by jboullion | Jun 12, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a story on WJFW-TV, Rhinelander:
NEWBOLD – With government tax incentives and rebates from Wisconsin Focus on Energy–installing renewable energy systems is becoming more affordable.
Marc DeBrock’s interest in renewable energy spiked after attending the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s annual Energy Fair.
DeBrock tells Newswatch 12, “I saw what was going on there and what people were adapting into their lives and the renewable energy systems, so it’s always been in the back of my mind.”
That was 15 years ago. Now after years researching he finally installed his own renewable energy system–solar thermal panels.
“It’s used for both hot water and space heating”
Fluid inside theses panels are heated by the sun. The liquid then travels through a tube and heats water inside this 415-gallon holding tank. Where it’s then distributed for use in the bathroom and kitchen.
DeBrock says, “Depending on how warm the water is in the tank, it can go out anywhere from 90 to 100 degrees up to 150 degrees.”
The water also heats coils underneath the floor–heating the house.
He says, “Once enough hot water is produced, I can send the rest of the heat into the radient floor heat.”
But solar-thermal panels aren’t the only way that Marc’s using renewable energy for his home.
DeBrock adds, “Site location of the house, I think is one of the simplest ways to make your house more efficient.”
When Marc built his house four years ago, he took that into consideration–building his house to maximize the most natural energy.
by jboullion | Jun 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a guest column by Dr. John Clark, president of Mid-State Technical College, in The Sheboygan Press:
Last month, more than 400 students graduated from Mid-State Technical College at ceremonies in Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield and Stevens Point. Although locally and nationally, we are struggling in many areas of our economy, I am confident that graduates have made one of the best investments available in today’s world by investing in their education. The value of their degree will provide lifelong returns in multiple ways.
There is a growing recognition that Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges provide the critical foundation for the kind of broad-based work force development system that is needed to meet industry demand for skilled talent. I can attest that the quality of MSTC graduates is consistent and impressive. The primary reason individuals attend one of Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges is career preparation. They know the experience will provide them an excellent opportunity for a great job or an enhanced career.
Enrollment in associate degree programs, technical diplomas, certificate offerings and custom training typically mirrors the economy. As unemployment increases, more individuals turn to us for education and training. Technical college enrollment growth has been particularly notable in areas of Wisconsin hard hit by layoffs, such as at Blackhawk Technical College, serving the Janesville area, and here at MSTC. Both colleges have experienced double-digit increases in enrollment during the past year.
At the same time, we’ve been working closely with area employers to make sure that our programs are relevant. For example, some of the federal stimulus money anticipated to be received by technical colleges will be used to develop curriculum focusing on energy and utilities, conservation and construction. Creating a work force with these skills will help pave the way for the growth of green businesses. Here in Wisconsin Rapids, we’re pleased to be an educational partner with Energy Composites Corp. as it plans for a wind turbine factory.
Throughout Wisconsin, technical college leaders are looking closely at the field of green and renewable energy. Utility work in general has been a strong area of demand. People are being hired in electrical power distribution where there is a need for increased transmission capacity and system upgrades.
by jboullion | Jun 10, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a fact sheet issued by Wind for Wisconsin:
Wind energy is surging in popularity because it spurs economic development and benefits the environment. An organized, vocal minority opposes wind energy development. However, the real world experience of successful wind energy development reaffirms the near universal support for wind energy. In fact, wind energy remains popular in areas of Wisconsin faced with siting challenges.
• A poll of voters in the Evansville Water and Light service area showed that 76% support wind power for the area, with less than 6% in opposition. Similar results were found in the Town of Union, with 72% supporting a wind project in the Town, and just 8% against.
• A poll of voters in Calumet County overwhelmingly favored building new wind farms in the County. A full 70% of voters supported building new wind farms, including a plurality (45%) of voters living near the proposed projects.
• In 2008, the U.S. wind industry installed 8,358 MW of new generating capacity, enough to serve over 2 million homes. The nation’s wind power generating capacity grew by 50%, and represents an investment of $17 billion into the economy.
by jboullion | Jun 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
An Associated Press story on WSAW.com:
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Jim Doyle and lawmakers plan to eliminate funding for a grant program that helps Wisconsin companies discover new sources of energy.
The Legislature’s budget committee last week cut all $30 million the governor had proposed for the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund that gives grants and loans to businesses researching and developing clean energy.
Environmental groups and companies who received the first batch of funding from the program last year say they are upset with the move.
Doyle spokeswoman Carla Vigue says the governor and lawmakers had to cut the funding to balance the budget. She says some of the federal stimulus money coming to Wisconsin will also help promote renewable energy businesses.
by jboullion | Jun 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Mid-State Technical College:
There is still room for a few more high school students who want to be in on a FREE three-day renewable energy academy at Mid-State Tech in Wisconsin Rapids June 17-19.
Not only is this free, students who attend earn 1 college credit.
Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids is committed to renewable energy and efficiency education, with a variety of renewable energy programs:
Biorefinery Technology
Renewable Electricity Technician
Renewable Thermal Technician
Renewable Energy Specialist
Energy Efficiency Technician
Registration deadline is Friday, June 12.
For more information or to register contact:
Kris Buss, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 715.422.5375
Email: kris.buss@mstc.edu
