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Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts

9.12.2017

How Solar Panels Work @Digg Original

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.



10.11.2016

Green Build Bar Build Notes Suggestions Annotations



Notes-Suggestions-Ideas

I am going to mention ideas and suggestions on ways that will reduce your monthly bills in utility savings by incorporating the following examples into the Green Design of your building.  My suggestions will include: PV Solar Electric, Solar Water Heating, and Energy Conservation.  

The greatest use of your investment dollars will come by installing Insulation in the various parts of your building.
 

As a general rule it is cheaper to save energy than it is to create energy.  

It does not matter if this is in gas or electric. Basically: If you can save it you don’t have to make it.

The Department of Energy suggests for our region various levels of insulation
Ceiling: R38 - R60
Walls: R13 -R19
Floor: R25 - R30 


Examples of where to insulate. 1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space. (1A) attic access door 2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof, (2C) and ceilings with cold spaces above. (2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 3. All exterior walls, including (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas; (3B) foundation walls above ground level; (3C) foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior. 4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate (4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground; (4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces. (4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 5. Band joists. 6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors. Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory


Following the above guides let's focus in on the areas that we discussed: Ceiling, Floor, Walls.

Ceiling:
1565 sq feet of estimated roof (see solar estimate).  Normal Ceilings are constructed with 2x12 lumber.  That is not enough space to provide adequate insulation with normal batt type insulation to meet the suggested level of R60.
My suggestions are:
  • Put the Insulation on top of the roof eliminating any insulation in the cavities.  As we talked about I feel that when the Insulation is on the outside is like a person having a coat on.  It eliminates the hot or cold from entering.  
    • Commercial Buildings utilize this type of insulation to stop the cold/heat from getting to the steel, because when the steel gets hot or cold it expands/contracts and is a big energy problem.
    • They also make this in tapered sections to direct water easily.
  • Exposed Roof System for Aesthetic purposes

I used Menards for a guide.  I suggest go to: the Roofing place at Vandeventer/44 area.  The old RSG under new owners.
  • Johns Manville R-23.6 4" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631150
  • Johns Manville R-17.4 3" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631149
  • Johns Manville R-11.4 2" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation
    • Model Number: 1631147 Volume Pricing of $25.59 / ea- 24 units or more.

Floors:
  • Suggested R Value 25.  Use 8 in Batt or Spray Foam Insulation.  8 Inch batt would be cheapest but not necessarily the best.
Green Possibility: It is possible to install a heated flooring system that would eliminate the need for HVAC heat system.  This type of flooring system is called radiant heating.  The heating is accomplished using electricity to heat wires, heat mats or tubes with liquid that is heated by electricity, solar, or gas.  
  • Radiant Flooring systems warm the floor and the heat rises into the rooms.  This also eliminates cold spots hvac fail to work in.
  • The use of this may depend on the final floor choice selected.  If it was going to be a tile floor I say yes.  Maybe not a good idea if a finished wood floor is chosen-discussion needed.  If you chose to install a concrete floor I definitely suggest a radiant floor heating system.
Walls:
  • For a total Green Aspect (but not $ viable suggestion) Exterior insulation would once again be suggested.  Leaving you the option of utilizing the interior brick walls for aesthetic and old world design purposes.
  • This same type insulation can be used on the inside but has to be covered to meet fire code.  1/2In Sheetrock.
  • The Money saver is to build 2x4 framed walls with normal batt insulation and sheetrock.  But you loose the kool looking brick look.
    • This is a final design choice you have to make.

Additional Points for consideration:
  • Hot Water could be heated during the daytime easily with Solar.  I suggest an instant type heater installed for use when needed.  
  • Liquid radiant flooring systems can be heated by Solar, tied into what ever system is used, or be independent with their own broiler system.
  • Instant heaters without solar would require ½ the amount of pipes needed.  Only one cold water pipe to the fixture is needed.
  • I work with Dale Or and Suzie with “Master Plumbers StLouis” permits and as my go to person to call for advice.
  • I would like to introduce you to Slim Shady, Shady Jack’s son.  He is the one who built Shady Jacks and the 15+ bars they owned previously.  He knows his stuff about building bars and these old buildings.
  • Everything in your place is going to use electricity.  Put in extra electric boxes or places to connect future lines.
    • Along the same lines.  Buying Energy Star Rated Kitchen equipment when you can is a smart investment.
    • Upgrades to electrical motors and fans on commercial equipment qualify for discounts from Ameren UE.


