Solar-powered ATMs by Vortex

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:25 GMT

Alternative energy can be a boon for third world countries. Normally governments have to invest vast sums of money in developing infrastructures for a long period of time in underdeveloped areas. If we consider the example of cell phones, they have bypassed the usual wires, poles, roads, telephone exchange infrastructures. People residing in remote [...]
Posted in: Future Energy, Industry, Solar Power

Worldwide Solar Photovoltaic Market Reaches Record High of 6.43 Gigawatt in 2009

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:46 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) installations reached a record high of 6.43 gigawatt (GW) in 2009 — a 6% Y/Y growth, according to the latest Marketbuzz® 2010 Report from Solarbuzz®, an international solar energy market research and consulting company, and a division of The NPD Group. In addition, the company reported that the PV industry generated $38 billion in global revenues in 2009, while successfully raising more than $13.5 billion in equity and debt, up 8% on the prior year.

According to the company’s Marketbuzz 2010 Report, European countries accounted for 4.75 GW, or 74% of world demand in 2009. The top three countries in Europe were Germany, Italy and Czech Republic, which collectively accounted for 4.07 GW. All three countries experienced soaring demand with Italy becoming the second largest market in the world. In contrast, Spanish demand in 2009 collapsed to just 4% of its prior year level. The third largest market in the world was the US, which grew 36% to 485 MW. Following closely behind was a rejuvenated Japan, ranked fourth and growing 109% Y/Y.

Worldwide solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 9.34 GW in 2009, up from 6.85 GW a year earlier, with thin film production accounting for 18% of that total. China and Taiwan production continued to build share and now accounts for 49% of global cell production. Of total European demand, net cell imports accounted for 74% of the total.

The top seven polysilicon manufacturers had 114,500 tons per annum of capacity in 2009, up 92% Y/Y, while the top eight wafer manufacturers accounted for 32.9% of global wafer capacity in 2009.

Solar cell production exceeding the market demand caused the weighted crystalline silicon module price average for 2009 to crash 38% from the prior year level. This reduction in crystalline silicon prices also had the effect of eroding their percentage premium to thin film factory gate pricing.

To view the full release, visit: http://www.displaysearch.com/cps/rde/xchg/displaysearch/hs.xsl/100317_worldwide_solar_photovoltaic_market_reaches_record_high_of_6.43_gigawatt_in_2009.asp

MSGI Energy is Formed, Establishing Strategic Partnership with Franklin Energy

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:21 GMT

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MSGI Security Solutions Inc. (OTCBB: MSGI) today reported that it has formed MSGI Energy Inc. and entered into a definitive long-term strategic partnership with Franklin Energy, Middletown, CT, to create an energy, and energy related sciences company positioned to implement proprietary technologies in the Geothermal and Solar sectors nationally and globally.

Through several Space Act Agreements, the newly formed group is positioned to take a leading role in bringing into the commercial/private sector, proprietary NASA technologies including advancements in energy production, battery (Storage) technologies, nanotechnology and health related advancements.

By combining resources and best practices, the strategic partnership will enhance operations and create efficiencies at all levels of the new company, including generation, transmission and distribution.

Earlier this week MSGI announced that a Note Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed between Madison And Wall Investments LLC. and the previous holders of all convertible notes from December 2006 through March 2009. The buyer agreed to convert all of these debt instruments valued at $12 million into Preferred Stock of MSGI thus extinguishing the entire debt. They further agreed not to trade the stock of MSGI before 12/31/10.

Through MSGI Energy, which will be majority owned by MSGI and minority owned by Franklin Energy, the company will strive to become the first fully integrated renewable energy company in America by delivering Solar Power and Geothermal Energy onto the grid in a distributed method. MSGI Energy and Franklin Energy will form and operate solar farms across America fueled by stimulus grants provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This new Renewable Energy platform will be the commercialization vehicle for the NASA Solar Energy innovations currently under development at Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California.

