Is Affordable Solar Power Going to be Ready in One Year?

Yes! Says a new Start-up based in Silicon Valley called "SUNRGI". They've developed a "concentrated photovoltaic" system that uses lenses that magnify sunlight 2000 times. This smaller system will produce as much electricity as standard sized panels.

Long story short-they aim to have this system producing electricity at 7 cents a kilowatt hour and that will include installation! SUNRGI plans to debut the lens based system in mid 2009.

Here's the rest of the story by Paul Davidson at USA Today.

U.S. Solar Insolation Map

Here's a nice map below of the United States showing Solar Insolation Data. By looking at this map you'll be able to see the when there's the least amount of sun (January). Which ought to give you a better idea of the size of the solar electrical sytem you'd like to install in your home or business.

USA Solar Insolation Map HERE

Solar Toys!

Check out these sites that sell Solar Toys-kids mind as well have fun and learn about solar energy at the same time. Looks like a lot of fun solar stuff has been invented lately:

http://explore4fun.com/solar.html

http://www.makebelieve.com/detail.lasso?Itemid=EC-OWI-685&source=Froogle (fun stuff here!)

http://store.sundancesolar.com/soledkitandm.html

Solar Humor!

"China is pitching in for green week. From now on, all toys from China will be made with recycled lead." - Jay Leno

Big Belly Solar!

What in the world is "Big Belly Solar?" you query. Big Belly Solar (formally Seahorse Power Company) manufacturers a solar powered cordless trash receptacle that is also a trash compactor. Called "The Big Belly System", it is an on-site trash compactor that is 100% solar powered! The Big Belly receptacle/compactor has a 30 watt solar panel on the top of it. It can be used on the job site or use it at home-the company claims it's safe to use and keeps out the dreaded "pests".

The compactor was designed using recycled plastic and non-toxic paint

Some of their newest customers are the "Boston Red Sox" and "Cisco Systems". City governments have been purchasing them to cut down on the amount of work their trash handlers need to do. This reduces street congestion, pollution and of course fuel costs to run the very fuel-unefficient trash trucks.

Visit "Big Belly Solar" Here!

Jobs In Solar: Engineering and Customer Service Technician (Lawrence, MA)

Reply to: job-655718171@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-04-25, 10:28AM EDT

Solectria Renewables is one of America’s leading manufacturers of electronic inverters for renewable power applications (solar, wind, hydro etc). We offer a friendly work environment, great benefits, the ability to work with cutting edge technology and the chance to work with an innovative and dynamic team.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Engineering and Customer Service Technician
SUPERVISOR: Principle Engineer
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, full-time
_____________________________________________________________________
DUTIES:
The position will function as a Engineering and Customer Service Technician.
Duties include:
1) Thoroughly QC, test, debug and validate new inverter products prior to shipment/delivery to customers
2) Test, and debug power electronics circuits and inverter power stages.
3) Work with outsourced vendors to power up and test new or existing subcontracted products.
4) Maintain detailed logs of inverter test performance.
5) Assist with validation testing and system certification, i.e. thermal testing, UL listing, CE conformance, etc. as needed
6) Work with supervisor in maintaining highest quality of product output.
7) Troubleshoot inverter systems with customers via phone
8) Go on site to power up or repair inverters (as needed), provide commissioning support or troubleshoot inverters when issues arise at customer site.
9) Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
1) Extensive hands-on experience with Power & Control Electronics is required.
2) Hands-on experience with inverters, DC-DC converters
3) Knowledge of the electric utility system and deep knowledge of utility-interactive inverters
4) A high level of initiative and a proactive nature, good communication and presentation skills and strong organizational and time management skills.
5) Safety and quality oriented, customer-oriented.
6) Occasional travel is required.

Education/Certification:
1) A minimum of a BSEE and a minimum of 3-5years related experience is required.

Location: Lawrence, MA
Compensation: Subject to negotiation. Please provide desired compensation in cover letter.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 655718171

Major Solar Research Center In Operation

Here is another great step forward in the research and development of new solar energy based technologies.

A group of Twelve companies and four research centers have created a major research center to study and develop new Solar energy techologies that will be able to be quickly commercialized. The research center is called "Center For Revolutionary Solar Photo" and is Colorado based.

The initial research projects will be chosen and funded by the members and "Colorado Renewable Energy Authority."

