Earth Power Energy Systems

Why Are Solar Panel Prices Remaining High?

Jerry — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:27:06 +0000

There has been much advancement in solar panel and wind technologies especially solar since most of us have sun light part of the day. Wind is a little different, not all of us are blessed with wind energy.

I still am not satisfied with how the manufacturers of solar panels are producing solar cells at a fantastic rate of production, which means that the cost has lowered to their buyers. It is the old rule of supply and demand. But why have these fat cat middle men keeping the prices out of reach for the consumer?

I see no movement by are government to keep check on this problem or might it be the OIL COMPANIES?

Your comments are always welcome, I have posted this same email on my website for your further discussion.

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New tariffs on solar panels from China on way

Jerry — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:35:26 +0000

The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to announce Tuesday new tariffs on solar panels imported to the United States from China.

Milwaukee’s Helios USA, which opened its factory in February 2011, announced this month it’s among solar companies that have filed a petition seeking the trade sanctions. They allege that solar companies in China are undercutting U.S. counterparts by selling the solar panels for less than they cost to produce.

Analysts are forecasting duties in the range of 20% to 30%, according to a Reuters report published Monday.

The issue has generated controversy in the solar industry. Installers are concerned that the penalties could reverse the steady and significant drops in solar panel prices in recent years. They have formed a coalition that says the tariffs could cost the solar industry more jobs.

“Many U.S. solar-installation companies, which purchase solar panels and therefore benefit from low Chinese prices, fear that import tariffs will erode their profit margins, slow industry growth across the value chain, and make it even harder for solar energy to compete with traditional fossil fuels,” said Melanie Hart and Kate Gordon in a Center for American Progress report on the issue.

Hart and Gordon, a former clean-energy specialist at the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, said many factors are driving down solar panel prices. That’s because companies such as Helios are becoming more efficient through more automated production, they said.

“The U.S. solar manufacturing market is already fiercely competitive, so even without discounted Chinese imports other U.S. manufacturers – and other solar-panel exporters to the United States – should still have strong incentives to keep innovating to bring down costs,” Hart and Gordon write.

Helios cut one of its production shifts after a glut of low-price imported panels hit the market last year.

Energy writer Thomas Content keeps you current as you adapt to changes in the world of energy, climate change and efforts to build a greener economy.

Solar Panels-Learn More

Jerry — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:27:36 +0000

Solar panels are the most basic element of a solar power system. It main purpose is to gather sunlight during certain periods of the day to power different devices and structures. Depending on the size, solar panels can power anything from recreation vehicles to huge factories. It is also important that you understand how the panels work and where you can apply these so that you can get the most benefits. Here are some more details and info about the material.

What are Solar Panels?

Solar energy starts with the sun. Solar panels are also known as photovoltaics and are primarily used to convert light energy from the sun. These are made of energy particles called photons that are changed into electricity to power various electrical loads. Light from the sun is considered as a renewable energy, a resource that gives clean energy. Solar panels can be used for different applications like remote power systems for cabins, remote sensing, telecommunications equipment and to produce electricity for commercial and residential panel systems. Many solar panels today are used to power roadway signs.

The History

The development of the solar energy began more than a century ago. During the early days, solar power was used mainly to produce steam for drive machinery. Henri Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect that allowed the conversion of solar electric energy. Becquerel’s discovery triggered the invention of the first true solar cell by Charles Fritts in 1893, which was created by coating selenium sheets with a thin gold layer. The solar panel was then created afterwards.

Russel Ohl is an American inventor who used to work for Bell Laboratories. He patented the first silicon solar cell in the world in 1941. The first solar panel was produced by the same company in 1954 because of Ohl’s creation. The new solar panels were used first in space satellites. During the 1970s, more people saw the use of solar panels through the newly designed calculators that can run easily under light.

At present solar panels and full solar panel systems are used to power different applications and structures. Aside from calculators, solar panels are now used to give power to homes, commercial buildings and other huge structures.

Letting the Solar Panels Work

Solar panels can gather clean renewable energy in sunlight form that will be converted into electricity. The average home has adequate roof area to let solar panels gather enough sun to be converted into DC current or AC current. Solar panel arrays can be sized to meet big electrical needs. The AC current can power loads in the house and other commercial buildings. It is important to consider the part of the house, as well as the right angle of the sun so that the solar panels can gather the most light over more hours of the day for optimum results.