Franklin Energy is an affiliate of Madison and Wall Investments and both businesses share common ownership. Franklin Energy is a structured company established by Franklin Power and Light, another affiliated company in the deregulated electrical energy markets in the United States. The company (www.franklinpl.com) launched operations in 2007 to achieve customer acquisition through an aggressive roll-up of existing suppliers, aggregators and network marketing throughout all of the deregulated markets.

Jeremy Barbera, Chairman and CEO of MSGI commented, “Beginning with our NASA partnership from this fall, followed by the recapitalization of the company, and now by joining forces with Franklin Energy, we have successfully rebirthed the company in a growing sustainable industry. MSGI and Franklin Energy are in a position to take a leadership role in the utilization of emerging technology, while creating new jobs, expanding infrastructure and generating clean renewable energy. We are a perfect example of why stimulus grants have been made available - to innovate and stimulate the economy; one company at a time. We have joined with best of breed partners and can now begin to reward our shareholders with the most tangible outcome: results that will yield material financial returns in the near term.”

“Our first priority will be to restore the Company’s listing on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange,” added Barbera.

Christopher Plummer, Chairman and CEO of Franklin Energy commented, “The combination of Franklin Energy and MSGI Energy will create a rock-solid portfolio of electric generation businesses, increasing value for our shareholders immediately and in the longer term. Just as significant as the strong strategic fit of our companies is the cultural fit. Franklin Energy and MSGI Energy share compatible values, operating philosophies and views of the future. The increased scope and scale will make the combined company a major industry leader with a strong balance sheet and a low-cost generation portfolio. Both companies are known for operational excellence as well as strong customer service and reliability.

“We are creating a top-tier energy company that will assume a key leadership role in the future of our industry while delivering benefits to all of our shareholders. Moreover, with the vast real estate land holdings of Franklin Energy and its affiliated companies, we look forward to an aggressive expansion of Solar and Geothermal Operations in the coming year. This combination creates a stronger platform from which to continue our leadership in finding practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing our industry and country,” added Plummer.

Kenneth Roque-Bragg Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Franklin Energy stated, “This union is a great strategic fit and it leaves us well positioned for continued consolidation in the energy sector, as both of the electric businesses will have the scale to stand alone. Importantly, it also provides an immediate and significant improvement for our merchant operations and enhances their future prospects.”

CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. Launches Solar Energy Services Group

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:19 GMT

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced a significant expansion of its solar energy services capabilities and an enhanced commitment to sustainable property ownership through the launch of CBRE Solar.

CBRE Solar will provide services to the Company’s clients, initially in the United States and Canada. Its service offering encompasses a broad range of solar energy solutions for clients, including solar power purchase agreements, roof leases, advisory services, project development services, project management services and solar project investment opportunities.

“As the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, we will play a leading role in the solar distributed generation market. CBRE Solar puts us in an ideal position to assist our corporate services and asset services clients in understanding and navigating the complexities of the solar market to efficiently maximize their real estate and achieve their sustainability and energy-cost reduction goals,” said Mike Lafitte, president of the Americas for CB Richard Ellis.

“Given the unparalleled breadth and depth of our relationships, we are in a unique position to aggregate solar projects and achieve economies of scale in equipment, installation and financing costs for the benefit of our clients,” said Dave Pogue, national director of sustainability at CB Richard Ellis.

CBRE Solar will work with Smart Energy Capital (SEC), a solar finance, development and advisory firm. The principals of SEC have a deep background and successful track record in structuring and arranging innovative financing solutions for solar related projects and developing renewable energy projects. They have managed a portfolio of over 300 megawatts of solar projects and raised in excess of $200 billion of innovative financings. They also bring extensive global relationships with leading solar equipment manufacturers, contractors, capital sources, power companies and utilities. Their background and resources will help CBRE deliver best-in-class solar energy solutions to its clients.

