Sempra Generation A Solar Energy Champion

Posted on October 21, 2011 by quest

Sempra Generation has received the 2011 Solar Energy Industries Association Solar Champion Award in the Project Developer category. The national recognition is based on the significant impact the company has made over the last year in “helping build a strong solar industry to power America, and contributing to the industry goal of achieving 10 gigawatts of new annual installed capacity by 2015.”The award was announced at the Solar Power International 2011 conference, which was held in Dallas. Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Working with its 1,000 member companies, the organization is helping to grow and advance the solar industry through advocacy, policy development and education on the benefits of solar energy.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by the Solar Energy Industries Association, which is leading the way to advance and grow the U.S. solar industry,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. “Solar power is positively impacting communities and local economies across the country, and we are excited to have the opportunity to support America’s transition to a cleaner energy future.””Innovative utility-scale solar project developers are a key piece of the industry’s vision of installing 10 gigawatts of solar each year by 2015,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of Solar Energy Industries Association. “Sempra Generation is helping the utility-scale market make significant strides in meeting that goal to power two million more homes year in and year out with clean, reliable solar energy.”

Sempra Generation is a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. The company operates the 48-megawatt (MW) Copper Mountain Solar 1 project in Boulder City, Nev., which is currently the largest photovoltaic solar plant in the U.S. Construction is expected to begin on a 150-MW expansion of this landmark solar installation in 2012. The company also recently broke ground on its 150-MW Mesquite Solar 1 project in Arizona, with completion anticipated in 2013.

Solar Energy Has Massive Potential In The Himalayas

Sky Power Brings Solar Energy To Electric Vehicles

Posted on October 17, 2011 by quest

Sky Power Solutions, an emerging leader in the development and marketing of next generation lithium-powered batteries worldwide, and a leading developer of residential Solar Power Generation system will present at Solar Power International in Dallas TX. Company representatives will be available to questions during the event. “We are excited to exhibit the Sky Power system at SPI. Taking about 1/3 the space of standard PV solar panels and the ability to derive heat from the unit makes it very efficient. In addition to the benefits of lower electric costs, the incentives being offered around the world reduces the users cost of the unit” says Rich Ralston, Public Relations and Media Manager for Sky Power Solutions.

The unique design of the Sky Power Solutions Residential system gives homeowners, for the first time, access to advanced concentrating PV (photovoltronic) technology combined with sun tracking while taking only about 1/3 the space compared to standard solar PV panels. Solar Power International (SPI) is North America’s largest, most comprehensive solar power trade show and conference. This annual, business-to-business event was the first of its kind in North America and grows bigger and better every year. Nearly 24,000 professionals from 125+ countries attend. With one out of five attendees coming from outside the United States, SPI is truly a global event. In 2011, over 1,100 companies from all vertical markets in the solar power spectrum will exhibit in a space of more than 1 million gross square feet.

The Sky Power Solutions residential solar power station will have the ability to reduce the average user’s monthly electric grid consumption by up to 30-40% with ZERO emissions and a ZERO carbon footprint; using only the power of the Sun. Visually appealing, the Sky Power Solutions system can easily be installed in most backyards taking less than one third of the space of conventional Solar panels. The entry level price point for a Sky Power Solutions-Concentrated Solar electric system is estimated to be $5,000 at release. Many financial incentives are available which reduces the user’s actual costs. Multiple units can be combined for increased capacity. Electric consumption in the United States is increasing at a rate that will outpace the anticipated expansion of the US Electric Grid’s capacity and Sky Power Solutions has identified this and is poised for expansion into the Residential Electric Power Generation market to allow end users to generate and return 30-40% of their electric usage back to the grid using “Net-Metering” and the Sky Power System.