Solar:
1,565 sq ft estimate roof space from a couple of solar measuring satellite images- The “net cost” price quoted in the 3rd image is way off the mark.  Your system would be cheaper.
  Screenshot_2016-10-05-00-26-37.png
Notes:
  • Using satellite imagery for determining roof size and using an electric bill of $400 / month.  Solar PV would cover the 50% or up to $200 per month.  $200 x 12 months = $2,400 yearly savings. 22 KW system
  • Bill Size $500 Solar would cover 40%
  • Additional Solar Panels could be installed on the West Wall of the Building- capture the afternoon sunlight.
  • Additional Solar Panels could be used to create Open Air Spaces below where people could gather.  See picture above.
  • Pole Mount systems picture above in the background.
  • I’ve considered many things for your building.  The above suggestions would be my first choices and places that would save you money and create a green building to capture all the tax and other benefits available.  
  • I welcome further discussion about anything I’ve mentioned and also assisting you with the renovations.
  • For detailed and specific estimates I need to see: blueprints, design notes, floor plans.
  • I have Green Building Financing Resources that may work to your benefit they will assist in: Solar PV and Water, Energy Conservation, Windows, Doors, Insulation, etc.





Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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5.10.2015

Happy Mothers Day

To all the Moms on Mothers day.  I am working to create a pollution free World with: Solar and Sustainable Buildings, so your kids can live a healthy life!

We can build a Green StLouis!



Build a Green StLouis Scotty

4.11.2015

Midwest Solar News - via REWorld

With so much solar activity taking place on both sides of our nation, what’s happening in the heartland is going almost unnoticed. But it shouldn’t. Solar is beginning to grow like a prairie fire across the Midwest.

In a wide area stretching from Missouri to Ohio, the heavily-traveled Interstate 70 corridor, solar is beginning to catch on in a big way.  Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio now have a combined total of nearly 400 MW of installed solar capacity — enough to power about 80,000 homes. But here’s the real eye-opening statistic: solar in these states is expected to grow by nearly 50 percent this year, with roughly 180 MW of new projects coming online.    

Let’s look at Missouri as a case study. Showing strong growth over the previous year, Missouri nearly tripled its amount of installed solar capacity in 2014, according to the recently-released U.S. Solar Market Insight 2014 Year in Review. What’s more, Missouri also had more than half, 55 percent, of its new electrical capacity last year come from solar energy.

In 2014, Missouri added 73 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity, bringing its total to 111 MW. That’s enough clean, affordable energy to power more than 12,000 homes. The report went on to point out that Missouri’s biggest solar gains came in commercial installations, but residential and utility-scale installations increased, too. Of the new capacity added, 37 MW were commercial, 20 MW were residential and 16 MW were utility scale. Together, these installations represented a $187 million investment across Missouri — a 63 percent increase over the previous year.

Today, Missouri also ranks #2 in the nation in the number of professional sports facilities with installed solar systems.  Among Major League Baseball teams, both the Royals and Cardinals have gone solar, while the Rams and Chiefs are among NFL teams to do so.

To put the state’s solar growth in some context, the 111 MW of solar PV installed today in Missouri is nearly as much as the entire country had installed by 2004. And frankly, the state is just scratching the surface of its enormous potential.

The same, of course, can be said for Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Today, there are more than 500 solar companies at work throughout the 4-state area, employing nearly 10,000 people, and bringing $339 million worth of new projects online last year. 

This steady growth across the heartland of America has helped the U.S. solar industry to grow to 174,000 workers nationwide — more than tech giants Apple, Google, Facebook and Twitter combined — while pumping nearly $18 billion a year into our economy. This remarkable growth is due, in no small part, to smart and effective public policies, such as the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). By any measurement, these policies are paying huge dividends for both our economy and environment.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/u/rhone-resch Author Rhone Resch Renewable Energy World see article here
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2015/04/almost-unnoticed-solar-energy-is-starting-to-make-big-strides-in-midwest?cmpid=SolarNL-Saturday-April11-2015

2.08.2015

Net Zero Container Home Solar and Wind Energy

5 Container Layout for open concept living areas. Net Zero Energy use from 4k Wind Turbine and Solar Panels System. Passive Solar Roof Overhang Design that doubles as support for solar panels and blocks summertime sun rays.

