The Solar Foundation Releases First Ever National Solar Job Census

As part of the breaking news coming out of SPI 2010 (Solar Power International) The Solar Foundation has released their 2010 National Solar Job Census, an 114 page document.

Right now if you go to their site and click on the top right where it says, "The National Solar Jobs Census 2010 report has been released!" you can download a copy of the report.  I don't know how long this link will be live so get it while you can.

From the Executive Summary:

Solar companies can be found in every state, and solar companies of all kinds expect to experience employment growth over the coming year. As would be expected, California is home to about 30% of all solar companies in the U.S., but other states, such as Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan, and Arizona, report either large numbers of solar companies or large numbers of workers at solar-related firms.2 On a regional basis, the majority of the solar jobs are located in the West, followed by the Northeast, but jobs are growing quickly in all regions.

By comparing the job growth expectations from our research and from existing secondary sources, we can draw several important conclusions.

As of the end of August 2010:

• There are 93,502 solar workers in the United States, roughly double the number estimated for 2009.

• Solar job growth over the next 12 months is anticipated to be 26%, representing nearly 24,000 net new jobs. This expected growth rate is significantly higher than the U.S. economy-wide expectation of 2% growth over the same period.

• Nearly half of all firms expect their solar revenue to increase as a percentage of their overall revenue over the next year.

• Over half of all solar employers expect to increase their number of solar jobs in the next 12 months, while only 2% anticipate reducing solar staff.

• Solar jobs exist in all 50 states.

• Employers from all of the studied subsectors expect significant employment growth over the next 12 months.

• The average solar installation firm employs 8 solar workers.

• The average solar manufacturing firm employs 24 solar workers.

• The average solar wholesale trade company employs four solar workers.

• The average utility that generates solar electric power employs four solar workers.

These findings clearly illustrate that the solar industry is a strong and growing cluster that is responsible for thousands of jobs across every state in the nation. The unprecedented growth of the industry is providing much needed job creation despite an historic economic and workforce downturn. The optimism of solar employers in the midst of these conditions illustrates that job growth should continue for years to come.

I am very happy to get the news that solar jobs are on the increase, which means jobs for American's here in the US which can't be outsourced overseas. I live in Las Vegas where economically it's one of the hardest hit areas with the economy right now. Yet I keep hearing of people who are being hired by solar companies, so it's certainly a growing industry here.

You can read more at my blog Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

 

SPI 2010 - Solar Power International is Off to a Great Start

SPI 2010 (Solar Power International) opened yesterday at the LA Convention Center. So far it's getting good reviews and lots of news and announcements are being made at the show.

In the Opening General Session yesterday, Rhone Resch, President an CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association noted many of the milestones of late: permitting of large-scale solar on federal lands, solar on the White House, a Chinese manufacturer (Suntech) builds a new manufacturing plant in the US and so on. But he took it a few steps further. “I am also happy to report that solar energy is now the fastest growing energy source in the United States. During a recession. With 10% unemployment. Solar is rocking!”

There are nearly 30,000 attendees at this year’s SPI and the number of exhibitors jumped from 925 last year to 1100 at SPI 2010. The LA Convention Centre is so big (@77600 square metres) thatSchneider Electric gave the press pedometers to track their footsteps. And, yes, while it is a US focused show, it is by no means US only. Visitors are said to have come from 90 countries, and the exhibitor list is equally diverse. We applaud the show organizers for a job well done.

Click on the link to get a rundown of the first day written by Anne Fischer of Solar Novus.

Lots of good stuff so stay tuned and I'll pass on relevant things to you.

You can read more at my blog Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

SPI 2010: SEIA/GTM Research Report Shows Strong Solar Market, Growing Stronger

Direct from SPI (Solar Power International) SEIA/GTM released the inaugural US Solar Market Insight report with data for the first half of 2010 showing significant growth in the US solar industry despite the continuing struggles of the overall economy.

California led states for solar electric capacity installed in the first six months of 2010 with 120MW, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida.

The solar heating and cooling market also grew. 

Our US Solar Market Insight reports will give solar companies invaluable data that will help this industry achieve its goal of installing enough solar to power two million homes every year by 2015," said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. "Detailed, regular updates are critical for a young but growing industry such as solar. For the first time, companies will have access to reliable data to plan for stable growth, cost reductions, and opportunities in new markets. Solar businesses armed with this data will have a distinct competitive edge in this increasingly competitive industry."

