Prescott Valley to Flip the Switch on Solar Power Facility
Just five months after breaking ground, the Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona, along with several project partners, is now celebrating the completion of two major solar projects that have been designed to serve them solar energy for many years to come.
Town officials and participating builders and investors will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, May 1, at 2:00 P.M. They will officially flip the switch, providing the Town with an affordable, long-term energy source. The event will be held at the Tank Farm solar facility located at 3820 N. Prescott East Hwy, Prescott Valley, AZ.
The installation was facilitated in part by the Arizona Public Service Renewable Energy Incentive Program. This program offers financial incentives to customers who add renewable energy systems to their homes or business. It is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Smart Energy Capital, a leading solar development and finance company, partnered with INDU Solar Holdings, LLC (“INDU Solar”) and Wilson Electric of Tempe, Arizona, to build the approximately 1.5-megawatt DC ground-mount fixed tilt systems. The 13,524 solar modules, housed at the town’s water pump stations and wastewater treatment plant, will provide a significant amount of solar-generated power over the life of the projects.
“We are excited to celebrate the completion of the development and construction phase of Prescott Valley’s large solar energy projects and look forward to continuing to support solar development in Arizona,” said Smart Energy Capital Managing Partner Brian Weisman. Smart Energy funded the development phase of the projects and a project company owned by INDU Solar funded the installation. Under the terms of a 25-year power purchase agreement, the project company owned by INDU Solar will sell 100 percent of the electricity that the facility generates to the town of Prescott Valley at a fixed rate.
About INDU Solar Holdings, LLC
INDU Solar is a joint venture formed by Integrys Solar, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integrys Energy Services, Inc., and Duke Energy Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., to develop, construct, finance, own and operate solar photovoltaic projects that are originated and developed on behalf of commercial, school, government and utility customers throughout the United States. The joint venture, developed in partnership with Smart Energy Capital, is unique in that it provides 100 percent of the financing for project construction and incorporates all federal tax benefits in a single structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate construction financing or tax equity structures for individual projects.
About Duke Energy Renewables
Duke Energy Renewables, part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative wind and solar energy solutions for customers throughout the United States. The company’s growing portfolio of commercial renewable assets includes 10 wind farms and 11 solar farms in operation in eight states, totaling approximately 1,000 megawatts in electric-generating capacity. Learn more at www.duke-energy.com/renewables. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.
About Integrys Energy Services, Inc.
Established in 1994, Integrys Energy Services, Inc. provides competitive energy supply solutions, structured products, and strategies that allow retail residential, commercial, and industrial customers to manage their energy needs. Its principal energy marketing operations are in the northeastern quadrant of the United States. Through its subsidiary, Integrys Energy Services – Natural Gas LLC, Integrys offers natural gas products to a full range of end-users throughout the Midwest. Areas of generation expertise include cogeneration, distributed generation, renewables such as solar and landfill gas, as well as clean fuel generation, with facilities in selected markets throughout the United States. More information about Integrys Energy Services is available online at www.integrysenergy.com. Integrys Energy Services is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG), a Fortune® 500 company with a 150-year heritage. More information about Integrys Energy Group, Inc. is available online at www.integrysgroup.com.”
About Smart Energy Capital
Smart Energy Capital, LLC (www.smartenergycapital.com) is a leader in the financing and development of solar energy projects for commercial, government, and utility customers. The Company manages the development, financing, installation, and operations of distributed power plants throughout the United States. The company maintains extensive relationships with an array of lenders and investors.
The Future of Solar Energy Technology
Current solar energy technology employs photovoltaic (PV) cells to generate electrical power by converting solar radiation into electricity. The cells are made from semiconductor-grade crystalline-silicon wafers, which are then packaged and assembled into solar panels.
Silicon is a natural element however high-grade silicon is expensive to produce. It is also in such high demand from the computer chip industry that prices have soared in recent years.
For solar energy to enjoy world-wide acceptance as an energy resource, the cost to produce it must fall in line with competitive resources such as coal and natural gas. In that regard the solar energy industry is constantly searching for new materials that are more efficient and cheaper to produce than silicon.
Other technologies that are being explored for the future of solar power include the following:
1) Thin Film Solar Cells (TFSC)
Though not as efficient as conventional PV cells, thin film solar cells use about 99% less silicon in their construction, which makes them more affordable to produce. TFSCs also use alternative photovoltaic materials such as Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). CIGS currently holds the record for thin-film solar efficiency at 17.4%.
A new material for TFSC is Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) also knows as a Grätzel cell, named after its inventor, Michael Grätzel. DSSCs are notable for their low cost material, low cost processing and that they can be manufactured into flexible sheets.
2) Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQD)
CQD is an emerging field in solar cell research. Colloidal refers to elements in liquid suspension. Quantum dots are nanoparticles of semiconductor material.
Because of their small size CQDs can be painted or sprayed onto flexible surfaces such as plastic. They are less expensive to produce and more durable than silicon-based cells.
