Solar Power International Offering Free Solar Training

Posted on August 25, 2012 by QuestPoint

A Photovoltaic (PV) Technical Training program consisting of 11 in-depth sessions is being offered on the exhibit floor in booth 1008 during Solar Power International 2012 (SPI ‘12). The training sessions are the newest addition to the SPI conference program and have been developed in partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) and the North American oBoard of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The sessions are included in both full conference and exhibits-only passes and are included with other industry participants on a variety of topics including certification programs, solar site analysis and battery-safety and maintenance.

Taking place September 10th through 13th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, SPI ’12 is North America’s premier business-to-business event for professionals in solar energy. The show is presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). This international event is expected to attract attendees from more than 100 countries to learn about new markets for solar, new products, and the issues and strategies that will guide the industry’s growing emergence as an energy solution.

“We’ve introduced these technical training sessions as an added value to companies who want to enhance their technical skills and knowledge of their staff,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO, SEIA. “Our industry is fast-evolving and this new program helps people working in the field keep up with the latest developments and procedures. This is critical for expanding the solar business.” “We are thrilled to partner with Solar Energy International and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, two prestigious organizations who can share their knowledge with SPI attendees,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA president and CEO. “The program consists of a wide range of topics addressing the interests of professionals at all levels, from beginner to advanced, enhancing an already comprehensive conference program.”

Rent And Drive Electric In LA

Posted on August 12, 2012 by QuestPoint

The City of Angels is fast becoming the electric car capitol of America. And to showcase that fact, MPG Rent-a-Car is committed to changing the way that customers rent cars by taking a boutique-oriented, green approach to automotive rentals. It has also made a serious commitment to environmental issues as the only fully sustainability centered rental car company in Los Angeles. The agency has therefore taken to heart the recent Best Global Green Brands rankings made available by Interbrand, the world’s largest brand consultancy. Based in the progressive, green-friendly haven of Venice, California, MPG Car Rental, an all-green car rental company, proudly offers the eco-friendly brands named in the report.

David Pearson, Global Sustainability Leader of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, discussed why why successful businesses are being strengthened by a new focus on sustainability. He noted that consumers are becoming increasingly passionate about eco-consumerism. MPG Car Rental is passionate as well. By filling a niche for environmentally-minded renters, the MPG team can build relationships with their coastal Los Angeles clientele, which leads to happier experiences all around. Sustainability-minded car renters are bound to be energized about having an all-green rental fleet. Innovation was also cited by Mr. Pearson. To attain a smaller ecological footprint, inventors and developers have to think of new ways of operating and manufacturing alongside the use of cleaner fuels. MPG Car Rental explores these types of vehicles by constantly updating its fleet.

The MPG fleet includes vehicles mentioned in Interbrand’s list, from Toyota (Prius, Prius Plug-In, Highlander Hybrid) and Lexus (RX, CT), to Honda (Insight), Volkswagen (Jetta), and many more. All of these brands ranked on the Best Global Green Brand list. A recently-added electric car rental, the Chevy Volt, should be making waves with green-minded renters as well. The company will even pick you up and drop you off where you need to go after, a crucial convenience.

The Secret To Solar Power

Sunpower Expands Solar Buying Options

Posted on August 8, 2012 by QuestPoint

SunPower Corp. today announced new commitments from Citi and Credit Suisse that will provide financing to support approximately $325 million of residential solar lease projects. SunPower will use the funds to supplement its successful SunPower® Lease program to U.S. residential customers, expanding the financing options available to homeowners interested in high-efficiency SunPower solar power systems, the most efficient solar technology available today.

“Citi is proud to support SunPower’s efforts to make renewable energy more accessible to American homeowners,” said Jason Cavaliere, director at Citi. “Financing the expansion of the SunPower Lease offer builds on Citi’s commitment to environmental sustainability and our continued support for the green economy and green jobs in the U.S.”
“Credit Suisse is pleased to help more U.S. homeowners take advantage of the environmental and economic benefits of SunPower technology,” said Jerry Smith, managing director at Credit Suisse.

“The global financial leadership of Citi and Credit Suisse, combined with SunPower’s leading technology and quarter century of experience, offer customers an unprecedented level of assurance that is vitally important. The SunPower Lease is now available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. SunPower is the leading manufacturer of rooftop solar power systems in the U.S. because our customers know they can rely on high efficiency SunPower technology to maximize the power generated on their roof – and their monthly savings,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. “Homeowners have many financing options when they choose a SunPower system, from cash purchases to loans to leases, and SunPower dealers work with customers to ensure they choose the financing option that is right for them. We are very pleased to extend the lease option to more of our U.S. customers.”

