Report: Solar Could Meet 10% of US Energy Needs
Environment America last week released a new report that outlines the road to meet 10 percent of the United States' energy needs by 2030.
While Sentor Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was on hand for the release of the report, Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) rolled out the first of a package of clean-energy job-creation bills based on those ideas.
Building a Solar Future: Repowering America’s Homes, Businesses and Industry with Solar Energy looks at a variety of solar technologies including photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, solar water heaters, solar space heating, and passive solar design.
The report not only outlines the how these technologies could be used but also takes a look at a number of places its they're being used to good effect today.
These projects include Wal-Mart’s use of skylights, which has cut energy costs in some stores by 15 to 20 percent and a Frito-Lay plant in California uses solar concentrators to provide heat for cooking snack foods.
Environment America called on local, state and federal governments to commit to expanding solar energy, recommending investment in solar technologies and research and development, as well as requiring that utilities get more of their electricity from renewable energy and requiring that buildings codes move towards all new buildings using zero net-energy.
“We applaud Environment America for its leadership in addressing our nation’s biggest energy challenges – our dependence on fossil fuels and the need to address the pollution that is causing climate change – while also addressing our nation’s biggest economic challenge – creating jobs,” said Jamie Resor, CFO for groSolar. “This report, combined with the Solar Bill of Rights, provides a policy roadmap for leveling the playing field for an energy source that more than 92 percent of Americans say they want more of, now.”
While Sentor Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was on hand for the release of the report, Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) rolled out the first of a package of clean-energy job-creation bills based on those ideas - specifically an idea he heard during a visit to Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs. Holy Cross Energy has teamed up with the Clean Energy Collective to offer ways for homeowners to pool their resources and invest in solar panels located on a separate plot of land.
It's a new method of tapping solar energy, known as community solar projects or "solar farms," which has the potential to increase the market for solar power. But solar energy providers across the state and the country have found that the federal tax code hasn't taken into consideration growth and innovation in the solar industry. While the law currently allows homeowners to take an income tax credit for PV cells installed on individual homes, it doesn't allow the same credit for community solar projects.
Senator Udall's Solar Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Act of 2010 modernizes the tax code regarding solar energy, enabling homeowners who invest in community solar projects to take a 30 percent tax credit just like individuals who install PV cells on their houses. Like other solar tax credits, it would expire in 2016 unless renewed.
"The best ideas to create jobs come from people on the ground - they are the experts on the needs and demands in our communities. And this is the perfect example of how we can work together to turn those good ideas into reality," Senator Udall said. "I'm proud to introduce this bill based on what I learned on the Western Slope. It will expand the use of our abundant solar power, strengthen Colorado's renewable energy industry and create good-paying jobs throughout our state."
Info Provided by Scotty "St Louis Renewable Energy" Missouri. Article Found: RenewableEnergyWorld.com,March 23, 2010
3.29.2010
Curved Wall Build Pics
How To: Green Build A Curved Wall.
- Job Site Photos with Build Notes -
- Job Site Photos with Build Notes -
- Step by Step Instructions for How to Build a Curved Wall.
- Project By Scotts Contracting, Custom Builder utilizing Green Building Techniques
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| Green Build Before Photo A |
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| Curved Wall Before Photo B |
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| Green Build Curved Wall Framing View. Note: Metal Framing Conforms to Existing Structure |
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| Curved Wall Green Build Exterior Sheeting |
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| Curved Wall Exterior Sheeting- Build Note: 3" Relief Cuts |
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| Green Build Waterproofing |
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| Curved Wall Installation of Mesh |
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| Curved Wall with First Coat of Stucco Final Photos View Here |
| Click here to Email Scotty for a Free Green Site Evaluation for the Construction of Your Next Project |
3.28.2010
End of Month Solar Deals
See Current Prices at: www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/solar
Super High 400, 300 and 200 Watt Glass Framed Amorphous Silicon Panels under $2.00 per watt
We also have 220 and 230 Watt Polycrystalline for under $1.95 per Watt that work with Enphase or most other Inverters.
