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Increase in Number of Solar Home Rebates

2008-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

At a time when many investors are sticking money in their mattresses, Californians are putting it on their roofs.Applications for state rebates to install solar panels hit their highest level ever in December, one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy economy.
From LA Times

Solyndra New Solar Photovoltaic System

2008-10-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Solyndra, Inc. today announced a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the commercial rooftop market. Solyndra's PV system is designed to generate significantly more solar electricity on an annual basis from typical low-slope commercial rooftops with lower installation costs than conventional PV flat panel technologies. Commercial rooftops represent a vast, underutilized resource and huge opportunity for generating solar electricity. Since its founding in 2005, Solyndra has been developing technology and ramping manufacturing capacity to produce its proprietary CIGS-based thin film PV system. Solyndra is currently shipping its systems, comprised of panels and mounting hardware, to fulfill more than $1.2 billion of multi-year contracts with customers in Europe and the United States.

THE NEW SHAPE OF SOLAR

Solyndra's panels employ cylindrical modules which capture sunlight across a 360-degree photovoltaic surface capable of converting direct, diffuse and reflected sunlight into electricity. This self-tracking design allows Solyndra's PV systems to capture significantly more sunlight than traditional flat-surfaced solar panels, which require costly tilted mounting devices to improve the capture of direct light, offer poor collection of diffuse light and fail to collect reflected light from rooftops or other installation surfaces.

Conventional flat PV panels must be mounted at an angle and spaced apart for optimum energy production. The sunlight striking the spaces between the panels is not collected and thus is wasted. Solyndra's panels perform optimally when mounted horizontally and packed closely together, thereby covering significantly more of the available roof area and producing more electricity per rooftop on an annual basis than a conventional panel installation.

COST-EFFECTIVE INSTALLATION

To meet rooftop wind loading requirements, conventional flat solar panels must be anchored to commercial roofs with either ballast or rooftop penetrations, which are inherently problematic. Together with the need for tilting, the resulting complex mounting systems require significant investment in labor, materials and engineering. Conversely, because wind blows through Solyndra panels, no rooftop anchoring is required. Further, the low weight of the Solyndra system enables the installation of PV on a broader range of rooftops.

For typical conventional PV installations, a solar panel is only half the cost of a complete installation; the other half includes additional expenses such as installation, cables, and inverters. The horizontal mounting and unique air-flow properties of Solyndra's solar panel design substantially simplify the installation process for Solyndra's PV systems. The ease of installation and simpler mounting hardware of Solyndra's system enables its customers to realize significant savings on installation costs.

"By eliminating the need for roof-penetrating mounts and wind ballasts, PV arrays with Solyndra panels can be installed with one-third the labor, in one-third of the time, at one-half the cost," said Manfred Bachler, Chief Technical Officer at Phoenix Solar AG, one of the largest solar power integrators in Europe and a Solyndra customer. "For commercial rooftops, PV module installation time can now be measured in days, not weeks. For flat commercial rooftops this is game-changing technology."

According to Solyndra founder and CEO Chris Gronet, "Solyndra's system uniquely optimizes PV performance on commercial rooftops by converting more of the sunlight that strikes the total rooftop area into electricity while also providing for a lower installation cost and lower cost of electricity."

Solar Stocks are Moving Higher

2008-09-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Solar Energy Stocks: All Fired Up
Is the group's recent run-up a solar flare or a sign of bigger things to come?
by David Bogoslaw From Businessweek.com
Solar energy stocks are hot once again, with shares of industry players jumping as much as 58% in the past month. Much of that bounce is due to nearly uniformly positive quarterly earnings reports from some solar outfits. Company executives were able to allay investors' fears about declining demand and lower prices for solar panels and related materials, concerns that were fueled by a sharp reduction of government subsidies in countries such as Spain.
"You've had a lessening of fear in the market of what would happen with Spanish traffic and the U.S. tax credit," says Pavel Molchanov, an analyst who covers solar companies for Raymond James & Co. (RJF). "The visibility hasn't improved, but investors are taking it more in stride and are feeling more confident that, even in the worst case, there will be ample demand in other more early-stage solar markets."
The U.S. investment tax credits for wind and solar power, which currently reimburse property developers 30% of what they spend on installations, would revert to 10% at yearend if no legislative action is taken. "To most developers, that 10% may as well be zero," says Mark Burger, a principal at the Oak Park (Ill.)-based renewable energy consulting firm Kestrel Development.
Stronger Demand Down Under
On earnings conference calls, the management of several solar companies assured shareholders that instead of a decline of more than 10% in the average selling price for solar modules in 2009 that investors had feared, prices would probably fall 5% to 10%. Top executives stressed that despite an expected drop in demand from Spain, which plans to cap the number of solar projects eligible for a form of subsidy known as feed-in tariffs starting next year, they are seeing demand strengthen in countries like France, Italy, and Australia.
Japan's plan to restore its solar subsidies beginning next year after a four-year absence is also contributing to investor optimism. Feed-in tariffs are the renewable energy payments federal governments make to regional or national electric utilities to encourage them to buy solar- or wind-generated electricity at above-market rates set by government.

