Friday, October 30, 2009

Deltona Seeks Solar Center

A recent economic initiative to promote job training, the city of Deltona wants to use some of the money to build a solar center. The money will come from the American Reinvestment adn Recovery Act.

The city feels like it has a lot to gain through the funding and building a solar center. The solar center will provide education for homeowners and business owners on the benefits of photovoltaics. In addition, the center will provide training for professionals looking to get into photovoltaics.

Deltona has an excellent chance at receiving the money thanks to it's 11.7 percent unemployment rate. After using the center to train employees, the city plans to invite manufacturing inside to create jobs.

Many different groups are working together to get this action in progress. Non-profits are screening through applicants to select individuals fit for training. The selected applications with receive solar training to manufacture pv cells, solar-thermal equipment, and solar hot-water systems.

Deltona will also training them to install weatherizing. This will decrease the electric bill and increase the efficiency of the home. The government has made $1.5 million available for energy-efficiency upgrades in Deltona.

But the first step is building the solar center. With funding extremely likely to come, sites are being selected and plans created to build the center. With the city's position in the Sunshine State and the only sources of photovoltaic cell manufacturing in California and China, the city is ready to get busy becoming a world leader in pv production.
Deltona Seeks Solar Center

Rich Hessler
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Green Airline - US Airline Tests Green Plane

Thanks to the outrageous price of petrolium last year, airlines are now looking at ways to reduce fuel needs and consumption. The world's largest airline, Southwest, said it is testing a green plane. It is a modified 737 with green changes throughout the plane. Some of the changes include carpet and seat covers.

The carpet will be in pieces and made out of recyclable material, allowing Southwest to replace sections of the carpet instead of all the carpet. In addition, the seat covers are twice as durable, meaning that they will need to be replaced half the time, saving on carbon emissions and landfill-space. Also, the life-vests is smaller and lighter, saving on fuel costs and also offering more leg-space.

Although Southwest claims to be doing this to be green, the real reason is to save money on jet-fuel costs. By reducing the materials in each seat by 5 lbs, each plane will save approximately 9,500 gallons of fuel. This equates to $19,000 a year per place, or $10.3 million a year.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved Southwest Airlines to number 23 on the Environmental Protection Agency Fortune 500 Green companies. In addition, the company purchased 16 million kW of renewable electricity.

With this commitment, Southwest is working hard to be green. Even if climate change is not happening (as many claim), it is still important to clean up non-carbon dioxide emissions such as nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide. By using clean electricity and reducing fuel consumption, Southwest is helping to make this a reality.
Green Airline - US Airline Tests Green Plane

Rich Hessler
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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Price of Solar Dropping

According to a report released by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, in coordination with the United States Department of Energy, the price of photovoltaics has declined of the past dacade. It has decreased from $10.80/watt to $7.5/Watt. 

A combination of technology for productivity and increasing efficiency is bringing about cheaper panels for homeowners and business owners.

Currently the cost of solar is at an all-time low and incentives are at an all-time high. Right now is the best time to purchase solar. As more homeowners and business purchase photovoltaics, the price will decrease, but the rebates will decrease faster. This means the total cost to the homeowner will increase as the rebates decrease. So now is one of the best times to purchase a photovoltaic solar system.

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Joe Biden's Plan - Recovery Through Retrofit

 
joe biden - recovery through retrofit Vice President Joe Biden's economic recovery plan, Recovery Through Retrofit, has a framework for states to set up taxes that allow homeowners and business owners to install photovoltaic solar systems, along with other renewable energy retrofits, and pay for the improvements over 20 years through a property tax assessment.

The buzz started with Tom Bates, the Mayor of Berkeley, California. He drafted financing legislation that made it easy for municipalities to create financing plans. The whole goal - eliminate the expensive up-front cost of a solar system.

The assessment stays with the property, not the buyer. The plan allows the homeowner to have no up-front cost for the solar system. Instead, they pay $180 a month on their property tax.

Anywhere that this plan has been put into action, business has expanded. This is because the cost of the property tax is offset almost entirely by the electricity produced by the solar system, protecting the homeowner from raising costs of electricity and encouraging them to be more energy efficient.

Demand for clean, renewable energy is present; only political barriers lie in the way.

Recovery Through Retrofit

Rich Hessler
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Price of Solar Dropping

According to a report released by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, in coordination with the United States Department of Energy, the price of photovoltaics has declined of the past dacade. It has decreased from $10.80/watt to $7.5/Watt. 

A combination of technology for productivity and increasing efficiency is bringing about cheaper panels for homeowners and business owners.

Currently the cost of solar is at an all-time low and incentives are at an all-time high. Right now is the best time to purchase solar. As more homeowners and business purchase photovoltaics, the price will decrease, but the rebates will decrease faster. This means the total cost to the homeowner will increase as the rebates decrease. So now is one of the best times to purchase a photovoltaic solar system.

