Jobs In Solar: IN HOME SALES (SOLAR)-(Maricopa County AZ)

Date: 2011-03-31, 12:13PM MST
Reply to: job-qthgw-2297629077@craigslist.org




READ THIS THOROUGHLY AND CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS (602-329-1388).

Experienced salespeople wanted for our fast growing solar energy business in Tempe, Arizona.

We give you the leads -- you make the presentations in the customer's home. (M-Th 5-9pm; Sat.9-3pm)

100% commission - $1,000 per sale (our salespeople earn $6,000 - $14,000 per month).

UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITY FOR THE EXPERIENCED, COMMITTED SALESPERSON (we are expanding
nationally and our best salespeople can choose where they want to work -- and even have
management opportunities).

You must:

1. Absolutely love sales (you KNOW if your'e a true salesperson - if you don't, this job is likely not for you -- sorry);

2. Not be afraid of people (our best salespeople who make six figures get rejected 2 out of every 3 times);

3. Believe in America's transition into solar energy (the time for solar has finally arrived and it will stay);

4. Look presentable and be able to communicate well with people;

5. Have reliable transportation (daily travel to leads).

6. PREFER A SMILE OVER A SCOWL!

You don't cold call!!!!! You are given pre-screened leads on a daily basis. Appointments are set after 5:00 p.m.

Come to our office at 1625 West University Drive, Suite 117, Tempe, AZ 85281 on Monday @ 4:00 p.m.

3-day Training (NOT PAID) Tuesday thru Thursday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) - you will go out on a few "ride alongs" in the evenings.

Our solar products pay for themselves through energy savings and current incentives (tax credits & utility rebates)

so you don't ask for money!!! Your job basically is to educate customers that their monthly utility bill can continue

going to the "grid" or toward reducing their bill and saving America from its dependence on foreign oil.

If you're the right person, you can be making $6,000 to $14,000 per month right away.

RSVP for the Monday meeting. (602-329-1388). See u there!

Location: Maricopa County Arizona
Compensation: 100% Commission / $1000 per sale

America's Next Top Energy Innovator Challenge

Argonne National Laboratory

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator Challenge" will be starting Monday May 2nd 2011. This challenge will allow America's start-up companies to license groundbreaking technologies developed by the National Laboratories for $1000 and create successful businesses based on these ideas.

To make creating these business easier, the DOE is reducing the cost and paperwork requirements to get an option agreement to license some of the 15,000 patents and patent applications held by our national laboratories. 

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators are the best in the world," said Secretary Chu. "Today, we're challenging them to create new businesses based on discoveries made by our world-leading national laboratories. Because we've cut the upfront fees and reduced the paperwork, we'll make it easier for start-up companies to succeed and create the new jobs our economy needs. Our goal is simple: unleash America's innovation machine and win the global race for the clean energy jobs of the future."

As of now only 10% of national patents have been licensed. Companies who are interested in licensing a patent have up to December 15th to choose the technology they're interested in licensing and present a business plan to the laboratory who is the patent holder.

From May 2nd to December 15 2011 the DOE is reducing the cost of licensing a patent to an upfront fee of $1000 for a portfolio of three patents. Start-ups who want to participate in this challenge are saving between $10,000 and $50,000 in fees.

Companies who take up the challenge and present their progress toward executing their proposed business plan and commercialization of  their chosen technology will have the chance to be showcased at the 3rd Annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in 2012.

Here's a list of the Solar Photovoltaic Technology Marketing Summaries. This is high tech stuff for tech minded business people who are true believers and are interested in possibly licensing one or more of these technologies:

Solar Photovoltaic Technology Marketing Summaries.

Here's a list of National Laboratories who are the holders of the patents and patent applications:

America's National Laboratories and Technology Centers.

Here is the DOE's Energy Innovation Portal.

NASA Planning Solar and Wind Power at Wallops Flight Facility

NASA has developed a proposal to install approximately 80 acres of solar panels and two 2.4 kilowatt wind turbines on the grounds of their Wallops Flight Facility. The panels would would be able to generate 10 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity and be located on the main base.