“We are thrilled to be a part of CB Richard Ellis’ solar solution. Combining our finance and solar industry experience with CB Richard Ellis’ world-class commercial real estate services platform will enable CBRE Solar to positively impact the growth of the market for distributed solar generation,” said Rob Krugel, Managing Partner of SEC.

Bloomberg New Energy Finance Names New Energy Pioneers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:07 GMT

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bloomberg New Energy Finance today named its first five ever New Energy Pioneers. The companies – AlertMe, the Dyesol Group, Magnomatics, Novacem, and Topell Energy – represent a range of sectors, from energy storage conversion to energy efficiency and transportation. The companies were recognized at the third annual Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit in London.

New for the 2010 Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit, the Pioneers Programme recognises five companies that Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysts consider to be highly promising and progressive in the field of new energy technology and innovation.

“Bloomberg New Energy Finance chose these companies because we feel they are potential ‘game changers’ in new energy technology and innovation,” said Michael Liebreich, chief executive of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. “The work they are doing is progressive and significant to the future of the energy sector, and they could play a significant role in the world’s transition to a lower carbon, more secure, smart, decentralised energy system.”

Bloomberg New Energy Finance analysts chose the recipients after assessing hundreds of companies from across the globe, spanning all areas of energy technology. The decision was based on three criteria: innovation, traction and potential. Each of the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Pioneers has not only demonstrated a ground-breaking new technology, but also the ability to implement it in real-life situations.

AlertMe, headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is a leading provider of home energy management systems, extending the reach of Smart Grid and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks into the home. AlertMe allows users to visualize their energy usage and cost in real time, as well as automating usage optimization by utilizing information such as who is in the home and when, analyzing home temperatures, and allowing automatic switch-off of appliances.

The Dyesol Group is the world leader in development and commercialization of third generation photovoltaic power – solar cells that mimic nature, based on the principles of photosynthesis and nanotechnology, and that enable grid competitive solar power. Headquartered in Queanbeyan, Australia, with operations worldwide, Dyesol’s dye solar cells are presently being integrated into projects ranging from coil steel roofing products with Corus in Wales, to automotive applications and glass products for commercial buildings.

Magnomatics, headquartered in Sheffield, UK, develops and delivers revolutionary magnetic transmissions and ultra-compact and highly efficient magnetically-geared motors and generators. Magnomatics technology can deliver a lighter, more compact generator for a wind turbine; a more reliable transmission system for an aircraft’s flight control surface, or a more efficient motor for anything from a hybrid car to an aircraft carrier.

Novacem is headquartered in London, and is developing a new generation of recyclable carbon negative cement. In contrast to traditional cement, Novacem’s manufacturing process causes minimal CO2 emissions and does not require high-temperature processing. The cement hardens by absorbing atmospheric CO2, is resistant to moisture and biological activity and offers the unique potential to develop 'carbon negative' construction products.

Topell Energy is headquartered in The Netherlands, and manufactures second-generation high caloric, solid biofuels for use in the production of electricity as well as heat and for transportation fuels in the long term. The bio-pellets produced by Topell Energy cost less to transport, less to produce, and are claimed to be 92 to 94 percent more carbon-efficient than alternatives.

The Bloomberg New Energy Finance Pioneers Programme is sponsored by Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Autodesk’s portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping software helps customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built.

“Autodesk is focused on enabling smarter, more sustainable design decisions at every step of the design process and furthering the adoption of sustainable design practices,” said Erwin Burth, director of the European Clean Tech Partner Program at Autodesk. “We serve hundreds of clean technology customers around the world and are committed helping them address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. We congratulate the 2010 Bloomberg New Energy Finance Pioneers for their clean energy leadership and innovation.”

Mitsubishi Electric Teams Up with East West Bank to Provide Solar Power to The Port of West Sacramento

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:05 GMT

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mitsubishi Electric announced today that it has teamed up with East West Bank to provide a 637kW DC solar PV system to The Port of West Sacramento. The system includes 3,536 Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic modules covering 90,000 square feet on the rooftops of two rice warehouse buildings.

