2009 Solar Decathlon Starts Soon.....

The next "Solar Decathlon" begins October 9th!

About Solar Decathlon

For three weeks in October 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy will host the Solar Decathlon—a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. The Solar Decathlon is also an event to which the public is invited to observe the powerful combination of solar energy, energy efficiency, and the best in home design.

Exact dates of the 2009 event are:

• Oct. 8-16—Teams compete in 10 contests
• Oct. 9-13—Houses are open to the public
• Oct. 15-18—Houses are open to the public
• Oct. 19-21—Teams disassemble their houses.

The Solar Decathlon houses will be open for public tours 11 a.m.­–3 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that all homes will be closed Wed., Oct. 14.

The Solar Decathlon consists of three major phases:

• Building: This is where most of the work—and the learning—happens. In addition to designing houses that use innovative, high-tech elements in ingenious ways, students have to raise funds, communicate team activities, collect supplies, and work with contractors. Although the Solar Decathlon competition receives the most attention, it's the hard work that students put in during the building phase that makes or breaks a team.

• Moving to the Solar Village: When it's time for the Solar Decathlon, the teams transport their houses to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and rebuild them on site.

• Competing: During the competition itself, the teams receive points for their performance in 10 contests and open their homes to the public.

Purpose

The Solar Decathlon brings attention to one of the biggest challenges we face—an ever-increasing need for energy. As an internationally recognized event, it offers powerful solutions—using energy more efficiently and using energy from renewable sources.

The Solar Decathlon has several goals:

1. To educate the student participants—the "Decathletes"—about the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building technologies. As the next generation of engineers, builders, and communicators, the Decathletes will be able to use this knowledge in their studies and their future careers.

2. To raise awareness among the general public about renewable energy and energy efficiency, and how solar energy technologies can reduce energy usage.

3. To help solar energy technologies enter the marketplace faster. This competition encourages the research and development of energy efficiency and energy production technologies.

4. To foster collaboration among students from different academic disciplines—including engineering and architecture students, who rarely work together until they enter the workplace.

5. To promote an integrated or "whole building design" approach to new construction. This approach differs from the traditional design/build process because the design team considers the interactions of all building components and systems to create a more comfortable building, save energy, and reduce environmental impact.

6. To demonstrate to the public the potential of Zero Energy Homes, which produce as much energy from renewable sources, such as the sun and wind, as they consume. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net zero energy consumption from the utility provider.
   

Visit Solar Decathlon!

Jobs In Solar: Solar PV Systems Engineer (New Jersey)

Date: 2009-09-22, 9:10PM EDT
Reply to: job-s3vvj-1387763987@craigslist.org

40+ year old regional engineering firm in need of experienced electrical/mechanical engineer with substantial growth potential. Headquartered in Manalapan, NJ with offices throughout NJ, NY, PA & MD.

Responsibilities include:

• System design and engineering of PV power systems including inverter sizing and balance of system component selection to satisfy market/customer requirements, load conditions, and safety, regulatory, quality standards.
• Generate all aspects of required engineering documentation: bill of materials, drawings (one-line, layouts), and installation / operation / user manuals.
• Conduct design review processes.
• Assist in preparation of technical proposals.
• Provide technical support to Project Managers and Business Developers
• Prepare cost estimates (labor, material, capital equipment, etc.) and schedule for engineering initiatives
• Gain in-depth knowledge of industry products and maintain technical analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Evaluation and specification of new BOS components
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Department and Project Managers

Requirements:

• BSEE or BSME, MS or MBA a plus
• Minimum of three years experience
• Preference for experience within renewable energy and telecom
• Electrical design proficiency and Mechanical design aptitude.
• NABCEP certification a plus.
• Working knowledge of industry codes / standards (NEC, UL, IEEE, Class I Div II hazardous environment),
• Operational command of balance of system components (i.e. charge controllers, inverters, batteries, mounting structure, conductors/interconnect, switching/fusing, DC/DC converters, wind generators).
• Strong organizational and communication skills (English verbal/written) required.
• Computer skills: MS Office programs, AutoCAD.
• A positive, results oriented team player that works effectively with customers and internal organizations in a group setting is a must.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Location: New Jersey

• Compensation: com w/exp.
• 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.