The US Solar Market Insight Brief Report and Full Report for 2nd quarter 2010 are available to purchase here. Third quarter data will be available in December 2010.

You can download the free executive summary of the quarterly SEIA^®/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight™ here.

Read more about Solar Powered Lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

Global Demand for Solar Projects is Strong

Very interesting article from Reuters Canada about the strong demand Chinese and Canadian companies are having for solar products:

Chinese companies LDK Solar Co Ltd and Canadian Solar Inc are increasingly upbeat about their shipment outlook, signaling strong demand for solar products.

Sales of solar equipment have jumped this year as buyers rush to build projects ahead of declining subsidies in major European markets, including Germany -- the world's largest solar market -- Italy and France, as governments pare back spending to support renewable energy systems.

Companies around the globe, particularly in China, are quickly adding factories to increase production capacity of cells and modules to keep up with this growing demand.

A very good sign and interesting that Germany is the world's largest solar market!

I try to cover articles on solar projects in general and more specifically solar powered lights here and on my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

 

Solar Epiphany Opens New Educational Showroom in Seattle

If you are like me and assume that Seattle does't get much sun and certainly not enough to run solar powered lights or other solar projects, then you need to read this article about Solar Epiphany. 

Selling solar energy products in Seattle is a challenge because the belief is that it's not as sunny as other parts of the nation. Thomas acknowledges this, saying, "Most of the sun we get in Seattle is between March and September," but points out that this isn't the whole story.

"We pretty much have to build the market, we have to educate people on what solar can do in our area there's no educational wing out there doing that but that's 30% of our business. Education, Installation, Advocacy. Those are the three wings of Solar Epiphany."

I really like that they have built a showroom that can be used as a classroom where people can come, get a demonstration and ask questions.  I think one of the biggest hurdles we face with using solar energy (in whatever form that may be) is first education and second changing our mindsets about how we live our lives.

Anyway I'm glad to see someone address what Solar energy can do in the Seattle market.

Eric Thomas talks to his partner and field sales representative Aaron Deanda about the diagrams on the wall of Solar Epiphany that explain how solar systems work. The 'Educational Showroom' has equipment included in the wall diagrams to make clear what the systems involved can do.

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

Stand Alone Solar Rechargeable Batteries under Development

Imagine solar rechargeable batteries for all of our battery operated devices (including some solar powered lights). Hopefully soon we will be able to buy batteries that can be recharged by putting it in the sun with no other charging device needed. This would mean less batteries in landfills and greater long term use by users and especially those in third world countries who don't have access to power or have the means to be constantly buying batteries.

Genesis Electronics Group, Inc. announced that it has initiated steps for the development of solar rechargeable batteries in commonly used standard sizes such as AA, AAA, C, D and 9V, as well as other specialized sizes that have the potential for use by the military and scientific devices.

To quote Edward Dillon, president and CEO of Genesis Electronics, “These batteries, unlike other rechargeable batteries on the market, will not be dependent on a charging unit that you need to plug in or on a separate solar-powered charger. The batteries themselves would be rechargeable when exposed to the sun. Instead of throwing away dead batteries from a flashlight or other device, you will be able to put these on the window sill or on the porch and they will recharge.”

This technology of solar rechargeable batteries would save consumers money, and reduce hazardous waste in our landfills.  Can't wait for them to be on the market.

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

 

 

LED Sheep by Samsung

For your entertainment today, a very unique and creative use of led lights by Samsung. This video has been out for awhile but I just came across it today and loved it.

Enjoy!

Read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

 

 

New Solar Powered Streetlight with Wind Turbine by Savwatt

There was a press release in the past week or so about the Savwatt 60 Watt Eco-Pole Street Light and Parking Lot Lights and now EarthTechling has written an article about it.

We’ve covered some stories over the past year or so dealing with solar streetlamps, but this is the first we’ve seen that incorporates wind as well. The SavWatt 60 Watt Eco-PoleLED Street Light and Parking Lot Light is powered by a combo of wind turbine and solar panels. According to a recent release, the SavWatt Eco-Pole can replace a traditional 250 watt metal halide light and requires no grid hook-ups, saving 100% of the energy costs, maintenance and pollution associated with the energy used to power a traditional light.

