National Solar Tour for Saturday October 1st 2011

ASES National Solar Tour will kick off Saturday October 1st and is the biggest grassroots solar event of it's kind. Hundreds of cities in 40 states across the U.S. will be participating from Alaska to Florida. A whopping 165,000 participants will be touring 5,500 solar powered buildings. They'll see first hand how the systems are integrated into these buildings and how they reduce the monthly energy bills.

Solar tourists will get an up close chance to see the latest green materials being used in remodeling, energy efficient appliances and recent green building designs.

This year the tour is being sponsored by Delta, Trina Solar, Enphase Energy and DME Inc.

Interested in doing a tour of your city? Here's the Solar Tour List of Participating Cities.

Here's one one of the participating solar homes located in Fort Collins CO:




Many more details at ASES National Solar Tour.

Privately Funded Solar Industry is Alive and Well

Sunburnt Back

If you listen to the various talking heads on the stocks networks you'd think that the solar power industry is dying and will soon be obsolete. The negativity around the Solyndra situation is motivating the anti-solar crowd to jump for joy and happily declare the end of solar powered technology.

Apparently these people received too many painful sunburns and harbor intense resentment against the sun and all sun-energy based businesses!

The facts reveal that the solar power industry is not only alive and well but thriving. Private investors are backing companies who have been around for years and have the knowledge, skill and business acumen to be as successful as they want to be.

A new report by Fox News provides clarity on this subject. Seasoned and successful solar companies are out there everyday helping businesses and homeowners reduce their energy costs and improve their bottom line.

Recurrent Energy CEO Arno Harris is letting the public know that solar power is "Booming." Not merely doing OK or just barely getting by but Booming! He says the popularity is based on the prices coming down.

Basic economics 101. As time goes on, technology improves bringing down the cost of production which leads to cheaper prices and more demand. Consumers are able to enjoy the benefits of solar panels, home water heaters, pool heaters, solar air conditioners, solar attic fans, solar gadgets, etc.

The Fox News report shows the solar industry has had an explosion in growth. The market doubled last year and is in the process of doubling this year as well. New solar power energy is now cheaper to produce than new nuclear energy or a new coal-fired plant.

Every industry has to shake out the negative entities as it goes forward. Solyndra is gone, this one is gone , that one is gone-so what?. The solar power industry is stronger when the weak links are eliminated. Solar power technology will continue to develop and become more efficient to the point where the anti-solar feebs will be sitting in their solar heated pools and washing their designer threads using their solar water heaters.

Smart solar companies adapt to changing commodities costs and changing market conditions. The solar industry is thriving and is here to stay. 

Reality check at Fox News.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Installer (Somerville, MA)

Date: 2011-09-27, 10:58AM EDT
Reply to: job-byhwj-2619896757@craigslist.org

Solar Installer at SunBug Solar

SunBug Solar is a solar energy company based in Somerville, MA that designs and installs solar power systems for residential, commercial and educational clients. We offer turnkey service, including rebate processing, permitting, financing, and commissioning and ongoing customer support.

We are looking for a full time solar installer. The ideal candidate is responsive, reliable & resourceful, with construction experiences. Comfort with tools, ladders and roofs is essential. Electrical experience, &plumbing experience is a plus but not mandatory. The job also includes customer interaction -- fostering a healthy customer relationship is important.

The position is hourly. The job includes loading & unloading materials form our warehouse & stockroom in Cambridge MA in preparation for jobs, so the ideal candidate lives close to Cambridge/Somerville.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Trouble shooting solar electric and solar thermal arrays

• Site evaluations

• Technical support of sales team as needed

• Installation of our SunWatch Monitor, an Internet based energy monitoring device

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have construction experience and must be comfortable with ladders, roofs & safety equipment.

COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience.

SunBug Solar is an equal opportunity employer. The Office Administrator will support diversity and inclusion in the workplace and interacting in a way that is free from discrimination and intolerance.

Submit resume and cover letter-- subject line "Solar Installer".

Location: Somerville, MA
Compensation: COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience.

