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

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

Boeing Delivers 787 Dreamliner: Solar To Be Key In Manufacturing

Posted on September 27, 2011 by quest

Boeing celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner today to launch customer ANA during a ceremony adjacent to the factory where the airplane was assembled. More than 500 employees representing the 787 program walked alongside the all-new jetliner to present it to ANA executives as a crowd of thousands looked on. “We are delighted to be taking delivery finally of our first 787. ANA is extremely proud to be the launch customer for the Dreamliner and to have helped Boeing so closely in the development of this state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA. “The Dreamliner will enable us to offer unrivalled standards of service and comfort to our passengers and will play a key part in ANA’s plans for international expansion.

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience. During the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presented a ceremonial key to Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA.”It’s not often that we have the chance to make history, do something big and bold that will change the world in untold ways and endure long after we are gone,” said Albaugh. “That’s what the 787 Dreamliner is and what ANA and Boeing have done together – build what truly is the first new airplane of the 21st century.”

Boeing’s North Charleston in South Carolina will manufacture the 787 Dreamliners using thin-film solar laminate panels owned, installed and maintained by SCE&G on the new Boeing 787 Final Assembly building roof. This solar installation will provide up to 2.6 megawatts of electrical power for the site, enough to power approximately 250 homes. The installation will be the largest in the Southeast by production capacity, and the sixth largest in the U.S. “Today we celebrate a significant moment in the history of flight,” said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “The 787 Dreamliner is the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago.

Google Does Solar

Its A Sunny Solar Day In Georgia

Posted on September 27, 2011 by quest

The annual Georgia Solar Tour will open solar sites throughout the state for tours and discussion on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the tour is to show how Solar Works in Georgia by providing jobs, energy savings and clean, renewable energy. Coordinated by the Georgia Solar Energy Association, the tour is part of the National Solar Tour, which this year will open some 5,500 installations in 3,200 communities nationwide. Georgians all over the state can experience and learn more about how solar energy, America’s fastest-growing industry, is bringing jobs, investment and advanced technology to our state.

The total market value of the U.S. solar energy industry grew an astonishing 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6 billion in 2010, and this growth has continued in 2011. With an expanded pool of state tax credits for solar installations in Fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014 and available federal incentives, the Georgia market’s enthusiasm for clean, safe, renewable energy has blossomed. Solar’s increasing efficiency and the falling cost of solar equipment – which has come down more than 30 percent in the past year – have made solar energy in all its forms more affordable and practical than ever.

Georgia Solar Tour Chairman Anthony Coker said this year’s solar tour offers the public a sample of what solar investment is contributing to the state and why studies consistently show Georgia among the nation’s top locations for solar energy potential.”We think the Georgia Solar Tour will show that Georgia’s solar industry is creating skilled jobs, producing energy savings for homeowners and businesses, and expanding our domestic energy portfolio,” Coker said. “And we hope that Georgians who participate in the tour will recognize the promise this holds for boosting the state’s economy.”

Bond! Solar Bond!

World Solar Challenge 2011 Gets Veolia Sponsorship

Posted on September 26, 2011 by quest

Veolia Environmental Services announced today that it has joined as the naming rights sponsor of the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The Veolia World Solar Challenge, held in October 2011, requires entrants to build a vehicle that runs on solar power, and can be driven from Darwin to Adelaide. Doug Dean, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services Australia described the partnership as a natural fit with Veolia’s proactive approach to developing viable and sustainable environmental solutions. “As a global leader in the provision of environmental services, Veolia is committed to supporting innovation which improves our environment, whilst also promoting renewable and alternative energy sources. We are therefore very proud to partner with the World Solar Challenge in 2011.”

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of the South Australian Motor Sports Board, Mark Warren said reaching the landmark agreement, with such a significant corporation was a turning point in the history of the event, which has struggled for recognition and support from the Australian corporate world. “With the backing of one of Australia’s leaders in environmental services, we have a much greater chance of taking solar cars and their sustainable technology out of the future fantasy realm and into the garages of everyday Australians,” Mr. Warren said.

The announcement further solidifies Veolia’s position as supporting innovation within Australia through the development of technologies which utilize alternative energy sources. The Darwin-to-Adelaide, 3,021-kilometer 2011 World Solar Challenge is also being by supported by Panasonic. They are is providing the latest Lithium Ion battery technologies for use with solar-powered vehicles engineered by undergraduate teams from the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University in the seven day drive through the Australian Outback.