The solar system was designed to meet all of the port’s electricity needs for the next 25 years and is expected to reduce the Port of West Sacramento’s energy costs by $20,000 annually. The construction loan and long term financing was provided by East West Bank. “This project fits in well with our bank's 'Go Green' initiative to promote the expansion of the clean tech industry in California,” says K.Y. Cheng, Executive Vice President of East West Bank.

The solar installation is just one step the port is taking to reduce its impact on the environment. The port is also improving the energy efficiency of its operations and plans to implement a “marine highway” container barge system in cooperation with the Port of Oakland and Port of Stockton to reduce harmful air emissions.

“In addition to all of the other steps we’re taking to improve our environmental performance, this new solar installation clearly demonstrates that we’re serious about our intent to become one of the greenest ports in the country,” said Mike Luken, Port of West Sacramento manager.

The project utilizes 100 percent lead-free solder solar modules from Mitsubishi Electric. “We commend the Port of West Sacramento for going solar and setting a great example for other ports to follow,” says Gina Heng, general manager for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division. “We are excited about our working with East West Bank in the solar industry, where financing solutions for PV projects are in high demand.”

New Jersey Resources Announces New, Innovative Solar Program to Provide Renewable Energy and Savings to Customers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:50 GMT

WALL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey Resources (NJR) today announced the launch of its first solar program. The innovative offering will provide customers with solar panels with no upfront, installation or maintenance costs and make renewable energy more affordable and accessible. In addition to its initial program, NJR is also in the process of exploring several other solar and renewable opportunities in the residential, commercial and industrial markets.

While purchasing solar panels can typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, even with generous rebates from the state, NJR Home Services, an unregulated subsidiary of NJR, will lease solar panels to homeowners for approximately $52 per month for a six-kilowatt system over a 20-year period. That monthly rate is fixed over the life of the lease and includes all installation and maintenance costs.

“With renewable energy increasingly becoming a larger component of the energy mix and a priority in our state and nation, we have identified a unique opportunity to provide our customers with an affordable and easy way to access solar power and save on their electricity costs,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJR. “Any time we can help our customers save money, that’s good news. While this initial program is just our first step, we are continuing to look for new opportunities in the solar market to help customers save money and energy and meet our state’s renewable energy goals.”

NJR plans to initially make this offer to approximately 130 residential customers, and assuming full participation, expects to invest up to $4 million. Investments made by the company will qualify for a 30 percent federal investment tax credit along with current New Jersey Clean Energy Program rebates up to $1.55 per kilowatt installed. In addition, the energy produced will be eligible for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which can be sold to Load Serving Entities in New Jersey to meet their renewable energy requirements. Lease payments from residential customers will provide additional return on investment.

Customers will realize savings immediately following the turn on of the interconnect switch of the system to electric utility’s meter. The renewable technology is estimated to save the average homeowner approximately $100 a month on electric costs, based on current prices. Over the life of the lease, customers may save more than $20,000 in electric costs while generating clean, reliable power for their home.

To be eligible for this program home’s must have a south facing roof in order to draw maximum exposure from the sun (southeast to southwest facing roofs may be acceptable). The roof area must be clear of shading from trees or other structures and be no more than five years old so that the life of the lease coincides with the average life of a roof. Interested customers who meet the eligibility criteria above should call NJR Home Services at 1-877-466-3657 for additional information.

New Jersey is considered a clean energy leader. In providing solar technologies to residents through generous rebates and incentives, the state is advancing the objectives of the energy master plan. NJR supports the state’s goals though its solar program and Conserve to Preserve® efforts, which help customers to save energy and money.

Daylight Saving Time: What's it Saving?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:49 GMT

Does “traveling” through time save energy? Is that lost hour of spring sleep really worth it? Where are the savings in Daylight Saving Time and would the Western world be better off dropping the whole thing and moving on with its life?

