Moving into our third year, The Solar and Wind Expo has taken a major step and change in direction to create an online community of those who are aficionados of renewable energy. In 2009, I created The Solar and Wind Expo, a renewable energy consumer trade show that showcases the newest products coming to market and works to enlighten everyone as to what is possible today in green technology.
It has always been my vision to unite the renewable energy community in one location where consumers can meet manufacturers, installers, architects and multiple renewable energy advocates in one place. A community where ideas and questions can be voiced heard and answered. This vision is now a reality at Solar and Wind Living dot com.
The newly redesigned website, SolarandWindLiving.com, provides an online forum for consumers, manufacturers, suppliers and installers to share information and experiences regarding renewable energy. Solar and Wind Living allows its users to create accounts and sign into the website to easily view and locate the content in which they are interested and/or comment on articles, ask questions, and more. The renewable energy industry changes daily. It’s more important than ever to keep up with new products, public policy, and to find resources to allow for due diligence prior to purchase and to learn from the experiences of others. Solar and Wind Living provides a forum to do just that!
Clearly now is the time to bring consumers with the desire to live green together with manufacturers, financiers, advocacy groups and government entities with the shared mission to make green a reality.
So now, when you type in Solar and Wind Expo, you will be directed to Solar and Wind Living. All of the Solar and Wind Expo information you are accustomed to will be at this new website, along with lots of other new content.
The Solar and Wind Expo will remain our signature event and will continue to come to select cities all over this land and others. We are all so proud and excited that this vision is becoming a reality and look forward to talking to you at Solar and Wind Living and seeing you at the Solar and Wind Expo.
Do check us out on line and be sure to leave us a comment.
Sincerely,
George Lopez
Executive Director
Solar and Wind Living
Showing posts with label Wind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wind. Show all posts
Monday, January 16, 2012
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Developing Renewable Energy in the Developing World
by Richard Harrod
 |
| Obama's Granmother goes Solar |
Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind but also geothermal and biomass among others, is growing in spite of the global economic downturn. In this rapidly evolving industry, key players have already emerged; China, the United States, Germany, Spain, Denmark and the United Kingdom. What is not often reported is that many countries in the developing world are also actively seeking to harness their renewable energy resources.
In India, the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country, the government has created its own separate agency to spearhead the Indian renewable energy initiative. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with the purpose of bringing solar electricity to the countryside and to establish India as a leader in the solar industry. The Ministry also has launched a nationwide initiative to promote biomass as an alternative cooking fuel. The country also has a burgeoning homegrown solar manufacturing sector with companies such as India Solar Solutions and IndoSolar experiencing strong growth.
 |
| Kenya |
Another country that is making a foray into renewable energy is Kenya. The east African country has been implementing a series of feed-in tariff policies to spur investment in renewable energy, particularly solar. Kenya is the world leader in number of solar systems installed per capita (not in terms of megawatts). The number of solar panels sold annually in Kenya is over 30,000. More Kenyans adopt solar power per year than connect to the country’s electric grid. Many Kenyans install solar panels themselves and use makeshift inverters to create power.
In Latin America, Costa Rica is a renewable energy leader. Approximately 99% of Costa Rica’s electricity comes from renewable energy, principally hydroelectricity and industrial wind power. While the country does have some oil reserves on its Atlantic Coast, the government has consciously decided not to exploit them due to the environmental impact. Even though the country is reliant on imports for fossil fuels, its temperate climate does not create the demand for oil or gas heating that countries at higher latitudes experience. This means that as far as electricity is concerned, Costa Rica is essentially self sufficient and energy independent. Other Latin American countries such as Chile, Peru and Brazil are following suit and investing more capital in renewable energy projects and mandates.
 |
| Costa Rica |
What can be learned from these examples? I think it showcases the ability of renewable energy to be a bridge to growth for developing countries and possibly all nations everywhere. In countries such as India, where many in the countryside still lack electricity, solar has the ability to bring them light. Similarly in Kenya, where the energy infrastructure is marginal at best, solar power can provide a quick and cost-effective alternative to generate electricity for the average citizen. Costa Rica’s self sufficient and self contained electric grid should be an inspiration to the world. If a tiny and relatively poor country can generate all its own power from renewable resources, then almost certainly a large, powerful, industrialized and wealthy country like the United States can do the same.
Friday, August 26, 2011
AM I A TREEHUGGER?
The next thing that came out of his mouth was eye opening. He said “who the tree huggers?” I almost fell backwards and thought to myself, am I a tree hugger? This can’t be true. No way, I just like renewable energy, and breathing clean air and the trees and the birds and wait, did I say trees? Oh my god, I am a tree hugger.
So the next thing that he asked was “are you a tree hugger?” So I replied without much excuse, “Yes I guess I am”. After a few laughs we began a friendly discussion about the same drainage system that prompted this revelation. He asked “why is it so important to have a rain barrel or a way to filter the water?” He felt the water from the roof was clean enough. What he did not know was that rainwater not only needed to be clean, but it had to be cooled and slowed before it entered the bay and its tributaries. That’s when he almost fell backwards and said “is that why? I never knew that”
It turns out that he loves the trees too and has a cabin in the woods and likes to ride four wheelers, etc. So we talked about electric vehicles and how much more enjoyable it would be for him and his young kids if they could ride four wheelers that did not pollute with sound and smoke and oil. Then he said something that made us both laugh “I guess deep down inside I am a tree hugger too.”
My point here is that most people in our country do not have any objections to clean renewable energy and to environmentally friendly water systems, etc. It would help them to understand why some of us are fighting for these new systems. When I take the time to explain to people that I too like to drive fast cars and ride four wheelers and water ski and all the stuff that they like to do, then they begin to understand that the only thing I despise is dirty and unsustainable energy. As a matter of fact most people, if not all, disagree with the consequences of choosing dirty energy.
So next time someone calls me a tree hugger I may just have to say, thank you.
By George Lopez
One of the most amazing aspects of WaterShed is that the beautiful structure soon to be on display on the National Mall
once resided simply on a piece of paper; an idea sprung from the collective creativity and ingenuity of a handful of students. One of those students is Lynn Khuu.
The Most Important Natural Gas Story in a Decade
Wyatt Investment Research
Well, the Department of Energy answered that question, saying that they will defer to the USGS. Now, keep in mind, the DOE is a cabinet department of the Executive Branch. The USGS is an offshoot of the Department of the Interior - another cabinet ...
EPA meets with Pa. residents over drilling fears
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
15, 2010 file photo, water plant operator Torrey Jones checks the clarity of a sample of treated water at the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority water treatment plant in Beaver Falls, Pa. A US Department of Energy panel wants energy companies to reveal ...
19 Easton traffic lights to get LED bulbs
The Star Democrat
Terry Daly, Loan Program Manager from the Maryland Clean Energy Center, ... by the US Department of Energy through the Maryland Energy Administration. ...
GM, LG to Co-Develop Electric Cars
Wall Street Journal
By SHARON TERLEP General Motors Co. and South Korea's LG Group on Thursday disclosed an agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, a goal increasingly important to auto makers as they work to meet stricter US fuel economy regulations. ...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Future of Farming in Maryland
The future of farming came to the Eastern Shore of Maryland Monday as a group of farmers accepted the invitation of ATech Energy to see a presentation about small scale wind. The presentation was enlightening, covering everything from how a small wind turbine is built and installed, the footprint it requires on the land, and of course, the combination of state and federal incentives that make this a good financial deal for the farmers.
Of course, sustainability and stewardship of the land are cornerstones of farming so it is no wonder that farmers are interested. The sweetener is that wind power can save them money with an investment that will pay off in a relatively short period of time. Farmers are very financially savvy – they have to be – so they are open to new ideas and new technologies.
ATech is part of the Atlantic Tractor company so farmers are long-time customers anyway and the meeting was replete with easy-going familiarity and common interests.
ATech is in the midst of an installation of a wind turbine at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, just a few miles from where the presentation was given, in Cambridge. The concrete foundation is currently in its month-long curing process and the turbine should be functional by late September, saving the college money on its utility bill and acting as a focal point for the College’s Center for Leadership in Environmental Education (CLEEn).
The turbine will be a stunning addition to the landscape, visible by Eastern Shore locals and thousands on the way to the ocean on busy Route 50.
The College has ambitious plans for its Center: “A wind and solar education facility, CLEEn … will model emerging renewable energy technologies while providing education and training opportunities for students and small businesses. A leader in energy conservation and sustainability initiatives, Chesapeake College continues to demonstrate with this proposed facility its commitment to environmental sustainability as a global and regional responsibility, and to enhancing economic development on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.”
The ATech presentation focused on “small wind” vs. utility-sized turbines. Small wind turbines are typically 37 meters (approx. 121 feet) high, rather than the 110 meters (approx. 362 feet) high turbines typically seen at the top of ridgelines out West. Small wind turbines are referred to as “distributed wind,” that is, producing electricity that is generated and used on-site, “behind the meter,” offsetting the retail cost off electricity. By contrast “big wind,” projects, such as off-shore turbines, produce electricity that must be transmitted, typically by utility lines, for use on the grid elsewhere.
The presentation answered many questions on the mind of anyone new to the concept of wind power.
For example, how much wind is needed and what if it doesn’t blow all the time? ATech Wind Specialist Gary Sorrelle explained that the company uses scientifically produced wind maps along with ground-truth methods to determine where the turbine would be sited. And not that much wind is needed for these units to generate power. At a height of 10 meters, away from trees, buildings and other obstructions that produce turbulence, even wind at 5 and 10 mph can be put to work. Of course, more is better. The math behind it indicates that a doubling of wind speed results in eight times the power produced. So, each little bit of breeze helps.
