Sempra Generation A Solar Energy Champion

Posted on October 21, 2011 by quest

Sempra Generation has received the 2011 Solar Energy Industries Association Solar Champion Award in the Project Developer category. The national recognition is based on the significant impact the company has made over the last year in “helping build a strong solar industry to power America, and contributing to the industry goal of achieving 10 gigawatts of new annual installed capacity by 2015.”The award was announced at the Solar Power International 2011 conference, which was held in Dallas. Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Working with its 1,000 member companies, the organization is helping to grow and advance the solar industry through advocacy, policy development and education on the benefits of solar energy.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by the Solar Energy Industries Association, which is leading the way to advance and grow the U.S. solar industry,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. “Solar power is positively impacting communities and local economies across the country, and we are excited to have the opportunity to support America’s transition to a cleaner energy future.””Innovative utility-scale solar project developers are a key piece of the industry’s vision of installing 10 gigawatts of solar each year by 2015,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association. “Sempra Generation is helping the utility-scale market make significant strides in meeting that goal to power two million more homes year in and year out with clean, reliable solar energy.”

Sempra Generation is a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. The company operates the 48-megawatt (MW) Copper Mountain Solar 1 project in Boulder City, Nev., which is currently the largest photovoltaic solar plant in the U.S. Construction is expected to begin on a 150-MW expansion of this landmark solar installation in 2012. The company also recently broke ground on its 150-MW Mesquite Solar 1 project in Arizona, with completion anticipated in 2013.

Solar Energy Has Massive Potential In The Himalayas

Dereliction Of Foodies

Posted on October 15, 2011 by quest

As urban farming becomes a valid source of obtaining fresh foods with local sources addressing energy and conservation concerns, will the direction we work towards be thwarted by local government or lack of necessary resources to continue our efforts?

The short answer to a long question is there are no guarantees. I have watched one community garden after another closed for a variety of reasons. All who partake should be aware of legalities http://www.theselc.org/food-and-livelihoods-project/ and poised to take action as the South Central Farmers in Los Angeles have. Although they didn’t prevail in the legal sense a commitment to continue sent them in many directions. Some facilitated by the mayor whose campaign led the farmers to believe he would be able to help them. During times like this when good food is unaffordable to many and we realize that subsidized means substandard products it is important to continue efforts and sometimes battles for the right to clean water and fresh foods. http://gefoodlabels.org/ By Susan Rigali

Susan Rigali is Owner/Executive Chef of Savor Solar. She has invested a significant amount of her career to education and research in the areas of food safety and the slow food movement. She has been a part of many organic urban gardening projects in L.A., which aim to transform socio-economic barriers that keep families from accessing healthy food and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. For the majority of her career, Susan has worked in connection with the unique world of film and television production. Her accomplishments range from large scale events to intimate dining affairs.

Oregon proposes approval of wave energy project

Electric Vehicle Home Solar Charging On The Move

Posted on October 4, 2011 by quest

SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., today announced that it has joined the Pecan Street Inc.to help lead the charge of the advanced home solar photovoltaic (PV) charging systems for Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles (EV).“To be relevant, smart grid energy innovations must solve consumers’ problems and provide services that excite them,” said Pecan Street Inc. executive director Brewster McCracken.

Pecan Street Inc. is creating a consumer-focused smart-grid demonstration project in Austin, Texas, built around home applications, and consumer electronics. SunEdison joins other participating companies – Best Buy, Check-It, Chevrolet, Freescale, Intel, Landis+Gyr, , Sony and Whirlpool – in deploying products and dedicating researchers to the project who will collaborate with Pecan Street Inc. and University of Texas researchers.
Deployments by member companies include one of the nation’s most highly concentrated residential installations of EVs, home services systems, smart appliances and charging of cars from home solar panels.

“We are delighted to be participating with Chevrolet and other industry and thought leaders in the Pecan Street Inc. project,” said SunEdison President Carlos Domenech. “The use of our advanced SunEdison Energy and Environmental Data System (SEEDS) platform in this project will help gather what will be the most comprehensive collection of consumer energy data developed in the United States, and will enable us to support zero-carbon footprint automotive solutions.” A number of the SunEdison-led home solar vehicle charging systems will also have in-home batteries, and all systems will integrate into the home services systems provided by other companies in the Pecan Street Inc. project including Best Buy/Check-It, Intel, Sony and Whirlpool. More than 150 participating residents will have rooftop solar PV, including nearly all of the residents who acquire Volts.

Santiago solving its energy challenges

Electric Vehicle Converter Presents At Green For All

Posted on October 2, 2011 by quest

Electric vehicle entrepreneur, Valery Miftakhov founder of Electric Motor Werks was one of many who attended a two day Business Academy sponsored by Green For All. Green for All is an innovative national leader in the green jobs and business movement, conducted their Business Academy at the University of Phoenix Training Center in San Jose, CA. The two day conference was held on Thursday and Friday September 29, 30 2011; addressed the skills and issues necessary to succeed in the emerging green economy. In attendance were green business leaders, business support organizations, capital providers, consultants and lawyers who provided practical and specific insights that entrepreneurs can initiate to grow their respective organizations.

Ana Vasudeo Senior Associate of Green for All’s Capital Access Program guided the panelist and workshops focused on topics such as; Funding for Green Companies, and Start-up Tips from Green Entrepreneurs. The two day seminar also included a Elevator Pitch Practice Session which allowed start ups to present their business plan to a panel of investors, attorneys, consultants and seasoned executives.

Green For All is a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. They work in collaboration with business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry.

Solar Decathlon Refocuses on Affordability of New Homes

University of Maryland Wins Solar Decathlon Architecture Award

Posted on September 29, 2011 by quest

Announced before an enthusiastic crowd at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the University of Maryland took first place in the highly competitive Architecture Contest of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. For the Architecture Contest, collegiate students from around the world are judged on the design and construction of attractive, high-performance houses that integrate renewable energy systems and energy-efficient technologies. Dennis Andrejko, representing the American Institute of Architects, presented the award in front of an audience that included government leaders and Solar Decathlon student team members. The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in.

“We are thrilled to announce this prestigious award during a special ceremony on Capitol Hill,” said Richard King, director of Solar Decathlon for the U.S. Department of Energy. “The Solar Decathlon lets today’s leaders see firsthand the innovative spirit of tomorrow’s clean energy workforce.”

Maryland earned a score of 96 out of a possible 100 points. Architectural juror Michelle Kaufmann, who has been called “the Henry Ford of green homes” by the Sierra Club and is a former Associate with the office of Frank O. Gehry, said, “The Maryland home achieves an elegant mix of inspiration, function and simplicity. It takes our current greatest challenges in the built environment – energy and water – and transforms them into opportunities for spatial beauty and poetry while maintaining livability in every square inch. This is what the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is all about.” New Zealand (Victoria University of Wellington) claimed second place with 95 points, and Appalachian State University took third place with 94 points.

Tribute to Heroine Wangari Maathai

Its A Sunny Solar Day In Georgia

Posted on September 27, 2011 by quest

The annual Georgia Solar Tour will open solar sites throughout the state for tours and discussion on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the tour is to show how Solar Works in Georgia by providing jobs, energy savings and clean, renewable energy. Coordinated by the Georgia Solar Energy Association, the tour is part of the National Solar Tour, which this year will open some 5,500 installations in 3,200 communities nationwide. Georgians all over the state can experience and learn more about how solar energy, America’s fastest-growing industry, is bringing jobs, investment and advanced technology to our state.

The total market value of the U.S. solar energy industry grew an astonishing 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6 billion in 2010, and this growth has continued in 2011. With an expanded pool of state tax credits for solar installations in Fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014 and available federal incentives, the Georgia market’s enthusiasm for clean, safe, renewable energy has blossomed. Solar’s increasing efficiency and the falling cost of solar equipment – which has come down more than 30 percent in the past year – have made solar energy in all its forms more affordable and practical than ever.

Georgia Solar Tour Chairman Anthony Coker said this year’s solar tour offers the public a sample of what solar investment is contributing to the state and why studies consistently show Georgia among the nation’s top locations for solar energy potential.”We think the Georgia Solar Tour will show that Georgia’s solar industry is creating skilled jobs, producing energy savings for homeowners and businesses, and expanding our domestic energy portfolio,” Coker said. “And we hope that Georgians who participate in the tour will recognize the promise this holds for boosting the state’s economy.”