This CAD design was originally made for a client who was interested in a container home design. After the costs to buy, renovate, and build a container home outweighed the cost of a larger and roomier Post Frame Building design they decided that maybe a container home wasn't the best fit for them and their growing family.

The Clients also requested a Rock Climbing Wall incorporated into the Home Design- ie Must Have. This was also the reason behind the design of the Container on its end sticking up above the remain home. With a few windows the container can also be used for a Natural Air Movement Home Ventilation Feature as well as house the Wind Turbine. This meets my design goals of a building feature that has 2 or more benefits is always a worthwhile addition!

There are no interior plans for this design. If you would like an interior design let me know and I'll work one up.  The usable interior floor plan space is 20- 40 feet wide (wooden truss system) x up to 40 feet long with up to 16 feet tall ceilings.   This allows plenty of space that could incorporate a variety of designs.
#BuildGreenScotty



5 Container Open Floor Plan Net Zero Green Home Design by Scotty
5 Container Open Floor Plan Net Zero Green Home Design by Scotty


20 and 40foot Shipping  Storage Containers for Sale in St. Louis

$2,400.00 Wind and water tight containers. Great for storage.

2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 each with discount. If you order more than 5 containers we can give more discount.

If you need delivery please let us know your zip code for delivery options.






Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

1.07.2015

StLouis Home Example Solar Lease Benefits


 Benefits

• System Qualifies for Rebate = $XXX
• Solar System Design and Installation Included
• Immediate Savings
• Insurance and System Warranty Included
• No / Minimal Up Front Cost
• Maintenance Included
• Guarantee: Never Pay More For Solar Energy
• Environmental Stewardship, Clean Renewable Energy

   Solar System Information Environmental Impact

System Size 6.615 kW Carbon Offsets 13,000 lbs./Year
Number of Solar Panels 27
Equivalent Miles Not Driven 16,641 Miles/Year Est.

Year 1 Production 8,269 kWh
Lifetime Carbon Offsets 260,000 lbs.
Est. 20 Year Production 157,000 kWh
Lifetime Gas Offset 332,000 gallons

Payment / Savings Calculator Estimated Solar Offset
Standard Lease Prepaid Lease w/ Buyout


Installation Cost...........................$0 with Deposit $0
Lease Prepayment........................$0 Lease with Deposit $1,654
Annual Payment (Years 1‐5).......$662 with Deposit $0
Annual Savings.............................$744 with Deposit $744
Estimated Buyout Price (Year 6)..$2,000 with Deposit $700

Total 10 Year Savings $2,000 with Deposit $6,300


Total 15 Year Savings $4,300 with Deposit $11,900



SOLAR LEASE PROPOSAL :........Example
PREPARED FOR:.............................Your Address St. Louis, MO 63___
Date:....................................................The Day I Went Green
SolarPower:.........................................85%
Utility Power:......................................15%

Total- 20 Year Savings:...................... $7,600 with Deposit $18,400

Frequently Asked Question



What if I move? You can simply assign your solar lease to your the homeowner. If you’d prefer however, you are able to buyout the lease and
move the equipment to your new home.

What if the system doesn’t work? We are confident that it will, we track over 50 of our installed systems over the past several years, and
those systems have averaged 6% more annual production than expected production. In the event that the system doesn’t produce as
expected, your lease payment will be reduced so that you will never pay more for solar energy than you would otherwise for utility energy.

Will hail damage the panels? The solar panels are rated for a 1” hailstone flying at 55 MPH perpendicular to the face of the solar panel…the
solar panels are designed to withstand large hail impacts.

What about maintenance? There is minimal/no maintenance required for these solar systems since there are no moving parts. Maintenance
for a Leased System is included in the lease.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein regarding incentive values,
tax credits, and other financial information is subject to change without
notice. XXXXXXXXXXX. does not have accountants or attorneys on
staff and is not authorized to give tax or legal advice. The sole
responsibility to verify all information contained herein lies with the
client.



Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for more information.

7.14.2014

Solar and Teaching the Future Leaders

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference. Build a Green StLouis-Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog


Edited after posting: I had trouble getting the video to post here on Blogspot.   The following links will take you to my Facebook page with the video.






