Snacks Produced with Solar Thermal Energy

Some of us have seen the Frito-Lay "Sun Chips" commercial or even eaten these sunny wheat snacks. The company has several plants that produce the chips but it's their Modesto California plant that actually has a Solar Thermal Energy system in place helping to product the snacks.

Frito-Lay had a 4 acre solar collector field built in order to place a large array of concave mirrors that track the sun's rays. A black glass tube carries solar heated water (450 degrees) to a boiler system that generates steam that helps to cook the wheat and heat the cooking oil used to process and produce the snacks.

Sun Chips Solar Cooking Process PDF HERE

Jobs In Solar: Solar Operations Manager (Minneapolis/St. Paul)

Reply to: laura@freEner-g.com
Date: 2008-10-26, 11:04AM CDT

freEner-g LLC, a pioneering Minneapolis solar leasing company, is looking for an Operations Manager. This position requires 5/10 years construction project management experience and familiarity with solar PhotoVoltaic technology, in particular, for the residential and small commercial market. The project will involve in-house as well as subcontracted personnel, in a very dynamic start-up company environment. A passion for solar technology is a must.

Send resumes to laura@freEner-g.com Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul

• Compensation: Based on experience
• 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.

Jobs In Solar: Highly Motivated, Environmentally Aware Sales Reps Needed (NV)

Reply to: job-895585782@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-10-27, 12:13PM PDT

Sell something that you can actually be proud of!

Renewable energy company seeking experienced, self-motivated sales representative. Duties include:

* Making appointments

* Leading meetings

* Meeting a weekly meeting quota

* Constantly adding to your knowledge of the product

* Making sales!

Compensation is competitive. Since most of our sales prospects are large municipal, commercial, and institutional clients, sales typically lead to very substantial commissions.

A firm knowledge of renewable energy, electricity, construction, solar and/or wind power, and/or environmental issues a plus, but not required.

Potential for rapid promotion within the company.

All training provided. Come and be part of a team that is changing America for the better!

No "back-end"!

No door-to-door!

Get paid with every sale, up front and in full!

If interested, please respond with an email that includes a cover letter and your resume. Location: NV

• Compensation: Entirely commission-based; 6-figure potential
• This is a contract job.
• 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.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Power Plant Pre-Construction Agent (California & Arizona)

Reply to: job-895438808@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-10-27, 10:40AM PDT

Santa Monica based engineering firm under contract with a major US renewable energy developer is seeking a regional site prospector and land agent.

Role:
Prospect for new utility-scale solar power plant sites, generate leads and negotiate terms for land use option and purchase. Agent will have a proven history of commercial real estate sales experience. A strong technical background and understanding of power infrastructure a plus. Understanding of modern photo-voltaic and concentrated solar thermal technologies very helpful. Agent will have own, reliable vehicle, mobile phone, internet access, email account and excellent computer skills. Professionalism, reliability and superb communication skills are critical for this role. Area of support is California and Arizona.

Duration:
Three months with possible extension.
Location: California & Arizona

• Compensation: Nominal weekly fee plus travel expenses with bonus for each acquisition. No brokerage fees.
• 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.

Calculate Your Energy Output and Figure Out Pollution Prevention

Here's another solar power calculator, this time from Kyocera. There calculator is called "Solar Clean Power Estimator." Your energy output and pollution prevention can be figured out by this calc.

You can search by the terms: residential, commercial, zip code, state/city:

Kyocera Solar Clean Power Estimator.

The image is a lame attempt at humor. Sorry.

MLB Going Green at Tropicana Stadium

Major League Baseball's Go Green team infiltrated Tropicana stadium with 40 members who handed out recycling info flyers and collected trash in plastic bags.

The Rays are in the first year of their new initiative "Teaming Up For The Environment." They pay attention to recycling and encourage their fans to do the same as part of their business operations. They held monthly "green" nights where they would feature their business partners and educate the fans about recycling, water and energy conservation also.

Official Rays site HERE.

Jobs In Solar: Energy Consultant (Morris)

Reply to: HR@admiralenergy.com
Date: 2008-10-24, 9:51AM CDT

Huge Growth Industry- Energy Sales +++ = $$$

Our company is a leader in energy marketing (selling energy to clients in deregulated markets) and in creating energy savings, installing green energy generation, and ultimately - saving the planet. We are currently looking for sales professionals with a strong sales background and the ability to close business.

You will bring our product set to end users. Energy Industry experience is not necessary but is a huge head start in getting up to speed in a hurry. Other successful reps have joined us with a good referral or network base (commercial mortgage, commercial insurance, commercial real estate, health care industry, manufacturing or industrial sales).