The 2 wind turbines will be located near the NASA visitor center and the security guard station at the entrance to Wallops Island located on Wallops Island Virginia.

By installing both systems NASA is meeting requirements proposed by the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Act and various executive orders. Wallops Flight Facility must deal with rising energy bills that come about from increasing scientific research and commercial aeronautical projects. They will also be able to use the panels and turbines as the focus of educating the public regarding the benefits of renewable energy.

Both the solar panel array and the wind turbines will eventually produce the same amount of energy it would take to power 850 American homes. It will take time and a lot of money to start, grow and eventually finish the build out of the entire project.

Wallops Flight Facility is primarily a rocket launch site operated by Goddard Space Flight Center. It's also one of NASA's premier research and exploration centers for extensive study of Aeronautics technologies.

Learn More at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility site.

Jobs In Solar: Sales Job at Solar Install Company (Old Greenwich, CT )

Date: 2011-03-25, 12:07PM EDT
Reply to: job-pzszy-2285706245@craigslist.org

Job Description:
Seeking candidate for commission-based sales position at clean energy design and integration company Sound Solar Systems in Old Greenwich, CT. This is a rapidly growing field with a potential for attractive commissions that could grow substantially in the future.

Duties:
-Make contact with potential clients over the phone and in person
-Take leads generated by the company and meet clients at their properties
-Create proposals from standard templates and present them to identified clients
-Manage sales process and take clients from proposal to contract signing and down-payment

Qualifications:
-Ability to make contact with and get in front of people and make our product relevant
-Skill at operating with high sense of urgency with a passion for sales and influencing people
-Highly motivated self-starter who can work independently
-Ability and experience in closing sales and getting contracts signed
-Skilled in making presentations over the phone and in person
-Proficient in Microsoft Office

Requirements:
-Must have car and valid driver's license
-Strong follow-up skills
-2 or more years prior sales experience preferred
-Proven track record of sales success
-Ability to operate effectively in an evolving business and industry
-Excellent communication and people skills

Location: Old Greenwich, CT
Compensation: Commission

Chinese Building Pebble Bed Nuclear Reactors

Pebble-Bed Nuclear Reactors aren't new-Germany built one in the 60's and South Africa tried to develop their own but recently had to give up because they ran out of money. China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and is looking to this type of nuclear reactor to replace coal and fossil fuels if things go as planned. They plan to build at least 50 nuclear reactors, most of which will be the traditional type. But, if these new pebble-bed nuclear reactors perform well they will eventually look to add more.

The Chinese version of the Pebble-bed nuclear reactor will consist of hundreds of thousands of graphite covered tennis ball-sized "fuel elements" or pebbles unlike the Japanese nuclear reactors that use fuel rods packed with 400 pounds of uranium. The protective graphite coating slows or moderates the pace of nuclear reactions. If the nuclear plant had to shut down because of an emergency, the graphite covered fuel elements would slow down on their own and not lead to a melt down. The reactors are cooled not by water as in Japan, but by non-explosive helium gas.

Greenpeace has objections to this alternative type of nuclear reactor saying that because the fuel elements are covered in graphite they will produce more nuclear waste that will require disposal. The Chinese at the onset plan to dispose of the used fuel pebbles in an area at each plant. Eventually bringing them to disposal sites near the reactors. Each pebble-bed reactor had to be located at least 30 miles from any city.

A little shaken by the Japan's 9.0 earthquake and terrible nuclear reactor problems they're currently dealing with, the Chinese have decided to go ahead with their plans. They've laid the foundations for the plants and will soon be pouring concrete. It will be at least 4 years before the pebble-bed nuclear plants are operational.

More about the Chinese Pebble-Bed Nuclear Reactors at CNBC.

Jobs In Solar: PV System Designer (Irvine CA)

Date: 2011-03-23, 11:40AM PDT
Reply to: see below

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

The PV System Designer completes designs for solar photovoltaic systems following engineering department policy under the guidance of other members of the engineering department.

