Designers Create Solar Benches

Source: SolarFeeds

Designers Sean Park, Olbae Woo and Owen Song have collectively designed a concept bench that will not only generate electricity from solar energy, but will also utilize recycled material for its construction. The design is as simple as it can be. The bench includes a battery that will store electricity generated by thin solar panels placed on the surface. The main frame of the body is made up of recycled aluminum and recycled plastic. The designers claim it to be capable enough of generating electricity in conditions when the weather is not favorable.

It can be installed anywhere without any specific requirements for its working. An embedded Wi-Fi module will let people access the internet, and at night this very bench will use stored electricity to function as night-lighting system. The outer cover can be customized to match it with a particular environment such as parks. In brief, the concept aims to provide simple and low cost multifunctional service to future generations.

Lifetime Cost Of Solar

From: Grist

The lifetime cost issue of solar -- and one that many people never consider -- is that rooftop PV systems may have to be removed and reinstalled if the roof needs replacement or repairs, which is almost a certainty with asphalt/shingle roofs. While PV systems typically lose a small portion of their potential output (less than 1 percent each year), the systems can operate for decades longer than the typical residential or commercial roof (10-12 years in Georgia). In other words, roofs are likely to be replaced atleast once during the typical life of a PV system.

Reinstalling a residential rooftop PV system could cost $6,250 or 25 percent of the installed cost of the system. In our investigation, we found that moving residential PV systems to accommodate a roof replacement could cost as much as 25 percent of the initial system cost (and over 35 percent of the net cost after the application of the 30 percent federal tax credit). Moving systems on a commercial roof was less expensive, on the order of 15 percent of initial installed cost (around 25 percent of the system cost after the tax credit).

The point we at Energy Roofing Systems are trying to make is that it simply doesn't make sense to install solar panels on top of a shingle/asphalt roof. As this report shows, it may cost anywhere from 25-35% of the initial cost to have the system de-installed when the time comes to replace a shingle roof.

Don't throw away your hard earned money. If you are seriously considering going solar, think it through, do your research, and understand that it makes more sense in the long term to replace your roof in the short term.

U.S. Solar Companies Expect to Create 24,000 Jobs Next Year

Source: SolarFeeds

A review of national solar employment identified more than 16,700 solar employment sites and 93,000 solar jobs in all 50 states.

Additionally, the report--released by the non-profit Solar Foundation--found that solar employers expect to increase the number of workers by 26%, representing nearly 24,000 net new jobs by August 2011.

The National Solar Jobs Census 2010 is the first attempt to quantify the current employment and projected growth of the United States solar industry and is based on a statistically valid sampling of employers throughout the nation, according to Solar Foundation.

In general, U.S. solar companies expect to add jobs at a pace that is much faster than the general economy, and are highly optimistic regarding their overall revenue growth over the near term. Specifcally, as of August 2010, the U.S. solar industry employs an estimated 93,000 solar workers--defined as those workers who spend at least 50% of their time supporting solar-related activities.

Over the next 12 months, over 50% of solar firms expect to add jobs, while only 2% expect to cut workers. This finding is especially relevant given that the overall expected 12-month growth rate for the entire U.S. economy is only about 2%.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Solar jobs exist in all 50 states.
• The average solar installation firm employs 8 solar workers.
• The average solar manufacturing firm employs 24 solar workers.
• The average solar wholesale trade company employs four solar workers.
• The average utility that generates solar electric power employs four solar workers.

"Over the past 10 years, a strong and vibrant solar industry has emerged through innovation, market forces and smart government policies to create thousands of jobs across the value chain from manufacturing and engineering, construction and sales, to installation and other supporting industries," said Rhone Resch, Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) president and CEO. "This unprecedented census of jobs in the industry and the individual stories behind Solar Works for America illustrate that solar is indeed working for America in all 50 states and will only continue to grow stronger."

The full report is available at the website below.

Website: www.thesolarfoundation.org/

Mary Matalin, James Carville Agree, Solar a Good Product that Needs to be Sold in DC

Source: GreenTechMedia

Closing keynoters at Solar Power International 2010 foresee a shift to Republican influence and the need to sell the economic and jobs benefits of building sun

Al Gore was recently asked by Tom Friedman if he thought the discussion of climate change and renewable energy was expanding or remained confined to the same small demographic. Strange bedfellows Mary Matalin and James Carville, keynoters at the closing general session of Solar Power International 2010 (SPI), suggested an answer to Friedman’s question.

