Harmon Solar

Solar Energy Industry Report for Arizona

Holly — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:57:25 +0000

Arizona has gone from being entirely behind the eight ball to now being in the running for leadership status in the solar energy industry. Industry experts are actually hopefull that solar energy will become one of the state's economic engines. Related posts:

Discount Solar Energy Installations

Holly — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:44:59 +0000

Quality, integrity, constituency, and reliability are all things that keep consumers coming back, and with an investment like a solar energy system, these are worth paying for. No related posts.

Solar-Powered Wind Chimes

Holly — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:36:59 +0000

While shopping online, I came across an unusual wind chime - a solar wind chime. I couldn't figure out why anyone would need a wind chime that is "powered" by anything other than the wind. No related posts.

Improving the Efficiency of Our Solar Panel Installation

Julie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:14:20 +0000

Trees or other sources of shade will decrease the efficiency of your solar panels, so it's important to keep the trees trimmed and the solar panels clean. Related posts:

Solar Energy Savings from our Solar Panel Installation

SOLAR 2010 – 39th annual National Solar Energy Conference

Jason — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:02:11 +0000

The 39th annual National Solar Energy Conference, SOLAR 2010, is coming to Phoenix! It will be at the Phoenix Convention Center on May 17th thru May 22nd 2010. Related posts:

Energy Efficiency Appliance Program – Rebates and Energy Savings

Holly — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:30:33 +0000

The Arizona Energy Office has been charged with creating a program for allocating more than $6 million in rebates to purchasers of other energy efficient appliances. Related posts:

Solar Energy Savings from our Solar Panel Installation

Julie — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:05:43 +0000

So far, we have exceeded the expected energy produced and I fully expect to have a nice energy credit by the end of the year. Related posts:

Crane Sense

Len — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:40:22 +0000

We always use a crane to set our solar panels at solar installations. On rooftops, this comes a risk of danger and injury. Related posts:

Fall Protection – Equipment and Systems for Solar Installations

Washer Rebate Keeps Money From Going Down the Drain

Holly — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:36:29 +0000

Until the end of this year, SRP is offering a $75 rebate for new washers that meet energy-efficiency standards. APS hopes to implement a similar rebate program in 2010. Related posts:

Start Planning Now for Tax Savings with Solar Energy

Lisa — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:45:02 +0000

Anyone considering taking advantage of the incredible tax incentives offered by both the Federal and State next year must have their solar energy system “turned on” by the end of this year. Related posts:

Energy Efficiency Appliance Program – Rebates and Energy Savings

From Shrimp Farming to Alternative Fuels

Holly — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:53:43 +0000

With enough investors, the farmer hopes to turn his land into a space that harvests alternative fuel. No related posts.

Arizona Commission Needs to Support Their Own Decision

Holly — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:36:53 +0000

Discussion of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s approval of a request for an additional $143 million in commercial solar system incentives to be given out by APS. Related posts:

Toilet paper, Hummus and Solar Tubes

Holly — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:07:01 +0000

Solar tubes serve a similar purpose as skylights, but require much less space, are easier to install, and are less expensive. No related posts.

Peak oil now

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:00:00 +0000

On Monday, the British newspaper The Independent published an interview with Fatih Birol, chief economist for the International Energy Agency, in which Birol warned governments to pay attention to the impending oil crunch. Peak oil arrives within ten years, Birol said, but as demand for oil rises, prices will soar long before that. He predicts [...] Related posts:

The ecological bubble

Should Private Companies Be Allowed to Sell Solar Energy?

Holly — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:41:36 +0000

I’m a big believer that expanding Arizona’s footprint in the solar arena is going to help diversify our economy and hopefully assist us the next time we face a downturn. Related posts:

Short shrift for passive heating?

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:30:07 +0000

Do national standards contain a consistent bias in favor hot-weather architecture? Specifically, do they favor passive cooling technology over passive heating technology? Two experts have recently drawn attention to idiosyncracies in heating/cooling rules. First, architect Paul Hutton here in Colorado points out that LEED points are awarded for white or reflective roofs, even in snow [...] No related posts.