A (Very) Brief History of DST

In 1784, after noticing how many residents slept through sunny summer mornings, Benjamin Franklin published an anonymous, satirical letter to Parisians suggesting they get up two hours earlier to conserve candles. Franklin did not suggest they adopt Daylight Saving Time (DST), although often mistakenly credited as doing so, but he did foreshadow a primary controversy that has followed DST around since its 1895 conception by New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson (who enjoyed the extra daylight to scour for insects) – does DST actually save energy?

Even after Hudson and then Brit William Willet fought for DST, it took until World War I for Europe and the United States to temporarily adopt the shift. Then it went in and out of favor – slowly gaining widespread usage in Europe and North America (most of Asia and Africa still do not observe it) – throughout the 20th Century, usually finding its way onto legislative arenas during wartime or energy crises.

Except for a handful of adjustments, DST as we know it in America has been around since the 1960s, when Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which did not force all states to adopt DST, but merely said that if adopted it must be done uniformly. At that time, it was thought DST would save energy on incandescent lighting, then the primary use of electricity, although now things are more complicated due to widespread heating and cooling.

How DST Works

Daylight Saving Time makes summer days longer, as well as a portion of spring and fall days. As it stands right now, Standard Time “springs forward” at 2:00am on the second Sunday of March, creating darker mornings and brighter evenings until, on the first Sunday in November, it “falls back” into Standard Time. The idea is that people will be happier and more active thanks to more after-work daylight hours to spend outdoors. It's also believed to conserve energy because the sun is out later and homes are naturally warmer and well-lit until closer to the average person's bedtime. Obviously, darker, potentially colder mornings would increase the need for light and heat before work, but the belief is that lower energy usage at night outweighs increased usage in the morning. Thus, energy and money is saved.

Well, the thing about that is…who the hell knows? No one can seem to agree whether DST saves or costs both energy and money, or whether it is simply obsolete.

Most of the world's population does not adhere to DST. According to the California Energy Commission, some 70 countries worldwide embrace it and, while that may seem like a lot, note that most of Africa and Asia do not. So DST is definitely in the minority in terms of global population. In the United States, most of Arizona and all of Hawaii do not oblige the time change. Much of Indiana did not until the latest DST adjustment by the Bush administration, but more on that in a moment.

The recreation, retail, sports and tourism industries have historically supported DST because more time for consumers to be out and about means more money for these sectors. Farmers and the entertainment industry tend to oppose it because a farmer's schedule is dependent on sunlight, and longer days cut into prime-time revenues for entertainment outlets. But none of that is here or there in terms of energy.

The Energy Crisis

Since the 60s, many studies have been conducted to determine if DST actually saves energy. These studies are in a perpetual state of conflict. For example, during the energy crisis of the 1970s, a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which holds jurisdiction over DST, found in 1975 that longer evening daylight hours might reduce electricity consumption in the country by one percent in March and April. Yet a review of that study in 1976 by the National Bureau of Standards found no significant savings.

That trend repeats throughout recent history, all the way up to our most recent decade. In yet another effort to conserve energy, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed into law by George W. Bush included another extension of DST. It moved the time change to three weeks earlier in the spring and one week later in the fall. The change went into effect in March of 2007.

It was then that the entire state of Indiana decided to adopt DST. Because several counties had already been observing DST, it gave Matthew Kotchen and Laura Grant of the University of Santa Barbara a unique opportunity to study firsthand the effects of DST on energy consumption. Their study, released in 2008, found that electricity usage actually increased in Indiana following the switch, a fact primarily contributed to an increased need for air conditioning on hot summer days and an increase in heating on darker mornings in the spring and fall.