3) Chlorosomes
Chlorosomes are antenna-like structures found in the living cells of green sulfur bacteria. They are among the most efficient light-harvesting antenna complexes found in nature. Their ability to capture light in very low-light situations have researchers on a path of developing photosynthetic proteins for use in biologically inspired solar cells. These bio-inspired solar cells promote the idea of making solar cells that closely simulate nature, specifically, photosynthesis. They are also potentially more affordable and more environmentally friendly than existing silicon-based solar cells.
Whichever technology wins out in the end they all will aid in the advancement of this next generation of solar energy collectors. The exciting research being done today is what drives the solar energy industry into the future, and what a bright future it is.
Solar Thermal Use “Heats Up” in Colder Climes
Photo courtesy of DOE/NREL & Craig Christensen
Many people associate solar energy with hot regions like Arizona and Southern California. However, solar thermal water heating (SWH) can be used by families and firms in colder areas, such as Wisconsin and Oregon. In fact, Germany is a solar thermal market leader in Europe.
“Many people assume that SWH is not an option for them because they do not live near a scorching desert or by a sun-drenched beach,” said Nigel Cotton, OEM Team Leader of the International Copper Association (ICA) and founder of Solarthermalworld.org, a web community for solar thermal professionals.
“However, in a solar thermal system, the energy of the sun is used to heat water in a ‘holding tank’. This warmed water is circulated to provide hot water throughout the system,” Cotton explained. “While SWH may not be able to provide for all hot water needs in colder climes, it can provide significant savings.”
In Colorado, home owners are already taking advantage of SWH. According to the Colorado based Center for Resource Conservation, a solar thermal heating system for domestic hot water use can be a long-term cost saving addition for a home. They estimate that when replacing an electric system, SWH can save a household $625 annually. This kind of long-term investment in solar thermal also can pay off for business operations.
A laundromat in Toronto, Canada installed a SWH system that is saving money on energy costs. According to the Canadian Solar Industries Association, the solar thermal system “is expected to pay back its investment in less than ten years if energy prices remain stable, but will achieve faster payback as energy prices rise”.
“Solar thermal technology is able to capture the energy of the sun and transfer it into heat in many regions around the globe,” says Baerbel Epp, editor of the Solarthermalworld.org newsletter. “It is helpful for families and businesses to explore the different ways of using the free-of-charge energy from the sun no matter where they live.”
About SolarThermalWorld.org:
Solarthermalworld.org is a global knowledge-based web portal for solar thermal professionals. It offers the latest news and information on the development of the international solar thermal sector. This website forms a worldwide forum for experts on solar thermal technology and those interested in the development of the market. It is hosted by the Global Solar Thermal Energy Council (GSTEC).
Students build unique energy efficient house
By Rob Hayes, KABC7 Eyewitness News
A ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday for a unique solar-powered house designed and built by students from two local schools.
Anyone who takes a look at the home’s roof, siding, doors and windows won’t see a hint of green. But the people who designed and built it will point out it is one of the greenest houses to be found – with a monthly power bill of zero.
“And if you are in a municipality where they take energy back, it would be positive. They would actually pay you for the energy,” said Reed Finley, project manager for the Southern California Institute of Architecture and the California Institute of Technology solar decathlon team, which built the home.
It’s called a CHIP solar house. CHIP stands for compact, hyper-insulated prototype.
Click link above for complete article
YMCA in Arizona Goes Solar
CentroSolar America and Scout Solar to Develop Solar Projects for
Arizona “Valley of the Sun” YMCAs
Scottsdale, AZ – December 20, 2011—Today, Centrosolar America, a national solar energy manufacturing and services company, headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ and Scout Solar, LLC, a Tempe, Arizona-based solar installer, announce plans to activate solar PV projects at four ‘Valley of the Sun YMCA’ branches. The solar arrays will be installed at YMCA branches in the Tempe, Chris-Town, Ahwatukee, and Scottsdale/Paradise Valley communities.
With more than 1,500 Centrosolar America solar panels mounted on rooftops and shade canopies, the combined solar power systems at the four locations will generate more than 612,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually – an amount equal to the energy required to power 48 Arizona homes for one year.
“The YMCA’s commitment to sustainability includes finding more ways to promote the use of alternative energy. Utilizing the available space on our shaded canopies and rooftops for the installation of solar panels was an easy decision for us”, said George Scobas, President and CEO of the Valley of the Sun YMCA.
The Tempe branch will offset 21% of its energy costs with a 96.6 kWh shade canopy solar system. The Chris-Town location will offset 24% of its costs with a 98.7 kWh rooftop system. The Ahwatukee branch will offset 19% of its energy costs with a 98.7 kWh shade canopy. And, the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley branch will offset 12.5% of its energy costs with a rooftop solar system. All four project installations are planned for completion by March 2012.
