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Renewable energy is created by natural resources that are regenerable or replenishable. This means that after energy is consumed, natural processes regenerate the source. These resources include sunlight, wind, rain, tides, geothermal, biofuels, and more.

Unlike fossil fuels, these resources will not run out and produce little waste. Here is an overview of how humans harness sunlight, wind, rain, tides, geothermal, and biofuels.

Sunlight:

• Photovoltaics – converting sunlight directly into electricity
• Solar Thermal – using sunlight to heat up water/oil. The hot water is used in homes and hot water/hot oil are used to spin a turbine to generate electricity.

Wind:

• Turbines – spinning turbines generate electricity

Rain:

• Dams – rain collects into rivers to return to the ocean. Dams harness the “downward” movement of water to spin turbines to generate electricity. Someday, water might be pump behind a dam during the day (and maximum photovoltaic electricity production) to be used to generate electricity at night.

Tides:

• The movement of tides can be harnessed to generate electricity. Since the tide is almost always moving in or out, electricity production is consistent.

Geothermal:

• Heating – water warmed by geothermal resources is circulated in floors and walls, providing home heating.
• Electricity Generation – hot water can be used to spin a turbine and generate electricity.

Biofuels:

• Algae – nutrients, algae, and sunlight are combined to produce different types of fuels. Unlike the fuels underneath the earth, fuel produced by algae is renewable and removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• Corn – Corn is converted into ethanol, which is used to power cars and generate electricity.

We all know that renewable energy is the future of our civilization. Someday, fossil fuels will run out and force us to adopt renewable energy. Right now, renewable energy is supported (to a very small extend) by governments worldwide. With government rebates, it is economically feasible to switch to photovoltaic for electricity production. If you want to discover how photovoltaics are economically feasible, sign up for this free photovoltaic webinar.

House Bill 2381, proposed by Rep. Carl Seel R-Phoenix, would prohibit requirements for Arizona utilities to produce energy from renewable sources. Rep. Carl Seel introduced the bill in response to the Arizona Corporation Commission setting an Arizona renewable energy portfolio standard of 15% by 2025.  The 15% Arizona renewable energy portfolio standard was established by an all-Republican commission in 2006.

 

Utilities have been charging customers for energy originating from renewable sources.  Most intend to employ renewable energy regardless of any standard or requirement imposed on them.  House Bill 2381 allows for customers to choose if they pay for renewable energy.  However, it is technically challenging to discriminate which customers are paying for renewable energy when all sources of energy feed into the same power lines.  Such a bill may be more appropriate after passing cap and trade legislation reflecting the true cost of fossil fuels.

Senate bill 1198 authored by Silvia Allen, R-Snowflake, looks to overturn the Arizona Corporation Commission’s 2007 decision to permit utilities to charge their customers for line extensions to new developments.  The policy has actually held back developers and devalued land that families were planning to build on.  Senate bill 1198 supplies free line extensions to new developments but would limit the utilities’ cost of any line extension at $10,000.    

The commission must protect the consumers and their policy prevents rate increases.  If utilities can still charge a separate tariff for line extensions, then they won’t have to roll those expenses into future rates, thus increasing customers’ monthly bills.

These two bills being introduced will change the shape of renewable energy in Arizona.  The two public agencies appear to be in a standoff and if they end up suing each other over who has ultimate authority in this matter, then Arizona’s renewable energy portfolio standard will be very much jeopardized. 

Rich Hessler, Principal
www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com
(949) 208-0221

Define Cash for Caulkers Program: Retrofitting American homes for energy efficiency

 

Many Americans want to save money on their energy bills.  There are many ways to do so.
The White House is writing a proposal for an energy efficiency program previously known as Homestar nicknamed “Cash for Caulkers”.  The Cash for Caulkers program name is obviously derived from the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Cash for Caulkers provides two types of incentives for homeowners.

“Silver Star Incentive” is the first type of Cash for Caulkers incentive.  The Silver Star Rebate helps with the purchase of energy efficiency products and services.  Silver Star Incentives are for retrofitting energy efficient appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators, as well as, insulation, windows, and roof installation. 

“Gold Star Incentive” is the second type of Cash for Caulkers incentive.  The Gold Star Rebate rewards homeowners that reduce their home’s energy usage by 20% to qualify for up to $3,500 in rebates.  For every 5% in home energy reduction in excess of 20% earns another $1,500 in Cash for Caulkers rebates. 

The Cash for Caulkers program provides up to 50% of the total cost of energy efficient products and services.  Every homeowner is eligible for up to $12,000 each with no income restrictions.  A jointly owned residence may be eligible for $24,000 in energy efficiency rebates. 

The “Cash for Caulkers” program is expected to be funded with $10 billion. 

Rich Hessler, Principal
www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com
(949) 208-0221

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Florida Power and Light Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center: A sheep in wolf’s clothing?

As Florida Power and Light consumers struggle for green jobs and a healthier environment, nuclear power and politics have eliminated the residential and commercial photovoltaic solar industry in Florida as of January 2010.
 
Florida Power and Light consumers want to be energy efficient and leaders in renewable energy.  President Obama’s October 2009 visit to Florida Power and Light DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, FL was supposed to be a landmark for the growing renewable energy economy in Florida.  The goal of this investor-owned solar facility is:
 
·      Produce 42,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) from 90,500 solar panels
·      Power 3,000 homes for 7,000 residents
·      Provide electricity for 20% of Desoto County
 
THE FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT DESOTO NEXT GENERATION SOLAR ENERGY CENTER WAS A CONCESSION TO BRING MORE NUCLEAR POWER TO FLORIDA.
 
The Florida Solar Energy Incentives Program is dead. This program received $14.4 million in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This funding was used to award rebates to systems in the application queue. No new applications are being accepted.
 
Florida sun hours make it ideal for photovoltaic solar systems.  Florida also needs to create green jobs from deploying distributed solar energy systems on residential and commercial property.
 
The Florida Power and Light Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center became a reality due to a provision in a 2008 state energy bill that allowed FPL to recoup all of its expenses for this and 2 other solar test projects totaling 110 megawatts (MW). 
 
THE SAME BILL is funding Florida Power and Light upgrades to 4 existing nuclear reactors in 2013 and 2014.  In addition, the bill funds 2 new nuclear power plants starting in 2018. 
 
Though Florida Power and Light can regain all of the $150 million Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center investment,  homeowners will still pay $.13-$.15/kWh.  Business rates as low as $.06-$.08/kWh are subsidized by homeowners and do not encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. 
 
Unemployment is at an all-time high for Florida.  Prospects for green jobs supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Florida will require consumer action. 
 
Florida’s politicians have fallen behind most of the country in their commitment to support renewable energy goals.  The Florida legislature and Governor Charlie Crist are stalling on their responsibilities to enact green policies to improve the environment. 
 
Under 4% of Florida’s energy comes from renewable energy sources- only 1% coming from photovoltaic solar.  Florida’s energy efficiency goals are ten times less than 17 other states and are still being considered by the Public Service Commission.  Plans to create a reduction rule for greenhouse gas emissions have been postponed indefinitely by Governor Charlie Crist.
 
What can you do?  In politics, the squeaky wheel gets attention.
 
Rich Hessler, Principal
www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com
(949) 208-0221
 
To contact your Florida political representatives:
 
Gov. Charlie Crist (R) 850-488-4441

 

State Legislature Links   Sen. George LeMieux (R) Fax: 202-224-2237 Sen. Bill Nelson (D) Fax: 202-228-2183 Rep. Jeff Miller (R-1) Fax: 202-225-3414 Rep. F. Allen Boyd (D-2) Fax: 202-225-5615 Rep. Corrine Brown (D-3) Fax: 202-225-2256 Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-4) Fax: 202-225-2504 Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite (R-5) Fax: 202-226-6559 Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-6) Fax: 202-225-3973 Rep. John Mica (R-7) Fax: 202-226-0821 Rep. Alan Grayson (D-8) Fax: 202-225-0999 Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-9) Fax: 202-225-4085 Rep. Bill Young (R-10) Fax: 202-225-9764 Rep. Kathy Castor (D-11) Fax: 202-225-5652 Rep. Adam Putnam (R-12) Fax: 202-225-0585 Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-13) Fax: 202-226-0828 Rep. Connie Mack (R-14) Fax: 202-225-6820 Rep. Bill Posey (R-15) Fax: 202-225-3516 Rep. Tom Rooney (D-16) Fax: 202-225-3132 Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-17) Fax: 202-226-0777 Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-18) Fax: 202-225-5620 Vacant (19) Fax: 202-225-5974 Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-20) Fax: 202-225-8456 Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-21) Fax: 202-225-8576 Rep. Ron Klein (D-22) Fax: 202-225-8398 Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-23) Fax: 202-225-1171 Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-24) Fax: 202-226-6299 Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-25) Fax: 202-226-0346

Choosing a Solar Contractor 

What is the best way to install a photovoltaic solar panel system? If it work hiring a contractor and paying them to walk on your roof or should you purchase a solar-kit and perform a self-installation. If you choose to use a contractor, you must check the following:

 

• A current, up-to-date contractor license
  • Make certain that the contractor is qualified to work on your home
• Insurance
  • When working on your roof, you are responsible for the installers. You do not want to get sued if one of the workers is injured. Make certain that the contractor has the proper insurance
• Experience
  • You want someone who has installed multiple solar systems. Do not make your house the guinea pig.
  • The contractor knows how to install to maximize your rebates. He most also knows how to apply for the rebates.
• Price
  • If you find a contractor offering an extremely low price, chances are he is missing one of these pieces. Insurance is most likely the missing component.
• Longevity
  • A low price might mean that the contractor is losing money while installing a photovoltaic solar system. You want a contractor that will be around in case you have issues with your photovoltaic solar panel system.
• Quality
  • Research the contractor to make sure he has done a quality job in the past.

In 2007, Calfornia started a solar project to push the state green through 3 gigawatts of photovoltaic solar installations by 2017. Last year (2008), the solar capacity of California more than doubled. 156 mW were added (compared to 81 mW in 2007). Even with the economy, it is projected that over 150 mW of solar systems will be added this year.

California has committed $3.3 billion toward the photovoltaic installation. $2.2 billion of the budget is used by the California Solar Initiative program, which gives individuals and businesses rebates for installing photovoltaic solar systems. As of right now, 13% of the goal of photovoltaic installations has been reached.

The goal of the program in to push solar panel development and make them affordable for every family. With all of the solar panel development, the price of solar panels is decreasing. But with the rebates available through programs such as the California Solar Initiative, the cost of a solar system is reduced by 50%.

It will take a while for the price of a solar system to drop 50%. Well before the price drops 50%, the rebates will be gone, forcing homeowners to pay for a solar system on his/her own. A homeowner who takes advantage of the rebates now has an advantage over a homeowner who waits for the price of solar to drop: the homeowner is years closer to paying off his solar system and producing free electricity for his home. <read more>

From placement on our cars to power fans while we are away to our homes to provide relief from rising energy prices, photovoltaic solar panels are becoming trendy.

Ben Cuker, a homeowner in Virginia, discovered the value of a solar system this summer. In June 2008, his electricity bill was $340. This summer, he has spent $131 total (June, July, and August).

The intial investment of $19,000 was not cheap, but with the 30% federal solar rebate, which saved Ben nearly $6,000, the system should pay for itself in 10 years. The photovoltaic solar panel system also increases the home value. According to “Real Estate Appraisal Association“, for ever $1 of electricity saved, the home value increases by $20. To recover the $13,000 Ben spent on his photovoltaic solar system, Ben needs to save $675/year in electricity.

But this does not account for all of the additional benefits of the photovoltaic solar system. He is protected from blackouts and rising energy prices (which will increase his return on investment). In addition, he can sleep easy knowing that he is doing his part to curb global warming.

Rich Hessler
Clean Family Energy
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RETROFIT DETROIT WITH SOLAR ROOFS

Michigan governor signs solar bill to retrofit Detroit rooftops with photovoltaic solar panels to meet 20% carbon emissions reductions by 2020.

After a year and a half of depressing news, Detroit was ready for this. The governor signed a bill that willl place solar panels on roofs of detroit buildings costing as little as $6,000. This bill has two purposes.

1. Reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020
2. Create jobs for one of the hardest hit states

The estimated growth of the state economy from the measure: $25 billion. The governor has budgeted $25 million for solar rebates. Much of this money will be used by DTE Energy, the local electricity company. It will pay residents to install photovoltaics on their roofs to stay complient with government standards of increasing the use of renewable energy.

Currently, the rebate pays $2,400 /KW installed. This is in addition to the 30% tax credit. These rebates can reduce the initial investmet of a solar system to $6,000.

Initially, renewable energy costs much more than fossil-fuel based energy. The only difference – the energy to create electricity is free with renewables, reducing the lifetime cost of the system. With a city that has been hit so hard with the rise of fuel costs, it’s time to create an electricity grid that does not rely on fuel.

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Rich Hessler
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