What about noise? Will there be a thump-thump sound that will bother people and animals? The answer is that even as close as 66 feet from the base, the sound is no louder than a home air conditioner or ambient noise at a crowded restaurant.
What about maintenance? The expected life of a small wind machine is 25 to 30 years if yearly maintenance is done conscientiously. Think of it as you would your car. You have to take care of it to keep it running.
Andrew Gohn, Clean Energy Program Manager of the Maryland Energy Administration discussed net-metering legislation, which is county-by-county in Maryland. That is the legislation that allows private entities such as farms to sell back excess energy produced to the utility. The formulas are too complex and county-specific to go into here, but the presentation showed that money can be made from this process.
State and federal incentives were discussed as well. In Maryland in particular, the incentives are very favorable. Some of the biggest federal incentives, however, are about to expire so farmers would be wise to get projects started before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of what’s available. The estimated payback period for a typical wind turbine installation, with all available incentives in place today, could be as little at four to six years.
The point of the story is that farmers are seeing that Now is the Time to invest in renewable energy. It just makes sense, from an environmental stewardship point of view and a financial point of view. And frankly, it makes a lot more sense than giving up acres of land to the installation of a Marcellus shale fracking operation. And wind will blow forever… long after the gas in the shale has run out. Plus, a wind turbine will not poison your drinking water. Now, there’s something to think about.
By Elvia Thompson
HEADLINES
Air Force doubles awards earned for energy savings
Air Force Link
by Margaret Breihan 8/23/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Leading the pack, team-driven excellence and noteworthy individual efforts from Air Force people earned recognition by the US Department of Energy through its annual Federal Energy and Water ...
Renewable Energy Bill Clears Japan's Lower House
Wall Street Journal
By Mitsuru Obe Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES TOKYO (Dow Jones)--The end of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan's term in office moved a step closer Tuesday as a landmark bill to promote renewable energy in the wake of the March 11 disasters passed through the ...
Grants program to improve energy efficiency re-upped
Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online
In 2011, the program, which is managed by the Maryland Energy Administration, awarded $2 million. In 2010 and 2009, it awarded $3.2 million and $3.5 million ...
US Department of Energy confirms $134m support for Abengoa ethanol plant
Business Green
By BusinessGreen staff The US Department of Energy has continued its drive to dish out financial support for cutting-edge clean tech projects ahead of swingeing budget cuts expected to take effect from next year, announcing the conditional approval of ...
BMW to Develop Two New Electric Cars
Haute Living
BMW's high-efficiency i range will be adding two new cars to its ranks: the i4 and i5. Earlier this month, the German automobile giant unveiled the i3, an electric car tailored for urban travel, and the i8, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – both of ...
To make green a reality visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
 |
| Center for Leadership in Environmental Education (CLEEn) |
Of course, sustainability and stewardship of the land are cornerstones of farming so it is no wonder that farmers are interested. The sweetener is that wind power can save them money with an investment that will pay off in a relatively short period of time. Farmers are very financially savvy – they have to be – so they are open to new ideas and new technologies.
ATech is part of the Atlantic Tractor company so farmers are long-time customers anyway and the meeting was replete with easy-going familiarity and common interests.
ATech is in the midst of an installation of a wind turbine at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, just a few miles from where the presentation was given, in Cambridge. The concrete foundation is currently in its month-long curing process and the turbine should be functional by late September, saving the college money on its utility bill and acting as a focal point for the College’s Center for Leadership in Environmental Education (CLEEn).
The turbine will be a stunning addition to the landscape, visible by Eastern Shore locals and thousands on the way to the ocean on busy Route 50.
 |
| Endurance E-3120 |
The ATech presentation focused on “small wind” vs. utility-sized turbines. Small wind turbines are typically 37 meters (approx. 121 feet) high, rather than the 110 meters (approx. 362 feet) high turbines typically seen at the top of ridgelines out West. Small wind turbines are referred to as “distributed wind,” that is, producing electricity that is generated and used on-site, “behind the meter,” offsetting the retail cost off electricity. By contrast “big wind,” projects, such as off-shore turbines, produce electricity that must be transmitted, typically by utility lines, for use on the grid elsewhere.
The presentation answered many questions on the mind of anyone new to the concept of wind power.
For example, how much wind is needed and what if it doesn’t blow all the time? ATech Wind Specialist Gary Sorrelle explained that the company uses scientifically produced wind maps along with ground-truth methods to determine where the turbine would be sited. And not that much wind is needed for these units to generate power. At a height of 10 meters, away from trees, buildings and other obstructions that produce turbulence, even wind at 5 and 10 mph can be put to work. Of course, more is better. The math behind it indicates that a doubling of wind speed results in eight times the power produced. So, each little bit of breeze helps.
What about noise? Will there be a thump-thump sound that will bother people and animals? The answer is that even as close as 66 feet from the base, the sound is no louder than a home air conditioner or ambient noise at a crowded restaurant.
What about maintenance? The expected life of a small wind machine is 25 to 30 years if yearly maintenance is done conscientiously. Think of it as you would your car. You have to take care of it to keep it running.
Andrew Gohn, Clean Energy Program Manager of the Maryland Energy Administration discussed net-metering legislation, which is county-by-county in Maryland. That is the legislation that allows private entities such as farms to sell back excess energy produced to the utility. The formulas are too complex and county-specific to go into here, but the presentation showed that money can be made from this process.
State and federal incentives were discussed as well. In Maryland in particular, the incentives are very favorable. Some of the biggest federal incentives, however, are about to expire so farmers would be wise to get projects started before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of what’s available. The estimated payback period for a typical wind turbine installation, with all available incentives in place today, could be as little at four to six years.
The point of the story is that farmers are seeing that Now is the Time to invest in renewable energy. It just makes sense, from an environmental stewardship point of view and a financial point of view. And frankly, it makes a lot more sense than giving up acres of land to the installation of a Marcellus shale fracking operation. And wind will blow forever… long after the gas in the shale has run out. Plus, a wind turbine will not poison your drinking water. Now, there’s something to think about.
By Elvia Thompson
HEADLINES
Air Force doubles awards earned for energy savings
Air Force Link
by Margaret Breihan 8/23/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Leading the pack, team-driven excellence and noteworthy individual efforts from Air Force people earned recognition by the US Department of Energy through its annual Federal Energy and Water ...
Renewable Energy Bill Clears Japan's Lower House
Wall Street Journal
By Mitsuru Obe Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES TOKYO (Dow Jones)--The end of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan's term in office moved a step closer Tuesday as a landmark bill to promote renewable energy in the wake of the March 11 disasters passed through the ...
Grants program to improve energy efficiency re-upped
Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online
In 2011, the program, which is managed by the Maryland Energy Administration, awarded $2 million. In 2010 and 2009, it awarded $3.2 million and $3.5 million ...
US Department of Energy confirms $134m support for Abengoa ethanol plant
Business Green
By BusinessGreen staff The US Department of Energy has continued its drive to dish out financial support for cutting-edge clean tech projects ahead of swingeing budget cuts expected to take effect from next year, announcing the conditional approval of ...
BMW to Develop Two New Electric Cars
Haute Living
BMW's high-efficiency i range will be adding two new cars to its ranks: the i4 and i5. Earlier this month, the German automobile giant unveiled the i3, an electric car tailored for urban travel, and the i8, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – both of ...
To make green a reality visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
New Jersey SREC Market Faces Possible Crash
Since New Jersey first began to put together a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in 1999 the state’s solar industry has been growing. Growth expanded into full-on boom as the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities successively increased the size of the solar carve-out over the past decade. This past month New Jersey reached 10,000 solar installations statewide. The only other state with more solar is California.
However, there is an important market factor to consider in the New Jersey solar bonanza. As solar became successful, New Jersey SREC prices soared to over $600 per REC. With the boom in solar installation the amount of renewable energy being generated by solar panels is now exceeding the Renewable Portfolio Standard’s requirement. This means that there is an excess of RECs and consequently the once high prices have steeply declined and there is substantial volatility in the market.
This is to be expected to a degree, as it conforms to the universal economic law of supply and demand. Most experts believe that following the correction, the market will stabilize over the next couple of years. On the other hand, there are steps state governments can take to ease the financial burden of homeowners who are counting on SRECs to help pay for their solar systems. Some legislators in New Jersey are now pushing for measures similar to those in Massachusetts that create a “floor” for SREC prices. However it is unclear how successful these efforts will be.
While he is not as overtly hostile to renewable energy as his shale-rich counterpart in Pennsylvania, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has taken some steps that alarm those in the renewable energy industry. As part of his “common sense” government solutions, Christie has unilaterally decided to withdraw the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, claiming that New Jersey has already done its part. In a 2010 Executive Order, Governor Christie also created a “Department of Environmental Protection Waiver Program”. This allows the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to disregard environmental regulations that it deems “overly burdensome” to the business community. This has been criticized by some as the “ultimate pay-to-play loophole”.
So while the SREC market will likely stabilize in the future, New Jersey’s highly admirable position as a renewable energy powerhouse is precarious at best right now. Hopefully the Governor and legislature will see the benefits of keeping their state as a beachhead of renewable energy on the East Coast and a center of green jobs. Only time will tell.
by Richard Harrod
California Hits a Renewable Energy Home Run
Motley Fool
By Travis Hoium
More Articles The California Public Utility Commission may be redefining the way we view subsidies for renewable energy. Instead of a government defined feed-in tariff, which is often slow to react and leads to wild swings in demand, ...
