Posts tagged solar panels
SunPower Supplies Solar Panels for 3.8-MW Solar Facility in France
Nov 29th
SunPower supplies solar panels for 3.8-MW solar facility in France
SunPower Corp. has delivered 12,000 high-efficiency E19 / 320 solar panels to GDF SUEZ Group subsidiary La Compagnie du Vent for 3.8-MW solar power plant. The solar facility, which is estimated for completion in the summer of 2012, will be La Compagnie du Vent’s largest ground-mounted photovoltaic installation to date. The solar power plant is expected to generate about 6,270,000 kWh of power each year.
ENN Solar Energy, NERC team up to convert New Jersey landfill into 4.3-MW solar farm
ENN Solar Energy has partnered with National Energy Renewable Corp. LLC to convert aNew Jerseylandfill into a 4.3-MW solar facility, which will produce over 100 million kWh of electricity over its lifetime. The solar project, which employs about 9,000 ENN’s PV panels, is located on the south slope of the Edgeboro Landfill inEast Brunswick,New Jersey. The project utilizes very large state-of-the-art thin film silicon solar modules from ENN plus an innovative construction technique that helps to enable the use of a variety of wasteland for renewable energy production.
Ernst & Young: Ukraine is attractive place for renewable energy investment
According to the latest Ernst & Young Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices,Ukraineis an attractive emerging market for renewable energy. The new report explains Ukrainian renewable resource potential as “impressive” and lists tax incentives available to green energy companies: corporate tax exemption on sales for 10 years starting January 1, 2011, VAT exemptions on certain imports and a 75% reduction of land tax on the purchase of land for green energy projects.
According to Ernst & Young, hydropower is the leading source of renewable energy inUkraine. The potential of the hydropower industry inUkraineis estimated at 2.3 GW. The country has 22,400 rivers that allow for small hydro plants to be built across the country. In addition, the report noted thatUkrainehas strong solar potential.
Empire State Building Gets EPA Award for Buying 100% Renewable Energy
Nov 17th
Empire State Building gets EPA award for buying 100% renewable energy
The Empire State Building, which is the world’s most famous office building, has received a 2011 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for purchasing 100% renewable energy. The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power purchasers for their commitment to renewable energy and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.
The 2.85 million square-foot officeEmpireStateBuildingis purchasing 55 million kWh of wind power annually from Green Mountain Energy Co. under a two-year contract. The building’s renewable purchase is enough green power to meet 100% of the building’s purchased electricity use.
SolarWorld supplies solar panels for 2-MW solar system in Massachusetts
SolarWorld has supplied high-performance solar panels for a 2-MW solar project atBerkshireSchool, a private boarding high school inSheffield,Mass.The solar project will occupy 8-acre area and is expected to come go online this fall.
The ground-mounted system is composed of 8,332 of SolarWorld’s crystalline silicon solar panels; 8,020 are installed on fixed racking and 312 on a solar-tracking system. In addition to generating about 45% of the school’s energy needs, the system will also serve as a cutting-edge educational resource for the study of photovoltaic and other renewable-energy technologies.
Washington Gas Energy Services receives 2011 green power supplier award
Washington Gas Energy Services has received the 2011 Green Power Supplier of the Year Award in the non-utility category from the U.S. Department of Energy. The award recognizes non-utility providers for outstanding efforts, initiatives and programs that significantly advance the development of green power sources.
Washington Gas Energy Services is one of the largest and most experienced competitive energy suppliers in the mid-Atlantic region and has a history of innovative green energy leadership, according to DOE. The company was the first company in the area to include wind power in their 2002 standard electric offer, buying renewable energy from the first wind farm to come online in the local region.
How To Save Money With Solar Energy
Oct 5th
As more and more people are becoming aware of green initiatives, saving money using solar energy has become a popular topic. While some people choose to go solar for environmental reasons, there are other ‘financial’ benefits as well. Using natural energy is the logical choice for anyone, either looking for practical ways to save money, or environmentally conscious home and business owners trying to save nature.
Comparative Costs
The first thing to consider when deciding on solar energy is how the cost compares to comparable services. Solar panels are a fairly good investment up front (unless you install your own), but the cost is much lower in the long run.
As gas prices continue to rise, we are seeing an increase in the cost of everything – including our energy bills. Each year, we continue to see the prices inch up, making the electric bills a huge chunk of our expenses. Once solar energy panels are installed, the price is set; the sun doesn’t change rates, so electric bills become more manageable.
Longevity
Solar panels are also a good long term investment. Once installed, the panels will not only pay for themselves in savings, but they will withstand the test of time. Most solar panels are estimated to last 30 years, easily making it through in all-weather conditions. Even in the harsh winters, solar panels can be a valuable asset in areas that don’t get continual sun. However the return on investment will not be as great in areas that get less sun.
Tax Credits
Many programs are popping up offering tax credits as an incentive to install solar power in homes and businesses. While these programs are continually changing, the government is rewarding individuals who want to save on their power bills. Research your state and federal rebates before installing solar electricity, and find someone, who installs them, that is familiar with the latest programs. Qualified installers will be able to provide you with the proper paperwork for filing tax rebates on your solar panels.
Surplus Electricity
Areas of the country that receive sunlight in abundance reap maximum benefits from installing solar panels. The more sun you receive the bigger the return on your investment. Homes that have solar panels installed and get plenty of sunlight can expect a surplus that can either be sold back to the power company, or stored for electrical outages. Imagine being able to actually sell back electricity to the electric company, or to have electricity stored during a storm or downed power lines. All these possibilities make solar energy a very tempting investment.
While it is true that surplus energy is a possibility, there are factors to take into consideration; it will be dependent on the weather conditions (an extended period of cloudy days) as well as the use in your home.
Save Even More Building Your Own Panels
Many people simply look at the rate of return on solar panels and decide that earning back the investment takes too long. These figures are generally calculated on professionally installed solar panels.
There are many plans available that make it easy to install your own panels at home. If you are a fairly competent ‘do-it-yourselfer’, then you can probably install your own solar panels using plans.
Plans are widely available for solar panels, as well as the necessary parts. You can order everything you need and install your own panels over a few weekends.
Installing Solar Panels
Whether you are installing your own panels, or having someone install them for you, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Location is important. You can use online guides to estimate savings for your zip code; certain areas will benefit more than others from the investment.
- Placement of solar panels on your property can affect their effectiveness. Panels need to be placed in an open area where they can receive full sunlight.
- The number of panels installed directly affects the output of electricity. The more solar panels you install, the less you can depend on the electric company. This also involves more space as well – can you spare the room in your yard or on the roof to become completely solar?
- Will your return on investment be worthwhile in your location? Some people are more concerned with installing panels for environmental reasons, but those concerned with cost need to weigh the cost/benefit for such a large investment.
- Solar panels can be a primary or a supplemental source of power. Some people try to rely completely on solar power, but there are drawbacks for lifestyle changes with this option as the power is not always reliable.
Solar panels are becoming the new ‘it’ thing for homes, particularly in areas of the country that receive an abundance of sunlight. As the green initiatives propel us into conservation, this isn’t the only reason to use solar panels. Not only are fuel prices rising, making it more and more difficult to afford standard electricity, fuel is also an exhaustible resource. Eventually it will be more difficult to get fuel, making it necessary to find other resources. The sun is a constant resource, and using it to help power our homes is a wise choice.
Whether for your pocketbook, or to be environmentally conscious, the choice of solar panels is ultimately intertwined. By helping the environment and going natural, you will save money. That is a win-win situation for you and our earth.
Written by Mirsad Hasic. Hasic writes for the Alternative Energy Geek where he shares his knowledge about the different types of alternative energy sources.
