by jboullion | Aug 26, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article in the Business Journal of Milwaukee:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Marquette University and several regional companies have formed an energy technology and research center, it was announced Wednesday.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Energy Technology Research Center, which will be administered out of UWM, brings together regional resources to establish a national center that will develop high-potential research in the energy field, attracting large-scale funding and leading state-of-the-art technology that can foster economic growth, the institutions said in a press release.
Seven collaborative research projects centered at various locations are under way, with the support of $200,000 in federal funding and nearly $500,000 from several regional industries and foundations, including the Rockwell Automation Charitable Corp., the Wisconsin Energy Foundation, The Bradley Foundation, Eaton Corp., Kohler Co., American Transmission Co., DRS Technologies and ReGENco. . . .
Researchers from the universities and industries will collaborate on research into wind power, new materials for rechargeable batteries, algae for carbon recycling and fuel, ultra-efficient nanomaterials for cogeneration, sustainable building retrofitting, integration of renewable energy, and cutting nitrogen-oxide emissions and energy consumption.
by jboullion | Aug 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Milwaukee Shines:
The . . . map features 65 of the estimated 175 homes and businesses with solar energy installations in the 7-county Milwaukee metro area.
The City of Milwaukee, through the Solar America Cities program, has a goal of installing at least 100 solar electric systems and 50 solar hot water systems with a combined production of one megawatt of solar energy in Milwaukee by 2012.
Using data from Focus on Energy, Milwaukee Shines estimates that the City of Milwaukee currently has approximately 30 solar electric systems and 20 solar hot water systems in operation that produce a combined 350 kW of energy.
Help us reach our goal! Solar is a viable energy source in southeastern Wisconsin. Contact Milwaukee Shines, Focus on Energy, or We Energies to find out if you qualify for a solar installation incentive.
Finally, if you have a solar energy system on your home or business and would like to be featured on our map, please contact Andrea Luecke at 414-286-5593 or aluecke@milwaukee.gov.
by jboullion | Aug 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article in the newsletter of RENEW Wisconsin:
A start-up in 2006, Hudson-based Energy Concepts because the latest Wisconsin renewable energy company to earn Focus on Energy’s coveted Market Provider of the Year award.
The award was presented to founder Craig Tarr at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s 20th annual Energy Fair.
The Market Provider of the Year award recognizes renewable energy contractors who exemplify the goals and expectations of the Focus on Energy Program. The award highlights a contractor’s commitment and dedication to excellent customer service and high-quality renewable energy systems installation. Contractors who receive the honor demonstrate exceptional passion, intelligence, and dedication when providing renewable energy services.
“Craig’s 20 years of experience in the engineering industry has contributed greatly to his highly successful growth in the renewable energy industry,” said Emily Hickey, market provider program coordinator for Focus on Energy. “Wisconsin truly benefits from having well-qualified businesses like Energy Concepts grow our renewable energy markets.”
Tarr returned the praise from Focus on Energy, saying, “Without Focus on Energy, I quite frankly wouldn’t be where I am today. Since 2006 when we began, Energy Concepts has grown to a $2 million business. We want to reach $5 million a year in the next three years.”
Other articles in the newsletter:
In Memoriam: Bob Gilbertson
Board Member Brings Green Home
Renewables Profile: Jenny Heinzen
Manure Digesters Good Fit
Calendar
by jboullion | Aug 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Web page of the Solar Decade:
Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!
•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners
Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, “Kaz” has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Travis Bradford
Founder and President – Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development
Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.
Register here.
by jboullion | Aug 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article in The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
Concordia University Wisconsin is installing a $250,000 solar electric system on its Mequon campus.
The system is expected to generate more than 30,000 kilowatt hours of power and will be mounted on Coburg Residence Hall. The project is part of the school’s “green” efforts.
About $170,000 of the project cost will be covered by incentives and grants including a $100,000 contribution from We Energies along with with $23,000 as part of a We Energies buy down program and a $47,000 Focus on Energy 2009 Solar Electric Implementation Grant.
