Solar making a Huge difference in Africa

NewYork Times reprint -

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL

Just one small rooftop solar panel has made a big difference in the lives of Sarah Ruto and her family in Kiptusuri, Kenya. The panel provides enough electricity to charge Ms. Ruto's cellphone and run four bright lights in the family's mud-walled hut.  Ms. Ruto's village is far from Kenya's electricity grid, but small-scale renewable energy systems are providing electricity at a price that the rural poor can afford. read the full story - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/science/earth/25fossil.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

 

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Solar making a Huge difference in Africa

NewYork Times reprint -

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL

Just one small rooftop solar panel has made a big difference in the lives of Sarah Ruto and her family in Kiptusuri, Kenya. The panel provides enough electricity to charge Ms. Ruto's cellphone and run four bright lights in the family's mud-walled hut.  Ms. Ruto's village is far from Kenya's electricity grid, but small-scale renewable energy systems are providing electricity at a price that the rural poor can afford. read the full story - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/science/earth/25fossil.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

 

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Early Christmas Gift from the White house

Cash Grants And Solar Energy

Delving Into The Numbers Jessica Lillian, Tuesday 21 December 2010

The solar sector received its Christmas present a few days early this year when President Obama signed into law a one-year extension of the U.S. Department of Treasury's Section 1603 program, also known as the cash-grant program or the TGP. Heralded as a financial lifeline for the industry, the program's extension followed a long, intense lobbying effort from solar stakeholders. But beyond the sighs of relief that, as expected, echoed across the industry last Friday, what does extending the TGP truly mean for solar project finance? How big an influence is the program?

What effects has it had so far? As of Nov. 22, the Treasury had doled out a grand total of $416,184,641 in grants for solar energy projects in the U.S., according to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The corresponding minimum total investment (the basis upon which the grants were claimed) reached $1,387,282,137. It is also worth noting that all but eight states received at least one solar grant. Not surprisingly, California took the No. 1 spot, with $143,651,129 in solar-related grants received for 178 projects.

The Golden State was followed by East Coast solar powerhouse New Jersey, with $72,183,816 received for 164 projects, and Florida, with $70,710,898 received for 112 projects. Nationwide, the TGP provided funding to 1,179 solar projects - far more than in any other renewable energy sector. (In comparison, a total of 209 wind energy projects in the U.S. took advantage of the TGP, according to SEIA's data, and 77 projects using other types of renewable energy received funding.)

The data provide sound confirmation of one of the key points stressed by Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA, during a conference call held earlier this month, when the fate of the TGP was still uncertain. "2010 is going to be a record year of growth for solar, and it's due in large part to the Treasury grant program," Resch said. Sheer project numbers may provide sufficient evidence of the TGP's worth for members of the solar sector, but at a time when the U.S. economy has yet to fully right itself after the extended recession, the notion of funding a selected industry without offering broader benefits remains largely publicly unacceptable. Earlier this year, research firm EuPD Research commissioned a study examining the economic impact of the TGP and tax credits for renewable energy equipment manufacturing. (For the purposes of analysis, it should be noted that EuPD Research's study focused on a hypothetical two-year extension of the TGP, rather than the one-year exte nsion that was ultimately signed into law.)

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First time solar producers awarded Mega bid

India’s first solar auction, planned to boost clean energy in the world’s fourth-biggest polluter, may risk failure after winners were selected without experience or proof that they can keep projects afloat earning low margins.

A woolen yarn maker, an animation company and an industrial pipes supplier with no experience building power plants were among 37 winners of the government auction announced Dec. 13. The lowest bidders quoted prices that mean they may struggle to earn an attractive profit, said Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyst Bharat Bhushan.

“These projects aren’t going to get built,” Anmol Singh Jaggi, director of Gensol Consultants Pvt., which funds renewable energy projects, said in an interview. “I don’t see how they’ll get financed or get returns.” 

India, which averages 300 sunny days a year, aims to generate 20 gigawatts of solar power by 2022, equivalent to 12 percent of its total electricity production today. A setback may delay solar’s development in Asia’s second-fastest growing major economy at a time when equipment makers, including Arizona-based First Solar Inc., face a potential supply glut and seek new markets as European countries slash solar subsidies.

The three largest projects went to companies experienced in building power plants: Lanco Infratech Ltd., KVK Energy Ventures Pvt. and Rajasthan Sun Technique, a unit of billionaire Anil Ambani’s Reliance Power Ltd. Abengoa SA, which has built plants in Spain and the U.S., and Acme Group, which is building a 10- megawatt solar thermal plant in India, were passed over.

