Scientists Study Solar Eye Implants

Sixty-six vision impaired people in Europe and the U.S. have solar powered eye implants. A small computer processed images captured by a mini-camera that is integrated into a pair of goggles. The glasses include a projection system that focuses the images into the eye and onto a photodiode array implanted into the retina. The array stimulates retinal neurons and in some cases can restore some clarity of vision.

The research team at Stanford University warn that the surgery to implant the photovoltaic diode is complex and can cause unpleasant side effects such as inflammation. Also the eye is being fed images from a camera through goggles so the eye doesn't move in a normal way. Patients can use their eyes to scan the scene around them but only within the visual field of the goggles.

Even with the complications this method presents, it is simpler than the older method of patients having to be connected to a wire in order to get their implants charged up. Upgrading to a tiny photovoltaic array has at least to a degree simplified and improved the process.

Researchers predict the implants will be available to the public in one to two years after passing through the regulatory process.

More interesting details about solar eye implants at Nature.com.

SREC - Solar Renewable Energy Credits

SREC's or Solar Renewable Energy Credits are the credits generated in some states from your installed solar panel system. An SREC is a green certificate representing "green attributes" of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from solar energy.

Living in a sunny climate can help your solar panel system generate 7 or 8 SRECS per year. In most participating states, once you generate 2 or 3 SRECS you'll be able to start selling these credits.

Here's a video by SunCraft explaining Solar Renewable Energy Credits:

Jobs In Solar: Territory Manager -- Retail Sales -- New York Metro (New York Metro)

Date: 2012-05-11, 10:46AM EDT
Reply to: 8tqm9-3009231240@job.craigslist.org

Territory Manager -- Retail Sales -- New York Metro

Sunrun is looking for highly motivated team members to join our Home Depot sales program in the New York metro area. You will be part of the nation's largest residential solar power company, contributing to a high-performing sales team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. In this position you will be on the front lines, revolutionizing the way American homeowners power their homes.

Territory Managers will be driven, energetic, responsible, high-integrity, and entrepreneurial. You will manage a territory of Home Depot stores -- solving day-to-day issues, training and educating associates, achieving sales targets, and delivering the highest level of service to the Home Depot. This position is full-time and is based in the New York metro area.

To apply please send an email introduction and resume to http://newton.newtonsoftware.com/career/SubmitResume.action?id=8a42a12b372c0ea701373bdbba8e1826&source=Craigslist

Responsibilities
• Engage stores to drive sales and achieve territory sales goals
• Train, motivate, and educate store associates
• Act as full-service point-of-contact for Home Depot's solar program
• Track and report on performance, activity, and opportunities
• Consistently deliver a monthly sales target

Qualifications and Key Attributes
• Positive, high-energy, thrives on working with people
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative, resourceful, organized, detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability as self-starter, leader, teammate
• Comfortable with reporting tools and metrics
• Retail experience and comfort with B2B and B2C sales are preferred
• Territory requires travel within New York metro (New Jersey, New York)

• Location: New York Metro
• Compensation:  Competitive base pay and incentive based on results

Solar Cooking Fun with Dan Rojas

Dan Rojas the solar experiment guy has a little fun cooking with a parabolic mirror and a small fry pan:

2012 Year of Solar Lease and Purchase Agreements

Solar industry studies show that for the first quarter of 2012 seventy percent of Californians who wanted solar power decided to either lease or use power purchase agreements. The trend continues across the U.S. with many homeowners deciding not to buy panels outright themselves but lease from companies large and small who offer these agreements.

There's an upside and downside to all agreements. The upside for homeowners is there's no upfront cost of purchasing panels and the installation. The downside is that many of these leases and purchase agreements are based on long-term contracts. If for any reason a homeowner wants out of the deal or wants to sell their home-legal complications will arise for the owner and the panel system provider.

The panel providers are large and small companies who buy panels wholesale from American manufacturers and Chinese importers. There is a rift within the solar industry created by the cheap Chinese panels. American panel manufacturers want to impose heavy tariffs on the Chinese but installation companies argue that the cheap panels allow homeowners to get a better and cheaper installation deal. Solar manufacturers in the U.S. are concerned the dumping of cheap panels will harm their industry.

One New Jersey installer claims that solar panel suppliers are dropping their prices on a daily basis in order to sell their inventory. He claims the drop in panel prices has allowed him to offer an installation at 30% to 40% less then two years ago.

The panel provider companies retain ownership of the panels and are responsible for the maintenance. They also take the tax breaks and any renewable energy credits the homeowner would've received. The homeowner pays the company a monthly fee for the electricity the panels generate.

