USA: Several farmers in North Kohala, Hawaii, are now benefitting from an innovative off-grid water-pumping system powered by a Northern Power NPS 100 wind turbine. Like many others in remote locations and island communities, North Kohala farmers have been searching for an alternative to using polluting, expensive diesel fuel to generate electricity.
This microgrid project, known as SkyGrid Energy, marks the growing trend of turning to affordable, clean, renewable wind energy as the solution. The NPS 100 wind turbine is specifically designed to support microgrids with its sophisticated voltage controls and no inrush current, thereby relieving stress to the system. In addition, the NPS 100's ability to control reactive power independently of wind speed more reliably meets energy demands, a crucial component of microgrids.
The SkyGrid Energy microgrid has been fully operational since April 2013. In addition to the NPS 100 wind turbine, which is the primary source of energy production, the system also includes a battery bank and solar panels. The system is capable of pumping more than 30 million gallons of water annually and is being used to irrigate 400 acres of agricultural land and support 14 participating farms and agricultural businesses.
The project was partially funded by the US Department of Energy through the Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture. Gen-X Energy Development LLC, the project developer, plans to replicate and deploy this microgrid solution throughout Hawaii and other island communities.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Solar Universe announces online design center
USA: Solar Universe, the leader in solar franchising, announced the launch of its online design center for consumers.
The platform is set to revolutionize the solar shopping experience for homeowners by bringing real-time engagement and quotes online, allowing new consumers to explore their options from their own homes. The current process of going solar requires a number of in-person visits, thus creating significant hurdles for new buyers. The design center is a scalable solution to support new customers wanting to enter the solar market.
Solar consumers save an average of $50 per month on their energy bills, seeing the cost of installation pay off completely within five years of their initial investment. The design center simplifies and improves the entry point to the market to help more consumers access energy savings. In addition to simplifying the process, customers can build a system with a sales rep in real-time and get a true feel for the placement, aesthetics and finance options available for their unique situations.
The platform is set to revolutionize the solar shopping experience for homeowners by bringing real-time engagement and quotes online, allowing new consumers to explore their options from their own homes. The current process of going solar requires a number of in-person visits, thus creating significant hurdles for new buyers. The design center is a scalable solution to support new customers wanting to enter the solar market.
Solar consumers save an average of $50 per month on their energy bills, seeing the cost of installation pay off completely within five years of their initial investment. The design center simplifies and improves the entry point to the market to help more consumers access energy savings. In addition to simplifying the process, customers can build a system with a sales rep in real-time and get a true feel for the placement, aesthetics and finance options available for their unique situations.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Schneider Electric and Alarm.com partner on home energy management
USA & AUSTRIA: Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, announced a partnership with Alarm.com, the leader in interactive security and connected home services, to bring the Wiser home management system to home builders, utilities and other service providers in the energy efficiency space.
The partnership capitalizes on Schneider Electric’s global presence in energy management and Alarm.com’s unparalleled back-end, data-processing and user interface capabilities.
Schneider Electric’s Wiser home management system leverages Alarm.com’s Connected Home platform and offers homeowners and property managers the ability to proactively track and manage electricity usage in real-time, monitor the power generated by rooftop solar panels and operate connected thermostats and load control devices more intelligently to reduce energy usage.
Schneider Electric’s Wiser home management system, powered by Alarm.com, seamlessly connects utilities and consumers. Wiser also enables homeowners to better control energy and save money, with features such as thermostat and lighting control that can be easily accessed through the web portal, www.wiserenergy.com, or the Wiser app, available for Android devices, in addition to iPads, iPhones and iPods.
This simplified, combined offering gives customers visibility and control of household energy use, enables homeowners to drive energy efficiency by reducing or shifting energy use during peak times, and provides customizable settings for optimal comfort. Customers using the Wiser home management system also have a flexible option for extending their energy management services into a whole home security and monitoring solution with Alarm.com’s Interactive Security services, provided by Alarm.com’s nationwide network of authorized security dealers.
The partnership capitalizes on Schneider Electric’s global presence in energy management and Alarm.com’s unparalleled back-end, data-processing and user interface capabilities.
Schneider Electric’s Wiser home management system leverages Alarm.com’s Connected Home platform and offers homeowners and property managers the ability to proactively track and manage electricity usage in real-time, monitor the power generated by rooftop solar panels and operate connected thermostats and load control devices more intelligently to reduce energy usage.