Republican Matalin, adviser to President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, and Democrat Carville, part of President Bill Clinton’s brain trust, remain – despite their recent relocation to New Orleans – on intimate terms with behind-the-scenes Washington.

Announced to be bringing inside dope on the brutal political realities facing the solar and other renewable industries in the mid-term elections, their celebrity nevertheless failed to noticeably boost the SPI general session turnout, perhaps because of the solar industry’s meager appetite for news about the brutal political realities facing it.

Carville joked about the Democrats’ November fate. Republican candidates are, he said, “some entertaining people. You know with one dressing up like a witch [Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell] and another dressing up like a Nazi [Ohio Republican Congressional candidate Rich Iott], you’re doing pretty good.”

Widely predicted losses by Democrats across the nation could cost them control of both the House and the Senate. That bodes ill for the advancement of renewables-supportive policy legislation like a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), requiring the nation’s utilities to obtain a portion of their power from renewable sources. It would also mean the end of any action that might help prevent the advance of global climate change.

“There’s a hurricane coming,” Carville said. “It’s not gonna change course. It’s gonna hit the Democratic party on election day.” But, Carville asked, “Is it gonna be a category five? In which case, you lose everything. You’re wiped out. 1994. Is it a category four, where you lose most things but some things sort of survive? Or is it gonna be a category three, where you lose a lot but the structure remains intact, you keep a majority in the House and the Senate?”

Carville said the situation is still shifting. “A month ago it was a five. Two weeks ago it was a pretty strong four. Today, it’s a weak four.” His colorful description belied his tactic. By reframing the argument, if the Democrats just maintain control of the Senate they can claim a sort of victory.

Matalin handled this carefully. “Most handicappers,” she said, “even the thoughtful ones, have a takeover of the House by Republicans by somewhere between 40 and 50 seats.” She called that “unprecedented.” On the other hand, she said, “handicappers would still not predict a Senate takeover. But that there are as many seats in play in the strange situations that they are says something about the zeitgeist.”

She predicted that Republican Carly Fiorina would beat incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer in the California Senate race.

“If Boxer loses, it’s a five,” Carville said quickly.

Matalin and Carville agreed that one race to watch is the fight for the Colorado Senate seat where appointed incumbent Democrat Michael Bennett is running just behind Republican challenger Ken Buck.

“If I knew the outcome of the Colorado Senate race,” Carville said, “I would know a lot about the election.”

“I agree Colorado is illustrative,” Matalin hedged, not wanting to provide even a small opportunity for Democrats to gloat after November 3, “but not necessarily dispositive.”

Matalin and Carville both agreed on three points. The first was that putting up rooftop solar panels is a good idea.

“Magnificent,” was the way Matalin described the Brad Pitt/Global Green Make It Right sustainable housing project in New Orleans. “They were initially quite expensive but over a short period of time,” she said, “they are selling energy back to the city.”

Carville said the solar panels Matalin recently had installed on their New Orleans home make good economic sense with Louisiana incentives.

The second point they agreed on was that the way to sell solar and the other renewable energies is to emphasize that support of the renewable industries with smart incentives will provide domestic revenues and jobs.

There is a way, Matalin and Carville agreed, to win the fight for renewables policies that until now, as someone said, has resembled the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan. “Repackage it and call it something else,” Carville said of the vital Treasury Grant provision of the Recovery Act.

“I agree,” Matalin said. “Don’t say recovery, don’t say stimulus, don’t say earmarks, say job-creating.” She added something very important. “The type of Republicans that are going to win,” she said, “get innovation, they get entrepreneurship, they get the decentralization of solar and they get that they have to deliver.”

The third point on which Matalin and Carville agreed was not explicit but was the answer to the question Tom Friedman asked Al Gore. Like the larger public, Matalin and Carville are beginning to see the inherent economic value of renewable energy and sustainable ways and agree those things can be politically viable with the right methods and language.

“Your future,” Carville said, “is going to be determined by politicians. And your competitors, the coal people, the petroleum people, the nuclear people, they’re all in this, they’re all over Washington. I would urge you to make your case. You have a very good case to make.”