How Many Energy Hogs Do You Have at Home?

Which items in your home are costing you more than you realize in terms of energy use?

It's your wonderful cool hip I can't live without it LCD and plasma TV! Not to mention all your game consoles, computers, and everything electronic you've got plugged into your wall sockets. The refrigerator and washer are still right up there in terms using a big share of your home's energy but our fun gadgets are giving them some competition.

All these electronics we can't live without are collectively using the same amount of electricity as the city of San Diego California! The average American home has about 25 electronic items in their home, most are plugged in all the time. Even when not in use, an electrical item is consuming power from the socket or regular power strip it's plugged into.

The manufacturers of the old energy hogs, specifically the worst all time energy hog the refrigerator, had to change their energy using standards as mandated by congress in 1990. Those new standards reduced the average refrigerators use of energy by 45%. New standards for washers reduced their power consumption by a whopping 70%.

Electronics manufacturers don't want new standards for lower energy consumption forced on them because they say they won't be able to produce these items without raising the retail cost to the consumer. They also want to be able to innovate, modify and redesign their gadgets to keep up with ever growing consumer demand for newer electronic games, gadgets, pc's, cell phones, routers, etc.

One way to eliminate power usage when the gadget is not being used is to plug electronics into "smart" power strips. These strips turn off when the gadgets are not in use cutting power usage to zero.

You can read more about this interesting subject by checking out the article by Jad Mouadwad and Kate Galbraith at The New York Times.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Sales Executive

Date: 2009-09-17, 3:19PM PDT
Reply to: see below

PetersenDean Roofing and Solar Systems is one of the largest independent roofing and solar companies in the United States. With divisions in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas, PetersenDean installs new roofs, provides re-roofing services, and designs and installs solar power systems for homeowners, commercial customers and homebuilders. Founded more than 20 years ago on the belief that good roofs are built by good people, we continue to take pride in every roof we build today. Our commitment to safety, superior quality customer service, and the environment has earned us an industry-wide reputation for excellence.

We are currently looking for full-time Solar Sales Executives throughout Southern California (territory will be Orange County/Inland Empire area). This is an excellent position for a person that is willing and ready to help grow this expanding part of the company.

We are looking for Sales driven individuals that will be responsible for the following:


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employee shall be responsible for selling solar roofing solutions to existing homeowners and small commercial businesses in specified geographic area. Current target markets include CA, NV, TX, FL, & AZ. Employee shall represent Employer in a professional, ethical and legal manner and in accordance with corporate objectives. Employee recognizes maintaining customer preference is a team effort and shall use best efforts to ensure customer satisfaction and faithful adherence to contracted (bid) work.


SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

~ Selling existing homeowners and business owners on the financial and environmental benefits of installing solar roofing systems;
~ Maintain a solid knowledge base of local code requirements, products, roofing processes, solar installation practices, and industry norms;
~ Recommend creative means for generating leads and growing business;
~ Facilitate communications between customers and operations pertaining to scheduling, accessibility, and special job needs through projects;
~ Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of competitors;
~ Work independently; pursue leads, prepare and deliver proposals to customers.
~ Where necessary, resolve billing disputes with customers; responsible for collecting all past due accounts;
~ Attend and represent company at local trade shows as necessary;
~ Participate in corporate teams to solve key issues;
~ Achieve sales and margin goals;


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

~ Must be self-driven, highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
~ Min. two years sales experience including at least one year in the solar industry
~ Must understand the fundamental design requirements of a residential solar electric system
~ Must have a general understanding of housing construction
~ Must be familiar with the state and federal incentives for solar
~ Strong capability to close deals
~ Ability to work under stress to meet deadlines and quotas
~ Ability to prioritize and multitask
~ Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills
~ Strong computer skills including a proficiency in Microsoft Office
~ Must be a team player, and be able to handle a high volume of leads
~ Must have clean DMV, pre-employment physical & drug screen


Interested candidates should email their Word resume and cover letter to: jobs@petersendean.com, subject line must indicate Solar Sales Executive.