SavWatt isn’t providing much information on why, exactly, they chose to integrate wind power into the Eco-Pole (presumably, to provide off-grid power during inclement weather, when the sun isn’t shining), but the LED-focused company does mention that demand for these types of units has been high–and that there’s a patent-pending on the technology they used to produce these streetlamps

Hopefully we will continue to see advances in this type of technology and the implementation of these types of lights in our neighborhoods, business and on our streets.

Will be interested to learn more about the wind turbine aspect of this type of solar powered street light.

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

Solar Power Coming BACK to the White House

One of today's top stories is the announcement that the White House will be RE-installing solar panels and adding a solar hot water heater.

This is not the first time solar energy has been tapped at the White House. Former President Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the roof of the White House residence during his term. They were removed during the Reagan administration. Former President George W. Bush also used solar energy to help power a maintenance building on the White House grounds, and to assist in heating the swimming pool there.

The solar panel system, which should be installed by next spring, will convert sunlight directly to electricity, while the solar hot water heater will have a solar collector facing the sun to heat water for use in the White House residence. The Energy Department said a competitive procurement process will be used to select the company that will make the installations.

Leading the way by setting an example at the top of our government.

Wonder if the White House and other federal buildings have ever had an Energy Audit?  Have you ever thought of having one for your home?  Energy Audits are taking off and in the long run help you to maintain a much more efficient household.

Read more about Solar Powered Lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

ASES 2010 National Solar Home Tour A Success

The verdict is in and this past Saturday's ASES 2010 National Solar Home Tour was a success, with triple the number of tours than in past years.

 This year there were 695 tours that showcased thousands of solar homes and businesses; triple the number of tours conducted last year.

“From Dillingham, Alaska to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, there is one thing on which Americans can agree: today’s solar technology offers something for everyone, be it tax credits, cash rebates, lower energy bills, jobs for local installers, improved property values, cleaner air or more sustainable communities,” said American Solar Energy Society National Solar Tour Manager Richard Burns.

Some highlights of this year’s tour included Solar Decathlon winner “LumenHAUS” fromVirginia Tech (see video below), a home in Alaska (see image above), a community solar garden in Colorado, a solar charging station for electric vehicles in California, a solar chicken farm in Mississippi, and more.

I'll be posting my experience as a volunteer and a participant in the ASES 2010 National Solar Home Tour on my blog Buy Solar Powered Lights in the next day or so.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

7 New Bus Stops Lit by Solar Powered Lights to be Added to Route 347 in NY

New York State Department of Transportation officially began work on the  $26.8 million "green" initiative that aims to transform Route 347 into an environmentally conscious, motorist- and pedestrian-friendly highway on Sept. 14.

Solar and light-emitting diode lighting will provide better efficiency while cutting maintenance costs.

Seven new bus stops lit by solar-powered lights will be added to the stretch. 

Way to go New York!!! Do you realize that solar powered lights are being installed everywhere, not just in NV and AZ!

Read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill Olsen

Bay Path College Installs Solar Powered Flashing Lights in Crosswalks

Once again a news item about a college installing solar powered flashing lights in crosswalks for safety reasons.

The crosswalk connecting the 588 Longmeadow St. campus to the college’s Hatch Library now features solar-powered, flashing, yellow-light pedestrian signs, Giampitro said. In addition, sidewalk lighting and signage were improved at the other crosswalk closer to Bliss Road. 

The school began looking at the safety issue after a Bay Path student was struck by a car in December of 2009 while crossing the street. The student was treated for serious, but non- life threatening injuries. 

I took a different route home from work the other day and noticed a solar powered flashing light sign at a crosswalk in a residential area.

Take a look around and see if there are any solar powered flashing lights installed near crosswalks in your area.

Thanks for reading, you can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Jill Olsen

Wooster Square Finds Solution to Dark Bridge & Crime with Solar Powered Lights

The formerly dark and dangerous Court Street Bridge was a place that bad guys were hanging out and mugging folks until the community came together.

 They organized community meetings and mobilized the many young families with children. They collaborated with city officials such as Rob Smuts and local cop on the beat Pete Krause.

