SOLAR HALL of FAME

Solar Hall of Fame
Freeman Ford Inducted to the International Solar Hall of Fame

Freeman Ford of FAFCO based in Chico California, were named as the 2006 inductees to the Solar Hall of Fame. The Solar Hall of Fame is an international award that was created by an Act of Congress sponsored by the Honorable John R. Foley, Esquire during the 1976 Bicentennial of the United States of America in Washington D.C. This award has been given to 45 men and women from various countries throughout the world since 1976.

The first inductees in 1976 were Dr. Charles Abbot, Dr. Erich A. Farber, Dr. John Yellot and Dr. Harry E. Thomason. A trophy is given to each year’s recipient that has a glowing red, orange and yellow sun rising out of a four sided monument that is reminiscent of the pyramid atop the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.

An international trademark was obtained for the Solar Hall of Fame for “PROMOTING EXECELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION THROUGH PUBLIC TESTIMONIALS AND TRIBUTE TO OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS IN THE FIELD OF SOLAR ENERGY.”

A unique trophy symbol; the Solar Hall of Fame trademark/slogan is “Solar Hall of Fame 1976 to Today”. Each inductee receives a trophy inscribed with the Latin/Spanish “El Sol” and the Greek “Helios” above the inscription “Solar Hall of Fame”. Each individual given the award has their name inscribed under the year they were inducted on a brass plaque on one of the four sides of the pyramid. All previous inductees also have their names inscribed on brass plaques under the year they were inducted on one of the four sides of the pyramid.

Dr. Erich Farber, the last remaining member of the initial inductees gave out this year’s trophy on December 21st 2006 to Freeman Ford and Tom Lane.

Freeman Ford founded FAFCO in 1969. Fafco pioneered the use of polymers for solar pool heating, holds more than twenty patents and was incorporated in 1972. Today, US retail sales of solar thermal systems exceed $150,000,000. The electrical equivalent of FAFCO’s installed base alone exceeds 4000 megawatts.

Thomas H. Lane of ECS Solar Energy Systems in Gainesville Florida has spent over thirty years contracting and installing solar hot water, solar pool heating and solar electric systems, along with training other contractor’s world wide on how to install these systems. His 250 page book, “Solar Hot Water, Lessons Learned 1977 to Today” is the basic Handbook of solar hot water and solar pool installers in the United States.

Mr. Thomas Lane is currently instituting a solar training academy for interns to become knowledgeable in the field of solar contracting to meet the rising demand for qualified and knowledgeable solar installers.

Questions and inquiries about the Solar Hall of Fame can be directed to Dr. Erich A. Farber, Ph.D., PE. Distinguished Service Prof. EM. Director EM, Solar Energy & Energy Conversion Lab. University of Florida, 1218 NE 5th St Gainesville, FL. 32601. Phone number (352) 372-1064.

Previous Inductees to the Solar Hall of Fame



1976
Dr. Charles G. Abbot
Dr. Erich A. Farber
Dr. John I. Yellott
Dr. Harry E. Thomason

1977
Dr. Hoyt C. Hottel
Prof. Everett D. Howe
Mr. Frank Bridgers

1978
Dr. Farrington Daniels
Dr. Maria Telkes
Mr. Harold Hay

1979
Dr. Harry Z. Tabor
Dr. Richard C. Jordan
Dr. Valentin A. Baum

1980
Dr. Felix Trombe
Dr. Rodger Morse

1981
Dr. Ichimatsu Tanishita
Dr. Joseph Lindmayer

1982
Dr. Austin Whillier
Dr. Jagdish C. Kapur

1983
Dr. James L. Threlkeld
Mr. Raymond W. Bliss

1984
Dr. Thomas A. Lawand
Mr. Horace McCraken

1985
Dr. John Page
Dr. Francis de Winter

1986
Dr. Masanosuka Yanagimachi
Dr. James A. Eibling

1987
Dr. William A Shurcliff
Dr. Ken-Ichi Kimura

1988
Dr. William H. Klein
Dr. Joseph Loferski

1990
Mr. Steve Baer

1991
Dr. Lloyd O. Herwig
Dr. Yogi Goswami

1992
Dr. Kenneth G. Soderstrom
H. Jack L. Thomson, Jr.

1993
Robert L. Bailey
Webb W. Farber

1998
Dr. Norman C. Cope
Dr. Anil K. Rajvanshi

1999
Dr. David L. Block

2005
Dr. Karl W. Boer
Dr. Stanford R. Ovshinsky

2006
Mr. Tom Lane
Mr. Freeman Ford


Read more (in new window) at: myfloridasolar.com/solar-pool-heating-hall-of-fame/

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

8,000 SOLAR PANELS AT FEDEX FIELD REDSKINS

8,000 SOLAR PANELS WERE INSTALLED AT FEDEX FIELD



LANDOVER, Md. & PRINCETON, N.J., Sep 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NRG /quotes/zigman/337115/quotes/nls/nrg NRG -1.71% and the Washington Redskins today celebrated FedExField's energy future with the help of former NFL quarterbacks and Redskins' fans during the "NRG Solar Bowl" Quarterback Challenge and an official "flipping of the switch" at halftime to inaugurate the new NRG solar power installation at FedExField.

The solar power system - with more than 8,000 solar panels - is capable of providing all power to the stadium on non-game days and up to 20% of its needed electricity on game days -- the equivalent of providing 300 homes with energy for a year. In addition to being the largest solar installation at an NFL stadium, it is the largest solar installation in the D.C.-metro area.

With the help of the football fans gathered at FedExField, NRG CEO David Crane along with Redskins legends Joe Theismann and Mark Rypien "flipped the switch" on the new solar installation from the field during the game's halftime. Prior to the game between the Redskins and Arizona, Theismann and Rypien teamed up with pro and college greats Joe Montana and Doug Flutie to coach fans in a series of skill drills during the "NRG Solar Bowl" Quarterback Challenge.

"Today's activities were developed to engage fans, call attention to the power of solar energy and demonstrate how renewable energy is a real and tangible option for a more secure energy future, said David Crane. "Many thanks to the legendary quarterbacks, the Washington Redskins and all of their fans for working with us to show renewable energy is not just a dream for the future, but a reality today."

The solar power installation by NRG, one of the largest solar power developers in the United States, includes three different types of solar panels that collectively can generate two megawatts (MW) of electricity. By using solar power, the Redskins and NRG look to keep 1,780 metric tons of carbon out of the atmosphere -- the equivalent of replacing 349 vehicles with gasoline engines with zero emission electric vehicles.

In addition to generating power for FedExField, the stadium's 8,000 solar panels will provide shaded parking in an 841-car lot. The design includes 10 electric vehicle charging stations from NRG's eVgosm charging network for use by fans. The NRG solar entry plaza at Gate A will generate power through a variety of green energy technologies, including translucent solar panels and a specially designed sculpture created using thin film solar technology. The sculpture -- a 30-foot tall silhouette of a football player dubbed "solar man" --showcases the flexibility of this innovative solar technology and also is a one-of-a-kind work of art welcoming fans to FedExField.

NRG subsidiary Reliant will be the official provider for all the additional electricity to.....


Read more (in new window)at:www.marketwatch.com/story/nrg-washington-redskins-celebrated-fedexfield-solar-installation-with-nrg-solar-bowl-quarterback-challenge-2011-09-18

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Solar Homes Tour 2011 Washington DC Area

Take the Solar Homes tour

October 1 thru 2. 11am to 5pm.

Guide and maps are available at Mom's Organic Markets and other locations.


Read more (in new window) at: solartour.org

To top of blog (in new window) at: usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Solar Decathlon 2011 Washington DC National Mall

Solar Decathlon 2011 Washington DC

September 23 to October 2

Come see the Solar Decathlon on the National Mall
near Potomac Park

You ask what is a solar decathlon?
It's an annual international solar homes contest.
Teams design and erect solar homes on the national mall. They are judged on design and performance. Come watch them erect the homes and later come see the winner of this years award.


Read more (in new window) at: www.solardecathlon.gov

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Japan Considering Solar Panels For All Homes

Japan Considering Solar Power For Every Single
Building By 2030

Sam Biddle —Both because they're a country dedicated to teeny tiny carbon footprints, and because they're likely not too hot on nuclear power at the moment, Japan is expected to kick off a universal solar panel initiative. Every building, twenty years.

The plan, making mandatory solar panels for all residential and commercial buildings, is likely to debut at the impending G8 summit, and would put Japan at the fore of the global alternate energy push. They've probably got what it takes to pull it off—we hope it switches over from plan to reality. [PhysOrg]



Read more (in new window) at: gizmodo.com/5804553/japan-considering-solar-power-for-every-single-building-by-2030


To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Solar Panel and System Lease

Solar City Lease Program

0 Down

I just heard about this on the radio today.
I will look into this and let you know more about this program.

If anyone tries it, let us know how it works and what you think.
Would you recommend it to others?



Read more (in new window) at: solarcity.com

To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

White House Going Solar Again Says Obama

White House Adding Solar Panels

By Dina Cappiello
Updated: 10:28 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010-Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Solar power is coming to President Obama's house.

The most famous residence in America, which has already boosted its green credentials by planting a garden, plans to install solar panels atop the White House's living quarters. The solar panels are to be installed by spring 2011, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the plans Tuesday in Washington at a conference of local, state, academic and nonprofit leaders aimed at identifying how the federal government can improve its environmental performance.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush both tapped the sun during their days in the White House. Mr. Carter in the late 1970s spent $30,000 on a solar water-heating system for West Wing offices. Mr. Bush's solar systems powered a maintenance building and some of the mansion, and heated water for the pool.

Mr. Obama, who has championed renewable energy, has been under increasing pressure to lead by example by installing solar at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, something White House officials said has been under consideration since he first took office.

This file photo released by Solar Design Associates shows the solar thermal system produced by the Harvard, Mass., company, installed on the roof of the White House pool cabana in Washington during the George W. Bush administration. The Obama White House on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, will announce plans to install solar panels for the first time atop the White House's living quarters by spring 2011. (AP Photo/Solar Design Associates)The decision perhaps has more import now after legislation to reduce global warming pollution died in the Senate, despite the White House's support. Obama has vowed to try again on a smaller scale.

Last month, global warming activists with 350.org carried one of Carter's solar panels — which were removed in 1986 — from Unity College in Maine to Washington to urge Mr. Obama to put solar panels on his roof. It was part of a global campaign to persuade world leaders to install solar on their homes. After a meeting with White House officials, they left Washington without a commitment.

Bill McKibben, the founder of the 350.org group, said Tuesday the administration did the right thing.

"If it has anything like the effect of the White House garden, it could be a trigger for a wave of solar installations across the country and around the world," Mr. McKibben said in a statement.

The solar industry has also called on the White House to become a national billboard for solar power.

Continued at:http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/5/white-house-go-solar/


To top of blog usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Staples Unveils Largest Single Rooftop Solar Power In Maryland

HANOVER, Md., Jan 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS), the world's largest office products company and SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), hosted a dedication ceremony today to unveil the largest single rooftop solar power installation in Maryland at Staples' 200,200 square foot fulfillment center in Hanover. The 1.01 megawatt solar installation covers nearly 175,000 square feet of roof space, larger than three football fields.
The environmental savings associated with the system will offset more than 43 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) over 20 years, equivalent to removing CO2 produced by more than 4,200 automobiles driving 12,000 miles per year. The zero-emission, silent photovoltaic system will generate approximately 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, and 21 million kWh during the initial 20 years of the project. The solar installation was financed, built and maintained under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunEdison. Under the PPA, Staples will purchase the electricity produced for the term of the contract.
"The solar power system installed at our Hanover fulfillment center is the latest example of Staples' ongoing commitment to environmental leadership," said Mark Buckley, vice president of environmental affairs for Staples. "Through our relationship with solar services provider SunEdison, we are able to purchase solar energy from our rooftop at a rate below or equal to the cost of electricity from the grid. This reduces our operating costs while freeing up more electricity during peak times for use by local homes and businesses."
"We are proud to be a long time partner of Staples in providing economical solar solutions to meet their energy needs and commitment to the environment," said Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison. "SunEdison continues to be an industry leader by combining cutting edge technologies with our unique project finance capabilities to enable large-scale development of solar."
"EPA applauds Staples for initiating this solar energy project to power its Hanover facility," said Shawn M. Garvin, administrator for the EPA's mid-Atlantic region. "I hope this work inspires other companies to use energy in a manner that does not contribute to global climate change. Staples is demonstrating the kind of leadership that is needed to reduce greenhouse gases and move our nation into a clean energy future."
For more information on Staples' environmental initiatives, please visit http://www.staples.com/environment.
About Staples
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world's leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About SunEdison
SunEdison is North America's largest solar energy services provider. The company finances, installs and operates distributed power plants using proven photovoltaic technologies, delivering fully managed, predictably priced solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. In 2008, SunEdison delivered more kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy than any other solar services provider in North America. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com.
About MEMC
MEMC is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of wafers and related intermediate products to the semiconductor and solar industries. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of wafer technologies over the past 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. With the acquisition of SunEdison, MEMC is now a developer of solar power projects and North America's largest solar energy services provider.
MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, please visit www.memc.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6133436&lang=en
SOURCE: Staples, Inc. Staples, Inc.
Mark Crowley, 508-253-0767
Mark.Crowley@Staples.com
or
SunEdison
Brad Oswald, 443-909-7200
or
MEMC Electronic Materials
Bill Michalek, 636-474-5443
Copyright Business Wire 2010

**********************************************************************

As of Saturday, 01-02-2010 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend� Alert,
an automated pattern recognition system, indicated an UPTREND on
12-31-2009 for WFR @ $13.68.

For more information on SmarTrend, contact your market data
provider or go to www.mysmartrend.com

SmarTrend is a registered trademark of Comtex News Network, Inc.
Copyright � 2004-2010 Comtex News Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link to:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/marylands-largest-single-rooftop-solar-power-installation-unveiled-staples/

Link to top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Germany Wins Solar Decathlon On National Mall October 2009

AND THE WINNER IS............
GERMANY - Second time in a row

Overall Standings
The current team standings and scores for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 are shown in the chart below. See scores by team, scores by contest, and scores by day by clicking the tabs below. You may also click any of the links within the chart to see scoring details.
Day 9 - October 16. Last Updated: 09:02 AM (EDT)
Overall Standings Scores by Team Scores by Contest Scores by Day

1.
Team Germany
908.297

2.
Illinois
897.300

3.
Team California
863.089

4.
Team Ontario/BC
849.816

5.
Minnesota
838.544

6.
Team Alberta
769.410

7.
Cornell
764.237

8.
Rice
750.236

9.
Kentucky
732.152

10.
Ohio State
729.932

11.
Team Missouri
719.530

12.
Iowa State
714.609

13.
Virginia Tech
704.628

14.
Team Spain
669.565

15.
Team Boston
665.596

16.
Penn State
625.995

17.
Puerto Rico
617.569

18.
Arizona
610.339

19.
Univ. of Louisiana
603.882

20.
WI-Milwaukee
542.074

Architecture Market Viability Engineering Lighting Design Communications
Comfort Zone Hot Water Appliances Home Entertainment Net Metering

Scores are subject to change due to corrections throughout the competition period. Overall scores reflect penalties, but individual contest scores do not. Therefore, the total score presented may not match the sum of contest scores.Advanced Scoring
The advanced scoring search tool allows you to search Solar Decathlon 2009 scores by combinations of team, contests, and days. --->
Printable Version

Next on to Madrid,
for the 2010 Europe Solar Decathlon Link to: http://www.sdeurope.org/ Use Google to translate their webpage.

Link to Solar Decathlon: http://www.solardecathlon.org/

Link to top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com/