Solar Powered Vessel To Celebrate With Lady Liberty

Posted on October 27, 2011 by quest

Hornblower Hybrid, the nation’s first vessel powered by diesel, hydrogen, batteries, wind and solar energy, arrived today in the New York Harbor. After nearly two years of construction and the work of more than 300 individuals, the Hybrid will service New York City upon completion of United States Coast Guard sea trials and certifications. The innovative vessel reduces emissions, uses minimal diesel, and features several recycled and reclaimed materials, LEED-certified carpet and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Terry MacRae, CEO of Hornblower Cruises & Events said, “The Hybrid marks a milestone in sustainable maritime transportation. What better time to unveil it to the world than on the anniversary of one of America’s most iconic national parks and landmarks. As a concessionaire to the National Park Service, we constantly strive to help conserve and protect the parks we serve,” “The Hybrid marks a milestone in sustainable maritime transportation. What better time to unveil it to the world than on the anniversary of one of America’s most iconic national parks and landmarks.”

Marking its public debut, the Hybrid will participate in the Statue of Liberty’s 125th Anniversary Flotilla on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from Pier 40 to the Statue. It will exhibit in the parade of ships in honor of the Statue’s original dedication from France on Oct. 28, 1886. Next year, the Hybrid will run harbor cruises with close-up views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Corporate, social, school and wedding events are bookable on the Hybrid now, while public harbor cruises begin in early 2012. The Hybrid is part of Hornblower New York’s four-vessel fleet, which will include three other luxury entertaining yachts arriving next year. Hornblower New York is a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events, one of the largest charter yacht, dining cruise and eco-tour companies in the country. The company operates America’s first hydrogen hybrid commercial vessel, the Hornblower Hybrid, and will launch a four-boat fleet in 2012.

Greece to Use Solar Project Revenue to Pay Debt

U.S. And Chinese Solar Companies Square Off

Posted on October 23, 2011 by quest

Following is a statement by the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM), led by SolarWorld Industries America Inc., the largest domestic crystalline silicon solar cell and panel producer. The statement responds to what CASM characterized as misleading and unfounded statements by China’s Ministry of Commerce regarding the antidumping and countervailing petitions filed by SolarWorld Industries America Inc. against China’s trade practices. The statement is authorized by coalition spokesman Gordon Brinser, who also is president of SolarWorld. “Finally, regarding environmental issues, China’s record is equally troubling. For example, only last month, China temporarily suspended the operations of Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co. after hundreds of protesters, some of whom overturned vehicles and ransacked offices, complained about ‘toxic smokestack emissions,’ large fish kills, and an unusual number of cancer deaths.”

“The Chinese government’s claims that our actions are improper and protectionist, and that its illegal subsidies and massive dumping of solar product are helping the global economy and the environment, are absurd. China is one of the biggest trade protectionists in the world. In the solar industry, China is gutting manufacturing and jobs here in America and abroad while China’s solar industry pollutes its own people. The accusations have no basis in fact. “Regarding trade issues, the use of antidumping and countervailing duty laws is a WTO-legal and quasi-judicial process. The determinations that will be made by the U.S. government will be based on fact and reviewable under U.S. and WTO law. For China to label the actions of a U.S. industry ‘protectionist’ when China is seeking to defend itself against egregiously unfair trade practices is baseless. China is a heavy user of the antidumping and countervailing trade laws to ‘protect’ its own industries. It is no coincidence that China has been named in the most antidumping and countervailing duty cases from countries all around the world: It is the worst violator of global trade laws. “Regarding economic considerations,

Sky Power Brings Solar Energy To Electric Vehicles

Solar Contributes To Zero Net Energy At UC Davis

Posted on October 22, 2011 by quest

Setting a national precedent in sustainable design, UC Davis West Village opened its doors Saturday as the largest planned zero net energy community in the country. Located on the UC Davis campus, this visionary development is designed to generate as much energy each year as it consumes. “UC Davis West Village illustrates our commitment to cutting-edge research in sustainability and the value and impact of public-private partnerships,” said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi. “The success of these partnerships demonstrates what can be achieved when innovations in design, science and engineering come together for the public good.”

Hundreds of residents, neighbors and supporters attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating completion of major elements of UC Davis West Village’s $300 million first phase: 315 apartments, 42,500 square feet of commercial space, a recreation center and village square. When completed, the ambitious 130-acre development will be home to about 3,000 people in 662 apartments and 343 single-family houses.  Zero net energy has never been attempted on the scale of UC Davis West Village. If the community achieves its energy goals, it will set a national precedent in sustainable design.

“UC Davis West Village is a visionary model for integrating pioneering sustainable principles with high-quality living environments, creating an eco-friendly lifestyle for students, faculty and staff,” said Nolan Zail, Carmel Partners Senior Vice President of Development. “We believe the success of this innovative public-private partnership and demonstrated zero net energy living community will inspire other public and private institutions to build similar sustainable communities.” UC Davis West Village will also be home to:

Mayor Michael Nutter on The Greening of Philly

On Sierra Club Radio

Revenge of the Electric Car LA Screening By REC Solar

Posted on October 19, 2011 by quest

REC Solar, a leading provider of home and commercial solar electric systems in the United States, took a lead in the movement for emissions free driving by announcing their sponsorship of the movie “Revenge of the Electric Car.” On Oct. 13, REC Solar hosted an advanced VIP screening of the feature film in Los Angeles – a week prior to the film’s premier on October 21st. More than 100 luminaries from diverse, but complementary industries including solar, electric vehicle (EV), utilities, government, media and entertainment were in attendance. “Revenge of the Electric Car,” from director Chris Paine who also brought us the 2006 film “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” takes viewers behind the scenes of Nissan, General Motors and Tesla Motors to chronicle key players in the race to create the cleanest vehicle. Filming started in 2007 and didn’t stop until each company’s electric cars were sold to the public. Paine has said, “You can’t kill an idea whose time has come.”

