Company: SkyPower is the leading independant renewable energy developer in Canada, and possesses proven expertise in developing, building and managing large-scale wind and solar power projects. SkyPower has developed a national footprint, with interests in over 50 renewable power projects at various stages of development in 8 provinces in Canada and select US states, representing over 7000 MW of potential energy. Recently SkyPower has expanded its reach into the international energy market and is helping countries meet their surging power demands through renewable energy solutions.
Mission: To meet the growing worldwide demand for power by creating commercially viable renewable energy solutions.
Core Values:
Social Responsibility: Renewable power projects that promote regional economic development and local partnerships that give back to the community.
Ecological Integrity: Developing renewable power resources to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of electricity generation using fossil fuels.
Commercial Viability: A business model that creates win-win economics for all project partners.
Key strengths and attributes that differentiate SkyPower from other renewable power developers in Canada:
Strong Board: bring exemplary financial acumen and over 60 years of combined experience managing and building projects.
Strong Partnerships:
Strong financial partnerships allow competitive access to capital
Industrial partnerships support advocacy and sector development
First Nations, Tribal and rural landowner partnerships respect local culture, develop community benefits
National Team + Local Representation: collective experience supports good people who possess on-the-ground connectivity
Full service: acquisition, development, ownership and operation under one roof
Legitimacy: Established in 2004, SkyPower has grown to include 30 employees, with over 50 projects in development representing over 7000 MW of renewable energy. Our organizational growth trajectory speaks for itself.
Capacity: developing the largest wind park in Canada, moving into the international market
Truly Green: 100% renewable power projects
Wind Energy
Most of the wind power currently generated in Canada, and around the world, is generated by wind turbines arranged in large-scale arrays covering many acres of land with strong wind resources. These large scale projects, called wind parks, can generate hundreds of megawatts of renewable power without generating greenhouse gasses, airborne or waterborne pollutants or radioactive waste. Prior to construction, wind park developers must complete comprehensive Environmental Assessments that ensure the wind park does not interfere with the welfare of local wildlife and migratory bird populations.
Well-designed, efficient large-scale wind farms benefit from several economies of scale:
Ensure adequate flow of wind available to all Wind Turbines
Increase array efficiency leading to optimized power generation
Minimize power transmission line losses
Include 24-hour on-site monitoring & control
Increase Return on Investment
An example of a wind park project is SkyPower’s Terrawinds Wind Farm in Riviere de Loup, Quebec. When completed, Terrawinds will be one of the largest wind parks in Canada, consisting of up to 114 turbines that will collectively generate over 200 MW of green power, enough to power over 80,000 Canadian homes.
Small Wind Farms
Small wind farms (under 10 MW) are renewable energy projects that are designed to be in scale with the local community, for example in more densely populated areas or urban locations. Small wind farms can generate enough power for up to 4500 homes. The distributed power generated by small wind farms create a more resilient local power grid and reduce the chances of brown-outs for the community in which they are located. Distributed power is also more efficient, minimizing power transmission line losses by travelling shorter distances from point of generation (wind farm) to point of use (the local community).
For more information about the benefits of wind power, visit the Canadian Wind Energy Association website (www.canwea.ca).
Solar Energy
Solar Parks
Solar parks consist of large arrays of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that collect solar power from the sun which is transformed it into electricity for the local power grid. Solar parks of up to 10 MW generally consist of a minimum of 100 acres of land upon which PV panels are mounted on racks in flat, unobstructed locations that possess strong solar resources and good soil for foundations.
Solar parks have been successfully developed in markets such as Germany and Portugal where government and local power utilities have provided appropriate market signals and programs. In 2006, the Ontario Power Authority introduced the Standard Offer Program (SOP), creating a market for solar-generated power in Ontario. The guaranteed price of 42¢/kWhr for up to 10 MW of PV-generated electricity necessitates taking advantage of economies of scale when developing a solar park project. In response to the SOP, SkyPower has developed a pioneering partnership with SunEdison, a union which allows the development of financially viable solar park projects in Ontario under SOP pricing.
In addition to the environmental, social and economic benefits of solar park projects, SkyPower is committed to stimulate the overall growth and success of the PV industry in Canada as part of the company’s strategy to combat climate change. SkyPower has over 20 sun park projects in various stages of development across the country.
For more information about the benefits of Solar power, visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association website (www.canSIA.ca).
Solar Roof Tops
Solar roof top projects take advantage of the wealth of unused real estate on the roof of urban markets, installing photovoltaic (PV) panels to harness the energy of the sun and transform it into electricity for the power grid. In order to take advantage of Ontario’s Standard Offer Program (SOP) and a guaranteed price of 42¢/kWhr for solar power, rooftops of 100,000 ft² can be considered for solar rooftop installations.
If your organization is interested in exploring the potential of a solar roof top to address climate change and emission reduction targets, contact SkyPower’s Business Energy Solutions department.
Check the Natural Resources Canada Canadian Solar Radiation map to see the solar power capacity in your region.
also check out:
Clean Energy Blog
Monday, July 30, 2007
Beverly Hills CA consulting firm rides red hot green market
Climate change. Energy efficiency. Green design. Sustainable development. The latest red-hot trend is Going Green. Major companies and organizations are turning to strategic advisory firm Y&M Partners of Beverly Hills for market segment expertise on pursuing green initiatives.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2007 -- Going Green is a trend that has burst on the scene with a new fervor - perhaps spurred by Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", but also by a renewed sense of urgency as terms like "carbon footprint" and "carbon offset projects" begin to dominate our discourse.
From multinational corporations and academic institutions to market segments and individuals, globe-oriented people across the U.S. are turning to companies like Y&M Partners of Beverly Hills for business consulting on their "green" initiatives. "Companies see gold in the green and want expert thinking and advice before jumping in. And the data supporting this new business push is eye-popping", says Beverly Macy, managing partner of Y&M Partners.
Take LOHAS, or Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, as an example of the new business opportunities that are emerging on the Green landscape. According to the LOHAS website (www.lohas.com) there is an estimated $208 billion U.S. marketplace for goods and services focused on health, the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. The consumers attracted to this market have been collectively referred to as Cultural Creatives and represent a sizable group in this country. Approximately 16% percent of the adults in the U.S., or 35 million people, are currently considered LOHAS Consumers.
In fact, the green demographic is interested in the health benefits as well as environmental benefits to using green building supplies. The Whole Foods and Trader Joe's shopper wants to prepare their organic food in a non-toxic kitchen. They want products that enhance the environmental safety of their home and are energy efficient as well.
The innovation aspect of going green also means big business. If even some of the predictions are correct, the climate change clock may be ticking faster than anyone thought and industry, supply chains, technology and universities will need as much innovation as fast as they can get it. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a leading venture capital firm that saw clean-technology investments soaring by more than 50% in the first three quarters of 2006, has doubled its renewable-energy fund to $200 million. Kleiner partner Ray Lane told the Wall Street Journal that clean tech will be "bigger than the Internet, by an order of magnitude."
Contact Beverly Macy, Managing Partner of Y&M Partners LLC, in Beverly Hills, Calif. serving clients worldwide for expert advice on your firm's green initiatives. Beverly also teaches Global Marketing and Strategy at UCLA and is currently serving as Vice President, Business Development for the Opportunity Green Conference to be held on November 17, 2007 at UCLA's Anderson School of Business. She can be reached at (310) 860-4788.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2007 -- Going Green is a trend that has burst on the scene with a new fervor - perhaps spurred by Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth", but also by a renewed sense of urgency as terms like "carbon footprint" and "carbon offset projects" begin to dominate our discourse.
From multinational corporations and academic institutions to market segments and individuals, globe-oriented people across the U.S. are turning to companies like Y&M Partners of Beverly Hills for business consulting on their "green" initiatives. "Companies see gold in the green and want expert thinking and advice before jumping in. And the data supporting this new business push is eye-popping", says Beverly Macy, managing partner of Y&M Partners.
Take LOHAS, or Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, as an example of the new business opportunities that are emerging on the Green landscape. According to the LOHAS website (www.lohas.com) there is an estimated $208 billion U.S. marketplace for goods and services focused on health, the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. The consumers attracted to this market have been collectively referred to as Cultural Creatives and represent a sizable group in this country. Approximately 16% percent of the adults in the U.S., or 35 million people, are currently considered LOHAS Consumers.
In fact, the green demographic is interested in the health benefits as well as environmental benefits to using green building supplies. The Whole Foods and Trader Joe's shopper wants to prepare their organic food in a non-toxic kitchen. They want products that enhance the environmental safety of their home and are energy efficient as well.
The innovation aspect of going green also means big business. If even some of the predictions are correct, the climate change clock may be ticking faster than anyone thought and industry, supply chains, technology and universities will need as much innovation as fast as they can get it. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a leading venture capital firm that saw clean-technology investments soaring by more than 50% in the first three quarters of 2006, has doubled its renewable-energy fund to $200 million. Kleiner partner Ray Lane told the Wall Street Journal that clean tech will be "bigger than the Internet, by an order of magnitude."
Contact Beverly Macy, Managing Partner of Y&M Partners LLC, in Beverly Hills, Calif. serving clients worldwide for expert advice on your firm's green initiatives. Beverly also teaches Global Marketing and Strategy at UCLA and is currently serving as Vice President, Business Development for the Opportunity Green Conference to be held on November 17, 2007 at UCLA's Anderson School of Business. She can be reached at (310) 860-4788.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
portable solar-powered battery pack from xantrex.com
XPower Powerpack Solar
Clean, Green Portable Power
The XPower™ Powerpack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source. It’s completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack’s 10 amp-hour battery.
The 5-watt solar panel captures, stores and converts the sun’s renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Powerpack Solar’s battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent.
Learn more at:
Green Energy website
Clean, Green Portable Power
The XPower™ Powerpack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source. It’s completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack’s 10 amp-hour battery.
The 5-watt solar panel captures, stores and converts the sun’s renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Powerpack Solar’s battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent.
Learn more at:
Green Energy website
Xantrex.com, the leading wind and solar inverter supplier
PV Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters - Three Phase - North America
Our PV Inverters are America's leading choice for large-scale solar installations. These utility interactive, three-phase inverters are available in models ranging from 30 kW to 225 kW. Multiple inverters may be paralleled for larger power installations. For information click here to contact our renewable energy sales team
Description
Utility Interactive Renewable Energy
Utility interactive, three-phase inverter, with models ranging from 30 kW to 225 kW. Multiple inverters may be paralleled for larger power installations.
Designed for cost-effectiveness, high performance, easy installation, and reliability.
Advanced MPPT technology maximizes PV array output (not for use with batteries).
Revolutionary switching technology utilizes insulated gate bi-polar transistors (IGBT), greatly reducing power losses during the conversion process.
Meets all applicable UL, IEEE, and NEC codes.
Listed by the CEC in California and by NYSERDA in New York.
Automatic operation includes start-up, shut-down, self-diagnosis, and fault detection.
Features
Efficient design, with over 95% peak efficiency for the inverter, and overall efficiency including transformer losses, in excess of 93%.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based controls with self-diagnostics and LCD for display of operating status.
Inverter shut off and reset toggle switch.
Over- and under-voltage and frequency protection, shutting down the inverter in compliance with UL1741.
Anti-islanding protection - prevents back-feeding inverter-generated power to the grid in the event of a utility outage.
User definable power tracking matches the inverter to the array, as well as adjustable delay periods to customize system shut-down sequences.
Options
Variety of system accessories for ease of system installation, including combiner boxes, isolation transformers, disconnect switches, etc.
Complete inverter kits, incorporating all required accessories for NEC code compliant installation, are available.
Our PV Inverters are America's leading choice for large-scale solar installations. These utility interactive, three-phase inverters are available in models ranging from 30 kW to 225 kW. Multiple inverters may be paralleled for larger power installations. For information click here to contact our renewable energy sales team
Description
Utility Interactive Renewable Energy
Utility interactive, three-phase inverter, with models ranging from 30 kW to 225 kW. Multiple inverters may be paralleled for larger power installations.
Designed for cost-effectiveness, high performance, easy installation, and reliability.
Advanced MPPT technology maximizes PV array output (not for use with batteries).
Revolutionary switching technology utilizes insulated gate bi-polar transistors (IGBT), greatly reducing power losses during the conversion process.
Meets all applicable UL, IEEE, and NEC codes.
Listed by the CEC in California and by NYSERDA in New York.
Automatic operation includes start-up, shut-down, self-diagnosis, and fault detection.
Features
Efficient design, with over 95% peak efficiency for the inverter, and overall efficiency including transformer losses, in excess of 93%.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based controls with self-diagnostics and LCD for display of operating status.
Inverter shut off and reset toggle switch.
Over- and under-voltage and frequency protection, shutting down the inverter in compliance with UL1741.
Anti-islanding protection - prevents back-feeding inverter-generated power to the grid in the event of a utility outage.
User definable power tracking matches the inverter to the array, as well as adjustable delay periods to customize system shut-down sequences.
Options
Variety of system accessories for ease of system installation, including combiner boxes, isolation transformers, disconnect switches, etc.
Complete inverter kits, incorporating all required accessories for NEC code compliant installation, are available.
Xantrex GT100E Solar Power Grid Tie Inverter
Description
The Xantrex GT100E Grid Tie Inverter is based on a reliable platform that is used in grid-connect photovoltaic and wind turbine applications in North America and Europe. Easy to install and operate, the GT100E automates start up, and shut down. It incorporates advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology to maximize the energy harvested from a PV array. To minimize power losses during the conversion process, the inverter’s switching technology uses insulated gate bi-polar
transistors. Multiple inverters can be paralleled for large power installations. Designed for European PV installations, the GT100E meets all applicable CE requirements, is approved by the TÜV Rheinland and fullfills the Royal Decree RD 1663/2000.
Features
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based controls with self-diagnostics and LCD for display of operating status.
Inverter shut off and disconnects.
Over- and under-voltage and frequency protection, shutting down the inverter.
Anti-islanding protection - prevents back-feeding inverter-generated power to the grid in the event of a utility outage.
User definable power tracking allows the user to match the inverter to the array, as well as to adjust delay periods to customize system shutdown sequences.
Graphical user interface software for real time communications, monitoring, and control
Options
Remote monitoring via telephone modem
Faults notification via modem
Data acquisition and logging
Warranty extension up to 20 years
Performance warranty contract
Home Solar Power Info
The Xantrex GT100E Grid Tie Inverter is based on a reliable platform that is used in grid-connect photovoltaic and wind turbine applications in North America and Europe. Easy to install and operate, the GT100E automates start up, and shut down. It incorporates advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology to maximize the energy harvested from a PV array. To minimize power losses during the conversion process, the inverter’s switching technology uses insulated gate bi-polar
transistors. Multiple inverters can be paralleled for large power installations. Designed for European PV installations, the GT100E meets all applicable CE requirements, is approved by the TÜV Rheinland and fullfills the Royal Decree RD 1663/2000.
Features
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based controls with self-diagnostics and LCD for display of operating status.
Inverter shut off and disconnects.
Over- and under-voltage and frequency protection, shutting down the inverter.
Anti-islanding protection - prevents back-feeding inverter-generated power to the grid in the event of a utility outage.
User definable power tracking allows the user to match the inverter to the array, as well as to adjust delay periods to customize system shutdown sequences.
Graphical user interface software for real time communications, monitoring, and control
Options
Remote monitoring via telephone modem
Faults notification via modem
Data acquisition and logging
Warranty extension up to 20 years
Performance warranty contract
Home Solar Power Info
solar energy economical for remote power solutions
SolarSense.com Solar Energy Advantages
Solar is a clean, efficient, and sustainable form of energy. The world-wide demand for Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is greater than supply, with lead times now 3 - 6 months from suppliers. When the cost of supplying electricity to remote locations is expensive, solar energy becomes a cost-effective alternative.
Cost Benefits
The cost of PV systems has come down 25 fold over the last 20 years and they are now often the most cost effective in remote energy applications such as cabins and resorts. Photovoltaics are economical today, especially in light of the high cost of connecting to local utilities in remote locations.
Environmental Benefits
In recent opinion polls, solar energy scored higher than all other forms of energy when participants were asked what type of energy is best for future generations.
Economics of Solar Energy
Solar power systems can be a much less expensive way to develop power on your remote property.
Save Money with Energy Efficiency
Conservation—the first thing to do before buying an independent power system!
Regardless of the power generation source you are using, reducing consumption with energy-efficient appliances and lights will save you money. Even if you decide not to use solar energy, you'll still enjoy the financial benefits of energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the environment.
Links to other Solar Energy Resources
Links to Solar Energy advocates, government organizations, and other manufacturers of Solar Energy Products.
Check out:
Clean Energy Blog
Solar is a clean, efficient, and sustainable form of energy. The world-wide demand for Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is greater than supply, with lead times now 3 - 6 months from suppliers. When the cost of supplying electricity to remote locations is expensive, solar energy becomes a cost-effective alternative.
Cost Benefits
The cost of PV systems has come down 25 fold over the last 20 years and they are now often the most cost effective in remote energy applications such as cabins and resorts. Photovoltaics are economical today, especially in light of the high cost of connecting to local utilities in remote locations.
