NorCal Solar Launching Solar Energy Resource Guide

Posted on July 6, 2012 by QuestPoint

The Northern California Solar Energy Association (NorCal Solar) will be launching its latest Solar Energy Resource Guide (SERG) on the eve of the 2012 Intersolar North American conference in San Francisco next month. The SERG serves as a requisite tool for northern Californians interested in utilizing solar energy at home and in their businesses.The 9th edition SERG features articles covering a breadth of solar applications from photovoltaics and solar hot water to solar cooking, Passive House, zero net energy design, and more. It will also contain an extensive Solar Resources section. NorCal Solar plans to distribute over 7,500 copies of the SERG through 2014.”We are extremely excited about the 9th edition of the SERG,” said NorCal Solar President Elaine Hebert. “The expanded content will be useful to people who are new to solar and to seasoned professionals on the broad range of what solar can be. People have used past editions as something like a bible of solar, and it has helped them immensely on their career path.”

The launch party takes place Monday, July 9, from 7-9:00 pm, at the Intercontinental Hotel, next door to the Moscone Center on Howard Street, San Francisco. Invited guest speakers include Jeff Spies of QuickMount PV and Amy Reardon of the California Public Utilities Commission. The party is free to NorCal Solar members and supporters and $15 for others. RSVPs are requested at www.norcalsolar.org.

Intersolar NA is an annual conference that provides in-depth alternative energy industry insight by bringing together companies from all over the globe to exchange knowledge and ideas and display new products. This year’s conference and exhibition will take place July 9-12 at the Moscone Center and Intercontinental Hotel. More than 22,000 people are expected. NorCal Solar will be at booth L224.”There are many people looking to break into the green job market, and our networking events are a great way to meet those already working in solar,” said Hebert. In step with its goal to enhance solar energy awareness, NorCal Solar is conducting three bus tours of local solar facilities during Intersolar NA.

“King Corn” At Do Something Reel Film Festival

Solar Shingles A First In San Antonio

Posted on June 20, 2012 by QuestPoint

Today, Dow Powerhouse announced the first installation of its cutting-edge Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle roof system in San Antonio. Bobby and Sarah Ross waited over a year to be the first homeowners in Texas with a Dow Powerhouse solar roof.“This is an exciting day for us to be a part of the first Dow Powerhouse solar roof installation in Texas” In 2011, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) installed a Dow Powerhouse system in Katy, TX as part of an employee contest before the product was made commercially available. The Ross’ family-owned business, Ross Electric Company, was chosen to connect POWERHOUSE below the rooftop. The family was able to see the installation hands-on, and decided to be one of the first in the country to install this total residential roofing solution that not only protects like a standard asphalt roof but also generates solar electricity, turning the roof into a source of value and savings.

“When I saw the seamless integration of the Dow Powerhouse Solar System, I knew it was something worth waiting for,” said Ross. “I am proud to invest in my home with such an innovative and good-looking product. I expect that my POWERHOUSE™ roof will reduce my utility bills by about 40 percent and will increase my home value overall.” BELDON Roofing Company, the exclusive Dow Powerhouse Authorized Dealer in San Antonio, worked directly with the Ross family to custom design the solar roof array to align directly with the family’s budget, roof design and energy goals.“This is an exciting day for us to be a part of the first DOW POWERHOUSE™ solar roof installation in Texas,” said Brad Beldon, President and CEO of BELDON Roofing Company. “We are seeing the way San Antonians think about their roof change now that they have the option to purchase a smart roof system that goes to work for them and pays for itself.”

The Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle roofing system is offered to San Antonio homeowners as a packaged turn-key solution. It includes:A custom designed array of shingles to fit the individual homeowner’s budget, roof design and energy goals, a DC-to-AC inverter that feeds the home’s power needs or can be returned to the power grid and a monitoring system accessible from any internet connection, showing real-time energy production and generation. Made in the United States and backed by a 20 year warranty from Dow, the Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingle is also certified as both a solar and roofing product. It has received seven performance and safety certifications, including the backing of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) certification and is proven to withstand rain, hail and wind uplift.