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Joe Biden's Plan - Recovery Through Retrofit

 
joe biden - recovery through retrofit Vice President Joe Biden's economic recovery plan, Recovery Through Retrofit, has a framework for states to set up taxes that allow homeowners and business owners to install photovoltaic solar systems, along with other renewable energy retrofits, and pay for the improvements over 20 years through a property tax assessment.

 

The buzz started with Tom Bates, the Mayor of Berkeley, California. He drafted financing legislation that made it easy for municipalities to create financing plans. The whole goal - eliminate the expensive up-front cost of a solar system.

 

The assessment stays with the property, not the buyer. The plan allows the homeowner to have no up-front cost for the solar system. Instead, they pay $180 a month on their property tax.

Anywhere that this plan has been put into action, business has expanded. This is because the cost of the property tax is offset almost entirely by the electricity produced by the solar system, protecting the homeowner from raising costs of electricity and encouraging them to be more energy efficient.

 

Demand for clean, renewable energy is present; only political barriers lie in the way.

Recovery Through Retrofit

Rich Hessler
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Large Solar System Complete in Somerset County, NJ

Fellowship Village Retirement Community has completed the largest angled photovoltaic solar system in New Jersey. The panels are expected to produce enough electricity to reduce emissions by 450 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

The EDA (Economic Development Authority) aided Absolutely Energized Solar with the photovoltaic installation.

This is one of the many photovoltaic installations in New Jersey. The states has achieved a 10 fold increase in installations since 2006. The state hopes to provide encouragement to other states to go solar.

This particular photovoltaic solar installation is 3,000 solar panels large and will provide 668 kW of electricity. This will cover 14% of the Retirement Center's electricity demand.

New Jersey has set the goal of reducing electricity consumption by 20 percent while generating 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the next decade. The state currently offers financing and incentives to meet this goal.
Largest Solar System Complete in New Jersey

Rich Hessler
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Solar Energy - The Best of the Web

Finally, nearly four decades since photovoltaics were installed by Jimmy Carter on the White House with his encouragement for Americans to become more energy independent, photovoltaics are receiving more and more interest around the globe. Thanks to the fact that photovoltaic solar systems take advantage of one of the most abundant renewable resources - our sun.

Whether you are looking to get into the solar industry or researching the future purchase of a solar system, the internet has a wealth of information that will help. Below are some websites that will aid researching solar:

  • ases.org
    • American Solar Energy Society is working hard to promote solar through education. ASES is considered one of the pack-leading organization for promoting photovoltaics in the United States
  • fsec.ucf.edu
    • This is the website for Florida Solar Energy Center. It publishes its solar research and developments on this site.
  • solarenergy.org
    • Run by Solar Energy International. Teaches green building, installing photovoltiacs, and offers online training.
  • ises.org/ises.nsf
    • Supports the deveopment and deployment of photovoltaics. Run by International Solar Energy Society (ISES), an organization known by the United Nations to promote renewable energy.
  • azsolarcenter.com
    • Promotes photovoltaics in Arizona.
  • solarnet.org
    • Solar Utilities Network seeks energy responsibility through affordable and easily deployable strategies.
  • solarliving.org
    • Solar Living Institue provides workshops and training on sustainable living.
  • Builditsolar.org
    • Instructions on deploying photovoltaics for homeowners.
  • freePVsolarestimates.com
    • Researching installing photovoltaics on homes and determine how much it costs.

Solar Energy

Rich Hessler
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Friday, October 23, 2009

Save Money and the Environment with Solar

Solar is popularly known as an environmently friendly way to produce electricity, but it is also helping homeowners to save money. By paying for a electricity plant on your roof, each homeowner is securing their energy price for the next 35+ years. (Solar panels begin to lose efficiency at 35 years, but will continue to produce electricity for centuries).

One of the reason for the decreasing costs of solar is a huge push by local and federal governments. A recent report from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranked all 50 states and their implementation of renewable energy.

The top three states are California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with Oregon and New York as clost contenders. The report is based on criteria from building codes, states initiatives, and transportation.

Solar, in addition to being a cost-effective means to elimiate dependent on foreign energy, can help the environment and offer a great investment.
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Texas Mayor Promotes Energy Efficiency

Mayer Leffingwell is promoting Project Energize, an initiative that will provide homes with low-interest financing for energy-efficient home upgrades. This opens the doors for homeowners interested in installing photovoltaic solar systems on their homes to low-interest loans. The homeowners would pay off their solar system through their property tax bill over an extended period of time. 

This will allow homeowners to save money and be environmentally responsible. With the proposed energy increases (~10%/year), the payment on the solar system will quickly be less than the current electricity bill until the system is payed off.

Project Energy was created by Mayor Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Martinex and Shade.

Mayor Leffingwell hopes that the program will promote renewable energy in Texas through making solar affordable. Since most homeowners cannot afford the $10,000-20,000 initial investment of solar, this provides an affordable means around the initial investment.

