Energy efficiency takes his cell phone, part II

If an energy-efficiency-geek and your fridge breaks you, you think likely, "Yes! A chance to buy a new super energy-saving model."

But you're the exception. Most consumers keep price tag before the ENERGY STAR certification. Human nature being what it is, they choose the cheaper model, even if it more utility bills in the long term it will cost. Here is what they don't know. You can on the high efficiency model and perhaps numbers no more than they would a much better deal for the energy guzzler - if they take advantage of discounts their usefulness can offer.

Buyers are often not aware of these incentive programs. Sure the utility at a given time sent a message about the rebate, but that was long ago tossed and forgotten.

A Menlo Park, California company acknowledged this problem and found a way, the discount information literally in the Palm of the buyer, right, if it is required. It's a mobile app.

The EcoRebates app is a growing number of ways energy the cell used phone to manage promotion of consumers to their energy, which employed more efficiently. (See part of this series as a New York City company helps customers to manage their air conditioners remotely via mobile phone.)

Utility incentive programs are not easy to track. They are often the product of the complex conservation plans developed annually by utilities and then extensively State public utilities commissions. New incentives be added, and some last expired only to households, or utility energy efficiency meets objectives are. As rebates come, go and change.

EcoRebates tracks the changes nationwide and maintains a database by zip code. His program maps automatically qualified products (according to model) with incentives within a zip-code available. The company has partnerships with several large retail enterprise, such as best buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, H.H Gregg and Sears, as well as manufacturers such as whirlpool, Electrolux, Trane can.

So can the consumer in the store with the cell phone in hand, get on the right website, check the desired model and see what rebates or incentives available. The website shows how much the refrigerator (or other unit) after the discount costs will actually be. In some cases shop have installed mobile units with the app staff and can help buyers who do not have mobile phones. It is also possible to do shopping from home on a computer incentive.

Brett battles, CEO of EcoRebates, pointed out that changed the way consumers shop and are more liquid.

"The mobile shopping tools - such as our discount Finder - is crucial to the decisions, especially for 'as' how buy appliances and home improvement products. With mobile consumers instant access to real time savings opportunities on energy-efficient products, '' he said.

This type of app provides a clear consumer advantage: less pain in the wallet. And it's a good sales strategy for stores and manufacturers. But greater social benefits arise also - and the real reason, such incentives are available.

Our power can bring just as much to maximum efficiency utilities and central network operators. Those who produce and distribute the force is only half of the equation. Represents the energy user, the other half. How much energy we use, and more, before everything, if we use it profoundly influenced, how many power plants be built which in turn determines the electricity tariffs and environmental costs.

Policy realized a long time ago that flattery and doctrine of the energy user has no effect (other than to annoy us). Programs like this will save us energy while we are busy to save money. And this is done by using a gadget, this seems almost constantly have our ear - and eye - the mobile phone. Next week see III part 'Energy efficiency takes his cell phone' about what mobile phones via power can tell us.

ELISA Wood is a long-time energy writer, whose Werk will be shown on RealEnergyWriters.com.

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AWEA: Wind power takes new U.S. generating system in 2012

Wind energy industry had the U.S. its strongest year ever in the year 2012, who proclaimed American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) on 30 January. The industry installed a record 13.124 megawatts (MW) United States electrical generation capacity last year, more than 60,000 MW cumulative wind power reach capacity, enough, makes the almost 15 million homes. The annual total output surpasses the previous record of 10,000 MW in 2010 installed. For the first time, wind energy was the number one source of new United States electrical generation plants, 42% of all new generating capacity.

In last year's fourth quarter alone 8.380 MW installed were, so it makes the strongest quarter in the history of the United States of wind. AWEA pointed out that this was due to production tax credit to a large extent on the imminent expiration of the Federal Republic. It was planned, on December 31, 2012, but in the end the American taxpayer was extended by Congress as part of relief Act of the year 2012.

The top 10 States for new capacity installations in the year 2012, in order, were Texas (1,826 MW), California (1,656 MW), Kansas (1440 MW), Oklahoma (1,127 MW), Illinois (823 MW) (Iowa) (814 MW), Oregon (640 MW), Michigan (611 MW), Pennsylvania (550 MW), and Colorado (496 MW). Golden State won its position as the second largest State in installed wind capacity surpassed Iowa, which was reached the 5,000-MW milestone in wind capacity, following Texas, and in addition to the Iowa number two since 2008 — California. See AWEA press release.

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Poll: What takes to make buildings more energy efficient?

2010, China built more housing than Spain houses. This factoid underlines the importance of energy efficiency for buildings in a report published this week by a subsidiary of the prestigious publication of the Economist.

The report emerged from a survey of real estate and construction managers in the European Union, India, China, and the United States on behalf of global building performance network,.

It offered promising news: the right policy signals could unleash an international boom in the area of energy efficiency.

What motivates these professionals? It is not surprising, it is the potential that they see, to reduce costs. You "are ready to go deep and waiting for the right policy signals that can scale in terms of energy efficiency," GBPN said in the report.

Although there are barriers, business leaders in construction and real estate already pursue a series of measures to increase efficiency. The survey found that:

Energy consumption is important for most businesses and key factor for investment decisions to 63 percent of the respondents. Describe companies that particularly highly rated themselves as "financially successful" with energy.Achieved highly under actions companies take lighting retrofits. About 57 percent are lighting, HVAC systems by 50% and 50% building insulation replace.Forty percent are building layout natural light use Neukonfiguration.Energieeffizienz is a risk management tool for 69 percent, a sign that they have a sophisticated understanding of energy.
Not all of the news was good, however. Companies are deliberately not the actual cost of their energy consumption. Energy audits gave less than a third of their building in order. Two-thirds of the respondents overestimated the cost of energy-efficient and sustainable construction further.

A surprising 75 percent saw use energy regulation and described lack of enforcement as a problem. The solution? Not too much carrot and not too much stick closed the survey report.

"While the survey shows that most companies of prefer carrots, must at some point Governments also stick to swing", according to the report. "The right balance between incentives and constraints is not easy." Excessive bureaucracy and mixed messages are expensive and slow the introduction of more efficient technologies for businesses. "The market needs clear, long-term signals, rational expectations and opportunities for a reasonable return on investment."

The Economist Intelligence Unit surveyed 423 managers from the real estate and construction industries, in the summer of 2012. About 27 percent of the respondents came from the United States, 24 percent from the European Union, 25 percent from China and 24 percent from India. All respondents worked in operations, strategy or finance. More than half were C-level executives or above and that nearly half of companies with more than 500 million $ global annual turnover. The full report, "energy efficiency and energy savings: A view from the building industry," is available here for download available.

ELISA Wood is a long-time energy writer.

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Maine Project Takes Historic Step Forward in U.S. Tidal Energy Deployment

A pilot project that will generate electricity from Maine's ocean tides could be a game-changer for America's tidal energy industry at-large.

At the direction of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, three of the state's electricity distributors will purchase electricity generated by Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC)—the company leading the Maine pilot project. Once finalized, the contracts will be in place for 20 years, making them the first long-term tidal energy power purchase agreements in the United States. The implications of these agreements are far-reaching, helping to advance the commercialization of tidal energy technologies. The project, which has brought more than $14 million into Maine's economy and has created or helped retain more than 100 jobs, is supported by $10 million in funding from the Energy Department.

For the pilot phase of the project, ORPC will deploy cross flow turbine devices in Cobscook Bay, at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. These devices are designed to generate electricity over a range of water currents, capturing energy on both ebb and flood tides without the need for repositioning. To read the complete story, see the DOE Energy Blog.

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Internal Department takes key step in letting of offshore wind energy

Offshore wind turbines like these might be closer to the reality of the Atlantic coast.
Credit card: Siemens

The Department of the Interior (DOI) on 2 February is an important milestone for offshore wind energy along the Atlantic coast. DOE and its Bureau of ocean energy management (BOEM) announced that the Department initiative has passed an important environmental review. This approval process for wind will move forward leasing energy sales from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia allow.

BOEM of national environmental policy act review found, there would be no significant environmental or socio-economic impact from wind energy leases in designated areas of the mid-Atlantic coast. The Bureau to solicit published tenders information and nominations for Maryland and Virginia leasing nominations from industry and public comments on site conditions, resources and several uses of wind energy areas to apply for. The Bureau also announced the conclusion of a first of-its-kind form of leasing, which optimize the issuance of offshore renewable energy leasing. Financial and others, as well as a location-specific measures on each lease be added before it is executed. The form of leasing is now available and will be effective 15 days after publication in the Federal Register. Find the DOI press release and lease information in the Federal Register.

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DOI OKs Two Major Renewable Projects, Takes Step for Offshore Power Line

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced on December 20 the approval of two utility-scale renewable energy projects, including the first renewable project on public lands in Arizona and a solar energy project in California. Combined, the two projects will generate nearly 500 megawatts (MW), enough to power 150,000 homes, and create 700 jobs during peak construction. Also, DOI announced the first major step in developing an offshore wind transmission line on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf.

DOI approved the Sonoran Solar Energy Project, proposed by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, making it the first-ever renewable energy project approved for construction on public lands in Arizona in the desert southwest of Phoenix. The project's photovoltaic (PV) panels are expected to generate 300 megawatts, and the project will create 374 jobs through construction operation and maintenance. Also approved was the Tule Wind Power Project, located 70 miles east of San Diego, which will produce 186 megawatts of electricity via 62 wind turbines sited on public lands, or enough to power up to 65,000 homes. Proposed by a subsidiary of Iberdrola Renewables, the project is expected to create 337 jobs.

DOI also set the next step toward developing a Mid-Atlantic Wind Energy Transmission Line. Atlantic Grid Holdings, LLC has requested a right-of-way grant to develop a high-voltage direct current line that would collect power generated by wind turbine facilities off the coasts of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. With the new line would, up to 7,000 MW of wind turbine capacity could be delivered to the grid. DOI's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement opened a public comment period on the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The agency is also asking whether other developers are interested in constructing transmission facilities in this area in order to determine whether there is overlapping competitive interest. See the DOI press release, a DOI fact sheet on onshore renewable energy, and a fact sheet on offshore renewable energy.

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Sun Center Studios takes heart in Pennsylvania with 216kW solar system

Press release Source: Sun Center Studios on Friday May 27, 2010, 8:00 am EDT

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, PA, 27 May 2011/PRNewswire /-Center tanning salons, latest and most awaited possibility dedicated help Pennsylvania as a haven for film-making, just a solar system 216 kilowatt (kW), so some of the leading Hollywood movie studios join in the commitment to sustainability and renewable energy sources presented. The system is the largest solar project in Delaware County, PA and belongs in the top 1% of all solar projects from the Pennsylvania sunshine solar rebate program funded. Mercury solar systems Philadelphia Office develops and installs the system with the help of the IBEW local 654 electrician and Pusey electric in March 2011.

"Sun Center Studios commitment to sustainability extends over the entire system of the efficient design of new buildings of the campus and storm water management, our use of organic and locally grown foods when possible, our participation in"Smart Grid"technology programs through integrated demand response and the installation of electric car charging stations with a fleet of hybrid for our production customers", "commented Adam Rotwitt, Senior Vice President of Sun Center Studios." "We believe that our Studio serves as a model for other local Pennsylvania companies and companies in the film and television industry."

The solar system to 19 average size enough energy to supply houses and reduce 270,626 pounds of carbon dioxide to produce annually. This corresponds to the recycling of 4.2 million cans soda, take 21 HA trees plants and each year 27 cars off the road.

"We see continued strong demand from companies looking to invest in solar energy because of the environment benefits, but also because of the significant cost savings, which will see over the lifetime of the system", said Andrew Kleeman, Senior Vice President of mercury solar systems.

David Richman, commercial sales for mercury solar systems further commented, "that solar are incentives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey some of the most generous in the country, so this invest an optimum time." "We commend solar tanning salons Center to include in their State-of-the art facility."

About Sun Center Studios

Tanning salons Center is Pennsylvania's first specially developed new building sound stage system and campus specifically for the production activities of the large budget feature films and episodic television programs. The State-of-the-art film and television production studios are based in Chester Township, Delaware County. For more information, visit www.suncenterstudios.com.

About mercury solar systems

Mercury solar systems is one of the leading solaren integrators on the East Coast and Inc500's "10th of fastest-growing energy company". The company developed and installed solar panels and solar energy systems for commercial and residential market and has until today more than 1,500 solar systems of 20 MW installed power. Mercury solar systems is a subsidiary of mercury energy, a leading provider of solar systems in the United States. For more information, see Www.MercurySolarSystems.com.

Mercury solar systems is a registered trademark of mercury solar systems, Inc. \r

Contact:
Adam B. Rotwitt
Sun Center Studios
(610) 494-3600

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World's first solar plane takes flight

World?s first solar plane takes flight - Science - Canoe.ca
 
 
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World?s first solar plane takes flight
ByCHRISTOPHER LE COQ, Reuters

The solar-powered HB-SIA prototype flown by Solar Impulse's Chief Executive Officer and pilot Andre Borschberg, lands at Zaventem's international airport near Brussels May 13, 2011. (Reuters)

BRUSSELS - A solar energy plane made the world?s first international flight powered by the sun on Friday to show the potential for pollution-free air travel.

The Solar Impulse took off from an airfield at Payerne in western Switzerland on Friday morning and landed at Brussels airport after a 13-hour flight.

?The objective is to demonstrate what we can do with existing technology in terms of renewable energy and energy savings,? project co-founder and pilot Andre Borschberg told Reuters by telephone during the flight.

Borschberg believes such solar-harnessing technology can be used to power cars and homes. ?It is symbolic to be able to go from one place to another using solar energy,? he said.

The Solar Impulse project began in 2003 with a 10-year budget of 90 million euros ($128 million) and has involved engineers from Swiss lift maker Schindler and research aid from Belgian chemicals group Solvay.

The plane, which requires 12,000 solar cells, embarked on its first flight in April 2010 and completed a 26-hour flight, a record flying time for a solar powered aircraft, three months later.

With an average flying speed of 70 km/h (44 mph), Solar Impulse is not an immediate threat to commercial jets, which can easily cruise at more than 10 times the speed. A flight from Geneva from Brussels can take little more than an hour.

Project leaders acknowledged it had been a major challenge to fit a slow-flying plane into the commercial air traffic system.

Friday?s flight was Solar Impulse?s fifth. Previous flights did not leave Switzerland. A larger prototype is scheduled to fly around the world in 2013.










We shouldn?t expect the kids to clean up our mess
I turned 75 in March. That means I probably won?t be around to see the worst impacts of climate change or any other looming environmental disasters ? or the much brighter future that may emerge if we get off our butts to address the problems.Full Column
Columnist DAVID SUZUKI

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