 

A more permanent lighting solution ran into what might have been a legal train wreck: The ruling authority on what could be done on the bridge was in the hands not of City Hall but of Metro North Railroad.

And that entity allowed no installation of electricity above their tracks.

City Engineer’s office lighting specialist Sebouh Asadourian came up with the solution: A set of three solar power lights that store energy in battery packs and without a wire in sight click on and off with the rhythms of the sun.

 

 

So they solved the issue of muggings by providing solar powered lights and the issue that no electric lines be run above the railroad tracks.  I like it!

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wooster Square Finds Solution to Dark Bridge & Crime with Solar Powered Lights

The formerly dark and dangerous Court Street Bridge was a place that bad guys were hanging out and mugging folks until the community came together.

 They organized community meetings and mobilized the many young families with children. They collaborated with city officials such as Rob Smuts and local cop on the beat Pete Krause.

A more permanent lighting solution ran into what might have been a legal train wreck: The ruling authority on what could be done on the bridge was in the hands not of City Hall but of Metro North Railroad.

And that entity allowed no installation of electricity above their tracks.

City Engineer’s office lighting specialist Sebouh Asadourian came up with the solution: A set of three solar power lights that store energy in battery packs and without a wire in sight click on and off with the rhythms of the sun.

So they solved the issue of muggings by providing solar powered lights and the issue that no electric lines be run above the railroad tracks.  I like it!

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jill

 

 

2 Solar Powered Streetlights Added to Phoenix Neighborhood

Once again, AZ is in the news for use of solar powered streetlights. In this article it's about the ShadowRidge neighborhood of Phoenix. 

The neighborhood added the streetlights for additional lighting and making the area more safe.

Jesse Garcia, president of the block watch, said they spent about $3,200 for each light using funding from the Phoenix Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program. He believes it was a good investment.

"During our block watch meetings, there had been some concerns that parts of our neighborhood were not well lit by streetlights," he said. There had been nuisance problems with some people who had parked in the shadows, he said.

Wow, not that I'm counting but I believe this is the third article this week about AZ using solar powered lights. Hmm, I'll have to do some digging to see if I can find out what is happening in NV.

Thanks for reading, feel free to pass this on!

Jill Olsen

P.S. Read my blog for more ideas how you can use solar powered lights.

Marines To Use Solar Powered Light Trailers in Afghanistan

Later this year, Company I of the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment, based at Camp Pendleton, California will deploy to Afghanistan equipped with solar powered systems, LED lights and solar powered light trailers. This move is in an effort to shorten a long and expensive logistic trail and in line with the Pentagon's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 10% in three years.

Besides the solar power systems, the Marines of Company I will also be using LED lights, which are more durable and longer lasting than fluorescent tubes. The company will also deploy solar-powered light trailers designed to illuminate areas such as checkpoints after dark. The timer-operated trailers can run continuously for 12 hours when fully charged by the sun.

The other concern is cutting the military’s logistical needs for forces scattered across Afghanistan’s often inhospitable terrain. Wired notes that according to operational estimates released in 2009, a single soldier in Afghanistan uses 22 gallons of fuel a day, and delivering each gallon to the war zone costs between $300 and $400.

Makes sense to me that the government would be actively utilizing the most abundant renewable energy source available in Afghanistan, THE SUN to prove power and light for our troops. Glad to hear technology is improving with the appropriate gear needed to make this happen.

You can read more at my blog Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

Tucson, Southern Arizona Show Signs of A Solar Boom

Following up on the article I posted earlier in the week UA Tucson Installs Solar Lighted Crosswalk. Today I came across this article in the Tucson Sentinel by Gabrielle Giffords, US Rep for the 8th Congressional District talking about the solar boom in Southern Arizona. Now it's not about solar lights specifically but it is about solar technology and projects being implemented so I thought it was interesting enough to pass on.

Several projects mentioned in the article are; Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Southern AZ VA Health Care System, homeowners, the University of Arizona and Solana.

Photo credit: kevindooley/Flickr

A parking lot at ASU is covered by an array of solar panels.

Solar is an economic driver in Southern Arizona, with manufacturers, installers, municipalities, universities, utilities and local, state, and federal governments all taking action to develop our solar industry.