Also, the bill ties the payment of the solar system to the home. If homeowners sell their home, their home value increases (based on what they have paid off).

The demand for solar in increasing in Texas. Austin alone has seen growth from four solar installation companies to 22 in just the past few years. Hopefully, this bill brings photovoltaics mainstream in Texas and makes Texas a leader in photovoltaic research and distribution.
Project Energize

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Finding a Job - Surviving the Interview

Follow these tips for when job hunting to find a great job and survive the interview.

Job Hunting
Finding a job is just like being a salesman. Eventually, every job hunter will need to convince someone that you can:

  1. make them money
  2. save them money
  3. improve the quality of their life

Every job hunter must prove one of these points factually. If you can, then you will obtain the job. With this in mind before starting a job hunt, you need to find jobs that utilize past, proven performance and point your interviews to sell this aspect of yourself.

 

The Interview
Always remember that the manager is thinking, "What's in it for me?" The goal of the interview is to answer this question. In order to make this happen, the job hunter must stay in control of the interview. You need to guide the interview to show that you are THE solution to the company's problem.

 

Career Transition
If you want to change careers, you need to effectively prove how you succeeded in the previous career and how that success applies to your new career choice. This will take additional time on your part. You will need to research the new field and take courses to obtain new skills.

 

What About Those with No Skills/Experience
You might have to work for free for a while. You need to prove to employers that you can make them money. An employer who hires someone with no working experience is going off good faith that the individual will perform up to expectations.

 

What to Avoid
Avoid tossing resumes out to employers and saying hire me. You need to market yourself as a solution to what the organization is trying to achieve with you.

Finding a Job - Surviving the Interview

Rich Hessler
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California Solar Home on National Mall

The California team from Napa Valley competing in the national mall Solar Decathon to build the futuristic, energy-efficient home, has completed the Refract House. The idea behind the Refract House - life follows the sun. The sun enters the home in the east to wake the residents. As the sun rises, its light enters the kitchen and central areas. It provides light for afternoon indoor activities and the backyard.

This home was designed with California in mind. Every room in the house has access to the patio, a feature that can be utilized in California year-around.

The Refract House was designed with aesthetics in mind. The whole house is energy-neutral (it actually produces more electricity than it consumes) and significantly reduces water use with low-low appliances and a grey-water reclaim system.

The whole house can be monitored from a website or iPhone. The iPhone has interactive technology that allows the homeowner to change the status of home-systems and monitor consumption/waste.

The home is topped with an 8 kW solar system and two solar-thermal hotwater systems. With these features and the aesthetics of the home, team California proves that you can merge environmentally friendly living with luxury.
California Solar Home on National Mall

Rich Hessler
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Hartnell College Receives Stimulus to Train Green

Stimulus funds are planned to be used by Hartnell College to train Salinas professionals in green construction. The money is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Hartnell College received $999,862 to enroll residents in its green building training program. Hartnell College, which is in partnership with Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board and Cabrillo College, will keep $600,000 of the money for the program.

The funds will provide training for 60 students. The program is 6 months and will provide students with 300 hours of classroom credit. The students will also spend 300 hours in paid interships working for green construction companies.

This program, just like Rich Hessler's Solar Training, is driving the reeducation of the American workforce to the new, green economy. The jobs demand environmental awarenessness and energy efficiency.

In addition, the college received part of the California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program funds. The plan calls for training of 5,600 works to perform the hands-on jobs to come including: solar panel installation, electrical vehicle maintanence, and fuel cell technology.
Hartnell College Receives Stimulus to Train Green

Rich Hessler
Solar Business Solutions
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Is a Solar System Right for You?

By purchasing a phovoltaic solar system to produce electricity, homeowners are joining millions of like-minded energy-conscious people around the globe. Solar systems provide reliable, renewable energy from the sun. Thanks to advancements in research and production, in addition to substancial government rebates, photovoltaic solar systems are affordable.

Solar systems are affordable thanks to a recent addition to the electricity grid: net metering. When your solar system generates more electricity than you use, your home releases the electricity onto the grid, causing the meter to spin backwards. If you put more electricity onto the electricity grid than you consume, then you are eligible to receive a check from the utility company.

But before investing in a solar system, it is important to understand how photovoltaic solar cells work. When sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, the cell releases electrons (creating electricity). The electricity generated is direct current, or the flow of electricity in one direction. Alternating current, or the flow of electricity that consistently changes direction, is the form of electricity used in a home. An inverter is required to convert electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The electricity is then available for use in a home or business.

Solar systems only work when the sun is out. So they work in the winter and even on cloudy days. Solar systems require a large initial investment, but with the available government rebates and net metering, a solar system will pay for itself within 10 years. Remember, after the initial investment of a solar system, you can stop thinking about the electricity bill. Instead, you will be excited to see how much you make every month!
Is a Solar System Right for You?