Here's their Press Release:

New center to research ways to convert sunshine into clean, low-cost electricity and fuels

Denver, April 21, 2008 – The newest research center of the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory aims to find ways to directly convert the sun's energy to low-cost electricity and fuels. The Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion (CRSP), announced today by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and the Collaboratory at the Capitol, will be dedicated to basic and applied research at the Collaboratory's four member institutions, the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Colorado State University (CSU) and the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU-Boulder).Twelve companies also have joined CRSP as founding members, Applied Materials, Ascent Solar Technologies, DuPont, Evident Technologies, Konarka, Lockheed Martin, Motech Industries, QuantumSphere, Sharp, Solasta, Sub-One Technology and SunEdison.

NREL Senior Research Fellow Arthur Nozik will serve as scientific director of CRSP. Co-directors are CU's David Jonas, CSU's Mike Elliott and CSM's Craig Taylor.

"The creation of CRSP is the culmination of a two-year effort to form such a visionary R&D center devoted to revolutionary solar energy science and technology in Colorado," Nozik said. "It brings together many researchers at NREL, CU, CSU, and CSM in public-private partnership between state and federally funded institutions and private corporations."

Initial shared research projects will be selected by CRSP members and funded through membership fees and the Colorado Renewable Energy Authority. Decisions about which projects to fund are expected in the summer, with research beginning in the fall. In addition to shared research, CRSP's sponsored research program will allow any company member to contract with one or more of the research institutions directly.

This is the second center created by the Collaboratory, after the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels. The Collaboratory expects to announce additional centers in wind energy, carbon management and energy efficiency.

Solar Powered Electric Bike "Sunny Day" Wins International Bike Design Competion

Taiwanese designer "Larry Chen" has designed a new "Solar Electric Bike" called "Sunny Day."

Mr. Chen recently won the Grand Prize in the 12th annual "International Bicycle Design Competition for this sleek green bike. The prize was the equivalent to $16,300 U.S. dollars. He beat 18 other finalists.

As you can see the solar panel is located on the front stem and is adjustable. Mr. Chen's aim here is to design a foldable bike that relies more on getting it's energy from the solar panel rather than having to charge up the battery. The adjustable panel raises to soak up the rays when not in use. It's also designed to be easily loaded on public transportation such as a bus.

Some people who have tried to make bikes like this argue that the batteries that have to be used to build this are too heavy to make the bike as portable as the designer would like.

The bike is still "conceptual" and the design needs refinement. But, he thinks that the jury was impressed as the world energy crisis is fresh on everyone's mind -"Chen explained "Although the bike cannot provide a large amount of solar energy, it is still enough for a short trip of 20 minutes--perfect for urban commuters." Mr. Chen is looking for investors to help him work this project to completion.

Two thumbs up for Mr. Chen!

Texas Invests in Thin-film Solar Factory for Austin

The state of Texas is investing $1Mil. in a firm that produces "thin solar film". The firm is "Helio Volt Corp." of Austin.

From "ens-newswire.com":

"The company will manufacture a new type of seamlessly solarized building materials and architectural modules to cover structures with a solar skin."

The coating they produce can be embedded in canopies, skylights, roofing materials, glass, etc. This new material absorbs more sunlight than traditional solar technology on the market today.

Read the article Here!

Solar Powered Car Kit and Upcoming Mini Truck

Here's a Solar Powered Electric Kit to make this no-gasoline mini-truck!

This will accompany the kit for a solar electric car that "Art Haines" of Norridgewock Maine. The car has a top speed of 25mph and can be run on roads with a speed limit of less than 35mph.

Check out Art's site Here

Jobs In Solar: Solar Energy Review Field Advisor — ENERGY STAR® New Homes Outreach (Portland)

Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-04-10, 8:29AM PDT

Solar Energy Review Field Advisor — ENERGY STAR® New Homes Outreach

Portland and Other Areas Served by the Energy Trust of Oregon

Conservation Services Group, Inc. (CSG) is a national leader in full service energy and conservation programs, services and products for utility companies, housing authorities, businesses and consumers. We are committed to promoting energy efficiency, conserving natural resources, and protecting our environment. Our goal at CSG is to help businesses and consumers lower costs and increase comfort and health in an environmentally responsible way.