Solar Energy Revolution Star Trek and The Wizard of Oz

Largest US Solar Factory Being Built In Colorado

Posted on October 16, 2011 by quest

GE has announced plans to build its new solar panel factory in Aurora, Colorado. When completed, the advanced manufacturing facility will create 355 jobs in Colorado and will be larger than any existing solar panel factory in the country today. GE anticipates the new factory will first start up earlier than expected with the first panels coming off the line in 2012 with commercial availability in 2013. “This is great news for Colorado and further proof that our state is emerging as a center of innovation. GE’s move to Aurora takes advantage of Colorado’s clean energy resources and a collaborative business environment that is committed to helping the company succeed,” said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. “We look forward to supporting GE as it fosters its technical innovation and research capabilities in Colorado.”

GE will locate the factory in an existing building in Aurora, just east of Denver. This location, which also is in proximity to GE’s existing solar center of excellence, enables an accelerated start-up schedule with production equipment installation beginning in January 2012. At capacity, the new factory will produce enough panels per year to power 80,000 homes and will be larger than 11 football fields. When complete, the new solar factory will highlight a $600 million investment in GE’s solar business. “I am so proud GE is building the largest solar panel factory in the nation right here in the 7th Congressional District of Colorado. This plant will create over 350 jobs and reinforces Colorado’s leading role in renewable energy. This solar technology was originally developed at NREL and further highlights how this world-class lab continues to partner with the private sector to create long-term jobs and bolster our nation’s energy security. Making things here in Colorado and America ensures we will make it in America,” stated U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter.

“Working with our Colorado-based solar team, we were able to achieve record efficiencies in our solar panels in record time,” said Victor Abate, vice president of GE’s Renewable Energy business. “The Colorado location will allow us to deliver our technology roadmap faster and commercialize industry-leading panel efficiencies sooner. We also look forward to continuing to build our relationships with Colorado’s local, state and federal officials who have been extremely helpful as we moved through the site selection process.” “This is terrific news for Aurora, for Colorado and for solar, and it shows the tremendous potential renewable energy holds to create jobs and power our economy,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Udall.

Lady Gaga at Clinton Climate Gig

Bioplastics Producer Expands Green Investment

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

Enchanting New Mexico Develops Mega Solar Energy

Posted on September 23, 2011 by quest

Wells Fargo announced project financing for the deployment of a 53.5 megawatt multi-site solar project for Sun Edison LLC, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials. A site ceremony was held yesterday in Carlsbad, New Mexico with the city’s mayor and officials from SunEdison, Xcel Energy, and Wells Fargo to announce the activation of the first three of five solar power plants that make up the 53.5 MW project. “Wells Fargo is committed to helping cleantech businesses and will continue to expand our support of projects and companies, such as SunEdison, that are leaders in building a clean energy economy,” said Puon Penn, head of Wells Fargo’s National Cleantech group. With the remaining two plants expected to begin operation before the end of 2011, the total 53.5MW solar project is expected to be among the largest photovoltaic solar power projects in the U.S. As the construction lender, Wells Fargo provided more than $200 million to finance the installation phase of the projects.

New Mexico

Building upon its ongoing support of the renewable energy industry, Wells Fargo began providing construction financing for the project earlier this year, and the new SunEdison projects collectively mark Wells Fargo’s largest renewable energy construction loan to date. Wells Fargo has also committed to provide permanent equity financing for all five projects upon completion. The company has already invested approximately $2.2 billion in renewable energy projects since 2006, including funding for 35 wind projects and over 220 solar projects in 26 states.

Electricity from the solar farms is sold to Southwestern Public Service Co., a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, Inc., supporting the utility’s compliance with New Mexico’s renewable portfolio standard. Once all sites are active, the solar farms are expected to produce more than 1.9 million megawatt-hours of electricity over the next 20 years, generating enough to power over 8,000 average U.S. homes per year while the environmental attributes associated with the solar farms are expected to offset more than 2.9 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over 20 years. “We are proud to make investments in our energy future through these groundbreaking solar projects,” said Barry Neal, head of Wells Fargo’s Environmental Finance Group.