Where Will We Plug In?
Wired News
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn boldly predicts battery electric vehicles will comprise 10 percent of the global market by 2020. This is not an insignificant question, but neither is it the major hurdle some suggest. We'll plug in mostly at home, often at work ...
Ford, Toyota Plan Collaboration for Hybrids
Bloomberg
Ford is joining forces with the Toyota City, Japan-based automaker, maker of the best-selling Prius gasoline-electric car, as the US automaker plans to triple North American output of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100000 by 2013. ...
The value of being greener
Boston Globe
“We rely on electricity to run everything: pumps to circulate water, oil to run the boilers,'' said the plainspoken cheese maker, chatting on the porch of his country store. “We are heating a lot of milk and need hot water for sanitation. ...
Suntech sees margins, shipments improving sequentially
Reuters
Suntech expects photovoltaic shipments to rise 15 percent this quarter from the previous three months, but improved demand for solar panels will come at a cost. Solar subsidy cuts in Germany and Italy earlier this year triggered a global glut of solar ...
 |
| New Jersey Governor Chris Christie |
However, there is an important market factor to consider in the New Jersey solar bonanza. As solar became successful, New Jersey SREC prices soared to over $600 per REC. With the boom in solar installation the amount of renewable energy being generated by solar panels is now exceeding the Renewable Portfolio Standard’s requirement. This means that there is an excess of RECs and consequently the once high prices have steeply declined and there is substantial volatility in the market.
This is to be expected to a degree, as it conforms to the universal economic law of supply and demand. Most experts believe that following the correction, the market will stabilize over the next couple of years. On the other hand, there are steps state governments can take to ease the financial burden of homeowners who are counting on SRECs to help pay for their solar systems. Some legislators in New Jersey are now pushing for measures similar to those in Massachusetts that create a “floor” for SREC prices. However it is unclear how successful these efforts will be.
 |
| Pennsylvania's Tom Corbett, which way will he go. |
So while the SREC market will likely stabilize in the future, New Jersey’s highly admirable position as a renewable energy powerhouse is precarious at best right now. Hopefully the Governor and legislature will see the benefits of keeping their state as a beachhead of renewable energy on the East Coast and a center of green jobs. Only time will tell.
by Richard Harrod
California Hits a Renewable Energy Home Run
Motley Fool
By Travis Hoium
More Articles The California Public Utility Commission may be redefining the way we view subsidies for renewable energy. Instead of a government defined feed-in tariff, which is often slow to react and leads to wild swings in demand, ...
Where Will We Plug In?
Wired News
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn boldly predicts battery electric vehicles will comprise 10 percent of the global market by 2020. This is not an insignificant question, but neither is it the major hurdle some suggest. We'll plug in mostly at home, often at work ...
Ford, Toyota Plan Collaboration for Hybrids
Bloomberg
Ford is joining forces with the Toyota City, Japan-based automaker, maker of the best-selling Prius gasoline-electric car, as the US automaker plans to triple North American output of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100000 by 2013. ...
The value of being greener
Boston Globe
“We rely on electricity to run everything: pumps to circulate water, oil to run the boilers,'' said the plainspoken cheese maker, chatting on the porch of his country store. “We are heating a lot of milk and need hot water for sanitation. ...
Suntech sees margins, shipments improving sequentially
Reuters
Suntech expects photovoltaic shipments to rise 15 percent this quarter from the previous three months, but improved demand for solar panels will come at a cost. Solar subsidy cuts in Germany and Italy earlier this year triggered a global glut of solar ...
Friday, August 19, 2011
EVERGREEN SOLAR AND THE FUTURE OF SOLAR IN THE U.S.
By Richard HarrodIn recent days many pundits and right-leaning economists have seized upon the bankruptcy of Massachusetts-based Evergreen Solar as an indication that solar is not viable without government subsidies. Some have gone the extra step and written off solar power entirely as a gimmick. Online business forums are abuzz with discussion of “Who’s next?” among the American PV panel manufactures to go out of business. While this is to be expected it has placed the solar industry on the defensive and some are saying that subsidies for renewable energy ought to be abandoned altogether.
It is understandable to be upset when a bad investment is made and it’s even more frustrating when it is done using public funding, but to say that this is proof that solar is worthless is untrue. All new industries have growing pains. When the petroleum industry was first beginning to take off in the second half of the 19th century there was an explosion in oil prospecting, particularly in western Pennsylvania. Prices soared and suddenly people were travelling from miles around to get involved in oil. Whole towns devoted to drilling sprung up overnight.
As a result of this glut, a crash was inevitable. Prices collapsed and thousands lost money and jobs. Many declared oil a dead industry. Around this time an enterprising businessman decided to get into petroleum. By the time he died he was the wealthiest American to ever live and his company controlled over 80% of the market. That man’s name was John D. Rockefeller.
Each day the sun comes up and makes its passage across the sky it creates enough energy to power all the needs of the entirety of humanity for one year. At this point photovoltaic panels can capture only a small portion of this energy, but that will change. In spite of what the naysayers and paid stooges from the oil and natural gas companies will tell you, solar is making leaps and bounds in technology every year. To simply give up, walk away, bury our heads in the sand and put blind faith in dirty energy to miss out on the power of the future. We cannot afford to not invest in renewable energy. To those who say that photovoltaic is a nonviable, “dead” industry I say this: Somewhere out there is the John Rockefeller of Solar.
HEADLINES
Cadillac confirms luxury electric vehicle
The Independent
General Motors has confirmed that an electric vehicle under the Cadillac brand is to enter series production. The Cadillac ELR will be a luxury sibling for the Chevrolet Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle which General Motors launched last ...
US PV Installations Forecast to Rise 166% in 2011
Solar Novus Today
While a downturn is expected for Europe in 2011, growth in the US will be healthy due to loan guarantees from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Among US states, California will be the leader in solar power by a wide margin this year, accounting for ...
Kentucky to receive more than a half million dollars in rural energy grants
The Lane Report
(August 17, 2011) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $500000 in grants to 43 Kentucky farm families and rural small businesses to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures ...
Interior secretary sees Maine wind energy center
Boston Globe
A one-third scale turbine is scheduled for deployment next July off Monhegan Island, and full-size turbines -- about the size of the Washington Monument -- would gradually be built. Salazar last year promised to spur offshore wind projects in the ...
Hometownlife.com
Bill Bresler
staff photographer By Matt Jachman A Canton Township company making inroads in the wind energy industry has enlisted help from the dean of the US House of Representatives. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, who has been in the House since ...
CNET
Another solar project developer has decided to scrap plans to use concentrating solar thermal technology for photovoltaic panels, such as these. Developers of the giant Blythe Solar Power Project in California have switched from solar thermal ...
Baltimore Sun
Speakes-Backman, the clean energy director at the Maryland Energy Administration, will finish the term of Therese Goldsmith, who left to become the state's Insurance Commissioner. Speakes-Backman has worked in the areas of sustainability and renewable ...
Deutsche Welle
The previous record for electric car travel on a single charge, on a circuit track, was 1003 kilometers, set by the Japan Electric Vehicle Club in May last year. The Schluckspecht record was made at the German industrial company Bosch's circuit track ...
Why electric vehicles are so important to the United States
Mass High Tech
Let's not miss Round 2 – the electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are creating too big of an economic opportunity for our country to miss. Think of the Chevy Volt. This vehicle — released in 2011 — is already ranked as car of the year by Motor Trend ...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday Headlines
NRG to buy Energy Plus for $190 million
BusinessWeek
... Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois. The company also sells electricity in Texas and natural gas in New York and New Jersey. The deal requires regulatory approvals from the Justice Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ...
Pa. shale gas production increasing
UPI.com
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Natural gas production from the Marcellus shale gas play in Pennsylvania increased substantially during the first six months of 2011, the government said. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ...
Sungevity launches renewable energy tax equity fund, expands headquarters
solarserver.com
On August 15th, 2011, Sungevity Inc. (Oakland, California, US) and Citigroup Inc. (Citi, New York, New York, US) introduced a new renewable energy tax equity fund to support over USD 50 million in new residential solar lease projects. ...
Koch Brothers Fund Bogus Study Bashing Offshore Wind in New Jersey
Think Progress
This report isn't BHI's first foray into the admittedly complex world of offshore wind. A 2003 report from BHI on Cape Wind's proposal to build America's first offshore wind farm used similarly deceptive tactics, suggesting the project could cost the ...
Rooftop Solar Is Experiencing a Boom in California
Care2.com (blog)
Rooftop solar panels do more than just eliminate the need for traditional power sources. They help keep a building cooler, according to a report released by the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering in America. Researchers used thermal imaging to ...
Solar Geothermal Hybrid Gets Go-Ahead in Nevada
Reuters
By SustainableBusiness.com at SustainableBusiness.com Enel Green Power North America is combining solar and geothermal at its Stillwater Geothermal plant in Churchill, County, Nevada. This is the first renewable energy project in the US that combines ...
Energy Savings From Below
AOL Energy
Part of the series of "101" introductions to energy from the US Department of Energy, this video, like its predecessors, has something to teach even the energy expert for whom geothermal may not be a focus. For those interested in the basics of solar, ...
DOE gets an earful on uranium mine leasing program near Telluride, Montrose
The Colorado Independent
Depends where you were last week when the US Department of Energy (DOE) took feedback on its uranium mine leasing program in southwest Colorado. In some places like Telluride, according to media reports, ...
O'Malley appoints 2 to state's Public Service Commission
The Republic
She most recently worked as the clean energy director at the Maryland Energy Administration. She also has worked in the private sector for 20 years. The PSC, which had two vacancies on the five-member commission, regulates gas, electric, telephone, ...