Solar Installer

Solar Power to Produce 10% of Utility Power Sources

2008-08-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Electric utilities are warming to solar power in a shift that promises to turbocharge a technology that has been hindered by high prices and slow consumer adoption.

Pacific Gas and Electric in California announced last week it will buy 800 megawatts of solar-generated electricity from two companies, enough to light 239,000 homes. Within three years, PG&E will buy its solar energy from OptiSolar and SunPower, which plan to build the world's two largest solar farms in California as part of the deal.

It would nearly double the USA's entire solar-panel capacity. Driving the trend are solar's falling costs and state alternative-energy mandates.

Solar power has grown but still makes up well under 1% of U.S. power generation. More than 90% of solar panels have been installed on rooftops by maverick consumers and businesses. Utilities' embrace of solar energy will help push it to about 10% of power generation by 2025, predicts Ron Pernick, principal of research firm Clean Edge.

From USATODAY

Solar Installers

Energy Innovations Gets UL Approval

2008-08-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Sunflower rooftop system from Energy Innovations became the first solar photovoltaic concentrator to receive Underwriters Laboratories certification Monday.
The product can therefore qualify for many state solar rebates and for installations on commercial rooftops. With that nod, Energy Innovations hopes to raise as much as $20 million for increased production and to support installations for 2009.
"The UL Mark is one of the most recognized symbols of safety in the world and to say we're thrilled to have our work validated by such an independent and reputable institution would be an understatement," said CEO Bill Gross, in a statement.
The Sunflower's Fresnel lens concentrates sunlight more than 1,000 times, enabling cheaper electricity than traditional photovoltaics, according to its maker. The self-powered, 200-watt system features trackers that shift with the sun's location, as well as a controller and communications system. The low-slung Sunflower is built to withstand winds, and it doesn't need to penetrate a rooftop for installation.

From News.com

California Solar Installer

New Solar Power System to Generate 3% of Power at Anheuser-Busch Fairfield Brewery

2008-07-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Anheuser-Busch Breweries in Fairfield will generate 15 percent of its fuel needs from a Bio-Energy Recovery System (BERS) that is currently under construction. BERS technology turns nutrients in brewing wastewater into renewable biogas that is used to decrease the use of natural gas. In addition, the Fairfield brewery has entered into an agreement with SunEdison to host a solar power plant on the brewery's property. The solar energy system will generate the equivalent of approximately 3 percent of the brewery's electricity needs and also generate Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for businesses or individuals to purchase to offset their use of fossil fuel energy and greenhouse gas emissions. The 1.18 megawatt (DC) photovoltaic system will be constructed during the late summer.

Solar Installers

California Leads in Solar Power Generation for Utilities

2008-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Southern California Edison is leading the way as utilities become the solar industry's largest customers, according to a report Wednesday by the Solar Electric Power Association, whose members include solar tech companies and more than 300 utilities.
The utility is ahead of its counterparts in both overall solar energy capacity per megawatt and per customer, the study found (PDF). Further north, Pacific Gas & Electric is in front in terms of overall solar capacity and megawatts per customer.
The nonprofit solar association compiled the rankings from data collected from 50 utilities this spring. It projected growth in U.S. solar electricity, particularly photovoltaics, to expand to 600 megawatts in 2012 from 150 megawatts last year.
Southern California Edison came out on top largely due to its interest in large, concentrating solar thermal projects, such as a 245 megawatt agreement with eSolar. And it's working to build 250 megawatts of solar panels across 65 million square feet of rooftops.