Our Poly's have a Super high PTC ratings and ultra high efficiencies levels exceeding 17.5%
yes: 400 Watt, 300 Watt; 200 Watt Thin-Film Glass Solar Panels
Great for Commercial applications with full 25 year warranty
Also available with the Newest Matching Micro-Converters !!! **UL Listed**
Aide Solar XZST-180W Mono Modules with UL and SB1 Listings.
Super High 400, 300 and 200 Watt Glass Framed Amorphous Silicon Panels under $2.00 per watt
Great for Commercial applications with full 25 year warranty
- Parallel architecture with constant voltage output over entire input power
- Direct connection to solar panel MC connector; no additional panel wiring needed
- Complete cable assembly with UL rated PV wire for connection to PV modules
- Parallel system design for new unbeatable levels of maximum efficiency
- Back Mounting Rails built into panel, save money on racking - ready for fast install
- With Parallel configuration Up to 20% more kWh produced per watt over Serial Installations !!!
- Plus up to an additional 15% higher output (kWh/kWp) compared to c-Si modules
- 5 year Product Warranty - Repair, replace, or refund.
- 12 years Peak Power Warranty - 90% minimum peak power
- 25 years Peak Power Warranty - 80% minimum peak power
Complete Solar Kits 3.45kW to 12.65kW now available starting at $3.34 per Watt
** IMPROVED PRICING ON BULK ORDERS **Lock your order and Price Contact: scottscontracting@gmail.com
3.21.2010
Illinois' Green Energy Finance Initiative
March 2, 2010 Information Provided By, Scott's Contracting Green Builder, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
A recent initiative from Illinois may serve as a model for other states that hope to attract green energy projects and stimulate economic development.
by Marnin Lebovits, Illinois Finance Authority
There are plenty of reasons to encourage and support the development of renewable energy projects. But in this down economy, the credit markets are typically discouraging. Here in Illinois, we've found a way to open new doors to financing renewable energy projects because we know they're good business–and good for our state.
Like other states, Illinois recognizes the climate and environmental benefits from generating power from renewable energy sources. We know that developing these projects will reduce our region's dependence on foreign oil.
Renewable energy will also help to meet state renewable portfolio standard (RPS) targets. Illinois established its targets in August 2009 and requires that by 2025 one-quarter of all of the power used annually in Illinois must be generated from renewable energy sources. Of this amount, 75 percent of the renewable power used must be generated from wind projects. This requirement has created a significant interest in renewable energy projects, especially wind projects. Also, like other states our state wants, to the extent possible, to provide incentives to help reduce the cost of power generation from these projects so that savings can be passed on to ratepayers.
Finally, renewable energy projects will spur economic development and provide a secure revenue stream for many farmers and other property owners struggling during this recession. The projects will create jobs–many in depressed, rural regions of the U.S., where municipalities will also benefit from the increased tax revenue sparked by such development.
Despite these benefits, developers typically face serious obstacles when they attempt to finance renewable energy projects. Capital markets continue to face severe challenges, and the ability for developers to obtain traditional project financing is much more limited than in the past. Only a handful of financial institutions will provide loans for renewable energy projects, including wind farms. Even then, the terms and conditions for the loans are quite arduous.
Most recent transactions include loan terms of only 5 or 7 years, with a 20-year amortization period, generating significant refinance risk in most cases. Developers with the ability to raise capital in other forms, either on a portfolio basis or through a rated parent entity, are forced to prioritize projects in different stages of development across the U.S. market and even around the world.
To better compete, the Illinois legislature created new financing tools to aggressively attract renewable energy projects to our state. The state's approach might serve as a model for others hoping to attract similar types of development.
The Illinois legislature recently passed a bill adding renewable energy projects to the portfolio of developments eligible for assistance through the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), which provides expert, hands-on support to help businesses get the capital they need for growth.
