by Raina Russo

I just returned from the Solar Power International (SPI) show, an annual event for the solar industry, and there were a few things I kept hearing over and over.

One was: “It’s simple: People can live better with solar.” The second was: “The price of electricity will rise over the next decade.”

Over the last 40 years, Americans have been fortunate to have largely consistent electric rates. But as utility providers need to replace aging systems and fuel costs rise, experts predict that homeowners will soon need to pay more for electricity.

In this economy, where jobs are uncertain and the cost of everything keeps going up, everyone wants to save money. But most of us don’t want to sacrifice to do it. With a solar installation, the panels are virtually maintenance-free. You don’t have to think about it any more than you think about the electricity used right now to power your home. You’re connected to the same grid. You flip the same light switches. You even pay the same company – except you’ll pay a lot less! And, those low prices will be locked in forever, regardless of how high electric prices rise.

Let’s Get Real: Facts and Figures on Solar Savings

In March, I purchased a 10.4kW system, which means it produces 10kW of electricity per hour in full sun conditions, or about 55kWh (kiloWatt hours) per day. I’ve consistently saved 60 percent or more on my home’s electric bills. My system is on the large side, though, and may not be a typical example.

A 4,000-watt DC system is an average size, and can reduce your utility bills by about 40 percent. The cost would average about $25,000, but don’t go into sticker shock; after rebates, tax credits and incentives, your out-of-pocket cost will actually be about $7,500 for your solar array.

If you’re an average homeowner in the New York tri-state area, you’ll save about $1,650 per year in electric. The system will literally pay for itself in about four years. Over the life of the system – about 25 years – you’ll save about $41,000. I personally can’t think of any other cash investment that promises a return of more than five times your initial investment. But you don’t have to wait 25 years. You’ll have extra money in your pocket because of lower utility bills from the first day you turn on your system.

Solar Leasing and No-Money-Down Programs

If you’re wondering how to afford that $7,500 upfront cost, this may surprise you: You don’t have to. No money down, zero percent financing and solar leasing programs are available to help you cover those costs. Your local solar PV installer can help you find the program that’s the best fit for you.

Sold on Solar?

You will save money with solar. As electric costs go up, as inflation drives up the price of everything, the cost of your home’s power will remain the same. As the saying goes, “your mileage may vary.” The price of solar, plus the savings you’ll enjoy depends on state and local municipality incentives available, plus the cost of electricity in your region, along with many other factors.
The solar savings calculator at www.ecooutfitters.net is a tool that will give you a good estimate of exactly how much you’ll save with solar, and a call to a local PV installer will let you know the exact cost of the system.

However, there’s one benefit to solar energy that is consistent regardless of where you live: You’re creating clean, home-grown power, reducing your family’s carbon footprint and showing a commitment to our environment. Solar isn’t just a way to save money. It’s peace of mind. It’s a better lifestyle – now and in the future. And you can take that to the bank!

For Raina Brett Russo, taking care of the environment is a necessity, not an option. Having grown up in Israel, a place where conservation is required and solar hot water heating is the norm, Raina knows the importance of solar energy. She is fortunate that her work as co-founder and president of EcoOutfitters.net, an information-rich online portal that bridges homeowners and businesses with qualified renewable energy installers, allows her to be involved in the solar industry’s growth.

With the rising cost of electricity people are starting to look to alternative ways to power their homes. Think about the increased rent you could charge on your investment properties! The need to provide electricity using more environmentally friendly methods is also becoming more important. Having solar panels for your home (or investment property) is one method of producing alternative power and many people have already taken this on board. If you go to sell your home there are certain real estate agencies that deal specifically with environmentally friendly homes, but it is also worthwhile speaking to conveyancing services who can offer you professional advice.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is created by collecting the sun’s energy in the cells of solar panels and transferring it to power. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your home and power your lights and your appliances. It can be used to heat your hot water system and your swimming pool and solar energy can even power cars. Small appliances like calculators can run on solar power. Solar power is a green alternative and does not create any carbon emissions in its production. Solar power is an extremely effective way of creating electricity.

Hydro Electricity

Harnessing energy created by moving water has been done for thousands of years. People would use flowing water to push a wheel that would then go on to grind grain. Today hydro electricity is created in much the same way. Water is directed to flow through a turbine which causes it to spin which then powers a generator. Much of the United States’ energy is created this way. Hydro electricity is a greener option and it is a recyclable energy source as the water can be directed back up through the turbine.

