5 Reasons Home Solar Will Change Your Life
A recent survey conducted by Applied Materials found that 49% of respondents would be motivated to purchase a residential solar system if they had more information about how solar technology would work for them. Most people know by now that solar energy is cleaner and more sustainable than fossil fuels, but are skeptical that investing in a solar power system will benefit their lives. It’s time to challenge that. Here are five ways residential solar will change your life.
1. Savings
Month-to-month expenses can make it easy to overlook long-term costs. Over the long term, solar energy is a proven and sound investment. With multiple solar rebate and incentive programs available from government and utility companies, solar panels now typically return the cost of installation in six to eight years (or much sooner). From that point on, you’ll be generating free, renewable energy for the life of your system (typically 25-30 years).
Solar leasing options also enable you to purchase solar systems for little or no money down. Homes with solar power systems immediately see at least a 30% reduction on their utility bills, unless, of course, their energy bills are eliminated altogether. Many home systems produce excess energy that is then sold back into the grid, earning homeowners extra income.
2. Insurance
People understand that auto, home and life insurance are prudent investments, that being prepared for emergency situations saves them money in the long run. Purchasing a system that will protect you from rising energy costs is just as prudent. The demand and cost of conventional energy worldwide is forecasted to rise by as much as 49% by 2035, according to United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). A solar energy system provides protection against rising energy costs.
A standalone solar energy system can also provide protection against blackouts caused by man-made and natural disasters. In many homes and businesses, access to continuous electrical power is essential. For those who rely on electricity to power medical devices, it can be a matter of life and death. Standalone solar panels can ensure that power is never completely cut off, among other amazing benefits.
3. Flexibility
Solar panels are a modular system. If you wish, you can start with a few solar panels add more to the system later. And the government assistance is incredible. People who spend at least $5,000 on a solar energy system can receive as much as 30% back in the form of a federal tax credit.
There are other solar products available as well. Solar heating systems can keep a swimming pool warm year round, in most cases with zero operating costs. Solar water heating systems can augment a home’s heating systems. A solar recharger left on a windowsill can recharge a cell phone – even on a cloudy day.
4. Leadership
A solar array is a visible display of personal commitment to responsible energy consumption and conservation that can inspire others to action. As an example of an energy solution, solar power systems can empower an entire community. And when an idea catches on, whole neighborhoods become solar havens.
5. Stewardship
Solar energy systems preserve natural resources, providing opportunities for individuals to make a personal contribution to the health of the planet. Converting to solar energy is an affordable, sensible, and responsible way to reign in personal energy consumption, and to join in a worldwide community intent on solutions. Britany: CalFinfinder
Solar flare-up over inspections
City of Santa Rosa, alternative-energy contractors at odds over rules aimed at firefighter safety
Santa Rosa is one of 25 cities in the nation recognized forits strong support of the solar energy industry. Plentiful sunshine, environmentally conscious residents and innovative public financing options have contributed to the city outshining others when it comes to installation of photovoltaic systems. But that success is being threatened, some in the solar industry say, by burdensome fire regulations that reduce the size of many residential solar systems, increase their cost and in some cases may be unnecessary. Since January, the Santa Rosa Fire Department has been requiring that solar panels on homes be set back 3 feet from the eaves and ridgelines of roofs to give firefighters safe pathways during a fire. These and other rules regarding solar installations, which have been recommended by the California Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008, were adopted by Santa Rosa and many other cities as part of their fire codes last year.
But solar installers say Santa Rosa stands out from other jurisdictions for its rigid implementation of the rules and an infuriating permit process.“They have created a whole different layer of bureaucracy that nowhere else has,” said Jeff Mathias, co-owner of Synergy Solar & Electrical Systems of Sebastopol. Since the Fire Department began enforcing the new rules in January, solar installations now require separate plan reviews and field inspections by fire inspectors. Those are in addition to plan reviews and site inspections conducted by city building officials. The extra layer of review strikes Mathias as a “completely and totally unneeded redundancy” that adds time, costs and complexity to jobs in Santa Rosa. “System sales in the city are down, systems we are installing are smaller and the installations are costing more,” Mathias said. “Nobody is a winner here.”
