IKEA To Host Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted on July 16, 2011 by quest

IKEA, a leading home furnishings retailer, today announced a partnership with ECOtality, Inc., a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies, to host Blink electric vehicle charging stations at select IKEA stores in the Western United States. IKEA locations being considered for hosting the charging stations include 10 stores in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. These sites will be evaluated for feasibility and installation needs; operational charging stations could be available as early as Fall 2011. This initiative represents the first project of its kind for IKEA.

“We are excited this partnership will make charging stations more accessible to the many people choosing to drive electric vehicles,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president. “Hosting charging stations at IKEA locations known for regional draws furthers our commitment to a smaller carbon footprint and technological opportunities that help protect the environment. This project is part of a global effort to promote the sustainable transport of people.”ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project, a public-private partnership funded in part by a federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Energy made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the deployment of EVs. ECOtality is overseeing the installation of approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. IKEA stores are in four of those states.

In addition to this sustainable project, IKEA U.S. has solar energy installations operational in eight locations – including a Denver-area store opening this year in Centennial, CO that also has a geothermal system – as well as solar projects underway at 12 other locations. IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and strives for its operations to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs.

GREEN INVESTING

Solar Icon Eicke Weber Envisions Worldwide Solar Power Network

Posted on July 13, 2011 by quest

Eicke Weber German physicist, former UC Berkeley professor and Head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems of Freiburg was among high profile “A” listers, green leaders and attendees who opened this year’s Intersolar Show in San Francisco. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Ramamoorthy Ramesh of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative and Solar Energy Technologies Program, Katherina Reiche of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and Mignon Marks, Executive Director of California Solar Energy Industries Association kicked off this year’s session among the realities that the solar industry is now the fastest growing industry in the US.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee underscored San Francisco’s commitment to the solar industry and environmental leadership noting that San Francisco is home to over 30 solar companies and was recently named North America’s “greenest city” by a unique study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and commissioned by Siemens, which assesses and compares 27 major U.S. and Canadian cities on environmental performance and policies across nine categories – CO2 emissions, energy, land use, buildings, transport, water, waste, air quality and environmental governance. The conference which opened yesterday will attract 22,000 visitors representing 62 countries and 800 exhibitors are from 30 countries.

Katherina Reiche spoke of a need for a Trans Atlantic Dialog of ideas between between Germany and the US in order to create a low carbon society. Ramamoorthy Ramesh from SunShot Initiative outlined the DOE’s strategies to increase effeiciencies and manufacturing throughout the solar industry, as California Solar Energy Industries Association’s Executive Director, Mignon Marks called on attendies to join the organization and take advantage of the organization’s resources and services.

Eicke Weber closed out the morning session predicting that the solar industry will grow to be a $100 billion market by 2020. Professor Weber envisions a worldwide solar powered network capable of distributing solar power across vast distances similar to the Desertec Project already underway in northern Africa. Intersolar runs until July 14th, 2011.

DESERTEC

Solar Incentives Powering Growth In Arizona

Posted on July 10, 2011 by quest

Fueled by aggressive, new business incentives, Arizona is quickly becoming the premier location for renewable energy companies. The Arizona Commerce Authority will feature those new incentives and business opportunities available to companies at Intersolar North America, the leading annual solar industry exhibition and conference in San Francisco, July 12-14. Arizona is home to more than 100 significant solar energy businesses, including the world’s two largest solar companies, First Solar and Suntech.

“Arizona has been an ideal location for First Solar to grow its business, including our new factory under construction in Mesa that will add 600 associates to our local workforce,” said Maja Wessels, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for Tempe-based First Solar. “Arizona offers an attractive business climate, a talented workforce and boundless potential for clean solar energy.”In recent months, Arizona has experienced significant growth in the renewable energy marketplace. Companies are taking advantage of tax incentives, a pro-business climate, a specialized workforce and more sunny days than any other state in the country.

“Arizona’s aggressive new focus on solar and renewable energy following the passage of the Arizona Competitiveness Package will significantly enhance economic development opportunities and encourage business relocation for companies that are leading the way in this fast-paced, innovative industry,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “The ACA is spreading the word that Arizona is the place to be for cutting-edge solar technology.”Incentives for renewable energy companies in Arizona include: Up to 10% of capital investments as a refundable income tax credit, Arizona Competes deal closing fund, Income tax credits up to $9,000 for each quality new job, Up to $1.5 million in reimbursable grants to train employees, Up to 34% R&D tax credit, and Significant business tax reductions including lowering the state income tax from 6.97% to 4.9%.

“The U.S. solar industry has the opportunity to double in the coming year. Arizona and the ACA are committed to being a part of that growth,” said Don Cardon, president and CEO of the ACA. “Arizona is armed with business opportunities and tax incentives which make us the leading contender in the renewable energy.”

QUESTPOINT IS: MOBILE

LA To Hold Solar Power Workshops

Posted on July 9, 2011 by quest

Due to public demand, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power canceled a single public meeting about its solar energy programs and replaced it with four workshops, the utility announced today. Thursday’s 2 p.m. meeting at DWP headquarters downtown was canceled and expanded into two, and two more will be held Friday.

All four will be at the DWP headquarters, 111 N. Hope St., in the A-level auditorium. Each workshop will focus on the DWP’s incentive program for installing solar panels and a proposed “feed-in tariff” program meant to spur the use of renewable energy. Attendance will be limited to 125 people per meeting, and reservations will be required. Anyone who reserved a spot for the original meeting will need to RSVP again via the DWP’s web site.

The first meeting is set for 9 a.m. Thursday July 14, 2011 and expected to wrap up about noon. The second meeting starts at 2 p.m Thursday July 14, 2011. On Friday July 15, 2011, the first meeting will be held at 9 a.m., and the final workshop will start at 2 p.m.

Taiwan activates a whole new green solar future

Huge solar business opportunities await in Taiwan with its position as the world’s 2nd largest solar cell maker. Great prospects blossom on July 13 with the Taiwan-organized seminar The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar at the show venue of InterSolar North America at the Moscone Convention…

EcoPlusHome Solar Powered Emission Free

Posted on July 8, 2011 by quest

Can a family of six live their everyday life without dependence on fossil fuels for an entire year? By integrating its leading efficient geothermal, solar and home appliance technologies, Bosch helped Canada’s EcoPlusHome demonstrate that today’s modern family can live a net zero existence without compromising comfort or cost. Through the use of both passive and active eco-friendly efforts, the 285-square-meter (3,067-square-foot) home in Bathurst, New Brunswick provided comfortable and affordable living year-round. In order to prove that an average consumer’s home can achieve net zero status at a reasonable price of about $275,000 USD, Bosch designed the EcoPlusHome in partnership with Tight Lines Productions, Maple Leaf Homes and local partners in New Brunswick, Canada. Between December 2009 and December 2010, a family of six – while living in the EcoPlusHome consumed approximately 14,000 kilowatt hours (kwh). At the same time, the home generated roughly 15,000 kwh – more electricity than it consumed. Reducing reliance on fossil fuel, EcoPlusHome emitted few emissions and helped promote a healthier living space and cleaner air.

“By providing a highly efficient geothermal heat pump, solar thermal system, photovoltaic panels and home appliances for the EcoPlusHome, we have demonstrated that climate protection pays off and that net zero living can be achieved comfortably and affordably,” said Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC and member of the Bosch Board of Management. “As a leading technology company, Bosch is committed to supplying innovative solutions that help conserve resources and protect the environment.”To generate the needed electricity to run home appliances, to power lights and other plug-in units, Bosch Solar Energy supplied 52 mono-crystalline photovoltaic solar modules for the EcoPlusHome, providing high yields even when the intensity of solar radiation is minimal. Bosch offers high-grade photovoltaic products to generate electricity from sunlight, which protects the environment and combat climate change. In addition, Bosch Siemens Home Appliances supplied the home with its ENERGY STAR Home Appliances, including a washer and dryer, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher and even a coffee maker, which are all highly efficient and reduce water and energy consumption significantly. Known for raising standards in appliance efficiency and quietness, Bosch is the only U.S. appliance manufacturer with entire product lines of ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers, washers and refrigeration.

Earlier this month, EcoPlusHome was presented with Scotiabank’s EcoLiving 2011 Innovation Award. Supported by Green Living Enterprises, the awards program recognizes businesses, innovators and students across Canada for excellence in the development of home energy efficiency products, services and solutions. The EcoLiving Awards are Canada’s premier prize for home energy innovation.

San Francisco leads the U.S. in environmental sustainability

Green Builder & Antelope Valley Launch First Solar Standard Community

Posted on July 7, 2011 by quest

The City of Lancaster and KB Home today announced the grand opening of an affordably priced new solar home community in Lancaster, California. KB Home’s Arroyo community is the first in the Antelope Valley to offer solar power systems as a standard feature on all new homes. During the grand opening event held today, the two partners unveiled this unique community that represents a giant step forward in the advancement of affordable solar technology for homeowners.

For its part, the City of Lancaster has long recognized the important role government can play in helping the environment. The advancement and research of solar and other similar technologies continues to be a priority for the City, as it works with companies like KB Home to drive innovation and enhance the lives of those who live in the community. In support of these goals, the City of Lancaster agreed to waive certain municipal development fees for the project and fast-tracked it through the approval process.”We are continuing to develop innovative solutions with KB Home. This private-public partnership is an example of what local governments throughout the nation should be doing in order to resuscitate their housing markets. We know we simply cannot sit back and wait for others to ‘fix’ the economy,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.The opening of Arroyo is part of KB Home’s recently announced initiative to provide solar power systems as a standard feature for new homes in 11 of its Southern California communities.

“We believe that our continued partnership with the City of Lancaster has been extremely beneficial in advancing the use of emerging solar technology,” said Steve Ruffner, president of KB Home’s Southern California division. “The abundance of clear sunny days makes Lancaster the perfect place to own one of KB Home’s new solar homes. In addition to lessening a homeowner’s impact on the environment, the standard solar system may cut a homeowner’s energy costs by more than half.” The gorgeous ranch style homes, situated on ½ acre homesites, provide great room living and include up to five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three-car garages. Homebuyers have their choice of six single story floorplans ranging in size from 1,837 to 3,037 square feet. Pricing begin from the low $200,000s.