Outdoor Leader Patagonia Using Solar Energy

Posted on October 4, 2011 by quest

Today Patagonia, the outdoor apparel and gear company headquartered in Ventura California expanded its use of solar energy. Solforce, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based solar installer and Premier SunPower dealer, and SunPower Corp. completed the installation of a 27.6-kilowatt system. The new system uses SunPower solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market today, and is installed on the roof of Patagonia’s Firehouse, an energy-efficient, sustainably designed building the company constructed for administrative purposes. The system is expected to offset 50 percent of the building’s total energy use. Patagonia has had a 66-kilowatt solar parking canopy at its headquarters campus since 2005.

“Generating our own clean, renewable solar power supports Patagonia’s deep commitment to sustainability and reduces our operating expenses,” said Elissa Loughman of Patagonia. “Solforce was a great local partner that offered solar expertise, competitive pricing and excellent advice on further enhancing our energy efficiency. They recommended SunPower solar panels to maximize the amount of power generated on our roof over the long term.” Patagonia modeled the Firehouse building after a turn-of-the-century firehouse that stood in the same location. Staying as true to the original design as possible, the company incorporated modern sustainable building practices to reduce construction waste, employ sustainably sourced and recycled materials, and maximize energy efficiency.

Patagonia from Steffen Sailer on Vimeo.

“Patagonia has an unparalleled dedication to conservation and the environment,” said Abe Powell of Solforce. “The SunPower system we designed and built will reliably allow them to reduce their dependency on power from the utility grid for the next 25 years or more.” “SunPower guarantees the performance of its high efficiency panels, ensuring that customers such as Patagonia can meet their environmental and financial goals,” said Jim Pape, president of SunPower’s residential and commercial business group. “SunPower dealers are selected for their high standards of customer service and quality workmanship. We commend Solforce for exceeding expectations on the delivery of this important installation for Patagonia.”

ParkVida Tree Houses Welcomes Ecotourism Adventurers

Electric Vehicle Home Solar Charging On The Move

Posted on October 4, 2011 by quest

SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., today announced that it has joined the Pecan Street Inc.to help lead the charge of the advanced home solar photovoltaic (PV) charging systems for Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles (EV).“To be relevant, smart grid energy innovations must solve consumers’ problems and provide services that excite them,” said Pecan Street Inc. executive director Brewster McCracken.

Pecan Street Inc. is creating a consumer-focused smart-grid demonstration project in Austin, Texas, built around home applications, and consumer electronics. SunEdison joins other participating companies – Best Buy, Check-It, Chevrolet, Freescale, Intel, Landis+Gyr, , Sony and Whirlpool – in deploying products and dedicating researchers to the project who will collaborate with Pecan Street Inc. and University of Texas researchers.
Deployments by member companies include one of the nation’s most highly concentrated residential installations of EVs, home services systems, smart appliances and charging of cars from home solar panels.

“We are delighted to be participating with Chevrolet and other industry and thought leaders in the Pecan Street Inc. project,” said SunEdison President Carlos Domenech. “The use of our advanced SunEdison Energy and Environmental Data System (SEEDS) platform in this project will help gather what will be the most comprehensive collection of consumer energy data developed in the United States, and will enable us to support zero-carbon footprint automotive solutions.” A number of the SunEdison-led home solar vehicle charging systems will also have in-home batteries, and all systems will integrate into the home services systems provided by other companies in the Pecan Street Inc. project including Best Buy/Check-It, Intel, Sony and Whirlpool. More than 150 participating residents will have rooftop solar PV, including nearly all of the residents who acquire Volts.

Santiago solving its energy challenges

Chevron To Use Solar Technology For Oil Production

Posted on October 3, 2011 by quest

Chevron Technology Ventures, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. that identifies, evaluates and demonstrates emerging technologies, today launched a unique demonstration project to test the viability of using solar energy to produce oil. The project uses over 7,600 mirrors to focus the sun’s energy onto a solar boiler. The steam produced is injected into oil reservoirs to increase oil production. The project is the largest of its kind in the world.

“Through this demonstration, we want to determine the feasibility of using solar power for enhanced oil recovery,” said Desmond King, president of Chevron Technology Ventures. “This technology has the potential to augment gas-powered steam generation and may provide an additional resource in areas of the world where natural gas is expensive or not readily available.” One of America’s oldest oil fields, the Coalinga Field began operations in the 1890s. Because the heavy crude oil produced at the field does not flow readily, it is more difficult to extract than lighter grades of crude.