Solar Powered Lights Instead of Candles

When a power outage occurs and you've run out of candles take a couple of steps outside and bring in your solar powered lights. We did this recently when the electricity was off and found that the little solar powered light tops were just as effective as candles for lighting up selected areas.

You can get these lights online or at any store that has a home and garden section such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot and the really small versions at dollar stores.

These lights come in various sizes and are inexpensive. They last for hours, no fumes to deal with and of course there's no fire threat.

Jobs In Solar: Electrical Engineer - Bachelors Deg in EE Req (Sarasota FL)

Date: 2011-09-22, 12:03PM EDT
Reply to: job-xqdpv-2589594881@craigslist.org

Job Title: Electrical Engineer
Salary / Package: DOE
Industry: Engineering
Location: Florida
Town / City: Sarasota
Job Type: Permanent full-time
Job description:
We need an EE with experience in Solar.

Design build firm with very strong presence in energy management and water
conservation that also provides contract services to large clients.

Electrical Engineer, P.E. Experience in Solar, Cogeneration, Industrial
applications.

Relocation Yes
Qualifications required:
1. Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
2. PE
3. Experience in Solar, Cogeneration, Industrial Applications

Location: Sarasota, FL
Compensation: DOE

Turn Recycled Soda Bottles Into Solar Lights

In rural areas of the Philippines where money is scarce and electricity is ifffy, they've come up with novel way to light up their living spaces.

They've found a way to create lighted areas by opening up recycled plastic soda bottles, adding water and a little chlorine. The result is free and cheap light. If the bottle wears out they just replace it cheaply with another plastic bottle.

Jobs In Solar: SOLAR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN (LOS ANGELES, CA)

Date: 2011-09-20, 8:54AM PDT
Reply to: see below

Join our Nationally recognized Educational Institution.

We are seeking an individual willing to work as an Solar Installation Technician.

We are seeking an individual with the following:
• Certified Solar Installer.
• NABCEP Cert is a plus.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Computer Skills -- Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Ability to work well with students, staff, and faculty.
• Bilingual is plus.

Job pays: Negotiable

If you want to work in an environment that is fast-paced, professional, and growth opportunities exist, please apply.

Send Resume:
hr@coastcareer.com

Location: LOS ANGELES, CA
Compensation: Negotiable

Battery Companies Partner to Store Renewable Energy

Battery manufacturers Palladium Energy and Trojan Battery Company are teaming up to produce portable lithium batteries that can be used to store energy that can be used when needed. Palladium Energy is offering their engineering, manufacturing and technology expertise to partner Trojan Battery Company who will market the technology to consumers and industries needing portable energy back up.

Art Salyer, CEO of Palladium Energy (who used to work for Trojan Battery) said "It's a marriage made in heaven -- battery heaven."

The new batteries should be popular with companies and governments that are developing "smart grids" because these batteries can store the energy from wind or solar power for use at any time. These batteries will be waiting to kick in when a series of cloudy days might've slowed or weakened a grid.

Rural third world areas will also have many uses for this type of back up power during wars or when the grid isn't available.

The privately held Trojan Battery Company has been manufacturing deep-cycle batteries for 85 years and sells them to the Middle East and Latin American for solar-powered street lights. Street sweepers and a large percentage of golf carts are running on Trojan's batteries also.

Palladium manufactures lithium battery packs, about 100 million each year and sells them in at least 9 worldwide locations.

Lithium batteries produce twice the power reserve at a 3rd of the size and weight of lead-acid batteries.

The agreement will have both companies producing the batteries under the Trojan brand.

More at Palladium Energy.

and

Trojan Battery Company.

Jobs In Solar: PHAT Energy - Sell Solar with the #1 Dealer! (Orange County CA)

Date: 2011-09-13, 6:07PM PDT
Reply to: jobs@phatenergy.com

 PHAT Energy Corp - Solar PV, Thermal, Solar Carports & Patio Covers

ABOUT THE JOB: FOR PROVEN SALES PROFESSIONALS ONLY WHO KNOW WHAT "DIRECT SALES" MEANS , WHO WANT TO BE IN THIS EXCITING FIELD OF SOLAR TECHNOLOGY. MUST BE ABLE TO FIND BUSINESS AND CLOSE DEALS.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY - PHAT Energy Corporation, "Solar Options For Better Living" - We design, sell and install a range of solar electric systems (PV), and are a Premier Dealer for SunPower, the leading manufacturer of solar panels. We are also a leading dealer for multiple new energy solutions such as thermal hot water for home and commercial sites. We are also known for the PHATport, solar power structures that serve as patios or carports (see our website for information). We also sell and install electric car charging stations. Our targets are residential and commercial market customers.

ABOUT OUR HEADQUARTERS: Our office is located in La Crescenta (just west of Pasadena) CA.

ABOUT THIS CAREER OPPORTUNITY -- This position will be a field based position in the designated area, with occasional sales and training meetings at our headquarters office. The focus will be on Solar Systems Sales.This is a great opportunity to develop a sales career with an enthusiastic, experienced team that is uniquely positioned in a rapidly growing business. The Solar Sales Consultant opportunity is immediately available. Starting status is as an independent contractor, and evolves into a staff position.

ABOUT OUR SALES MODEL: A successful candidate will be selling our renewable energy solutions primarily in the area where he/she lives, to both residential and commercial customers. The sales process consists of prospecting using supplied leads and self-generated leads. We are looking for someone who is familiar with their extended community, is confident and experienced in sales, knows how to develop business and wants to focus on working in the renewable energy business. We have a well developed custom intranet which allows our Solar Sales Consultants to be productive at all times.

ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL PHAT Energy CANDIDATE:

- Driven, self-motivated and enthusiastic;
- Comfortable and proven in the sales process;
- Excellent networker, effective communicator;
- Entrepreneurial with a very strong work ethic;
- Able to use all leading PC programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Able to work events and sales calls on weekends and evenings.
- Has reliable transportation, has no problem climbing ladders or standing on a roof.
- Is specifically committed to the renewable energy industry.

ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT - You must have proven success in direct sales. A solar background is a huge advantage but not necessary. Sales pros with backgrounds in major home improvement sales, such as kitchen remodeling or swimming pools, are highly likely to succeed. You must be physically able to get on a roof without concern, have at least two years of college education. You must present well, write and communicate effectively, be comfortable on the web, on the phone, and in front of groups, be passionate and driven in this field. You must not have a criminal record. A clean car in good condition is also a requirement, as well as an ability and willingness to drive to appointments throughout the region.

PLEASE RESPOND: Reply to: see instructions above

ABOUT THE LOCATION: Orange County CA
Compensation: monthly expense stipend plus generous commissions, bonus programs
Principals only. Recruiters, please do not contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Hiring Organization: jobs@phatenergy.com Hiring Organization: jobs@phatenergy.com Hiring Organization: jobs@phatenergy.com

• Location: Orange County CA
• Compensation: Compensation: monthly expense stipend plus generous commissions, bonus programs

Intel's Solar Powered Processor

A stamp-sized solar powered processor could be the model for future low-power chips according to Intel. The experimental processor is 5 times more energy-efficient than current processors and is a redesign of an old Pentium processor.

Intel's researchers discovered the chip ran on little more than the power needed to turn on it's transistors. Among the things the little processor can accomplish will be to extend the life of batteries by a factor of 5 or 10.

The grand idea Intel hopes to build out will involve these small solar processors being used to power sensors that communicate wirelessly with computers. If that goes well the upgrades and improvements of these processors will allow them to handle more difficult tasks and bigger challenges.

Intel's chief technology officer Justin Rattner said "The applications are almost endless for it."

More on Intel's solar powered processor at Bit-Tech.

Solar Power Plant to Open Near Fukushima

Japanese children's theme park company Kids City Japan KK has announced that it has plans to open new solar power plant just 15.5 miles from the still leaking Fukushima nuclear reactor.

The company has a chain of theme parks called  KidZania where children are educated about differing professions.

The company has plans to open the one megawatt plant by October of next year. They will be conducting tours where children will see first hand how workers maintain and monitor the plant.

Understandably, there's an anti-nuclear sentiment growing across Japan after the quake and tsunami damaged the various nuclear plants.

But there's still a lot of radiation being detected in the atmosphere in Japan and as we read more about it, the radiation can be carried on the wind. It can circle the earth countless times depositing radiation particularly in the northern hemisphere.

From Wikipedia:

As of July 2011, the Japanese government has been unable to control the spread of radioactive material into the nation’s food, and "Japanese agricultural officials say meat from more than 500 cattle that were likely to have been contaminated with radioactive cesium has made its way to supermarkets and restaurants across Japan". Radioactive material has also been detected in a range of other produce, including spinach, tea leaves, milk, and fish, up to 200 miles from the nuclear plant. Inside the 12-mile evacuation zone around the plant, all farming has been abandoned.^[61][62]

As of August 2011, the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant is still leaking low levels of radiation and areas surrounding it could remain uninhabitable for decades due to high radiation. It could take “more than 20 years before residents could safely return to areas with current radiation readings of 200 millisieverts per year, and a decade for areas at 100 millisieverts per year”.^[63]

As of September 2011, a total of 16 elementary and junior high schools in Fukushima communities remained closed.<sup>[65]
 __________________

Building a new plant just 15 miles away while radiation is still leaking seems foolish and could possibly expose workers to the dangerous effects of the leakage. They should consider relocating the plant to the say the least. Children can't be educated about the benefits of being a professional solar plant worker if they can't even attend their local schools!</sup> 

We were sent this link to a radiation monitoring map where radiation monitoring stations are located in the USA:

Radiation Network

Read more at The Telegraph.

Japanese Company behind new solar plant KidZania.

2011 Solar Decathlon

The Department of Energy is once again presenting it's "Solar Decathlon" beginning September 23rd through October 2nd 2011. This year the event will take place at the National Mall's West Potomac Park in Washington D.C. and is free to attend.

Twenty Collegiate teams from all over the country are challenged to design a solar powered energy efficient home that will also be affordable as well as having an appealing design. Teams have been trained in aspects of engineering, technology, science and mathematics that relate to learning how to start, develop and complete an entire energy efficient home.

These homes aren't science fair experiments, they're professional grade homes that attract the attention of attendees and make them want to know more about how they can buy or build these types of homes.

Some of the students participating in Solar Decathlons go on to clean energy careers based on the training they receive for the event.

At the conclusion of the Decathlon the homes will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

More at the 2011 Solar Decathlon.

Jobs In Solar: Go Solar with a Solar Broker Business (Spokane, Seattle WA)

Date: 2011-09-06, 12:38AM PDT
Reply to: job-agzy3-2550354308@craigslist.org

The solar industry is growing rapidly, over 67% in 2010, and you can be a part of it. Our company has immediate opportunities for successful sales professionals to become solar brokers with their own business. Our unique solar broker business model provided significant advantages over other solar companies. Working with residential and commercial clients, solar brokers evaluate their needs, secure multiple bids, and assist in the selection of the winning bid to help clients save time and money.

Opportunities include senior sales management for those with significant sales management experience building and managing a sales team. Previous sales experience in solar a plus, but not required. We also provide a unique opportunity to build your own solar sales business in a limited number of licensed territories with extensive support for marketing, finance, back office, web development, training, low cost materials, and access to preferred installers.

Please send your resume or summary of relevant experience.

Location: Spokane, Seattle WA
Compensation: Based on sales and experience

How to Qualify a Solar Installation Company

Q. & A. With Baker Electric Solar

How to Qualify a Solar Installation Company

Q:

When a homeowner is checking out solar power companies to install a new rooftop system, what are the most important questions they should ask each company? How can they find out if a company is reliable and professional?

A:

Having solar installed on your property is a big decision.  The process of getting estimates and selecting a reliable and professional company is as high a priority as the solar system equipment and design specifics.  Ask the following questions of at least three contractors.  The answers will give you the necessary information to make a decision based on each company’s strengths and reliability.