IKEA is going SOLAR

Source: BrighterEnergy

IKEA is to become the latest retail giant in America to make more use of its vast area of unused roof space to generate its own renewable energy.

The Swedish furniture specialist has announced plans to install solar panels on eight of its stores in California.

Subject to permits being secured, it is expecting installation to begin later this fall, with 4.5 megawatts of generating capacity put in place by early 2011.

The buildings will represent nearly 90% of the company’s presence in California, hosting nearly 20,000 solar panels to produce about 6.65 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The project would produce enough power to supply 580 homes with clean energy, with the environmental benefits equivalent to taking 914 cars off the roads.

Solar systems will be installed at three stores in Northern California – at East Palo Alto, Emeryville and West Sacramento – along with four stores in Southern California – Burbank, Costa Mesa, Covina and San Diego.

IKEA’s 216,000 square foot distribution center in Tejon will also host a solar system that is set to be one of the 10 largest rooftop commercial solar systems in the US, the company said.

Sustainable

Mike Ward, IKEA US president, said the investment was being made to cut the company’s carbon footprint and promote renewable energy.

He said: “This approach is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices and we are thrilled that our evaluation determined these projects to be feasible for IKEA. We always are open to ideas for incorporating key environmental technologies and look forward to considering other opportunities as they arise.”

For seven of the stores, IKEA has contracted with Gloria Solar, a subsidiary of the E-Ton Solar Group. For the Tejon distribution center project, REC Solar will provide the solar system set to be the second largest single-roof installation in California.

Both solar companies have offices in California.

IKEA already has solar energy systems operating in Brooklyn, New York, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in Tempe, Arizona.

94% Of Americans Want Solar Energy

Source: Solarfeeds.com

The Schott Solar Barometer, an annual national report, confirmed that Americans overwhelming want and support the growth of solar power. With 94% of Americans behind the expansion of solar energy, this is an astounding sign of enthusiasm.

General Findings:

1. Support has remained unchanged over the last three years. This is the third year in a row the study was conducted by independent pollster, Kelton Research. In all three years, the results were similar showing that support is unchanged. In 2008 and 2009, 92% and 94% respectively approved of development and funding for the solar industry.
2. Endorsement for solar is similar between party lines. Renewable energy is not and should not be a red or blue issue, and the study showed it isn’t. 92% of Republicans, 94% of Independents, and 98% of Democrats believe in the expansion of solar energy.
3. Americans want subsidies to go to solar, not fossil fuels. The study by Schott confirmed that 80% of Americans want to see subsidies transferred from fossil fuels to solar. People are ready for a change. We have an addiction to fossil fuels that threatens our national and economic security.
4. About half of those considering solar energy on their home or business plan on moving forward in less than a year. Americans not only support the solar industry, but would like to incorporate solar into their daily lives.
5. 1 in 2 people in this country would be willing to pay more for clean, green solar energy. The people of this nation realize it is the right thing – not only environmentally, but for our national security and competitiveness. We lost the fight for fossil fuels; let’s not lose our place in the growing renewable energy industry.

There has been a lot of talk about making a commitment towards sustainable energy and not enough action—a commitment that will make us self-sustaining and stronger as a nation. We can each do our part by incorporating more energy efficient practices into daily life and utilizing renewable energy sources, like solar.

To learn more if solar power will work for your home or business you can contact us for a free consultation with us in Georgia.

White House To Go Solar (again)

Source: NYTimes.com

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced plans to install solar panels on the White House roof today, kicking off a three-day federal symposium focused on targeting sustainability efforts throughout the federal government.

"Around the world, the White House is a symbol of freedom and democracy," Chu told an audience of federal employees. "It should also be a symbol of America's commitment to a clean energy future."

The Department of Energy aims to install solar panels and a solar hot water heater by the end of next spring as part of a demonstration project showcasing the availability and reliability of the country's solar technologies. In a press release, DOE officials emphasized the growing industry and the availability of tax credits for those who install panels.

The news comes less than a month after environmentalist Bill McKibben led a rally demanding that President Obama install solar panels and presenting White House officials with a solar panel from former President Carter's White House.

At the time, White House officials seemed to rebuff McKibben's pleas, releasing a vague statement about Obama's commitment to renewable energy. But today McKibben and other environmentalists praised federal officials for taking the symbolic step.