Johnson Controls Acquires EnergyConnect
Jul 11th
Arizona Offers Aggressive Incentives for Renewable Energy Companies
The Arizona Commerce Authority will promote new incentives and business opportunities available to companies at Intersolar North America, the leading annual solar industry exhibition and conference in San Francisco, July 12-14. The state is home to more 100 significant solar energy businesses, including the world’s two largest solar companies, First Solar and Suntech.
Incentives for renewable energy companies in Arizona include:
- Up to 10% of capital investments as a refundable income tax credit,
- Arizona Competes deal closing fund,
- Income tax credits up to $9,000 for each quality new job,
- Up to $1.5 million in reimbursable grants to train employees,
- Up to 34% R&D tax credit, and
- Significant business tax reductions including lowering the state income tax from 6.97% to 4.9%.
- For more information on solar opportunities and incentives in Arizona visit www.azcommerce.com and www.azsolarstate.com.
DTE Energy and Mercy High School in Farmington Hills have announced the signing of a 20-year agreement that will provide the utility’s customers with solar power. The 400-kilowatt, $2.5 million photovoltaic system will be installed using 125,000 square feet of roof on the high school at 11 Mile and Middlebelt roads. The installation is part of DTE Energy’s $100 million pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for 15 MW of solar PV systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next four years throughout Southeast Michigan. Mercy High School and other customers that participate will get an annual credit on their energy bills, as well as a one-time, upfront construction payment to cover any inconvenience during installation.
Johnson Controls has completed their acquisition of EnergyConnect Group, Inc., a leading provider of smart grid demand response services and technologies. The acquisition was completed on July, 1, 2011. Adding EnergyConnect to it’s platform enables Johnson Controls to help building owners and operators manage how much energy their buildings consume and when the energy is consumed – a critical feature of connecting smart buildings to the smart grid. EnergyConnect’s demand response technology and service platform provides energy managers and facility operators real-time energy information and access to energy markets, enabling them to manage their energy usage. EnergyConnect’s GridConnect technology platform provides a scalable, cost-effective, clean technology to enhance the grid’s efficiency and reliability.
Butte College Goes ‘Grid Positive’
Jun 30th
Butte College Goes ‘Grid Positive’
California-based Butte College has become the first U.S. college go ‘grid positive,’. Each year, the college is able to generate more electricity, over 6.5 million kilowatt hours, than it consumes from 25,000 solar panels that are spread out over the 928-acre property. It is estimated that the college will achieve between $50 million and $75 million in savings over 15 years.
Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced conditional loan guarantee commitments totaling approximately $4.5 billion for the development of three solar generation facilities. The Antelope Valley Solar Ranch project, the Desert Sunlight project and the Topaz Solar project are all focusing on building alternating current Cadmium Telluride (Cd-Te) thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar generation facilities. When completed the projects, which will all be located in California, will generate approximately 1.33 GW of clean electricity. This announcement raises the total number of DOE supported projects to 40 at a projected loan guarantee total of over $38 billion.
A study by APCO Insight has found that the Fukushima nuclear disaster has had a minimal impact on the amount of support for nuclear power in the US. A June survey of private and public sector public policy elites shows that 69% of energy policy makers and influentials still feel that nuclear power should be a somewhat or very high priority for fulfilling future energy demand. 65% of those surveyed gave a favorable impression of nuclear energy’s ability to balance environmental and energy needs. This is a 5% drop from the time the initial survey was taken which was in November 2010.
Spain To Add 50MW Solar Thermal Power Plant To Its Grid
Jun 27th
MAGE SOLAR USA Receives UL Certification
MAGE SOLAR USA has announced that they have successfully received their UL certification. With this approval, the solar manufacturer will now be able to ramp-up production of solar panels at their American headquarters in Dublin, Georgia. The company’s signature MAGE POWERTEC PLUS modules are polycrystalline modules with power ratings of 190 watts and 230 watts. The first UL-listed modules are currently being made for delivery to fulfill orders of customers that had already preordered the US-based supply.