As soon as 2012, nearly 125,000 electric vehicles are expected to roll into traffic. EV enthusiasts, called “Revengers” by film promoters, also embrace solar power with most expressing interest in installing solar systems for their homes, if they have yet to do so.

Revenge of the Electric Car

“The industry is now forecasting one million electric vehicles to be on the road by 2016 which won’t just have an impact on [fossil fuel usage], but also on the environment when used with a solar system. The more solar energy is used with electric vehicles, the cleaner the environment becomes,” said Angiolo Laviziano, co-founder of Mainstream Energy, parent of REC Solar. “It is exciting to see the energy revolution unfolding in front of our eyes.”Other events such as National Plug-in Day are also bringing the electric vehicle center stage. By hosting the showing, REC Solar is calling attention to the ultra-sustainable intersection of solar and EV industries. When EVs are solar-charged, they are essentially “running on sunshine,” reducing greenhouse gases and lessening dependence on fossil fuels for a more secure, sustainable world – while at the same time delivering economic benefits to their drivers.

Environmental Media Awards Honor Justin Timberlake

Sky Power Brings Solar Energy To Electric Vehicles

Posted on October 17, 2011 by quest

Sky Power Solutions, an emerging leader in the development and marketing of next generation lithium-powered batteries worldwide, and a leading developer of residential Solar Power Generation system will present at Solar Power International in Dallas TX. Company representatives will be available to questions during the event. “We are excited to exhibit the Sky Power system at SPI. Taking about 1/3 the space of standard PV solar panels and the ability to derive heat from the unit makes it very efficient. In addition to the benefits of lower electric costs, the incentives being offered around the world reduces the users cost of the unit” says Rich Ralston, Public Relations and Media Manager for Sky Power Solutions.

The unique design of the Sky Power Solutions Residential system gives homeowners, for the first time, access to advanced concentrating PV (photovoltronic) technology combined with sun tracking while taking only about 1/3 the space compared to standard solar PV panels. Solar Power International (SPI) is North America’s largest, most comprehensive solar power trade show and conference. This annual, business-to-business event was the first of its kind in North America and grows bigger and better every year. Nearly 24,000 professionals from 125+ countries attend. With one out of five attendees coming from outside the United States, SPI is truly a global event. In 2011, over 1,100 companies from all vertical markets in the solar power spectrum will exhibit in a space of more than 1 million gross square feet.

The Sky Power Solutions residential solar power station will have the ability to reduce the average user’s monthly electric grid consumption by up to 30-40% with ZERO emissions and a ZERO carbon footprint; using only the power of the Sun. Visually appealing, the Sky Power Solutions system can easily be installed in most backyards taking less than one third of the space of conventional Solar panels. The entry level price point for a Sky Power Solutions-Concentrated Solar electric system is estimated to be $5,000 at release. Many financial incentives are available which reduces the user’s actual costs. Multiple units can be combined for increased capacity. Electric consumption in the United States is increasing at a rate that will outpace the anticipated expansion of the US Electric Grid’s capacity and Sky Power Solutions has identified this and is poised for expansion into the Residential Electric Power Generation market to allow end users to generate and return 30-40% of their electric usage back to the grid using “Net-Metering” and the Sky Power System.

Solar Energy Revolution Star Trek and The Wizard of Oz

Solar Jobs Growing Faster Than Other Employment

Posted on October 17, 2011 by quest

As Solar Power International begins today in Dallas, TX the Solar Foundation released its second annual review of the U.S. solar workforce. The “National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce” found that hiring in the solar workforce is on the rise. More than 100,000 Americans are now employed in the solar industry. “The solar industry has grown into a major economic force with more than 100,000 employees in the United States,” said Andrea Luecke, executive director of The Solar Foundation. “We expect even greater growth in the foreseeable future. But policymakers, workforce training providers, and the industry must work together to continue creating good jobs for skilled workers.” Solar Power International 2011, runs today until October 20, and is expected to attract 24,000 professionals from businesses spanning the entire spectrum of the industry.

California continued to be the national leader in solar employment, with 25,575 workers. Rounding out the top 10 states are Colorado, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Texas, Oregon, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Oregon, New Jersey and Massachusetts showed the strongest growth rates from August 2010.

The Census also found that solar employers expect to increase the number of solar workers by 24 percent, representing nearly 24,000 net new jobs by August 2012. Over the next 12 months, nearly half of solar firms expect to add jobs.”These survey responses merely reflect employers’ best estimates at expected new hiring, but it demonstrates a clear growth pattern for the industry and tremendous optimism by employers in the industry,” said Luecke. “Employers expressed similar optimism last year, but failed to meet their hiring expectations because of stalled legislative initiatives and continued policy uncertainty.”