Santa Rosa fire officials say the roof setbacks are critical for firefighter safety and are being enforced fairly and consistently, and that projects that comply with the code receive speedy review at a reasonable cost. “While people may not like the rules, we’ve been fair and consistent in our enforcement of them,” said Mark Pedroia, senior fire inspector responsible for most solar-plan reviews. Fire officials say the new fee of $270 for each residential installation should generate about $60,000 annually at the current rate. The fees are designed to recover the cost of administering the program, although the work is being handled by existing staff in the city fire marshal’s office. Read the full article: By KEVIN McCALLUM THE PRESS DEMOCRAT – Solar flare-up over inspections
Ingersoll Rand Sponsors Solar Decathlon 2011 Entry to Showcase the Benefits of Solar Technology Partnership with Purdue University on Display in Global Competition
Ingersoll-Rand, a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments, today announced that it has awarded $150,000 to Purdue University to sponsor its team’s bid in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. Supported in part by Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions and the Ingersoll Rand Foundation, the underwriting of Purdue University’s 2011 entry illustrates the contribution that solar energy and state-of the-art technology bring in creating environmentally responsible residential homes.
Sponsored by the United States Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon challenges 20 competitive collegiate teams from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The program is designed to educate students and the general public about innovative options for building sustainable communities. The house is currently under construction at the Purdue Campus and will be shipped to Washington in time for the 2011 Solar Decathlon event, which will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2.
“The mission of the Solar Decathlon is well aligned with Ingersoll Rand’s commitment to deliver innovative products, services and solutions that enhance energy efficiency, home comfort and home safety,” said Steve Hochhauser, senior vice president, Ingersoll Rand, and president of Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions. “As a company that has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Purdue University, Ingersoll Rand is proud to support the team’s entry into the 2011 Solar Decathlon and see how the solar-powered house can showcase the potential benefits of green living and sustainable design.”
Along with providing financial support and engineering consultation for the construction of the Purdue University home, Ingersoll Rand offered a range of products from its portfolio, including:
– Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning products that include an ultra-efficient Trane XL20i heat pump and an award-winning, newly designed air handler called Trane Hyperion. The installation will also include an energy recovery ventilator and the Trane CleanEffects air filtering system.
– Schlage LiNK home management system with the new ComfortLink XL 950 II Thermostat.
– Precedent i2 Club Car golf car with solar canopy for the team to use as transport during the construction.
– Ingersoll Rand Oil-lubricated Twin-stack reciprocating air compressor to power the tools used in the construction of the house.
The entries for the 2011 Solar Decathlon will be rated on a set of criteria that contribute to sustainable living, including architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance.
All homes must be designed to have net-zero energy consumption, which means the house must produce as much energy independently (through the installed rooftop solar panels) as would be required for the occupants to live in it.
Following the 2011 Solar Decathlon event, the Purdue University home will be donated to a nonprofit organization in the local Lafayette, Ind., community.
The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar at InterSolar NA
TAIPEI, Taiwan- Huge solar business opportunities await in Taiwan with its position as the world’s 2nd largest solar cell maker. Great prospects blossom on July 13 with the Taiwan-organized seminar The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar at the show venue of InterSolar North America at the Moscone Convention Center.
Organized by TAITRA, SEMI, and Taiwan Trade Center, San Francisco, this seminar opens the big picture on the Taiwan GREEN industry and its economical operations with the USA. It will introduce the solar industry’s background, strengths, trends, and innovative products and technologies in Taiwan and Asia.
This is the perfect place for those devoted to the solar energy industry to learn about Taiwan’s new alternative energy & environmental solutions. It will also offer a special focus on PV Taiwan—the largest solar trade show in Taiwan—which will showcase the latest innovations in comprehensive PV products during October 5–7, 2011. This show lets you explore how the Taiwan solar industry can help your business.
PHOTON International indicates that the annual production of solar cells grew by 118% in 2010, reaching a capacity of 27.2GW. Combined solar cell shipments of China and Taiwan in 2010 accounted for 62.2% globally. Asia is the No. 1 region for solar cell exports and will continue in this position in the future.