At that point, it seemed like the jury might be in on DST — that contrary to popular belief, it actually hurt energy efficiency and cost homeowners and the state more money than sticking to standard time year-round. But of course, the Indiana case study is not without criticism, which boils down to the assertion that Indiana cannot represent the entirety of the USA. A handful of studies in California have found either that DST saves a small amount of energy or has little or no effect on energy at all, but certainly doesn't cost the state energy.

And that tends to be how the debate over DST goes. The US has so many different climates that the effect of changing time to suit schedules in summer time (what DST is called in Europe) varies. Up to this point, no comprehensive nationwide study is complete, although apparently the federal government is in the process of doing just that.

So is DST Worth it or Not?

My extremely strong opinion on the matter? It depends. The fact is that percentage-wise, there seems to be little effect, although a difference of one percent in any state, especially energy-hungry California, can equal a heck of a lot of saved GHG emissions and cost savings. Of course, nobody can say for sure if any energy is actually saved.

Here's the conundrum. Yes, in a state like Indiana, DST might actually cost energy, but in another state or region it might have a significant impact. The problem is that we live in an interconnected world, so it does nobody any good to have everybody running on a different clock. Time zones alone present enough problems in that respect.

So energy-wise, I opine that DST is essentially pointless, an opinion I'll stick to until I see the results of a broader study (which will no doubt have to be inordinately complex and probably befuddling to most of us). Most of the world's population does not observe it in any way and we live in an ever more globalized society.

Now there are other effects of DST beyond energy — traffic accidents, crime, health, economy, et al. — each as contentious as the rest. Wikipedia has a good survey of information on those factors, their own respective controversies and plenty of links to other resources if you're interested.

But for now, the only reason I can see to hold on to the DST model is convenience and luxury. Even in standard time, few of us actually rise with the sun in summertime. Most peoples' routines have been structured around the nine-to-five workday, so even if the sun rose at 5 a.m., the majority would probably sleep until it's time to get ready for work. So, just as Benjamin Franklin, George Vernon Hudson and William Willet suggested at least a century ago, having that extra hour of daylight to frolic, relax, take a walk or just get outside under the bright summer sun…well…who, if it's not costing us valuable energy, is going to complain about that? Not me.

And hey, maybe someday over the rainbow, solar power and renewable energy will provide the majority of our electricity and all this will be a moot point. Unless you're a farmer or a major media outlet.

Links:

Wikipedia: Daylight Saving Time

Wikipedia: Time in the United States

California Energy Commission

Wall Street Journal

Frogs, foam and fuel: Solar energy converted to sugars

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00 GMT

In natural photosynthesis, plants take in solar energy and carbon dioxide and then convert it to oxygen and sugars. The oxygen is released to the air and the sugars are dispersed throughout the plant -- like that sweet corn we look for in the summer. Unfortunately, the allocation of light energy into products we use is not as efficient as we would like. Now engineering researchers are doing something about that.

San Antonio PACE Program in Jeopardy

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:36 GMT

An innovative municipal solar incentive program is spreading like wildfire across America. Based on a program devised in Berkeley, California, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds are provided by the municipality and paid for over time through voluntary property tax increases tied to the home (rather than the individual). Several cities across the country have or are scrambling to adopt PACE incentives. Virtually all have met with immediate success.

However, one recently developed program in San Antonio, Texas is in dire straits due to a conflict with existing statewide real estate law. A number of solar-incentivizing bills failed in the Texas legislature last year, with only one slipping through. That bill, which allowed Texas cities the freedom to develop PACE programs, set the wheels motion in several towns, including San Antonio, which would also offer loans for solar hot water, geothermal heating and cooling, and several energy efficiency upgrades.

The problem is this: the San Antonio City Council wants to tie PACE loans to the front end of mortgages to guarantee that home solar power systems are paid off before the end of the mortgage (Terms for PACE loans are typically around 20 years). Unfortunately, the city council's desires seem to conflict with Texas real estate laws and, local solar proponents fear, will make it nearly impossible for the city to secure bonds from insurers due to the added risk brought on by the struggling housing market.