You can choose to build your own solar panels or just order a pre-made one online. There are also a number of stores that offer solar panels, depending on the use you need. You can hire some experts to help you determine the right part of the house or structure where you need it installed. You should also talk to other solar panel owners to help you maximize the benefits.

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How to Reduce Your Electricity Bill

Jerry — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:33:29 +0000

If you have been bogged by the enormous electricity bills you have been getting, it is time to take some concrete steps. We want to show you how to reduce your electricity bill by following very simple steps.

This article will list some simple things, how to reduce your electricity bill.

Partial use: Begin with the room you are in while reading this. If you were to leave the room you are in and move to another room or join your family at the dining table, would you just step out of your room without any concern for the electrical appliances in the room? If you never thought of this then stop right now and look around you. Switch off the lights, put your computer on power save even if you would be back in five minutes. Yes, even that will help. Every drop of electricity you save constitutes a environmental impact.

one thing might consider is what constitutes a electronic appliance? Would you switch off the television set, turn off the fan, but not the light bulb? Yes, you need light, but not now when you are leaving the room. One thing you might consider if you leave lights on or maybe your children, install sensing light switches that know when you are in the room or leaving the room, they turn on and off automatically saving you energy. Taking care of these small things will go a long way in reducing the dreaded huge electricity bills.

Smart investments: Make some smart power investments by replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. These bulbs are a great power-saving investment. I have reduced my own electrical use my a considerable amount by replacing nearly all my light bulbs with energy efficient ones.

Home appliance usage: Most of us complain that the electricity bill touches the sky because of the number of electrical appliances we have at home. However, the electricity bill is not directly proportional to the number of gadgets you use but the way you use them. Let’s see how you can avoid the typical power hungry appliance use.
• Use the washing machine only when there is a full load of clothes.
• Keep the dish washer from using more electricity my using the air dry mode.

. Install a energy efficient thermostat so you can program your heating and cooling.

• Switch off the computer monitor even when you take a one-minute break. It takes just a second to switch on the monitor again!

Unfortunately you must stick to this way of life if you plan to save money on your electric bill. I hope this has given you a few ideas on how to reduce your electricity bill.

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How To Save Money On Your Electric Bill

Guest Author — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:19:20 +0000

When you look at your electric bill, you may find it is higher than what you expected to see. You may start to wonder how exactly you can save money on your electric bill. The problem is, much of the advice you find is not going to be useful and this can lead to you thinking it is impossible to save money on this bill. Here are five tips to help you save money on this bill, but unlike other advice, this is practical advice that can be used quickly and right away!

1. Turn Items Off

You may have heard this a thousand times growing up, but this makes a huge difference in your monthly bill. For example, if you leave just one bedroom light most days, it can easily increase your bill by a couple of dollars. A couple of dollars may not seem like much, but factor this in with the other lights and televisions on a regular basis. Once you take this step, you will notice that those couple of dollars can easily add up to close to one hundred dollars. So turning them off will drastically lower your bill, even if by a couple of dollars, at a time.

2. Unplug It

You probably leave your microwave and other appliances plugged in all the time. The problem is, the only reason they are plugged in most of the time is for ease of use. If you are able to get to the plug, you should unplug the item and so you don’t have to worry about it increasing your bill (because it will – anything you leave plug in drains energy). The downside of doing this is you may have to plug the item back in and possibly reset a clock to use the item, so figure out what’s more important to you.

3. Change Light Bulbs

Older-style bulbs are going to draw more electric and not last as long. If you change these to newer CFL bulbs, you can say goodbye to recurring expenses. Simply buy a few new bulbs at once, and you most likely won’t have to buy another one for a couple of years. This will be required for everyone soon, so get used to it now!

4. Hand Dry

Most people do not realize this, but a huge-energy sucker is the dryer. If you live in an area with a lot of wind or even sunny days, you need to take advantage of this. Hanging the clothes outside on a line or inside in the sunlight. Not only will they your clothes dry naturally, but the suns rays will also kill off any of the bacteria which could land on the clothes.

