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Jul 4
Solar One Family Day with Turtle Bay Music School
On June 27, Solar One had its second Family Day of the season with an Orff demonstration and Brazilian drumming with instructors from the Turtle Bay Music School. About 35 families participated on a beautiful sunny Saturday.
Thanks to Grace, Patti, Debra, Julie and Nick for a wonderful program!
Jul 4
New Solar Provider Launches July 4th With ‘Declare Your Energy Independence’ Message
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., July 3 /PRNewswire/ — American Vision, California’s largest seller and installer of replacement windows, is launching a new division of their company on July 4th, American Vision Solar.
This new division of American Vision Home Solutions will provide alternative energy for homeowners and businesses through the sales and installation of photovoltaic solar panels. Solar power has increased rapidly in popularity throughout the country over the past year. California leads the country in solar energy installations as state incentives and federal tax credits offer consumers up to 50% savings in product and installation costs. Photovoltaic solar panels are most commonly designed to replace the most expensive parts of a customer’s energy bill. This provides the greatest financial return to the customer.
American Vision Home Solutions will be offering this alternative energy solution throughout California, but intends to focus its initial efforts in the areas where Southern California Edison is the primary utility provider. Mike Smith, American Vision Solar CEO, explains that each of the three main utility providers in California have a credit allowance from the state which they pass on to customers who invest in solar power. “And SCE,” says Smith, “has a lot to give.”
Over the past 11 years, Bill and Kathleen Herren, owners of American Vision Home Solutions, have grown their business from windows to include kitchen, bath, garage, window fashions, texture coating and more. Now, with over 30,000 customers, they are well known for their unique level of customer service. Bill Herren states that adding alternative energy solutions to their list of home improvement services was a “no-brainer”. Says Herren, “Our mission statement talks about revolutionizing the home improvement industry one customer at a time. And offering alternative energy to our customers certainly stays in line with revolutionizing the industry.”
Mike Smith states, “We’re encouraging everyone to declare their independence from high energy bills and unnecessary dependence on unnatural resources. We’ve even written a Declaration of Energy Independence that people can read on our website. Which is also why we felt July 4th was the perfect day to launch an alternative energy solution.”
Jul 4
Treasure Valley Solar Becomes Earthsponse Elite Dealer and Announces Move into the Solar Industry
BOISE, Idaho, July 3 /PRNewswire/ — Treasure Valley Solar announced today that it has incorporated new solar products into their business after training select team members in the renewable energy field. The company recently partnered with Earthsponse, an alternative energy firm that provides its dealers with the best products and continuing education to ensure that they will be leaders in the renewable energy industry.
The training session, held at the Earthsponse facility in Binghamton, New York, included four days of classroom and hands-on training in crystalline, thin film, and solar thermal applications. Treasure Valley Solar now offers EnerWorks, Kyocera, and EPV Solar products as well as energy audit services.
The growing demand for alternative energy products has been rapidly moving from large-scale applications to more residential and commercial solutions. The government’s decision to renew tax rebates and incentives increased production and created a large opportunity for green growth. Increased availability and lower costs are pushing homeowners and businesses across the globe to join the environmental movement.
Bruce Saunders, Founder of Treasure Valley Solar, is excited about the growth in the renewable energy industry: “Partnering with Earthsponse is a great opportunity to bring solar to as many people in our community as possible. It allows me to spread the word that solar technology is on center stage today in Idaho.”
Jul 4
Enfinity Will Develop China’s Largest and First PV Power Station
WAREGEM, Belgium and SHANGAI, July 3 /PRNewswire/ –
- A Joint Bidding Team, Initiated by Enfinity, Won the First 10 MWp Solar Concession Project
The Dunhuang PV Project involves an investment of 200 million yuan (27 mio euro), with an annual power production of 16.37 million kWh, and a franchised operation term of 25 years. In late March 2009, the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) planned an open tender to confirm the on-grid electricity price and technical solutions. A total of 13 enterprises including major domestic power giants got the upper hand in the bidding, with tender prices ranging from 0.69 yuan/kWh (0.071 euro/kWh) to 1.9 yuan/kWh (0.196 euro/kWh). The joint bidding team, which is initiated by Enfinity, has won the project with the price of 1.09 yuan/kWh. CGNPC and LDK Solar are the partners on the bid.
“The project is expected to start construction within 4 months and has to be completed within the 18 following months”, commented Gino Van Neer, founder of Enfinity. All PV systems will be PV tracker panels, installed on land. Enfinity is in the process of setting up the Dunhuang joint venture company and confirming the EPC contract. In the near future Enfinity will develop a total of 500 MWp of PV installations in the Dunhuang region.
“Winning this bid is an important milestone for Enfinity’s international expansion strategy and it will act as an entrance ticket towards the high potential Asian market,” says a very proud Gino Van Neer.
NDRC of China also intent to set up a bench mark FIT (Feed in tariff) at 1.09 yuan/kWh that Enfinity proposed. Enfinity as the only foreign player who participated in the tender has attracted a lot of attention in Asia.
Followed by the success of the Dunhuang project, Enfinity is continuing the development in China. This week, Enfinity had its first self-developed project in Shizuishan (Ningxia province) approved by the provincial level government. The 10MWp project is ready to be submitted to NDRC for the FIT approval.
Jul 4
LDK Solar Provides Business Update
XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today provided an updated outlook for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. For the second quarter of 2009, LDK Solar estimates shipments between 220 and 230 megawatts (”MW”). This compares to its previously issued guidance for the second quarter of 2009 of wafer shipments in the range of 200 to 220 MW. The company expects to record between $215 and $225 million in revenues.
LDK Solar additionally provided an update on its financing activities. The company secured a loan in the aggregate principal amount of RMB 500 million (equivalent to approximately US$73 million), with a term of one year, from The Export-Import Bank of China. The company also secured a loan in the aggregate principal amount of RMB 500 million (equivalent to approximately US$73 million), with a term of three years, from Huarong International Trust Co., Ltd. to support LDK Solar’s polysilicon plant construction. Huarong International Trust Co., Ltd. is a state-controlled company permitted under the relevant PRC laws and regulations to provide enterprises with financing facilities. LDK Solar had a healthy cash position of more than $250 million and pledged bank deposits and time deposits of more than $170 million as of June 30, 2009.
“During the second half of the second quarter, our wafer shipments were driven by stronger than expected demand,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. “Our annualized wafer capacity at June 30, 2009 reached 1.5 gigawatts (”GW”). We are encouraged by the recent improvement in market demand and expect to resume the expansion of our wafer plant with the goal of reaching 2.0 GW annualized wafer capacity by the end of 2009.”
“The construction of our polysilicon plant continues to remain on schedule. The second train is targeted to reach mechanical completion in the third quarter of this year and the third train is expected to reach mechanical completion in the first quarter of 2010. We are very pleased to receive continued financial support for our growth plans from our local banks and view this as a testament to the promising future of the solar industry in China,” concluded Mr. Peng.
This outlook for the three months ended June 30, 2009 is an estimate. Results are subject to change based on further review by the management. LDK Solar plans to report its full second quarter 2009 results in mid-August 2009. Once the reporting date is finalized, LDK Solar will issue a press release announcing the date and details of its second quarter conference call.
Jul 4
LDK Solar Provides Business Update
XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today provided an updated outlook for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. For the second quarter of 2009, LDK Solar estimates shipments between 220 and 230 megawatts (”MW”). This compares to its previously issued guidance for the second quarter of 2009 of wafer shipments in the range of 200 to 220 MW. The company expects to record between $215 and $225 million in revenues.
LDK Solar additionally provided an update on its financing activities. The company secured a loan in the aggregate principal amount of RMB 500 million (equivalent to approximately US$73 million), with a term of one year, from The Export-Import Bank of China. The company also secured a loan in the aggregate principal amount of RMB 500 million (equivalent to approximately US$73 million), with a term of three years, from Huarong International Trust Co., Ltd. to support LDK Solar’s polysilicon plant construction. Huarong International Trust Co., Ltd. is a state-controlled company permitted under the relevant PRC laws and regulations to provide enterprises with financing facilities. LDK Solar had a healthy cash position of more than $250 million and pledged bank deposits and time deposits of more than $170 million as of June 30, 2009.
“During the second half of the second quarter, our wafer shipments were driven by stronger than expected demand,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. “Our annualized wafer capacity at June 30, 2009 reached 1.5 gigawatts (”GW”). We are encouraged by the recent improvement in market demand and expect to resume the expansion of our wafer plant with the goal of reaching 2.0 GW annualized wafer capacity by the end of 2009.”
“The construction of our polysilicon plant continues to remain on schedule. The second train is targeted to reach mechanical completion in the third quarter of this year and the third train is expected to reach mechanical completion in the first quarter of 2010. We are very pleased to receive continued financial support for our growth plans from our local banks and view this as a testament to the promising future of the solar industry in China,” concluded Mr. Peng.
This outlook for the three months ended June 30, 2009 is an estimate. Results are subject to change based on further review by the management. LDK Solar plans to report its full second quarter 2009 results in mid-August 2009. Once the reporting date is finalized, LDK Solar will issue a press release announcing the date and details of its second quarter conference call.
Jul 4
Vanguard Energy Partners Helps Quick Chek Launch Its First Solar Electric Array
BRANCHBURG, N.J., July 2 /PRNewswire/ – Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC, today announced the completion of Quick Chek’s first renewable energy project — a 110kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system that will help power its corporate headquarters in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Vanguard will be working with the premier fresh food chain to explore additional solar energy initiatives within its nearly 120 stores in New Jersey and southern New York.
Vanguard, a leader in the northeast for design and installation of large scale solar projects, installed 627 roof-mounted Sharp modules that will generate approximately 120,000 KWH/AC in the first year or more than 20% of the electricity for Quick Chek’s corporate offices from the clean, renewable power of sunlight. The energy production from the building’s new photovoltaic system is the equivalent of conserving 9,782 gallons of gasoline and taking 16 cars off the road.
“Vanguard is pleased to help Quick Chek’s renewable energy generation initiatives and its support for our state’s green mandates for alternative energy sources. Quick Chek’s decision to implement solar energy is a clear sign of their industry leadership and strategic use the financial incentives currently offered by New Jersey’s ‘world class’ Clean Energy Program” said Alex Rivera, Vice President of Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC.
Noveda Technologies’ SunFlow Monitor(TM), recipient of the 2007 Market Innovator Award by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, will track in real time–via the internet–the solar production, facility consumption and system efficiency at Quick Chek.
“Throughout our history, we’ve prided ourselves on being forward-thinking stewards of our environment, constantly researching and implementing methods such as energy management refrigeration systems and LED lighting packages that not only create efficiencies and save dollars, but conserve energy,” said Quick Chek Vice President of Sales and Merchandising John Schaninger. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Vanguard where our future plans include exploring additional solar energy initiatives across our portfolio of fresh food store locations.”
Jul 4
ITM Power Retrofitted Ford Focus Completes Eco Rally 2009
A couple of weeks ago I talked about the ITM Power / Ford Focus hydrogen retrofit participating in Great Britain’s Eco Rally 2009. This is a follow up to that story.
The modified 2.0 liter Ford Focus is actually a dual fuel vehicle that can run on either compressed hydrogen gas or gasoline. British Chancellor Alistair Darling actually took the car for a spin as did Zac Goldsmith who drove the first leg of the rally.
According to Goldsmith, “I think it’s a magnificent car. I like it because it’s so simple. I couldn’t tell the difference, driving with gas or hydrogen, it’s the same vehicle, same motion, very easy, very uncomplicated. I like the fact that it’s a fairly straightforward retrofit so we’re not talking hundreds of thousands extra, given that this is a one-off prototype, not conveyor belt made, so if it became mainstream, you’re talking something quite affordable … I fail to see the real obstacles, I don’t think they exist, except in politicians’ minds, and I’d like to see a bit of clarity and maybe a bit of courage” (from them).”
There is also a video taken at the Revolve Eco Rally that ITM Power fans may find of interest outlining the general attributes of the car and how it runs. And there is an even more interesting video (in my opinion) sent in by Lee C. that gives people a glimpse inside the ITM Power facility and laboratory.
Much of this video talks about the home hydrogen fueling station which electrolyzes water cheaply to create hydrogen and compress and store it for vehicle use. The same unit can also be used to power one’s home as well. Solar, wind or grid energy can be used to power this unit. Hydrogen can also replace natural gas in many appliances within the home.
Jul 4
Orange’s Futuristic Solar Tent for Stylish Off-Grid Charging
Images via Orange
Taking their Chill-n-Charge tent to a whole new level, Orange has dreamed up a concept solar tent that would use flexible solar fabric and modern design to create a place to relax and charge up gear while off grid. Check out images of the concept tent and how it would work. …
Visit the original post at: TreeHugger
Jul 4
FICO Is Greening Our Credit, and the Business in General
Dealing with your FICO score can sometimes make you see red, but the company is trying to throw in some green. They launched a Sustainable Enterprise Initiative in 2008, with the goal to reduce the company’s IT energy use by 50% and paper consumption by 80% by 2010. They’ve already made some serious headway on that goal. …
Visit the original post at: TreeHugger
Jul 4
FICO Is Greening Our Credit, and the Business in General
Dealing with your FICO score can sometimes make you see red, but the company is trying to throw in some green. They launched a Sustainable Enterprise Initiative in 2008, with the goal to reduce the company’s IT energy use by 50% and paper consumption by 80% by 2010. They’ve already made some serious headway on that goal. …
Visit the original post at: TreeHugger
Jul 4
Richard Branson Opens Farm to Fork Eco-Resort in NJ
Image via: Ninety Acres Culinary School
Richard Branson, known for supporting all types of wild and high profile schemes (renewable energy, carbon capture, alternative fuels for Virgin Airlines and even eco-resorts on his famous islands), now he’s into something a little more mellow: funding a F…
Visit the original post at: TreeHugger
Jul 4
US Consumers Prefer "100% Natural" Food Label
The cultural legacy of R. Crumb’s 60’s cartoon character, “Mr. Natural,” may well be that US consumers have an instinctive preference for the “100% Natural” label over the “100% Organic” one, and by a wide margin (as pictured). That’s according to recent survey of 1006 people by the Shelton Group, which offeres detailed results in a commercially-sold EcoPulse market report….
Visit the original post at: TreeHugger
Jul 4
Considerations of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)
ICFs (Insulating Concrete Forms) are permanent, stay-in-place forms for making insulated poured-concrete walls, floors, and roof decks.
Most of them are made with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam produced with a non-ozone-depleting blowing agent (unlike XPS, an option to avoid from some manufacturers), while others are made with EPS beads (typically from recycled sources) or mineralized recycled wood chips glued together with portland cement.
Generally, the pure-foam sort are direct replacements for standard removable forms and are used to make regular, flat poured-concrete walls with an equal amount of insulation on both sides; while the cement-bonded foam-bead or wood-chip type usually have voids that get filled with concrete to make structural grids, columns, or “waffles” encased in insulation. This is usually the way it is; there’s some overlap and variation.
From here on, it gets tricky and sticky.
[More]
Visit the original post at: BuildingGreen.com LIVE
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