Responsibilities Include:
Perform engineering site visits, and coordinate other team members to perform engineering site visits;
Research local and national code requirements in project jurisdictions;
Develop detailed drawings of system components for construction and installation;
Draft system plans;
Create project bills of material;
Coordinate project design reviews;
Assist in documenting and developing industry best practices, standards and guidelines;
Complete electrical and structural designs for photovoltaic projects;
Delegate project completion tasks to other engineering team members;
Oversee preparation of documentation for construction teams;
Utilize software systems to record progress of various tasks;
Demonstrate ethics and professionalism at all times.

Requirements:
Proficiency in drafting and AutoCAD Software;
High attention to detail;
Willingness to travel as required;
Knowledge of construction techniques;
Effective written and oral communications skills;
Think critically and able to solve problems;
Good judgment and analytical skills;
Organizational skills;
Customer service skills;
Excellent computing skills, including MS applications;
Experience with designing and / or constructing solar electric systems preferred;
Bachelors degree in an engineering related field preferred
Knowledge of the National Electric Code preferred;
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals;
Use standard office equipment such as personal computer, laser printer, copy machine, telephone, calculator, fax machine, etc
PV Design experience a plus.

We offer an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to reward you for your hard work and performance. Our benefits include competitive base pay, paid time off, health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision and 401K.

At REC Solar we consider the environmental impact of our business decisions whenever possible. To minimize paper waste, we request that all candidates send resumes via our website. PV System Designer http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RECSOLAR&cws=1&rid=884

Location: Irvine, California
Compensation: DOE

Andrea Rossi Cold Fusion Generator

Andrea Rossi demonstrating heat generating device

Italian inventor Andrea A. Rossi was a guest on a radio show recently explaining his invention called the Rossi Cold Fusion Generator or Rossi Catalyzer. The device Rossi claims can produce 10 kilowatts of heat power while consuming a fraction of that power. At its peak it can produce 15,000 watts and only 400 watts of input power is needed to run it. It's a nickel-hydrogen fusion reactor that Rossi claims produces heat power that's safe and very economical.

It runs by combining micro-sized particles of nickel with hydrogen gas in a reactor with an undisclosed catalyst. The mix is heated to approximately 500 degrees Celsius causing nuclear reactions to happen. The strength of the reaction is controlled by changing the pressure of the hydrogen in the reactor. Mr. Rossi says the output of this device can produce 400 times the input energy. No radioactive materials are placed in the reactor and when the reactor is turned off no radiation can be detected.

His team is producing a plant that will produce 1 Megawatt of heat power and it's composed of 125 modules. These plants will be commercially available and are relatively easy to operate. The reactor is turned on and off by using a simple switch. Refueling is done every 6 months by one of his dealers. Life expectancy for the generator is 20 years.

He said he has had one of the reactors running continuously for two years and it's providing heat for a factory. It has reduced the factory's energy bill by 90% he claims.
The 60 year old Mr. Rossi has sold his companies to self-fund this project so he car remain independent without having to answer to investors or modify the project to appease outside sources of funding. He is a Doctor of Science and Engineering from the University of Milan and has had an interest in alternative energy for many years. He emigrated to the United States, and a year later founded Leonardo Technologies Incorporated in Bedford, New Hampshire in 1996.

This info is part of a wiki regarding Mr. Rossi and his generator. Many more details are available on this site and Mr. Rossi's sites. Any new information regarding inventions must be scrutinized and proven over time so it'll be interesting to see what happens in the case of Mr. Rossi's thermal reactor plant if and when it become commercially available.

The wiki for the Rossi Cold Fusion Generator.

Mr. Rossi's Leonardo Corporation site.

KB Home Offering Solar Panels as Standard Feature

Well known home builder KB Home is building 10 residential developments throughout Southern California that will feature solar panels as a standard feature. Each home will have 6 solar panels with the option of upgrading to a larger 14 panel rooftop installation. KB home is testing the market in the Southern California because of abundant sunshine and the popularity of solar power statewide.