Rich Hessler
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Solar Sales Development verse Solar Sales Training

Organizations that spend more on sales training turn in 86% better results that organizations that spend less on training, but sales development is much more effective than sales training.

 

Solar sales development is more intensive and hands-on than solar sales training. A typical solar sales training and implementation lacks in 6 key areas:

  1. Lack of focus on the critical solar knowledge and skill sets solar sales professions must master.
    • Too many solar sales courses focus on the how a solar system works, not how to sell a solar system and sales skills.
  2. No measure of solar sales metrics.
    • You must know what is wrong to fix it.
  3. Expecting immediate results instead of improvement over time.
    • Changes in behavior do not occur instantly. It takes time and consistent follow-up for changes to be implemented.
  4. Lack of connectiveness between solar sales trainer and sales professionals.
    • Many solar sales trainers are not actively selling in the field. A solar trainer who is actively selling to make ends meet has much more credibility.
  5. Lectures instead of application.
    • Lectures are important for learning facts, but application is vital. When anyone practices what they learn, it is much more likely to stick.
  6. No accountability after the initial training so assure sales team are implementing changes.
    • Solar sales professionals need to be excited about the training and willing to participate. This way, the sales team will receive the most out of training. After the training, the solar sales manager needs to provide weekend feedback, encouragement, and inspiration.

Another issue is solar coaching. Most companies lack coaching. Coaching targets individual solar salesmen and focuses on their sales skills and weaknesses. It works alongside each salesman to strengthen their weaknesses and keep them accountable. The goal of coaching is to enhance sales performance through practice. The coach can provide immediate feedback on weak areas and suggest/implemented changes.

After the initial training, development requires accountability by the sales manager. The accountability makes certain that the training has been understood, coaching has desired changes, and that the changes stay in place for long-term changes.

The difference in sales training and sales development? Sales training is a one-time inspirational event that teaches a solar salesforce how to sell effectively. Sales development is implementation of sustained, long-term development.

Find out how Rich Hessler Solar Sales Training accomplishes all the solar sales development goals.

Solar Sales Development verse Solar Sales Training

Rich Hessler
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Rich Hessler Solar - Sales Development

At Rich Hessler Solar, we are committed to solar sales training and development. Solar sales development is more intensive and hands-on than solar sales training. Sales training is a one-time inspirational event that teaches a solar salesforce how to sell effectively. Sales development is implementation of sustained, long-term development.

We have processes that overcome each of the goals outlined in Solar Sales Development verse Solar Sales Training.

  1. Lack of focus on the critical solar knowledge and skill sets solar sales professions must master.
    • At Rich Hessler Solar, we focus on teaching the knowledge necessary to sell a solar system. You learn the equivalent of what a car salesman knows about a car. We also go through current sales techniques, equipping solar professionals with the skill set they need to effectively sell solar.
  2. No measure of solar sales metrics.
    • Throughout the course, we teach various ways to measure performance. We teach from personal experience. We have various tracking measures in place to keep us on top of sales performance.
  3. Expecting immediate results instead of improvement over time.
    • Changes in behavior do not occur instantly. It takes time and consistent follow-up for changes to be implemented. This is why we have included solar coaching. This allows Rich Hessler to followup with graduates and make certain that the skills taught in the training are implemented.
  4. Lack of connectiveness between solar sales trainer and sales professionals.
    • At Rich Hessler Solar, we sell a variety of solar products and services to increase the profitability of solar small businesses. We actively sell these services to keep our own business moving forward.
  5. Lectures instead of application.
    • We do teach solar sales professionals how the photovoltaic systems work, calculating a system size based on the homeowners energy bill and budget, and sales techniques. We follow each section with tests, practice problems, and role playing so each students has time to apply the knowledge during the course.
  6. No accountability after the initial training so assure sales team are implementing changes.
    • We include follow-up coaching to make certain that changes are being implemented. Also, throughout the course, we offer advice on how to remain accountable to the solar sales training/development. We want the training to be as effective for each student as possible, and a major step is follow-up and accountability, two aspects we push our students to obtain.

At Rich Hessler Solar, we are committed to sales training and development. We want to train an army of solar salesmen to physically change the face of the United States through solar installations.

Rich Hessler Solar - Sales Development

Rich Hessler
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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Stanwood Students Use Grant to Utilize Solar

Sanwood high schol students received a $14,500 grant to install solar panels to power the school's greenhouse. Cory Calkins and Scott Weisse of Stanwood High School wrote a grant asking for money to purchase a photovoltaic solar system to power the school's greenhouse. After receiving confirmation of the grant, the school began developing plans to utilize the money. 

The solar system is funding by the country's continuing support for renewable electricity generation. This system will teach Washington students how one form of renewable energy, photovoltaic, works and how to apply it to everyday life. By giving the students exposure to renewables at a young age, hopefully it will teach students to implement solar into their own lives.
Stanwood Students Use Grant to Utilize Solar

Rich Hessler
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Determine if Your Home is Ready for Solar

The earth receives enough energy in 40 minutes to power the world for 1 year. Since photovoltaic and solar thermal take advantage of this abundant resource, it makes sense that solar is the fastest growing energy source.