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U.S. Senate Votes to Preserve Renewable Energy Cash Grants

in News Departments > Policy Watch by Renew Grid on Wednesday 15 December 2010 By a vote of 81-19, the U.S. Senate has approved a comprehensive tax package that includes a one-year extension of the Department of Treasury's Section 1603 program, also known as the cash-grant program. Various organizations and trade associations have been lobbying for the program's extension, saying it has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the renewable energy industry. The program offers a cash grant to renewable energy developers in lieu of an investment tax credit. The legislation will now be considered by the House, which is expected to bring the bill to the floor later this week, the New York Times has reported.

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Solar Fusion Teams up with Rinnai

Video: The Future of Propane

In this video, we review two cutting-edge products that offer the kind of energy efficiency and performance that more and more homeowners are asking for in their new homes and remodels. The Rinnai RH360 Solar Reheat Kit and the Generac Off-Grid Power Solution represent the kind of products that will help construction pros meet those homeowner needs through innovation and proven technology.

http://www.buildwithpropane.com/?page=videofuture

 

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Energy-Efficiency is the key to Fiscal Responsiblity

By Andy Mannle

But with a fresh crop of fiscal conservatives headed to Washington, it’s an ideal time to face our fundamental economic realities. There are three ways we can put our country back to work, invest in a smart, clean, safe, secure future, and reduce the deficit in our solar energy budget. We can do this by finding common ground on efficiency, clean energy manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure.

1^st – Increasing Efficiency. You don’t have to believe in climate change to understand that we can create jobs in communities across America by retrofitting homes and businesses to save money on energy bills. The GSA is moving to LEED Gold for all new Federal buildings; and the Army recently improved their high-performance green building standards, which the Army Corp of Engineers estimates will generate energy savings of 45% or more. If even the Army understands that energy efficiency is a sound, fiscally conservative investment – we should be able to convince a few Republicans in congress as well.

2nd – Expanding Clean Energy Manufacturing. Lets bring back manufacturing jobs by building cleaner vehicles, electric hybrid cars, mass transit, wind turbines and solar power. All of these can be made right here in America, and all of them will create jobs and boost the economy. Tons of steel and thousands of parts go into making each wind-turbine. We can put Detroit back to work, as well as hundreds of suppliers across the country by turning the rust belt back into a world-class manufacturing center concentrated on clean energy. Every study done on the subject agrees that many more jobs are created by expanding clean energy manufacturing and deployment than by subsidizing fossil fuel investment.

3rd - Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure. Every year the American Society of Civil Engineers grades our infrastructure, and every year we get D’s and F’s on the basic systems that handle our water, energy and transportation. Aging water lines leak enormous amounts of water, while outdated stormwater and sewer systems cause polluted water to flood our streets and streams. Nearly 2/3 of our power is lost in transmission from the coal plant to the outlet, so building a smarter grid would save billions in energy costs. Investing in smarter trains, faster buses, better roads and bike lanes will improve our economy, security, health and environment.

Each of the last six presidents announced in office that we can’t keep borrowing money to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on foreign energy each year. Harvesting solar income is the only way to boost our economy in the short term, while reducing deficits in the long term. And any honest debate about fiscal responsibility needs to take this into account.

(Note: This article appeared originally on Huffington Post) http://www.onearth.org/community-blog/why-solar-income-is-key-to-fiscal-responsibility

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US Energy Plan

Wednesday’s Washington conference introduced Americans to the concept of the nation’s first energy plan. US Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and seven other US Government agencies, launched the “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Export Initiative,” a program that will accelerate the promotion and support of American facilities for renewable energy and energy efficiency exports.

"Expanding U.S. clean technology exports is a critical step to ensuring America's economic competitiveness in the years ahead," said Chu. "The initiatives we are announcing today will provide us with a better understanding of the global clean energy marketplace and help boost U.S. exports."

This is the first effort from the US Department of Energy to create an exercise for renewable energy and energy efficiency, which will begin through the implementat ion of 23 interagency actions. The focused date is expected to be over the next five years, meeting the goals of the National Export Initiative, as well as President Obama’s plan to become the leading exporter of clean energy technologies.

Chu talked to reporters following the Washington conference, hailing the meeting a success. “This is one proposal as a possibility that I think Congress and the administration have to consider very seriously,” said Chu, according to the NY Times.

The Initiative was developed through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) Working Group on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which includes representatives from the Departments of Commerce, Energy, State and Agriculture, among others.

America is already seemingly behind the rest of the world in term s of national renewable energy support, with more than 100 countries already encourage similar policies for renewable energy policies of their own.

Source: DOE, NY Times 

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Dairy Farmers the time is now to Save

 

Dairy Barns have significant hot water loads, making solar water heating extremely applealing to dairy industry. Hot water is used to sanitize the milking equipment and wash the milking tanks. In addition, hot water aids i reducing the butterfat residue on the milk handling equipment.  

For a dairy farm with a daily hot water load of 230 US gallons or 870 liters per day, and two large draws, Solar Fusion recommends an installation of 12 solar collectors, (3) 120 US Gal/450 liters storage tanks plumbed parallel with the auxilary (existing) water heating system.

