Fans Get Charged During Ball Game

Posted on September 20, 2012 by QuestPoint

The City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Giants, ChargePoint and ABM, a leading provider of integrated facility solutions, unveiled four new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at AT&T Park. The stadium is the first ballpark in California to offer public access to Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, a next-generation technology that can charge an EV in four hours, or about the length of a baseball game.“Our San Francisco Giants lead the division in wins, and have now beefed up their environmental batting average by having the division’s first up-to-date EV-ready stadium”

According to the San Francisco Department of the Environment, San Francisco now boasts a total of 110 charging stations at 42 locations across the city — more charging stations per capita than any other city in California.“San Francisco is the Innovation Capital of the World and the EV capital of the world, because we have focused on building the infrastructure needed to make electric vehicles a viable choice for the public,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “The installation of charging stations at AT&T Park, and another 100 on public property for all to use throughout San Francisco, will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create a more sustainable environment, while creating jobs.”

“Our San Francisco Giants lead the division in wins, and have now beefed up their environmental batting average by having the division’s first up-to-date EV-ready stadium,” said Melanie Nutter, Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment. “Supporting new EV infrastructure provides ease and accessibility to electric vehicle owners and is part of our ongoing commitment to making San Francisco the most sustainable city.”ABM installed and will maintain the charging stations, and is offering the public free EV charging at the AT&T Park stations throughout the week of September 17-21. For availability or to locate other charging stations check out ChargePoint’s online tools and mobile applications. ABM has installed over 100 ChargePoint EV charging stations throughout Northern California and ChargePoint is the largest online network of independently owned charging stations operating in more than 14 countries.

The charging stations mark another sustainability milestone for AT&T Park, which in 2010 became the first Major League Baseball park to receive LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance.“AT&T Park’s sustainable features, including solar panels, energy-efficient concession stands – and now the EV charging stations – not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also enhance the fan experience at the ballpark,” said Alfonso Felder, senior vice president of facilities, who oversees ballpark operations for the Giants. “Giants fans will now have a quick and convenient way to charge their electric vehicles while they enjoy a baseball game.”

$10,000,000 Offered For Solar Innovation

Democratic Party Calls For 80% Renewable Energy

Posted on September 8, 2012 by QuestPoint

The 2012 Democratic National Convention Platform calls for the United States to create 80% of its electricity through solar and other renewable energy sources by 2035. According the DNC report 225,000 jobs have already been created in the green energy economy. In his acceptance speech earlier this week in Charlotte, North Carolina President Obama said,”Climate change is not a hoax.“While environmentalist have been consistent in their criticism of the Obama administrations’ lack of actions on climate change the federal governments efforts on stimulating the solar industry in California is quite visible.

Obama has called climate claim deniers and detractors members of “the flat earth society” while California and other states such Arizona, New Jersey, Colorado, North Carolina and New York have taken a leading role the solar energy revolution. California for example implemented Assembly Bill 32 which was passed and championed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. AB 32 calls for 33% of California’s energy to be produced by solar and other renewable energy sources by 2020.

The US Department of Energy through its’ Sunshot Initiate has recently announced new investments to accelerate breakthroughs in cost-competitive solar energy.

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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 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.

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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.”