by jboullion | Apr 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:
Rising energy costs and concern for energy security and the environment are driving forces in a growing trend to incorporate renewable energy technology into residential housing. Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes Program recognize this as an opportunity for builders. The following checklist of building details is a first step to promote and market the construction of new homes that are built “ready” for future renewable energy installations.
PLANNING AHEAD IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
To maximize the potential benefit of any future solar renewable energy system, the following should be considered when planning and building a home.
1. Reduce loads
Reduce or minimize energy loads where possible through the home’s heating, cooling, water heating and electrical systems. At a minimum the home should satisfy the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program building performance standards and, where possible, incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, appliances and HVAC systems.
2. Maximize solar access
To maximize solar access, face the roof surface and pitch within 30 degrees of due south. The roof should be unobstructed from both the winter and summer sun and have a slope of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. For more information on solar access, see the Passive Solar Design fact sheet or contact the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program at 800.762.7077 for solar site assessment information.
3. Follow zoning laws and applicable codes
Wisconsin State law does not allow zoning or covenants that restrict the use of a solar energy system except for reasons of health and safety. Also investigate applicable Uniform Dwelling Code and the National Electric Code as they pertain to any pre-installation requirements.
by jboullion | Apr 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
From RENEW Wisconsin’s Michael Vickerman:
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory today released its annual assessment of leading utility renewable energy subscription programs across the nation. Several programs offered by Wisconsin utilities finished in the Top 10 in four categories of performance. Deserving of kudos are We Energies, Madison Gas & Electric and two municipal utilities–River Falls and Lake Mills–served by WPPI Energy. Congratulations on a fine performance last year!
Individual program rankings are as follows:
* We Energies’ Energy for Tomorrow program came in 8th in total renewable energy sales and 10th in total number of customer participants.
* Madison Gas & Electric’s Green Power Tomorrow program posted the 4th highest customer participation rate and ranked 6th in terms of program sales as a percentage of overall retail electricity sales.
* The River Falls municipal utility posted the 9th highest customer participation rate and ranked 3rd in terms of program sales as a percentage of overall retail electricity sales.
* The Lake Mills municipal utility posted the 10th highest customer participation rate.
Though NREL does not keep track of solar capacity that were supported by renewable energy subscribers, it’s worth mentioning that from 2006 to 2008 We Energies leveraged the installation of 1 MW of customer-owned solar capacity through its Energy for Tomorrow program. Alliant and MGE also offers a 25 cent/kWh solar rate that is also supported by program subscribers.
For more information about NREL’s 2008 assessment, go to: http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2009/679.html
by jboullion | Apr 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a fact sheet pubilshed by Focus on Energy:
Pole-mounted solar electric systems offer an excellent opportunity for businesses to display a commitment to renewable energy. Also called solar flags, these systems are economical because they tend to be small. Today, solar flags are seen outside business establishments, in parking lots and in city parks. Not only do solar flags generate electricity, they also promote clean energy technology in a highly visible way.
When most people think of solar panels, they think of roof-mounted systems. However, roof-mounted systems are often hidden from view, partially shaded by trees, or not facing the best direction to capture solar energy. Solar flags can be installed in highly visible locations and positioned optimally to capture sunlight. Installing a solar flag does not involve attaching anything to your building, and the occasional maintenance requirements will not include a trip to the roof. Also, unlike roofmounted systems, pole-mounted solar flags do not need to be removed and reinstalled when the roof is replaced.
Solar electric flags can offer great economics and a relatively low cost. They are available in different sizes and prices (see Table 1). Costs tend to be significantly lower for business owners who pay federal taxes. If your electric utility offers a solar buyback rate, your solar flag can pay for itself in less than ten years. What’s more, some utilities offer additional incentives to nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
by jboullion | Apr 15, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Ixonia – Zero is the latest buzzword for green building – as in houses that generate as much power as they use. Although going green often is seen as more expensive than conventional construction, some homebuilders are trying to change that. Instead of granite countertops and fancy playrooms, the homes have solar panels and heat pumps.
Tom and Verona Chambers of Black River Falls recently moved into a new home that includes solar panels on the roof, a ground source heat pump and a gizmo that reuses shower water to preheat water coming in from the city.
“We don’t have a gas line into the house – zero cost for gas. We have an electric line, but the goal is to produce as much as we use so we don’t have any electric bill,” Tom Chambers said.
There’s a higher upfront cost to having a completely green home. But federal tax credits and grants from the energy conservation group Focus on Energy and a local utility, WPPI Energy, helped bring down that extra cost.
“The other side of the coin is the ongoing utility costs that we will not have,” Chambers said.
Closer to Milwaukee, developer Mark Neumann wants to take zero-energy construction a step further.
After touring a green home last summer, Neumann and his son began designing a house that would go beyond zero-energy.
The result: a home now under construction in Ixonia that will produce all the energy that would be consumed in the house – as well as the electricity that a plug-in hybrid vehicle would need for a daily commute.
by jboullion | Apr 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Venture Electronics:
Venture recently finished the installation of a 250 kW solar array at the Johnson Controls Headquarters in Glendale, WI. This massive solar array is currently the largest ground mounted solar field in Wisconsin. The largest roof mount array at the GE Waukesha facility also was installed by Venture Electric.
“The Johnson Controls job was quite a project. It took a total team effort to get this array built on time. It proves that solar energy isn’t just for the Sun Belt,” said Venture Electric’s project manager Jim Seefeldt. Venture’s crew battled sub-zero temperatures to erect an intricate maze of piping that created the framework to support the 1452 solar panels. “Each panel had to be at exactly 30 degree for optimal collection of solar energy. It’s like a massive erector set that makes electricity,” said Electrician Foreman Marty Schultz.
A single solar panel generates approximately 33 volts DC (direct current). Each panel is combined with other panels until it reaches 480 volts DC. This DC voltage is then converted to AC (alternating current) thru an inverter. AC is used in virtually all homes in the United States. The inverter takes this converted voltage and places it back on the power grid for use by Johnson Controls and its neighbors.
The installation of these solar arrays requires a new skill set for traditional electrical contractors. “It requires electricians to abide by codes a lot of electrical contractors don’t use every day. I took it as a personal challenge (to learn the codes). It’s a lot of fun to be part of a new industry,” said Schultz
Venture Electric is excited about the growth of photovoltaic in Wisconsin. “It (PV) is the future of electrical generation and we are proud to be part of it,” said Jeffrey Robertson President of Venture Electric. “With the current administration’s commitment to “green technology” I see this as a real growth area. Photovoltaic and wind power are definitely here to stay.”