According to Solar San Antonio, nearly 40 percent of residents are eager to go solar, but may not get the chance, at least not anytime soon. There are existing incentives offered for solar PV and solar hot water systems by city-owned utility CPS Energy, but despite the $3/watt rebate on PV systems, there are still thousands of dollars in up-front costs to be contended with in a city not known for extreme wealth. Such is the case in almost every city in the country, and a reason why PACE has been so successful.

Fully aware that PACE programs are the best thing residential solar power has going for it right now, local solar proponents and city officials are searching for a solution. According to the San Antonio Current, there are two options on the table right now. One is a return to the state legislature (which doesn't meet again until 2011) to hammer out the conflict or get the federal government to guarantee loans. That, say those involved, is the only way that insurers will accept the risk and dole out bonds to San Antonio and other Texas cities. Apparently, the federal option is being pursued right now.

This is the first major obstacle I've heard of for burgeoning PACE programs kicking off around the nation. And it certainly puts a damper on the only government incentive option in place for cities in our second largest state, and one with a hefty dose of annual sunshine. In the absence of a national feed-in tariff or renewable portfolio standard, as well as any state level rebates, the success of solar power in Texas in the short term may really depend on how fast San Antonio can get their PACE on track.

Via San Antonio Current

Photo Credit: Solar San Antonio

Azusa, California

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:20 GMT

Each morning, as the sun casts its light down to San Gabriel Canyon, more than 100 kilowatts-worth of solar panels kick into action in Azusa, California, feeding clean and green energy into a very busy Los Angeles County electric grid. And that's just the start. More and more of that bright southern sunlight is being harnessed and redistributed to provide light and warmth inside and out of Azusa homes and businesses.

Now, if Azusa is the local Camelot of solar power, then Cardinal Laboratories is its King Arthur. This local pet food producer and distributor is the epicenter of solar power in the city, currently on its own crusade to become a completely solar-powered company. Sure enough, just last fall, phase one of that crusade took effect when Cardinal Labs switched on a 367-panel, 71.4-kW solar photovoltaic system at its manufacturing and distribution center, making that facility 100-percent solar-powered. Phase two (already underway) involves the construction of a new solar-powered distribution center elsewhere in Azusa, followed by phase three: the energy efficient upgrade and solar transformation of its Cardinal Pet Care food distribution center. In Azusa, Cardinal Labs is a solar power symbol of Excalibur proportions, and a sure inspiration to the Round Table of solar knights to come.

When the California Solar Initiative went into effect in 2006, Azusa got right to it. Azusa Power and Light, local municipal utility, began offering rebates of $2.80 per watt, plus another $1.20 premium if the owner gave up their green energy credits. And, like a hungry answer to a dinner bell, solar power is moving in to the Canyon City, with at least three more solar projects to come this summer when a new round of government funding arrives.

As impressive as Azusa's blossoming solar resume is, the city impresses in many other green ways as well. Most notable is Azusa Power and Light's trendsetting LED TV rebates. Big, flat-screen HDTVs waste a lot of energy and heat. LED televisions, on the other hand, run much cooler and more efficiently, all while providing a better picture. In a land of entertainment, what could be better than a rebate for our number-one entertainment device?

Rebates are offered at 25% of the cost of the television, but Azusa residents can get a check for up to $750 in return for purchasing a more energy efficient TV. Not to mention $250 for an LED computer monitor. Excitement around these rebates is so high, it's like a renaissance fair in King Arthur's England — the real deal. Azusa was the FIRST city in California to adopt an LED TV rebate program and possibly the first in the entire country!

Now that's Solar City leadership. And not without its crusades, either. We've already mentioned Cardinal Labs' winning joust against fossil fuel energy. On the energy efficiency side of the round table, Paul Reid of Azusa Light and Water will be speaking at the 30th Annual Utility Energy Forum in Northern California to spread the good word about LED televisions and monitors, as well as the rebates that have Azusa and a growing number of other cities coming out of the dark ages ahead of the pack, enjoying a knightly mix of solar power, green building and energy efficient entertainment.

City Lifts Beekeeping Ban!

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:48 GMT

The city's Board of Health has decided to end its decades-long ban on city beekeeping, and allow the honey to flow! Just minutes ago, the AP reported that the movement to legalize bees has succeeded.

Honeybees are non-aggressive, and the very low incidence of bee stings within the city limits convinced the Board to change the rules. Honeybees are great pollinators, and allowing rooftop hives and so forth will be a fantastic boon to the burgeoning urban agriculture movement!

Go bees!

(via Gothamist/AP)

Northern New Mexico Construction Company Installs Evacuated Tube Solar Thermal Collectors

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:55 GMT

CHESAPEAKE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Panels Plus (SPP) announced that its SPP-25 evacuated tube solar thermal collectors are being installed on homes built by Los Ebanistas Construction in Northern New Mexico. SPP is a designer and manufacturer of photovoltaic solar panels, solar water heating collectors, solar air conditioning and heating systems. Los Ebanistas is a home builder specializing in the construction of residential frame and adobe homes in Northern New Mexico.

“Solar Panels Plus is pleased to see our solar thermal collectors being installed in New Mexico and we look forward to providing more home owners with the industry’s most efficient solar products,” said John Williams, COO, Solar Panels Plus. “Evacuated tube collectors are the right choice for Northern New Mexico, as well as for any area where temperatures can be too low for flat-panel type collectors to perform well year-round. It’s encouraging to see more people learning about evacuated tube solar thermal collectors and taking advantage of this cost effective technology.”

The first Los Ebanistas solar thermal system was installed at their main facility and consists of seven SPP-30 solar thermal collectors, each with 30 evacuated tubes. For residential single family homes, a smaller 25-tube version, the SPP-25, is used. The SPP collectors work especially well in situations where water temperatures at or above 120ºF are needed regardless of cold or cloudy climate conditions. The evacuated tube collectors function in almost any environment, including cold or freezing climates.

“We have already installed two solar water heating systems from SPP and have orders for five more,” said Mark Johnson, owner, Los Ebanistas. “The system works extremely well considering the cold climate of Northern New Mexico, and it can easily produce 120ºF water in a snowstorm or on a cloudy day.”

As an incentive for installing a solar thermal system, homeowners in New Mexico will receive a 10 percent solar credit (up to $9,000) and the federal government will pay 30 percent in the form of a federal tax credit. The 7 percent sales tax is also waived on a solar system purchase.

“We’ve been building homes for thirty years and we are now officially ‘green builders.’ SPP has been great to work with, providing us with quality solar products suitable for this environment as well as outstanding technical support,” said Johnson.

Evolution Solar Pursues Green Initiative in Texas

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:36 GMT

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Management of Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets: EVSO) announced a successful green initiative meeting with candidate for city council, Yolanda Ford, who also works as a City Planner for Missouri City, Texas. The family-oriented community, home to about 70,000 residents, is strategically located in the Houston area in the heart of Fort Bend County. This initial meeting is expected to be followed by more in pursuit of new solar projects for the company.

"I believe constituents will embrace local government encouraging developers to build sustainable communities that are energy efficient, safe and non-toxic for their families,” stated Robert Hines, President of Evolution Solar Corp. “We are looking forward to working with state and local governments to start implementing solutions.”

Yolanda Ford, City Planner of Missouri City said “It is also my professional belief that local city and county government offices should begin to look at simple adaptations to facilities with items such as solar lights and solar panels so that they serve as a green initiative paradigm for developers and design professionals.”

Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be placed at the university’s Houston campus. This project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in an industry that is growing to compete in the energy industry, currently dominated by Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM), Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX), Conoco Phillips (NYSE: COP) and BP (NYSE: BP).