CSG holds contracts with Energy Trust of Oregon to run its Home Energy Solutions – Existing Homes Program and its ENERGY STAR New Homes Program. These programs are designed to encourage home owners to increase the energy efficiency of their homes through retrofits such as increasing insulation or installing high efficiency furnaces, or new construction of energy efficient homes.

CSG is currently seeking a Solar Energy Advisor to provide Home Energy Reviews and promote solar installations in existing homes and new construction.

This position can be based in the Portland, Salem or Eugene areas. This position reports to the Home Energy Review and ENERGY STAR New Homes Program Managers.

Duties and Responsibilities for Solar Field Advisor:
Existing Homes Solar Site Assessments (25%)
- Conduct solar energy audits on existing homes which include:
— Determine site appropriateness for solar powered home,
— Focus on and explain solar technology suited for home to homeowner,
— Encourage homeowners to undertake specific energy saving measures recommended based on Solar Energy Review,
— Explain Energy Trust incentives and loans, and tax credits for energy efficiency improvements,
— Educate customers on other Energy Trust programs such as Home Performance with Energy Star and encourage them to participate in other programs.
— Work with Energy Trust of program staff to evaluate success of solar energy audits,
— Training future Solar Energy Review Field Advisors
— Additional duties as assigned and determined by program needs.
— Existing Homes Solar Assessments are part of a pilot program which is subject to cancellation.
Existing Homes Home Energy Reviews (25% - 50% depending on solar work load)
New Homes Solar (50%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Applicants must have knowledge of and/or a strong interest in residential energy conservation.
- Experience or knowledge of residential construction and design, and building methods and materials preferred.
- Must have strong customer relationship skills and experience. Outreach and/or sales experience desirable.
- Must be detail oriented.
- Must be self motivated
- Availability to work some evenings and Saturdays.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e.: Word, Excel, Internet).
- Must have a home computer with current/recent versions of Microsoft Word and Excel installed, and high speed internet access.
- Must be capable of lifting and carrying boxes weighing up to 30lbs, as well as a six foot fiberglass ladder.
- Must have a reliable motor vehicle for daily business use, a good driving record, and ability to store and transport a six foot ladder and other equipment.
- BA with major in Building Materials, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Energy Management, or related field preferred.
- Experience with blower door, duct blaster and other energy use diagnostic equipment a plus.

To accommodate the program’s needs and potential applicants’ availability, specific advisors may be hired to work full- or part-time or seasonally.

This position will require frequent travel within the I-5 corridor and occasional travel to other parts of Oregon, including some overnight travel. Mileage will be reimbursed at a set rate per mile. Lodging and meal expenses will be reimbursed according to company policy.

Salary:
$15–17 per hour depending on experience.

Benefits
Full time benefits include paid holidays, 80% paid medical, 50% paid dental, paid life & AD&D and paid STD
CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Location: Portland
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 637217832

Make a Solar Heater Out of Beer Cans!

How many of you beer drinkers out there would like to know how to take your empties and recycle them into your own "Solar Heater"?

If that's your aim in life right now then you're in for a treat. Here's a site that illustrates just how to do that. Makes a nice little weekend project.

Beer Can Solar Heater Site Here!

Solar panel installation jumps 600 percent in Clovis

In Clovis California-solar panels are becoming as attractive as a tax rebate. Stats show solar panel installation by homeowners has jumped 600% in 2007-6 times more than the previous year.

One homeowner said her electricity bill lowered from $500 a month to $200 and in summer the panels are causing their meter to go "backward" allowing the panels to be paid for by themselves! Yes, the initial outlay of $30k for the panels is painful but they received a low-interest loan are doing well with their set-up.

One business owner in Clovis installed (38) panels and watched his energy bill dramatically drop from $200 a month to $10 a month! He said he expects the sytem (along with rebates) to pay for itself in 5 to 6 years.

Here's the story from the Clovis Independent online.

First Global Solar Energy Index Introduced!

A new stock trading group has emerged. It's the first Global Solar Energy Index. In short, what that means is you'll be able to trade/invest in a basket or portfolio of 25 different global solar energy companies and their stocks. These leading solar energy companies are worth are worth nearly $100 Billion dollars!

The name of the new ETF (exchange traded fund) is "MAC Global Solar Energy Index". The Dow Jones will be publishing the index. It will be traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol of "TAN".

Here's a blurb from their press release:

“Solar continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors within the clean-tech industry with a recent 47% annual growth rate and an expected 40% continued growth in the next few years.”