With a long track record and strong government support, Taiwan has developed a robust environmental industry known throughout Asia. Taking advantage of Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor and flat panel manufacturing, Taiwan’s solar industry is equipped with world-class manufacturing capability, excellent industry infrastructure, and strong R&D talent. This is the gateway & procurement hub for the Asia Pacific region.
PV Taiwan already has registered 262 exhibitors who will use 764 booths – a 22% increase on last year’s show. And this year’s PV Taiwan will build upon last year’s success, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors including many professionals and buyers who traveled from more than 50 nations, including Germany, the US, Japan, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Visitors can scout from leading firms including GINTECH, MOTECH, E-ton, NeoSolar, ROTH & RAU, GCL, OCI, LDK, Dupont, Powercom and Sun Well. And the list is still growing! The show gives visitors a comprehensive overview of Taiwan’s industrial cluster, photovoltaic materials, silicon wafers, solar cells, modules, systems, HCPV, DSSC, CIGS and BIPV, applied products, production equipment, testing and analysis equipment, and certification services.TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Huge solar business opportunities await in Taiwan with its position as the world’s 2nd largest solar cell maker. Great prospects blossom on July 13 with the Taiwan-organized seminar The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar at the show venue of InterSolar North America at the Moscone Convention Center.Organized by TAITRA, SEMI, and Taiwan Trade Center, San Francisco, this seminar opens the big picture on the Taiwan GREEN industry and its economical operations with the USA. It will introduce the solar industry’s background, strengths, trends, and innovative products and technologies in Taiwan and Asia.
This is the perfect place for those devoted to the solar energy industry to learn about Taiwan’s new alternative energy & environmental solutions. It will also offer a special focus on PV Taiwan—the largest solar trade show in Taiwan—which will showcase the latest innovations in comprehensive PV products during October 5–7, 2011. This show lets you explore how the Taiwan solar industry can help your business.
PHOTON International indicates that the annual production of solar cells grew by 118% in 2010, reaching a capacity of 27.2GW. Combined solar cell shipments of China and Taiwan in 2010 accounted for 62.2% globally. Asia is the No. 1 region for solar cell exports and will continue in this position in the future.
With a long track record and strong government support, Taiwan has developed a robust environmental industry known throughout Asia. Taking advantage of Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor and flat panel manufacturing, Taiwan’s solar industry is equipped with world-class manufacturing capability, excellent industry infrastructure, and strong R&D talent. This is the gateway & procurement hub for the Asia Pacific region.
PV Taiwan already has registered 262 exhibitors who will use 764 booths – a 22% increase on last year’s show. And this year’s PV Taiwan will build upon last year’s success, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors including many professionals and buyers who traveled from more than 50 nations, including Germany, the US, Japan, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Visitors can scout from leading firms including GINTECH, MOTECH, E-ton, NeoSolar, ROTH & RAU, GCL, OCI, LDK, Dupont, Powercom and Sun Well. And the list is still growing! The show gives visitors a comprehensive overview of Taiwan’s industrial cluster, photovoltaic materials, silicon wafers, solar cells, modules, systems, HCPV, DSSC, CIGS and BIPV, applied products, production equipment, testing and analysis equipment, and certification services.
Germany Nuclear Power Plants To Be Entirely Shut Down By 2022
BERLIN — Europe’s economic powerhouse, Germany, announced plans Monday to abandon nuclear energy over the next 11 years, outlining an ambitious strategy in the wake of Japan’s Fukushima disaster to replace atomic power with renewable energy sources.
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she hopes the transformation to more solar, wind and hydroelectric power serves as a roadmap for other countries.
“We believe that we can show those countries who decide to abandon nuclear power – or not to start using it – how it is possible to achieve growth, creating jobs and economic prosperity while shifting the energy supply toward renewable energies,” Merkel said. Merkel’s government said it will shut down all 17 nuclear power plants in Germany – the world’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s biggest – by 2022. The government had no immediate estimate of the transition’s overall cost.