How to Start:

Go to your local Better Business Bureau website and find solar firms with an A rating. You can also check websites such as Service Magic, Angie’s List, Yelp or Kudzu for customer reviews.

Questions to Ask:

1.  How many years have you been in business?

A company that has a short business history (less than five years) may not have the “staying power” of a company that has been around a longer time. The company needs to be able to address system performance issues through the labor warranty period -- on average 10 years.

2. How many years have you been installing solar electric?

A contractor with at least two years of installation experience will have worked out many of their installation issues.

3.       Will your company handle all of the paper work for rebates?

A reputable solar company has mastered navigating the administrative paperwork required for rebates and utility interconnection and will streamline the process -- guaranteeing you a smooth project.

4.       How many solar projects have your completed?

Don’t be someone’s guinea pig!  If they can only prove a handful of installations, it’s best to move on.  Don’t be tempted even if the price is thousands of dollars below other contractors’ estimates. The lowest bid isn’t always the best or safest option.

5.       Does your company do any other kind of contracting work outside of solar electric?

Diversification is usually a direct link to longevity, and an experienced electrical contractor will be able to handle any project challenges that arise. 

6.       What are your company’s license and insurance coverage?  Are you licensed for “solar only?”

Verify that the contractor’s license and insurance is valid. In many states a “solar only” license is available.  An electrical contractor license isn’t necessary.  A “solar only” company may result in problems / delays i.e. if an electric panel upgrade is needed, a “solar only” company would need to subcontract out that portion of the project.

7.       Can you provide me with three to five customers I may contact?

If they struggle to come up with a few happy customers, watch out!  Call at least three of their supplied references.

8.       When can you get started, and how long will my solar installation take from start to finish?

If the installation will take longer than one week and/ or you have to wait longer than two months to start, it’s a red flag that the contractor is struggling to keep their business running efficiently.

Contributed by Baker Electric Solar, a leading solar power installation company in San Diego, California. To learn more, visit our website at www.bakerelectricsolar.com

We thank Baker Electric Solar for providing readers with the type of information that will help them decide which solar power company they should do business with.

Solar Power Buzz is not affiliated or associated with any solar power company directly or indirectly. All content on this site is provided for informational purposes only. You must do your own research and perhaps even consult with an accountant or tax attorney before doing business with any solar power company.

Jobs In Solar: Mechanical Engineer (Toledo OH)

Date: 2011-09-01, 4:20PM EDT
Reply to: job-sy4g5-2577408104@craigslist.org

Mechanical Engineer -- Contractor or Employee
Innovative Toledo based solar company seeks versatile and motivated Mechanical Engineer contractor or employee to provide engineering support to key partnership programs with projects in the start up phase. Candidates should possess a broad range of skills with strong "get it done" attitude and an easy to get along with nature.
Must have:
• Experience 3d solid modeling of products, including wiring and pcb traces
• Experience Generating 3d production layouts including robotic placements and movements
• Robotic programming
• Machine design of robotic hands
• Understanding of basic electrical circuits
• Ability to generate process instructions
• Ability to generate requirements, specifications and process instruction documents
• Solid understanding of machine vision
• "hand on" skill sets as with good mechanical abilities
• Ability to operate machines
• Able to work in a start up environment where "everything" is your job

Requirements:
• 5+ years industry experience
• BS (or higher) in Mechanical/Robotic/ or similar Engineering field
• Fast learner and detail orientated
• Highly motivated
• Self starter
• Self critical
• Focused
• Level headed in stressful situations

Desired Skills:
• Solidworks or AutoCad
• Solar panel manufacturing
• PCB/SMT production processing
• Screen printing
• Programming ABB robots

The company is publicly traded in multiple international markets with offices in Toledo and California and around the world. The company offers an exceptional working environment leveraging third generation solar technology. Position will start part time and may lead into a full time role.

Applicants and contractors who meet the above criteria may submit their resume and cover letter to:

Toledosolarjobs at gmail.com

Location: Toledo Ohio
Compensation: DOE
This is a contract job.