Chevron enhances oil production from the Coalinga Field by injecting steam to heat the crude, thereby reducing its viscosity and making it easier to produce. This steam is currently generated by burning natural gas. The solar-to-steam project will supplement the gas-fired steam generators and help determine the commercial viability of using heat from the sun instead of natural gas to generate steam. Throughout the course of the day, more than 7,600 mirrors track the sun and reflect its rays to a receiver positioned on a solar tower. Using heat from the concentrated sunlight, the solar tower system produces steam that is distributed throughout the oil field and then injected underground for enhanced oil recovery. The solar demonstration generates about the same amount of steam as one gas-fired steam generator. Chevron contracted BrightSource Energy, Inc., as the technology provider and for engineering, procurement and construction. The project will be operated by Chevron Technology Ventures.

Paris Tests Rentals of Electric Cars

The Thrill Of Solar Decathlon Victory

Posted on October 3, 2011 by quest

The University of Maryland won the Prestigious Clean Energy Competition, the Solar Decathlon. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the winners of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The University of Maryland won top honors overall by designing, building, and operating the most cost effective, energy efficient and attractive solar powered house. Purdue University took second place followed by New Zealand (Victoria University of Wellington) in third place.

“This competition to build innovative, highly energy-efficient homes has been two years in the making, and all of these teams must be commended for their hard work,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “The houses on display blend affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. These talented students are demonstrating to consumers the wide range of energy-saving solutions that are available today to save them money on their energy bills.”

All teams competed in 10 contests during 10 days that gauged each house’s performance, livability and affordability. The teams performed everyday tasks, including cooking, laundry, and washing dishes, that tested the energy efficiency of their houses. After all contest results were tallied, Maryland earned 951.151 points out of a possible 1,000 to win the competition, followed by Purdue with 931.390 points, and New Zealand with 919.058 points. Student teams in the 2011 competition hailed from five countries across four continents, including the United States, Belgium, Canada, China and New Zealand. The application process for the sixth U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, to be held in fall 2013, has already begun.

Serengeti Ecosystem Threatened By Climate Change And Highway

Green Webinars

Electric Vehicle Converter Presents At Green For All

Posted on October 2, 2011 by quest

Electric vehicle entrepreneur, Valery Miftakhov founder of Electric Motor Werks was one of many who attended a two day Business Academy sponsored by Green For All. Green for All is an innovative national leader in the green jobs and business movement, conducted their Business Academy at the University of Phoenix Training Center in San Jose, CA. The two day conference was held on Thursday and Friday September 29, 30 2011; addressed the skills and issues necessary to succeed in the emerging green economy. In attendance were green business leaders, business support organizations, capital providers, consultants and lawyers who provided practical and specific insights that entrepreneurs can initiate to grow their respective organizations.

Ana Vasudeo Senior Associate of Green for All’s Capital Access Program guided the panelist and workshops focused on topics such as; Funding for Green Companies, and Start-up Tips from Green Entrepreneurs. The two day seminar also included a Elevator Pitch Practice Session which allowed start ups to present their business plan to a panel of investors, attorneys, consultants and seasoned executives.

Green For All is a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. They work in collaboration with business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry.

Solar Decathlon Refocuses on Affordability of New Homes

University of Maryland Wins Solar Decathlon Architecture Award

Posted on September 29, 2011 by quest

Announced before an enthusiastic crowd at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the University of Maryland took first place in the highly competitive Architecture Contest of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. For the Architecture Contest, collegiate students from around the world are judged on the design and construction of attractive, high-performance houses that integrate renewable energy systems and energy-efficient technologies. Dennis Andrejko, representing the American Institute of Architects, presented the award in front of an audience that included government leaders and Solar Decathlon student team members. The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in.

“We are thrilled to announce this prestigious award during a special ceremony on Capitol Hill,” said Richard King, director of Solar Decathlon for the U.S. Department of Energy. “The Solar Decathlon lets today’s leaders see firsthand the innovative spirit of tomorrow’s clean energy workforce.”

Maryland earned a score of 96 out of a possible 100 points. Architectural juror Michelle Kaufmann, who has been called “the Henry Ford of green homes” by the Sierra Club and is a former Associate with the office of Frank O. Gehry, said, “The Maryland home achieves an elegant mix of inspiration, function and simplicity. It takes our current greatest challenges in the built environment – energy and water – and transforms them into opportunities for spatial beauty and poetry while maintaining livability in every square inch. This is what the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is all about.” New Zealand (Victoria University of Wellington) claimed second place with 95 points, and Appalachian State University took third place with 94 points.