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