Our portfolio of products includes:

· Retail Electricity and Gas Sales (cheaper energy rates),

· Auditing (utility refunds, tariff changes),

· Energy Savings / Demand Side Management Services (“greening” of facilities for efficiency, Energy Star, LEED Certification)

· Renewable Energy Generation (wind, solar, biomass, bio-diesel).

Right now in our industry, every commercial facility is a potential candidate. With rising fuel costs, tight supply and increasing demand - and the current publicity the industry is getting, there is no better growth market. We are looking for AGGRESSIVE candidates that want to make what they are truly worth. Last week, in one of our east coast markets, we had a rep make $33,000. That week. Income potential is unlimited.

We are at the Right time, in the Right place, in the Right industry.

We are currently opening up the Midwest region and looking for a few candidates who fit our mold. If you or somebody you know may be interested, please inquire to THOMAS DINKEL, President, ADMIRAL ENERGY email: HR@admiralenergy.com.

Please check out our website at www.admiralenergy.com

Location: Morris

• 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.

Architect Jeff Christian-Green Home Visionary

How would like to reduce your 1,100 sq. ft. home's energy costs to only $1 a day? Architect Jeff Christian is doing just this. His goal is to create homes so efficient that the energy bill lowers to zero energy costs. Right now the cost is $7 a day to provide energy for the average home.

Christian is creatively integrating current technologies to make new homes more energy efficient than ever before. In fact he can modify an existing home to reduce the energy costs by 25% and cut energy use in half.

He is using techniques such as having a single "utility wall" where the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room are laid out back to back. He's got most of the hot-water plumbing coming up between these rooms making the distance the hot water has to travel much shorter.

Underground air temperature is warmer in winter and cooler in summer. He's tapping that by having an efficient underground duct system that is much cheaper to create and install than the average system now being used. He's placing the system as he's building the foundation so it's already a part of the new home. He takes it even further: "To take advantage of the heat created by the heat pump units themselves, piping was circulated around the units to supply hot water."

For the new home's insulation he's using a variety of methods such as geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, structural insulated panels and triple-pane glass.

Naturally, he's using solar panels and interestingly "cool coated colors" on the metal roof that "that reflect infrared rays and reduce the need for air conditioning."

Yikes! Jeff! start wearing a flack jacket and helmet will you? The energy corporations are not going to like this!

Here's the article at The Hook.

You can read another interview with Mr. Christian at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

There's a Lot of Discoveries Still to Be Made

Paul Alivisatos, deputy laboratory director at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California in a nice informative article says there's a lot of discoveries still to be made in the development of solar power. He was interviewed by Susannah Locke Scientific American.

Her article gives a quick overview of how we are currently converting the suns rays into solar power through traditional materials like Silicon. Mr. Alivisatos takes it a step further explaining how plants react to the sun's light to produce fuel and this is something that we can try to emulate through trial and error tests and discoveries.

On emulating how plants process sunlight into fuels he says "One of the reasons we like to plant trees is because they take the CO₂ out of the air. If we could do that [with a solar cell], then we could actually deal with global warming problems even more directly because we'd be pulling the CO₂ out of the air to make our fuel."

He then goes on to say how researchers must come up with a way to not only scale up the power solar materials produce but also how to produce the panels at a reduced cost.

Read the rest of this interesting article at Scientific American.

Jobs In Solar: Solar and Boiler Technician (Boulder)

Reply to: job-883612869@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-10-17, 9:13PM MDT

Solar Heating company seeks competent service tech or solar thermal installer.

Must be very familiar with repairing heating systems or...
Journeyman plumber not afraid of working on roofs.
This can be done part time... or full time for the right person.
Must have own tools
Must have own vehicle and drivers license
Location: Boulder

• Compensation: Partially based on experience, Mileage paid
• 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.

Jobs In Solar: Site Superintendant/ Assistant Project Manager (Lowell, MA )

Reply to: callaleonard@solarframeworks.com
Date: 2008-10-20, 9:51AM MDT

SolarFrameWorks, Co

SolarFrameWorks is a leading edge designer and manufacturer of innovative mounting and framing solutions for photovoltaic panels. We specialize in creating low slope commercial roof applications that reduce added roof weight and eliminate costly and time-consuming roof penetrations common to other PV mounting systems. Both our SolarFrame and CoolPly product lines greatly reduce the time and effort required to install PV on flat roofs. We offer the PowerUmbrella as an attractive advertisement of your client's commitment to renewable energy. Our PowerBoost cleaning formula optimizes system performance by keeping solar panels clean and free of debris.
As an industry leader, we are revolutionizing solar framing and mounting systems by supplying the highest quality and most innovative technology for photovoltaic cells, laminates and modules. We work directly with Photovoltaic OEMs, large system integrators, our network of qualified dealers and manufacturers representatives.

www.solarframeworks.com

Now Hiring: Project Manager / Production Manager

Compensation: Determined based on experience, education and suitability of candidate.
Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Near Denver West and Golden
Requirements: It is a MUST that the candidate be EXTREMELY DETAIL ORIENTED! Bachelors Degree in relating field. Experience in managing production or manufacturing projects; ordering materials for manufacturing; experience in production efficiency

To Apply: Please fax or email your resume to Calla Leonard.