The plan sets Germany apart from most of the other major industrialized nations. Among the other Group of Eight countries, only Italy has abandoned nuclear power, which was voted down in a referendum after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. The decision represents a remarkable about-face for Merkel’s center-right government, which only late last year pushed through a plan to extend the life span of the country’s reactors, with the last scheduled to go offline around 2036. But Merkel, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, said industrialized, technologically advanced Japan’s “helplessness” in the face of the Fukushima disaster made her rethink the technology’s risks.
Phasing out nuclear power within a decade will be a challenge, but it will be feasible and ultimately give Germany a competitive advantage in the renewable energy era, Merkel said.
“As the first big industrialized nation, we can achieve such a transformation toward efficient and renewable energies, with all the opportunities that brings for exports, developing new technologies and jobs,” Merkel told reporters. The government said the renewable energy sector already employs about 370,000 people.
Germany’s seven oldest reactors, already taken off the grid pending safety inspections following the March catastrophe at Japan’s Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, will remain offline permanently, Merkel said. The plants accounted for about 40 percent of the country’s nuclear power capacity. At the time of the Japanese disaster, Germany got just under a quarter of its electricity from nuclear power, about the same share as in the U.S. While Germany already was set to abandon nuclear energy eventually, the decision – which still requires parliamentary approval – dramatically speeds up that process. Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said there are no provisions that would allow a later policy reverse. “We don’t only want to renounce nuclear energy by 2022, we also want to reduce our CO2 emissions by 40 percent and double our share of renewable energies, from about 17 percent today to then 35 percent,” the chancellor said.
Merkel said the cornerstones of Germany’s energy policy will also include a safe and steady power supply that doesn’t rely on imports, and affordable prices for industry and consumers. The plan calls for more investment in natural gas plants as a backup to prevent blackouts, the chancellor said. Germany’s initiative received a skeptical reception abroad.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, whose country relies on nuclear power to produce 80 percent of its electricity supply, insisted “there’s no way” for the European Union to meet its emission-cutting targets without at least some nuclear power. “We respect this decision, but it doesn’t cause us to change our policy,” Fillon said. France operates more than one-third of the nuclear reactors in the EU. Sweden’s Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren also criticized the German decision, telling The Associated Press that the focus on an end date was unfortunate and could drive up electricity prices across Europe.
Germany, usually a net energy exporter, has at times had to import energy since March, with the seven old reactors shut and others temporarily off the grid for regular maintenance. Still, the agency overseeing its electricity grid, DENA, said Friday that the country remains self-sufficient and that its renewable energy production capacity this spring peaked at 28 gigawatts – or about the equivalent of 28 nuclear reactors.
Many Germans have vehemently opposed nuclear power since Chernobyl sent radioactivity over the country. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets after Fukushima to urge the government to shut all reactors quickly. A decade ago, a center-left government drew up a plan to abandon the technology for good by 2021 because of its risks. But Merkel’s government last year amended it to extend the plants’ lifetime by an average 12 years – a political liability after Fukushima was hit by Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Environmental groups welcomed Berlin’s decision.
“The country is throwing its weight behind clean renewable energy to power its manufacturing base and other countries like Britain should take note,” said Robin Oakley, Greenpeace UK’s campaigns director.
German industry said the government must not allow the policy changes to lead to an unstable power supply or rising electricity prices. Hans-Peter Keitel, the president of the Federation of German Industries, urged the government not to set the exit date of 2022 in stone but to be flexible if problems arise.
Switzerland, where nuclear power produces 40 percent of electricity, also announced last week that it plans to shut down its reactors gradually once they reach their average life span of 50 years – which would mean taking the last plant off the grid in 2034. Germany’s decision broadly follows the conclusions of a government-mandated commission on the ethics of nuclear power, which on Saturday delivered recommendations on how to abolish the technology. “Fukushima was a dramatic experience, seeing there that a high-technology nation can’t cope with such a catastrophe,” Matthias Kleiner, the commission’s co-chairman, said Monday. “Nuclear power is a technology with too many inherent risks to inflict it on us or our children.”
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Geir Moulson in Berlin, Malin Rising in Stockholm, Colleen Barry in Milan, Jamey Keaten in Paris and Cassandra Vinograd in London contributed reporting. Huffington Post
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