5. It’s Done!

For convenience, a great item to have plugged in all the time is a cell phone. The problem is, these will constantly draw power, even when they are fully charged. If you want to save money, you need to unplug these as soon as they are done charging.

Carol Hartman likes to write about home remedies, green living & Boatinsurance.org.

Cheap Chinese Panels Spark Solar Power Trade War

Jerry — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:01:56 +0000

by Christopher Joyce

There’s a solar trade war going on inside the U.S., sparked by an invasion of inexpensive imports from China.

The U.S. solar industry is divided over these imports: Panel-makers say their business is suffering and want a tariff slapped on the imports. But other parts of the industry say these cheap panels are driving a solar boom in the U.S.

On the manufacturers’ side, there’s Gordon Brinser. He’s an Oregon native who says the company he runs there, SolarWorld, is not only green, it’s red, white and blue. “The mission that we have is to build products here in America, for America’s community, for America’s energy independence, and really leave the world a better place,” he says.

Brinser claims China is threatening that vision by flooding the U.S. with cheap solar panels. He claims China subsidizes its solar panel industry to the tune of $30 billion a year, yet uses only a small percentage of the panels it makes. “So obviously,” he says, “these subsidies have gone into the industry, and their full intention is to export and control markets in other countries.”

Brinser claims the imports contributed to the collapse of some U.S. manufacturers. Three did go out of business in 2010, though the exact cause may or may not be cheap imports. But Brinser has petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission to slap tariffs on imported Chinese panels.

So far the feds say, yes, American panel-makers have been harmed by Chinese imports. Yet to be determined is whether China is doing anything illegal: for instance, subsidizing panel-makers so they can sell below cost, a practice called “dumping.”

Brinser acknowledges that if he wins and tariffs are added, Americans will have to pay more for panels. “The prices will have to increase, you know, a little. They will find their new, natural balance in a competitive and legal environment,” he says.

Higher Prices Could Hurt Installers

But CASE, the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy, says higher prices are bad for companies that install solar power. These companies far outnumber panel manufacturers.

Kevin Lapidus works for CASE and is vice president of SunEdison, which builds and operates solar power systems.

“Fully 52 percent of the U.S. jobs are in the installation business,” he says. “These are U.S. workers who wake up in the morning, put on a tool belt, and they go and build something.” He says manufacturers of solar panels in the U.S. are only about a quarter of the domestic business.

Lapidus says solar power is just now shaking off its reputation as too pricey for regular people. “We’re finally reducing the price of solar,” he says. “We’re driving down the cost to grow the solar base — installations, jobs, etc. And the SolarWorld trade case will increase the cost of electricity; it will set the industry back by years.”

He says it could also start an international trade war with China. American solar industries export well over a billion dollars of products to China per year.

Most Customers Just Want The Best Price

At Solar Energy Services in Millersville, Md., a single stack of solar panels sits on the floor of a warehouse. Engineer Rick Peters says he got them cheap because the manufacturer folded — they couldn’t compete. He’s run out of Chinese panels for the moment. “Probably about 70 percent of what we install is Chinese panels,” he says.

Peters points out that some homeowners like to buy American, but most, about 90 percent of his customers, just want the best price. And Chinese panels are about 10 percent cheaper.

A tariff could double their price, and Peters says that could push everyone’s prices up.

“I’m very concerned about that,” he says. “I think that it could significantly increase the price, because of the limited number of manufacturers in the U.S. Potentially, they could take advantage of the marketplace.”

By raising their prices as well? “Absolutely,” says Peters.

He fears that could have ripple effects for other U.S. manufacturers. He illustrates by cutting open a big cardboard box on the floor of the warehouse. Inside is an inverter, a device that every solar installation needs to convert direct current to the alternating current in your home. It costs about $4,500.

“This one is made by PV Powered,” he says, “which is a U.S. manufacturer. A lot of the inverters are manufactured in the U.S.” Fewer installations would mean fewer inverters sold.

Over the next several months, the federal government will decide whether China is playing fair or not.

New Online Tools Help U.S. Deployment of Wind Energy Systems

Jerry — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:55:06 +0000

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced two new online tools to assist state and local policymakers, consumers and stakeholders evaluate siting and policy issues to help accelerate the use of distributed wind energy systems such as wind turbines at homes and businesses. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funded

development of the “Distributed Wind Site Analysis Tool” and “Distributed Wind Policy Comparison Tool” through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants. The tools are designed to help more people across the country install wind turbines to produce clean, renewable energy.

Distributed wind energy systems are typically installed near the point of electricity use at residences, businesses and community institutions such as schools and hospitals to help save energy, reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions. The two online tools lower barriers to distributed wind energy deployment identified in DOE’s 2008 report, “20% Wind Energy by 2030.” The report identifies site-specific factors such as zoning and permitting costs, interconnection fees, shipping and other related costs as significant factors in the costs of distributed wind systems. Such costs can limit distributed system deployment even in wind-rich locations.

The Distributed Wind Site Analysis Tool, developed by the Cadmus Group, Inc., allows users to input location and terrain information about a potential wind system site in the United States and predict the energy output and environmental benefits of that site. The tool is designed to help potential wind energy system consumers choose the most effective site for their wind energy project. The standard version of the tool was developed in partnership with DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Encraft, and is free to site visitors. A version with more advanced features is available for an annual subscription fee.

The Distributed Wind Policy Comparison Tool, developed by eFormative Options, LLC, provides practical information for policymakers about potential state and local government policy options – including rebates, tax incentives, and ways of overcoming zoning and interconnection hurdles – to encourage rapid deployment of distributed wind energy systems. The tool allows sensitivity analyses to be conducted on various policy options and assumptions. These analyses model the impacts of policies and incentives and identify combinations of policies that may help guide efficient use of public and ratepayer funds. This tool was developed in collaboration with NREL, DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the North Carolina Solar Center, and is free to site visitors.

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in clean energy technologies that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Learn more about DOE’s efforts to research, test, develop, and deploy innovative wind energy technologies.

Megawatt Chestnut Flats Wind Farm

Jerry — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:06:56 +0000

LOGAN TOWNSHIP, PA, Jan 13, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Gamesa Technology Corp. and enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, today announced that the 38 megawatt Chestnut Flats Wind Farm, located northwest of Altoona, Pennsylvania in Blair County, achieved commercial operation on December 29, 2011.

The project features 18 G90-2.0 MW and one G87-2.0 MW Gamesa wind turbines. Developed and built by Gamesa Energy USA, LLC, Chestnut Flats will deliver carbon-free electricity to the regional transmission system for the benefit of Delmarva Power & Light Company’s generation portfolio pursuant to a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Chestnut Flats is the third wind farm Gamesa has developed and put into operation in Pennsylvania: “This project showcases Gamesa’s leadership in helping to build a clean energy future while providing opportunities for local economies and value to our customers,” said Jiddu Tapia, Gamesa’s Chief Development Officer for North America.

Tristan Grimbert, President & CEO of enXco, stated, “Chestnut Flats complements our growing wind farm generation portfolio of over 1.2 GWs with this, our first operating wind asset in Pennsylvania. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with the landowners and local community. We further are pleased to be working with Delmarva, delivering renewable energy to their northeast customer base.”

“enXco is committed to owning and operating an excellent energy resource that contributes renewable energy to thousands of local customers,” said Rich Jigarjian, Vice President of Generation for enXco.

enXco acquired 100 percent of the equity interest in Chestnut Flats Wind LLC, as well as all project assets owned by the special purpose company, upon closing on December 28th.

As part of the sale agreement, Gamesa also will provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for the turbines for five years. WestLB acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Gamesa on the sale of Chestnut Flats Wind LLC.

About enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company: enXco ( www.enxco.com ), an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company ( www.edf-energies-nouvelles.com ), develops, constructs, owns, operates and manages renewable energy projects throughout the United States. For more than two decades, we have been a leader in wind-energy focusing on large-scale wind projects. Today enXco’s portfolio includes solar and biomass technologies, in an effort to help drive our nation’s transition to a sustainable energy economy. enXco is a significant owner and developer of wind-energy installations in the United States, and is the leading third-party operations & maintenance provider for wind farms in North America.

About Gamesa: Gamesa Technology Corp., Inc., ( www.gamesacorp.com/en/ ) a global leader in the design and manufacture of wind turbines and the development, construction and sale of wind farms, has installed more than 23,000 MW in 30 countries on four continents. Gamesa entered the North American market in 2005 and has two manufacturing plants, a nacelle plant and a blades facility, both in Pennsylvania. In 2010, Gamesa ranked No. 3 in the United States for total wind power installations, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Gamesa also exports its U.S.-manufactured turbines to North and Central American countries and was the recipient of the U.S. Export-Import Bank’s “Renewable Energy Exporter of the Year” award in 2011.

Planned Solar Energy Farm Sold

Jerry — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:57:53 +0000

Even before construction has started on a solar energy farm in Queen Creek, the planned facility has been sold for $75 million.

New Jersey-based PSEG Solar Source will buy the 19 megawatt solar energy farm and will sell electricity to Salt River Project for 20 years. PSEG bought the planned facility from its developer, Colorado-based juwi solar Inc. The plant will be maintained and operated by juwi after construction.

The town of Queen Creek has already approved the 158-acre facility, and construction is expected to begin this month. The site should begin operating in the third quarter.

This is the fourth juwi-built plant in the U.S. and the first one in Arizona. SRP has worked with several manufacturers and only does deals with known companies that have a proven track record like juwi, said Debbie Kimberly, SRP’s director of customer programs and marketing.

The construction will generate 120 jobs, said Paul Rosengren, a PSEG spokesman. The plant will be monitored remotely without having employees on site.

This is the third Valley solar facility providing energy for SRP. It also is purchasing power from a just-announced 1 megawatt facility at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus in Mesa. Also, it’s buying power from the 20 megawatt Copper Crossing facility in Pinal County.

The sites are idea because they’re near existing power lines, Kimberly said.

“The advantage of the East Valley for us, if you’ve been out there, is it’s just as flat as a pancake. You’ve got a lot of available land and it’s well situated in terms of distribution and transmission,” Kimberly said.

SRP provides about 9 percent of energy with sustainable resources that include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro power and various conservation measures. It has a goal of 20 percent in 2020.

By Garin Groff, Tribune

Pros and Cons of a Solar Lease Program

Jerry — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:48:15 +0000

The cost of solar grid-tie systems still remains costly for the home owner.

However, a solar lease program can cost you one half the cost of buying your own system. Solar leasing is an affordable way for a home owner to save almost instantly on their electrical cost. But there are some things to consider about a lease versus a completely purchased system. Below, I have laid out some pros and cons about solar leasing.
Pros:

Basically three types of programs available-The first type of solar lease plan you pay off the total lease, which will be good for 20 to 25 years. This normally is about one half the cost of buying a system outright. There are no monthly payments. The second method is a partial payment lease by the year or by the leasing company agreement. The third option is for monthly payments, similar to a car leasing program.
Online system monitoring-Your total PV system is monitored over the Internet by the leasing company. Any changes in the status of your system are noted immediately.
Maintenance and repairs-If any repairs to your system are required from the online monitoring, the contractor who installed your PV system is notified immediately to make necessary repairs. This provides you with worry free maintenance and protection.
Insurance and warranty-The leasing company provides full insurance for their solar system for period of the lease. Any damages incurred by nature or equipment failure are totally the company’s responsibility.
System kilowatt production is guaranteed-The amount of electricity generated by the solar system must meet the quoted production or solar panels will be added to bring the kilowatt production to the agreed amount.

Cons:

Owned by leasing company-You do not own the system, so any changes can not be made by home owner. Your solar system is totally the property of the leasing company. They have full rights to the system.
Federal tax credit-Presently there is a 30 percent Federal tax credit for installing energy-saving devices. The tax credit is good until the year 2016. By leasing the system the leasing company has full right to your tax credit.
SREC (solar renewable energy credit)-A srec is the sale of excess power generated by your solar PV system. For every 1000 kilowatt-hours that you produce over and above your electrical cost, it is required by law to be a fixed sum of money that is paid to the home owner this could be also taken from you depending on the lease company.

As you can see, a solar lease needs to be carefully studied by the home owner and balanced out financially if it is a feasible option.