Whether doing your part to reduce greenhouse gases or saving money, a photovoltaic solar system offers an attractive energy source. Solar panels have no moving parts required to generate electricity, so there is nothing to wear out on the solar system. Over time, the solar panels lose efficiency, but they are rated to generate the wattage you purchase for 15-25 years (depending on the panel's warrarnty).

Solar panels will continue to generate electricity after 25 years, only at a lower output. Since solar requires 7-12 years to pay a homeowner back, it is a long term investment. Solar is meant to reduce or eliminate one's electricity costs, the savings on the electricity bill are the payback.

To determine the payback period, many variables must be considered:

  1. Location. Depending where your home is located will determine how much electricity a solar system will produce. A solar system on the equator will produce many times more electricity than a solar system in Alaska.
  2. How much electricity your home consumers. The average US home consumes just under 936 kW hours of electricity each month. This number also varies by home. The best way to determine average daily consumption is take total yearly consumption and divide it by 365.
  3. Determining how much solar to purchase
    • Find the average hours of sunlight
    • Divide your average daily consumption by average number of sunlight hours.
    • Multiply this number by 1.25. This is the size of a solar system a homeowner needs to install to cover all of his electricity with solar.

Using this number, a homeowner knows the maximum amount of solar to install for his home. After taking this into account, the homeowner can determine the size of solar system he wants to install based on the solar budget. A solar system is 100% customizable to the homeowners needs. If a homeowner can only afford to install a small solar system, keep in mind that more solar panels can be added in the future.
Determine if Your Home is Ready for Solar

Rich Hessler
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Growing Solar Industry

Despite the global downturn, the green industry is expanding everyday. This is not a recent trend as the solar industry has been growing, especially over the last decade.

Most of the recent growth is due to the stimulus money. In California, $75 million in stimulus money has launched the Clean Energy Workforce Training Program. This program's goal is to create 20,000 new jobs through training the workforce to move into the renewable energy industry.

In addition to government promotion, demand for cleaner, renewable energy has spawned new business to provide new ways of generating electricity without the use of hydrocarbon. Right now, the race is on to develop sources of renewable solar energy that can compete with hydrocarbon.

It has also spawned the desire for environmentally-friendly products. Consumers have become more environmentally friendly and are willing to spend a little more money on 'green' products.

Solar Jobs

Some of the obvious solar jobs include manufacturing solar panels, solar installation, and selling solar panels.

The companies that provide such work are like any other company, it has an office staff including: marking, sales, customer service, accounting, and administration. Many skills from other industries can be applied in these 'green' solar jobs. The problem with the recession, the demand for these back-office jobs is high. To obtain a less competative job, one should receive solar education in either solar panel sales or solar panel installation.

Whatever each profession decides to do in the solar industry, they can rest assured that the industry is growing. With the level of government support, the industry is expected to continue growing far into the future.

Rich Hessler
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Solar Cold Calling - 1

Companies looking to be profitable through cold-calling need to take advantage of a "buy-in" technique.

The "buy-in" technique encourages potential clients to become clients through sounding interested in helping the potential client. Through giving potential clients a bit of an education, the sales representative is building trust. The representative can use this trust to close a deal.

One excellent technique to practice before making a call is to ask oneself, "Am I calling because I want to make a sale or am I calling because I truly want to contribute to someone in a positive way?"

A similar technique can be applied to solar. Before walking up to a homeowner, ask yourself, " Am I here to make money or am I here to educate a homeowner about making a financially sound investment?"
Cold Calling - Tip 1

Rich Hessler
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

New Jersey Photovoltaic Solar System Prices and ROI

New Jersey Photovoltaic Solar Systems are great investments for New Jersey homeowners. First of all, New Jersey receives more sun hours per day than Germany, the largest user of photovoltaic solar systems. Second, New Jersey offers fantastic solar rebates, solar renewable energy credits and utility solar loan programs based on SREC payments.

New Jersey Customer-Sited Renewable Energy Rebates are available for systems up to 10 kW DC. The New Jersey Residential Renewable Energy Rebates are reduced $0.20 for every 6 MW installed. Current New Jersey Renewable Energy Rebates are $1.75/DC watt with an energy audit and $1.55/DC watt without an energy audit as of October 2009.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits may be sold by homeowners at market rates for each 1,000 kWh of renewable energy production. Estimates of SREC market rates range from $0.711/kWh to $0.475/kWh as a floor for the Public Service Gas & Electric (PSG&E) solar loan program.

New Jersey Property Tax Assessor issue solar property tax exemption certificates for 100% of the gross system price.

In addition, residential solar systems are exempt from the 7% New Jersey sales tax.
New Jersey Solar Access Laws restrict homeowners associations from disallowing rooftop solar installations. New Jersey solar easement law ensures that proper sunlight is available to those who operate solar energy systems.

Lastly, everyone in New Jersey receives the Federal Solar Tax Credit of 30% of the cost of solar.
New Jersey Solar System Prices

Rich Hessler
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Friday, October 9, 2009

Grosman Announces Solar System Plan

Grosman revealed a plan to install 1,383 photovoltaic solar panels on the Sports and Convocation Center as physical evidence of the school's commitment to go green. The system will stop 122 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere every year.

The plans were annunced the same day that Brandeis carbon reduction plan was released. The goal of the plan: get rid of all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the main components of the text is through promoting energy efficiency.

The 277 kW photovoltaic solar system will help push the school to become energy efficient. The solar system is not owned by the school. Instead, EOS Ventures agreed to fund the system and the school agrees to purchase electricity generated by the solar system.

The system also offers education value. Student at the university can recognize the importance of saving energy and the value in becoming energy efficient thanks to the schools example. With society's current desire to become energy independent, educating the youth about different economical ways of promoting renewable energy is one extremely effective way to get the ball rolling.
Grosman Announces Solar System Plan

Rich Hessler
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Grosman Announces Solar System Plan

Grosman revealed a plan to install 1,383 photovoltaic solar panels on the Sports and Convocation Center as physical evidence of the school's commitment to go green. The system will stop 122 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere every year.

 

The plans were annunced the same day that Brandeis carbon reduction plan was released. The goal of the plan: get rid of all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the main components of the text is through promoting energy efficiency.

 

The 277 kW photovoltaic solar system will help push the school to become energy efficient. The solar system is not owned by the school. Instead, EOS Ventures agreed to fund the system and the school agrees to purchase electricity generated by the solar system.

The system also offers education value. Student at the university can recognize the importance of saving energy and the value in becoming energy efficient thanks to the schools example. With society's current desire to become energy independent, educating the youth about different economical ways of promoting renewable energy is one extremely effective way to get the ball rolling.
Grosman Announces Solar System Plan

Rich Hessler
Find out how much a solar system
will save you
.

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GE Smart Appliances

Not only a smart grid, but smart appliances. GE is beginning small-scale testing on its first line of smart appliances. GE, along with many US utility companies, are working hard to install a 'smart grid'. Currently, utility companies dump electricity on the grid, but they have no idea how the electricity is used.

WIth a smart grid, utility companies will learn where electricity is use and determine where it is wasted. This will help to reduce electricity production to what is necessary. Through reducing electricity need, we can decrease the amount of renewables required to replace coal and gas power plants.

In addition to a smart grid, GE is now working on smart appliances. These appliances will be hooked into the smart grid, allowing utility companies to manage peak electricity loads and also save customers electricity costs. Cutting back on electricity use is the easiest (and cheapest) way to go green. Through the new smart grid and smart appliances, Masdar City aims to be a carbon-neutral city by generating all electricity through photovoltaics, solar-thermal, and wind.

Currently, GE is testing the system with 10 individuals. The goal is to expand the system to sustain 40,000 in a $22 billion project. The 40,000 individuals living in the zero-emissions city will work in green technology and manufacturing jobs.

GE Smart Appliances

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US High School Goes Green

The first Louisiana high school has taken steps to build green. Warren Easton Charter High School added a hurricane-proof photovoltaic solar system. This is also the largest solar installation in New Orleans. This installation represents the cities commitment to sustainability.

The photovoltaic solar system is 28 kW and will produce 37 kWh of electricity every year. It is projected to save Warren Easton Charter High School $4,000. Through the installation, the city hopes to inspire students to aspire to careers in math and science. The system will serve the students as a representation of sustainability and teach them at a young age the importance of clean energy. It gives teachers a physical representation as they teach about environmental sustainability.
US High School Goes Green

Rich Hessler
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(949) 208-0221

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US High School Goes Green

The first Louisiana high school has taken steps to build green. Warren Easton Charter High School added a hurricane-proof photovoltaic solar system. This is also the largest solar installation in New Orleans. This installation represents the cities commitment to sustainability.

The photovoltaic solar system is 28 kW and will produce 37 kWh of electricity every year. It is projected to save Warren Easton Charter High School $4,000. Through the installation, the city hopes to inspire students to aspire to careers in math and science. The system will serve the students as a representation of sustainability and teach them at a young age the importance of clean energy. It gives teachers a physical representation as they teach about environmental sustainability.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Solar Panels on Top of Schools

Hamilton Township in Pennsylvania voted yes on borrowing $4.8 million to install photovoltaic solar systems on Township schools along with the replacement of roofs. The township will ultimately save money as electricity rates continue to increase with the deployment of renewable energy.

484 voted yes verse 228 'no' for the photovoltaic installations. Hamilton can take advantage of the solar installations to teach children the advantages of renewable energy for our economy and our planet.
Solar Panels on Hamilton Township Schools

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Solar Powered Footbridge

Brisbane recently completed a $63 million foot bridge connecting downtown to land across the Brisbane River. The bridge is home to 84 solar panels and a state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The LED system was designed to be energy-efficient and allows for multiple light-settings.

The footbridge is 470 meters long and employed 1,050 workers. It is estimated that the bridge will be used by more than 36,500 people every week.

The 84 solar panels on teh bridge will generate 100 kWh of electricity everyday, more than enough to supply electricity to the footbridge.

Solar Powered Footbridge

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Coal Versus Solar Power

Where do you hide 130 million tons/year of coal ash created from U.S. power generation that is laden with arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium, cadmium?

A: A public golf course
B: Carpeting for schools
C: Fertilizer for food production
D: All of the above

Unregulated by the EPA, coal ash from U.S. electric power plants can be tucked away or hidden just about anywhere a state allows.  The recent 60 Minutes story: 130 Million Tons of Waste was an eye opener about a dirty secret that saves us $12-$13 Billion per year in hazardous disposal fees.  The 2006 U.S. solar market was $15 Billion.

The release of 1 Billion gallons of coal ash muck from a slurry pond in Kingston, TN December 22, 2008 represents 1 of 1,300 such hazards across the United States.

Is there a coal ash site in your backyard? http://projects.publicintegrity.org/coalash/

coal ash disposal

The Department of Homeland Security and the Army Corps of Engineers forbid our politicians from discussing the locations of hazardous coal ash sites. Coal ash — a byproduct of burning coal — is full of highly toxic chemicals that can cause birth defects, cancer and other health problems. The toxins can also infiltrate water supplies and destroy fish, bird and other animal populations around the dumps. Some studies have found coal ash to be more radioactive than nuclear waste.

"Every time a new study is done on what is getting into rivers and streams around these facilities, the case for regulation gets stronger," Eric Schaeffer, a former EPA official who heads the Environmental Integrity Project said. "I think EPA's announcement on regulating coal ash will come in December 2009, and I think they've got to do something significant in this area."

The EPA sent a survey to hundreds of coal power plants requesting data on their dump sites. However, many power companies do not think the public has a right to know and refused disclosure as a ‘trade secret.’  Typically, the EPA doesn’t challenge such claims, allowing businesses to hide information that might not actually contain trade secrets.

Alabama Power, Duke Energy, First Energy Generation, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power Company, and Progress Energy Carolinas all made claims of "confidential business information.

It is understandable why utilities would seek to hide information because it contradicts the whole mythology around "clean coal," which is just one effort the coal industry is using to derail climate change legislation and the carbon tax.

Why solar now?  Personal integrity.  Let’s be fair and consider the cradle to grave costs associated with our energy sources. 

Considering the entire solar PV market in 2006 was $15 Billion, don’t hold your breath that congress will declare coal ash a hazardous material in December 2009.  $13 Billion is the projected costs to properly dispose of coal ash each year in the U.S. if it is declared a hazardous material by the federal government.  As California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says, even if things are bad and could be improved, society resists change.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

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Coal Versus Solar Power

Where do you hide 130 million tons/year of coal ash created from U.S. power generation that is laden with arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium, cadmium?

A: A public golf course
B: Carpeting for schools
C: Fertilizer for food production
D: All of the above

Unregulated by the EPA, coal ash from U.S. electric power plants can be tucked away or hidden just about anywhere a state allows.  The recent 60 Minutes story: 130 Million Tons of Waste was an eye opener about a dirty secret that saves us $12-$13 Billion per year in hazardous disposal fees.  The 2006 U.S. solar market was $15 Billion.

The release of 1 Billion gallons of coal ash muck from a slurry pond in Kingston, TN December 22, 2008 represents 1 of 1,300 such hazards across the United States.

Is there a coal ash site in your backyard? http://projects.publicintegrity.org/coalash/

coal ash disposal

The Department of Homeland Security and the Army Corps of Engineers forbid our politicians from discussing the locations of hazardous coal ash sites. Coal ash — a byproduct of burning coal — is full of highly toxic chemicals that can cause birth defects, cancer and other health problems. The toxins can also infiltrate water supplies and destroy fish, bird and other animal populations around the dumps. Some studies have found coal ash to be more radioactive than nuclear waste.

"Every time a new study is done on what is getting into rivers and streams around these facilities, the case for regulation gets stronger," Eric Schaeffer, a former EPA official who heads the Environmental Integrity Project said. "I think EPA's announcement on regulating coal ash will come in December 2009, and I think they've got to do something significant in this area."

The EPA sent a survey to hundreds of coal power plants requesting data on their dump sites. However, many power companies do not think the public has a right to know and refused disclosure as a ‘trade secret.’  Typically, the EPA doesn’t challenge such claims, allowing businesses to hide information that might not actually contain trade secrets.

Alabama Power, Duke Energy, First Energy Generation, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power Company, and Progress Energy Carolinas all made claims of "confidential business information.

It is understandable why utilities would seek to hide information because it contradicts the whole mythology around "clean coal," which is just one effort the coal industry is using to derail climate change legislation and the carbon tax.

Why solar now?  Personal integrity.  Let’s be fair and consider the cradle to grave costs associated with our energy sources. 

Considering the entire solar PV market in 2006 was $15 Billion, don’t hold your breath that congress will declare coal ash a hazardous material in December 2009.  $13 Billion is the projected costs to properly dispose of coal ash each year in the U.S. if it is declared a hazardous material by the federal government.  As California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says, even if things are bad and could be improved, society resists change.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

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American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour - Knoxville, TN

As part of the national tour by the American Solar Energy Society to promote solar, Knoxville presented modern application for solar power to homeowner and business owners. The American Solar Energy Society is working hard to promote clean energy to Americans.

Find out more about the solar fair.
American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour - Knoxville, TN

 

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PGE Electricity Purchase Agreement

Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE) has signed contracts to purchase at least 2.0 GW of electricity. This included 830 mW of solar electricity to help meet the 2010 state requirements. The electricity will be generated by 3 different plants. 

One of the plants, a 586 mW natural gas plant, will be built near Oakley by 2014. Another 719 mW natural gas plant will be built by 2013 next to the existing Mirant's plants in Antioch. The rest of the 2.0 GW of electricity will be generated by a solar system.
Original - PGE Electricity Purchase Agreement

 

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Monday, October 5, 2009

How to get Solar Panels for Sale

Wanting solar panels for sale and getting solar panels for sale are two completely different stories. It is well known that many different models and brands of solar panels are available for sale. Each model is unique and is utilized in speciific situations so it is vital to research and find the best solar panels to sell.

Different solar panels are used in different situations. When a homeowner has a lot of available roofspace and minimal shading, it is best to choose an inexpensive panel with a lower energy conversion rate. For a homeowner with limited roof space or a lot of shading, more expensive panels with higher energy conversion rates are required.

When researching solar panels, it is important to find quality solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity for the lowest price. Finding quality solar panels for sale now will save homeowners a lot of money and frustration in the future. Quality panels will outlast poorly constructed panels. This is especially important considering solar panel output is guaranteed for 30 years. Once one sells solar panels, the buyer may keep the panels for the rest of his/her life.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

Solar Panels for Sale

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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Teaching Solar in Schools

To promote renewable energy and a renewable lifestyle to future generations, many schools are setting examples through green building and electricity generation. Schools such as Chafford School in the UK or universities such as Point Loma and UC Santa Barbara have installed photovoltaic solar systems and are strong advocates for recycling. 

The schools that implement photovoltaic solar systems typically spend time explaining how the system works and how it benefits the environment.
Teaching Solar in School

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Kohl's Solar Installations

Kohl's now operates 59 solar locations after the opening of a solar location in Sacramento, California. This makes for its 79th solar location nation-wide. With the new Sacramento solar location, nearly half of Kohl's stores in California will be solar. Some of the newest locations include: Mira Loma, Rancho San Diego, and San Jose South.

In addition, Kohl's has taken taken steps to use less energy in their stores through energy-efficient appliances including: high-efficiency heating, cooling, sensor lighting in stockrooms, offices, and a recycling programfor boxes, hangers, and packaging.

The new store in Sacramento features 990 panels generating 206 kW of electricity, or 50% of the store's energy.

Today, the California Kohl's chain generated 50 million kWh of solar electricity, accounting for 1% of the California Solar Initiative goal. With the energy improvements and clean energy generation, Kohl's has been ranked number 1 greenest retailer in the U.S.
Kohl's Solar Installations

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Solar-Thermal Electricity Generation Faces Water Use

In addition to affecting farmers, turning off the tap is changing the way we generate solar electricity. Currently, solar-thermal plants generate electricity through mirrors redirecting solar energy to a boiler. The solar energy heats up liquid sodium which turns liquid water into water vapor. The steam turns a turbine, generating electricity.

The water needs to be cooled, which is achieve through evaporation. Since so much water is lost through evaporation, it must constantly be replenished. An alternative method of cooling using fans and heat exchange saves most of the water, but the procedure adds costs.

Currently, 35 large-scale solar projects are planned for California alone. These projects can generate 12 GW of electricity, enough to power 9,000,000 homes. Although these are great plans, they will take a heavy toll on water.

One proposed project, the Ivanpah dry-cool project in California, plans to consume 25 million gallons of water per year. Most of this water is required to clean the mirrors. In comparison, a wet-cool solar-thermal plant half the size of Ivanpah would require 705 million gallons a year using a dry-cool system.

Obviously, dry-water systems are the way to go. With the American Southwest being a desert, it is important that we conserve water. Until we are able to efficiently purify ocean water, we need to find alternatives to consuming valuable fresh water for cooling solar plants.

Original Article: Solar-Thermal Electricity Generation Faces Water Use

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