Wind Power

Australia has the resources to provide a substantial amount of energy created by the wind. The southern states are subject to the Roaring Forties and wind speed is enough to create a large portion of energy. Currently about two percent of Australia’s energy demand is being met by power created by wind turbines. There are fifty-two wind farms in Australia.

Geothermal

While it might only seem appropriate for those living near volcanic activity, geothermal power is actually viable anywhere you have some space to dig deep. Six feet down, the earth holds a constant of around 50° and 60° all year. By laying some pipes underground, running fluid through a “heat exhanger” – or heat transfer from one medium to another – and adding a compressor to the mix, it is possible to produce a consistent air flow that keeps you cool in the summer months and warm during the winter. To boot, a geothermal heating and cooling system provides better air quality than you get by circulating an A/C or heater.

Solar Charging Project Brings Renewable Energy Future to Jordan-

AllCell Technologies, a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion battery packs, has teamed up with multiple cleantech companies to create a completely off-grid solar EV charging station. Located in Amman, Jordan, the station can charge both a Nissan LEAF and multiple light electric vehicles simultaneously, is off-grid and includes a lithium-ion energy storage system that is protected from the scorching heat of the desert sun using AllCell’s thermal management system. The country, despite its ideal location for energy derived from oil, is apparently lacking in fossil fuel resources and imports over 90 percent of its energy. What the country lacks, however, it makes up for with a solar radiation zone perfect for generating clean, renewable energy which has been largely untapped as of yet.

The charging station consists of a 3 kilowatt solar canopy developed by Sun Phocus, AllCell’s 25 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion energy storage system, and DBT’s Level II charging station. For the project, Nissan provided its all electric Nissan LEAF vehicle, Matra contributed two electric scooters and a pair of electric GEM cars – with each GEM car incorporating a solar roof. AllCell CEO Said Al-Hallaj, who has been overseeing the project since the fall of 2010, is very excited at what the future will hold for energy impoverished nations like Jordan. “The combination of solar energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage holds enormous promise as a solution to multiple problems inherent in today’s energy systems. The benefits include reduced oil consumption and carbon emissions, increased peak electricity generation, and grid-friendly load shifting. As the prices of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles continue to fall, such a system will be economically feasible in the near future.” The charging station will serve as a model for a large-scale infrastructure project to eventually help the government meet its goal of using at least 10 percent renewable energy by 2020.

Solar Energy ‘Zones’ Mapped Out in the Western U.S.-

The Obama Administration recently announced its new ‘roadmap’ for large-scale solar projects, opening 285,000 acres of desert in the western United States and 20 million acres of the Mojave for solar development. The solar ‘map’ will distinguish the inadequate areas unfit for large projects and establish the better spots which have already passed environmental specifications and thus will guarantee a faster permitting process. Altogether, there are 17 solar energy ‘zones’ mapped out in six western states that were determined to be accessible since their environmental surroundings were not in jeopardy and no cultural sites were located on or around the areas. Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industry Association, comments on the administration’s policy, “While we are still reviewing all of the details in this proposal, there are some significant areas of concern, siting flexibility and access to transmission are key to the financing and development of utility-scale solar power plants. Both aspects must be reflected in the final” project.

Internet Giant Secures Second Fund for Residential Solar Leases in 3 States-

Google recently put up $75 million in funding for roughly 3,000 residential solar installations in Arizona, California and Colorado. Clean Power Finance will oversee the fund and will work with solar power installers to provide homeowners with financing options. The initiative will give consumers an option to enter into lease agreements or power purchase agreements with the installers, which is especially beneficial for the majority of homeowners who cannot afford cash down on expensive solar installations. This is Google’s second fund, with the first being a landmark residential solar deal between the company and California-based SolarCity to the tune of $280 million in project funding. The latter was established to provide installations, lease agreements and power purchase agreements in 11 states as well as Washington D.C. Currently, federal and state governments are providing long-term extensions of solar tax credits for residential and commercial solar installations which makes it a very good time to look into PPA’s and lease agreements in your state. Lowe’s, for instance, has partnered with Sungevity and are offering $0 down for residential solar installations in most states throughout the U.S.

Ecofriendly buildings are required in present scenario to deal with the increase in global warming and other natural disasters. To deal with it, sustainable technology is developed which offers a complete ecofriendly surrounding and doesn’t pollutes the surrounding and the environment. This has been taken as a step toward a greener tomorrow and people are supporting it in every possible way.

These buildings are not only beautiful, but are also Zero CO2 emission building which is a great contribution toward our green planet. There are many such buildings in world these days, so here we are with the best seven sustainable office buildings for the future.

1. Legion House to become the first carbon neutral office building in Sydney

This Legion house is one of the oldest sustainable buildings in Sydney. It was built 109 years ago and still its there as a symbol of green world. This awesome project was constructed by Grocon Construction Company. By next two years the company will be taking steps to modify this building and make it one of the historical buildings in the sustainable building concepts. There will be a number of features incorporated with this modification like water saving concepts, vacuum toilets, and renewable power generation.

2. Cactus-inspired building for MMAA’s new office in Qatar

This building in Qatar is a famous sustainable energy efficient building. This building is not only sustainable but is also stunningly beautiful. This cool building is designed by Bangkok based architects Go Group which is known for their awesome designs. This building is located in Doha, Qatar.

3. World’s largest solar-powered office building unveiled in China

China has always tried to adopt new technology and has always proved its superiority. This solar building in China is the world’s largest solar building ever built. This building is situated in Dezhou and is constructed in an area of 75,000 square meter and is built in a shape that looks completely awesome. Its inclined structure and the solar panels look gorgeous. The building is completely surrounded by solar cells to continuously generate energy all day.

4. HOK conceptualizes net zero emission office building for St. Louis

This unique concept building is being built by two companies named, HOK and the Weidt Group. This building is located in St. Louis and is believed to be a concept of complete sustainable environment and will have zero emission into the environment. This building is estimated to consume 76 percent less energy than the usual buildings. The building is especially designed to take off the load of heating and ventilation system.

5. StudioDosi designs solar-powered office building for Leeds

This building is a completely different one as it uses both water and the solar energy for its energy operations. This super-cool design was designed by Italian firm StudioDosi which is known for their exotic designs and structures. This building has a total area of 2260square meters with a 360 square meter public space suspended from above. This gorgeous building is completely covered by a green see-through-wall which adds to its beauty.

6. Sauerbruch Hutton to build sustainable office building for BSU

This building is really adorable for its design and awesome structure. This cool building is completely made to work on the renewable sources like solar heat, energy, and power. The development of this building also makes effective use of natural ventilation and harvests rainwater for various purposes. This building has already received awards for its super cool design and is scheduled to be completed by 2013. The complete structure of the building is divided into two parts. One of which is a high tower with two adjacent wing buildings.

7. Studiodosi unveils zero-emission office building for Provincia di Parma

Provincia di Parma is another cool creation by the Italian firm Studiodosi and this one is really stunning. The design again attracts the people and there is no way you can dislike this cool creation. Made completely green conveys a message of green future and a greener world. This building is a zero Co2 emission building and will help environment in all possible ways. It was constructed in 2009 and is located in Parma, North of Italy. This building is what defines a perfect sustainable building and there is no perfect competition to this exotic creation.

Article originally posted on EcoFriend.com.

With the failure of green energy poster child Solyndra – after the California-based company that received a $528 million taxpayer investment — the question being asked in many circles is whether the green industry is a smart investment for either the public or private sector.

Scottsdale-based reNature, which recently received a grant from Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship Initiative, believes its venture and green industry as a whole is a worthy investment for multiple reasons. reNature has a founding team made up of seven Arizona State University students who are studying in a wide variety of disciplines. They came together based on common interests of sustainability and business and applied fore the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative in April. They were accepted into the initiative and subsequently given a grant, office space for one year in the SkySong building in Scottsdale, and mentoring from the initiative and from members of the community that are connected to the university. Like many in the “green industry” CEO David Metoyer, a finance and sustainability major, and his team at reNature want to take something traditionally seen as a liability – like trash – and through natural processes turn it into an asset. “We want to work with nature’s systems and add value to something that is usually worthless,” said Metoyer. “We want to commercialize nature.”

In recent years there have been numerous companies that have had a similar creed to that of reNature. However, like Solyndra, a large number of them have not been able to make it through the hurdles that every start-up business faces. At a hearing last week, Jonathan Silver, director of the Department of Energy’s energy loan office, said that factors such as China flooding the market with cheap solar panels and a tough European buying market have caused solar-cell prices to drop sharply, significantly hurting companies such as Solyndra. The loan office has given $35.9 billion dollars in loans and created 64,776 jobs according to its website. When Solyndra filed for bankruptcy earlier this month the company was forced to lay off more than 1,000 employees.

So, the question that remains to be answered is, how can green companies stay out of the red? Metoyer and his team at reNature believe that they have a green model that is truly sustainable: economically and environmentally. First of all, reNature is “going for the low-hanging fruits now,” Metoyer said. In other words, the venture is entering the industry carefully, fully aware that there are some “green” business models that can survive now, and some that cannot, said Metoyer. “We need to make sure that any new green company makes business sense,” said Will Heasley, director of business development for reNature. “It has to be economically viable – you have to find a method that makes sense financially,” said Metoyer. “This type of cautious entry into the market is something that other companies should mimic,” he continued. He believes that the American consumer may not be ready for all of the green products that are being introduced. “They (consumers) say, ‘as much as I want to be environmentally conscious, I have to make sure I have enough money to simply keep living,’” said Metoyer. And as for companies that “go green” as a way to look good in the public eye, Metoyer says, “It has to be more than doing something green to get good press – It has to be more than PR.” Another question that green ventures need to ask themselves is “the technology may exist, but does it exist at the right scale?” said Metoyer. “Many times the answer is no, it doesn’t.” The failure of Solyndra and other companies like it shows that even with massive help from the federal government, being green does not guarantee profitability. Nevertheless, many believe there is a market for clean and sustainable industry, but like any other market it’s one that must be entered cautiously, said Metoyer. “Every new company has to look at the triple bottom line,” said Metoyer. “What effects will it have economically, socially, and environmentally.”

Sources
David Metoyer: 425-765-8489
Will Heasley: 602-518-8912
Jonathan Silver: https://lpo.energy.gov/?page_id=19

If you have been concerned about the rising energy costs in your area, it might be a good time to look at ways in which you can save money with solar energy. Various areas in the world run on different power sources, which most of these sources being problematic in some way. The main problem is that even energy sources that are renewable use some sort of oil power to maintain them. This automatically increases the costs associated with the energy source, which is then passed onto the consumer. The vast majority of people are prepared to pay whatever the oil companies see fit, but you do not have to be one of these people if you are able to harness the money saving power of solar energy.

Durability

One of the most common ways in which people use solar energy is through solar panels. While these panels are somewhat expensive to install, they save you money over the years because of their durability. When you purchase a panel, it can provide you with energy for about 30 years. There are no other sources of energy that can come close to matching that level of durability. In addition, since it is at a one-time cost, you will be supplied with free green energy for many of these years after your original purchase. If you are a homeowner, having free energy coming into your home really adds up in a short period of time.

Power Levels

Another way in which solar power saves you money is by creating an unlimited amount of power for you. If you are running on gas power, you can use as much energy as the gas company will provide for you. Eventually, the planet will run out of fossil fuels and the gas company will no longer be able to provide you with this energy. As these levels get lower, oil companies will charge an even higher premium, which will cost you even more money. Solar power, however, is infinite because it comes directly from the sun. Since no one owns the sun, you can never be charged for harnessing as much of this power as you wants.

Taxes

While it might be a roundabout way to save money through solar energy, many locations will provide you with a tax break if you switch to solar power. It really depends on where you live, but some locations have made it very lucrative to switch over to alternative energy sources. In Australia, for example, the federal government supplies its citizens with an $8,000 grant for spending $16,000 on solar panels. When you factor in the monthly savings on your energy bill, it really makes sense to switch under those circumstances. As solar energy options become more readily available, we will likely see other countries jump on board with similar tax benefits.

Flexible Set Up

A common gripe with solar energy is that it costs so much to get started. This, however, does not have to be the case if you are smart about it. Your entire energy system does not have to be installed at once, as you can slowly add to it over the years. If you have enough money for one solar panel right now, you can install the first one and then wait to install a second. Having that first panel up will save you a little bit of money, as it can be used to store energy for when you need it. You can probably install these panels yourself as well, which saves money if you have to do it in multiple steps, since you will not have to hire someone each time.

