Tuesday 30 December 2014

Vivint Solar Creates New Vivint Solar Labs Technology Team

Vivint Solar Creates New Vivint Solar Labs Technology Team
VIVINT SOLAR, A LEADING PROVIDER OF RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SYSTEMS IN THE UNITED STATES ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ITS SOLMETRIC TEAM WILL BE FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE VIVINT SOLAR OPERATING STRUCTURE AND BE KNOWN AS VIVINT SOLAR LABS. THE NEW RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM WILL FOCUS ON PROPRIETARY PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE.

Having reached the end of the product lifecycle, the Solmetric SunEye 210 and its line of products - including PV Designer, Solmetric Shade Training and the SunEye Extension Platform - will no longer be available. PV Analyzer will continue to be available.

"We are pleased with the integration of the Solmetric team of engineers and staff into Vivint Solar Labs," said Greg Butterfield, CEO of Vivint Solar. "We look forward to further development of advanced photovoltaic installation technology that will significantly reduce our cost per watt and expedite solar installations for our customers."

Vivint Solar acquired Solmetric Corporation in January 2014. Vivint Solar is the second largest installer of solar energy systems to the U.S. residential market with approximately 16 percent market share in the third quarter of 2014, according to GTM Research. In 2014, the company established 23 new sales and installation offices to its 16 previously existing offices. The company plans to expand further in 2015.



Source: green-power-project.blogspot.com

Sunday 28 December 2014

How Cell Phone Chargers Are Going Green

How Cell Phone Chargers Are Going Green
Cellphone chargers have gone green because they use a minimal amount of energy. There are so many new solar technologies available in the electronic device industry. Smartphones use a fraction of the energy that older cellphones use. They are also more affordable today than they were when they first came out. Netbooks and tablets offer longer battery life than traditional laptops. Solar energy has found its way into the home improvement industry. You can buy solar lights to illuminate your home without costing you more for energy. These lights can also be decorative as well as improve your level of home security. Solar energy is being installed in homes throughout the country. Although the initial costs are high, you will not have a monthly energy bill once your system is paid off. There are also a variety of incentives from energy providers and government agencies that will offset these costs. Figure out how long it will take for you to see a return on your initial investment. Most homeowners pay off their solar systems within a few years and reap the benefits early. You can finance your solar panels and have them paid off within five years. A green home is a home that doesn't rely on electricity for power.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: Nivea: Solar Ad Charger

Source: green-power-project.blogspot.com

Saturday 27 December 2014

How The Right Uses Environmental Law To Kill American Jobs

How The Right Uses Environmental Law To Kill American Jobs
In insistence you missed it.....HOW THE Totally USES Verdant LAW TO Kill AMERICAN JOBSNo, that was not the perception of the existing New York Grow old article about the Indicate Loop offshore wind project. But it have to hold been. Yarn Op Ed January 25, 2014 - 1:00pm U.S. lacks a corpulent, tranquil offshore wind industry."Tidy GROUPS USE Verdant Legal action TO Kill AMERICAN JOBS. "By Lew Milford, Person in command of Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun.No, that was not the perception of the existing "New York Grow old" article about the Indicate Loop offshore wind project. But it have to hold been.The article lifelike the meager story of how a saloon contractor, Flock Basin, unhappy out on a big welding job for the Indicate Loop project to European offshore contractors.Why? Like the European bids were cheaper.And why is that? Like the U.S. lacks a corpulent and tranquil offshore wind industry. It has not had the path to build up to scale to pursuit in opposition to the Europeans who hold been building projects for two decades.But why is that? That is where the glasses case in opposition to the Indicate Loop project have to hold a played a haughty part in the story.Matter DON'T GO In good health By KOCHFor the last decade, Take effect Koch, the prominent billionaire, has funded glasses case to ruin the Indicate Loop project, what he doesn't requirement to see it from his Indicate Cod terrace. Whether he very desires to appear off renewable power what his plethora comes from fossil fuels is next to opposed to the trip.And what cook of glasses case strategies is the narrow-minded Mr. Koch pursuing? In particular the cook of lawful strategies that the narrow-minded actual complains about the same as environmentalists use them to shield the environment.In Koch's topical unsuccessful obstacle to use new law to ambush the project, the central appeals mall in Washington rejected his attempts to sue the FAA, which via the project would not be inquisitive with depot radar. The insistence relied in part on using NEPA, the nation's elemental new swift law, to try to upset the central approval.Offer is a connection here between the pour blood of American jobs and the conservatives' use of new glasses case to meaning eagerly private, not native, interests.While IF...If the Indicate Loop offshore wind project had not been said up for a decade by squandered glasses case, pompous companies nearing Flock Basin would hold had a travel to dawn service, easiness costs, and pursuit in opposition to their European counterparts for Indicate Loop and other offshore wind projects. Offer constrain be an budding offshore wind industry with ruthless U.S. suppliers exultant bids reasonably than gulp down them.The everlasting glasses case is not the barely justification for that failure, but it has to pinch a few of the rebuke.So the future stop get down on the actual falsely decries environmentalists for slaughter American jobs upfront lawsuits, ask them to tolerate why their links in Massachusetts are feign the incredibly bee in your bonnet.This article is reprinted with the author's entrance. It very appeared in the Huffington Ship's mast.""Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun is a improve on nonprofit advocacy organization vigorous in the U.S. and internationally on sophisticated clean energy technology, finance, and policy programs.""Founded in 1998, CEG is headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont, with position based in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. In 2002, CEG formed and now manages a part, countrywide nonprofit fusion of state-based, U.S. native clean energy funds- Out-and-out Supremacy States Union. CEG has sooner than serverd as the Secretariat for the UNEP Sustainable Supremacy Savings account Union, the barely convening stem in the sophisticated system for native finance agencies in the clean energy sector.""Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun is supported by elemental foundations, as kindly as state, central and sophisticated energy agencies." Connected Content: Aggression Indicate Loop 1 MILLION AT A TIMECOOL Prepare OR HOT AIR: THE Store FOR Indicate WINDEVERYTHING YOU Inevitability TO Experience Present Take effect KOCH...KOCH, MURDOCH, ON 10 Best BILLIONAIRES Agenda HTTP://WWW.CAPECODTODAY.COM/ARTICLE/2014/01/25/23750-HOW-RIGHT-USES-ENVIRONMENTAL-LAW-KILL-AMERICAN-JOBS

Sunday 14 December 2014

Southwest Airlines To Use Forest Biofuels

Southwest Airlines To Use Forest Biofuels
"- by Terry Maxon, December 31, 2014, Dallas Morning News" Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood, for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest's phrasing, it is purchasing "low carbon renewable jet fuel, made using forest residues that will help reduce the risk of destructive wildfires in the Western United States." It has agreed to buy about 3 million gallons a year from Red Rocks Biofuels, a Fort Collins, Colorado, that focused on recycling that foresty stuff. That won't provide much of Southwest's needs. he Dallas carrier in 2013 bought 1,818 million gallons, so 3 million gallons would represent 0.2 percent of its needs or about 60 percent of an average day's usage. But it might make a noticeable portion of the fuel needs at Southwest's Bay airports - San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose - where the fuel will be delivered beginning in 2016. "Our commitment to sustainability and efficient operations led us on a search for a viable biofuel that uses a sustainable feedstock with a high rate of success," said Bill Tiffany, Southwest's vice president of supply chain. "Red Rock Biofuel's technology, economics and approved use made entering into an agreement for purchase a win-win situation," he said. "From the outset, we have sought to build the best possible team of project partners," Red Rock CEO Terry Kulesa said. "A conversation we started with Southwest on the premise of providing renewable jet fuel at cost parity with conventional jet fuel has evolved into a great partnership. "We're happy to help Southwest diversify its fuel supply,"Kulesa said. According to the announcement, "RRB's first plant will convert approximately 140,000 dry tons of woody biomass feedstock into at least 12 million gallons per year of renewable jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels." How can you turn humus, plant duff and twigs into fuel to fly a commercial airplane? Here's Red Rock's explanation from its website: "RRB's technology platform converts woody biomass to jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels. Our process begins with the gasification of woody biomass to produce synthesis gas. "This synthesis gas is cleaned and sent to a Fischer-Tropsch unit where it is converted to liquid hydrocarbons. "Hydroprocessing refines the liquid hydrocarbons to produce jet, diesel and naptha fuels." Red Rock has received a 70 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to build a "biorefinery" at Lakeview, Oregon, near the intersection of California, Nevada and Oregon and close to Fremont National Forest. Tags: southwest airlinesBiomassbioenergybiofuelsbiofuelrenewable energybiodieselusda

Origin: cleanpowerlife.blogspot.com

Saturday 13 December 2014

Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines

Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines
Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines With Help From NativeEnergyPROJECT POWERS SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND AND CUTS GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTIONPRESS RELEASEWednesday, September 5, 2012 - 10:00am(3BL Media) Burlington, VT - September 5, 2012 - "Native"Energy, a leading provider of carbon credits, is offering carbon offsets from a trio of wind turbines serving Indiana school districts. By harnessing a natural resource, this project powers school buildings, saves money and teachers' jobs, and provides hands-on renewable energy training for young people."Our customers enthusiastically support community wind projects," said Jeff Bernicke, "Native"Energy's president. "We now have 29 successful wind developments in our portfolio of carbon projects."The Northwestern (Kokomo), West Central (Francesville), and North Newton (Morocco) School Corporations have each installed 900kW PowerWind turbines on their school campuses. Each district owns its turbine and will take advantage of the net metering incentive offered through the local electric utility company. The project is being developed by Performance Services of Indianapolis."Every dollar we save on energy costs and earn from carbon offsets is a dollar we can spend in the classroom," said Harold Seamon, Northwestern assistant superintendent.Each turbine is projected to produce 2,400 megawatt hours annually. They are expected to save school corporations millions of dollars over the 20+ year life of the turbines, helping the districts retain critical programs at a time when school budgets are dwindling. While the savings are significant over time, the initial cost for each turbine was prohibitive. "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM approach, which provides early funding for carbon credits, was essential in making the economics of the project workable.Previously, "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM model was used to enable the development of the Wray, Colorado, school district turbine in 2006 and the City of Union City and Randolph Eastern School Corporation turbines in Indiana in 2011. The Union City project was also developed by Performance Services.Speaking of the partnership, Tony Kuykendall of Performance Services said, "School wind projects offer a constellation of benefits- lower cost to schools, clean energy, real-world educational opportunities. At Performance Systems, we're proud of our record in advancing community projects, and we're glad we've found a partner in "Native"Energy who can help us succeed more quickly in more towns."The rewards to the schools and communities are not just financial. K-12 renewable energy curriculum-which integrates live and historical data from the turbines-will be offered at every school. In addition, Northwestern is discussing the offering of dual credit classes in conjunction with Indiana University at Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College. At North Newton, credit from the high school's renewable energy coursework will be earned through Purdue University and transferable to any state university in Indiana. Credit will also be available at West Central. "This is the first wind turbine in our county. The community is very excited about it," said Chuck Mellon, West Central superintendent, with a chuckle. "If the turbines aren't turning on a certain day, I hear about it!"SOURCE: 3BL MEDIA (HTTP://3BLMEDIA.COM/THECSRFEED/INDIANA-SCHOOLS-INSTALL-WIND-TURBINES-HELP-NATIVEENERGY)

Tuesday 9 December 2014

Make Improvements To Your Home And Save Energy

Make Improvements To Your Home And Save Energy
Some people like to suggest that it's impossible for individuals to make a difference, when it comes to protecting the environment. They like to argue that it's up to governments and corporations to make the real decisions.Frankly, I've always found this argument to be a little too convenient. It's a great way of passing the buck and ignoring our own responsibilities. It's certainly true that governments, businesses and other organisations do have the potential to make a significant impact in many areas. They can certainly help us all to deal with climate change.But every individual and every household possesses the ability to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that is causing so much harm. Before this starts to sound like something of a lecture, I should also point out that I believe that there are significant financial benefits associated with tackling this problem.In other words, I believe that it's possible to do something that's good for the environment and also good for family finances.REDUCING THE RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELSYou may not be able to control the fuels that are being burned at your nearest power station, but you certainly are in a position to use less of them. In fact, you may be able to put yourself in a position where you become a net contributor to the country's energy needs.There are a variety of ways for achieving this, including making use of renewable energy systems. Solar panels, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps might all be part of the solution for your home.Some governments even offer financial incentives for installing such systems, as detailed by websites like MrRenewables.co.uk. By making use of such incentives, you may find that you can use less energy and also generate an additional income.LOSING LESS HEATAs things stand, it's likely that you are paying for heat and light that is actually being wasted. In effect, that means that you are wasting money, as well as energy.It's likely that a considerable amount of heat is being lost via windows, doors, walls and ceilings within your home. Fortunately, there are a number of cost-effective home improvements that you could consider.From cavity wall insulation to the use of modern double glazing, you'll discover that such improvements can reduce heat loss. Indeed, double glazing may also reduce levels of noise disturbance.I'm fond of this idea of making improvements that are good for the wider environment, but that also make sense in other areas. If that means ending up with a home that looks better, or that simply costs you less money to heat and maintain, then it seems to me that this can only be a good thing.Before leaping to the conclusion that there is nothing that you can do to protect the planet from climate change, think about whether you have really investigated your options in full. It's likely that there are more possibilities than you imagine.AUTHOR BIOKeith Barrett believes that we can all do a little more to protect the environment. He writes about green issues, as well as a range of other subjects.

Monday 8 December 2014

Commentaries

Commentaries
2012

12.04.12 PSCW Decisions "Tax" Renewable Energy

11.08.12 The Real Meaning of Kewaunee's Demise

08.16.12 Natural Gas: Wrestling with Reality

2011

07.11.11 Wisconsin's Widening War on Renewables

2010

11.10.10 Shirley Wind: An Auspicious Debut for Emerging Energies

09.30.10 Meet Butler Ridge, Wisconsin's Newest Wind Project

09.27.10 Touring This Year's Renewable Energy Crop

07.12.10 The Oil Spill and You

05.05.10 Impressions of Wind Siting Council's Tour of Wind Development in Fond du Lac County

05.04.10 A Cruel Month for Renewable Energy

04.15.10 Legislators Fire Blanks at Clean Energy Jobs Act

04.07.10 Costs of Coal Plants Keep Going Up

02.22.10 Of Molehills and Renewable Energy Purchases

02.17.10 Clearing Up Wisconsin's Lakes With Clean Energy

02.12.10 Letter to Sen. Miller & Rep. Black on rate impacts of ARTs

2009

12.22.09 Think Tank Flunks Renewable Energy Analysis

11.20.09 Fact sheet: Renewable energy buyback rates

10.19.09 Educating Schools on Solar Air Heating

10.10.09 Plain English explanation of wind siting reform law

09.25.09 CWESt's Report Adds Noise to Wind Debate

08.11.09 Pursuing Sustainability Through Economic Adversity

07.10.09 It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home

06.02.09 Windpower - A Stabilizing Force in an Economic Downdraft

04.07.08 The Importance of Doing the Math

01.27.09 Response to anti-wind comments of State Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer

2008

12.05.08 Q&A on higher buyback rates on electricity from renewables

10.07.08 Palin's Folly

07.24.08 Sock maker steps up to solar hot water

07.10.08 An Open Letter to Congress: Extend Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

05.19.08 Fossil Fuel Watch: Gas Tax Pain

03.31.08 Oppositon to Windpower Pollutes Climate Policy

01.04.08 Walling Out Wind

2007

07.27.07 A Federal Energy Policy: Can It Happen Here?

03.20.07 Fossil Fuel Watch: Solar, The No-risk Path to Wealth Creation

2006

12.28.06 Fossil Fuel Watch: Meet My Solar Clothes Dryer

11.16.06 Mid-Term Elections: Renewable Energy Cleans Up

11.02.06 Draining Canada First

2005

10.06.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: Stirrings in the Land of What-Me-Worry?

09.21.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: The Eye Between the Storms

Source: amosrenewableenergy.blogspot.com