Federal Stimulus Money to Benefit Arizona…Sort of

Holly — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:48:45 +0000

The disheartening news is that three out-of-state companies were awarded the remainder of the $1.5 million, including a New York-based construction company enlisted for a solar panel installation project in Yuma. Related posts:

Calculate Your Potential Energy Savings

Jason — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:06:13 +0000

I found a new Home Energy Saver website that will allow you to calculate the potential for energy savings for your house. Related posts:

New Incentives for Solar Companies

Holly — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:56:27 +0000

Arizona's SB 1043 gives a variety of incentives to solar companies locating their headquarters or factories in our sunny state. Related posts:

Solar Energy Companies Need Incentives to Come to Arizona

APS and EPR 6 – Solar Pays Even Better!

Lisa — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:10:24 +0000

The program, EPR 6, allows customers to install a PV solar system that would produce up to 125% of their current demand. APS will buy-back any remaining credits at the end of the year. Related posts:

Another Electric Rate Hike?

Saving on Utility Bills – Back to the Good Ol’ Days?

Joe — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:57:36 +0000

What do you need to consider in going completely green? Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when supplying your own energy needs. Related posts:

Utility-scale Thin Film

No Solar Panels Needed to Use Solar Oven

Holly — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:42:22 +0000

For under $150, you use a small, 10 pound contraption to capture the sun’s rays and cook your food, much like a slow cooker. No related posts.

Solar Energy to Help Lead Arizona to Recovery

Holly — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:49:04 +0000

A variety of proposed programs will advance energy efficiency and renewable energy in Arizona, including solar energy projects. Related posts:

Solar Industry Bill Advancing

Holly — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:49:25 +0000

In an effort to increase Arizona’s competitiveness in the solar manufacturing arena, early this week the State Senate passed a solar industry bill, 1403, to attract new industry to the state. Related posts:

Better luck this time

admin — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:30:07 +0000

The July/August issue of The Atlantic contains a good feature article on the history of renewable energy in the U.S. since the Carter administration, and the lessons to be drawn as we launch another go at reforming the nation’s energy economy. In “Better Luck This Time,” senior editor Joshua Green traces the volatile seesaw pattern of [...] Related posts:

SOLAR 2010 – 39th annual National Solar Energy Conference

Solar Panels Can Serve More Than One Purpose

Holly — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:46:35 +0000

If you have limited space or are concerned about covering your roof, there are options for solar panels that are dual purpose. One such type of panel is a bifacial solar panel. Related posts:

World’s largest carbon-neutral power projects

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:30:10 +0000

We love distributed power, but like most technology freaks we also love to look at gigantic engineering. At least you have to admire the ambition. The Scientific American website today posted a slide show of ten huge renewable (or at least carbon-neutral) electric power projects, and it’s great fun. Each site was chosen as the largest [...] Related posts:

Global clean energy investment surpasses new fossil fuel spending

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:30:10 +0000

Investment in sustainable energy projects rose 5% in 2008 to $155 billion worldwide, according to a report issued today by the United Nations, surpassing investment in new fossil fuel projects for the first time. However, the credit crisis delayed many North American projects, leading to an 8% drop in sustainable energy investments here. Chinese investment in [...] Related posts:

Solar Energy Companies Need Incentives to Come to Arizona

Holly — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:14:29 +0000

The positive side to this story is that Arizona is a prime target for solar energy companies looking for a home. Related posts:

Fall Protection – Equipment and Systems for Solar Installations

Len — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:10:01 +0000

When working on a roof there is potential exposure to fall hazards. To avoid these hazards there must be Fall Protection Equipment and Systems. Related posts:

Crane Sense

The Perfect Place for PV Solar Panels

Lisa — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:55:13 +0000

We really wanted to go “Net Zero” on our electricity bill by installing solar on our home, but we didn’t have enough roof space. Related posts:

Sir Nicholas vs. Mother Nature

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:30:04 +0000

In The New York Review of Books for June 11, Bill McKibben of 350.org has published a thoughtful review of the new Nicholas Stern book, The Global Deal: Climate Change and the Creation of a New Era of Progress and Prosperity. Stern, former chief economist of the World Bank, made headlines in October, 2006, on [...] Related posts:

Peak oil now

SRP Rebates – A Step in the Right Direction

Holly — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:01:33 +0000

If you want to become energy independent, but need to wait on installing a solar system, there are small steps you can take. Related posts:

Another Electric Rate Hike?

Lisa — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:52:30 +0000

It seems to be the topic of conversation lately: APS increased our electric rates again! Everywhere I go I seem to be having the same conversation as the summer heat is upon us. Everyone is tired of paying their electricity bill. Perhaps it’s the economy that has all of us talking [...] No related posts.

Water vs. energy

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

It’s now widely recognized, if infrequently mentioned, that it takes water to make energy, and energy to transport and treat water.Michael Webber of the University of Texas has been mentioning it a lot. In a recent Scientific American article, he wrote at length about the ecological death spiral that results when energy and water utilities [...] Related posts:

Europe headed for hot water

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Olivier Drucke, 43, the Franco-German marketing whiz who runs the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) in Brussels, gave a rapid-fire talk on Thursday to explain how his coalition managed to get solar water heating mandated at 50% of all heating demand by 2050. As a baseline, Drucke said, in 2007 China had the equivalent of [...] Related posts:

Water vs. energy

It’s Not Too Late to Take Advantage of SRP Solar Rebates

Holly — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:35:32 +0000

SRP Rebates will decrease significantly on June 1, 2009. In order to take advantage of the current rates, you must contact a solar installation company today so that your solar panel design and plan can be postmarked by May 31. Related posts:

Why not let communities own PV?

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:30:06 +0000

What if people ordinarily unable to install photovoltaic systems because of the initial cost or lack of an unshaded, well-oriented roof could buy into a community installation and receive a corresponding offset on their utility bills? Speakers at today’s SOLAR 2009 session on community solar described first steps at making this model a reality. Two [...] No related posts.

Does grid parity matter?

admin — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:30:04 +0000

For decades, solar power companies have worked hard to drive the cost of solar-generated electricity downward, to compete with “conventional” central power plants. “Grid parity” is considered to be 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour – the average cost of utility-supplied electricity across the United States. Speakers at the opening plenary session of SOLAR 2009 said [...] Related posts:

Why not let communities own PV?

The ecological bubble

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

The real estate bubble has burst. Denis Hayes, president of The Bullitt Foundation and a pioneering solar engineer and advocate, thinks the world will work its way out of the its economic morass “in three months or three years.” But, he warned a large audience at the SOLAR 2009 Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening, “Recovery is [...] Related posts:

How to think about the future

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:30:05 +0000

David Zach is a futurist, not a psychic. When he speaks next Friday at SOLAR 2009, the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Conference, he says “I’m not going to tell people what’s going to happen in the future, but I am going to tell them how to think about the future.” Zach will talk about [...] Related posts:

SOLAR 2009: Read the daily blog here

admin — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:50:08 +0000

The SOLAR TODAY staff shuffles off to Buffalo over the weekend. We’ll post daily reports on SOLAR 2009 events, right here on the Advances blog. In addition to speeches, we’ll sit in on a lot of policy updates, technology introductions and training sessions. There’s always something lively and interesting going on, so check this space daily. [...] Related posts:

SOLAR 2009 keynote: Success, but no respect?

SOLAR 2009 keynote: Success, but no respect?

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:50:08 +0000

Jigar Shah, founder of SunEdison, says the theme of his keynote talk will be that “We got everything we want except respect.” Shah explains that a progressive administration and energy-minded Congress are happy to provide incentives and stimulus funds to promote solar energy projects. But in spite of a seven-year track record of 40 percent annual [...] Related posts:

SOLAR 2009: Read the daily blog here

Good news, bad news on carbon emissions

admin — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:13:18 +0000

Good news and bad news from our English-speaking cousins:First the good news: Jim Prentice, Canada’s environment minister, announced last week that his Conservative government will institute a cap-and-trade system for coal-fired power plants, effectively forbidding new coal-plant construction without carbon sequestration and leading to the phase-out of existing plants.The bad news is that Australia [...] Related posts:

Kansas coal plant back on track

admin — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Since October 2007, Kansas has waged a war over the issue of a new coal-burning power plant for Sunflower Electric. The utility company lobbied aggressively for it, and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius repeatedly vetoed enabling legislation. Sebelius has now moved on to become secretary of health and human services in the Obama administration. Her successor as [...] Related posts:

Investment in renewables: Bubble, or key to prosperity?

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

On NPR’s Morning Edition program today, Jeff Brady interviewed hedge fund veteran Eric Janszen. For about the past year, Janszen has been telling anone who will listen that renewable energy is the next great investment bubble, following in the tradition of the real estate and dot-com bubbles. Then Brady talked to Boone Pickens, who explained, [...] Related posts:

Solar Map of Berkeley

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:54 +0000

Last summer, Michael Totten wrote a couple of columns in SOLAR TODAY about Google’s sustainable energy projects. A flurry of letters (July/August 08) followed, proposing ways in which Google’s software products — in particular, Google Earth — might be adapted to solar energy planning.We’ve seen a number of these mash-ups recently. The slickest and most [...] Related posts:

Obama boosts R&D spending, especially on energy

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:51 +0000

Pres. Barack Obama, in a speech today to the National Academy of Sciences, committed the United States to spend at least 3% of GDP on research and development, including a major commitment to energy projects.The initiative includes doubling the budgets for the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, among other [...] Related posts:

CARB and the future of biofuels

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:49 +0000

Non-fossil liquid fuels got a boost yesterday when the California Air Resources Board called for a 10% cut in the carbon emissions of motor fuels by 2020.On the face of it, the rule is good news for the ethanol and biodiesel industries. To limit land-conversion and food-competition problems, CARB favors low-carbon fuels with high energy [...] Related posts:

News brief, April 23

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:46 +0000

Obama on energy: “The nation that leads the world in creating new energy sources will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy. America can be that nation.” Fight shapes up over climate-and-energy bills Mojave CSP plants would use too much water: Park Service officer Colorado enacts state financing plan to support [...] Related posts:

Earth Day News

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:44 +0000

It’s Earth Day. Companies and agencies large and small use the occasion to announce green initiatives. Some of these are trivial greenwash, but some mark real progress in mainstreaming renewable energy. Here are a few of today’s winners:Bright Automotive, an Indiana start-up with backing from the Rocky Mountain Institute, Alcoa, Google, Johnson Controls and the [...] Related posts:

Nevada: Test case for the solar future

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:42 +0000

Nevada is shaping up to be a test case for the success of solar power.The good news, reported on Friday, is that the state’s electric utilities met their 9% RPS requirement in 2008. A number of questions remain going forward, all centered on the issue of how they’ll meet their 12% requirement this year and [...] Related posts:

Power from Heaven

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:39 +0000

Two stories came through this week that made me blink: Pacific Gas & Electric signed a preliminary agreement to buy power generated in space, and the Vatican announced plans to build a 100 MW solar power plant — the largest in Europe — and export electricity to Italy. In the March issue of SOLAR TODAY I wrote [...] Related posts:

Utility-scale Thin Film

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:15:34 +0000

Following on to Monday’s story about the rising fortunes of thin-film PV relative to silicon, today’s Wall Street Journal reports that FirstSolar will sell 48 MW of PV modules to Sempra Generation, of San Diego, for installation at a solar farm in southern Nevada. Sempra doesn’t have a customer for the power yet, but the [...] Related posts:

Technical advances

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Schuco Designs a Cooler Module Schuco has redesigned its photovoltaic modules to help them stay cool. As they heat up in the sun, today’s silicon PV cells lose about one half percent of their power for every degree Celsius. Schuco engineers used the Flomerics FloVENT computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to model energy absorption and reflection, [...] No related posts.

ASES National Solar Tour

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:01:10 +0000

Harmon Electric and S2 Energy Partners are proud to present two solar-powered homes in Surprise, AZ on this year’s National Solar Tour put on by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Here is more info from the ASES web page: The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event in history. While energy prices continue [...] Related posts:

Senate Expected to Pass Bill Extending Solar Investment Tax Credits Today

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:16:38 +0000

Bill would extend solar tax credits for 8 years and eliminate cap on residential installations SEIA expects the Senate to debate and pass legislation that extends the federal solar investment tax credits (ITC) for 8 years. Indications are that H.R. 6049, the Baucus-Grassley Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, will pass with bipartisan support today. The [...] Related posts: