Will the Aquarius System Help Reduce Shipping Industry Fuel Costs?

Eco Marine Power thinks so. They're based in Fukoaka Japan and concentrate on developing and producing hybrid solutions (wind and solar power) for the marine and shipping industry. Large cargo ships produce a lot of noxious gas and air pollutants. Eco Marine Power (EMP) along with international partners are currently working on a system for large cargo ships to use both wind and solar panels to reduce emissions as well as reduce the cost fuel.

Their hybrid solution Aquarius System utilizes both wind and large rigid sails placed strategically on each ship. The rigid sails have solar panels attached to them and can reduce the cost of oil based fuel for the owners of shipping companies. For business owners it's all about ROI and Eco Power Marine says owners will be happy with their investment.

Smaller vessels such as tourist boats, ferries and coastal freighters will be able to take advantage of the Aquarius System also. Many of the components of this system are also recyclable.

More at Eco Marine Power.

Here is Eco Marine's Tonbo Solar Electric Vessel:

Solar Panels Used to Clean Toxic Sites

America's Environmental Protection Agency has developed strategies to clean up various toxic waste sites around the country. They plan on utilizing green technologies such as biomass, geothermal, wind and of course solar power to extract toxic waste and waste water from these sites.

The EPA calls these poisonous sites "Superfund" sites. The Superfund program was developed by the EPA to clean up unsupervised and out of control toxic waste sites. These sites exist all around the country and can over time be a threat to surrounding communities.

One such site is  the Davis California based Frontier Fertilizer site. The Frontier Fertilizer company dumped pesticides and herbicides into this site between 1982 and '87. Over the years rain, sun and the elements have caused erosion of this area to the point where contaminated groundwater is moving north of the site. There haven't been any reports of contaminated well water as of yet but obviously this could happen over time and cleanup is in order.

The EPA as chosen to use 300 solar panels to provide the electricity needed to extract the contaminated groundwater. By using solar technology the clean up process effort is reduced to 30 years from 150 years.

An additional heating technology will bake the contaminated area causing the groundwater to boil and then be extracted to wells where the gases and liquids will be treated.

More info on this toxic site clean up in Davis Calif at the Sacramento Bee.

Do you have a Superfund toxic site in your area you want the EPA to focus on?

Here's the National Priority List of Superfund sites that will be targeted for clean up:

National Priority Toxic Sites

Jobs In Solar: EXPERIENCED SOLAR INSTALLER (Maryland)

Date: 2011-02-22, 2:41AM EST
Reply to: job-cjhja-2227786671@craigslist.org

SUNGEVITY, the solar home specialist, seeks to hire an experienced solar contractor to oversee installations completed by our Preferred Installer Network. This full time position will certify that all installations are completed to established standards. The role will combine office-based analysis of all jobs prior to allocation to a Preferred Installer, technical project management, and quality assurance inspections.

THIS POSITION IS ONLY FOR EXPERIENCED SOLAR PV TECHNICIANS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE MARYLAND HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LICENSE

Responsibilities

•Technical review of all projects with design and other departments.
•Quality assurance visits to document installations.
•Establish and maintain installation standards and expectations.
•Site evaluation protocols and data delivery training for contractors.
•Site visits and design layout as needed to convert sales.
•Maintain strong working relationships and resolve issues that arise with contractors in a timely and responsible manner.

Skills

•2 or more years as lead PV installer with thorough knowledge of electrical and structural problems and solutions.
•Understanding of and/or experience with PV system design.
•Familiarity with drafting programs such as SketchUp or AutoCAD.
•Comfortable with spreadsheets; punctual data processing.
•Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
•Good public presence with customers, contractors, tradeshows, etc.
•NABCEP Certification and/or project management experience.
•Motivated self-starter; willing/able to work with minimal supervision.

Compensation: DOE

America's Landfills Going Solar!