The average market capitalization of the stocks in the Index is approximately $3.8 billion and the median is approximately $1.2 billion.

Shipments of solar modules over the six-year period from 2001-2007 showed compounded annual growth of 47%, according to PV News (http://www.prometheus.org/). With this strong growth, the solar industry has reached critical mass in terms of sales and profits. Photon Consulting estimates that global solar industry sales in 2007 rose by 50% to $30 billion and that pre-tax profits rose by 56% to $11 billion (“Solar Annual 2007,” http://www.photon-consulting.com/). "

Even though the experts say these companies and industry has reached "critical mass" that doesn't negate the need for much more "R and D" in the solar sector. We need solar products to be made affordable to the average person. When a homeowner hears that it will cost them tens of thousands of dollars to put up solar panels on their roofs they're understandably turned off.

We need to promote the use of solar in all areas of life where it's appropriate. Think pc's when they first became popular. Years ago pc's were thousands of dollars. Now you can get one for a couple of hundred. That's the same sort of process that solar needs to go through. The interest, need and craving for useful solar products is strong but not affordable for many consumers.

Use and promote solar products-spread the word-get manufacturers interested in sacrificing a little for the greater good!

Solar Ovens and Solar Oven Recipes

Here is a very useful and informative site for people who want to build their own inexpensive "Solar Oven" and then cook meals in it. This great site is like a Solar Cooking Encyclopedia. It's called "Solar Cooking Archive."

Check out the oven designs in the first link and the second link is a "Wiki" Solar Recipe Page with lots of tasty recipes to use in your oven.

Learn To Build Solar Ovens Here

Check Out All Kinds of Solar Oven Recipes Wiki Here

Photo courtesy of Solar Cooking Archive.

4 Reasons To Switch To Solar Power Today

4 Reasons To Switch To Solar Power Today
By John Kuzniar

For many reasons, solar power is growing rapidly in many states across the United States. Among these reasons are:

Solar power produces almost no pollution

The amount of pollution produced by solar panels is significantly less than the amount of pollution produced by other power sources. For example, these days carbon dioxide is one of the most talked about atmospheric pollutants. Even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the atmosphere, in recent years, we as humans have began to overwhelm the earth's eco system to the point where carbon dioxide has begun to reach toxic levels. We introduce carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in many ways, but one of the primary ways is via burning woods or fossil fuels for heating. Solar panels do not emit carbon dioxide and when we replace traditional energy sources such as wood or fossil fuels with solar panels, we decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that we introduce into the atmosphere.

Solar power saves you money

The upfront purchasing and installation cost for solar panels on the typical home is currently more than the cost of equivalent traditional energy appliances such as radiators, hot water heaters, and so on. Things are changing however as recent advances in solar panel technology not only make them cheaper to produce but also increase their kilowatt output efficiency. This means that even though the initial upfront investment costs may be higher for solar panels, the long term payback in energy saving will be more dramatic and occur at a quicker rate than ever before. If you want to free yourself from the spiraling costs of oil and gas, now may well be the perfect time to take a new look at the solar technologies available in your city and state.

Solar power tax credits helps to save you even more money

Few people know this but in 2005 congress passed the Energy Policy Act which gives a 30-percent tax credit to any home that purchased residential solar water heating, photovoltaic equipment, or fuel cell properties. The law has since been extended to the end of 2008 and will potentially be extended again.

In addition, many states offer their own tax credits to homeowners and businesses. Massachusetts, for example, offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. The state of Oregon's Business Tax Credit, under certain conditions, covers up to 50% of the solar system cost. More states are climbing on the solar power bandwagon every year so it's definitely worth your while to not only take advantage of the federal tax credits but also check if there are state or local tax credits available to you as well.

Solar power panels are virtually maintenance free

Solar panels, in general, have less moving parts than traditional energy appliances so there's less to go wrong. Typically, once a year you'll have to do a visual inspection, but for the most part, assuming that you've purchased quality panels, once the solar panels are in place, there's not much you have to do to maintain them - estimates range to less than 20 hours a year.

It's been a long road getting here, but solar power is finally coming into its own. And not a moment too soon, because we can no longer afford the energy sources of the last century.

John Kuzniar is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to off grid solar power and other energy saving resources and tips. Visit his site at http://www.solarpowerfamily.com