Intersolar Europe Tracks The Future of Solar Power

Posted on May 18, 2011 by quest

Technological developments in the area of photovoltaics are advancing daily. As a result, the cost of solar power is falling and new concepts are being developed for generating electricity in the future. Photovoltaics plays a major role at the world’s largest exhibition for the solar industry, Intersolar Europe in Munich. From June 8-10, 2011, around 2,000 companies will showcase the latest trends and developments in this field alone, with photovoltaics once again occupying a large part of the exhibition. Approximately 300 of these companies work in both photovoltaics and solar thermal technology. In an exhibition space covering 165,000 square meters, a total of 2,200 companies from around the world will present their products and services in the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technology and solar thermal technology.

Faced with the environmental challenges that go hand in hand with supplying energy to an increasing global population, numerous incentive programs across the globe have emerged for developing renewable energy – most recently in India and China for example. At the same time, the German feed-in tariff is falling. Therefore, researchers and industry are working against the clock to achieve grid parity – the point at which electricity from photovoltaic installations can be sold at a competitive price.

Intersolar Europe not only focuses on technology itself, but also shines the spotlight on innovative applications and system solutions, such as those involved in using unconventional surfaces for photovoltaic installations. Alternative surfaces for photovoltaic installations – such as carport roofing – are currently taking center stage in the industry. Solar carports are a worthwhile alternative to conventional surfaces because no additional ground sealing is required and they offer huge potential. The largest installation of this type is located in Italy and is already boasting an output of six megawatts. The industry is currently developing multiple new ideas so that, in the future, the power generated from the carports may be used directly or indirectly for parked electric vehicles.

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UCLA Predicts L A To Be Electric Vehicle Leader

Posted on May 16, 2011 by quest

Los Angeles will be a U.S. leader in electric vehicle adoption, according to a new study published by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. “This offers the city the opportunity to reduce the local and global environmental impacts of vehicle travel, as most Angelenos rely on an automobile for much of their travel,” said Luskin Center project director Juan Matute.

“Based on our study, we expect that rising gasoline prices will naturally shift the demand from conventional combustion cars to electric vehicles,” adds study co-author Jeffrey Dubin, UCLA Anderson School of Management adjunct professor of economics and statistics.“For many buyers, electric vehicles will be hard to ignore,” said Luskin Center director and associate professor of public policy, J.R. DeShazo. “However, the analysis predicts just over 2,000 electric vehicles will be sold in Los Angeles in 2011. This number is due to the limited supply of electric vehicles; even if more residents are inclined to purchase them, it just isn’t possible right now.”

The research team predicts that the supply of electric vehicles will be limited until 2013 or 2014. In 2015, the team predicts that electric vehicles will comprise 9% of new vehicles purchased by Los Angeles residents. One area where the City can have a significant impact is by helping renters and residents of multifamily housing—who comprise about 70% of L.A. residents—access charging areas. Many of these residents do not own their garage, and face difficulties in installing electric vehicle charging equipment at home. Those who park on the street have even greater difficulty accessing charging at home.

UCLA Anderson MBA students Ross Barney, Annamaria Csontos, Jonathan Um, and Nini Wu conducted the year-long study under the direction of Professor Jeffrey Dubin. The research team worked with the City of Los Angeles and the Clinton Climate Initiative to conduct the study.

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Toys R Us Goes Solar With Huge Rooftop Solar Power

Posted on May 11, 2011 by quest

Toys”R”Us today announced plans to add the largest rooftop solar power installation in North America to its distribution center in Flanders, NJ. Staging for the system is currently underway and construction will conclude this summer. Upon completion, the 5.38 megawatt on-site solar mechanism will occupy 869,294 square feet and is estimated to generate 72 percent of the electrical needs for the Toys”R”Us® facility. “The unprecedented scope of this project furthers our already strong commitment to sustainability in our operations,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “New Jersey’s leadership in providing renewable, clean energy opportunities for companies has helped pave the way for an installation of this size and underscores the state as a champion for solar energy growth across North America.”

This solar power installation will cover nearly 70% of the distribution center’s 1,281,000-square-foot roof and will consist of more than 37,000 ultra lightweight UNI-SOLAR® brand photovoltaic solar panels, manufactured by United Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices. Depending on weather conditions, the system is expected to produce approximately 6,362,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. Generating the same amount of electricity using non-renewable sources would result in the release of an estimated 4,387 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent emissions from 860 passenger vehicles or that of the electricity used to power 532 homes annually. Constellation Energy, a leading supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States, will build, own and maintain the rooftop solar power system. Toys”R”Us will purchase the electricity generated by the system from Constellation Energy through a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Toys”R”Us has been working closely with state and community authorities to bring the project to fruition and ensure that the solar power structure complies with the requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Highlands Council and Mount Olive Township. The 20-acre rooftop solar installation at the Flanders distribution center utilizes space that would otherwise go unused and has been designed to meet the facility’s energy needs. The solar power system is comprised of thin-film photovoltaic panels that are flexible, lightweight, durable and maintain performance, even in sub-optimal lighting conditions. In addition, the non-ballasted, non-penetrating and removable racking system allows access to the roof and prevents debris build-up and maintenance issues.