Spain To Add 50MW Solar Thermal Power Plant To Its Grid
Termosolar Alcazar, has announced that the Spanish government has awarded the company a 50 megawatt (MW) solar thermal plant contract in Alcazar de San Juan. The company’s technology, which consists of a fully dispatchable molten salt concentrated solar power tower technology, will help Spain achieve the EU Climate & Energy objective of achieving 20 percent of the nation’s energy consumption from renewable resources. The project will also create approximately 4,000 jobs in Spain and more than 2,500 jobs in the United States during the two year build-out.
Details About New DOE Loan Guarantees
There are 2 new loan guarantees that the DOE has recently announced. The first is a $135.76 million loan guarantee to Granite Reliable Power, LLC for a new 99 MW wind generation project in Coos County, New Hampshire. This is the second U.S. wind project to deploy Vestas V90 3.oMW wind turbines. Most of the power generated from this project will be purchased by the Central Vermont Public Service and Green Mountain Power. The DOE will also provide a partial guarantee for a $1.4 billion loan to support Project Amp. The solar generation project includes the installation of approximately 733 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which is nearly equal to the total amount of PV installed in the U.S. in 2010 is unique in that the electricity generated from this project will be sent directly to the electrical grid, as opposed to powering the buildings where they are installed.
U.S. Launches 1st Federal Electric Vehicle Pilot
May 31st
Solar Impulse Successfully Lands In Brussels
The solar airplane which made the trip to Brussels on May 13 using the sun as its only energy source is being exposed in the European Capital until May 26. On Wednesday the Solar Impulse team led by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg played host to Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany), President of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament. Solar Impulse co-founders Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg’s first aim is to demonstrate the enormous potential of new technologies for saving energy and applying renewable forms of energy. Available video includes general views and soundbites.
Obama Administration Takes Major Step toward Advanced Vehicles with New Fleet Management Practices and Launch of First Federal Electric Vehicle Pilot
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, General Services Administrator Martha Johnson, and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley announced a major step in moving the Federal fleet further towards advanced vehicles and decreased petroleum consumption, while also cutting costs associated with fuel consumption. Furthering the Administration’s goals to cut oil imports by one-third by 2025 and to put one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum today directing agencies to implement government wide fleet management practices that will ensure the Federal Government is leading by example in fuel efficiency and innovative technology. Implementation of these new requirements will move the government to purchasing 100 percent alternative fuel vehicles by 2015 and drive agencies to meet the required 30 percent decrease in petroleum consumption by 2020 under Executive Order 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance signed by President Obama in October 2009.
In conjunction with the Memorandum, the General Services Administration (GSA) today launched a pilot project to incorporate electric vehicles and technologies into the Federal fleet. GSA announced its initial purchase of more than 100 electric vehicles for a vehicle pilot. These vehicles will be leased to 20 agencies, including the Department of Energy, and will be located in Washington, DC; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; and San Francisco, CA. As manager of Federal fleets and buildings, GSA will also coordinate with these agencies to establish necessary infrastructure for fueling and recharging at Federal building locations receiving the first round of vehicles.
First Fuel Cell to Power Residential Building in New York
The Octagon, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Silver 500-unit apartment community on Roosevelt Island, made green history by becoming the first residential building in the State of New York to be powered and heated by a 400 kilowatt (kW) fuel cell from UTC Power. This installation marks a paradigm shift in the State’s use of clean energy technologies, made possible through New York’s progressive stance on energy policy. The project was supported by $1.2 million in financial incentives from the New York StateEnergy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The fuel cell arrived on Roosevelt Island this winter and is now operating at full capacity. The fuel cell, a PureCell® System Model 400, is a combined heat and power (CHP) system that represents a game-changing technology. It converts natural gas to electricity and heat through a combustion-free, electrochemical process to provide power and heat to meet the majority of the apartment building’s energy demand. The energy efficiency achieved by the fuel cell is significantly higher than the energy received from the grid and emissions are negligible. Additionally, the fuel cell’s process heat is captured to satisfy the building’s space heating and domestic water requirements.