Marin Pastor On A Solar Power Mission To Africa

Posted on August 4, 2012 by QuestPoint

20070125 vbchurch 01 Viewer Marin Pastor On A Solar Power Mission To Africa After a few times meeting and talking with Dr. Emmanuel O. Akognon it’s obvious he’s not your everyday “you’re gonna burn in hell” preacher. With a Phd in Ministry from Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, Dr. Emmanuel O. Akognon was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and first pastored in British Columbia,Canada. Now the multilingual senior pastor of Village Baptist Church, Marin City wants to use the power of the sun to transform the lives of rural people who have no access to electricity. “Americans take for granted that everytime they turn on an electrical switch, the lights will turn on. That is not case in some parts of Nigeria or Benin where there is no electricity or running water. And in some of the larger more populated cities daily blackouts are common place” said Reverend Akognon. Africa has big political and systemwide problems that are preventing new solar energy developments from reaching the people who need it the most. While there have been projects that have been successful such as the solar energy drip project used to pump water for irrigation systems. Akognon wants to put small solar energy panels and lights into the hands of local villagers.

He believes once local people start using them it will transform the region and create broad interest around the world. Dr. Emmanuel O. Akognon began researching solar energy in 2006 after a trip to his birthplace and to Benin on the west African coastline. He also traveled to China to build ties with solar makers and spent time at the Solar Living Institute in Hopland CA. This past week he spoke to his congregation about the purpose of mission in general and his mission to help bring electricity to parts of Africa using small solar panels. The small solar systems will allow people to read at night, decrease health problems and accidents caused by kerosene…a common lighting source in rural Africa.

Through the nonprofit Better Africa Foundation, Dr. Emmanuel O. Akognon will return to West Africa in late September to begin his mission of supplying 1000 homes with small solar power and lights.

Farmers Markets Surge

Marin Clean Energy Powering Change

Posted on July 27, 2012 by QuestPoint

It wasn’t long ago that Marin Clean Energy began its operations after a David and Goliath battle with PG & E. Marin Clean Energy won with the support of the voters, and MCE became the first non profit community energy supplier in California. Now MCE has just recently signed an agreement with the city of Richmond California to provide that city with its electricity. The agreement will increase MCE’s capacity by one third. MCE also serves most of the towns in Marin county including Sausalito…not sure Novato will rejoin.

Richmond has also been on the forefront of the going green movement for some time. Richmond was one of the first cities to provide solar training through its Solar Richmond training program which has become a model for solar training for other US cities. You can listen here to what into the decision making process. Richmond recently adopted an innovative General Plan 2030 to promote community health and sustainable development. The General Plan contains innovative policies to improve community health and wellness by increasing access to recreational activities, healthy food, medical services, public transportation, affordable housing, economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and improve environmental quality.

Marin Clean Energy has signed a 20 year agreement with San Rafael Airport to complete an almost 1 mega watt rooftop solar project which is set for completion this fall.

High Speed Rail Boston To DC

Garden State Gets Greener With More Solar Energy

Posted on July 24, 2012 by QuestPoint

New Jersey continues its environmental leadership along with other states like California and Arizona to create more green jobs and cut pollution. Yesterday Matt Elliott, Environment New Jersey’s Clean Energy Advocate, wrote “We applaud the Legislature and the governor for supporting a bill to help New Jersey continue to be the nation’s solar leader. We are pleased that the measure passed both houses of the Legislature with overwhelming bi-partisan support, reflecting the people of New Jersey’s strong support for clean, renewable energy, regardless of party affiliation. And we applaud Governor Christie for signing the bill into law today.

“Because of forward-thinking policies passed by the Legislature and Republican and Democratic governors alike over the years, New Jersey is one of the nation’s leaders on solar power. This bill continues that positive momentum. Currently, we have more solar per square mile than any other state in the nation, with nearly 16,000 solar installations on homes and businesses across the state. As a result, solar is cutting harmful air pollution, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, keeping more of our energy dollars here at home, and creating thousands of local jobs.

“The recent boom in solar development demonstrates that our state’s potential is much greater than previously anticipated. Moving forward, longer-term state policy must keep up with that potential. We should be increasing the state’s overall clean energy requirements and ensuring more of our clean energy goals are carved out for solar specifically. In the short term, however, this bill will ensure that New Jersey continues to be a solar leader. Without a doubt, today is a good day for solar in New Jersey.”