Biz Stone to solar…we’re like you

Posted on October 14, 2010 by quest

The solar business continues to connect people with new options for energy and careers. The business is seeing forward moving development in technology and also on the political front. The Obama Administrations’ decision to install solar in the White House is good
news for the industry which is just wrapping up Solar Power International 2010 in Los Angeles.

The show is proving that the solar pv market is scaling up big time. Biz Stone one of Twitter’s co-founders was a speaker at the show. Many solar executives and advocates in the solar market already use Twitter to trade news, lobby for support and make announcements.

Stone spoke about some of the similarities of Twitter and solar

US signs public lands solar projects

Posted on October 14, 2010 by quest

Solar Power International 2010 the nations’ largest solar exhibition has broken attendance records and the US government seems to be paying attention as we all should. The show highlighted Germanys’ success as a dominate player in the solar business which has been reported here and elsewhere. It has installed half of all the solar projects globally in 2010. These large scale projects are significant both in economic benefit to people who are employed, but there are also the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gases. US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar spoke at the Solar Power International 2010 Conference and Exhibition in Los Angeles, California. Following his remarks, Secretary Salazar signed a Record of Decision, approving the construction of Nevada’s first large-scale solar project on public lands.

“Good morning! Welcome to Solar Power International. And welcome to a key chapter in America’s New Energy Frontier as we move forward to stand up the largest solar projects in the world, right here in the United States! I want to thank Rhone Resch for his kind introduction. I also want to thank the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) for hosting this event. It’s an honor to be here.

Being at the largest solar conference and expo in North America gives you a real sense of possibility and promise. Just look around the exhibit floor at the pace at which your technologies are advancing. Or listen to the jobs report following my remarks to feel the momentum of this industry. Or better yet: look at the large-scale solar projects we at the Department of the Interior have approved for construction in the past two weeks alone. They are the firsts of their kind on public lands and some will be among the largest solar projects in the world. In Imperial County, California, we’ve

Macys and SunPower parade leaders in solar

Posted on October 13, 2010 by quest

Bay Area SunPower Corp announced that construction is underway on a 3.5-megawatt SunPower solar power system at Macy’s, Inc. online fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz. According to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Goodyear system is expected to offset more than 3,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is equivalent to removing more than 600 cars from Arizona’s highways each year.

The system will deliver the equivalent of 70 percent of the building’s electricity demand, and is expected to be the largest solar system on a single rooftop in the U.S. Since 2007, Macy’s has partnered with SunPower to install solar power systems on 31 Macy’s facilities. These systems include a 1-megawatt installation that was recently completed on the retailer’s distribution center in City of Industry, Calif. that generates the equivalent of half the power used at the facility. Upon completion of the solar power system in Goodyear, Macy’s will have more than 12 megawatts of SunPower systems installed at its facilities.

“We applaud Macy’s for its forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility,” said Jim Pape, president of SunPower’s residential and commercial group. “SunPower’s reliable, high quality solar technology will deliver emission-free solar power and significant operational savings for Macy’s in Arizona for the next 25 years or more.”

SunPower just signed a large solar agreement with the US Airforce in Glendale, Arizona.

Solar Power in LA

Posted on October 12, 2010 by quest

As North America’s largest solar conference Solar Power International begins today in Los Angeles, market research firm, iSuppli reports that Germany accounts for approximately half of all photovoltaic (PV) systems installed worldwide in 2010. How did this happen? Germany’s Renewable Energies Act (EEG), established ten years ago, requires power companies to buy renewable energy from system owners at the corresponding feed-in tariff rate for 20 years, guaranteeing an inviting payback time and high returns. Increased demand in the rooftop segment corresponds with installations by private users who overwhelmingly prefer high-quality systems. By 2013 energy from PV sources is expected to be competitive with conventional energy sources in the private consumer electricity market.

Companies that manufacture PV systems and components in Germany not only have easy access to a large and growing market, they also benefit from a competitive advantage through a local brand presence and reputation for high quality products. Germany boasts a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified and experienced workforce. The country’s PV industry also features the highest density of R&D institutes in the industry. These factors have led to a 300% higher demand for photovoltaic systems over the same period last year.

Germany Trade & Invest representatives will be on hand at this year’s Solar Power International to tell their story. Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market.

Solar Power International will feature state of the Industry addresses by Julia Hamm, President & CEO, SEPA and Rhone Resch, President & CEO, SEIA. Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, will talk about his visionary business practices and creation of cultural shift at Tuesday’s General Session. On Wednesday Secretary Kenneth Salazar will outline the administration’s efforts to make a rapid and responsible move to large-scale production of renewable energy on public lands.

NEW SOLAR ENERGY INTL ONLINE COURSE

Solar power for the people

Posted on October 10, 2010 by quest

When you think about green jobs it’s sort of impossible not to come across the ongoing accomplishments of Solar Richmond. The photo you see has become a symbol of opportunity within the green jobs movement that has spread around the bay area and the world. It’s always good to recognize people who are making a positive difference. Have no doubt that’s what Solar Richmond is all about.

Founded by Michele McGeoy a former Silicon Valley executive, McGeoy approached City of Richmond politicians, businesses and local non-profits to address the eco-divide in the solar industry, a divide that she also witnessed in her previous work in the hi tech world of Silicon Valley.With support and advice from Richmond’s Mayor, Gayle McLaughlin, and other civic and community leaders, Michele started a program which is now considered a national model. But the story doesn’t stop there. Solar Richmond provides students with comprehensive technical training, reflective innovative digital career assessment and holistic development. These methods have been championed by Solar Richmonds’ Kumari Fabio Program Developer, which places heavy emphasis on cultivating emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resiliency skills, and the capacity for personal growth and transformation.

On Wednesday November 3, from 5-7 p.m Solar Richmond is inviting you to CELEBRATE SOLAR! This is a fundraising event to benefit Solar Richmond’s Internship Program. While there is no charge to attend, contributions are gratefully accepted. Celebrate Solar will be held at the gorgeous historic Richmond Memorial Auditorium which has been greened up, newly renovated and is now Gold-LEED Certified! At Celebrate Solar you’ll be able to network, find out more about Solar Richmond and meet current Solar Richmond trainees who will be on hand to answer questions about their programs and going solar! The top solar companies and solar-installed building owners for large-scale solar projects in Richmond will be honored. Event location: 403 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, California . Free, secure parking is available. RSVP required by October 26, 2010. For more information, call (510) 253-2218

BIANCA JAGGER

Now is the time to Move Beyond Petroleum

Solar reaction

Posted on October 8, 2010 by quest

Never under estimate the power of an idea whose time has come. Such is the way with solar and renewable energy as Los Angeles prepares for Solar Power International next week (10/12-14) the largest solar show in the US. Recently on the other side of the globe as part of the 350.org Global Work Party to held on 10.10.10, President Nasheed of the Maldives personally got on the roof of his official residents’ to help do the installation. This is a remarkable gesture and one that governors and mayors around America could heed now that President Obama has said he will put solar panels back on the White House roof. Reactions are coming in around the country including one from Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association.
“Putting solar on the roof of the nations’ most important home is a powerful symbol calling on all Americans to rethink how we create energy. It’s an example of how each one of us can improve energy security, employ Americans and cut energy costs. I can speak from personal experience that taxpayers will benefit. In the four years since I’ve had solar on my house, I’ve gotten a better return on my solar system than on my 401(k). SEIA has been working with the Obama Administration to install money-saving solar energy on government buildings across the country.

“Earlier this year, in a meeting with President Obama in the Rose Garden, I had the opportunity to point out to the President the large amount of available roof space on top of the White House, baking in the sun,” Resch notes about his direct appeal to President Obama to put solar back on the White House at an Earth Day ceremony in April. This appeal has been echoed by thousands of Americans across the country.
The Obama family joins the Resch family and hundreds of thousands of Americans who have already gone solar, including dozens of members of Congress, former presidential advisors like Reagan Secretary of State George Shulz and former CIA director James Woolsey. “Right now, solar energy is being manufactured in the United States. It is being installed on tens of thousands of homes each year across the nation in all 50 states. And it is creating jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans. Obama’s decision to install solar on the White House is a prominent example of how solar is working for America today.”