Schneider Electric’s Wiser home management system, powered by Alarm.com, seamlessly connects utilities and consumers. Wiser also enables homeowners to better control energy and save money, with features such as thermostat and lighting control that can be easily accessed through the web portal, www.wiserenergy.com, or the Wiser app, available for Android devices, in addition to iPads, iPhones and iPods.
This simplified, combined offering gives customers visibility and control of household energy use, enables homeowners to drive energy efficiency by reducing or shifting energy use during peak times, and provides customizable settings for optimal comfort. Customers using the Wiser home management system also have a flexible option for extending their energy management services into a whole home security and monitoring solution with Alarm.com’s Interactive Security services, provided by Alarm.com’s nationwide network of authorized security dealers.
Ascent Solar’s EnerPlex products reach new heights aboard Hainan Airlines
USA: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. announced the availability of the EnerPlex Kickr IV on all of Hainan Airlines’ over 500 domestic and international routes, including those of its subsidiaries: Shanxi, Chang’an and China Xinhua Airlines.
Hainan Airlines is China’s largest privately owned airline. Founded in 1989, it services 17 countries and is one of only seven airlines globally to receive the 5-Star ranking from Skytrax. With over 100 aircraft, Hainan operates one of the most modern and luxurious international fleets in the world, catering both to leisure as well as frequent business travelers.
In addition to Hainan Airlines’ in-flight sales offering, on-line platform and mileage exchange program, Kickr IV will also be prominently featured in Hainan’s “Thirty Thousand Miles” in-flight magazine.
“Hainan Airlines continually looks to offer its discerning passengers the newest and most novel premium products; the inclusion of Ascent’s ground-breaking EnerPlex product line allows Hainan Airlines to cater to our customers by providing them with a product choice which many travelers never imagined existed,” said Tracy Sun, Hainan’s Aircraft Media Project director. “Additionally, we are able to reward our valued Fortune Wings members with a premium product through our mileage exchange program.”
The Kickr series is a line of portable solar chargers, providing a charging solution for most USB enabled devices, enabling power to be generated almost anywhere with sunlight, perfect for those consumers who spend time separated from a reliable electrical grid. Easily foldable and incredibly lightweight, the Kickr is extremely portable and fits in a briefcase or carry-on.
Hainan Airlines is China’s largest privately owned airline. Founded in 1989, it services 17 countries and is one of only seven airlines globally to receive the 5-Star ranking from Skytrax. With over 100 aircraft, Hainan operates one of the most modern and luxurious international fleets in the world, catering both to leisure as well as frequent business travelers.
In addition to Hainan Airlines’ in-flight sales offering, on-line platform and mileage exchange program, Kickr IV will also be prominently featured in Hainan’s “Thirty Thousand Miles” in-flight magazine.
“Hainan Airlines continually looks to offer its discerning passengers the newest and most novel premium products; the inclusion of Ascent’s ground-breaking EnerPlex product line allows Hainan Airlines to cater to our customers by providing them with a product choice which many travelers never imagined existed,” said Tracy Sun, Hainan’s Aircraft Media Project director. “Additionally, we are able to reward our valued Fortune Wings members with a premium product through our mileage exchange program.”
The Kickr series is a line of portable solar chargers, providing a charging solution for most USB enabled devices, enabling power to be generated almost anywhere with sunlight, perfect for those consumers who spend time separated from a reliable electrical grid. Easily foldable and incredibly lightweight, the Kickr is extremely portable and fits in a briefcase or carry-on.
BluEarth Renewables to purchase four utility-scale solar power plants from Canadian Solar
CANADA: Canadian Solar Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Canadian Solar Solutions Inc., has entered into a sales agreement with a BluEarth Renewables Inc. subsidiary, whereby BluEarth will acquire from Canadian Solar four utility-scale solar power plants totaling 38.5MWac(53.9 MWdc) valued at over C$225.0 million ($217.2 million). CIBC World Markets acted as advisor to BluEarth in the transaction.
The four utility-scale solar power plants being purchased by BluEarth are located in Kawartha Lakes, Belleville, Beaverton and Napanee, Ontario, Canada. Construction on all four utility scale projects is expected to commence in 2013, with commercial operation expected in 2014. Canadian Solar will provide turnkey engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") services for all four sites.
"At BluEarth we are focused on developing and operating a portfolio of energy projects that optimizes people, planet and profits," said Kent Brown, president and CEO of BluEarth. "These projects are a great fit with our existing renewable energy plants and projects, moving us closer to our goal of $1 billion of high-quality, long-term contracted renewable energy plants. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Canadian Solar both in the delivery of these high-quality projects and on potential future projects."