All that junk that brought to the "dump" is now going to become the foundation for states to generate some of the renewable energy that's mandated by law. It's becoming all the rage to start to think of closed or capped landfills as a way to get green energy credits for state lawmakers. Landfills or "brownfields" that have been closed down or "capped" are prime targets for solar panel installations.

The great state of Massachusetts specifically Canton Mass. has come up with a plan to install 24,000 solar panels on top of their capped landfill. The capped landfill will now become a solar array producing clean electricity for the residents of Canton. The town will also start collecting property taxes on the improved landfill. Town officials hope a combination of property taxes and energy savings will result in revenues approaching $70 million dollars over a 25 year period.

Boston based Southern Sky Renewable Energy has been selected to install the thousands of panels needed to complete the array. By 2012 the array will be producing 5.6 Megawatts of green power. The town is hoping construction of the array will begin sometime in late spring.

NSTAR, the largest investor owned gas and electric utility in Massachusetts will be buying some of that green energy also. By 2020 Mass. utilities have to purchase 25% of their energy from renewable sources.

Landfills that have been turned into green energy producing solar arrays are already operational in several states across America. Axio Power Inc. is a solar company that has already started building a solar array on another capped landfill in Greenfield Massachusetts. They've developed one in Colorado and will create more green energy producing landfill arrays in California and Hawaii as well.

More at the Boston Globe online.

Solar Power News Briefs for Feb. 20th 2011

New Technology Will Increase Solar Cell Output and Reduce The Cost of Panels

*  Santa Barbara CA based solar technology company Hypersolar has announced that it's developing a thin and flat solar concentrator that will be placed on top of solar cells on solar panels and will increase the output of these cells. Manufacturers can then produce panels with few cells lowering the total cost to the consumer.

More about this upgrade in solar technology at Green Building Elements.


Nevada Energy is Meeting and Exceeding the State Mandate for Green Energy Use

*  Tom Fair, Nevada Energy's V.P. of  renewable energy says the utility is at 12% green energy use and transmission for it's customers. The state of Nevada mandates increasingly higher amounts of energy be obtained by utilities from green resources. . Nevada Energy predicts it'll be transmitting 15% green energy by the end of 2011. The problem with a Nevada and a lot of  states that want to use more green energy is lack of available transmission lines.

Nevada is also focusing on selling their renewable energy to next door neighbor California. California itself has a mandate hanging over the Golden State that dictates by 2020 33% of energy use must be renewable. But, once again, the big problem of how to get the energy there is up for discussion and development.

Details at Las Vegas Review-Journal.


Prescott Arizona Couple Taken Advantage of by Unethical Solar Panel Installer

*  Homeowners Cooper and Barber say they researched local solar panel installers and checked referrals. Unfortunately, after doing their due diligence they still got ripped off by an unscrupulous panel installer. They didn't quite check carefully enough or they would've discovered the open complaints against the company they hired that left them high and dry after paying them thousands of dollars.

There are plenty of honest ethical talented solar installation companies out there but checking with law enforcement and your state can alert you to the complaints that have been filed and are still open. Referrals are great but hidden complaints may help you better decide whether you should hire a particular solar contractor to install your system.

The gory story at the Prescott Daily Courier.

Jobs In Solar: Construction Sales (Hyattsville, MD)

Date: 2011-02-14, 1:23PM EST
Reply to: job-gwxwn-2214134205@craigslist.org

Construction Sales - Green Building Home Improvement, Solar Hot Air.
This is a sales position in an environmentally friendly MD and DC Home Improvement company. Green Home was an industry leader when we started in 2006 .
Members: Green America Business Network; NAHB Certified Green Builders; EPA lead safe certified firm;

Persons with background in environmental issues, and a passion for 21st century Green Building, are needed to fill this position. Base salary plus commissions. Benefits include paid time off and 1 week vacation.
The right candidate is some one who can meet and greet and establish contacts with customers and “gateway” personnel such as architects and local government, community leaders, and organization officials.

