News for November 06, 2001

Global Photovoltaic Market Grew 31% Per Year for Past 4 Years

New state law requires builders to meet specific conservation guidelines in new homes

CRS Attracts Top Professionals to California Public Power Renewables Research Program

Green Pricing Programs Spur Growth of Renewable Energy Technologies - LA one of leaders

Utilities: Consumers adapted and cut demand. Understanding why will be key in forging post-deregulation policy.

Stanford University solar power usage ahead of time

Second Annual ``Run for a Green LA'' Hosted by LADWP in Griffith Park

IBEW's New Union Hall In Silicon Valley gets Solarized

Green-Energy Firms Seek an Outlet

A Push for Green Campuses - Los Angeles

IN BRIEF

SF Solar Measures Post Election Party - On election night, come watch the returns at the Proposition B Election Night Party. All supporters, volunteers and friends welcome. Proposition B Election Night Party: 330 Ritch Street (off Townsend and 3rd) from 8:00 PM on...

Free Downlands of PV Performance database - Photovoltaic System Performance data is available for 260 systems in nine countries from the International Energy Agency's (IEA) website www.task2.org. The database covers a diverse range of system types and climates conditions.

Amory Lovins explores origins of the California Energy Crisis - Energy Expert Amory Lovins, of the Rocky Mountain Institute, presented his thoughts on the California Energy Crisis, along with ideas for moving ahead at this forum in San Francisco July 2001... download Pdf of transcript 118kB

New Renewable Energy Financing Source Lists available - The California Energy Commission has compiled sources of funding for residential, commercial, and instutional renewable energy users. Now available in concise 2 page downloadable files online.

HIDDEN VILLA PRESENTS AN INTRODUCTORY SUSTAINABLE BUILDING WORKSHOP,
NOV. 10 & 11, 10:00-4:00. Hidden Villa recently completed construction of three new buildings--all demonstration models of sustainable building--designed by three different architects, all leaders in the sustainable building field. One is an office building, the other a residence and the third a youth hostel. This workshop will feature hands-on tours of these new buildings, with extensive opportunities to explore and learn about straw bale and water-filled walls, photovoltaics, rammed earth, a wide array of recycled materials, passive solar heating and cooling, geothermal systems, earth berm, solar hot water and hydronic heating. Sustainable construction and design expert Scott Grometer will lead the two-day discussion and presentation on sustainable design, construction methods, materials and systems. There will also be guest presenters on several topics. All levels of expertise and interest are welcome--architects, designers, builders, home re-modellers, teachers, environmentalists, enthusiasts. Cost: $75 per person (scholarships available). To register, call 650-949-8653 or visit www.hiddenvilla.org. Participants should bring a bag lunch and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Architect William McDonough To Speak on Nature's Design - Nov. 14th Palo Alto - William McDonough, internationally acclaimed architect and "Hero of the Planet" according to Time Magazine, will be in Palo Alto on November 14 to discuss sustainable design concepts and economically intelligent architecture. His presentation will take place from 2pm to 3:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto. The talk is free and open to the public. In the Time Magazine accolade, McDonough was praised for "a unified philosophy that - in demonstrable and practical ways - is changing the design of the world." For more information contact Amy Vossbrinck at 650-328-7756, x628 or email to avossbrinck@globalcommunity.org

Two CA Wind Facilities Begin Operations (2001.10.01)
SeaWest WindPower, Inc. and PG&E National Energy Group (PG&E NEG) recently announced that two new wind power projects in California, capable of generating enough energy for about 40,000 homes, have begun commercial operations. The companies said the Mountain View Power Partners I and II projects are located near Palm Springs, CA. The projects are being administered by PG&E NEG and SeaWest WindPower. The California Department of Water Resources will purchase power generated at each site. "We are very pleased to add these two wind energy plants to our western power resource portfolio," said PG&E NEG West Region president and chief operating officer Tom King. "The Mountain View projects provide a clean, economical source of renewable electricity for California customers, and will help ensure that the energy needs of the state will be met by a reliable and diverse mix of resources." Both projects were built by SeaWest and purchased by PG&E NEG. SeaWest will continue operation and maintenance at each site under an agreement with PG&E NEG, who will market the wind energy generated at sites through its Pure Wind initiative. The sites feature more than 100 600-kilowatt wind turbines manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Contact: PG&E Pure Wind program, website, ; SeaWest, website Source: PR Newswire, via WAPA News