News for February 10, 2004

Hal Aronson, an instructor with the Rahus-Solar Schoolhouse program, catches a burst of sunlight
through the clouds at the recent Solar Fountain workshop for outdoor environmental educators at
Walden West in Saratoga. The Rahus/Solar Schoolhouse program continues to conduct teacher
workshops throughout the state, providing hands-on tools for teachers to integrate into their school curriculum.

Solar for California New Homes... a standard feature?

California Solar Home Tours - Fall Experience

Self-reliance at home [Merritt College - Oakland]

Angelides Urges 'Green' Focus

Solar Community considers grid power after the fire [Cuyamaca - San Diego]

Low output clouds solar power in L.A.[Daily News] + Reply by Graham Owen

Solar Energy System Installed at Ark School [Santa Cruz]

Audit of LA Green Power shows improvement

AstroPower files for bankruptcy - General Electric bids $15 million for solar-power company

Audubon Nature Center goes off-grid in Los Angeles, receives highest LEED certification.

SANYO North America Commissions 200kW Solar Installation at Its U.S. Headquarters [San Diego]

School installs 45 kW PV + Shade System [Norman Glick Middle School - Modesto]

Repeat Pretender - Why do companies keep giving money to Stan Ovshinsky, the inventor who can create anything but profits? [Forbes]

Spectrolab Solar Cells Power Latest Mars Exploration Vehicles [Sylmar - Mars]

Homes in local subdivision all will run on solar power [Premier Homes - Sacramento]

IN BRIEF

PG&E SelfGen PV Program fully subscribed for 2004 - PG&E's Self Generation Rebate Program, providing incentives of $4.50/watt for Photovoltaic projects larger than 30 kW, has fully subscribed available 2004 funding. From the PG&E website, " PG&E currently has no remaining funding available for 2004 Level-1 projects. As projects are received, they are evaluated and placed in a "waiting queue". Projects will be considered for funding if any funding becomes available through possible reallocations from other SGIP incentive levels, and/or other Level-1 projects dropping out." [2004.02.10]

CPUC considering changes to Self Generation Program - The California Public Utilties Commission is in the process of considering changes to the Self Generation rebate program, which currently provides $4.50/watt or 50% for PV systems larger than 30kW. Various parties have submitted comments and suggestions to the CPUC for consideration, with continued dialogue and potential publich hearings later this Spring. Up for debate is whether to reduce the rebate level and by how much.

GOOD AS GOLD: The Silicon Solar Cell Turns 50 -by John Perlin, Lawrence Kazmerski, Ph.D., and Susan Moon. - THEN AND NOW. In 1953, the solar world started with a single 2 cm2 photovoltaic (PV) cell that was about 5 percent efficient and generated 5 milliwatts of electricity. In 2002, that world shipped over 500 million PV cells totaling 4 billion cm2 that were from 15 percent to 20 percent efficient and produced more than 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity. In April 1954, the media spotlight shone brightly on a new invention, a bit of a curiosity really, from Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. The invention was a strip of boron-doped silicon about the size of a razor blade. Connected in series, these strips comprised the Bell Solar Battery, which converted about 6 percent of sunlight into electricity. In a sense, all the solar cells in existence today are direct descendents of this invention. During its first public demonstration at a press conference in New York, the Bell Solar Battery powered a radio transmitter that carried both voice and music. It electrified the New York media audience.[read the full article in Solar Today]

From Space to Earth - The Story of Solar Electricity [online narrated Slide show] - Check out this new Flash-based slide show, with narration, on the story of solar electricity. You'll need the free Flash Player to view within your browser. Produced by The Rahus Institute in collaboration with John Perlin.

60 MW of grid-connected PV now installed in California - Here is an update on the amount of grid-connected PV that was installed in California in 2003.
* 26.7 MW of grid-connected PV installed in California in 2003.
* 59.8 MW of grid-connected PV installed in California at the end of 2003 (total).
* Over 50 MW of grid-connected PV installed in California since 2000. This is over 80% of all the grid-connected PV in California.
* Over 3,500 grid-connected PV systems installed in California in 2003.
* Over 8,000 grid-connected PV systems installed in California at the end of 2003 (total).
To download the PDF or Excel file, please see "Amount (MW) of Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaics (PV) in California, 1981 to Present" at:
http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/emerging_renewables.html Additional questions can be sent to Todd Lieberg at the California Energy Commission Tlieberg@energy.state.ca.us

Coming Soon: "Made With Renewable Energy" Labels on Products - The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) -- the people that brought you the "Green-e" certification for green power products -- announced in early November that it will launch a new "Made With Renewable Energy" label for products in 2004. The label will feature the distinctive Green-e logo and will be available to companies that buy a "significant" amount of certified renewable energy for their buildings and factories. According to CRS, a number of companies have already applied for the label, including White Wave (a maker of soy milk products), the Interface Fabrics Group, Choice Organic Teas, and Lundberg Family Farms, a producer of rice. See the announcement on the Green-e Web site. The "Made With Renewable Energy" label might eventually appear on a wide variety of products, thanks to a recent record purchase by the corporate members of the Green Power Market Development Group. Sterling Planet, Inc. announced in late November that it will provide a total of 795 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy certificates over the next several years to select members of the group, including Alcoa Inc., Delphi Corporation, DuPont, Interface, Pitney Bowes, and Staples. Sterling Planet's Green America renewable energy certificates are Green-e certified.

New California Wind Farm Surpasses Previous Benchmarks [Solano County] - The nearly completed High Winds Energy Center, a state-of-the-art wind farm expected to generate roughly 162 megawatts of electricity--enough to power 75,000 homes--and make wind power competitive with extractive energy sources, sits midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. Since the first large wind facilities were built in the early 1980s, they have run into technological, economic and political obstacles. Early versions didn't produce electricity efficiently enough to compete with fossil fuel, while communities complained that small forests of turbines marred the landscape and environmentalists fretted that the blades were killing birds. The new Solano County wind farm, environmentalists say, has overcome such obstacles. High Winds' turbines are taller, more powerful and more efficient than older generation turbines, which means that the project can generate more energy with fewer machines. High Winds turbines represent a substantial improvement in technology: (11) they create almost 20 times as much energy as turbines of 20 years ago; (2) they turn to face the wind; (3) their blades revolve more slowly to kill few birds; and, (4) they are more widely spaced, for a lighter footprint on the land. Wind power now "represents economic opportunity for rural America," according to Ralph Cavanagh, energy program director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, because farmers are paid up to $4,000 a year for land use from High Winds' owner FPL Energy. [source: BIPER newsletter -Arizona Republic, Associated Press, Terence Chea, 05 Jan 2003]

Twelve States Form Alliance to Leverage Clean Energy Funds - Seventeen "clean energy" public funds from 12 states across the country banded together last week to promote clean energy projects and companies through a new non-profit organization called the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA). CESA expects the clean energy funds from the 12 states—California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin—to total $3.5 billion over the next decade. CESA will launch a number of joint initiatives to promote solar energy, wind power, fuel cells, and other clean energy technologies, combining the power of many states for more effective strategies while reducing the costs of individual state programs.

Rebuild a Greener San Diego Program Approved - Rebuild a Greener San Diego Program was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) which provides financial incentives and technical assistance to residents who lost their homes in the October 2003 firestorms. SDREO will have outreach activities in the fire affected communities starting in February and information and applications will be posted on http://www.rebuildsandiego.org. For further information please contact Suzanne Frew at sfr@sdenergy.org.

Fronius Secures Underwriter Laboratory Listing for Inverters - Fronius USA Solar Electronics Division, a world leader in power electronics, has received Underwriter Laboratory Listing for their FRONIUS IG 3000, IG 2000 and IG 2500-LV grid-tied inverters. The company says the FRONIUS IG inverters offer high efficiency, precision MPP-tracking, and intelligent thermal management, all of which result in superior energy output from grid-tied photovoltaic systems and at 26 lbs., the FRONIUS IG inverters are less than half the weight of competing inverters. Built-in DC and AC disconnects eliminate the need for external breakers in many cases, reducing total system costs. FRONIUS IG inverters come standard with an integrated LCD where the installer can view and record over 20 parameters pertaining to inverter and system operation. Optional remote data communications and data logging features can easily be added via Plug-n-Play cards to transform IG inverters into a sophisticated data acquisition system and weather station. Fronius USA has also begun its installer and dealer training at their Santa Barbara office.

Oregon-Based Company Launches 1100 Watt Solar Inverter - Oregon based PV Powered introduces the StarInverter PVP1100, what the company asserts is the only American owned and made utility interactive photovoltaic inverter to be UL listed. Delivering industry leading efficiency, reliability, and ease of use, the state-of-the-art StarInverter PVP1100 has the longest projected user life among grid-tie inverters available today, based on the MIL 217 Standard. The PVP1100 meets UL 1741, IEEE 1547, IEEE 929, IEEE 519 standards and carries a 10-year warranty. Based on revolutionary architecture, the StarInverter PVP1100 has the lowest parts count of any UL listed inverter on the market, no thermal fold back and no fan is required. The StarInverter PVP1100 operates from 1200W down to 60W, and allows for expandable array inputs from 550W to 1320W DC in. The StarInverter PVP1100 all aluminum, UL 50 enclosure has an aesthetically pleasing design that blends well with any exterior. Utilizing aggressive MPPT algorithms, the StarInverter PVP1100 is designed to draw the greatest amount of power available from any existing PV array. The PVP1100 has a broad operating range of 90 volts to 180 volts and one of the highest efficiency ratings in the industry. Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, PV Powered designs, manufactures and markets utility interactive photovoltaic inverters for the renewable energy marketplace. With operations located across four states, PV Powered brings together one of the most experienced design teams in power electronics. PV Powered's one-of-a-kind StarInverter product line offers PV solar inverter solutions for the residential, commercial and large scale industrial markets. PV Powered teams with authorized distributors to deliver StarInverter products to its customers.

California, Renewable Energy Quarterly Report online - The Renewable Energy Program, Quarterly Report to the Legislature is available on line at: <http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/documents/legislature.html>

Thomas J. Starrs switches gears to BEF - The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) announced today that Thomas J. Starrs is joining BEF as Vice President of Marketing and Sales.The Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established in 1998 to further the development and use of new renewable energy resources. Through revenues generated from the sales of green power products, BEF funds projects that restore damaged watersheds and support new renewable energy projects from solar, wind and biomass.Starrs comes to BEF from RWE SCHOTT Solar Inc., where he was Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing and a member of the Board of Directors. RWE SCHOTT Solar is the sixth largest producer of solar power cells and modules worldwide. Starrs has a long history of commitment to the public interest in promoting a sustainable energy future, and will continue to fulfill his duties as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology (CEERT). [source: press release 2004.1.13]

Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT) has just completed a 230 kW on Coco-Cola's Los Angeles bottling plant with their SR 2001 PV membrane roofing product. SR 2001 is very light weight (~2 lbs../sq.ft) and synchronizes the PV and roofing warranty for 20+ years of trouble free operation. contact info. Steve Heckeroth, 707-937-4536, steve@renewables.com and SIT's web site www.solarintegrated.com

Sonoma State wins EUN-EE award, includes PV - Best Education Facility Project - Ruben Salazar Hall Renovation (Sonoma State University), Rohnert Park, CA. While photovoltaics [106kW]are the most obvious of the energy conservation measures in this project, the evaporative cooling application is a truly innovative measure. The two-stage cooling application adds approximately $350,000 to the project, but Sonoma State believes that the design reduces peak load by almost 400 tons on the hottest days. Because of its innovative use of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, the remodeled building will use 42% less energy than required by California's 1998 Title 24 Building Standard. The solar energy generated by Sonoma State University's system will cover 7.3% of the facility's total load. [source Energy User News 2004.01] more details on PV system from Powerlight pdf

Report: The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Building is an economic analysis study commissioned by the Sustainable Building Task Force and written by Greg Kats along with several contributing authors. This report, the most comprehensive green building cost benefit analysis completed to date, concludes that sustainable design can be incorporated into a structure with little or no increase in construction costs and that the total financial benefits of green buildings are over ten times the average initial investment required to design and construct a green building. Energy savings alone exceed the average increased cost associated with building green. The report is available at:www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/Design/CostIssues.htm#Cost&Benefit

U.S. Pentagon to Incorporate Solar Energy- Two new solar energy projects will be incorporated into the Pentagon's renovation program currently underway as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. California-based TRC's Energy Services Group has been retained by the Department of Defense to work with Dominion Virginia Power to design and build an "intelligent building" system that conserves and optimizes energy use at the U.S. military and intelligence stronghold. TRC's two initial activities include design, engineering, and construction services to develop the Pentagon's Solar Energy Farm. The Solar Energy Farm consists of two renewable solar technology systems, a photovoltaic (PV) system that produces more than 110 kW of renewable electricity, and a 75.6 kW solar hot water system that supplements domestic hot water requirements. The energy farm allows the Department of Defense to satisfy its renewable energy goals while promoting 'green' distributed generation technologies to other government agencies, said Bob Billak, Pentagon Reservation Energy Manager.[2004.1.16SolarAccess.com]

Events

Winter Course: Photovoltaic System Design and Installation - Diablo Valley College -Pleasant Hill, CA - Teacher Tom Chatagnier continues his very affordable classes on renewable energy. This course covers photovoltaic systems, site evaluation, configuration options, installation options, performance testing and maintenance. This course includes many 'hands on' activities working with real equipment. Spring 2004 schedule (Sign UP NOW): Jan. 17- March 20, 2004 Saturdays 8:30 am - 2:20 pm www.dvc.edu (search under Alt technologies) for info and registration or 925/685-1230 x 2522

2004.2.20-26 Icelandic Tour - Northern Lights and Renewable Energy society [Joe Jordan] - Joe Jordan (NASA/Ames Research Center and the SETI Institute, Cabrillo College and the Monterey Institute for International Studies) will lead a trip to Iceland, February 20-26, 2004, focusing on the aurora borealis ("northern lights") as well as on the bright future for renewable energy ("sky power"!) -- which Iceland is helping to realize right now with their great geothermal power resources and their plans for becoming the world's first hydrogen economy. We'll go into hot springs such as the famous Blue Lagoon resort, visit glaciers and geysers, and revel in the remarkable scenery of this rather exotic locale. (And since Iceland is on the Gulf Stream, the climate there is surprisingly moderate even in February.)
For more info., go to <http://www.sky-power.org> and/or <http://www.melitatrips.com/iceland/iceland-2004.html>.

05/05 CSC Solar Forum [San Francisco] - Mark your calender. The next Solar Forum is scheduled for San Francisco, from 9am to 4p, hosted by PG&E SelfGen Program. Issues to be presented and discussed include: PV for New Construction Initiative, Changes to the Self-Gen Program, RECs/Greentags, Realtime data monitoring advances, Shared Savings contracts for large systems, Solar on Schools, and more. Registration page will be up soon. Presentations from earlier Solar Forums are posted here. If you've been before, you'll know this is a great place to network and learn about developments in the solar market. The CSC Solar Forum is organized by The Rahus Institute. Questions can be sent to Tor Allen at forum@californiasolarcenter.org

Pacific Energy Center back in business, launches Winter Spring classes - After a brief scare of loss of funding, the Pacific Energy Center [San Francisco] is launching their full Winter/Spring schedule of classes. [read more on status of funding - thanks all that wrote letters of support]. To learn more and to register and register for classes. There many classes on green building, and also an evening lecture about Distributed Generation by Doug Herman of EPRI. please browse the offering. You might also consider taking an energy efficiency class to combine with your RE knowledge.

3/17 Basics of Photovoltaic Systems [PEC - San Francisco] (also in San Jose 4/29 and Oakland 6/10) Darren Bouton will cover the fundamentals of photovoltaic systems, including the benefits and costs associated with PV, financial incentive programs, and case-study examples for system siting, sizing, and design issues. He will discuss residential and commercial PV applications.To learn more and to register.

3/24 Solar Hot Water Systems [PEC- San Francisco] (also in San Jose 5/6) This program covers the many applications of solar to low and medium temperature water heating. These applications range from residential domestic water heating to commercial pool heating and space conditioning. The primary focus will be on those applications with good paybacks that can be readily implemented in new or existing buildings. The seminar is designed for those who are interested in specifying, implementing, or purchasing systems. We will present a brief overview of the technologies used in various applications. Our principal focus will be on the costs and benefits of each application with regard to initial capital expenditures and energy savings. We will give overviews of basic system designs, their respective benefits, and drawbacks for those interested in specifying equipment or understanding prospective bids. We will provide references for understanding performance ratings of solar thermal products. We will cover these specific application areas: · Residential Domestic Water Heating · Residential Pool Heating · Non-Residential Water Heating (e.g., multifamily dwellings, hospitals, laundries) · Non-Residential Pool Heating · Space Heating & Conditioning. To learn more and to register.

03/15 - Heliodyne hosts Solar Hot Water Heating Workshop [Richmond, CA] - March 5th, 9-4:30pm. Subjects covered: Sales and Marketing Issues, Principles of System Sizing, Storage Selection, Orientation and Tilt, Gobi Collector Features, Performance, Mounting Hardware, Helio-Pak Solar Hot Water and Space Heating, Selection and Installation, Controls, Solar Pool Heating with Gobi Collectors, and Troubleshooting. Contact Elizabeth McGee at Heliodyne for more information. beth@heliodyne.com or call 510-237-9614

02/13 Webbroadcast Lecture 5pm PST- Austin's Energy: Power Can Be Clean and Renewable by Mark Kapner. Environmental Science Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. The Environmental Science Institute fosters interdisciplinary environmental research and education on our campus. We're currently working on our 28th Outreach Lecture, in which a professor describes their recent research discoveries. The talks are geared towards teachers and the general public. These lectures are free to everyone. Along with this lecture we create a CD-ROM, containing the lecturer's PowerPoint presentation and related media, for free distribution to teachers for use in their classrooms. Our next lecture is: Austin's Energy: Power Can Be Clean and Renewable by Mark Kapner, Senior Strategy Planner, Austin Energy. This talk addresses renewable energy topics well beyond the city of Austin. Past that date, we will also have an archived video available online. The link to our lecture series website is: http://www.geo.utexas.edu/esi/outreach/lectures.html

2/24, 2/25, 2/26 PV Inspector Training by John Wiles [Los Gatos, Fresno, Petaluma] - This workshop provides an intensive overview of small-scale solar electrical generation, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations for installation and safe operation of solar electric systems. The course is being offered from 9 AM to 4 PM at Akeena Solar's office in Los Gatos. In addition to the technical portions of the course, attendees will be able to tour Akeena Solar's rooftop solar electric system. The cost of the course is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments. On street parking is limited; please carpool if possible. Building and electrical inspectors may register by calling Akeena Solar 408-395-7774 or 888-akeena-8 or e-mail to wminshall@akeena.net. Space is limited.The identical course is also offered on Tuesday, February 24th in Fresno and Thursday, February 26th in Petaluma. For registration at the course in Fresno on 2/24/04 call Solahart All Valley at 800-698-8021. For registration at the course in Petaluma on 2/26/04 call Solar Depot at 707-766-7727 ext 104.[source email Akeena]

2/13-14 Sunbrothers Open Studio - The Sunbrothers are creators of some amazing sculptures using power from solar cells. They have moved to Richmond and are hosting an open studio on February 13 and 14th. for more info check the website. Come check it out

Anytime: APS STAR Center Virtual Tour - Welcome to a virtual tour of the APS Solar Test and Research (STAR) Center [Arizona], one of the world’s premier solar test and research facilities. At STAR, APS tests and develops technologies for converting solar energy into electricity. APS uses STAR to learn how to produce low-cost electricity from sunlight, using current and emerging photovoltaic solar technologies.

3/01 & 3/02 Solar Installation Workshops [Los Angeles - Bill Brooks] - 1-Day Solar Installation Workshop.Learn solar energy basics, design issues, site analysis (and DC circuits, multiple sources of power such as PV array, batteries, utility grid, bi-directional power flows, operation in parallel with utility). Morning lecture and hands-on with PV modules in the afternoon. Each class runs from 7:30 am-4:30 pm. Bring drill, screwdriver, and wire stripper to class. LA residents have first priority. for more information and to register.

Solar Energy International (SEI) presents the Spring 2004 Series of California Workshops! to learn more and to register visit the website www.solarenergy.org.....

3/8-13th Women’s PV Design & Installation[Santa Cruz]– Learn how to use PV technology to produce your own electricity from the sun in an all women environment. Classroom lectures, labs, tours, guest speakers and a hands-on installation. We will be installing a 2.5 kilowatt grid tied system! March 8th- 13th Louden Nelson Center, Santa Cruz. [Ed note: This great class has helped install PV systems through our Solar Schoolhouse program at Bay Area schools the last 2 years (Lincoln -Alameda, and Walden West -Saratoga). This year, you'll help a local church connect to a higher power. Don't miss it. This is a lifetime experience! Sign up now]

3/13 SEI- Introduction to Renewable Energy [Bay Area]– Overview of solar, wind and water power. March 13th. Bay Area.www.solarenergy.org

3/15-20 SEI-PV Design & Installation [PEC San Francisco]– Learn how to use PV technology to produce your own electricity from the sun! Classroom lectures, labs, tours, guest speakers and a hands-on installation. - March 15th – 20th. Pacific Energy Center, San Francisco.www.solarenergy.org

4/16-17 SEI Utility Interactive PV Systems[San Diego]– Learn to use photovoltaic technology to safely produce your own electricity on-grid. April 16th & 17th. . Co-sponsored by the San Diego Regional Energy Office.www.solarenergy.org

3/7 Solar Electric Info & Payback class [Saratoga] A free class on Solar Electric Information for persons wishing to learn the practical realities of modern solar electric systems. The latest economic analysis will be presented to demonstrate the financial payback of PV systems for PG&E utility users. Install tips will be shared. Time will be alotted to answer your PV solar questions! RSVP recommended. For more info contact Kurt Newick, 408-370-9636, KurtNewick@yahoo.com. Presented by Kurt Newick, Solar Advocate, and Andy Black, Solar Financial Specialist & Educator.(1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) Saratoga Library, Community Room 13650 Saratoga Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070

4/6-8 Green Building Technologies Conference [Cal Poly Pomona] - The Association for Efficient Environmental Energy Systems (AEEES) is hosting the Green Building Technologies Conference at Cal Poly Pomona's Kellogg West Conference Center April 6 - 8, 2004. For more information and to register visit the website.

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