Two years away, Chisago Lakesreferendum already on board's radar Nov 21, 2009
Pat Collins gave the school board an update on Project Independence, an effort to raise close to $100,000 to install 57 solar panels at the Middle School. The project is nearly halfway there with $41,300 raised so far, but Collins said they were waiting to hear on grants from the stimulus, and those could provide a good chunk of funding for the project. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
Developer aims to restart adult-community project Nov 20, 2009
The homes range from 1,300 to 3,000-plus square feet and could include green building features like solar panels. The first phase encompasses 215 acres and calls for 643 homes to be built over about four years. (AZCentral -- Business)
BEHIND OUR STONEWALLS: Whichever way the wind blows Nov 20, 2009
Jimmy Carter tried to make us aware of alternate energy sources when he was president and even had solar panels put on the roof of the White House. Reagan had them taken down and pursued star war games and unregulated the economic systems that allowed greed and short term interests to drive our economy to the braking point. (Bolton Common, MA)
Charlotte-area firms get grants for green projects Nov 20, 2009
will receive $100,000 to produce solar panels for commercial and residential buildings. SunQest Inc. of Newton will receive $50,718 to commercialize a solar-thermal system. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Being the underdog never deters a driven Brown Nov 20, 2009
5 million needed to replace the order s 50-year-old candy factory with an environmentally friendly plant, complete with solar panels and a wind turbine. The order is self-sustaining through sale of its candies and fudges. (Boston Globe)
Energy plant a jolt for workers Nov 20, 2009
The long-term workers would study how to make solar panels more efficient ... SunPower designed and built the solar panels on the two smaller power plants. (Florida Today)
Five Places: As green as it gets Nov 20, 2009
It was built using reused material (including limestone from an old wine cellar), it has an underground well system to heat and cool rooms, it has solar panels, and all of the furnishings are recyclable, organic or "green certified." The restaurant and spa use local, organic products. 6526 Yount St., Yountville. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
State receives $765,000 stimulus grant to study green jobs Nov 20, 2009
Both plants will produce components used in solar panels. Hentschel said the information gleaned from the study will be integrated with the state s job bank and made available to those who use the state s career services centers to research job opportunities. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Candidates for governor spar over local aid Nov 20, 2009
Evergreen makes solar panels. The candidates also sparred over the fate of local aid, with Cahill saying the idea of cutting it must be part of the debate as the state searches for a solution to budget shortfalls. (Boston Globe)
Washington's Largest Solar Power System Is Almost Ready Nov 20, 2009
"We're going to put about 1,100 solar panels on four buildings that will generate about 1% of our electricity supplies for the university on an annual basis," says Brian Alexander, Catholic University's Director Of Energy Management. It takes 2 skilled workers about 15 minutes to put together a pair of solar panels ... In this installation the solar panels are installed nearly flat to the roof. (W-USA News, DC)
L-S Memorial School opens in Cambodia Nov 19, 2009
Faculty members stand in front of the recently opened Lincoln-Sudbury Memorial School in the Battambang province of Cambodia. By Bill Schechter/Special to the Journal. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Wind Spires Provide Power, Energy Nov 19, 2009
"They are tied directly into the grid and work off solar panels that produce energy," Samman said. Video. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Clean energy efforts making a difference Nov 19, 2009
According to the report, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware and New York were all able to reduce emissions between 1990 and 2007 through cleaner energy solutions like wind power and solar panels. We can take back control of our energy future. (Cape Codder, MA)
> GE to hire 45 engineers to support innovation, product development Nov 19, 2009
Instead, appliances and heating and air conditioning systems would be powered by solar panels, small wind turbines, natural gas-fired power generators and thermal wells. To carry out those lofty goals, Nolan and his team are searching the nation, and in some cases the world, for people who possess the skills necessary to develop smart appliances. (Louisville Business First, KY)
New dealership to be 1st with top LEED rating Nov 19, 2009
Solar panels are expected to provide half of the dealership s energy needs. To further reduce power consumption, builders are using energy-saving insulation, porous bricks and heat-reducing tiles, bamboo flooring, drought-tolerant landscaping and an exterior green-screen wall planted with jasmine. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Smart grid holds promise in Georgia Nov 19, 2009
A smart power grid will provide consumers with useful feedback on electricity consumption and allow producers (including families with rooftop solar panels) to sell renewable energy for consumption in major population centers. A smart grid must also provide increased reliability and protection against blackouts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Cauterskill Estates model near completion Nov 19, 2009
Solar panels are also being installed to subsidize the cost of electricity and to provide heat. Upgrade options included in the model home are granite counters, 42-inch cabinets, hardwood flooring, ceramic bathrooms, a 9-foot ceiling basement, central air conditioning and a whirlpool in the master bathroom. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
China pushes solar, wind power development Nov 18, 2009
China leads the world in making solar cells, the key component in solar panels, many of which are exported to the U.S. ... That's causing concern in some corners that China not the U.S. will emerge as the hub of the new industries, leaving the U.S. as dependent on foreign nations for solar panels, wind turbines and other green-energy equipment and technology as it is on the Mideast for oil ... Within five years, it's expected to be the No. 1 solar market, says Steven Chan, strategy chief for... (USA Today -- Tech)
$7.4M C-A project to have no tax impact Nov 18, 2009
The proposed project features over 180,000 square feet of replacement work to district roofs many of which date back to 1989 as well as the installation of photovoltaic roof top solar panels to reduce electricity usage. In addition to the roof replacement, two 43-year-old boilers at Coxsackie Elementary and E.J. Arthur Elementary schools will be replaced. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Letter: Cap and trade bill will destroy the countrys manufacturing sector Nov 18, 2009
Windmills and solar panels are illusionary solutions to America s energy needs, and it is high time to rebuff the whimsical promise of green jobs, which are nothing more than sinecures, the predictable result of government meddling that is drowning us in debt and stalling economic recovery. Real jobs must be created in the private sector by market forces. (Georgetown Record, MA)
U.S. vs. China: Working Together on Global Warming? Nov 18, 2009
The country already has some of the biggest manufacturers of solar panels and wind turbines. Though most of those products are exported to the West, China is emerging as a major consumer market for clean tech as well. (Time.com)
Tech solutions? Nov 18, 2009
Price of solar panels falling. Hydroelectric. (BBC News -- Technology)
7 ways to generate and save energy at home Nov 18, 2009
Go beyond using fluorescent bulbs and try solar panels, turbines and more ... There are many options up for consideration as renewable energy besides windmills and solar panels. (MSNBC -- Environment)
S.F. meets goal of trees - but workers get ax Nov 18, 2009
Not only was the wiring fine, it led to a row of solar panels on the roof - making it truly a "green" grow operation. EXTRA. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Golf Course Review - Sebonack Golf Club Nov 18, 2009
But if riding is your modus operandi, there is also a fleet of 40 golf carts, which have been outfitted with solar panels to help protect the environment. Expensive ($2,700 per), but so what. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Suntech's potential reach Nov 17, 2009
The Chinese solar-panel maker, which shipped more traditional solar panels last year than any other company in the world, announced it is deciding between an East Valley and West Valley city for a 100,000-square-foot U.S. factory ... First Solar Inc., which makes "thin-film" solar panels using different semiconductor materials than traditional solar panels, is based in Tempe ... In 2008, Suntech's existing factories produced 498 megawatts of solar panels, most of which were sold to Europe. (AZCentral -- Business)
Increase demand for green tech to bring down cost Nov 17, 2009
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will have to first have a plan to increase demand for renewable energy sources like solar panels if it is to truly promote the use of cheaper and more environment friendly power sources, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui ... Chin said he also hoped that developers would play a part in promoting the use of solar panels by installing them in the houses they constructed and also called on people to demand such added features when they... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
PV market continues to suffer from glut, iSuppli says Nov 17, 2009