Before tax credits, incentives, and grants the installed cost with roof mounted collectors is about $24,000, cost are subject to site conditions, local labour rates, shipping etc. A typical dairy farm will save over $2,500 US a year in energy costs with paybacks in about the 4th year.

 

 

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The Pope wants Solar

We're used to seeing The Pope scooting around in his special customized Mercedes-Benz, but now there's word that Pope Benedict is interested in getting a new Popemobile that runs on solar power.

Presumably the vehicle will be an electric car, who's batteries are charged by solar panels mounted on the roof of the Papal garage, (Powered by the Son, so to speak) as the power you can get with a car powered directly by solar panels is pretty limited.

This is not The Pope's first foray into green energy, as he has already had photovoltaic solar panels fitted to the Vatican auditorium's roof, and a solar cooling unit installed for the Vatican cafeteria.

I just hope the final design looks better than that solar pyramid car we saw last year. We all need to look at alternative ways to generate energy, and be better stewards of the God given resources we've been given and have dominion over. Solar Fusion Vice President is prepare to guarantee savings eliminating all financial risk, which has been the major hurdle for consumers, Ken Boyle will continue to encourage Corporations to look internally first at ways to be more energy-efficient, because Mr. Boyle has always believed that “the cleanest, cheapest and most sustainable form of energy is energy-efficiency”.

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TECO Gets FPSC approval for Incentives

Tampa Electric Gets Florida Public Service Commission Approval to Expand Energy-Efficiency Programs and Incentives

The New Programs, to Be Available to Customers in the First Quarter of 2011, Include $1.5 Million in Incentives Tampa Electric Will Offer Each Year for Five Years to Help Customers Install Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems and Solar Water Heating

TAMPA, Fla., Dec 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tampa Electric received approval yesterday from the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) to expand its current lineup of energy-efficiency programs for customers. In addition to the new programs and enhancements to existing programs, $1.5 million in incentives will be offered by Tampa Electric each year for five years to help customers install renewable technologies. Those measures include:

Residential Solar Water Heating -- Provides customer incentives up to $1,000 for installing new solar water heating systems. Solar PV Systems -- Provides incentives to customers who install PV systems at their homes or businesses. PV for Schools -- Tampa Electric will install five 10-kilowatt (kW) systems with battery backup power (one school per year over five years) at schools that also can function as emergency shelters. The PV technology will provide educational opportunities to teachers and students. Low-Income Solar Water Heating -- Solar water heating systems will be available for installation on new construction in collaboration with nonprofit building organizations.

The new programs should be available to customers in first quarter of 2011. The availability of these incentives is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations will be accepted online at tampaelectric.com.

"Saving energy is important to our customers during these challenging economic times," said Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. "In designing these new programs, we considered the growing interest community leaders and small and large customers have in renewable technologies, energy conservation and, smart and efficient-energy management equipment and systems. These new and enhanced programs can help customers lower their energy bills."

read full story: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tampa-electric-gets-florida-public-service-commission-approval-to-expand-energy-efficiency-programs-and-incentives-2010-12-01?reflink=MW_news_stmp

 

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Sustainable Future

In recent years, Colorado has earned a national and international reputation for clean energy leadership. Farsighted energy policies have attracted investment, created jobs and demonstrated that our state is helping to lead the way in scientific and technological innovation. Along the way, Colorado has demonstrated that good energy policy can be good economic policy and good environmental policy.

Colorado has moved rapidly to harness renewable energy as an important means of supplying electricity. Colorado now boasts the second-highest renewable energy standard in the country: the largest utilities will supply 30 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. Florida and other states can too follow Colorado’s lead and create jobs and help the environment, by taking steps today to ensure a brighter tomorrow.

In the coming weeks and months, Colorado can further demonstrate its leadership by taking the next step toward a clean energy future. And once again, we can do well by doing right. With a balanced approach to energy efficiency, renewable energy and natural gas, we can demonstrate to the nation and the world the economic and environmental benefits of a balanced energy strategy.

The legislature passed the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act in the spring, with strong bipartisan support. This landmark law created a comprehensive process to bring the state into compliance with federal Clean Air Act requirements while maximizing the benefits for Colorado consumers and our important natural gas industry. Rather than waiting for the EPA to mandate a plan to deal with air pollutants, we can shape our own economic and environmental future.

Solar Fusion has stepped up, and is demonstrating its commitment to help craft solutions that protects consumers, dramatically improves air quality and savings money. The state's Public Utilities Commission is reviewing implementation options and should move forward with a plan that balances efficiency with production from both alternative and conventional energy supplies.

The best scenarios involve harnessing the cheapest, cleanest energy resource of them all — efficiency — while retiring 900 megawatts of coal power from the two oldest and dirtiest plants in the metro area (the "clunkers" of energy production), replacing them with advanced, clean-burning natural gas plants

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