Must be self starter and productive. Own vehicle a must. Some Saturdays and evening hours a must.
Applicants with experience in construction sales only. MD and DC Sales License required.

Originate, contact, and develop sales leads; provide cost estimates based on job specs; present proposed contract to customer; follow up with estimates and customers.
Applicants proficient in working with Home Tech estimating software preferred.

Office near Hyattsville, MD; geographic market in Greater Washington DC Metro area
( Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel, Prince George's Counties, and Washington DC)

email resume to brian@greenhomellc.biz
employment references, criminal background check, and credit check required.

Location: Hyattsville, MD
Compensation: Salary plus commission

Know The Details Before Purchasing Solar Panels

Solar Panel Prices - Details You Have To Know Before Purchasing Solar Panels
By Adam Mack

Why break your budget paying the bills for normal electrical power if clean, environment friendly (and totally free) energy could be your own by using a basic solar set-up, right on your individual rooftop or someplace else on your own home? And thankfully, this product would not cost significantly; solar has been most typical on high end households before, but is not any longer.

How could I learn all this? A little while back, I'd been getting curious about solar energy as well as was working at internet queries for the minimum solar panel prices for each watt and I found out about the truth that although it was pretty brand new to myself, there have been a few who had already "experienced the light" and already commenced by using a definitely incredible remedy that enables them build their own personal household power supply by means of solar technology, with hardly any hard work. Looking at this all just a little further, I additionally found that it is possible with buying several daily supplies, at a price which is achievable even if you're with limited funds. The good news is, latest results inside the solar power industry have presented us all a strategy that offers a simple way to utilize on the sun's cost-free power supply for us and our own family members, always.

Solar panels offer an efficient life expectancy of twenty to two-and-a-half decades, and their particular power level and value outcome progressively lessen over the period. Thus you'll realize that a solar cell kept in storage is often more useful to you when compared with the one that may be changing sunshine to electric power for a lengthy moment of time.

The simplest way to compare and contrast the quality of 2 solar cells is actually computing the dollars/watt proportion. Presently, your very best package on solar cells is around $4.30 for each watt. A fifty watt solar panel can cost you about $215. Start using these statistics like a manual whenever you're getting your evaluations of solar panel prices.

As you're doing your purchasing choices, you'll need to see whether you will need modern, smaller sized panels, which may be more costly. Should you have ample installation spot for the solar panel, you may be able to utilize earlier products that will be cheaper since it supply you with a less expensive dollar/watt amount.

You may also conserve a lot of cash on your solar panel choice by utilizing discarded solar cells. Discarded solar cells are just those damaged while in construction, and solar cell makers generally offer them quite inexpensively. You'll have to solder them collectively yourself, nevertheless the benefit is that you could produce electrical power at fees less than $3 every watt. When you have soldering knowledge, you can definitely find this as an extremely attractive selection.

If you are just serious concerning the cheapest solar panel prices for every watt, consider a moment to have evidence this is perhaps all genuine - using this process, you'll have an unlimited cost-free source of electrical energy, and this is the attractive element of it - the power firm will not be needed for your own family's electric power needs. Another good thing about this - a standard practice would be to even earn money from any local utility corporation for all those excessive electrical energy that you create. There is an additional element to this which I wish to call for your awareness - through the use of green energy you are able to aid in reducing polluting of the environment and build an improved habitat today and for generations ahead.

To find out exactly how I did solar panel prices, visit my website about residential solar power.

How to Live Off The Grid Using Solar Power

Updated Method of Reporting Solar Data

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method of presenting solar data to make available to federal policy makers and the public that will allow for easier understanding of the amount of solar radiation in a given area. The method is called "GIS" or geographic information system format.

The method calculates the amount of solar radiation on the earth's surface in a specific area. By using this data it can become easier to understand the potential amount of solar electricity that can be used in the targeted area in a month. Researches hope that by making this raw data easier to understand for the average person that better decisions will be made regarding energy policies as well as helping homeowners.