Storing Energy

As was mentioned before, you can store your solar energy for when you need it the most, as long as you have a capacitor. If you produce too much solar energy for your home, you can either release this energy into a pool, where others would be able to use it, or you can store it for yourself. If you store the energy, you can use it whenever you wish. This comes in particularly handy if you have a prolonged period without much sunlight, as you can continue to rely on solar power. It is also useful during a blackout, as you can keep your house powered while the rest of the neighborhood is dark. Storing energy prevents you from having to rely on gas when you are not producing enough solar energy, which saves you money each time a cloudy period hits.

Other Methods

Solar power can also help you save money in smaller ways throughout the year, as long as you are smart about it. If you use flashlights when camping, bring a solar powered version to save on the cost of batteries. You can usually find radios that run on solar power as well, saving you additional money. All you have to do is remember to put the light or radio out in the sun during the day and you can enjoy the power when it is needed.

A simple way to harness some solar power to save money is to use black sheets on your bed or black curtains on your windows. If you do this during the winter months, you will find that your bed or room is warmer when you get into bed at night. This is because these black items store solar power naturally, which can cut down on how much you have to spend on heating your home each month. With so many ways to use the power of the sun, you should be able to find a money saving method soon.

About the Author: M.H is sharing his knowledge and passion about renewable energy sources at Alternative Energy Geek.com.

Solar Installations Expected to Steadily Increase throughout Year-

The U.S. Solar Market Insight quarterly analysis reports that, in spite of the current bleak market outlook related to the recent Solyndra scandal, growth is expected to continue to increase throughout the last half of 2011. Photovoltaic solar installations apparently grew by 69 percent during the first half of 2011, when compared to the same time period last year. The group projects that roughly 1,750 megawatts will be installed by year end. “The U.S. markets are expanding and heading toward becoming the largest in the world, and our goal is certainly to surpass Germany and Italy and some of those markets that are larger than us today. The resilience and the core stability of this market is remarkable given the economic conditions that exist today,” said Rhone Resch, from the Solar Energy Institute of America. New Jersey’s commercial solar capacity has surpassed California’s, with an increase 170 percent in the second quarter of 2011. The state’s increase in solar installations has been heavily reliant upon recent tax breaks and solar rebates. Currently, the U.S. has a total solar capacity of 3,100 megawatts — enough green energy to power roughly 630,000 American homes. “In 2010, 41 percent of all installations took place in the fourth quarter,” Managing Director of Solar at GTM Research Shayle Kann said in a statement. “I will say expectations for the U.S. market are even better [this year], and I think a lot people are hoping the U.S. market will double this year as it did last year when we saw 104 percent growth over the previous year.”

By looking to more energy efficient methods of powering your home and by reducing the waste that your household produces you can help reduce your homes carbon footprint. Choose the appliances that have a higher energy saving rating and change some of your lifestyle habits around your home, which will affect your carbon footprint. Through having a solar panel on your roof you can capture the suns energy which can power your whole home. Installing solar panels for your home will make your household more environmentally friendly and reduce your carbon footprint.

Energy efficiency is key

Contact your energy company and find out if they offer a green choice of energy, such as electricity powered by either solar or wind energy. You can also choose a greener option where you pay slightly more for your electricity and the extra funds go towards developing environmentally friendly power making methods. Choose appliances that have a high energy efficiency rating. When shopping for appliances look for those with a higher number of stars on the ticket. These have a better energy rating and will also save you money in running costs. You can buy washing machines that only use cold water and dishwashers that will retain the water from the final rinse cycle and then use this to give your next load of dishes their first rinse. There are newer and better energy efficient appliances being developed all the time so have a look online or ask your the shop assistant what are the most energy efficient appliances.

Invest in Insulation

By reducing the amount of electricity you use within your home you will help reduce your carbon footprint. By insulating your home properly you will find that you reduce your need for switching on your heater during winter and your air conditioner in summer. Go around your home and block up any gaps or cracks so that the cold air can’t come in during winter. Check your insulation, including inside the roof. As well as having proper insulation in your walls make sure your roof is lined properly too. Use a draught excluder to stop a cool breeze from coming in under your doors and think about having double glazing on your windows.

Unearth better habits

It is easy to reduce your carbon footprint by simply having better habits when it comes to using electricity. Don’t turn on the heater if you feel cold, just put on an extra jumper. Instead of switching on an electric light open the curtains or think about installing a sky light. Rather than switching on your air conditioner try and cool your home down by opening windows and doors to create a cross breeze. Switch off your appliances at the wall when they are not in use and turn off any lights in rooms that aren’t occupied.