News for September 16, 2003

Clarum's Vista Montana homes in Watsonville. [photo courtesy of Rob Hammond - Consol]

Green’ homes grow: Solar-powered complex shines in Watsonville

San Diego panel OKs plan for more renewable energy

Sebastopol's solar flair - 2,000 attend city's first fair

Solar Legislation extending major funding heads to Governor [AB 1685]

Solar-powered cell phones installed along Highway 50

Bright spots in solar's future?

New German Renewables Act -- Make or Break Alternative Energy In Europe?

Researchers Design New Solar-Powered Window

UPS package center powered by sun [Palm Springs]

IN BRIEF

PG&E proposes new fee on Net Metered customers - Recently many utility customers have received a letter from PG&E(pdf) that discusses your E-Net rate schedule and a possible exemption from Public Purpose Program (PPP) charges if your PV system was installed within a certain time period. PG&E implies that if your project does not fit within the time period for the exemption, then you will be subject to fees based on your "departing load". PG&E is seeking approval with the CPUC to modify existing net metering tariffs to allow for collection of PPP charges on the electricity generated by your PV system. The recent CPUC ruling on exit fee exemption apparently did not cover the PPP charge. PG&E points to AB58 language (the recent net metering bill) as the basis for this new charge. CalSIEA and others have filed protests with the CPUC. A ruling is expected later in September. [Ed note: what have the policy makers been smokin? This tragicomedy never seems to end.]

Solar rights bill signed by Davis [AB 1407] - Gov. Gray Davis Thursday (2003.9.11) signed into law Assembly Bill 1407, by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis. The legislation would prohibit a public entity from receiving state grant funding or loans for solar energy programs if it prohibits or places unreasonable restrictions on the installation of solar energy systems. The Solar Rights Act, passed in 1978, bars restrictions on the installation of solar systems for homeowners associations, but does not specifically apply to cities, counties, municipalities or other public entities. Wolk's legislation requires public entities to certify that they are not placing unreasonable restrictions on the procurement of solar energy systems when applying for state-sponsored grants and loans. The California Energy Commission provides grants, in the form of buydowns, to individuals, businesses, and public entities who purchase electricity from Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, and who wish to purchase an eligible solar energy system. The Emerging Renewables Buydown Program provides funds for this purpose, which are then collected as a component of each customer's individual electric bill. The California Public Utilities Commission provides similar incentives through the Self Generation Incentive Program. [see incentives page]

Shell Solar improves"ingot-growing" process - Washington State policymakers visited the Shell Solar plant in Vancouver, Washington, USA on 26 August for a tour and update on energy efficiency improvements made to silicon crystal-growing furnaces at the facility. The group also discussed continuing work the company is doing to develop a new feedstock product for its furnace recharge system. Since 1997, energy efficiency improvements made at Shell Solar, in partnership with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, have resulted in a 30% reduction in power consumption by the crystal growing furnaces and a reduction of 20% to 40% in the time needed to produce a crystal. Argon flows, which stablize the environment inside the furnaces, were also lowered by as much as 85% and crystal yields increased by 4%. Shell Solar continues to work with a semiconductor feedstock supplier to develop a product that can be used in a furnace recharge system developed during the furnace efficiency improvement project. The recharge system allows raw silicon material to be added to the growing process during the ingot molding process increasing product yields. The group of policymakers, which included the staff from state Senate and House committees as well as the Office of Financial Management, visited the Shell Solar plant as part of tour of facilities and agencies in Washington state. The purpose of the tour was to learn more about how the state's energy policies are playing out across Washington and what benefits investments in energy efficiency are bringing to businesses that operate in Washington.

Events

9/25 Watt’s In It for Us? Renewable Energy Forum [Berkeley]- Thursday, September 25, 2003 7 pm - 9 pm- Is there renewable energy in your future? Absolutely! Bring your questions, concerns and PG&E bills to an informative talk on renewable energy and its role in creating a sustainable future. Learn about current incentive programs including state rebates, low-interest financing, and tax credits. Find out about the steps involved in going solar and the latest in home wind power. Panelists will include happy solar system owners, renewable energy experts and representatives from the City of Berkeley, PG&E and the California Energy Commission. Get your renewable energy questions answered! Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Cost: Free. Info: 510/548-2220 x233, erc@ecologycenter.org .

Fall Course: Photovoltaic System Design and Installation - Diablo Valley College -Pleasant Hill, CA - Teacher Tom Chatagnier continues his very affordable classes on renewable energy. Fall Schedule: Oct 25 - Dec 13 Saturdays 8:30 am - 2:30 pm www.dvc.edu (search under Alt technologies) for info and registration or 925/685-1230 x 2522

2003 National Solar Tour - October 4— Real Places for Real People- The American Solar Energy Society (ASES), along with chapter, state and local tour organizers, would like to invite you to attend the eighth annual National Solar Tour that will take place in most locations on Saturday, October 4, 2003. There are tours scheduled throughout California. Check here for more information. Also check the NorCalSolar Website for Northern California tour details

More Events