Homes that are 1,800 to 2,000 sq. feet will generate almost a third of their power with the standard 6 panels but if buyers upgrade to the maximum 14 panel installation they could be cutting their energy bills to zero.The panel systems are built by Sun Power Corporation.

The popular Los Angeles based home builder is testing the market to see if buyers are ready to pay more upfront in exchange for long-term savings on energy bills. If the 10 developments in California are a success the company will consider offering solar powered homes in other states as well.

For the development locations check out the Los Angeles Times.

Florida Debuts Hybrid Natural Gas & Solar Power Plant

Florida Power & Light Company has debuted their first hybrid energy plant. The plant named Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center was a hybrid of natural gas and solar power. Florida Power installed a 75 MW solar plant to supply heat to it's steam turbine electric generators. The solar powered heat will boil the steam that's used to power the turbine generator.

The plant sports 190,000 solar thermal mirrors that will create the heat needed for boiling the steam. These mirrors are tracking mirrors that keep turning to face the sun and in doing so become much more efficient than rigid mirrors that face just one direction.

Interestingly, over a 150 Florida based businesses contributed to the building of the hybrid plant giving many the opportunity to work in the green jobs field.

It's estimated over the 30 year life of the plant that fuel costs will be reduced by $178 million dollars. On the green side it will prevent 275 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

More at Energy Digital.

Jobs In Solar: Green/Clean Tech Mergers & Acquisition Intermediary

Date: 2011-03-19, 12:53AM PDT
Reply to: job-fj4pd-2273759351@craigslist.org

The growing San Francisco Bay Area office of the world’s largest and oldest network of business sales and acquisition intermediaries is establishing a green/clean technologies M&A group within its existing operations. A mature individual having solid experience with such businesses and with mergers, acquisitions and business sale advisory services is being sought to develop the program for, and lead, this group.

Besides a leader we are also looking for additional team members to function as business brokers and M&A intermediaries within this group. While the group will function as clean tech M&A generalists, we are particularly interested in the solar industry and plan to further develop our international network to become a dominant specialist in solar business brokerage and M&A.

We typically do not deal with start-up or other early-stage businesses. Our primary focus is on facilitating the sales of established businesses that have some history of profitability. Our network has 250 offices worldwide, has been operating for more than 30 years, and has facilitated the ownership transfers of more than 40,000 small to medium-sized businesses of almost every type.

The positions we are offering are those of Independent Contractors and all compensation will be COMMISSION-ONLY. You will be expected to earn $100,000 to $200,000+ per year after your first full year, but there is no upside limit, no ceiling on your net earnings, which depend to a large extent on your own efforts and results as well as those of your team.

M&A intermediation and business brokerage is a complex, extended process with a long sales cycle, so a new business intermediary should be prepared to go 6 months or more before collecting that first commission check. This is not a job or career path for everyone but it is challenging, very interesting work that can be highly rewarding for the right person.

The positions currently being offered will draw upon the individual’s knowledge of, and experience within, green/clean tech businesses and require capabilities in sales, marketing, financial and operational analysis, negotiations, and financing strategy. The work requires persistence and a highly-organized approach. You must have high ethical and professional standards, be a confident, creative problem-solver, and a very effective networker.

Experience has revealed several indicators of individual success in M&A business advisory work:

Maturity - at least 20 years of business experience
Initiative - a well-organized, well-planned, self-starter
Creativity - development of solutions for complex business problems
Selling experience - prospecting for, qualifying and closing sales
Business ownership - past entrepreneurial and management experience, a plus
Education - college degree required, MBA, JD or CPA, a plus
Background - strategic or financial consulting (incl. M&A), or business management/ownership
Teamwork - ability to work well with team mates to solve complex problems

In summary, these M&A positions require a powerful integration of inter-personal, financial, and business strategy skills as well as an extensive network of relationships within green/clean tech industries. But, THE QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE SALESPERSON ARE THE MOST CRITICAL ONES FOR SUCCESS.

Even though while working with us you may never deal with real estate sales, the state of California requires that you possess a real estate license to market/sell “business opportunities” (A Real Estate Broker’s license is not necessary - a Sales Agent license is adequate). However, one can pursue this DRE license at the same time we provide basic training in our approach to business brokerage and M&A intermediation.

We are now in the initial stages of what is expected to be a substantial wave of green/clean tech industry-related business transfers in the U.S. and abroad as both new and established individuals and companies either seek further competitive, strategic advantages through acquisitions of other businesses or they exit from their businesses. The significant moves toward consolidation currently taking place within the growing solar industry is but one of many examples.

If you have a particular passion for, and experience in, green/clean tech industries, believe that you have the other important qualifications noted above, and you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please email us your resume with cover letter.

Compensation: $125,000+ (commission only)
Telecommuting is ok.
This is a contract job.
 

Jobs In Solar: Solar Installers (Philadelphia Area)

Date: 2011-03-17, 11:29AM EDT
Reply to: hr@uspowerco.org

TOP MONEY PAID TO TOP QUALITY PEOPLE!

US Power Co is growing! We are seeking NABCEP certified or IREC accredited installers.

Our customers rave about the great work our installers do and about how professional they are.
In addition to an outstanding work ethic you must be able to interact with our customers on a friendly and personal level.

We strive to provide service above our customers’ expectations.

If you feel you have what it takes to provide high quality work with a smile we want to talk with you.

We install PV Systems in Southeast Pennsylvania, South Jersey and in Northern Delaware.

> Company Truck provided for work use
> Competitive Weekly Salary
> Bonuses
> Medical and Dental benefits

You must have Solar PV experience and be able to perform work independently.
You must have a valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.
You also need to be able to drive to our Plymouth Meeting office to report for work daily.

Call (610) 945-1920
or email your resume with contact information to: hr@uspowerco.org

Location: Philadelphia Area
Compensation: Salary plus bonus

Dramatic Stories and Photos of Japan Quake Aftermath

For those interested, the British Daily Mail has this very dramatic page online. There are stories of children waiting in a classroom still waiting for their parents to pick them up. Nobody is allowed to say anything to them right now.

Heartbreaking photo of a mom who just discovered her daughter's body in a charred kindergarten school bus.

434,000 people are homeless and living in shelters in the freezing cold of a Japanese winter.

One professor thinks the death toll will reach at least 100,000.

After 5 days the mobile phones aren't working in some areas so people don't know if their relatives are alive or not.

Dramatic photos of just a few decimated areas.

More at The Daily Mail

Report Shows Continued Growth for Renewable Energy

Green energy analysis and advisory firm Clean Edge had released a report on the state of the major clean green energy technologies for 2011.

Ron Pernick co-founder of Clean Edge Inc predicted 10 years ago that solar power would grow to become a $23.5 billion dollar industry. Other industry analysts scoffed and predicted a probable $2.5 billion world solar industry. Ten years later statistics show the global solar power market had grown into a $71.2 billion industry!

In 2005 the global market for biofuels was $15.7 billion and just 5 years later this market hit $56 billion in sales.

The report also shows a slight decline for wind power equipment sales from $63.5 billion down to $60.5 in 2010. In fact 2010 wind power installations were reduced by half compared to 2009 installations. Experts say these technologies are subject to government funding cycles and in this case wind power is a little behind the other green technologies as far as sales growth goes.

Interestingly, one of their five key trends in the coming years is the rise of natural gas. Natural gas has it's proponents and will be a major player in the next few years according to clean tech analysts.

You can read the full report here at Clean Edge com.

Japan Emergency Coverage

The latest news is that the expected death toll from the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan is approximately 10,000 people. This number can go up or down in the coming days and weeks as authorities rescue survivors and count the missing. Let's not forget the pets also.

Here's a video that follows the earthquake, tsunami, wreckage, lost homes and businesses and of course thousands of people killed by tremendously powerful forces of nature.




Japanese solar power companies should be getting to the shelters and providing emergency solar powered electricity for the homeless survivors.

Because of the radiation threat it's thought that all Japanese products will have to be tested. Many grocery stores are empty as scared residents buy up all the supplies they can get their hands on. They want to do rotating blackouts to conserve power-those who bought solar power/crank radios/lights or generators can at least produce their own emergency lighting.

For those who want to donate money to help the survivors here's a list of charities taking donations. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are taking donations via text message.

The FBI is warning to beware of scammers who email and text you asking for donations - they take the money and run. Only donate to well known and accountable charities.

A list of charities taking donations is at the Boston Globe.

Solar Sister Program Helping to Eradicate Poverty

Solar Sister is a program similar to Avon where women entrepreneurs travel from business to business door to door in Africa selling small solar lights. There are many areas in Africa, especially rural Africa where the population uses kerosene to light their homes and work places. This program trains and equips African women with knowledge of how the solar lights work and the benefits the lamps can bring to each of their neighbors in their village. These Solar Sisters are trained to sell solar powered lamps and learn how to reinvest their profits in more inventory to create a sustainable business for themselves.

Solar Sister founder Katherine Lucey, a former investment banker, wanted to help women in rural areas of Africa where only 5% are connected to the grid. With the help and support of Exxonmobil she was able to get the funding and backing of  other philanthropists and entrepreneurs to start the much needed program. Similar to the philosophy of teaching a person how to fish instead of giving them a fish - this program teaches village women how to become business women for the first time in their lives. On a small level perhaps but for them it means the world to earn money for their kids schooling while at the same time bringing free energy to their neighbors.

She started with 10 woman in eastern Uganda and last year added 89 Solar Sisters in Rwanda and East Sudan. Lucey said she loves to see these women blossom into savvy business women. They use the lights themselves and speak to friends, family and shopkeepers with knowledge and enthusiasm about how the lights can improve their lives and replace having to buy kerosene. One woman came up with the idea to go out at night to sell them to show everyone just how effective the lights were. The women earn commissions from each sale and reinvest that money back into buying more inventory. They also can start spending money on the immediate needs of their families, something they couldn't afford to do before joining the Solar Sister program.

Here are a couple of Solar Sisters talking about the solar light distribution program:




The whole story can be read at the Solar Sister site.

Jobs In Solar: Events Coordinator (Sunnyvale CA)

Date: 2011-03-09, 9:01AM PST
Reply to: see below

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

The Events Coordinator will support the company’s efforts to maintain its position as the leader in solar electric installation. Responsible for supporting the sales & marketing organization by generating leads through coordinating & working events and through traditional and non-traditional marketing support.

Responsibilities:

•Represent REC Solar at local events & road shows which primarily occur on weekends. Responsibilities include, pre-event set-up, post event clean-up, educating customers, generating leads & contacts, event evaluation, and data entry.
•Generate leads through non-traditional marketing campaigns. Responsibilities include, foot canvassing, door to door sales, flyering, etc.
•Inventory and management of all events equipment.
•Attend weekly sales meetings and provide feedback on events.
•Support marketing initiatives for the specified area.

Requirements:

•High School Diploma or AA degree. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
•Enthusiastic and articulate speaker
•Outgoing personality that enjoys communicating with others
•Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
•Excellent Trade Show and lead generation capabilities
•Strong interpersonal skills, self-starter, ability to work with little supervision
•Must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, and have an acceptable driving record

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Standing during event participation is routinely required; bending and kneeling may be required for the operation of event equipment and/or marketing displays. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

We offer an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to reward you for your hard work and performance. Our benefits include competitive base pay, paid time off and health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision and 401K. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

At REC Solar we consider the environmental impact of our business decisions whenever possible. To minimize paper waste, we request that all candidates send resumes via our website. APPLY ONLINE at http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RECSOLAR&cws=1&rid=867

• Compensation: Doe

Taxes and Solar Installations

For those interested in the subject of depreciation for installed solar panel systems, check out this interesting article from BRIGHTSTAR Solar.

Depreciation Benefits for Commercial Solar Installations at BRIGHTSTAR Solar.