In the first six months of 2010, nearly 1,100 homeowners installed residential solar systems with SunShare rebates from TEP. That is more residential solar systems than had been installed in the previous nine years in TEP's service area.

The city of Tucson, designated a Solar America City, has 13 solar projects planned – projects that will generate about 1.3 megawatts of power. Pima County has several solar projects completed and several more in the planning stages – projects that will save taxpayers about $552,000 per year.

The University of Arizona has a diverse range of innovative solar research projects underway – projects designed to make solar even more affordable and more efficient. The Solar Zone at UA's Science and Technology Park will generate 20 megawatts of power and is envisioned as the largest multi-technology site for solar technologies in the United States.

So there you have it. Looks like Tuscon and Southern Arizona are certainly one of the areas in the US that is leading the way with solar technology.

I'll be keeping my eye on Arizona and Tuscon and letting you know of other solar related projects and news.

You can read more about solar powered lights at my blog.

Thanks for reading, feel free to pass this along.

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

UNL Installs LED Lighting in Environmentally Friendly Parking Garage

From the articles I'm reading and covering it seems like college campuses are stepping up and taking the lead when it comes to environmentally friendly green building and solar lights. Take this article on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that has built a green parking garage with over 1,000 parking spots for students.

There are many green features to this parking structure, I'm only highlighting the LED lighting in this post.

UNL expects to see a nearly 35 percent savings, or $17,500 a year, in energy as a result of the LED lighting alone, Carpenter said.

Sensors that detect activity and light levels further enhance the lighting system. During the day, the sensors turn interior lights on and off depending on the amount of sunshine inside. In the evening, lights dim to 50 percent when motion isn't detected

.The university plans to replace incandescent fixtures in other parking structures with LED lights.

As always it's great to pass along such great news and especially the potential savings for using solar powered lights and LED lighting. I cover other aspects of solar powered lighting on my blog, check it out.

Thanks for reading, feel free to pass this along,

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

Solar Powered LIghts added to Running Trail Near Beale Air Force Base

Today I'm passing along this article about 272 solar powered lights added to the more than 2 miles of running trail from the Coyote Run Golf Course to the edge of base housing at Beale Air Force Base, CA

Let's see the benefits are, relatively small investment up front, saves money with no electricity costs, increases safety, expands hours trail can be used (earlier/later in the day) thereby hopefully increasing people's overall health. (Yes I realize people have to actually use the trail to get a health benefit from it.) 

Kudos to Beale Air Force Base for installing and embracing solar powered light technology.

Read more on my blog at Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Thanks for reading and talk soon,

Jill Olsen

UA Tucson AZ Installs Solar Lighted Crosswalk

Great news this article comes with a video news clip about the new solar powered lighted crosswalk just installed at UA in Tucson, AZ.

I was quite surprised when I watched the video to see WHERE the placement of the solar powered lights (that flash) are located. Never thought of this type of set up, but glad to know people are thinking outside of the box and doing things different than the normal way of lighting a crosswalk.

Hopefully, I've added the correct code for you to view the video, if not here is the link to the full article about the UA solar powered lighted crosswalk.

As always I'm just spreading the word that solar powered lights are being used more than lighting your garden and yard, and we all have to start somewhere.

Thanks for reading, feel free to pass this on.

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

Washington State University Gets City's First Solar Lit Bus Shelters

In today's news we have another example of solar powered lights being used for safety and the need for green. Isn't it amazing how many different uses of solar lights are being used commercially?

The two WSU Spokane bus shelters along Riverpoint Boulevard recently came alight with solar-powered fixtures - a first among the city's bus shelters.

 The work by Facilities Operations fulfills safety requests by students and staff for better lighting on campus, said Jon Schad, FacOps director, especially as the dark winter months approach. But the fixtures also fulfill the need for "green."

You can read more about how you can benefit from using solar powered lights at my blog.

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

Ramsey NJ to Install Solar Powered Blinking Light at Pedestrian Crosswalk

Following yesterday's post about solar powered flashing beacons in school zones, today I came across this article about Ramsey, NJ. To improve pedestrian safety they are going to widen the sidewalk, and cut into curbs to allow access for the physically challenged and install a solar powered blinking light at a crosswalk in front of the municipal building.

 

In addition, a yellow yield-to-pedestrian sign will be installed at the crosswalk featuring a solar-powered blinking light that pedestrians will be able to control at the push of a button.