11.20.2013

CAD Solar SketchUp Design Layout For Shading Issues





I use a CAD program for optimum Solar Panel Layout for the challenging buildings in the StLouis Region. This allows me to remove the Panels that are affected by Shading Issues. I then Place the CAD drawing onto a Google Earth Location and can provide a Clean Energy Output Report based on the location in relation to the Suns Position on the Location.

Step One Design the Building for Solar Array
Step One Design the Building for Solar Array

Install Solar Modules 'Notice Shading Area'
Install Solar Modules 'Notice Shading Area'

Remove Solar Panels Located in the Shaded Portions
Remove Solar Panels Located in the Shaded Portions

Insert SketchUp CAD Design into Google Earth for Clean Energy Production Report
Insert SketchUp CAD Design into Google Earth for
Clean Energy Production Report 


April 29, 2018 update: Sketchup CAD drafting program was sold to Trimble after posting these images- Trimble CAD 3d modeling system 



Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

10.25.2013

Proof Positive Clean Energy Solar PV Works

It is a 7 kWh system consisting of 32 panels and two inverters, On a very good day we will produce 52 kWh. Average is 42 kWh. We normally produce more electricity then we can use.

"This is directly copied from a fellow Google Plus Friend" I'm sharing it with my readers of the blog to show that it is possible to have great things that are run by solar power."

Last year we added a Nissan Leaf and now drive around town for FREE.  Saving over $3000 in gasoline a year. And no longer subservient to middle east oil prices.


One of the biggest energy reduction was installing a variable speed pool pump. Reducing usage form 12,000 watts to 1,200 watts a day.

Addition reduction was changing to LED light bulbs through the house and garage.

Here's the Google Plus Conversation in full:

__________

Great things are happening because of solar power and the clean energy it produces. Are you considering adding a solar system to your place? I can help and will provide the most cost effective system that is on the market today. Scotty



Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

6.30.2013

StLouis Property Owner Public Meeting Notice-Set The PACE StLouis

Low Cost Financing for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Upgrades now Available to City of StLouis Residential and Commercial Building Owners.

  • Who: StLouis Propety Owners
  • What: Public Meeting Financing for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Financing Resources
  • Where: SLDC- 1520 Market St, StLouis MO
  • When: July 17, 2013
StLouis Renewable Energy supports-Set the PACE St.Louis

The City's Set the PACE St. Louis program is a great opportunity. If building owners use this financing tool, it will promote energy efficiency, save money, help the environment and create jobsMayor Francis G. Slay

  • Streamlined qualification process
  • Low, fixed payments
  • Over 150,000 eligible products
  • Positive cash flow through energy savings
  • Balance transfers to new property owner upon sale
  • Interest is tax deductible*
    *Consult your tax attorney or accountant

Eligible Projects


Public Meeting for
Property Owners
July 17th, 2013 at 6:00 pm - 
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
1520 Market Street, St Louis MO (google map)


View Larger Map




Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog


5.31.2013

Eliminating Solar Panel Fires from Wire Faults

What could have stopped the solar panel fire on the Webster Grooves School in StLouis MO?

 Solar Panels that utilize the M215 MicroInverters made by Enphase Energy could have stopped the Solar Panel fire before the fire started.

I realize that is a rather boastful statement made by someone who promotes, sells, and installs Solar PV systems for the StLouis Region and chooses to utilize Green Building in all their Construction Activities.

But the Great Minds behind [The Next Generation of Microinverter] the Enphase M215 MicroInverters that provide 96% CEC efficiency equals more energy production also built the M215 MicroInverter with a GFI [Ground Fault {Detection} Interrupt] shut off.  Similar to GFI Electrical Outlets pictured in the photo below.



GFI-Ground Fault Interrupter Wall Outlet Electrical Plug
Must Have For Safety 

GFI Electrical Plugs are required by all USA building codes and are located in your Kitchen, Bath, and Laundry Rooms and other areas close to water sources-
Scotty, Scotts Contracting
All M215 MicroInverters will shut off if there is a fault detected. inside of every microinverter is a GFI (Ground fault {detection} interrupt) switch and if there is a fault, it will stop exporting power within 30 milliseconds per UL1741standards.

  • {Scotty Adds-

      • 20 milliseconds — cycle time for European 50 Hz AC electricity or mains grid
      • 24 milliseconds — minimum ignition time for a U.S. Rockets company solid rocket motor
      • 31.25 milliseconds - a hundred twenty-eighth note at MM = 60
      • 33.3 milliseconds — the amount of time one frame lasts in 30fps video
      • 41.708 milliseconds — the amount of time one frame lasts in 24fps video or film (actually 23.976fps for most films)
      • 50 milliseconds — cycle time for the lowest audible tone, 20 Hz}
M215 MicroInverter from Enphase Energy
Enphase Energy M215 MicroInverter
Overview

The Enphase M215 is the world’s most efficient microinverter.

Based on Enphase’s third generation technology, the M215 incorporates the latest innovations in power electronics and custom microchips to deliver 96% CEC efficiency and a range of patented performance features that maximize the performance of 60-cell solar modules.

In addition, the M215 is light weight and offers a “single-bolt” mounting bracket that makes installation easier than any other inverter on the market. 

{Scotty-Faster, Safer, and Requires Less Labor on the Installation-Translates into saving for the Client on the  Installation and produces more Clean Energy ! }

General Features other than the 25 year limited warranty (PDF)

  • Integrates with Enphase Engage Cable

  • CSA listed per UL 1741/IEE1547

  • Works with 60-cell modules ONLY

  • M215 Metrics

  • 96% CEC efficiency

  • Output power: 215W

  • Recommended max input power: 270W

  • MPPT Range: 22-36V

  • Low-voltage operation capability

    Learn more about the Great Product at the following Links


Here's my conversation with the Good People of Enphase Energy and links to the Articles about the Solar Fire

Scotty:
Recently in St Louis, MO a solar panel supposedly caught on fire on the roof of a local school...it hasn't made much news other than deemed solar fire on school. Could one of your Innovative MicroInverters215 sensed the ground fault and stopped the production of electricity and thus eliminated the fire since it would have stopped creating electricity? There is a few local builders who have been considering adding solar but have raised questions in re. Thank you for your time and assistance. Scotty”
Enphase Energy 1st response:
Hello Scotty,
Thank you for contacting Enphase Energy!
That's a scary situation! Sorry to hear that it happened!
Safety is one of the aspects of our system that we are very proud of. The old style of solar array uses solar panels in series, which ends up with High Voltage DC wiring. Our Microinverters converter the DC to AC right at each panel, which is inherently safer. Here is a link to our informational page that speaks to our safety, which also has a link to PDF:
http://enphase.com/explore/enphase-technology/safe/
Here also is a link to a video demonstration on our YouTube channel, which shows the difference between a DC and AC arc fault:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKtmPMjrbVA
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Rob Tierney
Inside Sales
Enphase Energy
Scotty:
Thank you for responding to my question.  I'm already a fan of the M215.  Can the M215 sense a ground fault and stop producing electricity?



 "Could one of your Innovative MicroInverters215 sensed the ground fault and stopped the production of electricity and thus eliminated the fire since it would have stopped creating electricity?"

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Scotty 

Enphase Energy (2nd Answer):
Yes! Our Microinverters do detect ground faults and halt production. 

Please let me know if you have any other questions, or if there is anything else I can do to assist. 

Thanks,
Rob Tierney
Enphase Energy (3rd Answer from Contact Form on their website):
Hi Scotty, 
The inverter will shut off if there is a fault detected. inside of every microinverter is a GFI (Ground fault detection interrupt) switch and if there is a fault, it will stop exporting power within 30milliseconds per UL1741 standards. 
If you'd like to watch the recorded session of the webinar feel free to use the link below. That link will take you to all of the recorded sessions that we have. 

https://enphasetraining.webex.com/ec0606l/eventcenter/recording/recordAction.do?siteurl=enphasetraining&theAction=archive

Jarett
Enphase Energy (4th Answer via a Twitter Post)
Enphase Energy ‏@Enphase
If a phase line drops, units stop producing immediately @stlhandyman @chjch I was just on their site and;@Enphase  and asked the same question.

Solar Panel Fire Articles
Solar panels on the roof of Webster Groves High School caught fire today. The fire, which was contained, caused no interior damage. Some water used to put out the fire seeped into a classroom.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The High School will have classes on Monday.



Like I wrote earlier the Great Minds at Enphase have already factored this safety feature into the Design and Construction of their Innovative MicroInverter the M215. Couple that with the great and timely feedback from their Websites, Twitter Accounts, and Email Correspondence-



Whats not to Love about the Dynamic and Innovative Products at Enphase Energy!


Scotty writes on June 5th 2013-2 Typos were corrected-GDFI-to GFI.
Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

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