Researchers Using Laser Scribing to Improve Thin-Film Solar Cells

Microchannel created on thin-film by pulsing laser

Purdue University researchers are using an ultrafast pulsing laser to create tiny microchannels in thin-film solar cells to improve their efficiency. In order to connect solar panels into an array tiny channels need to be etched into the film as cleanly and accurately as possible. Until now a mechanical process of creating the channels using a stylus was the traditional way to etch these microchannels into the thin-film.

Purdue University researchers Shin and Gary Cheng have received a three-year $425,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to do a study of the feasibility of using the pulsing laser technique to create the microchannels.

They are finding that the mechanical stylus method of producing these channels is inefficient compared to the pulsing laser technique. The mechanical method produces channels which are less sharp and less well defined and as a result less efficient than the super high speed pulsing laser. The pulses from the laser are so fast that there is no heat damage done to the layers of the film. The lasers removes materials from each layer of film in super precise patterns in a process called "cold ablation." The researchers label this a "tricky" process as each layer of the film is extremely thin and easy to damage.

Using the pulsing laser produces  microchannels of precise depth and sharp edges helping to improve the efficiency of the thin-film solar cells. Efficiency leads to a reduced cost to manufacture the film and ultimately lowers the cost of installing solar panel systems for homeowners and businesses.

As of now thin-film solar makes up approximately 20% of the photovoltaic market but is expected to reach 31% by 2013. Thin-film solar is currently used for building facades, rooftop shingles and skylights where flexible materials are needed.

Details at Purdue University.

***  Photo Credit: Yung Shen -  Purdue University School of Mechanical Engineering. 

Green Energy Analyst Sees Solar Grid Parity in 5 Years

Clean tech research analyst Ahmar Zaman of Piper Jaffray & Co. is predicting solar power will be on parity with electricity in approximately 5 years. There are regions that already have reached parity such Hawaii and Italy where electricity is expensive and skies are sunny.

In 2007 an installed solar power system cost $8 to $11 per watt. In 2011 that cost has dropped to between $4 and $5 for residential systems. In areas where electricity is high and sunshine is plentiful solar power is already reaching parity. He also thinks over the years the cost of installations will come down to the point where subsidies won't be needed in a lot of areas.

Because Mr. Zaman is a  clean tech stock analyst he takes a world view when it comes to determining the how well the large solar companies will do years out. He considers not only how well solar power will do in America but also accesses it's performance in South America, Europe and Asia. Rural regions of the world will benefit greatly from from the various types of solar electricity available now and in the years to come.

Deserts of the world have the potential to produce so much solar electricity that entire countries and regions can be hooked up to the solar powered grid in the years to come. The problem of transmitting the solar powered electricity will be worked on resolved as always happens when research and development teams focus in on providing realistic solutions. Might be years out but it'll happen.

More details at The Wall St. Journal.

Jobs In Solar: 40005 Director or VP of Materials Planning and Procurement (Oakland CA-Downtown)

Date: 2011-03-04, 5:12PM PST
Reply to: job-hwpt5-2247767353@craigslist.org

40005 Director or VP of Materials Planning and Procurement

Solar Trust of America, LLC is an integrated solar industrial solutions company strategically positioned to support the critical need for renewable solar energy generation in the United States. Formed in 2009, Solar Trust is actively engaged in the southwestern U.S. in development and construction of utility-size solar thermal power plants that employ proven, highly efficient and commercially viable solar thermal technology. (Please visit www.SolarTrustofAmerica.com for additional information.) Solar Trust of America – Contracting (STAC) recently established a US office in Oakland, CA to provide engineering support for the fast growing portfolio of solar power projects throughout the southwestern United States. We are developing parabolic trough technology and providing, engineering, procurement and construction services for parabolic trough solar power plants.