In a slow economy this trend will continue as many homeowners don't want to invest thousands of dollars in a solar system. Have your lawyer go over contracts that have long-term agreements. Discuss with the installer what the penalties will be if you decide to sell your property or if you want out of the agreement.

Details at the NY Times Energy & Environment.

Jobs In Solar: C46 Solar Professional (Los Angeles CA)

Date: 2012-05-07, 11:59AM PDT
Reply to: chxq7-3001619413@job.craigslist.org

American Solar Direct Inc. welcomes applications from individuals holding an C-46 license (willing to serve as an RME) and individuals who have senior level experience in the residential solar market.

You offer:
* a minimum of 2 years of construction or electrical experience
* a minimum of 1 year of residential solar experience
* a great work ethic coupled with excellent interpersonal skills
We offer:
* competitive compensation
* a benefits package

American Solar Direct conducts drug screening and background checks.

www.americansolardirect.com

License Number 941069

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Jobs In Solar: Commercial Electrical Foreman (Portland OR)

Date: 2012-04-30, 3:37PM PDT
Reply to: see below

REC SOLAR is a solar electric system integrator specializing in the design and installation of residential and commercial solar systems. Our vision is to make solar electricity a part of the mainstream energy supply. While still being a medium-sized employer, REC Solar is a market leader in the solar electric industry, experiencing growth rates in excess of 75%/year. By commercializing energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, we can contribute to a more secure and sustainable world.

The Commercial Electrical Foreman installs and directs the work of all electrical portions of commercial solar electric installations by directing the electrical leads and their crews. They provide immediate infield oversight to crews on safety, quality control, and correct installation methods to ensure and efficient installation.

Responsibilities:

Interpret drawings, install, and direct the work of the electrical leads and their crews. This includes all conduit racking and conduit installation above and below ground; pad layouts; electrical equipment installation; roof loading electrical materials; wire pulling, dressing, and terminating; and DC string configuring.
Communicate to the General Foreman, Site Superintendant or Construction Manager potential problems encountered during construction that would affect the schedule or require added materials to be procured.
Manage on site tools to ensure that teams have the correct tools and that tool check-out and check-in procedures are being followed.

Requirements:

High School or equivalent plus 4 years of commercial electrical experience and 1 year of related commercial PV experience
Required certifications/licenses:
1. Oregon Supervisor's License
2. Journeyman electrician's certification
3. Driver's license in good standing
4. First Aid/ CPR certified
Proficient with computer software programs such as Microsoft word and email

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficient in spelling, punctuation, grammar, basic business math
Think critically and ability to solve problems
Handle confidential/sensitive information with discretion
Good judgment
Organizational skills
Customer service skills
Physically able to perform all tasks related to installation
Knowledge of electrical construction, roofing construction, general construction, and NEC codes
Use standard office equipment such as personal computer, laser printer, copy machine, telephone, calculator, fax machine, etc.
Small hand tools

Essential functions include:

Heavy physical effort (usually lifting/moving up to 100 pounds)
Walking
Prolonged standing
Climbing of stairs, ladders and/or scaffolds
Carrying of loads up and down stairs
Reaching and/or grasping
Stooping, kneeling, bending, crawling and crouching
Carrying, pushing and/or pulling
Must work outdoors in all weather conditions
Exposure to noisy or dusty conditions
Exposure to chemicals and solvents
Good vision and hearing
Exposure to mechanical, electrical and/or other hazards

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

At REC Solar we consider the environmental impact of our business decisions whenever possible. To minimize paper waste, we request that all candidates send resumes via our website. APPLY ONLINE at http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RECSOLAR&cws=1&rid=1434

• Location: Portland, OR
• Compensation:  Depending on Experience

World Renewable Energy Forum

This May 13th through the 17th '12 the World Renewable Energy Forum will take place in Denver, CO at the Colorado Convention Center. The event features the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Conference in conjunction with the World Renewable Energy Congress.

Speakers from around the world will be hosting topic specific conferences such as advancements in renewable energy technologies: Concentrating Solar Power, Biomass, Solar Cooking, Solar Hot Water, Water & Hydro Power, Energy Storage Systems, Grid Integration, etc.

There will also be a marketing conference where financing and workforce development will be featured topics. No advancement happens without financing and learning how to market new technologies.

Because Denver is hosting the forum there will be a special conference by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society entitled “Showcase Colorado."

Speakers include Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Santiago Seage CEO of Abengoa Solar among other notables.

Below is a short video introduction to the topics that will be discussed at the conference.

More details at the World Renewable Energy Forum site.