Aspen Hill school soaks up solar energy
Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online
The solar panels will not only provide green energy for the building, but also will give students a unique opportunity to soak up scientific knowledge, she said. The initial cost of the system will be paid for by a $50000 Maryland Energy Administration ...
BusinessWeek
... Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois. The company also sells electricity in Texas and natural gas in New York and New Jersey. The deal requires regulatory approvals from the Justice Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ...
Pa. shale gas production increasing
UPI.com
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Natural gas production from the Marcellus shale gas play in Pennsylvania increased substantially during the first six months of 2011, the government said. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ...
Sungevity launches renewable energy tax equity fund, expands headquarters
solarserver.com
On August 15th, 2011, Sungevity Inc. (Oakland, California, US) and Citigroup Inc. (Citi, New York, New York, US) introduced a new renewable energy tax equity fund to support over USD 50 million in new residential solar lease projects. ...
Koch Brothers Fund Bogus Study Bashing Offshore Wind in New Jersey
Think Progress
This report isn't BHI's first foray into the admittedly complex world of offshore wind. A 2003 report from BHI on Cape Wind's proposal to build America's first offshore wind farm used similarly deceptive tactics, suggesting the project could cost the ...
Rooftop Solar Is Experiencing a Boom in California
Care2.com (blog)
Rooftop solar panels do more than just eliminate the need for traditional power sources. They help keep a building cooler, according to a report released by the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering in America. Researchers used thermal imaging to ...
Solar Geothermal Hybrid Gets Go-Ahead in Nevada
Reuters
By SustainableBusiness.com at SustainableBusiness.com Enel Green Power North America is combining solar and geothermal at its Stillwater Geothermal plant in Churchill, County, Nevada. This is the first renewable energy project in the US that combines ...
Energy Savings From Below
AOL Energy
Part of the series of "101" introductions to energy from the US Department of Energy, this video, like its predecessors, has something to teach even the energy expert for whom geothermal may not be a focus. For those interested in the basics of solar, ...
DOE gets an earful on uranium mine leasing program near Telluride, Montrose
The Colorado Independent
Depends where you were last week when the US Department of Energy (DOE) took feedback on its uranium mine leasing program in southwest Colorado. In some places like Telluride, according to media reports, ...
O'Malley appoints 2 to state's Public Service Commission
The Republic
She most recently worked as the clean energy director at the Maryland Energy Administration. She also has worked in the private sector for 20 years. The PSC, which had two vacancies on the five-member commission, regulates gas, electric, telephone, ...
Aspen Hill school soaks up solar energy
Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online
The solar panels will not only provide green energy for the building, but also will give students a unique opportunity to soak up scientific knowledge, she said. The initial cost of the system will be paid for by a $50000 Maryland Energy Administration ...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A WOLF IN FOX CLOTHING
Rupert Murdoch claimed that he did not know what was going on in his British tabloid and that the folks that were under him ran amuck. Well Rupert you may want to look at FOX television and .COM because it’s not much better here.
This story came out yesterday in fownews.com “Energy in America: Dead Birds Unintended Consequence of Wind Power Development”. Really Rupert? Really? If there was a line of turbines that stretched from Canada to Mexico with no gaps in between, then maybe we could say we have a problem. But with these types of stories, we may never have enough turbines in the country to make the evils of gas and oil go away. Oh, wait maybe thats just fine by some.
It’s is unbelievable to me that someone would be so gullible that this story would make them choose oil or gas over turbines. From the story: "The cumulative impacts are huge," said Shawn Smallwood, one of the few recognized experts studying the impact of wind farms on migratory birds. "It is not inconceivable to me that we could reduce golden eagle populations by a great deal, if not wipe them out."
I guess we should not be surprised, it is the same argument that environmentalist have used against oil and gas. But there is a big difference. Such as the amount of evidence available to proof that oil and gas production has killed humans, birds, mammals and has destroyed drinking water supply and laid land to waste.
If anyone creates a situation that is dangerous to any one species then they should answer to the general public and the law. But to say that wind should be stopped because of more test results are needed is ridiculous to say the least. Okay then let’s stop Marcellus Shale drilling right away and all energy development until the results are in. Hey I’m okay with that. I’ll just use solar power until the results are in.
Sustainable Energy Master's Degree Offered
Reuters
By EarthTechling at EarthTechling by Kristy Hessman Students of Santa Clara University School of Engineering can now earn a master's degreein sustainable energy. The newly created program focuses on training students in the renewable energy and science ...
Latest Pennsylvania BusinessWJTV
(AP) The Corbett administration is defending its policies on renewable energy and conservation, and says it's not putting aside those efforts in favor of Pennsylvania's booming natural gas industry. Gov. Tom Corbett's energy executive Patrick Henderson ...
Briefly... CITY/REGION | Philadelphia Daily News | 2011-08-16
Philadelphia Daily News
Corbett's energy czar, said that the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment in the state Department of Environmental Protection was renamed, not disbanded, and that the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program, which helps school districts and local ...
'The Last Mountain' Brings a Kennedy and the Appalacian Mountains to Chilmark
Patch.com
However, those attending the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival's (MVFF) screening of "The Last Mountain," a documentary by Bill Haney, may find the Island's debate for and against Cape Wind comes full circle. "The Last Mountain" focuses on the ...
Turbine maker moving to Delaware
The News Journal
A maker of small wind turbines plans to move its operations from Arizona to Delaware, aided by a $1.2 million state grant, Delaware economic development officials say. It's the latest in Delaware's push to attract jobs to the state with generous ...
Geothermal Industry Continues To Struggle for Acceptance
RenewableEnergyWorld.com
By Marc Favreau, Contributor Stamford, Conn., USA -- Last March, Renewable Energy World covered the 2011 version of the Annual US Geothermal Power Production and Development Report that was released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). ...
This story came out yesterday in fownews.com “Energy in America: Dead Birds Unintended Consequence of Wind Power Development”. Really Rupert? Really? If there was a line of turbines that stretched from Canada to Mexico with no gaps in between, then maybe we could say we have a problem. But with these types of stories, we may never have enough turbines in the country to make the evils of gas and oil go away. Oh, wait maybe thats just fine by some.
It’s is unbelievable to me that someone would be so gullible that this story would make them choose oil or gas over turbines. From the story: "The cumulative impacts are huge," said Shawn Smallwood, one of the few recognized experts studying the impact of wind farms on migratory birds. "It is not inconceivable to me that we could reduce golden eagle populations by a great deal, if not wipe them out."
I guess we should not be surprised, it is the same argument that environmentalist have used against oil and gas. But there is a big difference. Such as the amount of evidence available to proof that oil and gas production has killed humans, birds, mammals and has destroyed drinking water supply and laid land to waste.
If anyone creates a situation that is dangerous to any one species then they should answer to the general public and the law. But to say that wind should be stopped because of more test results are needed is ridiculous to say the least. Okay then let’s stop Marcellus Shale drilling right away and all energy development until the results are in. Hey I’m okay with that. I’ll just use solar power until the results are in.
 |
| Here is what the oil industry has done to birds |
Sustainable Energy Master's Degree Offered
Reuters
By EarthTechling at EarthTechling by Kristy Hessman Students of Santa Clara University School of Engineering can now earn a master's degreein sustainable energy. The newly created program focuses on training students in the renewable energy and science ...
Latest Pennsylvania BusinessWJTV
(AP) The Corbett administration is defending its policies on renewable energy and conservation, and says it's not putting aside those efforts in favor of Pennsylvania's booming natural gas industry. Gov. Tom Corbett's energy executive Patrick Henderson ...
Briefly... CITY/REGION | Philadelphia Daily News | 2011-08-16
Philadelphia Daily News
Corbett's energy czar, said that the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment in the state Department of Environmental Protection was renamed, not disbanded, and that the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program, which helps school districts and local ...
'The Last Mountain' Brings a Kennedy and the Appalacian Mountains to Chilmark
Patch.com
However, those attending the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival's (MVFF) screening of "The Last Mountain," a documentary by Bill Haney, may find the Island's debate for and against Cape Wind comes full circle. "The Last Mountain" focuses on the ...
Turbine maker moving to Delaware
The News Journal
A maker of small wind turbines plans to move its operations from Arizona to Delaware, aided by a $1.2 million state grant, Delaware economic development officials say. It's the latest in Delaware's push to attract jobs to the state with generous ...
Geothermal Industry Continues To Struggle for Acceptance
RenewableEnergyWorld.com
By Marc Favreau, Contributor Stamford, Conn., USA -- Last March, Renewable Energy World covered the 2011 version of the Annual US Geothermal Power Production and Development Report that was released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). ...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesdays Headlines
Record Hill Wind snags $102M wind power loan guarantee
VentureBeat
Wind power providers typically face “not-in-my-backyard” complaints from residents in rural areas. Residents argue sounds from the wind turbines are disruptive, and that the turbines make for flickering lights because they block out the sun. ...
Recharge Your Electric Car With Your Own Personal Wind Turbine
Fast Company
Now your EV can have its very own dedicated wind turbine--designed by Yves Behar, no less--to combat NIMBYs everywhere. Want to stay ahead of the Jones' who drove home a new electric Ford Focus with its own solar unit last weekend? ...
Ikea Buys Scottish Wind Farm, Solar Installations
SustainableBusiness.com
The array of seven wind turbines is expected to produce the equivalent of 30% of Ikea's electricity usage in the UK, and a company spokesperson said additional wind power purchases could be in the works. The remaining 70% will be partially produced by ...
How Will U.S. Army Energy Initiatives Affect Expansion of Solar Energy?
ThomasNet Industrial News Room
The US Army this month established an Energy Initiatives Office (EIO) Task Force, which could have a significant effect on the growth of the solar energy industry. I first studied solar energy in junior high school in the mid-1960s (the Bell Labs “From ...
Sungevity socks away cash for solar leasing
CNET
Part of Sungevity's marketing efforts in the east coast--an ice cream truck decked with solar panels. Sungevity has secured $50 million worth of solar leases and expects to have the financing to continue expanding into other states. ...
Achieving net zero with geothermal systems
Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Geothermal systems are one option to achieving this net zero goal. The Dept. of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has established aggressive energy goals for new schools, including several “net zero” facilities in 2011. According to the Dept. of ...
Geothermal system will heat and cool new Science Center
Connecticut College
Engineers installed a 500-foot test well in the northeast corner of Tempel Green to confirm that a geothermal system was an option for the new Science Center. Tempel Green, with its stunning view of Long Island Sound, has always been one of Connecticut ...
New Army Task Force Will Push for Renewable Energy
CleanTechnica
In the latest stage of the historic battle between renewable energy and fossil fuels, the US Army has taken the gloves off: Army Secretary John McHugh announced the launch of the Army's new Energy Initiatives Office Task Force at the GovEnergy ...
Testing underway to explore energy from ocean currents
Boston Herald
State officials and UMass Dartmouth scientists also plan on Monday to outline plans for a first-in-the-nation marine renewable energy test site in Muskeget Channel, located in federal waters between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. ...
Green Car People: Who Buys Electric And Plug-In Vehicles?
Green Car Reports
More Once upon a time, people who bought (or built) electric vehicles were often science-minded, forward-thinking, eco-conscious drivers who sometimes had a hippie past. Today, there are several motivations for buying a car that plugs into the electric ...
VentureBeat
Wind power providers typically face “not-in-my-backyard” complaints from residents in rural areas. Residents argue sounds from the wind turbines are disruptive, and that the turbines make for flickering lights because they block out the sun. ...
Recharge Your Electric Car With Your Own Personal Wind Turbine
Fast Company
Now your EV can have its very own dedicated wind turbine--designed by Yves Behar, no less--to combat NIMBYs everywhere. Want to stay ahead of the Jones' who drove home a new electric Ford Focus with its own solar unit last weekend? ...
Ikea Buys Scottish Wind Farm, Solar Installations
SustainableBusiness.com
The array of seven wind turbines is expected to produce the equivalent of 30% of Ikea's electricity usage in the UK, and a company spokesperson said additional wind power purchases could be in the works. The remaining 70% will be partially produced by ...
How Will U.S. Army Energy Initiatives Affect Expansion of Solar Energy?
ThomasNet Industrial News Room
The US Army this month established an Energy Initiatives Office (EIO) Task Force, which could have a significant effect on the growth of the solar energy industry. I first studied solar energy in junior high school in the mid-1960s (the Bell Labs “From ...
Sungevity socks away cash for solar leasing
CNET
Part of Sungevity's marketing efforts in the east coast--an ice cream truck decked with solar panels. Sungevity has secured $50 million worth of solar leases and expects to have the financing to continue expanding into other states. ...
Achieving net zero with geothermal systems
Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Geothermal systems are one option to achieving this net zero goal. The Dept. of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has established aggressive energy goals for new schools, including several “net zero” facilities in 2011. According to the Dept. of ...
Geothermal system will heat and cool new Science Center
Connecticut College
Engineers installed a 500-foot test well in the northeast corner of Tempel Green to confirm that a geothermal system was an option for the new Science Center. Tempel Green, with its stunning view of Long Island Sound, has always been one of Connecticut ...
New Army Task Force Will Push for Renewable Energy
CleanTechnica
In the latest stage of the historic battle between renewable energy and fossil fuels, the US Army has taken the gloves off: Army Secretary John McHugh announced the launch of the Army's new Energy Initiatives Office Task Force at the GovEnergy ...
Testing underway to explore energy from ocean currents
Boston Herald
State officials and UMass Dartmouth scientists also plan on Monday to outline plans for a first-in-the-nation marine renewable energy test site in Muskeget Channel, located in federal waters between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. ...
Green Car People: Who Buys Electric And Plug-In Vehicles?
Green Car Reports
More Once upon a time, people who bought (or built) electric vehicles were often science-minded, forward-thinking, eco-conscious drivers who sometimes had a hippie past. Today, there are several motivations for buying a car that plugs into the electric ...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mondays Headlines
International Power nears construction of 99MW wind farm in Canada
Energy Business Review
International Power Canada said it is preparing for construction of the 99MW Cape Scott wind farm located 25 miles west of Port Hardy on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The company plans to begin civil construction ...
The Party's Over for Big Wind (I do not agree with the premise of this article but I posted it any way, it's just more reasons to fight harder)
Huffington Post
The US has about 170 anti-wind groups. AWEA doesn't want you to know that a number of towns in New York state have prohibited the construction of industrial wind turbines. In April, the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts enacted a year-long moratorium on ...
Deadlines loom for Crisfield grants
Delmarva Now
The proposed wind turbines are expected to take a huge financial burden off the city, which currently pays about $20000 per month on electricity at the sewer plant. Crisfield officials have already met with representatives of companies hoping to get a ...
How LinkedIn's social media guru became a solar panel evangelist
ITworld.com
Crane's suitor was Sungevity, a solar-panel leasing company based in Oakland, Calif. Before agreeing to sign on, however, Crane decided to check out the company in a more fundamental way -- as a customer. As SolveClimate News's Maria Gallucci writes: ...
UMass Lowell, MassArt Students to Compete in Solar Decathlon
UMass Lowell (press release)
The 4D Home features photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, a solar-thermal water heater to provide hot water, thick walls to allow for more efficient insulation, a heat pump and exchanger for cooling/heating the house in summer and winter, ...
Public hearing set on solar facility
Tasley Eastern Shore News
The solar photovoltaic farm if approved will consist of 20 one-megawatt blocks, each containing about 4750 solar panels, along with a 200 by 200 foot substation. The land where the solar farm is proposed to be built is zoned agricultural. ...
Corbett quietly turning off the lights on renewable energy
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
... of Environmental Protection's Office of Energy and Technology Deployment ... "In the past 12 years, Pennsylvania has gone from having virtually no clean ...
US Army Plans To Invest $7.1 Billion In Renewable Energy
GreenAnswers
By Kristen Metz on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 9:15am In an effort to combat rising fuel prices, the US Army has announced plans to invest a substantial amount of money in renewable energy sources. The creation of the new Energy Initiatives Office Task Force ...
Christie's energy plan a step backward, opponents say
Power Engineering Magazine
"All of these things combined will lead us to a future here in New Jersey where we have lower-cost energy but also are leading the way on renewable energy," Christie said when he presented the plan in June. Richard Colby, a professor of natural ...
Natural gas drilling leaving East Tenn. for Northeast
Knoxville News Sentinel
(J. MILES CARY/NEWS SENTINEL ) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reported 76 wells dug into Marcellus Shale areas by the end of 2007. In 2010, the department reported 1440 such wells were drilled during the year. ...
Energy Business Review
International Power Canada said it is preparing for construction of the 99MW Cape Scott wind farm located 25 miles west of Port Hardy on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The company plans to begin civil construction ...
The Party's Over for Big Wind (I do not agree with the premise of this article but I posted it any way, it's just more reasons to fight harder)
Huffington Post
The US has about 170 anti-wind groups. AWEA doesn't want you to know that a number of towns in New York state have prohibited the construction of industrial wind turbines. In April, the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts enacted a year-long moratorium on ...
Deadlines loom for Crisfield grants
Delmarva Now
The proposed wind turbines are expected to take a huge financial burden off the city, which currently pays about $20000 per month on electricity at the sewer plant. Crisfield officials have already met with representatives of companies hoping to get a ...
How LinkedIn's social media guru became a solar panel evangelist
ITworld.com
Crane's suitor was Sungevity, a solar-panel leasing company based in Oakland, Calif. Before agreeing to sign on, however, Crane decided to check out the company in a more fundamental way -- as a customer. As SolveClimate News's Maria Gallucci writes: ...
UMass Lowell, MassArt Students to Compete in Solar Decathlon
UMass Lowell (press release)
The 4D Home features photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, a solar-thermal water heater to provide hot water, thick walls to allow for more efficient insulation, a heat pump and exchanger for cooling/heating the house in summer and winter, ...
Public hearing set on solar facility
Tasley Eastern Shore News
The solar photovoltaic farm if approved will consist of 20 one-megawatt blocks, each containing about 4750 solar panels, along with a 200 by 200 foot substation. The land where the solar farm is proposed to be built is zoned agricultural. ...
Corbett quietly turning off the lights on renewable energy
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
... of Environmental Protection's Office of Energy and Technology Deployment ... "In the past 12 years, Pennsylvania has gone from having virtually no clean ...
US Army Plans To Invest $7.1 Billion In Renewable Energy
GreenAnswers
By Kristen Metz on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 9:15am In an effort to combat rising fuel prices, the US Army has announced plans to invest a substantial amount of money in renewable energy sources. The creation of the new Energy Initiatives Office Task Force ...
Christie's energy plan a step backward, opponents say
Power Engineering Magazine
"All of these things combined will lead us to a future here in New Jersey where we have lower-cost energy but also are leading the way on renewable energy," Christie said when he presented the plan in June. Richard Colby, a professor of natural ...