FAX: (303) 675-0201
EMAIL: callaleonard@solarframeworks.com

Your resume will be considered and if you are a qualifying candidate you will be contacted for an interview.

Location: Golden, CO

• Compensation: pay will be determined based on experience, education, and suitability of candidate.
• 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.

Jobs In Solar: Contract Industry Analyst (Oyster Bay, NY/Telecommute)

Reply to: careers@abiresearch.com
Date: 2008-10-17, 12:39PM EDT

NextGen Research, an Allied Business Intelligence company, is seeking contract analysts to expand its coverage of the following content areas:

1. Energy & Green Technology
2. Automotive Technology
3. Emerging Technologies

Successful candidates should have demonstrable knowledge of one or more of the following technologies/markets, and should be capable of authoring syndicated research reports on them:

• Photovoltaics/Solar Energy
• Fuel Cells
• Wind Power
• Electric/Hybrid Vehicles
• Advanced Automotive Safety, Instrumentation or Operating Systems
• Virtual Worlds
• 3D Printing

Competencies:
Solid quantitative analysis capabilities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in market research or industry analysis is strongly preferred.
At least 5 years industry experience; market analysis experience preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
Location: Oyster Bay, NY/Telecommute

• Telecommuting is ok.
• This is a contract job.
• 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.

New Material Capturs Every Color in the Visible Solar Light

Scientists at Ohio State University have combined materials (electrically conductive plastic with metals including molybdenum and titanium) to produce a hybrid material that absorbs all the colors of the rainbow we're told.

This new hybrid material generates electrons in a such a way that makes them easier to capture. Other hybrid material exists but the material doesn't capture all the visible solar ray as this one does. This material theoretically makes the collection of rays easier than current solar collectors.

Rest of the discovery details here at Nanotechwire.com.

Environmental Lament by George Carlin

Oh Beautiful for smoggy skies, insecticided grain,
For strip-mined mountain's majesty above the asphalt plain.
America, America, man sheds his waste on thee,
And hides the pines with billboard signs, from sea to oily sea. - George Carlin

Shea Homes Now Offering Solar Option for New Homes

One of the largest home builders in the nation "Shea Homes" is offering solar power systems as an option in their "Shea Green Certified (TM) homes." This offer is available as of right now Shea states. Shea has teamed up with B.P. Solar to add at no additional cost, photovoltaic panels that can offer up to a 60% reduction in energy bills.

This from their press release:

"Victoria Garden by Shea Homes residences will be equipped with a 3-kilowatt solar power system, which helps provide security against electric rate increases, allowing consumers to hedge their future risks in the volatile energy markets and be more energy independent. Homeowners will be able to track how much power their system is producing, along with its environmental benefits, via a Web-based remote monitoring system." will receive 30 percent in solar tax credits (based on the cost of the solar system which is $6,000 - $8,000 for Victoria Gardens homebuyers). Homebuyers may also be eligible for state or local credits or rebates, in addition to the federal credits.

"Creative business partnerships are helping to transform the American residential marketplace with homes that combine energy efficiency with solar power," said John F. Mizroch, DOE acting assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. "These homes will help transform the built environment into healthier, more prosperous and sustainable communities that reduce our carbon footprint, enhance our energy security and contribute to the fabric of a cleaner, more efficient America."

The large bail-out bill that was passed last week included an agreement to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit for eight years, lift the cap on the current $2,000 allowance and allow the Credit to be applied toward a homeowner's alternative minimum tax.

The homebuyers in Victoria Gardens will receive 30 percent in solar tax credits (based on the cost of the solar system which is $6,000 - $8,000). Homebuyers may also be eligible for state or local credits or rebates, in addition to the federal credits.

A recent Harris Interactive/Trilogy by Shea Homes poll found that baby boomers rank solar technology as the number one most important feature of a green home, followed by energy-efficient appliances and dual pane windows.

So there you have it, this is another powerful positive step in advancing solar power and mainstreaming it. Solar Power is now ranked number one in people's minds when it comes to living a more modified green type of lifestyle.

For those interested here's Shea Homes "Trilogy" green home site.

San Diego Solar Energy Week

San Diego Solar Energy Week is a sister event to the Solar Power International Conference going on at the Convention Center. It takes place throughout San Diego county and continues though October 18th.

Highlights of Solar Energy Week include:

* A "self-guided" tour of approx. 40 homes in the San Diego area who have solar products in their homes and are inviting the public to come by and check out the 3 basic types of solar installation done in homes: solar electric (photovoltaics), solar water heating and solar pool heating.

* The commercial solar guided bus tour of solar power businesses with a representative available to answer questions.

These tours are popular and have gone on for years. They give people a chance to see hands-on how the products are made, installed and used by businesses and homeowners.

Visit San Diego Solar Energy Week.

Solar Power International Conference

The Solar Power International Conference is is for pros in the solar power business. It's taking place at the San Diego Convention Center through Friday. There will be over 400 exhibitors touting their solar industry products and services and attendees from will come from over 70 countries.

There is one day (Wednesday October 15th) when the public is invited to a FREE open house from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Solar Power International touts itself as the "must attend" event for solar industry pros and says that the money spent at the conference goes back into solar.

"Proceeds from the event go to SEPA and SEIA, the 2 non-profit presenters, and are used to support the organizations' year-round activities. Many other solar events in the US are put on by for-profit groups."

Solar Power International Conference Site Here.

You can view videos of the conference and see updates on this page

Solar Power International Videos and Updates Page Here.

The Amish and Solar Power

Amish people reject societies electric utilities and grid but do allow themselves to make use of the sun's rays. Referring to solar power as "God's Grid" some Amish are selling solar panels. They use solar power to juice up the typical gadgets but also to charge up the batteries under their buggy's.

This blurb from the Hartford Courant: "The Amish decide on whether to adapt to a new technology based on two implications: their separation from the world and the impact on the community," said Kraybill, the professor.

To protect their community from the influence of the outside world, the Amish sometimes wait for a bishop council meeting before installing special solar equipment."

Apparently they're quite fearful about allowing technology into their lives and homes that would be a doorway to watering down their strict culture. Understandably, they don't want their children being corrupted by modern society and they view this or any technology as a worldly threat.

Said one Amish man ""If we would introduce cars to our society, we would not have a community for very long. It would rip our family apart."

The rest of the article can be read at the Hartford Courant online.

* (photo courtesy of CLEM MURRAY/PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/MCT / September 16, 2008)

Solyndra Reshapes the Commercial Solar Panel

Solyndra a Freemont California based solar product company has come up with what they claim is an improvement over the shape and performance of the typical flat solar panel. They have produced a photovoltaic panel that is more cylindrical in shape that according to them handles wind load and angle more effectively than a flat panel.

Solyndra constructs their panels of cylindrical modules that can capture sunlight across a 360-degree photovoltaic surface capable of converting direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight into electricity Traditional flat pvs require expensive mounting devices for installation and the flat surface of the panel is less effective at capturing sunlight as compared to the rounded modules that make up Solydra's solar panel.

With convential flat panels the wind enters from the bottom of the panel forcing the panels to have to be strongly attached or mounted to the roof structure of any building. Solyndra's panels are formed so that the wind actually flows through the gaps between the modules in the panel as you can see in the illustration. Their panels are also able to be fitted right next to each other snugly unlike conventional pvs, collecting the sun's rays a little more effectively.

These solar panels can be installed without penetrating the actual roof structure unlike the typical solar panel. They handle the wind up to 130 mph so the attachment to a rooftop can be done with non-penetrating hardware and the whole installation can get done in the half the time. They say commercial installations will now take days instead of weeks.

The company produces these panels strictly for the commercial market here and Europe.

If you watch their video HERE you'll see it's basically plug 'n play installation.

Useful Tool For Determining Your Roof's Solar Potential

I found this great site for solar fans. Those of you who are interested in adding a solar array to your roof and business owners who want to reduce their electrical costs will appreciate this site. It's called "Roof Ray" and it exists because the site owner got tired of seeing his energy bills rising every month.

He constructed this site to help people understand how a solar array could be set up on their roof. You enter your current street address and check to see the cost involved or the roof of a house you're thinking of buying. There are examples of roof arrays other visitors have done on the site and you can see the results of their roof's solar potential.

The site offers drag 'n drop tools to help you figure out the slope, power potential, peak power, orientation, etc. of your roof. You can calculate your return on investment and real time costs as well at the Roof Ray Calculator.

Says the owner of the site: "We're not "Green freaks". We do believe in good stewardship of our planet but we're also realists. The economics must make sense for meaningful success. We think we can play a part in that."

Nice convenient way to simply calculate the costs involved for installing a solar array on any roof.