Scientists Tap Into Underwater Solar Energy

SunPower & GRID Alternatives Community Connected

Posted on March 7, 2012 by quest

SunPower, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems today announced that it is an official 2012 solar panel provider for GRID Alternatives, a Bay Area-based non-profit solar installer. SunPower and GRID Alternatives celebrated this new agreement on March 2, 2012, by installing a SunPower rooftop system on a low-income home in San Francisco with the help of SunPower employee volunteers and local solar job trainees. Under terms of the supplier agreement, SunPower will provide GRID Alternatives with its high efficiency solar panels through a combination of donations and fair market value sales, bringing the power of solar energy to low-income households in 2012. SunPower has worked with GRID Alternatives for the past six years to help hundreds of families in need, providing more than 1,000 employee volunteer hours, philanthropic gifts, equipment donations and sales. This partnership is expected to generate a combined $10 million in electricity savings for these families over the life of the systems.

Powering The Grid And People

“Partnering with GRID Alternatives aligns perfectly with SunPower’s commitment to building clean-powered communities around the world, and in this case, right here in our backyard.” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “By providing GRID with the highest efficiency, highest-reliability solar panels commercially available today, SunPower is helping families in need to reduce their electricity costs over the life of each system, while our employees support local volunteerism.” SunPower Corp. , a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems today announced that it is an official 2012 solar panel provider for GRID Alternatives, a Bay Area-based non-profit solar installer. SunPower and GRID Alternatives celebrated this new agreement on March 2, 2012, by installing a SunPower rooftop system on a low-income home in San Francisco with the help of SunPower employee volunteers and local solar job trainees.

“We’re often trying to make solar work on modest homes with small roofs,” said GRID Alternatives Program Director and Co-Founder Tim Sears. “SunPower’s high efficiency panels can make the difference for those families being able to go solar.” “SunPower is one of our longest-running solar sponsors and has helped us support families, job trainees and the environment since 2006,” said Erica Mackie, GRID Alternatives Executive Director and Co-Founder. “We’re excited to welcome SunPower as an official solar module provider this year.”

Green Jobs Growing in Los Angeles

Solar power for the people

Posted on October 10, 2010 by quest

When you think about green jobs it’s sort of impossible not to come across the ongoing accomplishments of Solar Richmond. The photo you see has become a symbol of opportunity within the green jobs movement that has spread around the bay area and the world. It’s always good to recognize people who are making a positive difference. Have no doubt that’s what Solar Richmond is all about.

Founded by Michele McGeoy a former Silicon Valley executive, McGeoy approached City of Richmond politicians, businesses and local non-profits to address the eco-divide in the solar industry, a divide that she also witnessed in her previous work in the hi tech world of Silicon Valley.With support and advice from Richmond’s Mayor, Gayle McLaughlin, and other civic and community leaders, Michele started a program which is now considered a national model. But the story doesn’t stop there. Solar Richmond provides students with comprehensive technical training, reflective innovative digital career assessment and holistic development. These methods have been championed by Solar Richmonds’ Kumari Fabio Program Developer, which places heavy emphasis on cultivating emotional intelligence, self-awareness, resiliency skills, and the capacity for personal growth and transformation.

On Wednesday November 3, from 5-7 p.m Solar Richmond is inviting you to CELEBRATE SOLAR! This is a fundraising event to benefit Solar Richmond’s Internship Program. While there is no charge to attend, contributions are gratefully accepted. Celebrate Solar will be held at the gorgeous historic Richmond Memorial Auditorium which has been greened up, newly renovated and is now Gold-LEED Certified! At Celebrate Solar you’ll be able to network, find out more about Solar Richmond and meet current Solar Richmond trainees who will be on hand to answer questions about their programs and going solar! The top solar companies and solar-installed building owners for large-scale solar projects in Richmond will be honored. Event location: 403 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, California . Free, secure parking is available. RSVP required by October 26, 2010. For more information, call (510) 253-2218