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Monaco Acting On Green And Solar Ideals

Posted on April 24, 2011 by quest

The Principality of Monaco, with its idyllic Côte d’Azur location, has a rich sporting and cultural legacy – from the F1 Grand Prix and Tennis Masters to Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic and Opera companies – and, for more than 150 years, a deep commitment to protecting the environment. Long before ecological and environmental issues became world headlines and a cause célèbre, Monaco’s “Navigator Prince”, Albert I, sailed the globe’s oceans seeking ways to preserve them. More recently, Prince Rainier III ensured Monaco was at the forefront of environmental awareness and protection. During his 56-year reign, and alongside the Principality’s artistic and sporting evolution, Monaco became one of the most environmentally sensitive countries in Europe and one of the first nations to use reforestation to preserve its spectacular mountainous backdrop.

As part of environmental action, the Monte-Carlo SBM (Hotels) has set up an action plan aiming to encourage eco-friendly conduct and to meet international goals in environmental matters. This plan features 23 measures covering the following areas: information and awareness, energy and water consumption, waste management, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, use of recycled paper and eco-friendly products, and the reduction of the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in green areas. The implementation of the plan in all SBM hotels and restaurants is subject to annual evaluations.

This month The Monaco Government Tourist Office is partnering with The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) to donate solar car classroom kits that require assembly. It’s part of the The IRF’s 18th Annual Incentive Invitational April 27 to May 1, 2011 in Las Vegas. To show support for the local Las Vegas community, the solar car kits will support science projects in schools and educate the next generation about solar energy resources and going green with solar cars – Monaco Grand Prix style! The Pavilion will be open to all attendees from 12-3pm on Thursday and Friday at the Invitational registration location.

ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHT

EPA Honors Energy Education

Posted on March 19, 2011 by quest

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Department of Energy (DOE) have awarded their highest honor, the ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence to Energy Education, Inc. for the company’s continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Energy Education’s accomplishments will be recognized during an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on April 12. In 25 years, Energy Education has worked with more than 1,100 educational, large church and health organizations nationwide in saving over $2.3 billion in utility costs. An ENERGY STAR partner since 2005, Energy Education received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in 2009 and 2010.
“For a quarter of a century it has been Energy Education’s mission to help clients reach the highest level of energy efficiency,” said Energy Education Chairman and Founder Dr. William S. Spears. “Receiving the highest level of recognition from the United States Environmental Protection Agency is a validation of the efforts not only of every Energy Education team member, but that of hundreds of thousands of our client staff members who have done their part to save precious financial and environmental resources through behavioral energy conservation.”

“Energy Education has received our highest honor, the ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence, because of their continued commitment to energy efficiency and preserving our environment,” said Bob Sauchelli of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and ENERGY STAR. “Their energy efficiency program and the efforts of their clients nationwide demonstrate daily how they can protect the environment.

Energy Education’s innovative Transformational Energy Management process trains client personnel to implement behavioral and organizational change that substantially reduces energy consumption without increasing utility budgets or requiring the purchase of new equipment. The program is funded solely and rapidly by the savings it generates, allowing clients to redirect saved energy dollars to other priorities.

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S F Green Film Festival Features The 4th Revolution: Energy Autonomy

Posted on February 5, 2011 by quest

The San Francisco Green Film Festival will launch March 3-6, 2011 and will be the ﬁrst-ever festival of its kind on the West Coast presenting inspiring programs and discussions that link films and media arts with environmental advocacy and activism.
The Festival will include screenings of over 60 premieres from around the globe and kicks off with an Opening Night Green Carpet Gala on Thursday, March 3rd at the beautiful LEED-certified Bently Reserve (formerly the City’s U.S. Federal Reserve). In celebration of the Opening Night’s “plastic pollution theme,” the Festival will screen the Bay Area premiere of the award-winning ﬁlm BAG IT, in partnership with Berkeley’s Plastic Pollution Coalition.    ”San Francisco is universally regarded as an epicenter of both the global Green Movement and as an activist and issue conscious film community,” says Rachel Caplan, the Festival Founder and Director. “This amazingly diverse city has many film festivals but none that directly and solely addresses these issues and audiences – The San Francisco Green Film Festival grew out of the need to fill that void.”

Festival screenings and events will take place at the Landmark Theatres Embarcadero Center Cinema and the Bently Reserve. These venues, in close proximity to each other, will create a dynamic hub at the Embarcadero, with an exceptional inaugural line-up including Bay Area premieres of award winners and audience favorites from the world’s top film festivals including Sundance, Berlin, SxSW and Toronto.

THE 4TH REVOLUTION

The Festival’s Closing Night film, German Director Carl A. Fechner’s The 4th Revolution: Energy Autonomy, is deemed “…the most inspirational, solutions-based environmental film out there” by the Vancouver International Film Festival.