The IFA's assistance for renewable energy will come in the form of up to $3 billion of loan guarantees for project debt. This project finance can contain long-term tenors to fully repay the project debt, thereby eliminating the risk of refinancing. The loan guarantees will be secured by the state's moral obligation. While moral obligation is not a full faith and credit guarantee, it is a model that has been used extensively in the municipal finance markets, and it's used often in Illinois. As of September 2009, the State has outstanding debt (unrelated to this renewable energy finance initiative) of over $100 million using this model. Eight state agencies have the ability to issue moral obligation-supported debt totaling around $1.5 billion for local governments and economic development purposes. Clearly, this is an important funding tool.
These incentives will reduce a project's financing costs by an estimated 100 to 175 basis points. Combined with other incentives offered by the state, such as grant funding available from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for renewable energy projects, Illinois' incentive package is drawing attention from developers. In fact, the IFA late in 2009 was already reviewing a number of renewable energy projects for inclusion in this program in anticipation of the legislation's effective date, January 1, 2010.
Under the first of three IFA funding models, a developer can work with its traditional project finance lenders and add the IFA as a partner, providing a "loan guarantee" to private sector lenders. The private sector lender would also have the support of Illinois' moral obligation pledge.
Lenders will need to first look to the renewable energy project revenues to cover the debt service. If the project doesn't generate enough revenue, the lender (or lead arranger bank for a syndicated loan transaction) may call in the IFA. The addition of the state's moral obligation may allow the private sector lenders to extend the term of their project debt, possibly even to fully amortize the debt (based upon the tenor of the power purchase agreement) and should help to reduce the cost of the private sector financing.
In a second financing model, the IFA would issue bonds secured by both project revenues and the state's moral obligation support. The IFA would then loan the bond proceeds to the project developer to pay for project construction. Again, the first repayment source for the debt service on the bonds is project revenues. Illinois will be called upon by the Bond Trustee to fund any debt service deficiency on a moral obligation basis. In this instance, the tenor of the bonds could be set to correspond to a final term that will be near the PPA maturity, fully amortizing the project debt. The bond investors will assume the project risk. However, investors will also benefit from the security of the guarantee of the State of Illinois on a moral obligation basis. This additional security will reduce the project's interest rate.
These two models can be combined with the private sector providing a loan for a shorter-term piece and bonds issued for a longer-term piece of the debt financing. For example, the IFA can provide a loan guarantee to private sector lenders on their shorter-term financing (also known as "Series A") and the IFA can be the lender, on a pari-passu basis (in other words, without partiality) for a "Series B" financing that will represent the debt's longer-term portion. The combination of the proceeds from the Series A and Series B financings will provide the total debt funding for the project, thereby reducing total debt service costs and eliminating the refinance risk of traditional private sector funding.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects requires a participating lender (either a financial institution or an economic development authority) to share risk with the DOE. Although the IFA intends to work with projects participating in the DOE program, it is not required.
To back its push for renewable energy projects the state created the Illinois Energy Team (IET) to help review environmental and technical aspects of renewable energy projects and help expedite project development. The IET includes specialists from the state university system, Argonne National Laboratory and state agencies such as the Illinois Finance Authority, the Illinois Power Agency, the Illinois EPA and the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This panel reviews feasibility studies and reports, evaluates technology, and considers project siting, grid interconnection and environmental impact issues. The IET will also provide a forum for developers to work with various state agencies to help projects come to fruition.
The IFA has accepted program applications for three wind projects. Inquiries have come in from developers involved in virtually all renewable energy sectors, including wind, solar, clean coal, geothermal, biodiesel and biomass.
Marnin Lebovits joined the Illinois Finance Authority as a senior funding manager in August 2009 and helped create program guidelines and credit criteria. For the last 20 years prior to joining the IFA, he has been active in municipal and project finance, managing and actively participating in the municipal and project finance groups for both Sumitomo Bank and DEPFA BANK. Mr. Lebovits received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a CPA.
For more information on this Illinois financing initiative, contact Mr. Lebovits at 312-651-1344 or mlebovits@il-fa.com. Contact: scotty@stLouisrenewableenergy.com for all your green building needs
Illinois' Green Energy Finance Initiative
A recent initiative from Illinois may serve as a model for other states that hope to attract green energy projects and stimulate economic development.
by Marnin Lebovits, Illinois Finance Authority
There are plenty of reasons to encourage and support the development of renewable energy projects. But in this down economy, the credit markets are typically discouraging. Here in Illinois, we've found a way to open new doors to financing renewable energy projects because we know they're good business–and good for our state.