Description:

Solar Trust of America – Contracting (STAC) has an immediate opening for an outstanding supply chain management leader to join as Director or VP of Materials Planning and Procurement leading all materials planning, inventory management, and procurement activities. This position, reporting to Vice President of Operations, is a critical position.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Rapid built-up of project procurement team
• Procurement of engineered equipment
• Define and implement QA/QC procedures with vendors and develop concept to execute inspections
• Creating an RFP process (request for proposal)
• Development and implementation of sourcing strategies to improve cost and quality performance
• Ongoing monitoring and management of the supply base to ensure on-time delivery of high quality products and systems to internal and external customers at the most competitive price
• Development and implementation of inventory reduction and supply chain velocity improvement action plans in support of improving company’s working capital performance
• Understanding of all in-direct expenditures and creating action plans to achieve efficiencies and savings
• Active management of all key planning parameters including min/max levels to ensure product availability without excessive inventory levels
• Leadership in development and deployment of world-class supply chain management policies and practices including a hands-on role in driving business process improvements
• Coaching and development of staff
• Working cross-functionally with other leaders in the organization in supporting their needs and achieving the expected results in the department.
• Negotiating contracts with vendors
• Expediting procured material and making sure it is shipped and received on time to the site
• Other duties as assigned
• Items to procure include but not limited to:
• Solar field equipment
• Mirrors
• Structural steel
• HTF (heat transfer fluid) Equipment
Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials planning and procurement; work experience in energy/or construction fields.
• Experience in procurement of engineered equipment within EPC environment
• Knowledge in QA/QC procedures, inspection test plans
• Experience in contracting within EPC environment
• In-depth understanding of best practices in materials planning and procurement including supplier management and improvement activities
• BS degree in engineering or business; APICS CPIM certification a plus
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to develop and lead both individuals and teams, preferably experience in leading leaders
• Proficient in standard office software tools such as MS Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Word
• Proficient in Document Control and Project Management systems like SKYRE and PRIMAVERA
• Must have experience operating in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Environment
• The position will require 10-15% travel

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing why this is a good fit, resume and salary requirements to: Recruiting@SolarTrustofAmerica.com

All documents submitted must be MS Word attachments and the file names must follow the following format with a subject line of “[Last Name, First]: 40005 Director or VP of Materials Planning and Procurement, Resume”. Resumes without salary requirements will not be considered. Please include where you heard about the job in your cover letter. No calls please.

Solar Trust of America is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Chevy Volt Has to Improve the Technology

NASCAR'S Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his opinion about Chevy's Volt hybrid electric car saying its a good product but still has to improve the technology regarding getting better mileage.

CNSNews asked him what he thought of the Volt and he said the safety technology for the batteries needs to improve so the charge lasts longer and the vehicle will deliver increased mileage. Still, for the current state of the technology he thinks the Volt is a "pretty good product."

Interview at CNSNews.com .

Researchers Develop Stretchable Solar Cells

Stanford University researcher Zhenan Bao and her team have developed stretchable solar cells that will power artificial electronic skin. The solar cells are stretchable and flexible which is what is needed to create the self powered "super skin" that she hopes will one day be used for applications such as robots, prosthetic limbs, vehicles, etc. These cells have been stretched multiple times and haven't lost their efficiency.

The rubbery super skin incorporates an organic transistor made of flexible polymers and carbon based biodegradable materials. By modifying the semiconductor materials they can adjust the sensors to detect a certain kind of DNA. Modification of the sensors will eventually allow them to detect diseases. The skin will also be able to detect chemical substances of a vapor or liquid nature. It's hypersensitive to the point it can detect the weight of a butterfly.

Development may allow the skin to make prosthetic limbs more flexible and sensitive to touch which would make having to use one more comfortable for war veterans or accident victims who have lost their limbs.

The stretchable and flexible solar cells that power the transistor will make the skin mobile and easier to use than hooking the skin up to batteries or plugged into the grid.

Possible applications for this new technology are incorporating the stretchy and flexible cells in clothes, robots, fabrics in general. The ability to apply these solar cells to round and irregular surfaces will allow them to be used car exteriors, buildings, and type of surface that could be used for solar power.

More details on this very interesting discovery at Stanford University News.

Here's CNN's take on the Super Skin: