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Let’s Solarize New Delhi!

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SmartPower’s successful and award-winning Solarize model for residential solar installation is now going global!

After months of discussions and face-to-face visits, SmartPower and WeeGreen recently reached agreement with two Indian utility companies: Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL). New Delhi’s third utility, Tata Power, is close to finalizing an agreement as well. When that occurs, all three New Delhi utilities will be part of the SmartPower Solarize Campaigns. Through these joint partnerships, SmartPower and WeeGreen – and our on-the-ground partners in India – will use the Solarize model to expand the adoption of residential solar in New Delhi.

India is a global leader in renewable energy production. In recent years, investment in renewable energy sources has increased dramatically, and India now has one of the fastest growing solar industries in the world. However, India also has the second largest population in the world, and electricity demand is expected to triple by 2040. If the renewable energy industry does not expand at a commensurate rate, fossil fuel usage will rise dramatically.

In order to address the anticipated surge in energy demand, the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been setting ambitious renewable energy goals for the coming years. Prime Minister Modi established a preliminary target of generating over 40% of the nation’s total energy capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and that target is now expected to be far surpassed as the renewable energy industry skyrockets. The government of India also set forward a solar-specific target of installing 100 GW of solar energy by 2022. Of this 100 GW target, India hopes to generate 40 GW from rooftop solar units alone. In tandem with the nationwide push towards solar, the Delhi government has set its own target of generating 2000 MW in solar energy by 2025.

Of course, setting goals can be the easy part. Actually meeting them can prove more challenging. None of the solar energy objectives will be achieved without the rapid expansion of rooftop solar installation—and that’s where SmartPower and WeeGreen come in.

Working with a unique coalition brought together by the US State Department; the Government of India through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; the City of New Delhi; three local utilities; and a local non-profit partner, the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), our Solarize campaign in New Delhi will offer residents the opportunity to install rooftop solar on their homes using the same peer-to-peer, community-wide approach that has been so effective here in the US. Unique to New Delhi, the Solarize campaign will target owner-occupied homes to expand the types of residential installations beyond the typical large multifamily building. Indeed, the New Delhi campaigns have the same potential to provide the economic benefits for households, workers, the utilities, and the city at large that we’ve seen work so well in states as varied as Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, and South Carolina. Individual families save money on their utility bills and at the same time, the increased demand for solar installation will result in widespread job growth and economic development and reduced costs for solar. It’s a win-win-win for the residents of New Delhi. And, long-term – for our planet.

We’re thrilled to embark upon such an exciting new project that will be able to benefit the New Delhi community and help India reach its renewable energy goals. Keep an eye out for regular updates on our New Delhi campaigns!

The Advantages of Portable Solar Power

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Written by Tom Masters from https://www.sheltonroofing.com/

When most people think about solar energy, they think about solar panels sitting on a roof of a home that work to gather the sun’s rays to make power to use inside the home. Today however, portable solar power can be taken on the road to use while camping, traveling or any other situation where you need power but don’t have access to electricity. Portable solar power is even great to have available at home to use during blackouts from storms or other natural disasters. Here are some advantages of portable solar power:

Eco-Friendly

Solar power is an eco-friendly way to power a home, business or even camping trip. Generators are not always welcome at campgrounds or in public spaces, but portable solar power is quiet, has no dangerous fumes and can be used virtually anywhere that you need power.

Great for Entertainment and Comfort

If you have ever been camping or taken a long road trip with children or teens, you know that entertainment during overnight stops or extended stays is mandatory. With portable solar power, you can power up and have the family listening to music or even watching television in no time at all. It’s also ideal for powering up a fan to stay cool and comfortable during any outdoor adventure.

Cost Efficient

Since portable solar is powered purely through the sun’s rays, it is completely free to use. While other portable charging devices may rely on batteries or fuel, portable solar power relies solely on the sun. There is no additional charge for using portable solar, so as long as you have access to direct sunlight, you can have peace of mind that electricity will be generated with no other input necessary.

A Solid Investment

Portable solar power is a solid investment that you can utilize for many years. As the cost of electricity continuously rises year after year, the sun remains the same. During a power outage, using portable solar power may be a great way to not only power the essentials, but a way to save money.