"The White House did the right thing, and for the right reasons: They listened to the Americans who asked for solar on their roof, and they listened to the scientists and engineers who told them this is the path to the future," said McKibben, the co-founder of the nonprofit 350.org. "If it has anything like the effect of the White House garden, it could be a trigger for a wave of solar installations across the country and around the world."

The planned panels will convert sunlight directly to electricity, while the solar hot water heater will have a "solar collector" to heat water for the White House residence, according to the DOE press release. The department will immediately begin the competitive bidding process to select a company for the installations.

Nancy Sutley -- chairwoman of the White House Council of Environmental Quality -- joined Chu in making the announcement at the GreenGov Symposium. The news is "in keeping with our commitment to lead by example," she said.

Indeed, that was the stated purpose of the three-day symposium, which will feature panels and lectures on topics relating to clean water, sustainable buildings, climate and a half-dozen other government priorities. Lecture titles range from "Measuring Your Water Footprint" to "Case Studies in Greening the Supply Chain."

"Regardless of whether your job is every day to worry about sustainability in your agency ... the federal community at large cares about sustainability," Sutley said. "This symposium is about turning a vision into practice and engaging minds from inside and outside the federal community."

'Race to develop clean energy technologies'

The symposium marked the one-year anniversary of Obama's Executive Order 13514, which directed the federal government to lead by example and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sutley, Chu, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and biomimicry expert Janine Benyus kicked off the event with speeches today at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University.

Chu's speech served as a primer on global warming and DOE's efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Armed with a PowerPoint presentation, he led the audience through the statistics showing rising sea levels and warming temperatures.

DOE has implemented several programs aimed at slowing that trend, he said -- from encouraging energy-efficient white roofs to decreasing the energy used for the government's data centers.

"We are in a race to develop clean energy technologies around the world," he said, citing China's efforts to pursue clean energy. "So the question is: As these countries move aggressively into this space to develop these new technologies ... will we be a leader in this race or will we be importing technologies from these other counties five to 10 years from now?"

Vilsack also focused on his agency's progress over the past year, highlighting a program that reconnects people with their food supply through community gardens. USDA, he said, aims to help the country adopt a new American culture that values consuming wisely, innovating widely and exporting more.

"I think you need to understand what is happening in this country," Vilsack said, "and that is that we are in the process -- in my opinion -- of redefining the American experience."

Benyus also struck an optimistic cord, expressing hope that sustainability goes "from being a checklist to becoming a culture."

"We as a people in the United States are capable of grand, sweeping, bold, mature ideas," Benyus said, showing the audience a photo of a protected wilderness. "I think that we can do the same sort of thing around sustainability."

Projected Growth For Solar Industry In 2011

Source Treehugger.com:

Solar Industry Expected To Grow Over 40% In 2011

This Would Mean Doubling in Size Every 2 Years...
The solar industry has grown quite fast in the past few years, and it looks like this will continue in 2011, at least according to a market research by iSuppli. "iSuppli forecasts that worldwide solar installations will reach 20.2 Gigawatts (GW) next year, up from 14.2GW at the end of 2010." This would be a growth of 42.3%. At that rate, the industry would double every two years.

While 40%+ is great growth any way you slice it, it will still represent a slowdown from 2009's 97.9% growth.

There is some concern that German demand could slow down - it accounts for almost half of total demand - but iSuppli doesn't think that Germany will put a cap on solar yet:

Speculation is also rife about the possibility of a PV installation cap being imposed in Germany for 2011. However, iSuppli believes that the German government will not dare to cut down PV subsidies, especially in the wake of a recent decision to extend the operation of nuclear power plants. (source)

Solar still represents a small fraction of total generation capacity, but something that keeps doubling rapidly can easily surprise people. Exponential curves are very counter-intuitive.

Fossil Fuels Get 12x More Subsidies Than Renewable Energy

From SolarFeeds.com:

In a shocking revelation, a Bloomberg report uncovered that fossil fuels get 12 times more subsidies than renewable energy globally. It’s pretty disturbing, right? As a solar installer, I’m exposed to a lot of opinions on solar power and on the renewable industry as a whole. There are many people out there who think that solar incentives are careless, unethical, and just plain foolish. In their opinion, why should we prop up an industry that has to rely on subsidies to compete when we have affordable fuel sources like oil, gas, and coal? Maybe their opinions may change when they find out that these “affordable fuel sources” require 12 times the subsidies to get to that price.

In 2008, Bloomberg identified that fossil fuels received $557 billion in subsidies worldwide compared to between $43 and $46 billion for renewables. I think the world would be a much different place, both politically and socially, if all the incentives from fossil fuels were shifted to renewable forms of energy, like wind and solar power.

Although each country has to do its part toward the collective goal, it’s time that we turn the tide toward renewable energy in the United States. We have an addiction to fossil fuels that threatens our national and economic security. Within our country, we have let more than $1 billion flow to foreign countries to finance our oil needs. This is money that sometimes goes to enemies who pose a threat to our country. There has been a lot of talk about making the commitment towards sustainable energy and not enough action—a commitment that will make us self-sustaining and stronger as a nation. We can each do our part by incorporating more energy efficient practices into daily life and using more renewable energy like solar.

Kohl’s to roll out solar systems for Pennsylvania stores

From BrighterEnergy.org:

Kohl’s Department Stores is expanding its solar program into Pennsylvania, it revealed last week as it activated its 100th solar array.

The company currently has solar panels at select stores and warehouses in California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon and Colorado, as well as New Jersey, where its latest project has been completed in Mays Landing.

The construction of solar arrays on the rooftops of seven Pennsylvania stores began last month, and is expected to be completed by March 2011.

The locations include Royersford, Hanover, Mechanicsburg, Warminster, Granite Run, Bensalem and North Huntingdon, PA.

On average, each project will comprise 1,400 panels and have the ability to provide nearly half of each store’s electricity supplies – the equivalent of enough power for 36 homes.

Along with the Mays Landing project, the eight locations are set to provide more than 2.3 megawatts of generating capacity.

Kohl’s said solar power was an “integral” part of its energy management effort and its goal to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010.

After the retailer’s 100th solar array was activated earlier this month, Kohl’s executive vice president of store planning and logistics Ken Bonning said his company was achieving “meaningful results”.

The company believes its energy management efforts have already saved it $50 million in electricity costs, with a 20% improvement in efficiency.

Mr Bonning said: “Our 100 solar locations, commitment to build 73 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified locations and 500 ENERGY STAR stores demonstrate our ongoing commitment to sustainability with meaningful results.

“We will continue to strive toward advancing environmental solutions that will lead to a cleaner, healthier environment for our communities and ensure we are doing business in a way that makes sense for our associates and customers.”

Kohl’s, which has its HQ in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, operates 1,089 stores in 49 states, launched its first solar project in Laguna Niguel, California, in September 2007.

Some 63 of its 80 California stores now have solar arrays, generating 25MW of power.

Thinking about solar? It's easier to start small

From: Cnet.com

A number of companies are taking advantage of technical advances, notably microinverters, to make buying a handful of solar panels, rather than a roof full, a viable option. That doesn't mean that everyone can install their own electric panels, but it can lower the cost of entry for solar.

Green Ray Solar this week is expected to announce UL certification for a solar panel that puts out alternating current, rather than direct current as most solar photovoltaic panels do today. AC panels can be simpler to install and wire together than traditional panels, which makes a piecemeal approach easier, said Miles Russell, the CEO of Green Ray Solar.

Piecemeal solar panels (photos)

View the full gallery

"Nothing could be more timely in a down economy than to do the right thing in a way so that it doesn't kill the budget," he said. "You can start small and add more over time if you desire."

Green Ray Solar's SunSine AC Module, expected for availability in the fall, is one of a growing number of solar photovoltaic panels that take advantage of microinverters. It's a technology that has been pursued for years, but the reliability and efficiency have improved in the past few years.

Traditionally, solar panels are tied into a device called an inverter, which converts the direct current from panels into household alternating current. Strung together, several panels produce enough voltage to run an inverter which, sized for a rooftop array, is roughly as big as a computer monitor.

A microinverter brings that DC-to-AC function onto each individual panel. Proponents say the technology simplifies installation and improves panel performance. For example, shading on one panel will not affect the output of other panels connected to it, as happens with panels connected to a centralized inverter.

A full-size grid-tied solar array with about 15 or 20 panels can cost anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000 upfront depending on the size. AC panels are not cheaper, but proponents the modularity makes it easier to install a few panels, and then later connect more to the existing set.

More flexibility
James Cormican took the small-steps approach to solar at his parents' home. Working with an electrician, he put five panels onto their garage, which was the only space with good sun available to them, for well under $10,000.

The advances in solar technologies in just the past couple of years give solar designers more flexibility to fit panels onto tighter spaces, he said. Whereas a full-size solar array will typically have a capacity of two kilowatts and higher, Cormican's system is rated at one kilowatt, which is about enough to run a few power-hungry appliances.

"Of course there are economies of scale when you have many panels installed, but the argument that you can't have a system with one or two solar modules is not true anymore," said Cormican, who is an instructor at the AltE Store, which sells alternative energy gear to consumers and installers. He said the AltE Store is seeing more interest and business for smaller solar systems.

In addition to panels equipped with microinverters, thin-film solar panels put out a higher voltage, which gives people more flexibility in choosing inverters, he said. In Cormican's case, the panels put out enough voltage to be tied into a traditional inverter.

Although the output and cost will vary depending on location, a one-kilowatt system will put out roughly 1,000 kilowatt-hours a year, and the installation cost is roughly $6 per watt, he said. Average electricity consumption in the U.S. is about 11,000 kilowatt-hours a year. Until 2016, solar installations receive a 30 percent federal tax credit, and there are often state incentives as well.

Cormican warned against people thinking that they can install panels themselves if they don't have the qualifications of an electrician or solar installer. Although regulations and building codes vary by state, there are serious safety issues related to both grid-tied systems and solar systems with batteries. It might be difficult to find an installer willing to take on small jobs, but a do-it-yourselfer could possibly share some of the work with a pro, such as installing panel racking.

"If you can find an installer who is willing to work with you and let you do the parts that you are legally allowed to do--anything that doesn't have to do with electrical work--then that can reduce the cost," he said.

Plug and play?
The solar industry has been on a multiyear quest to lower the cost of electricity from solar with higher manufacturing volume and more efficient solar cells.

But because about half of the cost of a solar PV system is tied up in installation, a number of companies are trying to cut the installation cost, called the "balance of system" in industry parlance.

Andalay Solar, which is changing its name to Westinghouse Solar, developed what it calls a plug-and-play solar kit--available through installers and some Lowe's home-improvement stories in California. There's a panel, equipped with a microinverter from Enphase Energy, and a simplified wiring and racking system.

Similarly, Ready Solar offers a "Solar in the Box" kit designed for quick installation. Another company, Armageddon Energy, by the end of this year hopes to release the Solar Clover, which is made up of several small, hexagon-shaped mini-solar panels. The hope is to have solar installs done in a few hours and as easy as buying a kitchen appliance.

Earlier this month, Seattle-area start-up Clarian Technologies got a lot of media attention for its Sunfish, a do-it-yourself solar system designed for consumers to install themselves. Promised for next spring, it would include one or three panels, a microinverter that connects into a home power outlet, and a controller at the circuit board. As the company has not yet shown a product or gotten UL certification for safety, there is a good dose of skepticism among professional installers, said Cormican.

In addition to modularity, one of the big advantages of AC panels equipped with microinverters is that they can be individually monitored. The system from Green Ray Solar, for example, will include a solar panel from Sanyo equipped with a microprocessor to gather performance information and a microinverter. The kit, available through installers, will also have a gateway that connects to a home Internet connection, giving people access to solar data online.

"The information side of things is very rich territory," said Russell. "It's really revolutionary for the industry to have this kind of scrutiny."

Record number of solar installers seek certification

From Brighterenergy.org:

NABCEP – the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners – has accepted more applications than ever before for the exam being held on September 11, 2010.

This year’s 598 applicants represent the second record-breaking year in a row for the solar photovoltaic installer and trainer credentialing organization.

The exams are held in 21 locations in 18 states, plus Puerto Rico, testing the candidates’ knowledge of PV system design, installation, safety, project management and troubleshooting.

The next deadline to apply for the PV Installer Certification is January 14, 2011, for exams held in March 2011.

Don Warfield, chairperson of NABCEP said: “It is gratifying to see continued growth in applicants for our Certification Exam. It shows the value practitioners across the country place on achieving this career milestone.”

NACEP said it has also seen growth in its entry level certification program, with 200 US training organizations registering as PV Entry Level Exam Providers this year, a 50% increase.