More at Science Daily.

Jobs In Solar: Regional Director (Newark )

Date: 2011-02-08, 5:56PM EST
Reply to: see below




Job Description

The Regional Director of Operations will manage operations as we expand into in the North East. This position reports to the Vice President of Operations and requires managing a network of sub-contractors as well as employees that include field engineers and project managers. SolarCity will provide full marketing and sales support, operations and back office support and installation materials—freeing the Regional Director to focus solely on managing a steady supply of solar installations in the region.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial and residential solar installations in the state.
• Oversee network of local Authorized SolarCity Installers sub-contracted to install solar systems.
• Ensure all solar systems are installed according to SolarCity quality standards.
• Ensure the company maintains a positive customer relationship, resolving concerns and complaints while providing excellent customer service.
• Administrate contractor payments and coordinate material deliveries.
• Serve as a liaison between customers and California-based support departments and evaluate customer needs, product and services recommendations.
• A good balance of entrepreneurship and ability to follow established processes.

Required Skills/Experience

• Must have a BS or BA degree.
• Must have at least 5 years of management experience with 4 years in the construction industry.
• Extensive experience supervising, motivating, and managing subcontractors.
• Strong leadership skills – ability to organize, utilize and motivate team members to meet goals.
• World class communication skills.
• Must have strong computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Must be able to work with business partners through the design, engineering and final installation of residential and commercial solar electric systems.
• Must be willing to travel within the state to train and develop the team and oversee operations.
• Must be a strong leader, creative, possessing strategic planning skills.
• Confident personality with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of NEC Code, Universal Building Code and building materials.
• Experience working with city/county permitting offices and inspectors.
• Experience in solar or clean energy company is a big plus.
• Must have CURRENT AND ACTIVE CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE and willingness to transfer the contractor’s license to SolarCity (as RME) for the duration of employment.

About SolarCity:

Are you interested in entering the clean tech/green energy space? It’s immensely rewarding, because we’re changing the world one rooftop at a time! SolarCity® is one of the fastest growing and exciting consumer brands in the nation. We’re a national leader in solar power system and energy efficiency design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services. SolarCity was founded with the mission to help millions of homeowners and businesses adopt solar power, protect themselves from rising electricity costs and protect their environment from polluting power sources. The company’s first-of-its-kind SolarLease® offering makes it possible for homeowners to switch to clean, solar power for typically less money than they currently pay for electricity. SolarCity recently launched a portfolio of energy efficiency offerings alongside of its solar products. SolarCity’s employees currently serve more than 10,000 customers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Oregon, Texas and Washington D.C.

SolarCity is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. As a condition of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug screen.

TO APPLY: Please apply via our website at: http://solarcity.com/hr/displayjob.aspx?id=319&location=31

• Location: Newark

Department of Energy Using "SunShot" to Promote Solar Projects

The DOE or Department of Energy is ready to dole out $27 million dollars to solar power projects and solar companies. The "Sunshot" program will give grants to solar companies that are manufacturing specific technologies like Mass. based Varian Semiconductor. Varian Semiconductor manufactures interdigitated back contact cells which are thought to be among the most efficient in the industry. Varian will receive $4.8 million to reduce the cost of manufacturing those cells.

Companies producing thin and flexible film cells are going to get SunShot financial assistance to the tune of $7 million. An additional $7 million will go to solar start up companies who research and develop thin crystal silicon wafers also.

The DOE has invested $1 billion dollars in the last 10 years in solar power technological advancements.

More details at EarthTechling

Get Multiple Estimates When Hiring Solar Companies

San Diego North County Times has a cautionary tale type of article about the importance of getting estimates before deciding on a solar installation company. The consumer featured in the article paid more for his installation than he should have because of high pressure sales tactics and not getting enough estimates on his part.

Be sure to get at least three estimates before hiring a company to put in a solar panel system. The biggest complaints from consumers include bad workmanship and inadequate paperwork. In California where most solar installations are done in the U.S., the majority of solar installation companies are ethical and offer competitive rates. There are a small percentage of bad apples and those are the companies who can rip you off as a consumer causing you to pay higher than normal prices or deal with bad installations.

There are watchdog organizations in each states and websites consumers can visit to learn as much as you can before soliciting estimates from installation companies.

Consumer watchdog article at North County Times.

Solar Energy Industries Association site has a database of solar installation companies that can be searched state by state at SEIA.

California residents should also check out the info and solar company database at California Solar Statistics.

Jobs In Solar: Electrical Solar Foremen/Journeymen (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Date: 2011-02-03, 12:06PM PST

Reply to: job-bns3j-2195555281@craigslist.org

Needed Immediately! Electrical Solar Foremen/Journeymen


Applicant Requirements for Consideration:

• JW License

• Minimum 8 years Commercial Electrical experience

• Commercial Solar experience

Qualified applicants respond via email with resume.

•Location: Greater Los Angeles Area

EPA's Top 50 National Organizations Using Green Power

Flash Steam Geothermal Plant

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is partnering with some of America's top companies, colleges and local governments to encourage the purchasing of green power certificates, on-site renewable power generation and utility green power products.

These organizations are ranked by the amount of green power Killowatt-hours (biomass, biogas, geothermal, solar, wind, etc) they have purchased and all together the top 50 have purchased 13.5 billion Killowatt-hours. You might be surprised to find out that computer chip maker Intel is ranked number one on the latest list.

Check out the Top 50 Green Power Users at the EPA.

U.S. Marines Using Renewable Energy to Improve Efficiency and Save Lives

1st Battalion 7th Marines

The Office of Naval Research along with elements of the U.S. Marine Corps have been testing and using renewable energy strategies to improve operational efficiency on bases in Afghanistan. The goal is to reduce the effort and energy that has to be used to move equipment from place to place. By using energy saving systems Marines won't have to do as many resupply runs that put them at risk.

Afghanistan based 3rd Battalion 5th Marines have been experimenting with and successfully using Solar Portable Alternative Communications Energy Systems LED Lighting Systems or SPACES. The Marines were made aware of the strengths and limitations of the renewable energy technologies currently being used at Forward Operating Bases/FOB.

By deploying SPACES which is a lightweight solar panel system, the Marines could do extended patrols away from their base without having to risk their lives to do resupply runs to get more batteries. The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines ran two patrol bases using renewable energy.

In addition, a 300-Watt solar powered generator allowed the Marines to reduce fuel consumption from 25 gallons a day to just 2 or 3 gallons.

Many of the younger Marines have grown up hearing, reading and knowing about the benefits of using solar power and other renewable energies. As a result it's easier to train these young warriors to use these methods to become more efficient and as a result, reduce the risk of injury and death.

Solar power applications aren't the only renewables being used out on these bases. Marines put a call out for vendors who supply water purification and energy-efficient shelters also.

Marine Corp officials have evaluated the efforts in Afghanistan to reduce energy use and to become more efficient and have labeled the effort "remarkable."

###

No doubt many more experiments will be done using renewable technologies and methods that will ultimately improve the conditions for our military and reduce injury and death. Talking heads on TV who call solar power a fad (and they still do) have no clue that energy and more importantly-lives are being saved using these new technologies or "Fads"

Semper Fi.


More at Environmental Protection.

Home Made Solar Death Ray!

This homemade "Death Ray" is a fiberglass satellite dish covered with approximately 5,800 mirrored tiles. Inventor Eric Jacqmain claims the Death Ray produces laser like spot the size of a dime that has the power of 5,000 suns! Eric named it the R5800.

In this video he focuses the Death Ray on concreate, a rock, water filled glass tube, etc. - everything heats up and flames out:





Ironically, Eric's Death Ray with the power of 5000 suns was destroyed in a burning shed in December of 2010.