Intersolar Rises And Shines

Posted on July 11, 2012 by QuestPoint

Innovation and collaboration were familiar themes at this years Intersolar North America. Intersolar a premier solar industry exhibition and conference for solar professionals to exchange information and develop business opportunities in the U.S. returned to San Francisco to mark its fifth year in the heart of the largest solar market in the United States. San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee delivered remarks for the conference alongside directors of the worlds-leading research institutions during the conference’s official opening on July 10 in the Intercontinental Hotel. While welcoming the conference to San Francisco, Mayor Lee also reminded the conference about the California senate’s ground breaking decision to begin financing high speed rail between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

SunShot Director Ramamoorthy Ramesh welcomed participation in new national initiatives such as solar “Plug and Play.” Reflecting renewed global collaboration and innovation, Dr. Dan Arvizu, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Dr. Michio Kondo, director of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan; and Prof. Dr. Eicke Weber, director of the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems (FhG ISE) in Germany signed of a Memorandum of Understanding to form a Global Alliance of Solar Energy Research Institutes (GA-SERI). Over 850 exhibitors from over 25 countries are at the show.

Singer, songwriter and Sessions Solar marketing executive Christie McCarthy welcomed attendees of the Intersolar Awards Ceremony, a sort of Academy Awards for Solar Projects in the US with her very engaging song” Rise and Shine.” Wednesday evening will feature Solar Battle of the Bands Round 2 where industry musicians such as Sungevity’s Killa Watts and SolarCity’s Soulmetrics will compete for your vote.

California Senate Approves High Speed Rail Funding

Posted on July 7, 2012 by QuestPoint

Lawmakers in California approved billions of dollars Friday in construction financing for the initial segment of the nation’s first dedicated high-speed rail line connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. Governor Jerry Brown said, “In 2008, California voters decided to create jobs and modernize our state’s rail transportation system with a major investment in high-speed rail and key local projects in Northern and Southern California. The Legislature took bold action today that gets Californians back to work and puts California out in front once again.

The Obama administration has been advocating for renewable energy and clean transportation alternatives view the approval as a major political victory for Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown who has promoted bullet trains as job generators and clean transportation alternatives.The bill authorizes the state to begin selling $4.5 billion in voter-approved bonds that includes $2.6 billion to build an initial 130-mile stretch of the high-speed rail line in the Central Valley. That will allow the state to collect another $3.2 billion in federal funding that could have been rescinded if lawmakers failed to act Friday.

California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chair Dan Richard issued the following statement regarding the Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 1029 which appropriates federal grant funds and Prop 1A funds for California High-Speed Rail:“Today’s vote to commence high-speed rail construction, like all major public policy decisions, is the result of hard work and collaborative effort. Credit must go to Governor Brown whose courage and steadfast leadership has improved the High-Speed Rail Authority’s plans and operations,” said California High-Speed Rail Authority Chair Dan Richard. “We also express deep gratitude to Assembly Speaker John Perez and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg for passing this measure through their houses. The Legislature’s action sets in motion a Statewide Rail Modernization Plan for California. Not only will California be the first state in the nation to build a high-speed rail system to connect our urban centers, we will also modernize and improve rail systems at the local and regional level. This plan will improve mobility for commuters and travelers alike, reduce emissions, and put thousands of people to work while enhancing our economic competitiveness,” said Richard.

Invisible T-shirt Breakthrough for Eco-Fashion

The World Is Going Solar

Posted on July 5, 2012 by QuestPoint

For anyone who still believes solar power systems are a passing fad. Check this… the City of San José and SolarCity, a national leader in clean energy products and services, have completed the first of a series of 16 solar power projects totaling nearly 2.5 megawatts, and are evaluating 14 additional sites for potential projects later next year. Installations at Kelley Park, the Police Activities League Sports Center, a municipal water office, and a service yard are complete.