Obama’s Weekly Address Calls For More Domestic Oil Production
May 16th
Obama’s Weekly Address Calls For More Domestic Oil Production
President Obama, in his weekly address, discussed steps his Administration is taking to curb American concern about rising gas prices. He first discussed the development of a task force, led by Attorney General Eric Holder, that will be responsible for rooting out cases of fraud or manipulation in the gas markets that might impact prices, including any suspicious or illegal activity by traders and speculators. He also outlined plans to have Department of Interior begin conducting annual lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, and speed up their evaluation of oil and gas resources in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, President Obama discussed the importance of eliminating taxpayer subsidies for oil and gas companies. The biggest oil companies have recently reported profits of around $4 billion and yet, they receive $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies each year.
New Study Shows How Gas Prices Will Affect Summer Travel
TripAdvisor®, has announced the results of its annual summer travel survey which showed that 39% of the more than 2,000 people surveyed say that increasing fuel costs will affect their travel plans this summer. Because of the rising gas prices, 18% plan to take less car trips, 12% are going to be mindful about the length of the trip and 5% have made plans to not travel at all this summer. 26% predict gas will reach $5.00 per gallon, and 20% surveyed say that they will avoid road trips all together if prices exceed $5 per gallon.
New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce Partners with SunPower to Offer Rebates on Residential and Commercial Solar Systems
The New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce (NMGCC) has partnered with SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) to offer rebates to all regular chamber members on purchases of new SunPower solar systems for their homes and businesses. In addition to the discounts on high-efficiency SunPower solar systems, the company will offer free, comprehensive solar workshops, including information on available state and local financial incentives, via its authorized dealers, NMGCC members Positive Energy and Consolidated Solar Technologies. These workshops will be scheduled throughout the summer months in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces areas. The program offers residential customers rebates up to $2,000 in addition to any federal and local incentives and up to$10,000 for commercial solar projects.
Sweden’s Wind Power Capacity Set To Increase
May 13th
Sweden’s Wind Power Capacity Set To Increase
Sweden’s wind power capacity is about to see an increase in production. SCA and the Fred.Olsen Renewables have teamed up to develop a wind farm on Västernorrland in northern Sweden. Studies show that the area could provide approximately 2 TWh of clean wind energy each year. As part of the agreement, SCA will provide the new company with existing land rights while Fred.Olsen Renewables will be responsible for financing the new venture.
U.S.’s first net-zero energy bank opens in Florida
A Ft. Lauderdale, Florida TD Bank has become the first net-zero energy bank location in the United States. The location has achieved a net-zero energy status by generating all of its energy needs from solar power that has been installed on the property. The 400 solar panels will generate 100,000 kWh annually, which is more than the 97,000 kwh that the building is expected to consume. There are only 8 buildings in the country that have received recognition by the DOE as a Net-Zero Energy Building.
City of Bryan, Ohio Installs Lighting LED Streetlights To Lower Energy Bills
The City of Bryan, Ohio has become another real life testimonial for making financially successful energy efficient upgrades. Bryan Municipal Utilities was awarded a $540,000 matching grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to install approximately 1,400 energy-efficient streetlights in the Ohio town. More than a year later, the city is achieving a savings of 30-35%, thus surpassing the city’s expected sustainability goals. City officials were very careful in selecting the right kind of lighting solution. They wanted to make sure that more energy efficient lighting would still offer the same light coverage and quality light color at a lower wattage. With feedback from the community, the decision was made to go with the warm white light (4000K correlated color temperature) that Cooper Lighting’s LED fixtures provided.
Solar Power Industry Growth Opportunities
May 9th
Dr. Charles Gay Ph.D., President of Applied Solar, discusses the impact of the new 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard that was just passed into California law. This is the first part of a two part series.
Loading ...
Recent Comments