Saros said if the sign proves beneficial, others may be posted at other crosswalks in the borough.

I've heard that NJ is one of the leaders in solar lights and promoting sustainable living, so good for them for installing solar powered blinking lights at crosswalks in high vehicle traffic areas.  I hope it's very successful and they install more around the city and state.

You can read other articles  about what governments, companies and countries are doing with solar powered lights at my blog Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Thanks for reading,

Talk soon,

Jill Olsen

 

Bethany, OK Installs Solar Flashing Beacons in School Zones

Here is another great article and example of how/where solar powered lights are being used in today's world. I love sharing these examples with you and knowing the technology is being used is so many different ways.  Hopefully more solar powered flashing beacons will be used in other school zones across the country (and world).

The city of Bethany, Oklahoma is investing in 52 solar light emitting diode (LED) flashing beacons to improve the safety of the its district school zones.

Carmanah’s R829 solar LED flashing beacon is designed specifically for school-zone applications and features wireless communication between beacons, a calendar program for activation and maintenance-free operation for up to five years.

Sounds like a great investment to me. Would love to hear about other school districts or cities that are implementing these types of lights.

By the way, I live in southern Nevada and our school zone speed limits are 15 mph and they are heavily enforced (as well they should be).

Read the entire article at my blog: Buy Solar Powered Lights.

Talk soon,

Jill

2010 American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Home Tour - Oct. 2, 2010

Save the date: Saturday, October 2, 2010 (in most areas) for the 2010 American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Home Tour

The ASES National Solar Tour is the world's largest grassroots solar event. This event offers you the opportunity to tour innovative green homes and buildings to see how you can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change. More than 160,000 participants will visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S.

Now in its 15th year, this event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society in collaboration with dozens of outstanding partner organizations. It takes place annually during the first Saturday in October in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month.

Go to the American Solar Energy Society's page to learn more about the tour, find a tour in your area or to register a tour.

As I live in Las Vegas here is the info for the Southern NV Solar Home Tour. 

Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010

Time: 8:00 am

Starting Place: Las Vegas Spring Preserve

Cost: $15 for a Standard Car or $10 for a Hybrid/Alternative fuel Car

Be sure to register early as the tour is limited to 200 participants.

I'm attending, are you?

Talk soon,

Jill

Follow my blog at Buy Solar Powered Lights

A123 Opens Michigan Battery Plant for Electric Vehicles

Nice to read about more jobs being created in the U.S. and especially in the state of Michigan which has been hurt with auto plant closings and layoffs. This article from the Boston Business Journal is talks about the new plant A123 Systems Inc. is opening in Livonia, MI.

A123 Systems Inc.  announcing the opening of its manufacturing facility in Livonia, MI  which the company called the largest lithium ion automotive battery production facility in North America.

The Watertown, Mass.-based company said the 291,000-square-foot plant will enable the complete production process, from research and development to assembly of battery packs ready for use in electric vehicles.

Good news for the people in MI and for the rest of the country.

 

It's interesting to note that I attended The LED Show in Las Vegas last month and in most vendor booths there was a sign stating their product was made in the USA. It really stood out to me as I walked around the exhibit hall that vendors were displaying this sign and I'm assuming using it as an edge in marketing.  

 

Read more at my blog about how Solar Powered Lights can save you money.

 

Talk soon, thanks for reading!

 

Jill

Santa Fe Public Parks Go Off the Grid with Qnuru’s 100% Solar LED Light Fixtures

What I like about this article is that it shows the impact of what a simple light fixture can have on the environment and a community without sacrificing design.  I especially like the fact that the solar panel is "invisible" to people passing by, creating less of a target for vandals.

Santa Fe Mayor David Coss and Qnuru™, the premier provider of energy efficient lighting solutions, held a “wire cutting” ceremony to mark the installation of solar-powered luminaires in three of the city’s public parks.

The Qnuru Santa Fe luminaires provide powerful, reliable solar-powered LED illumination for locations where electrical trenching is cost prohibitive and design aesthetics paramount, including parks, trailheads, wildlife areas, parking lots and facility perimeters. Unlike many solar-powered fixtures which “expose” their photovoltaic (PV) panels, the Santa Fe luminaire provides “invisible” solar-powered illumination by virtue of camouflaging the PV panels in an elegantly designed, pole mounted head enclosure that is protected by a convex, clear, impact-resistant lens.