Environmental Benefits
In recent opinion polls, solar energy scored higher than all other forms of energy when participants were asked what type of energy is best for future generations.
Economics of Solar Energy
Solar power systems can be a much less expensive way to develop power on your remote property.
Save Money with Energy Efficiency
Conservation—the first thing to do before buying an independent power system!
Regardless of the power generation source you are using, reducing consumption with energy-efficient appliances and lights will save you money. Even if you decide not to use solar energy, you'll still enjoy the financial benefits of energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the environment.
Links to other Solar Energy Resources
Links to Solar Energy advocates, government organizations, and other manufacturers of Solar Energy Products.
Check out:
Clean Energy Blog
wikipedia needs writers and editors for solar photovoltaic section
In the field of photovoltaics, a photovoltaic module is a packaged interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. An installation of photovoltaic modules or panels is known as a photovoltaic array.
Photovoltaic cells typically require protection from the environment. For cost and practicality reasons a number of cells are connected electrically and packaged in a photovoltaic module, while a collection of these modules that are mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed to be a field-installable unit are known as a photovoltaic panel or simply solar panel.
A photovoltaic installation typically includes an array of photovoltaic modules or panels, an inverter, batteries (for off grid) and interconnected wiring.
Contents [hide]
1 Crystalline silicon modules
2 Rigid thin-film modules
3 Flexible thin-film modules
4 External Links
5 See also
[edit] Crystalline silicon modules
The most common design of modules contains 72 cells connected in three strings. The cells are connected using conductive ribbons into 'strings'. The strings are sandwiched between a solar glass frontside and a flexible durable polymer backsheet, using a polymeric encapsulant. The encapsulant is melted and crosslinked in a vacuum laminator. The strings are electrically terminated into a junction box usually glued to the back of the module. A frame made of aluminium profile is fitted around the edges.
1. Cells connected to make string
2. encapsulant film ready
3. ready for lamination. Note ribbons terminating 2 strings
4. after lamination
5. Aluminium profiles added to make the frame
[edit] Rigid thin-film modules
In rigid thin film modules, the cell is created directly on a glass substrate or superstrate, and the electrical connections are created in situ, so called "monolithic integration". The substrate or superstrate is laminated with an encapsulant to a front or back sheet.
The main cell technologies in this category are CdTe, amorphous silicon, micromorphous silicon (alone or tandem), or CIGS (or variant).
[edit] Flexible thin-film modules
Flexible thin film cells are created by depositing the photoactive layer and other necessary layers on a flexible substrate. If the substrate is an insulator (e.g. polyester or polyimide film) then monolithic integration can be used. If a conductor then monolithic integration cannot be used, and another technique for electrical connection used. The cells are converted to a module by lamination to a transparent colourless fluoropolymer on the front side (typically ETFE or FEP) and a polymer suitable for bonding to the final substrate on the other side. The only commercially available (in MW quantities) in a flexible module is amorphous silicon triple junction (from Unisolar)
[edit] External Links
Illustration of manufacturing process of crystalline silicon modules at DuPont website
Video of cSi module manufacture process at the Spire corp website
[edit] See also
Energy Portal
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic array
Photovoltaic cells
Building-integrated photovoltaic
List of photovoltaics companies
Photovoltaic cells typically require protection from the environment. For cost and practicality reasons a number of cells are connected electrically and packaged in a photovoltaic module, while a collection of these modules that are mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed to be a field-installable unit are known as a photovoltaic panel or simply solar panel.
A photovoltaic installation typically includes an array of photovoltaic modules or panels, an inverter, batteries (for off grid) and interconnected wiring.
Contents [hide]
1 Crystalline silicon modules
2 Rigid thin-film modules
3 Flexible thin-film modules
4 External Links
5 See also
[edit] Crystalline silicon modules
The most common design of modules contains 72 cells connected in three strings. The cells are connected using conductive ribbons into 'strings'. The strings are sandwiched between a solar glass frontside and a flexible durable polymer backsheet, using a polymeric encapsulant. The encapsulant is melted and crosslinked in a vacuum laminator. The strings are electrically terminated into a junction box usually glued to the back of the module. A frame made of aluminium profile is fitted around the edges.
1. Cells connected to make string
2. encapsulant film ready
3. ready for lamination. Note ribbons terminating 2 strings
4. after lamination
5. Aluminium profiles added to make the frame
[edit] Rigid thin-film modules
In rigid thin film modules, the cell is created directly on a glass substrate or superstrate, and the electrical connections are created in situ, so called "monolithic integration". The substrate or superstrate is laminated with an encapsulant to a front or back sheet.
The main cell technologies in this category are CdTe, amorphous silicon, micromorphous silicon (alone or tandem), or CIGS (or variant).
[edit] Flexible thin-film modules
Flexible thin film cells are created by depositing the photoactive layer and other necessary layers on a flexible substrate. If the substrate is an insulator (e.g. polyester or polyimide film) then monolithic integration can be used. If a conductor then monolithic integration cannot be used, and another technique for electrical connection used. The cells are converted to a module by lamination to a transparent colourless fluoropolymer on the front side (typically ETFE or FEP) and a polymer suitable for bonding to the final substrate on the other side. The only commercially available (in MW quantities) in a flexible module is amorphous silicon triple junction (from Unisolar)
[edit] External Links
Illustration of manufacturing process of crystalline silicon modules at DuPont website
Video of cSi module manufacture process at the Spire corp website
[edit] See also
Energy Portal
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic array
Photovoltaic cells
Building-integrated photovoltaic
List of photovoltaics companies
Zara Solar of Tanzania wins Africa Award
from AIDG.org Blog
Appropriate Technology Roundup 07/27/07
by Catherine Laine
July 27th, 2007
WorldBike: Bikes that Haul, for All from Treehugger
Big Boda Load Carrying Bicycle from WorldBike
[Worldbike, an] international amalgam of bicycle designers and bike industry types has teamed with international development folk, to conjure up “transportation solutions and create income-generating opportunities for the world’s poor.” As they say, “all across the developing world, people use bicycles the way we use pickup trucks and school busses. However, the bicycles sold in developing countries are those designed for recreation and are ill-suited to carrying loads.” Enter stage right the open source gurus. They make available bicycle and accessory blueprints, plus construction photos.
Award winning Solar Companies from Timbuktu Chronicles
Two African solar energy companies won Ashden Award prizes [this year]… Tanzania’s Zara Solar Ltd. won the first prize for the Africa Award (£30,000) for providing high-quality, reliable solar-home-systems at affordable prices to communities lacking access to a reliable source of energy. The second prize for the Africa Award (£10,000) was snatched by Deng Ltd of Ghana for “developing a viable and sustainable business for the provision of solar-home-systems to rural areas where access to grid supply is limited.”
Sun-powered ovens for China and Darfur from Inhabitat
Operation Blessing, a non-profit committed to “breaking the cycle of suffering” has taken the age-old technique of harnessing the sun’s heat to cook food, and turned it into a viable design for off-the-grid, minimal-resource third-world demographics. In the Gansu Province of China, and soon in Darfur camps, the sun-powered parabolic solar oven allows the suffering and hungry to cleanly cook and boil water and without firewood, using only that always-renewable energy source: the sun.
Wind Powered Cell Phone Base Stations from Afrigadget
The company WinAfrique designs and builds hybrid wind and diesel turbine systems for powering cell phone base stations. Kenya’s biggest wireless companies Safaricom and Celtel have contracted with WinAfrique.
HOW TO - Make DC Bicycle pedal power generators from MAKE
Here you can learn to create your own green power electricity using a pedal power bicycle generator. We setup the 24 bicycle power generators at the 2007 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, 60,000 people a day for 3 days in the desert - Indio California. The bike generators were used for charging cell phones.
Potential Power Source: The Ocean? from NPR
With green energy booming, cities around the country are getting creative in cutting energy costs while being environmentally conscious. San Francisco is looking at an unusual power source: the ocean.
Q&A: Solel’s president, Avi Brenmiller from Earth2Tech
Israeli solar thermal company Solel just scored a deal with PG&E to build an estimated $2 billion massive solar thermal plant in California’s Mohave Desert. Not a lot of people have heard of the 250-person company, or even really solar thermal technology for that matter. So we grabbed a few questions with Solel’s President Avi Brenmiller in downtown San Francisco:
I did not know this.
Q). What is the solar energy industry like in Israel?
A). We have the solar powered water heaters which are on each roof in Israel by law – and this is very advanced [emphasis added]. However at the end of the day it is less than 3% of the total consumption of energy in Israel. What we are trying to do is make it a major factor.
Sioux City, IA, Breaks Ground on “Poop to Profits” Plant from Sustainablog
Minneapolis-based Bison Renewable Energy broke ground on what will be the world’s largest methane gas facility in Sioux City, Iowa. When the plant begins operations early next year, it will hold up to 11 million gallons of cow manure, and turn that yucky stuff into methane gas.
Tsunami-proofing South India’s Coast From Grassroots Up from Treehugger
Current efforts to protect people living along South Asian coasts from another devastating tsunami do not necessarily entail high-tech, governmental schemes. In fact, it is now concerned local populations who are getting involved in the conservation of natural buffer zones such as mangroves and sand dunes, which have been shown to absorb much of the damage.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Appropriate Technology Roundup 07/27/07
by Catherine Laine
July 27th, 2007
WorldBike: Bikes that Haul, for All from Treehugger
Big Boda Load Carrying Bicycle from WorldBike
[Worldbike, an] international amalgam of bicycle designers and bike industry types has teamed with international development folk, to conjure up “transportation solutions and create income-generating opportunities for the world’s poor.” As they say, “all across the developing world, people use bicycles the way we use pickup trucks and school busses. However, the bicycles sold in developing countries are those designed for recreation and are ill-suited to carrying loads.” Enter stage right the open source gurus. They make available bicycle and accessory blueprints, plus construction photos.
Award winning Solar Companies from Timbuktu Chronicles
Two African solar energy companies won Ashden Award prizes [this year]… Tanzania’s Zara Solar Ltd. won the first prize for the Africa Award (£30,000) for providing high-quality, reliable solar-home-systems at affordable prices to communities lacking access to a reliable source of energy. The second prize for the Africa Award (£10,000) was snatched by Deng Ltd of Ghana for “developing a viable and sustainable business for the provision of solar-home-systems to rural areas where access to grid supply is limited.”
Sun-powered ovens for China and Darfur from Inhabitat
Operation Blessing, a non-profit committed to “breaking the cycle of suffering” has taken the age-old technique of harnessing the sun’s heat to cook food, and turned it into a viable design for off-the-grid, minimal-resource third-world demographics. In the Gansu Province of China, and soon in Darfur camps, the sun-powered parabolic solar oven allows the suffering and hungry to cleanly cook and boil water and without firewood, using only that always-renewable energy source: the sun.
Wind Powered Cell Phone Base Stations from Afrigadget
The company WinAfrique designs and builds hybrid wind and diesel turbine systems for powering cell phone base stations. Kenya’s biggest wireless companies Safaricom and Celtel have contracted with WinAfrique.
HOW TO - Make DC Bicycle pedal power generators from MAKE
Here you can learn to create your own green power electricity using a pedal power bicycle generator. We setup the 24 bicycle power generators at the 2007 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, 60,000 people a day for 3 days in the desert - Indio California. The bike generators were used for charging cell phones.
Potential Power Source: The Ocean? from NPR
With green energy booming, cities around the country are getting creative in cutting energy costs while being environmentally conscious. San Francisco is looking at an unusual power source: the ocean.
Q&A: Solel’s president, Avi Brenmiller from Earth2Tech
Israeli solar thermal company Solel just scored a deal with PG&E to build an estimated $2 billion massive solar thermal plant in California’s Mohave Desert. Not a lot of people have heard of the 250-person company, or even really solar thermal technology for that matter. So we grabbed a few questions with Solel’s President Avi Brenmiller in downtown San Francisco:
I did not know this.
Q). What is the solar energy industry like in Israel?
A). We have the solar powered water heaters which are on each roof in Israel by law – and this is very advanced [emphasis added]. However at the end of the day it is less than 3% of the total consumption of energy in Israel. What we are trying to do is make it a major factor.
Sioux City, IA, Breaks Ground on “Poop to Profits” Plant from Sustainablog
Minneapolis-based Bison Renewable Energy broke ground on what will be the world’s largest methane gas facility in Sioux City, Iowa. When the plant begins operations early next year, it will hold up to 11 million gallons of cow manure, and turn that yucky stuff into methane gas.
Tsunami-proofing South India’s Coast From Grassroots Up from Treehugger
Current efforts to protect people living along South Asian coasts from another devastating tsunami do not necessarily entail high-tech, governmental schemes. In fact, it is now concerned local populations who are getting involved in the conservation of natural buffer zones such as mangroves and sand dunes, which have been shown to absorb much of the damage.
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Residential solar hot water heating available in Ontario
Solar Hot Water Products
from www.enerworks.com
Residential Solar Water Heating for your water heating needs.
provides up to 60% of home water heating needs*
Enjoy the benefits of solar water heating from EnerWorks:
• Save money every month
on your energy bill.
• Four-season reliability.
• Fast installation by trained professionals.
• Produces clean, non-polluting energy.
• Increase your energy independence.
The EnerWorks residential solar water heating system is a clean, cost-effective residential solution that utilizes the sun’s energy to heat your water. The system is quiet, attractive, safe, and reliable with minimal maintenance required over its long operational life. It is installed by certified professionals in less than a day* and backed by a 5 year limited warranty. With increasing energy costs, solar water heating offers a way for you to save money on your utility bill.
EnerWorks is North America's leading Solar Thermal technology provider. Its proven, patented technology offers a reliable all-season product to improve your home's energy efficiency without compromising comfort. With no harmful emissions, this system is the right choice for the
environment and the trusted choice of homeowners.
Phil Forest of South Mountain Company, Martha's Vineyard tells us that "even in the middle of the winter, we've seen 130 degree F water coming out of the EnerWorks solar storage tank."
Read more ...
*Installation time for EnerWorks residential solar water heating systems is typically one day.
Solar Water Heating
made easy!
3 steps to professional solar
system installation:
1. Solar Home Inspection
The solar panels need to be properly placed on
your home to maximize performance for your
installation. A certified dealer will visit your
home at your convenience to determine the
best location to install your solar water heating
system.
2. Professional Installation in a Day*
A certified dealer will deliver and install your
solar water heating system when it is convenient
for you. The installation normally takes a day*
and involves mounting solar collectors to your
roof and installing the Energy Pack.
3. Enjoy the $avings and help the
Environment
By installing a solar water heating system you
will save money on your energy bill, improve
your home's energy efficiency and also contribute
to a cleaner environment by reducing greenhouse
gases.
*Installation time for EnerWorks residential solar water
heating systems is typically one day.
Proven, Patented Technology
The EnerWorks Solar Water Heating System harnesses the sun's energy
to become your primary - and practical - source for hot water, while your
existing electric, natural gas, propane, or oil hot water heater functions as
an auxiliary heating source.
A) Solar Collectors
- Designed to absorb 94% of the sun's energy.
- Reliable in all climates - sub-zero to
tropical temperatures.
- Patented Stagnation Protection*
eliminates overheating.
- Mounts on sloped or flat roofs, south
facing walls, or on the ground.
B) Energy Pack
- Mounts easily on any standard North
American electric hot water tank.
- Patented Passive Anti-Fouling Protection* ensures maintenance-free, reliable operation of the heat exchanger.
C) Solar Storage Tank
- Stores solar heated water for household use.
Contact us for more information:
EnerWorks Inc.
P.O. Box 9, 252 Hamilton Crescent
Dorchester, ON. Canada
NOL 1GO
Tel: 519.268.6500
Fax: 519.268.6292
from www.enerworks.com
Residential Solar Water Heating for your water heating needs.
provides up to 60% of home water heating needs*
Enjoy the benefits of solar water heating from EnerWorks:
• Save money every month
on your energy bill.
• Four-season reliability.
• Fast installation by trained professionals.
• Produces clean, non-polluting energy.
• Increase your energy independence.
The EnerWorks residential solar water heating system is a clean, cost-effective residential solution that utilizes the sun’s energy to heat your water. The system is quiet, attractive, safe, and reliable with minimal maintenance required over its long operational life. It is installed by certified professionals in less than a day* and backed by a 5 year limited warranty. With increasing energy costs, solar water heating offers a way for you to save money on your utility bill.
EnerWorks is North America's leading Solar Thermal technology provider. Its proven, patented technology offers a reliable all-season product to improve your home's energy efficiency without compromising comfort. With no harmful emissions, this system is the right choice for the
environment and the trusted choice of homeowners.
Phil Forest of South Mountain Company, Martha's Vineyard tells us that "even in the middle of the winter, we've seen 130 degree F water coming out of the EnerWorks solar storage tank."
Read more ...
*Installation time for EnerWorks residential solar water heating systems is typically one day.
Solar Water Heating
made easy!
3 steps to professional solar
system installation:
1. Solar Home Inspection
The solar panels need to be properly placed on
your home to maximize performance for your
installation. A certified dealer will visit your
home at your convenience to determine the
best location to install your solar water heating
system.