Yes it’s true California has become the new mecca for solar installations. Aided by the fact that California is committed to producing 33% of the state’s energy through renewable energy by 2020 as mandated by AB 32. The law serves as an example of what’s needed to spur innovation and acceptance of solar energy. Another shinning example of solar success is Sullivan Solar Power who was awarded San Diego’s Small Business of the Year. San Diego currently stakes claims as the solar capital of the nation with more solar power systems and capacity installed than any other city in the country. But wait a minute keep an eye on Vietnam who earlier this year held, “the first Vietnam – US open seminar on solar energy transfer components and material which took place at Norfolk hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The event was held by the Institute of Applied Materials Sciences in coordination with the National Science Foundation – International Materials Institute at Northwestern University. The seminar drew the participation of Vietnamese scientists and many international scientists from the US, Australia, Republic of Korea and Japan. Many attendees were young scientists who represented companies that create equipment to analyse and survey material and components and produce thin-film solar cell components.

While remote villages in Africa may not be the most expected place to find solar, IndiGo is shining light on unheard of locations through a “Pay As You Go” solar program which allows rural villagers to generate their own power via a photovoltaic panel and battery pack. They can then purchase the produced energy for as little as $1 a week. This unique program has caught the eye of Soluxe Solar, a Connecticut-based solar company. The IndiGo program receives this week’s Soluxe “Solar Flare” – a weekly honor the company bestows on an individual or company making great strides in the world of solar advancement.

Electric Bus To Loop University of Utah

Posted on July 3, 2012 by QuestPoint

The University of Utah has placed an order for a 40-foot, all-electric transit bus with BYD Company Limited (BYD) the largest manufacture of all-electric buses in the world. BYD’s long-range, all-electric, “GreenCity” buses have been running worldwide in commercial fleet service for the last two years. BYD’s GreenCity fleets have accumulated over 14 million miles using BYD’s internally developed electric drive technologies and Iron-Phosphate battery systems. BYD will supply one all-electric GreenCity bus to be retrofitted with WAVE’s wireless charging pad under the bus, developed by the Utah State University Energy Dynamics Laboratory, one of the leaders in wireless power transfer for vehicles. This technology will allow the BYD electric buses to pull up over an embedded charger in the asphalt with a maximum of 10 inches clearance and “opportunity charge” the waiting bus with no moving parts or unsightly wires required. The funds to test a full in-service operation of WAVE’s wireless power charging system were provided through a Federal Transit Administration grant awarded to the Utah Transit Authority.

The new BYD 40-foot GreenCity electric bus will be the first shuttle to be allowed to run across the heart of campus – a 1.7 mile loop route between the South Campus TRAX station north to the Warnock Engineering building with midway stops at the Student Union buildings. The bus runs will be timed to pick up passengers coming off eastbound trains on a 15-minute cycle. The driver will position the bus over the charging pad during several minute wait periods between runs. The embedded charge pads measure about three feet square and pose no danger to the public. Nothing protrudes above the surface to be damaged by cars, snow plows or vandals. At the core of the BYD’s GreenCity bus technology are BYD’s Iron Phosphate batteries. The BYD battery boasts the highest safety, longest service life and most environmentally friendly of all rechargeable chemistries.

“We will be the model of zero emissions rapid transit for the Nation,” said Alma Allred, the University of Utah’s Director of Commuter services. “We want to be in the forefront of technology that reduces the need for fossil fuels and has zero noise and zero pollution.” “Our electric GreenCity bus has proven that it not only significantly reduces pollution in large cities, but it has also reduced operating expenses versus Natural-Gas and Diesel buses by up to 70% — there are no internal-combustion engines to maintain and service—no engines to rebuild over the life of the vehicles”, stated Micheal Austin, Vice President of BYD America. “BYD is proud to be a part of this wireless power transfer project with WAVE ,the University of Utah and the Utah Transit Authority – we applaud their visionary leadership.”

Panama And California Laying A Path For Sustainability

Urban farming growing as popular summer pastime in NYC

US Postal Service Planting Green Roofs

Posted on July 2, 2012 by QuestPoint

The U.S. Postal Service recently celebrated another example of environmental leadership as local officials announced a green roof atop the Colvin-Elmwood Post Office. The 11,300 square foot green roof will be built at no cost to the Postal Service through an innovative sustainability partnership with Onondaga County, NY. “The Postal Service continues to lead the way when it comes to making a positive impact on the environment,” said Chief Sustainability Officer, Thomas G. Day. “We’re pleased to be collaborating with the good people of Onondaga County on our second green roof, which will help the Postal Service conserve water and energy in the Syracuse metropolitan area.”

Working cooperatively with Onondaga County’s Save the Rain initiative, the Colvin-Elmwood Post Office’s roof was deemed structurally sound to support the additional weight of the soil, vegetation and other requirements of a green roof. The green roof will consist of a new membrane, layers of drainage sheet, mat, separation fabric, indigenous vegetation and a wind blanket. The green roof plan fits perfectly into the Postal Service’s commitment to create sustainable spaces and facilities wherever possible. The green roof also addresses practical concerns. The roof’s expected lifespan is up to 50 years, twice as long as the roof it will replace. It also will reduce the amount of contaminants in storm water runoff flowing into Syracuse’s municipal water system.

“At more than 11,000 square feet, the Colvin-Elmwood green roof will be one of the largest in New York,” said Day. “The Colvin-Elmwood green roof will help us meet our goals to reduce energy usage 30 percent by 2015 and greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020.”The Colvin-Elmwood green roof is part of the Postal Service’s greener facilities strategy, which includes the use of environmentally friendly building components, renewable materials, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC, low volatile organic compound parts, low-water use fixtures and solar photovoltaic systems. In the last 12 months, the Postal Service also has expanded its recycling program in Central New York to include mixed paper and cardboard, resulting in nearly 1,055 tons of materials recycled in the past year. With more than 700 postal locations, including Post Office locations in Syracuse and Central New York, and with a recycling rate of 95 percent, District Manager, Edward F. Phelan, Jr., noted the Albany district is one of the Postal Service’s first Zero Waste districts.

Nissan LEAF Backs Into The Future

Intersolar Highlights Innovations In U.S. Solar

Posted on July 1, 2012 by QuestPoint

Intersolar North America, the premier solar industry exhibition and conference in North America for solar professionals to exchange information and develop business opportunities in the U.S. solar market, returns July 9-12, 2012, marking its fifth year in San Francisco. This year’s conference program offers attendees a fresh perspective on the companies and technologies that promise to reduce cost, increase yields and further drive the competitiveness of solar power.Co-located with SEMICON West, Intersolar North America 2012 is expected to draw about 850 exhibitors and more than 22,000 registered visitors from more than 80 countries to provide a true global perspective of the solar industry. This year’s event will highlight the technology innovations that are contributing to the growth of the industry through interactive exhibits on the show floor and technical sessions during the Intersolar North America Conference in the Intercontinental Hotel. A full list of speakers and presentations is available online.

As panel prices have fallen, balance of system (BOS) advancements have emerged as a key way to reduce the overall cost per watt of solar. Mounting systems have been a crucial point of innovation, as their complexity greatly impacts the amount of time spent installing PV arrays. More than 130 companies will have the latest in mounting and tracking systems and BOS innovation on display, including Schletter, SolarBridge, SolarEdge, Shoals Technology Group, SMA America LLC and Unirac. A full list of Intersolar North America exhibitors is available online. The Intersolar smart phone app is available for download here, and includes a full list of exhibitors and an exhibition floor map and route planner.

The Innovation Exchange stage and the Practical Point stage will be home to presentations that highlight the groundbreaking technologies on display throughout the exhibition hall. Intersolar AWARD nominees will discuss their innovations in presentations that offer visitors a compact and informative overview of their latest developments at the Innovation Exchange, where the winner of the first-ever Intersolar AWARD for landmark solar projects will be announced during the Award Ceremony on Tuesday, July 10 at 4 PM. Additionally, stages in the PV Production & Technology Hall and PV Energy World will feature free presentations and practical workshops, bringing the total number of exhibition stages to four.