Thank you!

Compensation: DOE

• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
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Another Helpful Solar Calculator

This Solar Calulator is from B.D. Batteries.

Jobs In Solar: Sales - Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrades (Des Plaines IL)

Date: 2009-09-14, 8:39AM CDT
Reply to: job-gugvs-1373525038@craigslist.org

Woodstar Energy specializes in energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy production and backup power. Energy efficiency upgrades consists of replacement windows, doors, siding, roofing, insulation, whole house fans and tankless water heaters. For renewal energy production we focus on solar photovoltaic's, solar hot water heaters and solar pool heaters. With backup power comprising battery backup sump pumps, standby generators and battery backup systems.

We are currently looking to bring on a commissioned based sales rep. We are looking for someone that is well organized, personable and outgoing. A sales or construction background is a plus but not mandatory. Must be able to learn new concepts, try creative sales approaches and have a positive attitude.

Expected commissions are between $50-100K a year and are paid as 50% of gross profit.

Leads are a combo of company provided and self prospecting. You would be required to go around neighborhoods that we are doing work to generate business.

If interested please send your resume to Brian.

Location: Des Plaines IL

• Compensation: Commission paid as 50% of gross profit
• 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.

Tips to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Anyone considering having a solar panel system installed would benefit from doing a little check to see if the rest of their home is as energy efficient as it could be.

* Consider turning your water heater down to 120F (warm setting) to help save energy and avoid hot water scalds.

* Replacing your incandescent bulbs with "Compact Fluorescents" (CFLs) can save 3/4's of the electricity used by your regular bulbs.

* When it comes to heat pumps, air-conditioners and furnaces-cleaning the filters or replacing them can have an effect on your energy consumption also.

* Replacing weather stripping and applying new caulk to windows and doors will help keep the cold out and heat in.

* Low-Flow shower heads as well as aerated faucet heads can help save on your water bill.

* If some hot water pipes or ducts are located in unheated areas, wrapping them in insulation can help keep the water warmer and prevent the water heater from running excessively.

* Wall Insulation. If you've got the bucks, have fiberglass or cellulose insulation installed into the walls by an insulation contractor. Doing an upgrade on the attic insulation will pay off too.

All these things can add up over time and help reduce your energy bill and consumption. In fact many solar panel contractors will do a walk-through of your home to make sure a lot of the above are in place and operational before installing a system on your roof.

World's Largest Solar Plant to Be Built In China

American solar tech company "First Solar" is going to build the world's largest plant in China with an estimated project completion time of 2019. The plant will be built in Inner Mongolia and the first phase of construction will start on June 1 2010 and cover 25 square miles.

The giant complex will be producing 2000 megawatts of power! Right now there are a few solar power plants that produce 50 or 60 megawatts. China is guesstimating that by 2020 solar plants will be operating at a 20,000 megawatt capacity.

Check out the rest of the news for this plant at Bloomberg.com.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Sales Consultant (South Jersey)

Date: 2009-09-02, 5:03PM EDT
Reply to: job-gauhh-1355473140@craigslist.org

POSITION SUMMARY: Leading and fast growing solar energy company seeking an experienced solar sales consultant. You will be responsible for following up on leads generated from a National Retailer as well as leads generated by our company.

The person selected for this exciting position must be a strong closer and know system design, layout, shade analysis and doing proposals. You will be expected to perform in home sales calls. This is a commission position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop network of contacts for commercial, non-profit and governmental opportunities for solar business within designated territory
• Develop new business, manage and support existing accounts for growth
• Gather and report on competitive and market intelligence.
• Generate leads and support project development.
• Prospecting and qualifying leads
• Make presentations to trade groups and professional associations on the benefits of PV and its economic and environment impact.
• Attend networking events for sales opportunities and relationship building
• Assist in identifying new markets/products opportunities.
• Willingness to travel when needed.