2. Professional Installation in a Day*
A certified dealer will deliver and install your
solar water heating system when it is convenient
for you. The installation normally takes a day*
and involves mounting solar collectors to your
roof and installing the Energy Pack.
3. Enjoy the $avings and help the
Environment
By installing a solar water heating system you
will save money on your energy bill, improve
your home's energy efficiency and also contribute
to a cleaner environment by reducing greenhouse
gases.
*Installation time for EnerWorks residential solar water
heating systems is typically one day.
Proven, Patented Technology
The EnerWorks Solar Water Heating System harnesses the sun's energy
to become your primary - and practical - source for hot water, while your
existing electric, natural gas, propane, or oil hot water heater functions as
an auxiliary heating source.
A) Solar Collectors
- Designed to absorb 94% of the sun's energy.
- Reliable in all climates - sub-zero to
tropical temperatures.
- Patented Stagnation Protection*
eliminates overheating.
- Mounts on sloped or flat roofs, south
facing walls, or on the ground.
B) Energy Pack
- Mounts easily on any standard North
American electric hot water tank.
- Patented Passive Anti-Fouling Protection* ensures maintenance-free, reliable operation of the heat exchanger.
C) Solar Storage Tank
- Stores solar heated water for household use.
Contact us for more information:
EnerWorks Inc.
P.O. Box 9, 252 Hamilton Crescent
Dorchester, ON. Canada
NOL 1GO
Tel: 519.268.6500
Fax: 519.268.6292
California Food Processor installs photovoltaic solar energy system
United Natural Foods Employs Solar Power in Rocklin, California Facility
from www.prnewswire.com
Installation of 1.19 Megawatt Solar Power System by American Capital Energy
Expected to Provide 1.5 Megawatts Annually of Clean Energy Production
DAYVILLE, Conn., July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Extending its
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives, United Natural
Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) (the "Company") today announced plans to install
a 1.19 megawatt solar power system that will cover 175,000 square feet of
rooftop at the Company's 487,000 square foot distribution facility in
Rocklin, CA. To develop and install the new solar power system, the Company
contracted with American Capital Energy, a Massachusetts-based firm
specializing in solar power project integration.
Construction of the Rocklin solar power project began in July 2007,
with the power-generating panels expected to be in operation by the end of
summer of 2007. The Rocklin solar power system will utilize more than 7,000
Sharp 170 solar modules, two SatCon 500 kW inverters and the Unirac S-5
mounting system for a non-penetrating and low-profile installation.
When completed, the solar power system is expected to provide an
average of approximately 1,500,000 kWh annually of clean energy production
at this facility, which is the equivalent of powering 140 average American
households for a year, and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 19 metric
tons annually. According to industry statistics, the solar power system is
believed to be the fourth largest solar array in California and the sixth
largest in the United States.
Michael Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This
solar power system is yet another example of United Natural Foods'
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives. Further, it is
especially gratifying to work towards protecting the environment while at
the same time improving our infrastructure to enhance efficiencies and
lower costs. It's truly a win-win situation where everyone benefits."
The Rocklin facility is the headquarters for UNFI's Western Region;
employs approximately 550 people; serves customers in northern California,
northern Nevada, southern Oregon, and Hawaii; and is the largest facility
in Company's nationwide distribution network. United Natural Foods has the
largest warehouse capacity of any distributor in the natural products
industry and, with the recently announced plans to open a facility in
Sarasota, Florida, it will have more than 3.7 million square feet of space
at 16 distribution centers nationwide.
Focus on a Greener Environment
"United Natural Foods remains committed to a greener environment by
investing in technology that will allow us to operate more competitively
while utilizing clean, renewable energy," said Thomas A. Dziki, United
Natural Foods Vice President of Sustainable Development. "We continue to
explore ways to reduce the environmental impacts associated with
conventional electricity use in keeping with the natural charter of our
business."
"We are proud to partner with United Natural Foods in driving their
solar initiative and look forward to working with them in building momentum
behind the solid business case for solar energy implementation," said Tom
Hunton, president of American Capital Energy. "Going solar currently
provides companies a real competitive advantage, which will only increase
as the cost for energy continues to escalate."
Project Consistent with United Natural Foods Commitment to Reduce
Greenhouse Gases
United Natural Foods has an ongoing commitment to Environmentally
Responsible Initiatives. As part of these efforts, in February 2007, the
Company announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration
between the EPA and companies with truck fleets designed to increase energy
efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
United Natural Foods' fuel saving strategies reduced over 14,200 metric
tons of CO2 emissions from its Eastern Region fleet from 2005 to 2006. It
accomplished this by directing its drivers to reduce excessive engine
idling and through the increased use of low-friction lubricants.
from www.prnewswire.com
Installation of 1.19 Megawatt Solar Power System by American Capital Energy
Expected to Provide 1.5 Megawatts Annually of Clean Energy Production
DAYVILLE, Conn., July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Extending its
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives, United Natural
Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) (the "Company") today announced plans to install
a 1.19 megawatt solar power system that will cover 175,000 square feet of
rooftop at the Company's 487,000 square foot distribution facility in
Rocklin, CA. To develop and install the new solar power system, the Company
contracted with American Capital Energy, a Massachusetts-based firm
specializing in solar power project integration.
Construction of the Rocklin solar power project began in July 2007,
with the power-generating panels expected to be in operation by the end of
summer of 2007. The Rocklin solar power system will utilize more than 7,000
Sharp 170 solar modules, two SatCon 500 kW inverters and the Unirac S-5
mounting system for a non-penetrating and low-profile installation.
When completed, the solar power system is expected to provide an
average of approximately 1,500,000 kWh annually of clean energy production
at this facility, which is the equivalent of powering 140 average American
households for a year, and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 19 metric
tons annually. According to industry statistics, the solar power system is
believed to be the fourth largest solar array in California and the sixth
largest in the United States.
Michael Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This
solar power system is yet another example of United Natural Foods'
commitment to Environmentally Responsible Initiatives. Further, it is
especially gratifying to work towards protecting the environment while at
the same time improving our infrastructure to enhance efficiencies and
lower costs. It's truly a win-win situation where everyone benefits."
The Rocklin facility is the headquarters for UNFI's Western Region;
employs approximately 550 people; serves customers in northern California,
northern Nevada, southern Oregon, and Hawaii; and is the largest facility
in Company's nationwide distribution network. United Natural Foods has the
largest warehouse capacity of any distributor in the natural products
industry and, with the recently announced plans to open a facility in
Sarasota, Florida, it will have more than 3.7 million square feet of space
at 16 distribution centers nationwide.
Focus on a Greener Environment
"United Natural Foods remains committed to a greener environment by
investing in technology that will allow us to operate more competitively
while utilizing clean, renewable energy," said Thomas A. Dziki, United
Natural Foods Vice President of Sustainable Development. "We continue to
explore ways to reduce the environmental impacts associated with
conventional electricity use in keeping with the natural charter of our
business."
"We are proud to partner with United Natural Foods in driving their
solar initiative and look forward to working with them in building momentum
behind the solid business case for solar energy implementation," said Tom
Hunton, president of American Capital Energy. "Going solar currently
provides companies a real competitive advantage, which will only increase
as the cost for energy continues to escalate."
Project Consistent with United Natural Foods Commitment to Reduce
Greenhouse Gases
United Natural Foods has an ongoing commitment to Environmentally
Responsible Initiatives. As part of these efforts, in February 2007, the
Company announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration
between the EPA and companies with truck fleets designed to increase energy
efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.
United Natural Foods' fuel saving strategies reduced over 14,200 metric
tons of CO2 emissions from its Eastern Region fleet from 2005 to 2006. It
accomplished this by directing its drivers to reduce excessive engine
idling and through the increased use of low-friction lubricants.
PNOC and Spain's ISOFOTON S.A. team up to develop solar power in The Phil
PNOC pursuing solar energy project with Spanish firm
from GMAnews.tv
Article posted July 23, 2007
Philippine National Oil Co. on Monday said it is keen on developing solar power projects in the country together with Spanish firm ISOFOTON S.A.
PNOC president Pedro Aquino Jr. told reporters that the two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy project in the country. Aquino said the MOU was signed last month during the Conference on Renewable Energies in Madrid, Spain.
Under the MOU, ISOFOTON will help the government source the necessary funds to pursue and promote the solar PV rural electrification program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Aquino said the estimated cost for the project is between Euro 10 million and Euro 15 million.
According to Aquino, the contractor that would be selected to undertake the project could tap a soft loan from Kingdom of Spain.
“Both parties would want to enter into a final and definite contractual agreement by the end of 2007 coinciding with the forthcoming visit to Spain of the Philippine President," the MOU said.
Once the project is completed, he said they expect to install a total of 15,100 solar home systems in the country.
Taking the lead in the use of solar power as source of electricity, PNOC earlier partnered with Mirant Foundation for the electrification of 83 barangays also in the AMORE Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) areas, which benefited a total of 2,490 families.
As of October 2006, PNOC has already installed a total of 10,729 solar home system units in various regions throughout the country. Mindanao is host to 23 percent of the total project installation. - GMANews.TV
from GMAnews.tv
Article posted July 23, 2007
Philippine National Oil Co. on Monday said it is keen on developing solar power projects in the country together with Spanish firm ISOFOTON S.A.
PNOC president Pedro Aquino Jr. told reporters that the two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy project in the country. Aquino said the MOU was signed last month during the Conference on Renewable Energies in Madrid, Spain.
Under the MOU, ISOFOTON will help the government source the necessary funds to pursue and promote the solar PV rural electrification program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Aquino said the estimated cost for the project is between Euro 10 million and Euro 15 million.
According to Aquino, the contractor that would be selected to undertake the project could tap a soft loan from Kingdom of Spain.
“Both parties would want to enter into a final and definite contractual agreement by the end of 2007 coinciding with the forthcoming visit to Spain of the Philippine President," the MOU said.
Once the project is completed, he said they expect to install a total of 15,100 solar home systems in the country.
Taking the lead in the use of solar power as source of electricity, PNOC earlier partnered with Mirant Foundation for the electrification of 83 barangays also in the AMORE Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) areas, which benefited a total of 2,490 families.
As of October 2006, PNOC has already installed a total of 10,729 solar home system units in various regions throughout the country. Mindanao is host to 23 percent of the total project installation. - GMANews.TV
Wikipedia.org has links to solar energy in India
Solar Power in India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
India's theoretical solar potential is about 5000 TW·h per year (i.e. 600 GW), far more than its current total consumption.
India heavily depends on foreign oil - a phenomenon likely to continue until non-fossil / renewable energy technology becomes economically viable in the country.[1] Currently solar power is prohibitive due to high initial costs of deployment.
However India's very long-term solar potential could be unparalleled in the world because, being a densely populated region in the sunny tropical belt, it has the ideal combination of both high solar insolation [2] and a big potential consumer base density.[3][4][5] Considering, for e.g., the costs of energy required for temperature control - a factor squarely influencing a regions energy intensity - cooling from intense solar radiation could make perfect energy-economic sense in the subcontinent, more so, since cooling load requirements are roughly in phase with the sun's intensity. [6] [7] [8] However a thriving market for solar technology can only spawn when the required technology becomes competitively cheaper, i.e. attaining cost parity with fossil of nuclear energy.
check out Wikipedia.org info on photovoltaic energy in South Asia, Solar Power In India links from Wikipedia.org
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
India's theoretical solar potential is about 5000 TW·h per year (i.e. 600 GW), far more than its current total consumption.
India heavily depends on foreign oil - a phenomenon likely to continue until non-fossil / renewable energy technology becomes economically viable in the country.[1] Currently solar power is prohibitive due to high initial costs of deployment.
However India's very long-term solar potential could be unparalleled in the world because, being a densely populated region in the sunny tropical belt, it has the ideal combination of both high solar insolation [2] and a big potential consumer base density.[3][4][5] Considering, for e.g., the costs of energy required for temperature control - a factor squarely influencing a regions energy intensity - cooling from intense solar radiation could make perfect energy-economic sense in the subcontinent, more so, since cooling load requirements are roughly in phase with the sun's intensity. [6] [7] [8] However a thriving market for solar technology can only spawn when the required technology becomes competitively cheaper, i.e. attaining cost parity with fossil of nuclear energy.
check out Wikipedia.org info on photovoltaic energy in South Asia, Solar Power In India links from Wikipedia.org
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
India's Solar Energy blessings mean a bright tomorrow
GREENING INDIA'S FUTURE POWER DEMAND
by Avilash Roul, www.EcoWorld.com
Editor's Note: Using sunlight to create electrical and thermal energy remains the most promising source of clean renewable energy, and projections as to how quickly solar power takes off could be grossly understated. As the author points out, the costs for photovoltaic electricity, for example, have dropped by an order of magnitude in the last 30 years.
The challenge however lies in just how much energy solar power would have to displace if it were to become the dominant source of energy in the world. In 2006, according to the International Energy Agency, 80.3% of the world's energy came from fossil fuel: Oil (34.3%), coal (25.1%) and gas (20.9%). Fully 90.9% of the world's energy came from combustion, because alongside these fossil fuels in 4th place are "combustible renewables," mostly wood (10.6%). Include nuclear power (6.5%) and hydro-electric power (2.2%), and you have accounted for 99.5% of the world's energy!
So where does solar fit into this equation? Most of this last half-percent of one percent of the world's energy, .41%, is provided from geothermal sources. The energy we love so much, wind and solar, currently only provide .064% and .039% of the world's power requirements. Put another way, for solar energy achieve its potential and replace all other sources of energy in the world, this .039% would have to increase 2,500 times.
Moreover, since nations such as India and China have only begun to industrialize, and since the industrialized nations only comprise approximately 20% of the world's population yet consume over 50% of the world's energy production, it is unlikely that global energy production will not have to increase. It is these sobering realities that should inform any reading of the potential of solar power. - Ed "Redwood" Ring (Editor)
India's Solar Power - Greening India's Future Energy Demand
by Avilash Roul, May 15, 2007
Human civilization has been witnessing a gradual shift towards cleaner fuels-from wood to coal, from coal to oil, from oil to natural gas; renewables are the present demand...
With the fluctuating high cost of petroleum, minimizing dependence on importing conventional energy resources, stewardship to protect the Planet and providing affordable energy to all, countries including India have stepped up their energy path for harnessing indigenous renewable resources. To tap the infinite energy and transform as well as transmit it to each household, the Indian government has accelerated promotion of the use of universally available Solar Energy.
India due to its geo-physical location receives solar energy equivalent to nearly 5,000 trillion kWh/year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country today. But India produces a very negligible amount of solar energy - a mere 0.2 percent compared to other energy resources. Power generation from solar thermal energy is still in the experimental stages in India. Up till now, India's energy base has been more on conventional energy like coal and oil. However, India has now attained 7th place worldwide in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cell production and 9th place in Solar Thermal Systems. Grid-interactive renewable power installed capacity as on 31.10.2006 aggregated 9,013 MW corresponding to around 7 percent of the total power installed capacity which equates to over 2 percent of total electricity.
Worldwide photovoltaic installations increased by 1,460 MW in 2005, up from 1,086 MW installed during the previous year. That was a 67 percent increase over the 750 MW produced in 2003. In 2002 the world solar market increased 40 percent. Solar Energy demand has grown at about 25 percent per annum over the past 15 years. In 1985, worldwide annual solar installation demand was only 21 MW. According to the IEA's factsheet, "Renewables in Global Energy Supply," the solar energy sector has grown by 32 per annum since 1971. Worldwide, grid-connected solar PV continued to be the fastest growing power generation technology, with a 55 percent increase in cumulative installed capacity to 3.1 GW, up from 2.0 GW in 2004, as per "Renewable Global Status Update Report 2006" (www.ren21.net). Similarly, India witnessed an acceleration of solar hot water installations in 2005. Global production of solar PV increased from 1,150 MW in 2004 to over 1,700 MW in 2005. Japan was the leader in cell production (830 MW), followed by Europe (470 MW), China (200 MW), and the US (150 MW).
India: Status of Solar Energy:
The solar PV program was begun in the mid 70's in India. While the world has progressed substantially in production of basic silicon mono-crystalline photovoltaic cells, India has fallen short to achieve the worldwide momentum. In early 2000, nine Indian companies were manufacturing solar cells. During 1997-98 it was estimated that about 8.2 MW capacity solar cells were produced in the country. The total installed manufacturing capacity was estimated to be 19 MW per year. The major players in Solar PV are Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) (http://www.bhel.com/bhel/home.php); Central Electrtonics Ltd., and Rajasthan Electricals & Instruments Ltd., as well as by several companies in the private sector. The latest, 100 million dollars investment from Tata BP Solar in India is the pointer towards the booming solar market in India. Of late, the market is growing for SPV applications based products with the active encouragement of the government.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (www.mnes.nic.in), earlier known as the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources - have initiated innovative schemes to accelerate utilisation and exploitation of the solar energy. Number of incentives like subsidy, soft loan, 80 percent accelerated depreciation, confessional duty on import of raw materials and certain products, excise duty exemption on certain devices/systems etc. are being provided for the production and use of solar energy systems. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) - http://mnes.nic.in/annualreport/2004_2005_English/ch12_pg1.htm - a Public Limited Company established in 1987- provides revolving fund to financing and leasing companies offering affordable credit for the purchase of PV systems. As a result, the Renewable Energy Sector is increasingly assuming a greater role in providing grid power to the Nation as its total capacities reached about 9,013 MW. This apart, the Electricity Act 2003, National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006 provide a common framework for the regulation of renewable power in all States/UTs through quotas, preferential tariffs, and guidelines for pricing 'non-firm' power.
However, in the Draft New and Renewable Energy Policy Statement 2005, which is yet be approved, the federal government is very cautious about the status of renewable energy in the future. It says, "despite the fact that the biomass-solar- hydrogen economy is some decades away, it should not make industry and the scientific & technical community of the country unduly complacent into believing that necessary steps for expected changes can wait."
Present Scenario of Solar Power:
The MNES has been implementing installation of solar PV water pumping systems for irrigation and drinking water applications through subsidy since 1993-94. Typically, a 1,800 Wp PV array capacity solar PV water pumping system, which cost about Rs. 3.65 lakh, is being used for irrigation purposes. The Ministry is providing a subsidy of Rs.30 per watt of PV array capacity used, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50,000 per system. The majority of the pumps fitted with a 200 watt to 3,000 watt motor are powered with 1,800 Wp PV array which can deliver about 140,000 liters of water/day from a total head of 10 meters. By 30th September, 2006, a total of 7,068 solar PV water pumping systems have been installed.
article continued at:
http://www.ecoworld.com/home/articles2.cfm?tid=418
Green Energy website
by Avilash Roul, www.EcoWorld.com
Editor's Note: Using sunlight to create electrical and thermal energy remains the most promising source of clean renewable energy, and projections as to how quickly solar power takes off could be grossly understated. As the author points out, the costs for photovoltaic electricity, for example, have dropped by an order of magnitude in the last 30 years.
The challenge however lies in just how much energy solar power would have to displace if it were to become the dominant source of energy in the world. In 2006, according to the International Energy Agency, 80.3% of the world's energy came from fossil fuel: Oil (34.3%), coal (25.1%) and gas (20.9%). Fully 90.9% of the world's energy came from combustion, because alongside these fossil fuels in 4th place are "combustible renewables," mostly wood (10.6%). Include nuclear power (6.5%) and hydro-electric power (2.2%), and you have accounted for 99.5% of the world's energy!
So where does solar fit into this equation? Most of this last half-percent of one percent of the world's energy, .41%, is provided from geothermal sources. The energy we love so much, wind and solar, currently only provide .064% and .039% of the world's power requirements. Put another way, for solar energy achieve its potential and replace all other sources of energy in the world, this .039% would have to increase 2,500 times.
Moreover, since nations such as India and China have only begun to industrialize, and since the industrialized nations only comprise approximately 20% of the world's population yet consume over 50% of the world's energy production, it is unlikely that global energy production will not have to increase. It is these sobering realities that should inform any reading of the potential of solar power. - Ed "Redwood" Ring (Editor)
India's Solar Power - Greening India's Future Energy Demand
by Avilash Roul, May 15, 2007
Human civilization has been witnessing a gradual shift towards cleaner fuels-from wood to coal, from coal to oil, from oil to natural gas; renewables are the present demand...
With the fluctuating high cost of petroleum, minimizing dependence on importing conventional energy resources, stewardship to protect the Planet and providing affordable energy to all, countries including India have stepped up their energy path for harnessing indigenous renewable resources. To tap the infinite energy and transform as well as transmit it to each household, the Indian government has accelerated promotion of the use of universally available Solar Energy.
India due to its geo-physical location receives solar energy equivalent to nearly 5,000 trillion kWh/year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country today. But India produces a very negligible amount of solar energy - a mere 0.2 percent compared to other energy resources. Power generation from solar thermal energy is still in the experimental stages in India. Up till now, India's energy base has been more on conventional energy like coal and oil. However, India has now attained 7th place worldwide in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cell production and 9th place in Solar Thermal Systems. Grid-interactive renewable power installed capacity as on 31.10.2006 aggregated 9,013 MW corresponding to around 7 percent of the total power installed capacity which equates to over 2 percent of total electricity.
Worldwide photovoltaic installations increased by 1,460 MW in 2005, up from 1,086 MW installed during the previous year. That was a 67 percent increase over the 750 MW produced in 2003. In 2002 the world solar market increased 40 percent. Solar Energy demand has grown at about 25 percent per annum over the past 15 years. In 1985, worldwide annual solar installation demand was only 21 MW. According to the IEA's factsheet, "Renewables in Global Energy Supply," the solar energy sector has grown by 32 per annum since 1971. Worldwide, grid-connected solar PV continued to be the fastest growing power generation technology, with a 55 percent increase in cumulative installed capacity to 3.1 GW, up from 2.0 GW in 2004, as per "Renewable Global Status Update Report 2006" (www.ren21.net). Similarly, India witnessed an acceleration of solar hot water installations in 2005. Global production of solar PV increased from 1,150 MW in 2004 to over 1,700 MW in 2005. Japan was the leader in cell production (830 MW), followed by Europe (470 MW), China (200 MW), and the US (150 MW).
India: Status of Solar Energy:
The solar PV program was begun in the mid 70's in India. While the world has progressed substantially in production of basic silicon mono-crystalline photovoltaic cells, India has fallen short to achieve the worldwide momentum. In early 2000, nine Indian companies were manufacturing solar cells. During 1997-98 it was estimated that about 8.2 MW capacity solar cells were produced in the country. The total installed manufacturing capacity was estimated to be 19 MW per year. The major players in Solar PV are Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) (http://www.bhel.com/bhel/home.php); Central Electrtonics Ltd., and Rajasthan Electricals & Instruments Ltd., as well as by several companies in the private sector. The latest, 100 million dollars investment from Tata BP Solar in India is the pointer towards the booming solar market in India. Of late, the market is growing for SPV applications based products with the active encouragement of the government.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (www.mnes.nic.in), earlier known as the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources - have initiated innovative schemes to accelerate utilisation and exploitation of the solar energy. Number of incentives like subsidy, soft loan, 80 percent accelerated depreciation, confessional duty on import of raw materials and certain products, excise duty exemption on certain devices/systems etc. are being provided for the production and use of solar energy systems. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) - http://mnes.nic.in/annualreport/2004_2005_English/ch12_pg1.htm - a Public Limited Company established in 1987- provides revolving fund to financing and leasing companies offering affordable credit for the purchase of PV systems. As a result, the Renewable Energy Sector is increasingly assuming a greater role in providing grid power to the Nation as its total capacities reached about 9,013 MW. This apart, the Electricity Act 2003, National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006 provide a common framework for the regulation of renewable power in all States/UTs through quotas, preferential tariffs, and guidelines for pricing 'non-firm' power.
However, in the Draft New and Renewable Energy Policy Statement 2005, which is yet be approved, the federal government is very cautious about the status of renewable energy in the future. It says, "despite the fact that the biomass-solar- hydrogen economy is some decades away, it should not make industry and the scientific & technical community of the country unduly complacent into believing that necessary steps for expected changes can wait."
Present Scenario of Solar Power:
The MNES has been implementing installation of solar PV water pumping systems for irrigation and drinking water applications through subsidy since 1993-94. Typically, a 1,800 Wp PV array capacity solar PV water pumping system, which cost about Rs. 3.65 lakh, is being used for irrigation purposes. The Ministry is providing a subsidy of Rs.30 per watt of PV array capacity used, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50,000 per system. The majority of the pumps fitted with a 200 watt to 3,000 watt motor are powered with 1,800 Wp PV array which can deliver about 140,000 liters of water/day from a total head of 10 meters. By 30th September, 2006, a total of 7,068 solar PV water pumping systems have been installed.
article continued at:
http://www.ecoworld.com/home/articles2.cfm?tid=418
Green Energy website
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Algae to Biofuel a solution for CO2 emissions problems
Putting the bite on C02
from www.TheStar.com - Business
One way to reduce climate-change-causing gas is to serve it up and let algae do its stuff
July 23, 2007 - Tyler Hamilton, Business Reporter
Capturing carbon dioxide can be done in several ways, but the most unusual approach by far is to literally feed the greenhouse gas to CO2-hungry algae.
Several companies have attempted over the years to develop algae bioreactor systems that can be attached to coal- or natural gas-fired power plants or big industrial facilities. The idea is that CO2 emissions from these operations can be directed to an algae "farm," where the tiny organisms feast on the gas until they're fat enough to harvest.
The mature, oil-rich algae can then be processed into a number of products, such as biodiesel, ethanol, animal feed and a variety of plastics. So you end up with a double benefit: keeping CO2 from entering the atmosphere, and producing renewable products that can reduce the need for fossil fuels.
But like most dream technologies, CO2-to-algae-to-oil systems would be great if designing them didn't present so many challenges.
Last month, Cambridge, Mass.-based GreenFuel Technologies, a leading developer of algae-to-biofuel systems, found that a pilot system it had built in Arizona was growing algae so aggressively that it couldn't harvest them fast enough. As a result, the algae began to die.
The company also found out that the cost of its next-generation system was twice as much as it originally calculated, so it was forced to shut down the Arizona pilot and lay off nearly half of its staff.
This doesn't bode well for business. Power utilities, normally a conservative bunch, tend to shy away from any technology that isn't rock solid and risk free. They want to see more trial and less error.
As for a developing such systems for the Canadian market, experts say the cooler weather in Canada would make it difficult to keep the algae farms alive and productive year-round.
But never say never. The federal government announced in March that it was contributing $100,000 toward the first phase of a project to design microalgae systems with the potential to "capture up to 100 million tonnes of CO2 from industrial sources," the government said.
Not a huge contribution, but at least it kick-starts some serious research.
It's the first project under the newly created I-CAN Centre for the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide, which will be co-led by government research centres in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec.
And earlier this month, a consortium of academics, scientists and businesses threw their hat into the algae pond, describing their collective goal of building a commercial "photo bioreactor" within three years and designing it for the needs of the Canadian market.
One company in that consortium is Ottawa-based Menova Energy Inc., which in other circles is known as a provider of solar hybrid systems that can provide both heat and electricity to schools, industrial facilities and other large buildings.
Another is Trident Exploration Corp., a natural gas exploration company looking at ways to reduce its CO2 emissions.
Menova president Dave Gerwing says Trident knew it was only a matter of time before the federal government began imposing penalties on CO2 emissions. Trident approached a number of companies looking for solutions, including GreenFuel Technologies, but it ended up teaming up with Menova last year.
So what does a solar company have to do with carbon sequestration in algae?
Gerwing, a determined engineer, says it's a combination of innovation and better economics. What Menova brings to the table that other companies don't is a combination of heat and light – both of which are crucial ingredients to algae cultivation.
Menova's Power-Spar system uses solar concentrators to focus the sun on photovoltaic solar cells, which produce electricity, and fluid-filled channels that capture the sun's heat. But the system goes one step further, capturing the sunlight and redirecting it where necessary through fibre-optic cables.
What this means is that an algae farm – or what Menova calls its "photo bioreactor" – can be designed in a way where heat and light are concentrated in a relatively more confined area, allowing for the high-density growth of algae without the need for acres and acres of land.
"Our initial estimates are that we're going to be able to recycle 100 to 150 tonnes of greenhouse gases into biomass a year, then convert it into biofuel, based on 70 square metres of collector area."
Keeping a constant temperature is key, Gerwing points out. "We've figured out a way to make stuff stay at 70-degrees C when outside it's minus 30C," he says. "It's something you can do all year, meaning you don't make green popsicles out of algae (in the winter)."
On top of this, any algae system using Menova's collectors can produce electricity that can be sold into the grid or, in the case of Trident, used for their own power needs.
Suddenly the economics, compared to other models on the market, begin looking attractive – even in Canada. Companies that purchase such a system can earn revenues generating electricity, producing raw material for making fuels and other bioproducts, and selling carbon credits into cap-and-trade markets.
In fact, Trident and Menova expect the system will reduce by half the amount of carbon emissions resulting from petroleum processing – welcome news, if do-able, to producers in the oil sands.
The pilot project is expected to begin shortly, and a working commercial system is being targeted for 2010.
Other consortium members include the National Research Council, Olds College School of Innovation-Biofuel and Technology Centre, and the University of Saskatchewan.
The photo bioreactor technology is currently in the process of being patented, so Gerwing wouldn't go into further detail about how the technology works. This, however, doesn't hide his excitement.
"I don't sleep much," he says. "If you saw some of the stuff on the drawing board ... it's just so rewarding."
Canada may be late in this race, but the Menova-Trident project, if successful, could quickly put us ahead of the pack.
Ontario wind energy project receives approval
Enbridge wind farm wins okay
from www.TheStar.com - Business
Construction set to start on Bruce County project
July 21, 2007
Enbridge Inc. plans to start construction this summer on a major wind-power project in Bruce County, now that the Ontario Municipal Board has overruled residents fearing noise and unsightliness.
The 182-megawatt project, one of the largest wind farms in Canada, is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The municipal board ruled in favour of the project this week and the Ministry of the Environment has indicated the development complies with provincial noise guidelines.
"We are extremely pleased to be moving ahead with a renewable-energy project that further illustrates our commitment to sustainability and, at the same time, will help address the province's electricity needs," Al Monaco, president of Enbridge Gas Distribution, said yesterday.
Carol Mitchell, the Liberal MPP for Huron-Bruce, said in an Enbridge news release that she is "very pleased that there has been public input into this project and that it is now moving forward."
Three dozen residents, represented by the Windfarm Action Group, appealed to overturn the municipal rezoning allowing the development.
However, "the community has been firmly behind this project throughout the process, and we have worked hard to listen to and address the needs of stakeholders," said Bob Simpson, general manager of Enbridge Ontario Wind Power. "The people of this area understand the value and importance of clean, renewable power and they have been extraordinarily supportive."
from www.TheStar.com - Business
Construction set to start on Bruce County project
July 21, 2007
Enbridge Inc. plans to start construction this summer on a major wind-power project in Bruce County, now that the Ontario Municipal Board has overruled residents fearing noise and unsightliness.
The 182-megawatt project, one of the largest wind farms in Canada, is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The municipal board ruled in favour of the project this week and the Ministry of the Environment has indicated the development complies with provincial noise guidelines.
"We are extremely pleased to be moving ahead with a renewable-energy project that further illustrates our commitment to sustainability and, at the same time, will help address the province's electricity needs," Al Monaco, president of Enbridge Gas Distribution, said yesterday.
Carol Mitchell, the Liberal MPP for Huron-Bruce, said in an Enbridge news release that she is "very pleased that there has been public input into this project and that it is now moving forward."
Three dozen residents, represented by the Windfarm Action Group, appealed to overturn the municipal rezoning allowing the development.
However, "the community has been firmly behind this project throughout the process, and we have worked hard to listen to and address the needs of stakeholders," said Bob Simpson, general manager of Enbridge Ontario Wind Power. "The people of this area understand the value and importance of clean, renewable power and they have been extraordinarily supportive."
India's Tata Group makes major bet on Solar Energy
Here comes the sun
by Jai Wadia, Tat.com
While the world is reeling under the burden of soaring oil prices, Tata BP Solar has been quietly and efficiently harnessing the tremendous potential of solar energy for India's cities and villages
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that." This is no latter-day environmentalist speaking. Rather, these are the words of Thomas Alva Edison, one of the world's greatest scientists and the inventor of the electric bulb. Having pioneered the electricity distribution system, he had the foresight to understand a century ago that conventional energy is non-renewable and, as we go into the future, the world is going to run out of fossil fuels.
Today, countries across the world are reeling under the heavy burden of rising oil prices and are looking for non-conventional and renewable sources of energy. In India, Tata BP Solar has been harnessing the tremendous potential of solar energy to provide electricity and heating since 1989. A joint venture between the largest solar company in the world —- BP Solar — and the Tata Group, the company has been developing solar modules for a wide variety of applications in urban and rural markets, in India and overseas.
"The Tata Group has always had an interest in sustainable energy. In India, we have plenty of sunshine. This source of alternate energy will play a great role in the development of our rural areas," says Syamal Gupta, chairman, Tata BP Solar. A leader in solar energy in India, the company not only manufactures and sells solar cells and modules, but makes entire application solutions. Says AK Vora, managing director of Tata BP Solar, "We are unique because we focus on creating and selling complete solutions. We don't just sell modules, we add value to them."
Solar modules have now become a commodity. When a product becomes a commodity, it commands smaller premiums. According to Vora, one of the reasons why Tata BP Solar has been making profits since its second year while most major solar companies globally have been making losses, is that it sells complete solutions. For instance, the cost of a solar street light module is Rs 12,000 ($260). But Tata BP Solar has added batteries, automatic electronic switching systems, the pole, and provides installation and service — a complete solution for street lighting at a cost of Rs 25,000 ($540).
Besides being an alternative and cleaner 'fuel', solar energy benefits rural areas that have no conventional power, and remote places where it is difficult to take electricity. In urban areas, Tata BP Solar's products can decrease the use of noisy and polluting kerosene and diesel generators. Solar street lamps and water heating systems save precious fuel and electricity.
"India needs 155,000 MW of power in the next 15 years," says K Subramanya, COO, Tata BP Solar. "While we have progressed in the IT, telecom, textiles and automobiles sectors, we have lagged behind in power; the need has grown but the resources have not. We have to tap all sources of power to meet these needs."
Tata BP Solar's wide range of products include portable solar lanterns, water pumps, solar water heaters and solar street lights. They have also developed customised solutions for areas such as health and education, as well as for computerising rural banks. Other applications include telecommunications, heaters for swimming pools in farmhouses, hotels and resorts, and power supply for offshore oil and gas installations.
The company was the first to develop solar modules that can be aesthetically integrated into the architecture of a building. Its Building Integrated Photovoltaic Modules (BIPV) are energy-efficient solar panels that can be integrated in the roofing. In the Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies at Lonavala, near Mumbai, three large roofing solar panels generate power —- the first project of its kind in the country. Hyderabad's Green Business Centre also has a roof mounted solar power plant that takes care of some of its electrical needs.
Solar thermal technology heats water that can be pre-fed to boilers for steam generation. MILMA dairies in Kerala have been using Tata BP Solar's 60,000 litres per day solar water heating systems since the last four years for pasteurisation, condensation and clean-in-place (CIP) applications. It has proved to be a huge energy saver.
Solar Road Studs are placed at busy traffic intersections or on dangerous and sharp road bends. They charge in the sun during the day and flash at night, providing a clear warning to drivers. Ecogenie, a solar power pack designed to power lights, fans and a television set, is portable, convenient and can be used in offices and homes during power cuts.
More than 50 per cent of the company's turnover is from exports through BP Solar, 95 per cent of which are to European countries. Vora says that governments there are greatly concerned about environment and energy security, and offer attractive fiscal incentives for solar energy devices. The company exports only modules, which are integrated locally into systems.
BP Solar has manufacturing units in America, Australia, Europe and India. But, says Vora, "The modules from our Bangalore unit are recognised as the best among BP Solar's customers. Many customers ask specifically for our modules. They are also 15 per cent cheaper than modules from the other countries."
In Asia, the company focuses on integrated solutions. Says Subramanya, "In Sri Lanka, we are providing our education package, Tejas, which can power computers. We have also supplied solar power systems to Bhutan for its telecom network." Tata BP Solar has also undertaken projects in the Maldives, Afghanistan and Nepal. In Bangladesh, the company has a nearly 50-per cent market share, and sells its products through a distributor. The World Bank is currently funding a programme on rural electrification that uses Tata BP Solar products. In Pakistan, the company recently installed solar systems in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's birthplace, Khaj, which still has no electricity — a goodwill gesture from the BP India office. The company feels that Pakistan represents a huge opportunity for business in the future.
Back home, people's attitudes towards solar energy are slowly changing thanks to the awareness being created through Arunodaya (meaning sunrise), a company division that focuses on education and awareness. "But we have to do more," says Subramanya. "So far we have been a quiet company, but we're planning to be more aggressive."
Starting from a small shed in 1989, the company now has two large units over 10 acres of land, and is still expanding. And though solar power cannot compete with conventional power at present, the company is hopeful that the situation will change in the future. In fact, recent power shortages in Mumbai have opened a window of opportunity. "It's a cleaner alternative. Generators give out smoke and noise; if they break down, people don't know how to repair them. Solar power is quiet, clean and convenient," says Vora.
About the future, Subramanya says, "The key to growth and success is innovation. We are investing in our people, developing new products and expanding our network. We have created an excellence cell with best practices from the Tata Group, BP and global companies." "Our aim is to triple our turnover to Rs 1,500 crore ($325 mn) by 2009-10," adds Vora. "We plan to expand to 100 MW within five years, and double customer and employee satisfaction. Our vision is to be one of the most admired companies in the country." Tata BP Solar is showing people across the world how a little bit of sunshine can change their lives.
Uploaded on October 4, 2006
by Jai Wadia, Tat.com
While the world is reeling under the burden of soaring oil prices, Tata BP Solar has been quietly and efficiently harnessing the tremendous potential of solar energy for India's cities and villages
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that." This is no latter-day environmentalist speaking. Rather, these are the words of Thomas Alva Edison, one of the world's greatest scientists and the inventor of the electric bulb. Having pioneered the electricity distribution system, he had the foresight to understand a century ago that conventional energy is non-renewable and, as we go into the future, the world is going to run out of fossil fuels.
Today, countries across the world are reeling under the heavy burden of rising oil prices and are looking for non-conventional and renewable sources of energy. In India, Tata BP Solar has been harnessing the tremendous potential of solar energy to provide electricity and heating since 1989. A joint venture between the largest solar company in the world —- BP Solar — and the Tata Group, the company has been developing solar modules for a wide variety of applications in urban and rural markets, in India and overseas.
"The Tata Group has always had an interest in sustainable energy. In India, we have plenty of sunshine. This source of alternate energy will play a great role in the development of our rural areas," says Syamal Gupta, chairman, Tata BP Solar. A leader in solar energy in India, the company not only manufactures and sells solar cells and modules, but makes entire application solutions. Says AK Vora, managing director of Tata BP Solar, "We are unique because we focus on creating and selling complete solutions. We don't just sell modules, we add value to them."
Solar modules have now become a commodity. When a product becomes a commodity, it commands smaller premiums. According to Vora, one of the reasons why Tata BP Solar has been making profits since its second year while most major solar companies globally have been making losses, is that it sells complete solutions. For instance, the cost of a solar street light module is Rs 12,000 ($260). But Tata BP Solar has added batteries, automatic electronic switching systems, the pole, and provides installation and service — a complete solution for street lighting at a cost of Rs 25,000 ($540).
Besides being an alternative and cleaner 'fuel', solar energy benefits rural areas that have no conventional power, and remote places where it is difficult to take electricity. In urban areas, Tata BP Solar's products can decrease the use of noisy and polluting kerosene and diesel generators. Solar street lamps and water heating systems save precious fuel and electricity.
"India needs 155,000 MW of power in the next 15 years," says K Subramanya, COO, Tata BP Solar. "While we have progressed in the IT, telecom, textiles and automobiles sectors, we have lagged behind in power; the need has grown but the resources have not. We have to tap all sources of power to meet these needs."
Tata BP Solar's wide range of products include portable solar lanterns, water pumps, solar water heaters and solar street lights. They have also developed customised solutions for areas such as health and education, as well as for computerising rural banks. Other applications include telecommunications, heaters for swimming pools in farmhouses, hotels and resorts, and power supply for offshore oil and gas installations.
The company was the first to develop solar modules that can be aesthetically integrated into the architecture of a building. Its Building Integrated Photovoltaic Modules (BIPV) are energy-efficient solar panels that can be integrated in the roofing. In the Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies at Lonavala, near Mumbai, three large roofing solar panels generate power —- the first project of its kind in the country. Hyderabad's Green Business Centre also has a roof mounted solar power plant that takes care of some of its electrical needs.
Solar thermal technology heats water that can be pre-fed to boilers for steam generation. MILMA dairies in Kerala have been using Tata BP Solar's 60,000 litres per day solar water heating systems since the last four years for pasteurisation, condensation and clean-in-place (CIP) applications. It has proved to be a huge energy saver.
Solar Road Studs are placed at busy traffic intersections or on dangerous and sharp road bends. They charge in the sun during the day and flash at night, providing a clear warning to drivers. Ecogenie, a solar power pack designed to power lights, fans and a television set, is portable, convenient and can be used in offices and homes during power cuts.
More than 50 per cent of the company's turnover is from exports through BP Solar, 95 per cent of which are to European countries. Vora says that governments there are greatly concerned about environment and energy security, and offer attractive fiscal incentives for solar energy devices. The company exports only modules, which are integrated locally into systems.
BP Solar has manufacturing units in America, Australia, Europe and India. But, says Vora, "The modules from our Bangalore unit are recognised as the best among BP Solar's customers. Many customers ask specifically for our modules. They are also 15 per cent cheaper than modules from the other countries."
In Asia, the company focuses on integrated solutions. Says Subramanya, "In Sri Lanka, we are providing our education package, Tejas, which can power computers. We have also supplied solar power systems to Bhutan for its telecom network." Tata BP Solar has also undertaken projects in the Maldives, Afghanistan and Nepal. In Bangladesh, the company has a nearly 50-per cent market share, and sells its products through a distributor. The World Bank is currently funding a programme on rural electrification that uses Tata BP Solar products. In Pakistan, the company recently installed solar systems in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's birthplace, Khaj, which still has no electricity — a goodwill gesture from the BP India office. The company feels that Pakistan represents a huge opportunity for business in the future.
Back home, people's attitudes towards solar energy are slowly changing thanks to the awareness being created through Arunodaya (meaning sunrise), a company division that focuses on education and awareness. "But we have to do more," says Subramanya. "So far we have been a quiet company, but we're planning to be more aggressive."
Starting from a small shed in 1989, the company now has two large units over 10 acres of land, and is still expanding. And though solar power cannot compete with conventional power at present, the company is hopeful that the situation will change in the future. In fact, recent power shortages in Mumbai have opened a window of opportunity. "It's a cleaner alternative. Generators give out smoke and noise; if they break down, people don't know how to repair them. Solar power is quiet, clean and convenient," says Vora.
About the future, Subramanya says, "The key to growth and success is innovation. We are investing in our people, developing new products and expanding our network. We have created an excellence cell with best practices from the Tata Group, BP and global companies." "Our aim is to triple our turnover to Rs 1,500 crore ($325 mn) by 2009-10," adds Vora. "We plan to expand to 100 MW within five years, and double customer and employee satisfaction. Our vision is to be one of the most admired companies in the country." Tata BP Solar is showing people across the world how a little bit of sunshine can change their lives.
Uploaded on October 4, 2006
World Bank backs Solar Power in India
from http://www.atimes.com
Earth, wind, solar fire fuel India future
By Siddharth Srivastava
NEW DELHI - There has been significant corporate movement to tap the alternative/renewable-energy situation in India.
Last week, a report released by the United Nations Environment Program said global investment in renewable energy, especially solar, wind and biofuel, rose from US$80 billion in 2005 to $100 billion last year, with an especially high rate of growth in developing countries such as India, China and Brazil. Renewable-energy investments in developing countries accounted for 21% of the total.
Biofuel
Recently, British bio-diesel major D1 Oil announced plans to expand operations in India. The company already has agreements with Mohan Breweries and Williamson Magor for jatropha (India's main bio-diesel weed) cultivation and processing. D1 already has 20,000 hectares of jatropha growing in four southern and central Indian states for Mohan Breweries.
The potential of using jatropha for bio-diesel has also attracted Chinese interest in India. A 13-member Chinese delegation was in India recently to explore the possibility of cultivating the weed and exchanging technology.
India's Reliance Industries has already bought large tracts of land in many states for jatropha cultivation, and wind-turbine producer Suzlon Energy Ltd has said it plans to enter the bio-diesel sector in the next four years. Others plunging into the bio-diesel pool include Indian Oil Corp, auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra, which is set to roll out its first biofuel vehicles by the end of the year, and Southern Online Bio Technologies, which has announced plans for a large bio-diesel production unit in Andhra Pradesh in an agreement with Lurgi Lift Sciences of Germany.
However, the enthusiasm for a biofuel future is tempered with not-unfounded fears of jatropha cultivation competing for precious land traditionally devoted to edible agriculture.
Others say India's biofuel drive has political acceptance because it will result in higher farm incomes. Examples of political favor for biofuel include New Delhi's plans to launch a nationwide biofuel promotion, with a special emphasis on jatropha, karanj and neem as plants that can be grown in wastelands and used as alternative sources of fuel to petroleum.
Bio-diesel has also been exempted from excise duty, and a National Biofuel Development Board is planned. Federal Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has also been promoting ethanol in the face of recent bumper crops and falling prices, both domestic and global.
Solar and wind
California-based Signet Solar will invest US$2 billion over the next 10 years to set up three plants in India to manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Currently, Moser Baer Photo Voltaic (MBPV) dominates Indian production of solar PV cells.
Each of the Signet Solar plants will have an annual output of 300 megawatts, and the initial investment will be $150 million.
The global photovoltaic market has seen high growth, and sales are expected to rise from the current $6 billion to $40 billion by 2010.
Solar-energy efforts were also recently boosted when New Delhi finally announced long-awaited incentives for semiconductor use and manufacturing that include tax exemptions and subsidies.
Taking advantage of the new semiconductor-incentive policy, MBPV announced that it would invest $250 million to expand its solar-cell-making capacity. MBPV is scheduled to ramp up its solar PV cell capacity to 200MW in 18 months from the current 40MW. International Finance Corp, a private-sector arm of the World Bank, recently forwarded a $22.5 million loan to MBPV to promote solar energy in India.
Meanwhile, US wind-energy company AES Corp is exploring the possibility of building a wind-turbine manufacturing unit in India. "We are looking at a low-cost destination, and India fits into this category," AES executive vice president Mark Woodruff said.
Several Indian state-run oil production, exploration and marketing companies are also investing in renewable-energy projects.
Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp are planning to set up 50-100MW wind-energy projects for captive use and may also sell any surplus power to third parties.
India's state-run National Thermal Power is planning a joint venture with global equipment maker ABB to enter the wind-energy sector with plans for 1,000MW of renewable energy capacity over the next 10 years.
Indian wind-energy major Suzlon has successfully concluded its acquisition bid for Germany's Repower Systems AG, and now controls more than three-quarters of votes in the Hamburg-based company.
Suzlon also signed a contract for 400MW of wind-turbine capacity with PPM Energy of Portland, Oregon. "This agreement is Suzlon's single largest contract for wind-turbine capacity," said Suzlon.
Siddharth Srivastava is a New Delhi-based journalist.
Alternative Energy Website
Earth, wind, solar fire fuel India future
By Siddharth Srivastava
NEW DELHI - There has been significant corporate movement to tap the alternative/renewable-energy situation in India.
Last week, a report released by the United Nations Environment Program said global investment in renewable energy, especially solar, wind and biofuel, rose from US$80 billion in 2005 to $100 billion last year, with an especially high rate of growth in developing countries such as India, China and Brazil. Renewable-energy investments in developing countries accounted for 21% of the total.
Biofuel
Recently, British bio-diesel major D1 Oil announced plans to expand operations in India. The company already has agreements with Mohan Breweries and Williamson Magor for jatropha (India's main bio-diesel weed) cultivation and processing. D1 already has 20,000 hectares of jatropha growing in four southern and central Indian states for Mohan Breweries.
The potential of using jatropha for bio-diesel has also attracted Chinese interest in India. A 13-member Chinese delegation was in India recently to explore the possibility of cultivating the weed and exchanging technology.
India's Reliance Industries has already bought large tracts of land in many states for jatropha cultivation, and wind-turbine producer Suzlon Energy Ltd has said it plans to enter the bio-diesel sector in the next four years. Others plunging into the bio-diesel pool include Indian Oil Corp, auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra, which is set to roll out its first biofuel vehicles by the end of the year, and Southern Online Bio Technologies, which has announced plans for a large bio-diesel production unit in Andhra Pradesh in an agreement with Lurgi Lift Sciences of Germany.
However, the enthusiasm for a biofuel future is tempered with not-unfounded fears of jatropha cultivation competing for precious land traditionally devoted to edible agriculture.
Others say India's biofuel drive has political acceptance because it will result in higher farm incomes. Examples of political favor for biofuel include New Delhi's plans to launch a nationwide biofuel promotion, with a special emphasis on jatropha, karanj and neem as plants that can be grown in wastelands and used as alternative sources of fuel to petroleum.
Bio-diesel has also been exempted from excise duty, and a National Biofuel Development Board is planned. Federal Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has also been promoting ethanol in the face of recent bumper crops and falling prices, both domestic and global.
Solar and wind
California-based Signet Solar will invest US$2 billion over the next 10 years to set up three plants in India to manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Currently, Moser Baer Photo Voltaic (MBPV) dominates Indian production of solar PV cells.
Each of the Signet Solar plants will have an annual output of 300 megawatts, and the initial investment will be $150 million.
The global photovoltaic market has seen high growth, and sales are expected to rise from the current $6 billion to $40 billion by 2010.
Solar-energy efforts were also recently boosted when New Delhi finally announced long-awaited incentives for semiconductor use and manufacturing that include tax exemptions and subsidies.
Taking advantage of the new semiconductor-incentive policy, MBPV announced that it would invest $250 million to expand its solar-cell-making capacity. MBPV is scheduled to ramp up its solar PV cell capacity to 200MW in 18 months from the current 40MW. International Finance Corp, a private-sector arm of the World Bank, recently forwarded a $22.5 million loan to MBPV to promote solar energy in India.
Meanwhile, US wind-energy company AES Corp is exploring the possibility of building a wind-turbine manufacturing unit in India. "We are looking at a low-cost destination, and India fits into this category," AES executive vice president Mark Woodruff said.
Several Indian state-run oil production, exploration and marketing companies are also investing in renewable-energy projects.
Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp are planning to set up 50-100MW wind-energy projects for captive use and may also sell any surplus power to third parties.
India's state-run National Thermal Power is planning a joint venture with global equipment maker ABB to enter the wind-energy sector with plans for 1,000MW of renewable energy capacity over the next 10 years.
Indian wind-energy major Suzlon has successfully concluded its acquisition bid for Germany's Repower Systems AG, and now controls more than three-quarters of votes in the Hamburg-based company.
Suzlon also signed a contract for 400MW of wind-turbine capacity with PPM Energy of Portland, Oregon. "This agreement is Suzlon's single largest contract for wind-turbine capacity," said Suzlon.
Siddharth Srivastava is a New Delhi-based journalist.
Alternative Energy Website
Profiting from Peak Oil by investing in Clean Energy
By Martin Denholm, article from www.MoneyWeek.com
Got deja-vu yet?
This time last year, oil prices were blasting to an all-time high of $78.40 per barrel.
And with Americans hitting the beach, it's happening again. The black stuff is creeping back toward that level.
Crude prices traded as high as $73.80 today (Thursday 12th July) - up almost $8 in just the last month. Sure, you can blame the Iraq war. You can blame the oil workers' strike in Nigeria. You can curse crazy ol' Hugo Chavez, stirring the pot in Venezuela.
But the main reason is much more simple than that. Supply and demand. And if you think it's bad now, it's only going to get worse...
"Increasing Market Tightness"
In February, the International Energy Agency (IEA), an advisor to 26 industrialized countries, said global oil demand would rise by 2% per year between 2006 and 2011. Not quite. The group had the calculators back out this week, making a 10% upward revision to that estimate, and now calls for a 2.2% demand spike per year between 2007 and 2012. That's an increase from 86.1 million barrels per day (bpd) this year to 95.8 million bpd in 2012.
No wonder oil prices are back in the $70s.
Oh, and if you're hoping that the 12-nation OPEC oil cartel will save the day, don't bank on it. The IEA says that OPEC, which supplies 42% of the world's oil, has overestimated its projection for 40 million bpd day spare capacity in 2009 by 2 million bpd and that spare capacity will shrink "to minimal levels by 2012."
In addition to supply-demand pressure, factor in potential price-shocking issues like geopolitical strife, war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, and you've got a recipe for higher prices. The OPEC oilmen would hardly cry about that. And don't expect much help from non-OPEC nations either. The IEA says oil production has slowed there, too.
Not good news, considering that over the next five years, demand from Asia and the Middle East is expected to surge three times faster than in the 30 industrialized nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Can we get some help here? And can we profit? The answer is "yes."
Renew And Conquer... The Buzz Is Getting Louder
While folks get all hot and bothered about oil prices rising again, it's sparked a fresh debate and rally in renewable energy resources. Yeah, I know... some people scoff at this, saying it takes too long to develop them and is too expensive. But if it helps wean America off its "addiction to oil" from the Middle East and also helps the environment, what's not to like?
As technology advances and investment rises, it will become cheaper to develop and sell renewable fuels. And sure, it might take some time. But remember, it took two decades for automakers to convert from leaded gasoline to unleaded fuel before the trend became commonplace. But with more investment and better technology, there's a much harder push for renewable fuels these days, and it's catching on faster. If you don't believe me, just look at what the big boys are doing...
Follow The Smart Money To Smart Profits
In 2006, Microsoft founder Bill Gates pumped millions into Pacific Ethanol (Nasdaq:PEIX) stock, driving the price to almost $27 this time last year. Ethanol itself soared to an all-time high of $3.98 a gallon at the same time, before the hype caught up to the industry and prices slumped 45% to $2.20 today.
But with corn prices having dropped almost 30% from a 10-year high in February, ethanol may have hit the bottom and momentum is starting to build again. And although ethanol only also accounts for 4% of U.S. gasoline supplies, ignore the folks who sneer at that figure. Instead, consider ethanol as a fuel with plenty of room for growth.
For example, ethanol is expected to suck up almost one-third of America's corn crop by 2010 - more than double the consumption one year ago. In addition, the Renewable Fuels Association says refineries will pump nearly seven billion gallons of ethanol to consumers this year - two billion more gallons than a year ago. And now that PEIX shares have fallen to $14, it represents much better investment value.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has also invested about $400 million in ethanol and is trying to use it to fuel his Virgin Atlantic airline.
And Vinod Khosla, the financial muscle behind mega-firms Google, Sun Microsystems and Genentech, is pumping millions of his estimated $1 billion fortune into renewable energy, investing in almost 30 companies.
All told, renewable energy pulled in $71 billion worth of investment in 2006, 153% more than the $28 billion in 2004, according to the American Council on Renewable Energy. And the boom is reflected in the investment world, with the rapid growth of renewable energy funds and ETFs...
Why Sit On The Fence When You Can Jump On Both Sides?
Gone are the days when "green" investments were nothing more than a good way to lose money in a vain attempt to give the planet a hug. There are several good ways to invest in this fast-growing industry.
For example, take a look at the New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) - up 41% over the past year and 25% this year alone which holds Spanish heavyweight energy firm Abengoa. Another option is the Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) - up 31% this year. However, the minimum initial investment for both funds is $2,500 and $5,000 respectively, with expense fees tacked on.
So how do you profit from an upward price trend without having to fork out a big initial investment, incur costs, and have little flexibility when it comes to buy/sell decisions?
The answer is exchange-traded funds (ETFs). On the oil side, the Energy Select Sector SPDR (AMEX:XLE), a basket of the biggest oil and oil service companies that includes ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Devon Energy. And on the alternative fuel side, the Powershares Wilderhill Clean Energy Fund (AMEX:PBW), a basket of stocks geared towards cleaner, renewable energy. This includes Kyocera, Color Kinetics, Echelon Corp, Cree Inc, Cypress Semiconductor and Sunpower Corp. Because why invest in just one industry when both are performing well?
Today, XLE capitalized on oil's upward march by hitting a new 52-week high of $73.18. That's a 22% rise from $60 on March 22. And with oil rising, PBW followed suit, climbing to a fresh high of $22.58 - a 25% spike from $18 over the same period. This is an important trend - these ETFs often rise and fall together.
Those 52-week highs are bullish, my friend - and both ETFs are a good way to diversify your portfolio and gain exposure to two major rising industries in a cheap, low-risk, efficient and flexible way.
By Martin Denholm, Managing Editor, Mt. Vernon Research for the Smart Profits e-Report, www.smartprofitsreport.com
Got deja-vu yet?
This time last year, oil prices were blasting to an all-time high of $78.40 per barrel.
And with Americans hitting the beach, it's happening again. The black stuff is creeping back toward that level.
Crude prices traded as high as $73.80 today (Thursday 12th July) - up almost $8 in just the last month. Sure, you can blame the Iraq war. You can blame the oil workers' strike in Nigeria. You can curse crazy ol' Hugo Chavez, stirring the pot in Venezuela.
But the main reason is much more simple than that. Supply and demand. And if you think it's bad now, it's only going to get worse...
"Increasing Market Tightness"
In February, the International Energy Agency (IEA), an advisor to 26 industrialized countries, said global oil demand would rise by 2% per year between 2006 and 2011. Not quite. The group had the calculators back out this week, making a 10% upward revision to that estimate, and now calls for a 2.2% demand spike per year between 2007 and 2012. That's an increase from 86.1 million barrels per day (bpd) this year to 95.8 million bpd in 2012.
No wonder oil prices are back in the $70s.
Oh, and if you're hoping that the 12-nation OPEC oil cartel will save the day, don't bank on it. The IEA says that OPEC, which supplies 42% of the world's oil, has overestimated its projection for 40 million bpd day spare capacity in 2009 by 2 million bpd and that spare capacity will shrink "to minimal levels by 2012."
In addition to supply-demand pressure, factor in potential price-shocking issues like geopolitical strife, war, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, and you've got a recipe for higher prices. The OPEC oilmen would hardly cry about that. And don't expect much help from non-OPEC nations either. The IEA says oil production has slowed there, too.
Not good news, considering that over the next five years, demand from Asia and the Middle East is expected to surge three times faster than in the 30 industrialized nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Can we get some help here? And can we profit? The answer is "yes."
Renew And Conquer... The Buzz Is Getting Louder
While folks get all hot and bothered about oil prices rising again, it's sparked a fresh debate and rally in renewable energy resources. Yeah, I know... some people scoff at this, saying it takes too long to develop them and is too expensive. But if it helps wean America off its "addiction to oil" from the Middle East and also helps the environment, what's not to like?
As technology advances and investment rises, it will become cheaper to develop and sell renewable fuels. And sure, it might take some time. But remember, it took two decades for automakers to convert from leaded gasoline to unleaded fuel before the trend became commonplace. But with more investment and better technology, there's a much harder push for renewable fuels these days, and it's catching on faster. If you don't believe me, just look at what the big boys are doing...
Follow The Smart Money To Smart Profits
In 2006, Microsoft founder Bill Gates pumped millions into Pacific Ethanol (Nasdaq:PEIX) stock, driving the price to almost $27 this time last year. Ethanol itself soared to an all-time high of $3.98 a gallon at the same time, before the hype caught up to the industry and prices slumped 45% to $2.20 today.
But with corn prices having dropped almost 30% from a 10-year high in February, ethanol may have hit the bottom and momentum is starting to build again. And although ethanol only also accounts for 4% of U.S. gasoline supplies, ignore the folks who sneer at that figure. Instead, consider ethanol as a fuel with plenty of room for growth.
For example, ethanol is expected to suck up almost one-third of America's corn crop by 2010 - more than double the consumption one year ago. In addition, the Renewable Fuels Association says refineries will pump nearly seven billion gallons of ethanol to consumers this year - two billion more gallons than a year ago. And now that PEIX shares have fallen to $14, it represents much better investment value.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has also invested about $400 million in ethanol and is trying to use it to fuel his Virgin Atlantic airline.
And Vinod Khosla, the financial muscle behind mega-firms Google, Sun Microsystems and Genentech, is pumping millions of his estimated $1 billion fortune into renewable energy, investing in almost 30 companies.
All told, renewable energy pulled in $71 billion worth of investment in 2006, 153% more than the $28 billion in 2004, according to the American Council on Renewable Energy. And the boom is reflected in the investment world, with the rapid growth of renewable energy funds and ETFs...
Why Sit On The Fence When You Can Jump On Both Sides?
Gone are the days when "green" investments were nothing more than a good way to lose money in a vain attempt to give the planet a hug. There are several good ways to invest in this fast-growing industry.
For example, take a look at the New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) - up 41% over the past year and 25% this year alone which holds Spanish heavyweight energy firm Abengoa. Another option is the Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX) - up 31% this year. However, the minimum initial investment for both funds is $2,500 and $5,000 respectively, with expense fees tacked on.
So how do you profit from an upward price trend without having to fork out a big initial investment, incur costs, and have little flexibility when it comes to buy/sell decisions?
The answer is exchange-traded funds (ETFs). On the oil side, the Energy Select Sector SPDR (AMEX:XLE), a basket of the biggest oil and oil service companies that includes ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Devon Energy. And on the alternative fuel side, the Powershares Wilderhill Clean Energy Fund (AMEX:PBW), a basket of stocks geared towards cleaner, renewable energy. This includes Kyocera, Color Kinetics, Echelon Corp, Cree Inc, Cypress Semiconductor and Sunpower Corp. Because why invest in just one industry when both are performing well?
Today, XLE capitalized on oil's upward march by hitting a new 52-week high of $73.18. That's a 22% rise from $60 on March 22. And with oil rising, PBW followed suit, climbing to a fresh high of $22.58 - a 25% spike from $18 over the same period. This is an important trend - these ETFs often rise and fall together.
Those 52-week highs are bullish, my friend - and both ETFs are a good way to diversify your portfolio and gain exposure to two major rising industries in a cheap, low-risk, efficient and flexible way.
By Martin Denholm, Managing Editor, Mt. Vernon Research for the Smart Profits e-Report, www.smartprofitsreport.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Ashden Awards for clean energy; winners from India, Africa
Winner of Outstanding Achievement Award 2007
from www.AshdenAwards.org
SELCO-India. Making solar energy affordable yet commercially viable
SELCO is a private business, based in Bangalore, which provides solar-home-systems (SHS) and other solar services to low-income households and institutions. Its network of local sales and service centres are set up where micro-finance organisations can provide loans to customers. All systems are sold on a commercial basis, but SELCO is committed to providing the highest quality services to poor people on financial terms they can afford.
SELCO used the 2005 Ashden Award to create an innovation department, establish new partnership arrangements with microfinance organisations, develop a five-year business plan with the aim of reaching an additional 200,000 customers by 2010, and set up a pilot fund to guarantee the deposits on solar systems for very poor households.
Since 2005 its total sales of SHS have increased from 48,000 to 71,000, despite a 50% increase in the price of small photovoltaic modules on the world market. Four new service centres have been opened, including one run jointly with the influential Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) bank in Gujarat, in which PV systems and finance can be arranged together for bank customers, mainly self-employed women. The centres are now starting to provide a wider range of energy services rather than just solar systems including improved cooking stoves.
The work of SELCO has become widely known. Its managing director, Harish Hande, has been invited to lecture on the SELCO business model at business schools in the USA, India and Singapore, and advises international finance and development agencies.
from www.AshdenAwards.org
SELCO-India. Making solar energy affordable yet commercially viable
SELCO is a private business, based in Bangalore, which provides solar-home-systems (SHS) and other solar services to low-income households and institutions. Its network of local sales and service centres are set up where micro-finance organisations can provide loans to customers. All systems are sold on a commercial basis, but SELCO is committed to providing the highest quality services to poor people on financial terms they can afford.
SELCO used the 2005 Ashden Award to create an innovation department, establish new partnership arrangements with microfinance organisations, develop a five-year business plan with the aim of reaching an additional 200,000 customers by 2010, and set up a pilot fund to guarantee the deposits on solar systems for very poor households.
Since 2005 its total sales of SHS have increased from 48,000 to 71,000, despite a 50% increase in the price of small photovoltaic modules on the world market. Four new service centres have been opened, including one run jointly with the influential Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) bank in Gujarat, in which PV systems and finance can be arranged together for bank customers, mainly self-employed women. The centres are now starting to provide a wider range of energy services rather than just solar systems including improved cooking stoves.
The work of SELCO has become widely known. Its managing director, Harish Hande, has been invited to lecture on the SELCO business model at business schools in the USA, India and Singapore, and advises international finance and development agencies.
Solar power could help lead Kashmir region to state of abundance
Canadian Envoy says Kashmir Could be Richest State
from KashmirObserver.com
Srinagar, July 20 - With the improvement in the security situation, Kashmir could be richest state in the country as more and more foreign tourists are interested to visit here. This was stated by Canadian High Commissioner, David Malone to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at a meeting last evening, an official spokesman said today.
He said Mr Azad informed Mr David that the situation in Pakistan since March had affected the dialogue process between India and that country.
The High Commissioner, during his hour-long discussion on mutual interest, talked about his interest in Kashmir and said at 21 when he was a student, he and three of his friends had come here to spend summer and had a wonderful time.
He said the Valley was still as beautiful as it had been then and only if the security situation improved it could be the richest state in India as more and more foreign tourists would then visit this place.
Mr David said some countries had issued advisories for their citizens against visiting Kashmir because of security reasons. This, he said, could be revoked once the security situation improves.
He said he had discussed this with his other colleagues in Delhi, especially the British High Commissioner.
''I am sending some of his house guests to Kashmir and some had already visited Ladakh''.
He said three weeks ago he had been in Leh and found the place well administered.
He informed the Chief Minister that his High Commission holds ice hockey tournament in Leh every year in February and had funded solar energy project there providing electricity to 400 households.
The High Commissioner said as a boy he grew up and studied in Iran where his parents were working.
He said he found the culture of the Valley similar in many respects with that of Iran with women of Kashmir being in better position than their Iranian counterparts in.
The High commissioner enquired about the rehabilitation of the earthquake victims of 2005 and said his country had helped in emergency aid.
from KashmirObserver.com
Srinagar, July 20 - With the improvement in the security situation, Kashmir could be richest state in the country as more and more foreign tourists are interested to visit here. This was stated by Canadian High Commissioner, David Malone to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at a meeting last evening, an official spokesman said today.
He said Mr Azad informed Mr David that the situation in Pakistan since March had affected the dialogue process between India and that country.
The High Commissioner, during his hour-long discussion on mutual interest, talked about his interest in Kashmir and said at 21 when he was a student, he and three of his friends had come here to spend summer and had a wonderful time.
He said the Valley was still as beautiful as it had been then and only if the security situation improved it could be the richest state in India as more and more foreign tourists would then visit this place.
Mr David said some countries had issued advisories for their citizens against visiting Kashmir because of security reasons. This, he said, could be revoked once the security situation improves.
He said he had discussed this with his other colleagues in Delhi, especially the British High Commissioner.
''I am sending some of his house guests to Kashmir and some had already visited Ladakh''.
He said three weeks ago he had been in Leh and found the place well administered.
He informed the Chief Minister that his High Commission holds ice hockey tournament in Leh every year in February and had funded solar energy project there providing electricity to 400 households.
The High Commissioner said as a boy he grew up and studied in Iran where his parents were working.
He said he found the culture of the Valley similar in many respects with that of Iran with women of Kashmir being in better position than their Iranian counterparts in.
The High commissioner enquired about the rehabilitation of the earthquake victims of 2005 and said his country had helped in emergency aid.
Ras Tafari 115th Birthday celebrated in Ethiopia, Ghana
For Ethiopia's Rastafarians, a promise still not fully kept
50 years after forebears migrated to their 'holy land,' believers endure despite the hardships and denial of citizenship for most
By Paul Salopek
ChicagoTribune.com foreign correspondent
July 22, 2007
SHASHAMANE, Ethiopia
The promised land of the world's Rastafarians can be found along a narrow highway in Ethiopia's ancient Rift Valley, a landscape of scattered trees with boles the size of houses and fields of grain that shimmer in the sunlight like a bronze haze.
The setting is beautiful -- Edenic even. But as with the original Eden, it isn't without its pitfalls.
"We've been waiting a long, long time to become Ethiopians," said Desmond Martin, a Jamaican pioneer who settled here more than 30 years ago on land donated by Emperor Haile Selassie. "We love Ethiopia. Ethiopia is our holy land. But we're still not considered to be from this place."
Best known for their reggae music, dreadlocked hair, colorful clothes and copious marijuana smoking, the followers of the Rastafarian faith celebrate one of their major holidays Monday, the birthday of Selassie, the former Ethiopian ruler whom Rastas worship as a black messiah.
But in Shashamane, a roadside town in Ethiopia that the Rastafarians consider their Jerusalem, the festivities will likely be bittersweet.
Almost half a century after the first 12 Caribbean settlers migrated here, advancing a Rastafarian dream that the world's African diaspora must return to the spiritual motherland, few if any Rastas have been granted citizenship.
Worse still, the pilgrims lost more than 95 percent of their imperial land grant during the 1970s, when a socialist Ethiopian regime confiscated all but 30 acres of their holdings. Throw in assorted famines, revolutions, official harassment, deep local skepticism about the divinity of Selassie and persistent suspicion of their religious "herb" smoking, and it is surprising that any still hang on.
Yet about 200 to 300 stubborn Rastafarian families from all over the globe do -- an eclectic community that includes nurses from Caribbean states, clothing salesmen from Britain and artists from the United States. A few have gone into business in Shashamane, opening hotels and food shops. Others have set up tiny development organizations whose walled compounds look like those of any other aid group in Africa, except for the occasional blasts of highly danceable music and whiffs of marijuana.
The local townspeople, who like most Ethiopians tend to be culturally conservative, view the religious pilgrims with a mixture of curiosity and condescension.
"They are good people who think that Shashamane is the blessed land of the blacks," said Taye Kebede, a Sunday school teacher at the town's Ethiopian Orthodox church. "But we do not like their drug use. They are creating a market for marijuana, and our farmers are growing that instead of potatoes."
Kebede also felt obliged to dispute the Rastafarians' perception of Selassie: "We know him better than they do. He was just a king, and toward the end a very autocratic one."
A movement is born
Born in the slums of Jamaica in the 1920s, Rastafarianism began as a black-consciousness movement that deployed Biblical prophecy against the white racism and colonialism of the times. Its early leaders advocated the return of slave descendants to Africa. When Selassie -- then known as Ras Tafari Mekonen -- was crowned emperor of never-colonized Ethiopia in 1930, both he and his country became spiritual inspirations to the movement.
Selassie was never comfortable with Rastafarians' belief in his divinity, historians say. Nonetheless, in the 1950s, he granted the religion's followers 1,250 acres of land for settlement in Shashamane, a savanna town 150 miles south of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Selassie was deposed by a military coup in 1974. The army murdered him the following year, though most Rastafarians believe he is immortal and hence never died.
"Those were the hardest times," Martin, one of the settlers' elders, recalled of the leftist junta years. "His majesty's photos were smashed. We were spat on. I was thrown in jail."
During the 1980s, the Rastafarian community was singled out for ostracism because of its close association with the emperor, Martin said. It shrank to fewer than 50 members. Some sold their clothes to buy food during the country's notorious famines, he said.
Today, under a frail democratic government, life is much better.
The influx of Rasta religious seekers is growing slowly. Many are skilled workers who bring jobs and a trickle of puzzled tourists to bustling Shashamane. Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town for Selassie's birthday -- a Rastafarian Christmas that features rollicking reggae concerts. Rita Marley, the widow of reggae superstar Bob Marley, has joined local Rastafarian aid organizations in funding a school and clinic.
Still, for many Rastafarian homesteaders, the lack of Ethiopian citizenship and the loss of their lands continue to rankle.
Notorious for its prickly nationalism, the government is promising to study citizenship for Rastafarians who have been in the country for at least four years. The land, however, is long gone -- carved up and crammed with the mud huts and tiny gardens of local Ethiopians, whose numbers are evenly divided between Muslims and Orthodox Christians.
Not a paradise
"Some people come here expecting a paradise," said Earl "Chips" Sobers, 44, a Rastafarian road worker from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who migrated to Ethiopia five years ago. "It isn't. This is lion country. You have to be a lion to live here."
Sobers stood outside the compound of his Rastafarian denomination, the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Its gates were gaily painted in green, yellow and red -- the classic shades of Rastafarianism, which also happen to be the colors of the Ethiopian flag. Local teenagers in tie-dyed shirts and dreadlocks copied from the Rastas ambled past on a road amid the usual African parade of donkey carts and women carrying bundles on their heads.
Sobers called out greetings in what he called "Jamharic" -- a patois of Amharic, Ethiopia's national language, and Jamaican-inflected English. He insisted that all use of marijuana, which Rastafarians inhale to meditate, is kept within the Rastafarians' compounds and tabernacles. But Ethiopian youths offered joints for sale only a block away.
"We love them because they are so peaceful, but our cultures do not always agree," said Saeda Hussein, who runs a small food shop patronized by Rastafarians.
Hussein said she did brisk business with tinned food and packaged cookies -- many Rastafarians don't relish Ethiopia's national food of injera, a sour pancake of slightly fermented flour.
Asked whether she listened to reggae, she wagged a finger, and declared, "No, no, I am a Muslim."
Then she giggled, and admitted she did. But only on the radio hidden under her wooden counter, and with the volume turned way down low.
above article from ChicagoTribune.com; article below from GhanaBase.com
Twelve Tribes Celebrates Haile Selassie’s Birthday
The Twelve Tribes of Israel, Ghana chapter, is celebrating the 115th birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie on Monday July 23 with a dance at the Roxy Cinema in Accra.
Rastafarians all over the world would mark the day simultaneously with a number of activities and for lovers of reggae and rastafari culture, it would be one event that cannot be missed.
The overseer of the Twelve Tribes in Ghana, Daddy Bosco, noted that the essence of the event was even more emotional today as Africa grapples with the issue of African unity, adding Africans and rastafarians should consider contributing to the march towards African unity.
Artistes on the bill include Osagyefo, who leaves for a three-nation tour of Holland, Germany and England after the show, Chizzy Wailer, Judah Brownie and Khex Pongo.
Music selections would be done by Culture B and Original Ras Paul.
MCs would include Empress Belinda and Issachar James, with Daddy Bosco as host.
50 years after forebears migrated to their 'holy land,' believers endure despite the hardships and denial of citizenship for most
By Paul Salopek
ChicagoTribune.com foreign correspondent
July 22, 2007
SHASHAMANE, Ethiopia
The promised land of the world's Rastafarians can be found along a narrow highway in Ethiopia's ancient Rift Valley, a landscape of scattered trees with boles the size of houses and fields of grain that shimmer in the sunlight like a bronze haze.
The setting is beautiful -- Edenic even. But as with the original Eden, it isn't without its pitfalls.
"We've been waiting a long, long time to become Ethiopians," said Desmond Martin, a Jamaican pioneer who settled here more than 30 years ago on land donated by Emperor Haile Selassie. "We love Ethiopia. Ethiopia is our holy land. But we're still not considered to be from this place."
Best known for their reggae music, dreadlocked hair, colorful clothes and copious marijuana smoking, the followers of the Rastafarian faith celebrate one of their major holidays Monday, the birthday of Selassie, the former Ethiopian ruler whom Rastas worship as a black messiah.
But in Shashamane, a roadside town in Ethiopia that the Rastafarians consider their Jerusalem, the festivities will likely be bittersweet.
Almost half a century after the first 12 Caribbean settlers migrated here, advancing a Rastafarian dream that the world's African diaspora must return to the spiritual motherland, few if any Rastas have been granted citizenship.
Worse still, the pilgrims lost more than 95 percent of their imperial land grant during the 1970s, when a socialist Ethiopian regime confiscated all but 30 acres of their holdings. Throw in assorted famines, revolutions, official harassment, deep local skepticism about the divinity of Selassie and persistent suspicion of their religious "herb" smoking, and it is surprising that any still hang on.
Yet about 200 to 300 stubborn Rastafarian families from all over the globe do -- an eclectic community that includes nurses from Caribbean states, clothing salesmen from Britain and artists from the United States. A few have gone into business in Shashamane, opening hotels and food shops. Others have set up tiny development organizations whose walled compounds look like those of any other aid group in Africa, except for the occasional blasts of highly danceable music and whiffs of marijuana.
The local townspeople, who like most Ethiopians tend to be culturally conservative, view the religious pilgrims with a mixture of curiosity and condescension.
"They are good people who think that Shashamane is the blessed land of the blacks," said Taye Kebede, a Sunday school teacher at the town's Ethiopian Orthodox church. "But we do not like their drug use. They are creating a market for marijuana, and our farmers are growing that instead of potatoes."
Kebede also felt obliged to dispute the Rastafarians' perception of Selassie: "We know him better than they do. He was just a king, and toward the end a very autocratic one."
A movement is born
Born in the slums of Jamaica in the 1920s, Rastafarianism began as a black-consciousness movement that deployed Biblical prophecy against the white racism and colonialism of the times. Its early leaders advocated the return of slave descendants to Africa. When Selassie -- then known as Ras Tafari Mekonen -- was crowned emperor of never-colonized Ethiopia in 1930, both he and his country became spiritual inspirations to the movement.
Selassie was never comfortable with Rastafarians' belief in his divinity, historians say. Nonetheless, in the 1950s, he granted the religion's followers 1,250 acres of land for settlement in Shashamane, a savanna town 150 miles south of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Selassie was deposed by a military coup in 1974. The army murdered him the following year, though most Rastafarians believe he is immortal and hence never died.
"Those were the hardest times," Martin, one of the settlers' elders, recalled of the leftist junta years. "His majesty's photos were smashed. We were spat on. I was thrown in jail."
During the 1980s, the Rastafarian community was singled out for ostracism because of its close association with the emperor, Martin said. It shrank to fewer than 50 members. Some sold their clothes to buy food during the country's notorious famines, he said.
Today, under a frail democratic government, life is much better.
The influx of Rasta religious seekers is growing slowly. Many are skilled workers who bring jobs and a trickle of puzzled tourists to bustling Shashamane. Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town for Selassie's birthday -- a Rastafarian Christmas that features rollicking reggae concerts. Rita Marley, the widow of reggae superstar Bob Marley, has joined local Rastafarian aid organizations in funding a school and clinic.
Still, for many Rastafarian homesteaders, the lack of Ethiopian citizenship and the loss of their lands continue to rankle.
Notorious for its prickly nationalism, the government is promising to study citizenship for Rastafarians who have been in the country for at least four years. The land, however, is long gone -- carved up and crammed with the mud huts and tiny gardens of local Ethiopians, whose numbers are evenly divided between Muslims and Orthodox Christians.
Not a paradise
"Some people come here expecting a paradise," said Earl "Chips" Sobers, 44, a Rastafarian road worker from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who migrated to Ethiopia five years ago. "It isn't. This is lion country. You have to be a lion to live here."
Sobers stood outside the compound of his Rastafarian denomination, the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Its gates were gaily painted in green, yellow and red -- the classic shades of Rastafarianism, which also happen to be the colors of the Ethiopian flag. Local teenagers in tie-dyed shirts and dreadlocks copied from the Rastas ambled past on a road amid the usual African parade of donkey carts and women carrying bundles on their heads.
Sobers called out greetings in what he called "Jamharic" -- a patois of Amharic, Ethiopia's national language, and Jamaican-inflected English. He insisted that all use of marijuana, which Rastafarians inhale to meditate, is kept within the Rastafarians' compounds and tabernacles. But Ethiopian youths offered joints for sale only a block away.
"We love them because they are so peaceful, but our cultures do not always agree," said Saeda Hussein, who runs a small food shop patronized by Rastafarians.
Hussein said she did brisk business with tinned food and packaged cookies -- many Rastafarians don't relish Ethiopia's national food of injera, a sour pancake of slightly fermented flour.
Asked whether she listened to reggae, she wagged a finger, and declared, "No, no, I am a Muslim."
Then she giggled, and admitted she did. But only on the radio hidden under her wooden counter, and with the volume turned way down low.
above article from ChicagoTribune.com; article below from GhanaBase.com
Twelve Tribes Celebrates Haile Selassie’s Birthday
The Twelve Tribes of Israel, Ghana chapter, is celebrating the 115th birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie on Monday July 23 with a dance at the Roxy Cinema in Accra.
Rastafarians all over the world would mark the day simultaneously with a number of activities and for lovers of reggae and rastafari culture, it would be one event that cannot be missed.
The overseer of the Twelve Tribes in Ghana, Daddy Bosco, noted that the essence of the event was even more emotional today as Africa grapples with the issue of African unity, adding Africans and rastafarians should consider contributing to the march towards African unity.
Artistes on the bill include Osagyefo, who leaves for a three-nation tour of Holland, Germany and England after the show, Chizzy Wailer, Judah Brownie and Khex Pongo.
Music selections would be done by Culture B and Original Ras Paul.
MCs would include Empress Belinda and Issachar James, with Daddy Bosco as host.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Small, compact portable home is solar-powered
Olympia woman shrinks her footprint — to 84 square feet
by Breanne Coats www.TheOlympian.com
OLYMPIA — Everyone would like to have more time and money; Dee Williams of Olympia achieves that by living in a home the size of a child’s treehouse.
In her effort to help the environment, Williams built and moved into an 84-square-foot house.
“I love my little home,” said Williams, 44.
Williams chose to sell her 1,500-square foot home in Portland about two and a half years ago. After returning from a trip in Guatemala, she said she felt weird spending money and time on a house when there are others who have so little.
After researching small houses and sustainable living, she decided it was time to move.
Williams’ brother, Doug, 39, of Iowa, at first thought his sister was “a little bit crazy” for wanting a little home, but now he’s envious.
“Having a smaller impact on the planet is something a lot of people are talking about... Dee’s been living it,” Doug Williams said.
When Dee Williams started this “experiment,” she wanted her house to be as green as possible. So it was built using many salvaged products. She used second-hand wood, a flat-bed trailer and doors from a Dumpster and boat.
She used shredded blue jeans for some of the insulation. It must work: she said she spends about $6 a month for heat in the winter and less in the summer.
All of her electricity is supplied by two solar panels, an inverter and a big battery. She has a small propane tank for heat and cooking. She also uses a composting toilet, because she does not have running water.
The home looks like a log cabin inside and out. She optimizes space with a folding table and hidden drawers. She climbs a ladder to get to her bedroom, which is more like a loft with a skylight.
The $10,000 house on wheels usually is located in Hugh O’Neill’s and Annie McManus’ backyard in west Olympia.
“I know the backyard is where I belong,” Williams said. “Right now, it’s where I want to be.”
Williams depends on the hospitality of O’Neill, McManus and their neighbor, O’Neill’s aunt, Rita Harrigan. Williams takes showers at their houses and gets water from them.
“It’s very humbling and very life giving,” Williams said. “I want to give stuff back.”
With the carpentry skills she learned from building her little home, she has helped O’Neill, McManus and Harrigan with daily chores and remodeling projects.
Williams said having a small house has caused her to take more notice about what she buys. For example, instead of buying books, she gets them from the library, and she tries to buy locally grown food.
She said breaking from the mold and living in a small home reflects her values.
“It’s empowering,” she said. “Maybe for the first time I brought that sense of profound intention to my life.”
Williams said she has enjoyed having extra money so she can donate to charities. She also said she has more time because she only needs to work part time as an ecologist.
Williams does not expect everyone to live in a small house. She said living that way makes her feel good, but she knows happiness comes to others differently.
“Look at your own choices and figure out what works for you,” Williams said. “All of a sudden I have this money, and I have time available. It’s this enormous gift.”
Breanne Coats is a news intern for The Olympian. She
by Breanne Coats www.TheOlympian.com
OLYMPIA — Everyone would like to have more time and money; Dee Williams of Olympia achieves that by living in a home the size of a child’s treehouse.
In her effort to help the environment, Williams built and moved into an 84-square-foot house.
“I love my little home,” said Williams, 44.
Williams chose to sell her 1,500-square foot home in Portland about two and a half years ago. After returning from a trip in Guatemala, she said she felt weird spending money and time on a house when there are others who have so little.
After researching small houses and sustainable living, she decided it was time to move.
Williams’ brother, Doug, 39, of Iowa, at first thought his sister was “a little bit crazy” for wanting a little home, but now he’s envious.
“Having a smaller impact on the planet is something a lot of people are talking about... Dee’s been living it,” Doug Williams said.
When Dee Williams started this “experiment,” she wanted her house to be as green as possible. So it was built using many salvaged products. She used second-hand wood, a flat-bed trailer and doors from a Dumpster and boat.
She used shredded blue jeans for some of the insulation. It must work: she said she spends about $6 a month for heat in the winter and less in the summer.
All of her electricity is supplied by two solar panels, an inverter and a big battery. She has a small propane tank for heat and cooking. She also uses a composting toilet, because she does not have running water.
The home looks like a log cabin inside and out. She optimizes space with a folding table and hidden drawers. She climbs a ladder to get to her bedroom, which is more like a loft with a skylight.
The $10,000 house on wheels usually is located in Hugh O’Neill’s and Annie McManus’ backyard in west Olympia.
“I know the backyard is where I belong,” Williams said. “Right now, it’s where I want to be.”
Williams depends on the hospitality of O’Neill, McManus and their neighbor, O’Neill’s aunt, Rita Harrigan. Williams takes showers at their houses and gets water from them.
“It’s very humbling and very life giving,” Williams said. “I want to give stuff back.”
With the carpentry skills she learned from building her little home, she has helped O’Neill, McManus and Harrigan with daily chores and remodeling projects.
Williams said having a small house has caused her to take more notice about what she buys. For example, instead of buying books, she gets them from the library, and she tries to buy locally grown food.
She said breaking from the mold and living in a small home reflects her values.
“It’s empowering,” she said. “Maybe for the first time I brought that sense of profound intention to my life.”
Williams said she has enjoyed having extra money so she can donate to charities. She also said she has more time because she only needs to work part time as an ecologist.
Williams does not expect everyone to live in a small house. She said living that way makes her feel good, but she knows happiness comes to others differently.
“Look at your own choices and figure out what works for you,” Williams said. “All of a sudden I have this money, and I have time available. It’s this enormous gift.”
Breanne Coats is a news intern for The Olympian. She
GreenEnergyFinder.com matches buyers with solar and wind power providers
Welcome to Green Energy Finder
Written by John Curtis
GreenEnergyFinder.com was founded with the goal of finding and developing green energy projects. We design, engineer, permit, finance, procure, manage, construct, commission, operate, maintain and in certain cases own Green Energy facilities. In the case of owning projects, we eliminate any out of pocket expense for the property owner. This allows companies and individuals to Go Green, Go Clean without any expense. GreenEnergyFinder.com is a worldwide clearing house for renewable energy projects of all types, also providing project consulting services in all types of Green Projects.
We welcome leads for all types of Renewable Energy projects and pay a handsome reward for any lead that results in a successful project for GreenEnergyFinder. The reward fee is tiered, in other words the larger the project the greater the finders fee. Listing project is simple, send us an email to info@GreenEnergyFinder.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . After evaluating the project we negotiate the finder’s fee. Under no circumstance will we attempt to contact your lead until we have agreed on the finders Fee.
GEF provides worldwide turn-key wind and solar development including site evaluation, financing, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance. We partner with landowners to provide them with generous lease payments for Wind Farms and aggressive Power Purchase Agreements for Commercial Solar Arrays, as well as handle all the details of the project from start to finish. We are totally independent of all wind turbine and solar panel manufacturers allowing us to financially and technically evaluate and choose the best equipment for each specific project. In addition, we also are available for renewable energy, environmental impact consulting, and financial and legal project due diligence. We also will evaluate other Renewable Energy technologies.
Green Energy Finder is committed to the communities in which wind farms are proposed. We meet with the community members providing education regarding the benefits of renewable energy including tax revenue for the benefit of local communities prior to the permit application process. We are the sole point of contact on all of our renewable energy projects, allowing community questions and concerns to be addressed in a timely fashion.
Green Energy Finder firmly believes that renewable energy development is here to stay and that reducing greenhouse gases and carbon footprints are vital initiatives for the environment in the future. We believe that with the help of concerned citizens and the power of the internet we can do our part to save the planet.
Written by John Curtis
GreenEnergyFinder.com was founded with the goal of finding and developing green energy projects. We design, engineer, permit, finance, procure, manage, construct, commission, operate, maintain and in certain cases own Green Energy facilities. In the case of owning projects, we eliminate any out of pocket expense for the property owner. This allows companies and individuals to Go Green, Go Clean without any expense. GreenEnergyFinder.com is a worldwide clearing house for renewable energy projects of all types, also providing project consulting services in all types of Green Projects.
We welcome leads for all types of Renewable Energy projects and pay a handsome reward for any lead that results in a successful project for GreenEnergyFinder. The reward fee is tiered, in other words the larger the project the greater the finders fee. Listing project is simple, send us an email to info@GreenEnergyFinder.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . After evaluating the project we negotiate the finder’s fee. Under no circumstance will we attempt to contact your lead until we have agreed on the finders Fee.
GEF provides worldwide turn-key wind and solar development including site evaluation, financing, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance. We partner with landowners to provide them with generous lease payments for Wind Farms and aggressive Power Purchase Agreements for Commercial Solar Arrays, as well as handle all the details of the project from start to finish. We are totally independent of all wind turbine and solar panel manufacturers allowing us to financially and technically evaluate and choose the best equipment for each specific project. In addition, we also are available for renewable energy, environmental impact consulting, and financial and legal project due diligence. We also will evaluate other Renewable Energy technologies.
Green Energy Finder is committed to the communities in which wind farms are proposed. We meet with the community members providing education regarding the benefits of renewable energy including tax revenue for the benefit of local communities prior to the permit application process. We are the sole point of contact on all of our renewable energy projects, allowing community questions and concerns to be addressed in a timely fashion.
Green Energy Finder firmly believes that renewable energy development is here to stay and that reducing greenhouse gases and carbon footprints are vital initiatives for the environment in the future. We believe that with the help of concerned citizens and the power of the internet we can do our part to save the planet.
Rwanda developing solar power and methane energy
Rwanda installs "Africa's biggest" solar plant
Fri Jun 8, 2007 By Arthur Asiimwe
KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwanda has unveiled a solar energy plant it says is Africa's biggest, designed to boost the tiny central African country's power capacity by 250 kilowatts, the government said on Friday.
The plant was formally opened on Thursday and will increase Rwanda's electricity generating capacity to 50 megawatts.
"This new installation does not only increase the generation capacity but is also one of the cleanest energy sources," Energy State Minister Albert Butare told Reuters.
"It is the biggest such project in Africa. There is no comparison on record."
Rwanda needs to generate about 100 megawatts to meet soaring demand that has triggered regular blackouts as the country's hydroelectric plants struggle to cope.
Many businesses have been forced to turn to costly diesel generators. The government hopes to install similar solar plants in rural areas with little chance of being connected to a grid.
"It is reliable and very cheap to maintain," Butare said.
Rwanda is also hoping to generate electricity using a vast deposit of methane gas under Lake Kivu, which it shares with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
A pilot project to produce four megawatts is nearing completion and will pave way for a larger 35 megawatt plant.
Some experts say the lake's gas reserves could eventually be harnessed to generate some 700 megawatts.
Fri Jun 8, 2007 By Arthur Asiimwe
KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwanda has unveiled a solar energy plant it says is Africa's biggest, designed to boost the tiny central African country's power capacity by 250 kilowatts, the government said on Friday.
The plant was formally opened on Thursday and will increase Rwanda's electricity generating capacity to 50 megawatts.
"This new installation does not only increase the generation capacity but is also one of the cleanest energy sources," Energy State Minister Albert Butare told Reuters.
"It is the biggest such project in Africa. There is no comparison on record."
Rwanda needs to generate about 100 megawatts to meet soaring demand that has triggered regular blackouts as the country's hydroelectric plants struggle to cope.
Many businesses have been forced to turn to costly diesel generators. The government hopes to install similar solar plants in rural areas with little chance of being connected to a grid.
"It is reliable and very cheap to maintain," Butare said.
Rwanda is also hoping to generate electricity using a vast deposit of methane gas under Lake Kivu, which it shares with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
A pilot project to produce four megawatts is nearing completion and will pave way for a larger 35 megawatt plant.
Some experts say the lake's gas reserves could eventually be harnessed to generate some 700 megawatts.
Greenedia.com is a compendium of environmental, ethical and progressive media
Welcome to Greenedia
Greenedia.com is your guide to the best Green social media available on the Internet. Green social media is not just about activism. It's about the economy, business and investment. It's about living, building, driving and eating green. It's about daily life and the future lives of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bloggers, podcasters and vloggers are discussing, commenting and reporting on the new environmental reality we now live in and in many cases represent the leading edge in terms of environmental and business thinking and commentary.
You'll find that we have organized all this content using categories and tags designed to help you find the most interesting and useful content quickly and easily. We've also included the ability for you to add your own comments and share the content you like with a wide range of other sites.
We've reviewed and chosen what we consider to be the best of blogs, podcasts and videos available on a wide range of green topics. Of course we've probably missed many of them so please recommend a Blog, Video or Podcast that you think should be included here
What is Social Media?
The Wikipedia defines it as:
Social media describes the online tools and platforms that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other. Social media can take many different forms, including text, images, audio, and video. Popular social mediums include blogs, message boards, podcasts, wikis, and vlogs.
Who is Greenedia?
Greenedia is part of a growing network of social media sites. We believe that social media represents the next evolution (some would say revolution) of media. Problem is that because of the rapid growth of blogging, podcasting and now vlogging, it's hard to find the best content……..and there's a lot of exceptional content out there.
We've begun building a network of sites dedicated to doing just that………..finding, organizing and presenting the best social media being produced. If you would like to know more about us please send us an email and we'd be happy to tell you more.
Expert Blogs
Our focus is on quality. We review a wide range of blogs looking for those that not only produce the highest quality of content but are written by people who know, or have demonstrated they know, what they're talking about. To become one of this select group a blog has to either be written by an acknowledged expert with substantial credentials or have proven over time that the content provided is of a high caliber.
That's why you'll find blogs on Greenedia written by scientists, economists, presidential advisors, journalists, authors, consultants, business executives, venture capitalists, professional investors, and other experts.
Greenedia.com is your guide to the best Green social media available on the Internet. Green social media is not just about activism. It's about the economy, business and investment. It's about living, building, driving and eating green. It's about daily life and the future lives of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bloggers, podcasters and vloggers are discussing, commenting and reporting on the new environmental reality we now live in and in many cases represent the leading edge in terms of environmental and business thinking and commentary.
You'll find that we have organized all this content using categories and tags designed to help you find the most interesting and useful content quickly and easily. We've also included the ability for you to add your own comments and share the content you like with a wide range of other sites.
We've reviewed and chosen what we consider to be the best of blogs, podcasts and videos available on a wide range of green topics. Of course we've probably missed many of them so please recommend a Blog, Video or Podcast that you think should be included here
What is Social Media?
The Wikipedia defines it as:
Social media describes the online tools and platforms that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other. Social media can take many different forms, including text, images, audio, and video. Popular social mediums include blogs, message boards, podcasts, wikis, and vlogs.
Who is Greenedia?
Greenedia is part of a growing network of social media sites. We believe that social media represents the next evolution (some would say revolution) of media. Problem is that because of the rapid growth of blogging, podcasting and now vlogging, it's hard to find the best content……..and there's a lot of exceptional content out there.
We've begun building a network of sites dedicated to doing just that………..finding, organizing and presenting the best social media being produced. If you would like to know more about us please send us an email and we'd be happy to tell you more.
Expert Blogs
Our focus is on quality. We review a wide range of blogs looking for those that not only produce the highest quality of content but are written by people who know, or have demonstrated they know, what they're talking about. To become one of this select group a blog has to either be written by an acknowledged expert with substantial credentials or have proven over time that the content provided is of a high caliber.
That's why you'll find blogs on Greenedia written by scientists, economists, presidential advisors, journalists, authors, consultants, business executives, venture capitalists, professional investors, and other experts.
Inexpensive metal alloy converts solar rays into electricy: South African research
South African Solar Research Eclipses Rest of the World
By Willem Steenkamp | int.iol.co.za
In a scientific breakthrough that has stunned the world, a team of South African scientists has developed a revolutionary new, highly efficient solar power technology that will enable homes to obtain all their electricity from the sun.
This means high electricity bills and frequent power failures could soon be a thing of the past. The unique South African-developed solar panels will make it possible for houses to become completely self-sufficient for energy supplies.
The panels are able to generate enough energy to run stoves, geysers, lights, TVs, fridges, computers - in short all the mod-cons of the modern house.
The new technology should be available in South Africa within a year and through a special converter, energy can be fed directly into the wiring of existing houses. New powerful storage units will allow energy storage to meet demands even in winter. The panels are so efficient they can operate through a Cape Town winter. while direct sunlight is ideal for high-energy generation, other daytime light also generates energy via the panels.
A team of scientists led by University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University) scientist Professor Vivian Alberts achieved the breakthrough after 10 years of research. The South African technology has now been patented across the world.
One of the world leaders in solar energy, German company IFE Solar Systems, has invested more than R500-million in the South African invention and is set to manufacture 500 000 of the panels before the end of the year at a new plant in Germany.
Production will start next month and the factory will run 24 hours a day, producing more than 1 000 panels a day to meet expected demand.
Another large German solar company is negotiating with the South African inventors for rights to the technology, while a South African consortium of businesses are keen to build local factories.
The new, highly efficient and cheap alloy solar panel is much more efficient than the costly old silicone solar panels.
International experts have admitted that nothing else comes close to the effectiveness of the South African invention.
The South African solar panels consist of a thin layer of a unique metal alloy that converts light into energy. The photo-responsive alloy can operate on virtually all flexible surfaces, which means it could in future find a host of other applications.
Alberts said the new panels are approximately five microns thick (a human hair is 20 microns thick) while the older silicon panels are 350 microns thick. the cost of the South African technology is a fraction of the less effective silicone solar panels.
Alberts said in Switzerland it was already compulsory for all new houses to include solar technology to lessen energy demands on national grids.
"And that was the older, less effective technology. With our hours of sunlight, we will on average generate twice as much energy than, for instance, European countries."
While South African scientists developed and patented the new, super-effective alloy solar panels, other companies have developed new, super-efficient storage batteries and special converters to change the energy into the power source of a particular country (220 volts in South Africa).
Eskom spokesperson Carin de Villiers said any new power supply that lessened the load on Eskom was to be welcomed.
She said Eskom was also doing its own research on solar energy.
"In fact, we are currently investigating building what will probably be the largest solar power plant, in the Northern Cape - a 100-megawatt facility."
She added that Eskom was also researching wind and fuel-cell technology as alternative energy sources.
Article from: http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_
id=1&click_id=143&art_id=vn20060211110132138C184427
By Willem Steenkamp | int.iol.co.za
In a scientific breakthrough that has stunned the world, a team of South African scientists has developed a revolutionary new, highly efficient solar power technology that will enable homes to obtain all their electricity from the sun.
This means high electricity bills and frequent power failures could soon be a thing of the past. The unique South African-developed solar panels will make it possible for houses to become completely self-sufficient for energy supplies.
The panels are able to generate enough energy to run stoves, geysers, lights, TVs, fridges, computers - in short all the mod-cons of the modern house.
The new technology should be available in South Africa within a year and through a special converter, energy can be fed directly into the wiring of existing houses. New powerful storage units will allow energy storage to meet demands even in winter. The panels are so efficient they can operate through a Cape Town winter. while direct sunlight is ideal for high-energy generation, other daytime light also generates energy via the panels.
A team of scientists led by University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University) scientist Professor Vivian Alberts achieved the breakthrough after 10 years of research. The South African technology has now been patented across the world.
One of the world leaders in solar energy, German company IFE Solar Systems, has invested more than R500-million in the South African invention and is set to manufacture 500 000 of the panels before the end of the year at a new plant in Germany.
Production will start next month and the factory will run 24 hours a day, producing more than 1 000 panels a day to meet expected demand.
Another large German solar company is negotiating with the South African inventors for rights to the technology, while a South African consortium of businesses are keen to build local factories.
The new, highly efficient and cheap alloy solar panel is much more efficient than the costly old silicone solar panels.
International experts have admitted that nothing else comes close to the effectiveness of the South African invention.
The South African solar panels consist of a thin layer of a unique metal alloy that converts light into energy. The photo-responsive alloy can operate on virtually all flexible surfaces, which means it could in future find a host of other applications.
Alberts said the new panels are approximately five microns thick (a human hair is 20 microns thick) while the older silicon panels are 350 microns thick. the cost of the South African technology is a fraction of the less effective silicone solar panels.
Alberts said in Switzerland it was already compulsory for all new houses to include solar technology to lessen energy demands on national grids.
"And that was the older, less effective technology. With our hours of sunlight, we will on average generate twice as much energy than, for instance, European countries."
While South African scientists developed and patented the new, super-effective alloy solar panels, other companies have developed new, super-efficient storage batteries and special converters to change the energy into the power source of a particular country (220 volts in South Africa).
Eskom spokesperson Carin de Villiers said any new power supply that lessened the load on Eskom was to be welcomed.
She said Eskom was also doing its own research on solar energy.
"In fact, we are currently investigating building what will probably be the largest solar power plant, in the Northern Cape - a 100-megawatt facility."
She added that Eskom was also researching wind and fuel-cell technology as alternative energy sources.
Article from: http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_
id=1&click_id=143&art_id=vn20060211110132138C184427
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