Like other states, Illinois recognizes the climate and environmental benefits from generating power from renewable energy sources. We know that developing these projects will reduce our region's dependence on foreign oil.
Renewable energy will also help to meet state renewable portfolio standard (RPS) targets. Illinois established its targets in August 2009 and requires that by 2025 one-quarter of all of the power used annually in Illinois must be generated from renewable energy sources. Of this amount, 75 percent of the renewable power used must be generated from wind projects. This requirement has created a significant interest in renewable energy projects, especially wind projects. Also, like other states our state wants, to the extent possible, to provide incentives to help reduce the cost of power generation from these projects so that savings can be passed on to ratepayers.
Finally, renewable energy projects will spur economic development and provide a secure revenue stream for many farmers and other property owners struggling during this recession. The projects will create jobs–many in depressed, rural regions of the U.S., where municipalities will also benefit from the increased tax revenue sparked by such development.
Challenges for Project Finance
Despite these benefits, developers typically face serious obstacles when they attempt to finance renewable energy projects. Capital markets continue to face severe challenges, and the ability for developers to obtain traditional project financing is much more limited than in the past. Only a handful of financial institutions will provide loans for renewable energy projects, including wind farms. Even then, the terms and conditions for the loans are quite arduous.
Most recent transactions include loan terms of only 5 or 7 years, with a 20-year amortization period, generating significant refinance risk in most cases. Developers with the ability to raise capital in other forms, either on a portfolio basis or through a rated parent entity, are forced to prioritize projects in different stages of development across the U.S. market and even around the world.
To better compete, the Illinois legislature created new financing tools to aggressively attract renewable energy projects to our state. The state's approach might serve as a model for others hoping to attract similar types of development.
The Illinois Solution
The Illinois legislature recently passed a bill adding renewable energy projects to the portfolio of developments eligible for assistance through the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), which provides expert, hands-on support to help businesses get the capital they need for growth.
The IFA's assistance for renewable energy will come in the form of up to $3 billion of loan guarantees for project debt. This project finance can contain long-term tenors to fully repay the project debt, thereby eliminating the risk of refinancing. The loan guarantees will be secured by the state's moral obligation. While moral obligation is not a full faith and credit guarantee, it is a model that has been used extensively in the municipal finance markets, and it's used often in Illinois. As of September 2009, the State has outstanding debt (unrelated to this renewable energy finance initiative) of over $100 million using this model. Eight state agencies have the ability to issue moral obligation-supported debt totaling around $1.5 billion for local governments and economic development purposes. Clearly, this is an important funding tool.
These incentives will reduce a project's financing costs by an estimated 100 to 175 basis points. Combined with other incentives offered by the state, such as grant funding available from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for renewable energy projects, Illinois' incentive package is drawing attention from developers. In fact, the IFA late in 2009 was already reviewing a number of renewable energy projects for inclusion in this program in anticipation of the legislation's effective date, January 1, 2010.
Private Sector Debt Loan Guarantees
Under the first of three IFA funding models, a developer can work with its traditional project finance lenders and add the IFA as a partner, providing a "loan guarantee" to private sector lenders. The private sector lender would also have the support of Illinois' moral obligation pledge.
Lenders will need to first look to the renewable energy project revenues to cover the debt service. If the project doesn't generate enough revenue, the lender (or lead arranger bank for a syndicated loan transaction) may call in the IFA. The addition of the state's moral obligation may allow the private sector lenders to extend the term of their project debt, possibly even to fully amortize the debt (based upon the tenor of the power purchase agreement) and should help to reduce the cost of the private sector financing.