For the first time in history, the global demand for solar panels will decline in 2009, believes Henning Wicht, senior director of photovoltaics research for iSuppli ... 5 Gigawatts worth of solar panels in 2009, up from earlier forecasts of 1. (EETimes)
Commercial innovations lead way for green homes Nov 17, 2009
The 277,000-square-foot building, topped by solar panels and wind turbines, will generate much of its own electricity. It will also recycle rainwater and the building's own gray water from bathroom sinks. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Valley solar-energy companies shine Nov 17, 2009
Economic development officials think solar and other forms of alternative energy are well-suited for the central San Joaquin Valley, where unemployment tops 12%, summertime temperatures reach triple digits, power bills are high and fallow land can accommodate arrays of solar panels ... A few miles down Little Panoche Road, across the San Benito County line, Solargen has proposed an even larger project in the Panoche Valley, where solar panels could occupy as much as 10,000 acres and generate up... (Fresno Bee)
Medway blight bylaw voted down Nov 17, 2009
The town also voted unanimously to allow the School Department to enter into a 20-year lease of the high school roof to allow for the installation of solar panels. The School Committee will choose a company to install and maintain solar panels on the high school's roof and then purchase the power it generates through a power-purchase agreement, officials said. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
GE Enlightening China Regions Embracing Emissions Plants to Curb Pollution Nov 17, 2009
In the east, Zhejiang province is installing solar panels on roofs. Beijing bans motorcycles from the city center in favor of electric bikes. (Bloomberg)
Arizona lands solar manufacturing facility Nov 16, 2009
The plant, expected to have an initial production capacity of 30 megawatts, will begin production of the solar panels in the third quarter, Suntech officials said. "Bringing manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is part of Suntech's vision to grow the solar market in every corner of the world," said Suntech's Chairman and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
How can China, U.S. address climate change? Nov 16, 2009
China also now leads the market in producing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines ... Most of China's solar panels are exported to foreign countries and thus do not reduce China's dependency on coal. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Clean energy seals deal for company move to Santa Clara Nov 16, 2009
Vicki Thompson DJM Capital Partners will install 144 solar panels before Harris Stratex Networks moves its 300 employees from two San Jose locations to the Great America Place campus in Santa Clara ... As part of the 10-year lease, DJM will install 144 solar panels in the parking lot as well as facilitate purchasing non-coal-burning, carbon-free energy from Silicon Valley Power ... The value of the lease for 5200 Great America Parkway was not released, nor was the cost of installing three banks... (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
China Solar Panel Maker Sets First U.S. Plant Nov 16, 2009
There, row upon row of shiny black Suntech solar panels span 140 acres, cranking out up to 14 megawatts of electricity on sunny days ... Now the world's largest supplier of solar panels is boosting its stake in the U.S. market ... The study did not focus on solar energy, but the majority of solar panels are also produced by European and Asian companies. (BusinessWeek)
Word on the street: Selma brews its own coffeehouses Nov 16, 2009
Solar panels on the roof help power batteries that the business runs on. The business competes with other independent mobile grooming companies like the Roaming Groomer and Cruzin' for a Groomin. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Solar-panel maker plans HQ in Valley Nov 16, 2009
by Ryan Randazzo - Nov. 15, 2009 09:36 PM The Arizona Republic. Chinese solar-panel manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co. announced Sunday night it would locate a 100,000-square-foot North American headquarters and manufacturing facility in the Valley. (AZCentral -- News)
Innovator and writer looks ahead - with caution Nov 16, 2009
The tugboat that he lives on has a shrubbery on top and solar panels in front of the steering wheel. And yet, as his friend Peter Schwartz confirms, "he eats like a truck driver," with no apologies to the cow he just washed down with a frosty cup of milk, ice cream and vanilla extract. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Going with the wind: Little goes long way Nov 16, 2009
The company also is looking to sell its turbines to residents and commercial buildings and it is pushing them as a complement to solar panels. In many places, it's windier at night than during the day. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Wind farm plan irks activists Nov 16, 2009
Wind costs less than big solar projects which Sempra Generation is also pursuing and those cost much less than putting solar panels on urban rooftops, the solution Powers prefers. Besides the energy politics, there's also the environmental impact. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
6 ways to smarten the electricity grid Nov 16, 2009
There are many options up for consideration as renewable energy besides windmills and solar panels. And these ideas are so wacky they just might work. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Renewable energy and a sustainable lifestyle Nov 15, 2009
He emphasized various technologies such as passive solar, personal wind turbines, solar panels, in line heating of hot water, underground homes or homes built into a south-facing hillside ... Part of that could be passive solar homes, solar panels or a few strategically located wind turbines ... Now, solar panels are being created that can be part of the siding for huge skyscrapers or individual homes. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Town touts garden project Nov 15, 2009
Treated effluent would irrigate the soil, and solar panels would power the water pumps. Jennie Cure, a landscape architect and horticulturist spearheading the project, said she expects people from across the nation to visit. (AZCentral -- News)
Phoenix is home to only 15 of nation's 3,000 LEED houses Nov 15, 2009
It doesn t look granola, said Gorman, who knows many consumers equate green building with unsightly solar panels stuck on rooftops ... Solar panels generate 65 percent of the home s energy needs. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Five Places: As green as it gets Nov 14, 2009
It was built using reused material (including limestone from an old wine cellar), it has an underground well system to heat and cool rooms, it has solar panels, and all of the furnishings are recyclable, organic or "green certified." The restaurant and spa use local, organic products. 6526 Yount St., Yountville. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
3 local ways to go green Nov 14, 2009
And Phoenix empty nesters are downsizing to a new home where solar panels will help them decrease their carbon footprint by more than 40 percent. Slowly, lightbulb by lightbulb and recycling bin by recycling bin, Valley residents are upping their green index. (AZCentral -- Home)
China rejects R208 billion in steel, chemical projects Nov 14, 2009
The government responded in September by announcing investment curbs on industries that produce steel, cement, glass, polysilicon used in solar panels and wind power equipment. Authorities are especially concerned about the steel industry, which already is the world's largest. (Business Report, South Africa)
Sustainable house in Va. gets TV time Nov 14, 2009
Windows are shaded by solar panels so the house stays cool in summer, like a basement without air conditioning. Hot water from the water heater heats the floors and the house s electricity is produced by solar panels. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
North River sanctuary adds solar panels Nov 14, 2009
Wicked Local photo by Micah Flores. The new solar arrays at Mass Audubons North River Wildlife Sanctuary site in Marshfield. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Emcore to supply solar panels for Cygnus spacecraft Nov 14, 2009
Albuquerque s (NASDAQ: EMKR) has received a contract from to make, test and deliver solar panels to power the Cygnus spacecraft ... The solar panels to be delivered to Netherlands-based Dutch Space will use EMCORE s ZTJ solar cells. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Green museums and more in San Francisco Nov 14, 2009
This month, kids are invited to take part in a scavenger hunt, promising a prize if they are brave enough to find at least six "creepy, crawly critters" inside the 410,000-square-foot building, which is powered in part by solar panels, insulated with recycled blue jeans and supported by recycled steel, setting a new standard for sustainable architecture. "It's great that all of the museums are together under one roof. It really works and the kids are entertained," said Lisa Hungate who brought... (CNN -- Travel)
Ask AP: Soldier in Uzbekistan, solar panel safety Nov 14, 2009
If you decide to take advantage of those rays by putting solar panels on your roof, is there a chance they could be ripped off in a storm ... shows solar panels on the roof that power the Florida State University zero emission house are shown ... Curiosity about solar panels and hurricanes is being answered as part of an Associated Press Qmn called "Ask AP." (AP Photo/HO - Sunworks Solar, File). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Gordon tour of ICC schools focuses on efficiency, grant Nov 14, 2009
Though the superintendent admits there is still much to do in the way of energy conservation in the district, he is pleased with everything that has been done thus far, and says that the next step is looking into solar panels to help save money and reduce the school s reliance on National Grid. Dexter also invited Gordon to use Ichabod as an example to other districts who might be interested in conserving energy and saving money, and offered to give similar tours to administrators of those... (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Professor To Predict Weather On Mars Nov 14, 2009
"In the long run, it is indispensible for the safe returning of astronauts in future manned explorations. "The two rovers currently working on Mars are solar-powered, and their lives end when their batteries run out," Lemmon adds. "Dust storms block the sun and shorten their battery life, and winds, on the other hand, can clear their solar panels so their batteries recharge faster. " Weather forecasting is not tossing dice. It must build on solid data. "All weather forecasts, including those on... (Science Daily)
San Joaquin Valley receives $2m grant for training Nov 13, 2009
Economic development officials think solar and other forms of alternative energy are well-suited for the central San Joaquin Valley, where unemployment tops 12%, summertime temperatures reach triple digits, power bills are high and fallow land can accommodate arrays of solar panels. Local program turns stimulus funds into jobs. (Fresno Bee)
SRP facility in QC recognized for green design Nov 13, 2009
A 14,000-square-feet array of solar panels supplies electricity and powers water heaters to provide more than half of the building's hot water needs. The center also features an under-floor cooling system, an energy-saving lighting control system, and low-water use landscaping. (AZCentral -- Business)
Red tape casts giant shadow on solar projects in Arizona Nov 13, 2009
The fees are based on the time it takes to review the plans and inspect the systems, whether there are three solar panels or 10, he said. "Typically, building departments are obstacles to creativity and innovation," Floyd said. (AZCentral -- Business)
Hemlock Breaks Ground on $1.2B Clarksville Plant Nov 13, 2009
"We want to make it so all of you can put solar panels on your homes in an affordable way," she said. Hemlock's decision to build in Clarksville was followed by the announcement that Munich, Germany-based Wacker Chemie AG would build a $1 billion polysilicon pant in Bradley County. (ABC News -- Wire)
Valley's solar-energy industry shines in down economy Nov 13, 2009
A few miles down Little Panoche Road, across the San Benito County line, Solargen has proposed an even larger project in the Panoche Valley, where solar panels could occupy as much as 10,000 acres and generate up to 1,000 megawatts of power ... Many factors -- including lower prices on solar panels and rebate deadlines -- inspired a flurry of homeowners to sign up ... Economic development officials think solar and other forms of alternative energy are well-suited for the central San Joaquin... (Fresno Bee)
Strong signal Nov 13, 2009
The box will be sent to Thales Alenia Space in Rome, Italy, where it will be attached to the main spacecraft bus, incorporating a propulsion system, avionics and solar panels, etc, before being shipped to Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. A Russian Soyuz rocket has been entrusted with the deployment in orbit. (BBC News -- Technology)
TEXAS GOV. SAYS USA HEADING TOWARD SOCIALISM Nov 13, 2009
Among his proposals: A newly named agency, the Texas Environmental Commission, where all environmental regulations would be consolidated; an elected chairman of the Public Utility Commission; property-tax incentives for homeowners who install solar panels; higher energy efficiency standards for residential and business construction; and a requirement that more of the state s energy supply comes from renewable sources. A second Republican has stepped forward to say he ll challenge GOP Rep. (The Drudge Report)
Letter: Boudrie thanks supporters Nov 13, 2009
In fact this morning, I already sent an email to city leaders about wastewater treatment plant issues in conjunction with another city leader s interests, and discussed solar panels at a local school. I also look forward to working with many people on many different levels while developing Green Marlborough, the next Massachusetts Green Career Conference 2010 in Marlborough, and Green Workforce Training. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Mars rover stuck in sand to receive aid from NASA Nov 13, 2009
Spirit and Opportunity are the size of golf carts and are powered by solar panels. Despite their bulky size, they move at turtle speed, stopping every 10 seconds to evaluate their locations and avoid potential hazards. (AZCentral -- News)
The Country Curmudgeon A crisis of will Nov 13, 2009
Wind power can never generate any more than a puff of flatulence, and creating a solar grid large enough to drive the country would mean laying out enough present solar panels to cover the entire state of Arizona. ADVERTISEMENT. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