Natural gas drilling leaving East Tenn. for Northeast
Knoxville News Sentinel
(J. MILES CARY/NEWS SENTINEL ) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reported 76 wells dug into Marcellus Shale areas by the end of 2007. In 2010, the department reported 1440 such wells were drilled during the year. ...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Headlines
Samsung deal, wind turbines becoming hot election issues
The Beacon Herald
And everywhere from Huron and Perth counties to Sudbury and Wolfe Island and the shores of Lake Erie green power, more accurately wind power, is a hot topic. It reared its head around here this week as news of a wind turbine farm within sight of ...
Blackstone to invest €2.5bn in German wind farms
Siliconrepublic.com
WindMW GmbH, a company majority owned by funds managed by Blackstone, has completed the financing for "Meerwind, which will be the first German wind farm to be fully financed by private investors. The 288-megawatt 80-turbine wind farm will be situated ...
US wind up in Q2 but could stall if tax credit expires
EcoSeed (blog)
By Oliver M. Bayani Wind energy manufacturing and construction jobs that have been a bright spot through the recession, said AWEA. However, analysts from the American Wind Energy Association warned that the market's recovery could stall if the ...
U.S. Debt Deal Kills Off Prospects of Renewable-Power Support
Bloomberg
The department said in May it stopped work on a loan guarantee for Cape Wind off of Massachusetts because there wasn't enough money for all applicants. The first US offshore wind farm is projected to cost $2.6 billion. Funding for the loan guarantee ...
International utility hones local focus
Boston Globe
Because Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation, National Grid has taken heat on its decision to purchase expensive power from Cape Wind. Can you explain the company's thinking? I continue to fully admit that the cost of this ...
Cape Wind saga gets big-screen treatment
The News Journal
This October 2008 photo released by Rebirth Productions shows filmmakers Daniel Coffin (left) and Robbie Gemmel on location in Woods Hole, Mass., recording a scene for "Cape Spin." The feature-length documentary is about the battle over the Cape Wind ...
In Pennsylvania, produce buyers question safety of drilling near farm market ...
The Republic
Industry officials and the state Department of Environmental Protection secretary criticized that research, noting the authors have supported gas industry competitors and limited their study to an area known for contaminated water wells. Pennsylvania ...
Nissan Provides City of Lincoln, UK with Pair of Charging Stations
EV World
Drivers of electric cars may be pleased to hear that the city of Lincoln is set to benefit from two new car charging points provided by Nissan. The Japanese manufacturer was prompted by last Sunday's (July 31st's) episode of Top Gear, which showed ...
Electric vehicles to swamp Indian & Chinese markets
Financial Express
New Delhi: With Reva already having made an entry in the Indian electric-car market and GM and Renault having it in their pipeline, electric vehicles (EVs) may become major market players in emerging markets of India and China. ...
Commercial Solar Hot Water Arrives in the Midwest
RenewableEnergyWorld
If you live in the Midwest, and if you are a solar energy aficionado, you have had great reason to be jealous of most, if not all, of the rest of the country. The great states of Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, New Jersey, Massachusetts...
CONSTELLATION ENER : Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Encourages Customers ...
4-traders (press release)
4, 2011 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has made available more than $850000 in additional funds intended to encourage customers to take advantage of BGE's Home Performance with ...
The Beacon Herald
And everywhere from Huron and Perth counties to Sudbury and Wolfe Island and the shores of Lake Erie green power, more accurately wind power, is a hot topic. It reared its head around here this week as news of a wind turbine farm within sight of ...
Blackstone to invest €2.5bn in German wind farms
Siliconrepublic.com
WindMW GmbH, a company majority owned by funds managed by Blackstone, has completed the financing for "Meerwind, which will be the first German wind farm to be fully financed by private investors. The 288-megawatt 80-turbine wind farm will be situated ...
US wind up in Q2 but could stall if tax credit expires
EcoSeed (blog)
By Oliver M. Bayani Wind energy manufacturing and construction jobs that have been a bright spot through the recession, said AWEA. However, analysts from the American Wind Energy Association warned that the market's recovery could stall if the ...
U.S. Debt Deal Kills Off Prospects of Renewable-Power Support
Bloomberg
The department said in May it stopped work on a loan guarantee for Cape Wind off of Massachusetts because there wasn't enough money for all applicants. The first US offshore wind farm is projected to cost $2.6 billion. Funding for the loan guarantee ...
International utility hones local focus
Boston Globe
Because Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation, National Grid has taken heat on its decision to purchase expensive power from Cape Wind. Can you explain the company's thinking? I continue to fully admit that the cost of this ...
Cape Wind saga gets big-screen treatment
The News Journal
This October 2008 photo released by Rebirth Productions shows filmmakers Daniel Coffin (left) and Robbie Gemmel on location in Woods Hole, Mass., recording a scene for "Cape Spin." The feature-length documentary is about the battle over the Cape Wind ...
In Pennsylvania, produce buyers question safety of drilling near farm market ...
The Republic
Industry officials and the state Department of Environmental Protection secretary criticized that research, noting the authors have supported gas industry competitors and limited their study to an area known for contaminated water wells. Pennsylvania ...
Nissan Provides City of Lincoln, UK with Pair of Charging Stations
EV World
Drivers of electric cars may be pleased to hear that the city of Lincoln is set to benefit from two new car charging points provided by Nissan. The Japanese manufacturer was prompted by last Sunday's (July 31st's) episode of Top Gear, which showed ...
Electric vehicles to swamp Indian & Chinese markets
Financial Express
New Delhi: With Reva already having made an entry in the Indian electric-car market and GM and Renault having it in their pipeline, electric vehicles (EVs) may become major market players in emerging markets of India and China. ...
Commercial Solar Hot Water Arrives in the Midwest
RenewableEnergyWorld
If you live in the Midwest, and if you are a solar energy aficionado, you have had great reason to be jealous of most, if not all, of the rest of the country. The great states of Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, New Jersey, Massachusetts...
CONSTELLATION ENER : Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Encourages Customers ...
4-traders (press release)
4, 2011 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has made available more than $850000 in additional funds intended to encourage customers to take advantage of BGE's Home Performance with ...
Thursday, August 4, 2011
SCORE ONE FOR WIND IN MARYLAND
For more about the CLEEn project, follow this link: http://www.chesapeake.edu/about/cleen.asp
 |
| Location staked |
We’d like to share a success story with you regarding wind power in Maryland. Our friends and continuing sponsors at ATech Energy have been awarded a contract to install an Endurance Wind Power turbine at Chesapeake College on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Atlantic Tractor/ATech Energy partnered and financially participated with Chesapeake College in order to make the College’s vision a reality. The tower will be on a 120 ft. tower for an overall system height of 150 ft.
 |
| Crews removing the tower from the semi |
The turbine will be the centerpiece of the College’s development and construction of its wind and solar education facility, the Center for Leadership in Environmental Education (CLEEn), at its Wye Mills campus. The center will model emerging renewable energy technologies while providing education and training opportunities for students and small businesses. The college is a leader in energy conservation and sustainability initiatives, and this project demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability. The college sees this commitment as a global and regional responsibility, and as a way to enhance economic development on the Eastern Shore.
For more about the CLEEn project, follow this link: http://www.chesapeake.edu/about/cleen.asp
 |
| Precise packaging allows for two sections to be carried inside a bigger one |
The turbine is being installed now with the classrooms to follow at a later date. ATech will install an Endurance Wind Power model E-3120 50kw turbine on a 120ft tower for an overall system height of 150ft. Atlantic Tractor/Atech Energy partnered and financially participated with Chesapeake College in order to make the College’s vision a reality.
The 120ft tower arrived on site last week and construction has begun on the foundation for the tower. The tower will be erected in about 30 days, allowing time for the concrete to cure. The turbine will arrive in about 30 days and be installed on the tower around the first of September.
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| Tower sections awaiting installation |
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| Foundation with heavy rebar |
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| Workers prep first section of tower |
Score a point for wind power in Maryland!
Other News:
“A Tale of Two Shale States” Response
American Rivers (blog)
For example, recently the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection fined Chesapeake Energy nearly $1.09 million for contaminating the drinking water of 16 families with natural gas, and, separately, for an explosion at a condensate storage ...
DOE announces that Philips has won the 60W-replacement-lamp L Prize
LEDs Magazine
After an 18-month evaluation process including field and lab testing, the DOE has announced that Philips Lighting North America has won the 60W-replacement-lamp category in the L Prize competition that's focused on the development of energy-efficient ...
$50 Million To Aid US Solar Manufacturing
RenewableEnergyWorld.com
By Renewable Energy World Editors New Hampshire, USA -- The US Department of Energy is boosting domestic solar PV manufacturing with a $50 million investment over two years. The infusion of money comes as part of the department's SUNPATH program, ...
Fracking Radiation Targeted By DOE, GE
Forbes (blog)
By JEFF MCMAHON The Department of Energy and General Electric will spend $2 million over the next two years to remove naturally occurring radioactive materials from the fracking fluids produced by America's booming shale-gas industry. ...
Ford Focus Electric Gets Ready To Make Some Noise
Online PR News (press release)
Ford is using Facebook to get feedback from its fans on its Ford Electric Vehicles page, allowing them to vote on four sound clips ranging from something reminiscent of the Jetsons' spaceship to a muffled jet engine. There is also a clip using engine ...
“A Tale of Two Shale States” Response
American Rivers (blog)
For example, recently the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection fined Chesapeake Energy nearly $1.09 million for contaminating the drinking water of 16 families with natural gas, and, separately, for an explosion at a condensate storage ...