Lightweight

When you invest in a solar powered generator, be sure to choose one that is lightweight so you will have no trouble hauling it from place to place. This is an investment that should last for many years, so choose one that offers high wattage and is sturdy.

Reliable

Portable solar power is a reliable source of energy because it is powered through the sun rather than fuel, so there is no concern of running out of power. When the electricity goes out during a storm or you are camping out in the wilderness, portable solar power is great to have on hand so you can stay in touch with those you need to communicate with. Portable photovoltaic can be used to charge your communication devices including cell phones, walkie-talkies, laptops, iPads and more. It comes in handy to be able to communicate if you decide to head into the woods for a long hike and want to be able to stay in contact in case an emergency should happen to arise.

As you can see, there are many advantages to using portable solar power at home or on the road. This incredible source of power is easy to take along, lightweight and ideal for emergencies, travel and more. With the great advances that technology has made, and continues to make, portable solar power is the perfect way to power your devices when you want to decrease your carbon footprint. 

Energize Bedford launches “Energy Coach” video series

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Above: Energize Bedford Energy Coach Dick Kornbluth is featured in a new series of videos that help Bedford, N.Y., residents get quick answers to common household efficiency questions.

With so many actions to take and choice to make, energy efficiency can be daunting. But having a coach makes it easy!

Make that an Energy Coach. Dick Kornbluth, who has been a home efficiency professional since 1977, is now taking questions at EnergizeBedford.org. Energize Bedford is a BetterBuildings program in Northern Westchester County, N.Y., that makes it easy for homeowners to follow through with comprehensive upgrades that drastically improve home comfort and energy cost savings.

Kornbluth’s Energy Coach video series has already tackled several frequently asked questions, including:

Learn more about Energize Bedford at EnergizeBedford.org.

Plumen: the world’s first designer CFL

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Let’s face it: the humble CFL could use a face lift. Thanks to Plumen, it got one.

The fancy new compact fluorescents look cool enough for vintage fixtures but pack an efficient punch. Plumen co-owner Michael-George Hemus told the Los Angeles Times that his new bulb “produces the equivalent of a 55-watt glow, reduces electrical consumption by 80% and can provide 8,000 hours of light.”

It’s yours for a mere $29.95. 

D.C. area’s first net-zero home sells for $1.8 million

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net-zero kitchen

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How much would you pay for a house that produces more energy than it uses? (That means no electricity bills, ever, by the way.) Try $1.8 million. Even in this housing market, it looks like green is a good investment.

A new home in the Washington, D.C., area (Glen Echo, Md., to be exact) has earned “net zero distinction, thanks to sustainable design and a host of built-in renewable energy features. (The kitchen is pictured above, via Urban Turf.)

Designed by architect Marcie Meditch, the house has four bedrooms and tops out at 3,500 square feet. It may be the first home in its area to receive Platinum LEED certification, the highest rating for environmental standards under the U.S. Green Building Council:

From the original choice of a pie-shaped lot that allows for passive site orientation to intelligently harness solar power, to the geothermal heating system and designer low-flow toilets, every aspect of the property is in keeping with the architect’s original vision.

Would you plunk down $1.8 million for a net zero house? Let us know in the comments.

Poop to power: Massachusetts “digester” powers nearby homes

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What if farmers could turn livestock waste – a major contributor to global warming – into clean, renewable energy? Turns out they already can. Take Jordan Farm in Rutland, Mass., where Gov. Deval Patrick, above, did ribbon-cutting duty on Tuesday to celebrate the farm’s methane digester:

The manure digester sits on 1.5 acres of Mr. Jordan’s farm, with two tanks, a pump and engine, and a separator. Through the digesting process, the smell of the manure is removed and is used to produce gas, which powers an engine that will generate electricity for the farm. Excess electricity will be sold back to National Grid.

Once the smell is removed, the solid manure will be used for fertilizer, just as it always has been.

Mr. Jordan said the digester will run continuously, and that his 300 mature cows (700 total) produce about 10,000 gallons of manure each day. He also said it takes about six weeks from start-up to produce electricity.

The owners tell us that they estimate each cow will produce enough electricity to power a single Massachusetts home for a whole year. Read more about the Jordan Digester in SmartPower President Brian F. Keane’s latest column for HuffPost Green.

SmartPower President Brian F. Keane designates library as free solar site

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Above: SmartPower President Brian F. Keane delivers remarks at a press conference outside of the Acacia Library in Sunnyslope – a neighborhood in Phoenix, AZ – on Thursday, May 26. To the right is Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates. Gates and Keane were on hand to announce that the library, which narrowly escaped shutdown in a recent round of budget cuts, will be the future home of free solar panels that Sunnyslope is eligible to earn by participating in the Arizona Solar Challenge.

For more photos, check out the whole gallery on Facebook. You can also read more about the library and press event on Arizona Solar Challenge Tumblr.

More than 50 people attend Arizona SmartPower’s inaugural EV stakeholder meeting

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On Wednesday in Phoenix, Arizona SmartPower convened its first electric vehicle stakeholder meeting. More than 50 representatives of utilities – like APS, SRP and TEP – auto dealerships, government agencies, non-profit organizations (Arizona PIRG, Sierra Club), and higher education institutions, including Norther Arizona University, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, gathered to talk about EVs and their potential to dramatically impact the state of Arizona.

The meeting, presided over by SmartPower President Brian F. Keane, was a huge success. Special thanks the supporters and partners who made it

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possible – especially APS and Leisa Brug, Director of the Arizona Office of Energy, from Gov. Jan Brewer’s Office.

Above: (l to r) Dean Howard of Policy Development group, Arizona SmartPower Program Assistant Aparna P. Mohla, Arizona SmartPower State Director Toni Bouchard, and SmartPower President Brian F. Keane.

Arizona has been identified as an early test market for EVs. At the meeting, participants discussed the policy, infrastructure and marketing challenges – and opportunities – that are unique to EVs. Of particular note was the importance of integrating EVs with the electric grid and planning carefully for the extra electricity demand they will generate. It was clear that this group is enthusiastic about working together to build the EV marketplace in Arizona!

Meetings will continue for the next several months. We’re confident that this stakeholder engagement process will foster strong growth and a robust market for EVs while protecting consumers and business interests.

Check out more photos on the Arizona SmartPower Facebook page.

Maine wind dispute rages on

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SmartPower President Brian F. Keane has been following a local dispute over wind turbine noise in Maine’s Fox Islands. Today, a new development: 

An attorney representing several homeowners living closest to a three-turbine wind installation on the island of Vinalhaven in Maine’s Penobscot Bay filed a formal complaint with the Maine Public Utilities Commission on Monday.

The complaint charges that the Fox Island Electric Cooperative, the local utility, and Fox Island Wind, the developer of the wind installation which is owned by the utility, have engaged in repeated harassment of the homeowners, who have argued since shortly after the turbines came online in late 2009 that the machines have been in violation of state noise ordinances. 

Learning to live with wind turbines – and understanding the fact that they make less noise than a variety of household appliances – is an important part of increasing the amount of clean energy we produce and use. Although a majority of the Vinalhaven residents support the Fox Islands turbines, it’s the squeaky few who get the grease – and the lion’s share of media attention.

What do you think? Do you live near wind turbines? We want to hear from you.

Iowa leads nation in wind generation

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Iowa: Not just for caucusing. According to the Iowa

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Department of Economic Development, that state gets 15 percent of its electricity from wind – the most in the nation – and counting:

That number is expected to reach 20 percent later this year when Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy completes its expansion, bringing Iowa one step closer to its goal of generating half the state’s electricity from wind by the year 2030. That would also allow it to export 30 percent of its wind energy to other states.

Not surprisingly, the wind industry has been a huge boon to Iowa’s economy. Some quick facts:

  • Approximately 4,100 manufacturers employ more than 198,000 Iowans and generate more than $9.5 billion in payroll.
  • Iowa has invested $7.5 million into transportation for the wind industry, specifically wind to rail facilities and barge facilities, which are scheduled to come online in the next few years.

Like the Iowa Department of Economic Development on Facebook to learn more.

[Image: “Top of Iowa wind farm” by J. Baldwin]