EXPERIENCE/TRAINING:

• Sound knowledge of PV industry, US market in particular
• 2 year experience in PV related sales and business development preferred
• Minimum four year college degree
• Sales/business development experience in residential and commercial environment preferred
• Experience in multimillion dollar contract negotiation.
• Experience in managing project oriented sales process and proven ability to perform financial analysis involving ROI, payback etc.
• Experience in technical sales.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• A deep desire to be in the renewable energy business, preferably proven experience and commitment
• The successful candidate will be creative and highly motivated

Location: South Jersey

• Compensation: Commission based
• This is a contract job.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
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$5 Solar Thermal Water Heater Project

Here's a guide to making a "Solar Thermal Water Heater for less than $5.00." Read the comments below the instructions and as usual take precautions when attempting to build another person's project. Dealing with boiling hot water here.

* Even the author warns that this is more of an experiment you'd do while camping or a scientific teaching tool:

Heat Up Your Water Project at Instructables.com.

Chinese Flooding International Marketplace With Solar Panels

Very interesting opinion piece by Dean Calbreath of the San Diego Union Tribune. Calbreath points out how the Chinese give their solar panel Industry protection by requiring that "75 percent of the content of government-purchased solar panels be Chinese-made. The United States has no such requirement."

Because of their low wages, artificially induced low currency, and low production costs they're undercutting both European and American solar companies. They also have lower environmental standards giving their solar industry yet another advantage.

One San Diego solar company representative said he purchased parts from China only to be disappointed and returned to buying from American manufacturers. The Chinese when it comes to the solar industry are not known for their professional treatment of foreign business partners.

Ironically, cheaper solar panels allow American solar companies to sell and install panels at a reduced rate which helps to increase and stabilize their businesses.

Calbreath goes on to offer President Obama some advice about building a 21st-century workforce.

Read how China is flooding the world solar panel marketplace here at the Union Tribune.

Jobs In Solar: Senior Engineer-Generator Electromagnetis Design (Maryland)

Date: 2009-09-01, 12:22AM EDT
Reply to: see below

Posted Position Title Senior Engineer - Generator Electromagnetic Design
Career Level Experienced
Function Engineering/Technology
Function Segment Product Design and Development
Location United States
Maryland
City Annapolis Junction

Relocation Expenses Full Expenses
Role Summary/Purpose This is a senior electromagnetic design engineering position for small and large electric wind and hydroelectric generators for power. You will be part of a systems design team designing generators for new product introduction.
Essential Responsibilities In this role you will:
* Create electrical design concepts for large power generators and see those designs through to fruition
* Develop a detailed knowledge of how generators work, end to end
* Lead design optimization, assessing customer requirements, cost, efficiency, output, and balances among competing design parameters
* Lead a global engineering team in evaluating areas where more rigorous analysis can open the door to more competitive design
* Develop validation test plans to probe generator performance and design limits
* Enhance system modeling and analysis infrastructure to increase tool fidelity, enhance prediction confidence and reduce design cycle
* Coach other individuals in electromagnetic design team to accelerate training and development
* The Senior Engineer has wide latitude for independent action, judgment, and decision
Qualifications/Requirements * Electrical Engineering Degree; or a Mechanical Engineering Degree
* Minimum of 10 years of relevant engineering experience
* Minimum of 2 years experience with rotating electrical machinery
Additional Eligibility Qualifications For U.S. employment opportunities, SullyPower hires U.S. citizens. permanent residents, SullyPower will require proof of work authorization. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Security Clearance is helpful.
Desired Characteristics * A passion for design engineering
* Strong analytical, experimental, and statistical skills
* Experience in motors, generators or electric power engineering
* Electromagnetic Finite element analysis experience
* MS/PhD Degree preferred
* Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) certification
* Edison Engineering graduate
* Demonstrated leadership and project management skills
* Solid Works and PADS. When you join SullyPower, you join a company made up Energy Infrastructure segment is leading the field in the development, implementation and improvement of the products and technologies that harness our resources such as wind, Thermoelectric, water power, and solar energy devices.

Location: Maryland

• Compensation: Lets Talk
• This is a contract job.
• OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
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• Please, no phone calls about this job!
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