DOE announces that Philips has won the 60W-replacement-lamp L Prize
LEDs Magazine
After an 18-month evaluation process including field and lab testing, the DOE has announced that Philips Lighting North America has won the 60W-replacement-lamp category in the L Prize competition that's focused on the development of energy-efficient ...
$50 Million To Aid US Solar Manufacturing
RenewableEnergyWorld.com
By Renewable Energy World Editors New Hampshire, USA -- The US Department of Energy is boosting domestic solar PV manufacturing with a $50 million investment over two years. The infusion of money comes as part of the department's SUNPATH program, ...
Fracking Radiation Targeted By DOE, GE
Forbes (blog)
By JEFF MCMAHON The Department of Energy and General Electric will spend $2 million over the next two years to remove naturally occurring radioactive materials from the fracking fluids produced by America's booming shale-gas industry. ...
Ford Focus Electric Gets Ready To Make Some Noise
Online PR News (press release)
Ford is using Facebook to get feedback from its fans on its Ford Electric Vehicles page, allowing them to vote on four sound clips ranging from something reminiscent of the Jetsons' spaceship to a muffled jet engine. There is also a clip using engine ...
To make green a reality visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Monday, July 11, 2011
Renewable is the term used to describe what we do, everything else is dirty
After a long vacation following the Solar and Wind Expo Maryland and Pennsylvania, I would like to say that we are all glad to be back to work and we truly apologize for the lack of postings during this time… but the entire staff needed a break. Now we are all back at our desks and have once again plugged into the rhetoric that continues to spew out of state and national arenas.
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If we already know the correct path to a healthier and more economical way of life, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass and so on, then why must we endure the constant barrage of confusing comments and terms by no lesser than even our own President. Mr. Obama, in his quest to please everyone, has continuously touted clean energy to include “clean” coal and nuclear. REALLY? REALLY?
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In a capitalist society, blaming the profiteer is a futile exercise. As a matter of fact, our system is structured to reward the risk takers, even when those rewards are not for the benefit of the whole. Just look at the banking industry. Our government is supposed to keep this in check, but as we know, it has not done a good job of it.
Great to be back!
If we already know the correct path to a healthier and more economical way of life, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass and so on, then why must we endure the constant barrage of confusing comments and terms by no lesser than even our own President. Mr. Obama, in his quest to please everyone, has continuously touted clean energy to include “clean” coal and nuclear. REALLY? REALLY?We might as well include oil and shale gas in there. Oh wait, he has.
He mentioned natural gas when he called for the United States to get 80% of its electricity from a “wide range of energy sources.”
Similar to the way “Green” has been whitewashed or watered down, so have the words “Clean” and “Alternative.” It is interesting how language is constantly used to persuade the general public to abandon its quest for genuinely clean energies and instead settle for what is touted as clean, such as “clean” coal and nuclear. But the sad part is, this is only done to profit a certain group.
In a capitalist society, blaming the profiteer is a futile exercise. As a matter of fact, our system is structured to reward the risk takers, even when those rewards are not for the benefit of the whole. Just look at the banking industry. Our government is supposed to keep this in check, but as we know, it has not done a good job of it.So again, why must we hear these terms being used by officialdom? This is not leadership. Surely it would be utopian to never have to worry about our government and to always feel protected. But the truth is that government has few checks and balances. We as a society have got to make them accountable for their lack of strength and rectitude. Another election approaches and we again will have a chance to do our duty - or sit and grumble.
Great to be back!
"make green a reality"
Visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Friday, April 8, 2011
Bullish on Renewables
Imaging a world dominated by renewable energy and clean transportation. It surely seems to be coming a reality. More and more our world is being dominated by clean energy.
Sunday when I visited PV America and discovered that even with the cancellation of last year’s event, the show had grown. I ran into so many of the folks that were there in 2009 and met some new ones. It was awesome to see how upbeat everyone is on renewable and all the different strategies being discussed.
Wednesday evening I visited a Greendrinks location in Philly and met with Mike Ditizio who runs the Standard Tap group, a great local eatery and bar that had no televisions, conversation was the only entertainment, and the place was lively with discussions about politics, the environment and just about everything. Mike introduced me to William Toffey a Sustainability Strategist from Effluential Synergies, Alex Fuller-Young the Outreach Coordinator for Center E3 an advocacy group in Pennsylvania. I met with Nic Darling of Post Green a green contractor in Philly. I first read about Nic on a train trip, Arrive magazine had a large article about a young company that builds green sustainable homes for about 100,000 dollars. They want to take affordability out of the equation.
Check out the following stories that were in the news this past week.
Solar Costs May Already Rival Coal, Spurring Boom in Panel Installations as reported by Bloomberg
Solar panel installations may surge in the next two years as the cost of generating electricity from the sun rivals coal-fueled plants, industry executives and analysts said. Read the rest of the story
BP Wind Energy begins construction of 150MW Texas wind farm as reported in New energy World Network
BP Wind Energy has begun construction of the Sherbino 2 Wind Farm in the US state of Texas, which will have a generating capacity of 150MW. Read the rest of the story.
GE sees the new U.S. solar plant running by 2013
General Electric Co aims to have its new U.S. solar-panel plant up and running by 2013, the head of the largest U.S. conglomerate's renewable energy unit said in an interview. The plant would be the largest in America. Read the rest of the story.
GM Says Electric Car Goes 1,000 Miles Between Fill-ups as reported in Bloomberg
General Motors Co. (GM), the biggest U.S. automaker, said drivers of its Volt electric cars were traveling 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) before they need to fill up, enough to make the vehicles more practical for daily use. Read the rest of the story here.
Things continue to get more and more exciting. Let's help make it happen.
Visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Sunday when I visited PV America and discovered that even with the cancellation of last year’s event, the show had grown. I ran into so many of the folks that were there in 2009 and met some new ones. It was awesome to see how upbeat everyone is on renewable and all the different strategies being discussed.
Wednesday evening I visited a Greendrinks location in Philly and met with Mike Ditizio who runs the Standard Tap group, a great local eatery and bar that had no televisions, conversation was the only entertainment, and the place was lively with discussions about politics, the environment and just about everything. Mike introduced me to William Toffey a Sustainability Strategist from Effluential Synergies, Alex Fuller-Young the Outreach Coordinator for Center E3 an advocacy group in Pennsylvania. I met with Nic Darling of Post Green a green contractor in Philly. I first read about Nic on a train trip, Arrive magazine had a large article about a young company that builds green sustainable homes for about 100,000 dollars. They want to take affordability out of the equation.
Check out the following stories that were in the news this past week.
Solar Costs May Already Rival Coal, Spurring Boom in Panel Installations as reported by Bloomberg
Solar panel installations may surge in the next two years as the cost of generating electricity from the sun rivals coal-fueled plants, industry executives and analysts said. Read the rest of the story
BP Wind Energy begins construction of 150MW Texas wind farm as reported in New energy World Network
BP Wind Energy has begun construction of the Sherbino 2 Wind Farm in the US state of Texas, which will have a generating capacity of 150MW. Read the rest of the story.
GE sees the new U.S. solar plant running by 2013
General Electric Co aims to have its new U.S. solar-panel plant up and running by 2013, the head of the largest U.S. conglomerate's renewable energy unit said in an interview. The plant would be the largest in America. Read the rest of the story.
GM Says Electric Car Goes 1,000 Miles Between Fill-ups as reported in Bloomberg
General Motors Co. (GM), the biggest U.S. automaker, said drivers of its Volt electric cars were traveling 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) before they need to fill up, enough to make the vehicles more practical for daily use. Read the rest of the story here.
Things continue to get more and more exciting. Let's help make it happen.
Visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Sunday, March 27, 2011
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SEMINARS FOR CONSUMERS & PROS
Whether you can afford alternative energy in this economy or whether a wind turbine will work in your situation are just two of the many topics to be covered by experts in solar and wind energy at the upcoming Solar and Wind Expo at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Md., running May 13-15, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
“The Solar and Wind Expo is bringing the public the latest news and information regarding green energy,” said Solar and Wind Expo Executive Director George Lopez. “There will be something for everybody. Your questions will be answered and you’ll learn about affordable new technologies on the market now.”
Additional renewable energy and related topics seminars for consumers:
• The Consumer’s Checklist for Saving Energy and Sustaining our Environment
• Financing Programs Available Right Now
• Electric Vehicles are Here: Learn All About Them
• Benefits of Switching to Renewable Energy
• Solar, Wind and Geothermal Power and Why Now is the Time
• Community-Initiated Solar PV Systems Using a Power Purchase Agreement
• Green Building Design
• Design, Procure, and Construct an Innovative Renewable Energy System
Chelsea Sexton, the electric vehicle’s top advocate and star of the popular “Who Killed the Electric Car” documentary film, will present the keynote address. She will update Expo attendees on the future of electric vehicles. Sexton is a veteran clean transportation and energy advocate. She has served as Director of the Automotive X PRIZE, Senior Advisor to VantagePoint Venture Partners’ Cleantech practice, and co-founder of Plug In America, the largest consumer-oriented electric drive advocacy group. She founded the Lightning Rod Foundation, an advisory and educational organization. Sexton is a Consulting Producer on Chris Paine’s next film, “Revenge of the Electric Car.”
Topics covered in the professional seminars:
• Engage and Educate Employees
• Green Building Design
• Overview of Passive House Energy Performance Standard & Methodology
• Electrifying Your Fleet Charging Stations
• Turbine Basics & Installation Techniques
• Start-Up Workshop: Where to Find Technical Skills & Funding Sources
• Geothermal Basics & Installation Techniques
• The Latest Info. & Incentives That Increase Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Production
The Solar and Wind Expo received accolades from Expo attendees and exhibitors in May 2010 when it brought top-quality clean energy advocates to consumers in the east coast region. This year’s Expo promises to do so again and to reach out to professionals in the field as well.
Information is available at www.thesolarandwindexpo.com.
“The Solar and Wind Expo is bringing the public the latest news and information regarding green energy,” said Solar and Wind Expo Executive Director George Lopez. “There will be something for everybody. Your questions will be answered and you’ll learn about affordable new technologies on the market now.”
Additional renewable energy and related topics seminars for consumers:
• The Consumer’s Checklist for Saving Energy and Sustaining our Environment
• Financing Programs Available Right Now
• Electric Vehicles are Here: Learn All About Them
• Benefits of Switching to Renewable Energy
• Solar, Wind and Geothermal Power and Why Now is the Time
• Community-Initiated Solar PV Systems Using a Power Purchase Agreement
• Green Building Design
• Design, Procure, and Construct an Innovative Renewable Energy System
Chelsea Sexton, the electric vehicle’s top advocate and star of the popular “Who Killed the Electric Car” documentary film, will present the keynote address. She will update Expo attendees on the future of electric vehicles. Sexton is a veteran clean transportation and energy advocate. She has served as Director of the Automotive X PRIZE, Senior Advisor to VantagePoint Venture Partners’ Cleantech practice, and co-founder of Plug In America, the largest consumer-oriented electric drive advocacy group. She founded the Lightning Rod Foundation, an advisory and educational organization. Sexton is a Consulting Producer on Chris Paine’s next film, “Revenge of the Electric Car.”
Topics covered in the professional seminars:
• Engage and Educate Employees
• Green Building Design
• Overview of Passive House Energy Performance Standard & Methodology
• Electrifying Your Fleet Charging Stations
• Turbine Basics & Installation Techniques
• Start-Up Workshop: Where to Find Technical Skills & Funding Sources
• Geothermal Basics & Installation Techniques
• The Latest Info. & Incentives That Increase Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Production
The Solar and Wind Expo received accolades from Expo attendees and exhibitors in May 2010 when it brought top-quality clean energy advocates to consumers in the east coast region. This year’s Expo promises to do so again and to reach out to professionals in the field as well.
Information is available at www.thesolarandwindexpo.com.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
They Make My Job Promoting Clean Energy So Easy And Necessary
"The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection has ordered Chesapeake Energy to stop work on a natural gas drilling well pad in Pennsylvania for failure to comply with regulations and contaminating a water source". according to a Reuters report. The Galeton Borough Water Authority serves a population of about 1,400 through about 600 metered connections. The authority has been now forced to use another permitted water source to serve its customers.The order to cease comes after Chesapeake did not respond to Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection's notice of violation for several violations of the Clean Streams Law and Oil and Gas Act. DEP met Chesapeake on March 10 after a routine site inspection on March 8. As reported on Reuters
Around the country there is a race for energy. Every where you look someone is working to make energy available to needy customers. The previous report by Reuters emphasizes the need for clean energy sources such as Ohio's first commercial wind farm – a project that will result in numerous jobs and a significant contribution to the local economy, as recently reported by Horizon Wind Energy, the company responsible for the project.
The 99 megawatt Timber Road II Wind Farm currently employs over 200 construction workers and is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in landowner royalties and property tax payments over the life of the project. This is the first of three phases of this wind farm that Horizon plans to construct in northwestern Ohio.
Horizon has been working with over 100 local landowners since 2007 to develop the wind farm that consists of 55 wind turbines which will produce enough electricity to power more than 27,000 homes. The wind farm will bring cleaner, homegrown electricity to Ohio's power lines. Horizon has also made a $100,000 contribution to the Paulding County Soil & Water Conservation Office and the Agricultural Extension Office and plans on partnering with Vantage Career Center to educate and train employees for careers in the renewable energy industry.
These good and bad scenarios are playing out all around the country and the world. If we continue to keep score, the good vs. bad comparison will no longer be needed because the winner will undoubtedly be Clean Energy.
Make it Happen!
by George Lopez
Around the country there is a race for energy. Every where you look someone is working to make energy available to needy customers. The previous report by Reuters emphasizes the need for clean energy sources such as Ohio's first commercial wind farm – a project that will result in numerous jobs and a significant contribution to the local economy, as recently reported by Horizon Wind Energy, the company responsible for the project.
 |
| Horizon Wind Energy's Kittitas Valley Wind Farm |
Horizon has been working with over 100 local landowners since 2007 to develop the wind farm that consists of 55 wind turbines which will produce enough electricity to power more than 27,000 homes. The wind farm will bring cleaner, homegrown electricity to Ohio's power lines. Horizon has also made a $100,000 contribution to the Paulding County Soil & Water Conservation Office and the Agricultural Extension Office and plans on partnering with Vantage Career Center to educate and train employees for careers in the renewable energy industry.
These good and bad scenarios are playing out all around the country and the world. If we continue to keep score, the good vs. bad comparison will no longer be needed because the winner will undoubtedly be Clean Energy.
Make it Happen!
by George Lopez
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
NABCEP-Certified PV Technical Sales Professionals Set a New Standard of Quality Assurance
Bryan Hacker, solar analyst of local business Solar Energy World, is one of the first solar professionals in the country to pass the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Technical Sales Exam. This achievement sets Mr. Hacker at the top of his profession. NABCEP's new certification has been developed to ensure quality assurance throughout the entire sales process and, as such, offer consumers a new level of confidence when they seek quotations, proposals, and energy and financial production estimates for potential solar electric projects.NABCEP is the most respected and well-established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals. Designation as a NABCEP-Certified PV Technical Sales Professional is an important and meaningful certification in the renewable energy industry.
"Passing NABCEP's PV Technical Sales Exam and achieving certification is personally very satisfying," said Hacker. "More important, it means we can offer our customers the added confidence of knowing he or she is being handled by someone who is fully qualified to a full representation of the potential of the proposed PV system."
To earn his NABCEP certification, Hacker was required to demonstrate his knowledge on subjects as diverse as qualifying the customer; site analysis; conceptual design; financial costs, incentives, and savings; financial benefit analysis and financing; non-financial benefit analysis; performance analysis; and proposal preparation.
"One thing you can be assured of with NABCEP-Certified PV Technical Sales Professionals is that your sale won't be their first," said Ezra Auerbach, executive director of NABCEP. "Anyone who makes the considerable effort required to earn NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification has been required to document his experience and education as part of the eligibility process."
"Make Green a Reality" visit http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Solar and Wind Expo 2010: Large, interested crowds see cool exhibits, hear informative speakers – and ride Segways
It’s hard to believe it’s been a week since The Solar and Wind Expo 2010 wrapped up on a beautiful spring day at the Timonium Fairgrounds north of Baltimore. Throughout the three-day event, we saw large, steady crowds keeping the show’s vendors occupied, with attendees saying they were excited by what they saw and learned, and vendors commenting that visitors to their booths seemed well-informed and serious about renewable energy.
Among the highlights inside and outside Exhibition Hall:
• ATR’s innovative solar tracking device, where you could see, right before your eyes, several pole-mounted panels turning to face the sun from sunrise to sundown;
• The candy-red Tesla roadster that drew constant “oohs” and “ahhs” just sitting on the exhibition floor, and even more excitement when it left noiselessly for brief but thrilling rides, courtesy of owner Bill Harris;
• The numerous excited attendees zipping around on Segways, provided by SegZone;• The many folks touring the Living Zero Home set up just outside the Exhibition Hall (by Daylight Solar) to get tons of energy-saving ideas, and checking out the solar-powered carport (Timber Rock) next to the home;
• The futuristic-looking Extreme Bug-E – a sleek, three wheeled electric motorcycle pulling a trailer covered with solar panels – that Charlie Garlow unveiled at the Expo and will drive across the U.S. in June;• The visitors taking advantages of free rides to the Exhibition Hall in all-electric e-Cruisers;
• The steady flow of attendees checking out the powerful and sleek-looking Endurance wind turbine propeller prominently displayed by Atech Energy; Astrum Solar’s online calculator; Groundloop/A+ Solar’s combined wind, solar and geothermal exhibit; the Electric Vehicle Association of D.C.’s all-electric Toyota RAV-4; the U.S. Department of Energy’s informative exhibit; Green Rider’s snazzy collection of electric bikes and scooters; Viridian’s innovative model for buying renewable energy and getting off the grid; and the many other informative and interesting exhibits throughout the Expo.
The Expo was also fortunate to land three wonderful and gracious main speakers. Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration, in addition to giving a very informative presentation about Maryland’s extensive renewable energy activities (and participating in our press conference) stuck around for much of the afternoon, making himself available for the numerous folks who wanted to speak with him.
Our great keynote speaker, Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kansas, kept a large crowd enthralled with the story of how his town was utterly devastated by a tornado three years ago, and then decided to start rebuilding as the first all-green town in America, with environmental stewardship as its guiding principle. It was one of the most inspiring talks we’ve ever heard (and one of the most inspiring people this writer has ever met), and any community or city that wants to become truly sustainable can look to Greensburg as a wonderful living laboratory and example. (For more information, visit www.greensburggrows.com.) 
And last but certainly not least, let’s not forget the many informative, well-attended seminars – all given by experts – held throughout the Expo, such as “Solar 101,” “Wind Energy 101,” “Geothermal 101,” “Intro to Going Green,” “Green Building Design,” “Why Now is the Time to Go Solar” and “Will a Wind Turbine Work for Me?” make green a reality!
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