These four utility-scale solar power plants are designed to generate sufficient power for approximately 6,878 homes, and will provide emissions free energy to Ontarians over their 20-year operational period covered under the Ontario Power Authority contracts. In addition, the utility-scale solar power plants will include approximately 186,000 Canadian Solar CS6X high-performance modules, which have been formally tested and awarded international certifications validating the quality of the Company's products.
The utility-scale solar power plants are expected to create more than 400 new jobs during the development and construction phases of all four solar projects.
"BluEarth's focus on promoting the responsible use of renewable resources is directly aligned with our goal of contributing to the growth of solar powered energy in Canada," said Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. "Development of these utility-scale solar power plants will contribute to job creation in the Ontario market during the construction phase, while also extending our position as a leading provider of solar energy solutions in Canada."
These four utility-scale solar plants being sold to BluEarth are part of Canadian Solar's pipeline in Ontario, Canada, of 29 projects equivalent to approximately 400 MW (dc). The Company estimates that the resale value of its entire Ontario project pipeline, once built into grid-connected solar power plants and sold to investors, will exceed C$1.50 billion ($1.45 billion).
The four utility-scale solar power plants being purchased by BluEarth are located in Kawartha Lakes, Belleville, Beaverton and Napanee, Ontario, Canada. Construction on all four utility scale projects is expected to commence in 2013, with commercial operation expected in 2014. Canadian Solar will provide turnkey engineering, procurement and construction ("EPC") services for all four sites.
"At BluEarth we are focused on developing and operating a portfolio of energy projects that optimizes people, planet and profits," said Kent Brown, president and CEO of BluEarth. "These projects are a great fit with our existing renewable energy plants and projects, moving us closer to our goal of $1 billion of high-quality, long-term contracted renewable energy plants. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Canadian Solar both in the delivery of these high-quality projects and on potential future projects."
These four utility-scale solar power plants are designed to generate sufficient power for approximately 6,878 homes, and will provide emissions free energy to Ontarians over their 20-year operational period covered under the Ontario Power Authority contracts. In addition, the utility-scale solar power plants will include approximately 186,000 Canadian Solar CS6X high-performance modules, which have been formally tested and awarded international certifications validating the quality of the Company's products.
The utility-scale solar power plants are expected to create more than 400 new jobs during the development and construction phases of all four solar projects.
"BluEarth's focus on promoting the responsible use of renewable resources is directly aligned with our goal of contributing to the growth of solar powered energy in Canada," said Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. "Development of these utility-scale solar power plants will contribute to job creation in the Ontario market during the construction phase, while also extending our position as a leading provider of solar energy solutions in Canada."
These four utility-scale solar plants being sold to BluEarth are part of Canadian Solar's pipeline in Ontario, Canada, of 29 projects equivalent to approximately 400 MW (dc). The Company estimates that the resale value of its entire Ontario project pipeline, once built into grid-connected solar power plants and sold to investors, will exceed C$1.50 billion ($1.45 billion).
Is solid-state RF the next energy source?
THE NETHERLANDS & USA: Could radio-frequency signals become the next major energy source for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) applications?
At the IEEE International Microwave Symposium this week, NXP Semiconductors N.V. is introducing the industry's first complete RF power transistor portfolio designed specifically for the 2.45-GHz ISM frequency band, enabling RF energy to be used as a clean, highly efficient and controllable heat source.
NXP is demonstrating a wide range of RF-powered applications at IMS 2013, including an RF spark plug -- a compelling alternative to conventional ignition systems for automotive engines; an RF plasma lamp delivering bright, sun-like light at 140 lumens per watt; and a solid-state cooker that can heat food safely, uniformly and precisely.
Optimally matched to the 2.45-GHz ISM band, the NXP BLF2425M and BLF25M series of RF power transistors achieve best-in-class efficiencies in excess of 52 percent and offer a full range of power levels between 12 and 350 W. NXP developed this dedicated ISM portfolio while working with lead customers on RF-powered solutions for home appliances for cooking, heating and drying; medical devices for precision medical procedures; and automotive engines.
The devices are based on NXP's latest 28V LDMOS processes and all feature NXP's field-proven ruggedness, manufacturing consistency and long-term reliability, which enable these transistors to drive the typically mismatched loads of ISM applications.
At the IEEE International Microwave Symposium this week, NXP Semiconductors N.V. is introducing the industry's first complete RF power transistor portfolio designed specifically for the 2.45-GHz ISM frequency band, enabling RF energy to be used as a clean, highly efficient and controllable heat source.
NXP is demonstrating a wide range of RF-powered applications at IMS 2013, including an RF spark plug -- a compelling alternative to conventional ignition systems for automotive engines; an RF plasma lamp delivering bright, sun-like light at 140 lumens per watt; and a solid-state cooker that can heat food safely, uniformly and precisely.
Optimally matched to the 2.45-GHz ISM band, the NXP BLF2425M and BLF25M series of RF power transistors achieve best-in-class efficiencies in excess of 52 percent and offer a full range of power levels between 12 and 350 W. NXP developed this dedicated ISM portfolio while working with lead customers on RF-powered solutions for home appliances for cooking, heating and drying; medical devices for precision medical procedures; and automotive engines.
The devices are based on NXP's latest 28V LDMOS processes and all feature NXP's field-proven ruggedness, manufacturing consistency and long-term reliability, which enable these transistors to drive the typically mismatched loads of ISM applications.
Recurrent Energy reaches commercial operation with six solar power projects totaling 52 MWac in Ontario
USA & CANADA: Recurrent Energy, a leading North American solar project developer, announced the commercial operation of six photovoltaic (PV) projects, providing a total of 70 megawatts peak (MWp)/ 52 megawatts AC (MWac) of clean solar electricity for two communities in Ontario, Canada.
These projects are the first six of nine to reach commercial operation date (COD) in a 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio acquired by Mitsubishi Corporation and Osaka Gas at commercial operation of each project as agreed in June 2012. The electricity generated from this portfolio will be delivered to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) through 20-year feed-in tariff agreements.
"I'm happy to congratulate Recurrent Energy on achieving this significant milestone. It's clear that Ontario's clean energy policies are creating thousands of good jobs and cleaning up our air," said Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli. "We're building on that strength by making important changes - like setting annual renewable energy procurement targets for the first time - to bring greater predictability and sustainability to Ontario's clean energy sector."
"The completion of this portfolio is a milestone for utility-scale solar in Ontario and Recurrent Energy," said Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy. "Ontario's commitment to making clean energy a mainstream source for these communities is coming to fruition."
These six projects, located near Smiths Falls and Waubaushene, Ontario, are all operational. The remaining three projects in the portfolio are expected to reach COD by early 2014.
The entire 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio is expected to generate more than 124 million kWh during the first year of operation, enough to power approximately 12,300 homes in Ontario.
The development and operation of these projects has provided the communities with significant local investment and both short-term and long-term job creation. Between 2009 and 2013, Recurrent Energy created approximately 650 jobs during the construction phase alone.
Including this portfolio, Recurrent Energy currently has 20 projects totaling 220 MWp/159 MWac in development in Ontario. All 20 projects are expected to be operating by early 2014.
These projects are the first six of nine to reach commercial operation date (COD) in a 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio acquired by Mitsubishi Corporation and Osaka Gas at commercial operation of each project as agreed in June 2012. The electricity generated from this portfolio will be delivered to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) through 20-year feed-in tariff agreements.
"I'm happy to congratulate Recurrent Energy on achieving this significant milestone. It's clear that Ontario's clean energy policies are creating thousands of good jobs and cleaning up our air," said Minister of Energy Bob Chiarelli. "We're building on that strength by making important changes - like setting annual renewable energy procurement targets for the first time - to bring greater predictability and sustainability to Ontario's clean energy sector."
"The completion of this portfolio is a milestone for utility-scale solar in Ontario and Recurrent Energy," said Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy. "Ontario's commitment to making clean energy a mainstream source for these communities is coming to fruition."
These six projects, located near Smiths Falls and Waubaushene, Ontario, are all operational. The remaining three projects in the portfolio are expected to reach COD by early 2014.
The entire 100 MWp/74 MWac portfolio is expected to generate more than 124 million kWh during the first year of operation, enough to power approximately 12,300 homes in Ontario.
The development and operation of these projects has provided the communities with significant local investment and both short-term and long-term job creation. Between 2009 and 2013, Recurrent Energy created approximately 650 jobs during the construction phase alone.
Including this portfolio, Recurrent Energy currently has 20 projects totaling 220 MWp/159 MWac in development in Ontario. All 20 projects are expected to be operating by early 2014.
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