Solar Sunday

Wind Farms

2011-12-18T13:00:16Z

Experts agree that we cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy. Wind energy has been explored as a more sustainable alternative, but the technology is in its relative infancy and is still not a reliable or complete source of energy.

How Much Solar Energy Do I Need?

2011-12-12T04:00:45Z

We have the pleasure of working with hundreds of people every day that want to reduce their energy bills, go green and jump on the solar power bandwagon. And the question we see over and over again is: Just how much do I need and what will it cost?

Navy Leads Nation

2011-11-06T22:07:27Z

Navy Leads Nation Towards the Future of Solar Energy

In between mid-May and early October of this year, many facilities located on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base had solar hot water systems installed. The final inspection for this large project was held on October 3, 2011 and this particular project is projected to save $200,000 annually because of the changes made. The Department of Defense had made it possible for the Navy to pursue this project because it was agreed upon by the Energy Conservation Investments Program (ECIP) that this would greatly reduce cost and energy consumption. Navy Housing is switching to green technology, why not do the same on the base? There should be no question as to why this makes perfect sense to heat water using solar power.

Last year, during the month of June, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command received $2.2 million through the ECIP for their Pearl Harbor base. Six buildings received these new solar hot water systems, five of which are enlisted and officer quarters while the last facility is a gym. 6,120 sq. ft. of solar panels were installed by the Niking Corporation, which single handedly made this the largest project of this sort. The Navy expects the amount of paneling to power close to 440 homes which are located on the base. This number is significantly large considering that Hawaii, as a state, is not fossil fuel rich like some other states in the country. This amount of panels is capable of heating up 14,000 gallons of water a day and this project took about five months to complete.

On top of the six buildings that received new hot water systems, the contract allowed for a 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system to be added to one of the biggest and most energy consuming buildings located on the base. This thin film that has been installed will reduce this particular buildings demand for power on the grid by more than 150,000 kilowatt hours per year. It has been estimated that it will take about 11 years for the Department of Defense to receive all of its money back for the funding of this project, but again the estimated annual savings will be about $200,000.

In the year of 2009, the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, had mapped out and suggested five major energy goals that will improve security and efficiency. In turn, this will ultimately increase the base’s independence of energy and be a milestone for the nation to rethink and go this same route. Another astonishing figure to look at is: because of the installation of these solar panels and photovoltaic film, over a 30 year span it is estimated that it will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions on this base by about 4,600 tons! That number is equivalent to planting 1,300 new trees, or removing about 1,000 cars that damage the ozone daily. This energy goal that has been presented by Secretary Mabus is expected to be carried out and completed by the year 2020 and the Department of the Navy will be responsible for producing about half of the on shore based energy requirements.

Clearly the Naval Base in Hawaii has taken the proper steps in leading the rest of our nation to be proactive in going green and becoming more sustainable as a country. We have the technology, we just need to follow through with the plans and get the word out about how much better for the world solar power is. This sort of sustainable living solution is not only available to the military and government; people can also use solar power in their homes and small businesses. Hopefully, more people will follow suite and the government will continue to back these types of projects.

It is important to compare gas and electricity providers in order to find affordable green energy suppliers. Switching suppliers will help you lower your utility bills and provides funding to gas and electricity providers that are focused on sustainability.

Energy Solutions

2011-11-06T12:00:29Z

When considering energy solutions the only place to look, is up. Look up to the sky and see the newest of our clean, green energy solutions shining down on us.

Amazing Facts About Solar Panels

2011-10-30T12:00:43Z

Green energy is one of the most rapidly expanding industries in the world right now due to so many people looking to do their part to help save the planet. With so much focus on solving global warming and reducing air pollution, smarter and cleaner forms of energy are being looked at very closely by scientists and consumers. There are several cool facts about solar power that can change the world.

Solar Panel Costs

2011-10-23T12:00:59Z

A recent industry analysis projects the amount of solar power installed to grow to 15.5 percent per year, but revenues are to stay flat until 2016. Lux Research provided the report. A report from Navigant Consulting discovered that the price of solar panels is down almost 20 percent as of August 2011. The information derived from these two reports show that the consumer is poised to benefit from the price reduction while manufacturers can expect an almost flat profit margin for the next few years.

Greening Your Business

2011-10-16T12:00:19Z

Green businesses can’t just talk the talk, they have to lead by example. Many green businesses have chosen solar for green credibility, public relations, and reduced power bills. But are they a good investment?

Green and Fast Food

2011-08-07T10:39:13Z

The words green and fast food don’t usually go hand in hand in a good way or so I thought. While surfing the web I came across a Press Release on Sonic Drive In going green by converting to solar energy. Wow, what a concept. I really hadn’t thought about restaurants going solar but if companies and homes can why not a restaurant? What if all the fast food chains could do the same? Would it be the end of fossil fuel dependency? Now there’s a thought.

Solar Incentives Being Reconsidered

2011-07-24T12:00:27Z

Over the last year we’ve seen an incredible growth in solar photovoltaic installations. In fact, it’s the largest growing industry in America today. 2010 saw a 60% increase in residential and commercial solar installations over 2009. The primary reason being that homeowners and business owners are enjoying the benefits of several financial incentives. But those incentives are at risk of being canceled with the latest budget cuts and if you’ve been on the fence about going solar, you’ll want to be sure to beat the clock.

G.E. Enters Solar Panel Field

2011-06-26T12:01:00Z

General Electric is planning the largest solar panel factory in the United States, looking to get into the growing "green" industry in a big way, and on an accelerated timeline.

According to Victor Abate, vice president for G.E.’s renewable energy business, the news follows G.E.'s ongoing investments in solar panels, and takes their efforts to a much larger scale than ever before.