 

I just love reading about government seizing the opportunity with today's technology and design to implement energy efficient lighting in communities. It's baby steps but the more articles about cities, counties, state, federal government and countries doing more of this type of project, the better for us and for the planet.

You can read my blog on solar powered lights for more insights and suggestions on how you can start today to live a greener life.

Talk soon,

Jill

 

 

China Beats U.S. on Renewable-Energy Investor Ranking

A friend of mine emailed me this article from Bloomberg news about how China is now the leader in the quarterly index of the most attractive countries for renewable energy projects for the first time ever. The list is compiled by Ernst & Young a global accounting firm. 

Workers paint and assemble parts of wind turbines in Yumen, Gansu province, China. Photographer: Doug Kanter/Bloomberg

After sharing the lead with the U.S. in the first quarter, China moved ahead of the world’s largest economy to rank as the most appealing nation for investing in wind and solar power projects, according to the report released today. The move follows the failure of U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would have required utilities to use clean energy.

“What we’re seeing in the U.S. is a continued resistance to committing to long-term visible and transparent support for the sector,” Warren said. “The U.S. market has always suffered from this boom-and-bust tax-based incentive regime.”

Wow this is an interesting report. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this article and what the US is or isn't doing and what it needs to do regarding getting our act together regarding renewable energy projects.

Talk soon,

Jill

Buy Solar Powered Lights

Southampton airport gets solar-powered runway lights

Yes, I do love reading and sharing with you all the different ways that solar powered lights are being used today in our world.

I thought this article about Southampton airport in the UK using solar powered runway lights is really cool.

Nick-named "Wig Wags" the flashing lights cost £25,000 in total and are used at junctions between the runway and taxiways.

Southampton is the first UK airport to install the lights which are also used by the US Air Force in Afghanistan.

An airport spokesperson said: "We've been able to minimise the environmental footprint and maintenance costs."

The lights have also been installed in areas of the airport where there is no access to power supplies, saving the £170,000 cost of laying cables.

The possibilities for using solar powered lights are increasing all the time. This technology is here and will only improve with time.

What are you waiting for? Read more about how you can use solar powered lights in your own life which will save you money and help save the planet at the same time.

Talk soon,

Jill

 

Case Study of Lockheed Martin using Solar Powered Street Lights

Technology continues to improve as this case study of Lockheed Martin shows. Kudos to Lockheed Martin for doing their research and cost analysis regarding solar powered street lights for their Orlando facility.

The decision to investigate the feasibility of a solar-powered street light option was one already in-line with the company’s movement towards sustainable business practices. Lockheed had already committed itself to find ways to reduce energy usage across their facilities worldwide, and had already benefited from the successful installation of energy- efficient lighting at other facilities. As a result, Lockheed was looking to build similar momentum in Orlando.

But environmental responsibility aside, Lockheed had another ‘green’ consideration to contend with: cost. In the past, solar-powered outdoor lighting was a costly alternative for outdoor illumination.

But SESCO disagreed. Following a comparison between solar and AC- powered fixtures, representatives from both sides affirmed that the Carmanah solar LED streetlights would save significant cost. At $342,000 (including purchase price and maintenance) over a twenty year period, the EverGEN lights far outweighed conventional AC-powered streetlights with a cost of $563,000 (including new wiring and electricity costs) over twenty years.

Bringing you the latest news in Solar Powered Light news,

Jill Olsen

Mark Your Calendars for the Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour

The date will be Saturday October 2, 2010 for the Southern Nevada Solar Home Tour (details forthcoming on the Las Vegas area tour).

The ASES National Solar Tour is the world's largest grassroots solar event. This event offers you the opportunity to tour innovative green homes and buildings to see how you can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change. More than 160,000 participants will visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S. 

Find out when and where the Solar Home Tour will be in your area to see what others are doing with sustainable technologies and solar energy.

Now in its 15th year, this event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society in collaboration with dozens of outstanding partner organizations. It takes place annually during the first Saturday in October in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month.

Jill

Learn more about how you can save money and buy unique and decorative solar powered lights at my blog: Buy Solar Powered Lights