The systems are being installed and financed by Scout Solar, who will also own and operate the systems and hold the rebates that are generated through the Arizona state solar rebate program.
“There were no out-of-pocket costs for the Valley of the Sun YMCA for this installation, “said Scout Solar Project Administrator, Michael Norris. They will make a set monthly lease payment on the system, an amount far less than what their savings on electricity will be. And they are protected from future spikes in energy prices with this arrangement.”
Bringing together best-in-class project partners, Scout Solar teamed with Centrosolar to provide the solar equipment, Solar Energy Group for system design, Wang Electric on the electrical installation and Skyline Steel to construct the shade canopies and racking.
All the solar projects will be equipped with Centrosolar America E-Series modules.
“Our E-Series panels utilize polycrystalline high-efficiency silicon cells in an optimal configuration to generate higher power output per module. This PV module configuration also meets the highest industry standards for resisting intense heat as is typical in the Arizona climate,” said Centrosolar Director of Sales, Chris Wood. Centrosolar America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centrosolar Group AG in Munich, Germany, is one of the leading solar distributors nationally as well as in the Arizona market.
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About the Valley of the Sun YMCA
The Valley of the Sun YMCA is one of the largest human services non-profit organizations in Arizona. As the oldest non-profit in Arizona, the YMCA serves local communities in Maricopa County, Flagstaff and Yuma offering over 283 programs and 26 social services at 17 locations. Members are welcome regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, age or ability to pay. The YMCA aims to provide each member with every opportunity to reach farther and improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, the YMCA’s goal is to inspire positive and lasting social change. Visit www.valleyYMCA.org to learn more.
About Centrosolar America, Inc.
CENTROSOLAR America Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CENTROSOLAR Group AG, one of the leading publicly traded solar companies in Europe, with revenues of EUR 403mn ($540mn) in 2010 and over 1000 employees in 21 locations. CENTROSOLAR has production facilities in Germany for its PV modules and components like solar glass. Centrosolar America, Inc. has a strong offering in the US market with complete CentroPack® PV kits – along with branded PV modules, PV rooftop racking solutions and other balance-of system components like switchgear and inverters. Centrosolar America has full-scale distribution facilities in Arizona, California and New Jersey and serves a national value-added integrator network for the residential and commercial channel. More information at www.centrosolaramerica.com
About Scout Solar, LLC
Scout Solar, LLC is a privately owned solar project integrator based in Tempe, Arizona, providing installation, project management and financing services. Having assisted both commercial and non-profit organizations in the Phoenix Metro area, the company has established a reputation for installing systems that rate well above market standards. Working closely with a range of equipment manufacturers and distributors, steel contractors and engineering consultants, as well as 3rd party financial institutions as needed, Scout Solar is able to provide quality systems under a financial model that works well for all parties involved. For more information, e-mail Scout Solar at info@scoutsolar.com
Solar Leasing – Power for Pennies
Innovative leasing programs are opening new markets for solar panels and new opportunities for generating clean electricity – and at a much lower cost to consumers.
Correspondent Patty Kim visits the Cincinnati Zoo to learn how a new financing model connects solar power investors and manufacturers with people who want to install solar arrays on their homes and businesses to lock in low prices for decades.
Commercial ‘Green’ Solar Cells May Be Possible, Say Pitt Researchers
PITTSBURGH—Developing solar energy that is low-cost, lightweight, and energy efficient has proven to be one of the greatest challenges the science world faces today. Although current plastic solar cells are low in cost and easy to produce, they are not energy efficient and, therefore, not easily commercialized. With grant funding from the National Science Foundation, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are predicting a way to produce solar cells that will offer more flexibility in generating green energy.
Guangyoung Li, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Pitt, explains that most plastic solar cells today are made from a blend of semiconducting polymers and other carbon-rich molecules. Although this material is usable and costs little, it does not assist with energy efficiency—though it could. Li’s solution is to use a method called Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) that studies the surface potential of cells through microscopy. Although KPFM is not a new idea, Li plans on using it in a dramatically different way.
“The problem with traditional force microscopy is that the resolution is not good enough, so we can’t properly study the domains we need to examine,” says Li. “Throughout my research, I will work to develop an instrument that will be better able to detect the domains formed from different materials.”
This instrument could help Li and others explain the conditions that plastic solar cells should have for better energy efficiency. Currently, plastic solar cells have achieved an energy efficiency rate of 8.6 percent. Li says if he can produce solar cells with a 10 percent or higher efficiency rate, they would have a broad impact on the energy market.
“In the future, I can imagine this new, efficient material anywhere—on buildings, roofs, you name it,” said Li. “You could charge your laptop, cellphone, or iPod simply by having a charger on you and stepping into sunlight.”
Li notes this research will not only help reduce energy consumption, but also will help train young scientists, including the undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented areas involved in the project. He also notes it is an “ideal platform” to teach the greater community, specifically K-12 students, teachers, industry leaders, and the general public.