From news.com

California Solar Installers

Denver Solar Installers and Colorado Solar Rebate

2008-07-18T12:15:00.001-07:00

Solar Installers in Denver and other Colorado cities can be found on FreeCleanSolar. We now offer information about solar installers in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Vail, and other Colorado cities.
The State of Coloroado offers the following rebate program:
The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is pleased to offer a Residential Solar Program to homeowners wishing to install a solar electric or solar domestic hot water system on their home. GEO has provided matching grants to select program partners with the goal of developing local solar electric and solar domestic hot water system rebate programs. Program partners take part in either the Solar Electric or Solar Domestic Hot Water program and, in some cases, both. Solar ElectricOnce energy efficiency has been optimized; grid-tied, net metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer most households the option to further offset their electricity costs. Grid-tied PV systems allow the owner to send excess energy back into the grid and benefit the owner by mitigating the susceptibility to fluctuations in the price of electricity. In addition, distributed solar electric systems decrease the demand for electricity generated from centralized fossil fuel plants, which leads to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Solar Electric Program offers rebates of up to $6,000 per system ($3,000 from GEO and $3,000 from program partners) to qualified homeowners through their local partner.
Only residential, grid-tied, net metered systems are eligible.
Solar Electric Program participants will be required to demonstrate that a residential energy audit has been performed on the home prior to system installation.
The Solar Electric Program is not available in Investor-Owned Utility (Xcel Energy and Aquila Colorado) service territories.
Solar Installers

When going solar makes you smile and saves money

2008-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

When landscape contractor Ross McGuire was tossing around the idea of installing solar panels on his home in San Jose, Ca., a few months ago there were two reasons that tilted the decision to go ahead with the plan.
The first was environmental. "I wanted to do something good for the earth and global warming," he said. The second was financial. He knew he would reap the rewards over a long time after installing 11 panels for $17,000.
"Last month I had only $10 on my electrical bill. I have double sized my house and I have saved $150 a month. That is a pretty good savings," said McGuire. "I yelled ‘yahoo' when I first saw it. You work your butt off and then you see this. All right!" For the record, his average electrical bill before going solar was an average of about $150 a month. He still gets a gas bill of between $60 and $70 a month.
The size of his home grew to 2050 sq. ft. when he added a big family room, a dining room and a master bed and master bathroom, a total of about 1000 sq. ft. The home now has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a hot tub.
With all the additions, McGuire estimated he would save between $1400 and $1500 a year on power and expects to pay off the panels in seven years. He will also receive a $2000 incentive from the federal government and is on the cusp of whether he will get a rebate from the state government.
From the time he ordered to installing the photovoltaics (PVs) the process took just six weeks and was a seamless operation. "I contacted CleanSolar.com and I found them to be twice as thorough as others and more afforbale than other estimates," said McGuire.
While all this helped him to go solar, he said, the tipping point was what he heard while listening to the radio one day. "I heard that the housing boom had dropped and that the only houses that were selling for the right price were the ones with solar panels. They were selling quickly and for the asking price," he said.
"In today's price market that is a pretty good thing." McGuire says the panels had added "a good $20,000 to the appreciation of our house." As a new owner of solar panels he admits to getting a kick while watching the meter ticking over. "Every two seconds it goes down (which means he is saving energy) and I say all right!" he smiled.
He says he is happy with the overall decision of going green and says he will probably increase the number of panels for air conditioning if the price of the PVs comes down. That is something the experts are working on.
As a landscape contractor, McGuire tries to stay in tune with the big picture --- what is happening financially, new ideas on the horizon that he can implement with his business and the impact of going green on the environment.
He researched online, looked at websites, read what was available about the selection of panels. He is now an advocate of green and solar and that it will become a booming industry. It is the only way to go, he says, "as far as the energy crisis is concerned."
He added: "Global warming and the environment are important to us and there is a lot to pass onto our kids. Solar energy is so easy and you save money on my part and on everybody's part. I have no complaints."
Since McGuire installed the panels he has become something of a trailblazer in his street. "Neighbors are interested to see how it works and are asking questions," he said and added: "I'm into recycling. I now do it at work, too. In the past I haven't been, but now it is a conscious thing to do."
Solar Installer

San Francisco Offers Solar Grants for Homeowners and Non Profits

2008-06-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

San Francisco plans to expand renewable energy grants to homeowners and non profits in the city. On Tuesday the city's lawmakers approved grants to help homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits add solar panels to their buildings. Solar power companies are ready to meet an anticipated jump in demand of solar power in the city.

Homeowners can receive grants from $3,000 to $6,000 will be available to each homeowner to cover the installation of solar panels, as well as $10,000 for businesses and nonprofits, and $30,000 for nonprofit affordable housing.

To find a solar installer to help with the grant:
Solar Installer

Going Solar, a Positive Investment and Asset

2008-05-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ray Martin describes himself as a product of the oil shortage back in 1973 when he remembers waiting in line for hours to fill his tank with gas and in 1977 as an industrial engineering student at Georgia Tech he organized an energy fair and got to drive an electric car.
At Georgia Tech he established a recycling center, helped install solar panels on the roof of the aerospace engineering building, and he bought and rode a used bicycle. During summer break, he explored recycling as a business and rode shotgun on garbage trucks collecting data.

Now Martin, a sales and marketing VP, is married with two children living in a 3650 sq. ft. four bedroom and three and a half bathroom home in Fremont, Ca., is still thinking green.
In November last year he had solar panels installed after toying with the idea for several years. His house has zero shade on its roof and is perfectly situated for solar power.
"The rebate and incentives sped things along," he said. "It is a positive investment. It is not all about money. It is also about education, adds value to the home, and it is a burgeoning industry. It also helps to educate my children in solar power. It's great fun to see the meter going backwards, too. The kids ask what is a watt and what is a kilowatt. It is a chance to promote an awareness of going green."

Before buying the photovoltaics (PVs or panels), Martin planned on buying a $40,000 car, instead he decided on getting a $25,000 car and spent the rest on the PVs. It was a smart financial move.
But there are many other reasons why Martin is more than happy after installing the 10 PVs. His state rebate is $4190 and a federal credit of $2000. He says, because his average electricity cost was already fairly low, about 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, it will take him about 20 years to pay off the panels, but "after that it will be gravy."
In the 12 months prior to installing the PVs, his average electric bill was $48 and $51 for gas. He is still paying his gas bill and his electrical bill has been slashed to just $7.63 to have the solar panels hooked up. In his most recent month he earned a credit of $65, and he has already decided to get a solar water heater within the next year.

"The PV system is already performing better than advertised," he said adding that he expected to save between $450 and $500 a year going solar and that his children probably will continue to follow his footsteps.
"It all happened really quickly. It took six weeks from placing the order to installation, which was easy and our daily routine was not affected," he said. On another plus, the installers repaired a leak in the roof and replaced four broken roof tiles at no extra cost. "It left the roof in better condition than it was in before," said Martin.
Clean Solar, which installed the PVs, also made it a smoother ride for Martin by filling out all the paper work for the state rebate. He will get his federal incentive through his tax return.
All this did not come together without some solid homework. Martin took part in a 40-hour solar education class for electricians and was taught how to track the sun's trends. "I read about it on the Internet and spoke to people who already had panels. It all helped," he said.
Martin says his decision to go solar and his belief in green has a positive affect on the environment. "Absolutely," he added. "I subscribe to the vision that all energy should be renewable." As for the future, Martin says that if he decides to sell his house the new owner will also be pleased because it will come with no electrical bill.
"It was a good investment and asset for the home," said Martin.

Solar Panel Prices to Drop Quickly

2008-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Financial analysts at Citigroup have joined the ranks of solar-company watchers that see falling prices to make solar power more affordable.

For consumers, the up-front price of getting solar-electric panels is still high--in the range of $20,000 to $35,000. A shortage of silicon cells is one reason that panels remain expensive.

But the overall demand for solar cells and panels is still very strong, driven by corporate customers and utilities. The solar industry has been ramping up production of silicon wafers in an effort to keep up.

In a report published on Thursday, Citi said it believes that the silicon shortage will become a silicon oversupply which will start to push down prices next year and then accelerate further in 2010.

Analysts also see demand risks from potential changes in 2010 to rebate programs in Germany and Spain, two of the largest markets for solar.

From CNET News

http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9940001-54.html?tag=nefd.top

Solar Powered Hotels Hyatt Hotels Offers Solar Power

2008-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hyatt is proving that the hotel chain is taking climate change seriously, and is taking concrete action to save the environment.

Grand Hyatt Dubai had its main water heating system converted from diesel oil-fired to solar-powered recently. Their intention is to reduce United Arab Emirate’s carbon footprint, as it is now the second largest emitter of CO2 per capita in the world.

With the completion of the solar plant, the kitchens, laundries, guest rooms, pool and spa areas are no longer dependent on generators that emit toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

more info

Extreme Home Makeover Highlights Solar Power for New Home

2007-10-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

In this weeks edition of Extreme Home Makeover goes Green. With Ty and his crew building a solar power home in the desert. They showed how a solar home can help generate enough power for the whole neighborhood.

The Navajo Indian reservation used solar power to help heat homes. Including a homemade solar heater used in the Extreme Home Makeover story.

This solar heater was built by a 13 year old boy to help heat his families home naturally with no fumes or fuel. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Regional Office has offered options for homeowners to install solar homes.

Sun power needs help, panel told in Kentucky

2007-09-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

Sun power needs help, panel told

By PAUL GLASSER

September 23, 2007

By PAUL GLASSER
State Journal Staff Writer

Andy McDonald, of the Kentucky Solar Partnership, asked state lawmakers on Friday to support tax credits or low-interest loans for families who want to install solar-power systems.
"It's wise for the state to help spur development in this industry," McDonald told members of the special subcommittee on energy।

He said although Congress had previously approved a two-year tax credit for solar energy, more should be done to encourage long term market growth. A strong market for solar power will create new jobs, reduce emissions and improve financial security, McDonald said.
Homeowners can install a variety of solar-energy systems, including photovoltaic generators and solar water heaters। It costs about $4,000 to install a solar water heater but McDonald said energy cost-savings would pay for the system in about eight years.

"A solar water heater adds value to the home and saves about 3।6 tons of carbon emissions per year," he said. "That's equal to taking one car off the road."

McDonald also said engineers and architects can incorporate elements when designing a home that will reduce the amount of energy required to heat it in the winter and cool it during the summer।

In 2006, the Department of Energy provided funding for a pilot program offering rebates for solar water heaters। McDonald said the program was very popular and all the money was spent in only one year.

Article

States Promoting Solar Energy

2007-08-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

RALEIGH, N.C. — Some focus on the sun, others on the wind, and at least one includes a role for pig power.

While the particulars vary, state laws requiring electric utilities to use renewable energy sources to help curb greenhouse-gas emissions and meet growing power demands are rapidly becoming the norm.

Laws in Washington, New Hampshire and Oregon are less than a year old. On Monday, Gov. Mike Easley signed a bill into law in North Carolina. Exactly half of the states are now on board, and Congress is mulling a national measure.

The new law in North Carolina, like many of the others, will mean that a percentage of the electricity powering homes five years from now will come from the sun and other renewable sources, including, in this case, pig waste.

Following the states' lead, the House of Representatives voted this month for a 15% standard for electric utilities nationwide. The requirement would go to President Bush for approval if it makes the cut when the House and Senate merge their energy legislation.

from usa today

Stunning Solar-Powered Homes - Forbes Magazine

2007-08-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sun-reliant energy systems allow some homeowners to turn a profit by selling excess power to local utilities.
By Matt Woolsey
8/16/07

Owners of solar-powered homes sleep easy all summer. And it's only in part because they can keep their houses cool without paying obscenely large electricity bills.

Rather, by opting for a photovoltaic (PV) solar-power system, which relies on roof-top solar panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity, a homeowner can, depending on the time of year and the climate in which he lives, cover his monthly energy bill and in some cases, even sell surplus energy back to the grid.

This is due in large part to state and federal subsidies, which homeowners are increasingly embracing. Residential solar installations have tripled since 2002, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a trade group for solar energy-related businesses.

Full story at: http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/16/solar-energy-homes-forbeslife-cx_mw_0816solarrealestate.html?partner=email

House shifts $16 billion toward renewable energy

2007-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday passed a Democratic rewrite of U.S. energy policy that strips $16 billion in tax incentives away from Big Oil and puts it toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

The 786-page bill, passed in a rare Saturday vote, was a top priority for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and is an amalgam of bills assembled by about a dozen of the chamber's committees in recent months.

Republicans called it a "no-energy bill" because it lacks new drilling incentives, and they derided the new emphasis on renewables as "green pork." The White House threatened to veto the bill on concerns that it could boost energy prices.

OPINION: It's time for Washington to get green. Here's a proposal - cut military spending in half, then redistribute the money to clean power, health and education initiatives worldwide.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070805/bs_nm/usa_energy_house_dc_3

Clean tech becomes big business

2007-08-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Clean technology is evolving from environmental issue to big business, opening a world of opportunities for companies, entrepreneurs and investors who see a chance to -- yes -- clean up, says a new book.

"Clean technology is everywhere," write Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder in "The Clean Tech Revolution: The Next Big Growth and Investment Opportunity" (Collins, $26.95).

They describe clean tech as "any product, service, or process that delivers value using limited or zero nonrenewable resources and/or creates significantly less waste than conventional offerings."
The main force pushing clean tech from "utopian dreams" to new Silicon Valleys and Wall Street is simple economics: "Clean-energy costs are falling as the costs of fossil fuel energy are going up," the authors write.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070804/bs_nm/us_books_cleantech_dc_1

Village in India Gets Solar Power

2007-07-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

GUDDA, India (CNN) -- In Gudda, a village with very little, residents are literally beaming. Just two years ago, villagers had never seen light after dark, unless it came from the moon. Then, solar light arrived and changed everything.
"When the lanterns first arrived, the villagers asked, 'What is this?' " says Hanuman Ram, the local solar engineer. "I explained to them how it worked. Then slowly, as people saw it, they said, 'Wow, what a thing this is!' "
There are no real roads that lead to the tiny village in the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India, home to about 100 families. There are only thin strips of tar dotted with massive potholes that force vehicles into thick brush. Other times, cars have to maneuver over just dirt.
There is no electricity -- power lines don't extend out here. Water is scarce, too. At the village well, women balance jugs of water on their heads, deftly evading the livestock that saunters along. Visit the sites of Gudda with CNN's Arwa Damon »
It's a simple lifestyle of farming, tending to goats, caring for children and carrying out household chores -- a daily routine that hasn't changed much over the centuries.
That's why light transformed Gudda. Villagers could play music at night. Children could study well past sundown. Watch villagers smile as they light their solar lamps »
As Yamouna Groomis kneads dough for her family's evening meal, she blows through a pipe every once in a while to keep a flame burning in an outdoor clay pit. Her days used to end when the sun went down. She smiles as she proudly flicks on a solar lamp.
"When I saw this light coming on for the first time, I was very happy," she says.
The light is powered by a solar panel on her roof that charges a battery. Panels can be seen on almost every rooftop in Gudda.

More at www.cnn.com

Solar 2007 Conference in Cleveland

2007-07-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Free Clean Solar was at the Solar 2007 conference in Cleveland on July 8th 9th and 10th.

The conference was a great opportunity to meet the leading solar installers and suppliers including First Solar, Solene, and JA Solar.

In addition we met with Grean Energy Ohio, NASA, Cuyahoga County, and the US Department of Energy.

This was great conference and helped research the marketing for Solar Power and meet the major players in the industry.

Solar Energy 2007 was a launching point for Cleveland to get moving in the Sustainable Energy Department. The Great Lakes Science Center recenly installed solar pannels to power some of the science center, the Cleveland Indians installed solar panels to power TV sets in the Jacobs field, and the Clevleand Fire Department installed solar panels at one of its fire stations.

We plan on being at Solar 2008 in San Diego.

Solar installation

2007-07-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Can anyone suggest a reputable installation company for a residential solar system in California?

Solar Power Promotional Ideas

2007-06-17T09:59:00.001-07:00

Have an idea about how to get the word out about solar power or clean energy? Post it here.

Hint: This could include identifying journalists, celebrity spokespeople, events, novel ideas or other tactics.

Solar Power and Clean Energy Success Stories

2007-06-17T09:58:00.001-07:00

Have a good story about solar energy or clean power to share? Post it here.

Solar Power and Clean Energy Articles

2007-06-17T09:55:00.001-07:00

Come across a good article about solar or clean power for the home? Post your links and titles and comments here.

Welcome!

2007-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting the freecleansolar.com forum.

What is the purpose? That's for each of us to decide. Rants, raves, articles, facts, figures, feedback, success stories.

Our overarching objective is to promote and enable clean power for the home. The site is an attempt to apply some capitalism to the effort in order to make an impact. We believe every rooftop should have solar power. The site is a first step to make that happen, one home at a time.

Although solar has been around for a long time, we believe most citizens do not know how accessible and affordable (and clean) it can be. Therefore, we envision mass market demand creation to get the word out and get people to take action, click here and call now! Yes, we will be applying, gulp, marketing tactics to get people to move. We're just starting, and a rudimentary start at that, but we are ambitious and can actually, perhaps foolishly, envision TV commercials that get people to call or visit in order to get solar. However, this will entirely depend on the value we deliver and enough revenue to make it happen.

Now for some goals for the blog. First, let's make it a clearinghouse of articles, studies, sites, services, success stories, surveys and ideas. For example, if you come across a great article, then please remember to post a link or reference here. It's really that simple.

Another goal is use the blog to solve problems for people. Therefore, if you come across a challenge, issue, roadblock or lesson learned, then this is also a great place to share so that others can benefit.

The final goal is to get the word out. We all like to talk, so tell people about solar, clean power, the site and the blog. You'll simply feel good about it, I promise!

Cheers,

Rich