Accredited

NABCEP’s PV Installer Certification is the renewable energy industry’s only personnel credential accredited to ANSI/ISO 17024 standards, the highest degree of recognition that a personnel-credentialing program can achieve.

NABCEP executive director Ezra Auerbach believes the steady increase in applicants has been due to the Certification’s growing status as “the most meaningful credential an installer can attain”.

Mr Auerbach said: “There is no more comprehensive PV system knowledge assessment for customers to look to and trust. Each person who earns a NABCEP Installer Certification has demonstrated the knowledge required to successfully assume the role of project leader for a residential or light commercial renewable energy system installation.”

Building Solar Panels Into Your Home

Source: Eco Green Articles

As we all suffer from global recession due to the economy we have right now, saving is really a must. But how can you save your money when you will find so many bills to be taken care of? Electricity has been one of our daily necessities.

Without electrical power, you can’t watch your favorite T.V show. Without electricity you won’t be able to appreciate the comfort of the home. Without electricity, your gadgets and appliances will be nothing but display pieces.

You may be one of those who would absolutely wish to have solar energy inside your home but just cannot find a method to start your project. So why not commence off with researching valuable info about photo voltaic power for homes within the internet or even in a book? The internet has always been a quick choice of researching issues like these!

Solar energy for properties is indeed a problem solver from electric bill consumption and a great way to possess a greener community too. Pv power for homes makes it feasible for every home owner to have free electricity and increase the value of their property immensely.

It also makes you a great role model for protecting your atmosphere by possessing solar energy for your house. Surely your whole neighborhood will install pv power for their houses sooner or later because you have provided them with a great example!

By getting solar power for homes, you will not just have free access of electrical energy in your home, you may not just have a greener community but also, getting photo voltaic power for properties increases property worth significantly.

According to the National Appraisers Institute, for every $1 your house saves in energy per year, it gains $20 in worth instantly. Imagine in case you saved your whole energy bill by using pv power – you do the math.

Utilizing renewable energy like that from the sun is indeed a self-contained source of power. If you purchase batteries, you are able to also get correct off the grid and by no means be subject to blackouts or brownouts ever again. With solar energy for homes, a brighter long term surely awaits the future generation.

Ga Power To DOUBLE Solar Purchases

From ajc.com:

Georgia Power is doubling the amount of solar energy it will buy from independent producers, the chairman of the state Public Service Commission announced Thursday.

Speaking to a conference of solar entrepreneurs, Chairman Lauren McDonald said the utility will buy another 2.5 megawatts of sun-made energy capacity from homes and businesses with solar panels, bringing its total purchases to just over 5 megawatts.

One megawatt has the capacity to power 250 homes or one Super Target. The company will pay 17 cents per kilowatt hour for the first 1.5 megawatts and take bids for the rest.

The announcement was a welcome bone to an industry that had tried and failed to get more business this spring.

The Georgia Solar Energy Association took part in a commission deliberation in hopes of getting Georgia Power to both buy 2.5 more megawatts of solar power and collect the cost through ordinary rates, instead of through a premium-priced green power program.

They got neither.

Still, Georgia Power was buying only 500 kilowatts -- half a megawatt -- of independently produced solar power a year ago. The amount had jumped more than five-fold, even before Thursday's news. McDonald credited the industry's "youthful but cooperative" presence at the PSC for the growth.

In addition to the 5 megawatts Georgia Power will now buy through its solar energy program, it is also building one megawatt of solar capacity and will buy 1.4 megawatts through another program from two larger solar arrays. A solar project near Savannah will generate 1.2 megawatts. A solar array on a South Georgia pecan farm is producing 200 kilowatts.

Under state law, only an area's designated monopoly utility can sell energy in its territory, with a one-time exception for very large spaces. Solar businesses sell solar equipment to customers, but not the energy it makes.

Their customers may sell the power to a utility, but Georgia Power hasn't been buying new solar power for months.

Solar entrepreneurs have said Georgia Power crimps the market by buying only as much power as it has demand from customers willing to pay extra.

For more information about the GA Power Buyback Program and Solar Incentives in GA please visit this page.

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We decided to create a blog to help those interested in alternative energy stay up to date with news and information pertaining to Atlanta and it's surrounding areas. Look for future posts to include news articles related to the solar industry with our take on potential effects on Georgia homeowners.

For more information about our company please visit www.energyroofingsystems.net