In a second financing model, the IFA would issue bonds secured by both project revenues and the state's moral obligation support. The IFA would then loan the bond proceeds to the project developer to pay for project construction. Again, the first repayment source for the debt service on the bonds is project revenues. Illinois will be called upon by the Bond Trustee to fund any debt service deficiency on a moral obligation basis. In this instance, the tenor of the bonds could be set to correspond to a final term that will be near the PPA maturity, fully amortizing the project debt. The bond investors will assume the project risk. However, investors will also benefit from the security of the guarantee of the State of Illinois on a moral obligation basis. This additional security will reduce the project's interest rate.
A Third Option
These two models can be combined with the private sector providing a loan for a shorter-term piece and bonds issued for a longer-term piece of the debt financing. For example, the IFA can provide a loan guarantee to private sector lenders on their shorter-term financing (also known as "Series A") and the IFA can be the lender, on a pari-passu basis (in other words, without partiality) for a "Series B" financing that will represent the debt's longer-term portion. The combination of the proceeds from the Series A and Series B financings will provide the total debt funding for the project, thereby reducing total debt service costs and eliminating the refinance risk of traditional private sector funding.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects requires a participating lender (either a financial institution or an economic development authority) to share risk with the DOE. Although the IFA intends to work with projects participating in the DOE program, it is not required.
To back its push for renewable energy projects the state created the Illinois Energy Team (IET) to help review environmental and technical aspects of renewable energy projects and help expedite project development. The IET includes specialists from the state university system, Argonne National Laboratory and state agencies such as the Illinois Finance Authority, the Illinois Power Agency, the Illinois EPA and the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This panel reviews feasibility studies and reports, evaluates technology, and considers project siting, grid interconnection and environmental impact issues. The IET will also provide a forum for developers to work with various state agencies to help projects come to fruition.
The IFA has accepted program applications for three wind projects. Inquiries have come in from developers involved in virtually all renewable energy sectors, including wind, solar, clean coal, geothermal, biodiesel and biomass.
Marnin Lebovits joined the Illinois Finance Authority as a senior funding manager in August 2009 and helped create program guidelines and credit criteria. For the last 20 years prior to joining the IFA, he has been active in municipal and project finance, managing and actively participating in the municipal and project finance groups for both Sumitomo Bank and DEPFA BANK. Mr. Lebovits received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is a CPA.
For more information on this Illinois financing initiative, contact Mr. Lebovits at 312-651-1344 or mlebovits@il-fa.com. Contact: scotty@stLouisrenewableenergy.com for all your green building needs
3.20.2010
Solar Water Heater, green ideas, eco conscious
Solar Water Heater
$1,000 to $5,000
While solar-heating costs are still high for most whole-house applications, heating water with the sun has become practical. For $2,500 to $3,500, installed, an active, flat-plate solar collector system will produce 80 to 100 gallons of hot water per day. The payoff: Your water-heating bills will drop by 50 percent to 80 percent. Plus, you'll be shielded from future energy price increases.
Green Space:
http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/
1.When Tom and Sheryl Stone set out to remodel their 900-square-foot condo, their goal was to make it as green as possible using materials that were recycled, renewable, or sourced from environmentally responsible companies.
2.The first renovation they made was removing the wall that separated the living room and kitchen. Removing the wall opened up the condo without changing its footprint.
3.Cork flooring was used throughout the space. Cork is a popular option for flooring especially in high-traffic areas because it's water- and mold-resistant. Cork is roughly the same price as wood, but it's a sustainable material. Cork trees regenerate every nine years, while trees such as oak or maple can take 30 years or more.
4.Storage was an important factor in this small space. Kristin Lomauro-Boom, the designer, carved out storage wherever she could. Among the more intriguing solutions were drawers that hide within the toe-kicks, and a tall tambour door. She also designed a niche for the TV on the living room side of the island. The table on wheels can also serve as additional counter space.
5.The Stones used compact fluorescent lamps in the green glass pendant lights above the island and the track lights throughout the kitchen. The CFLs uses less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. Although they cost a little more, they last up to 10 times longer and can be installed in most light fixtures.
6. See Remaining Eco Friendly Ideas: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/?page=6
Info Provided by: Scotty, Green Builder St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
$1,000 to $5,000
While solar-heating costs are still high for most whole-house applications, heating water with the sun has become practical. For $2,500 to $3,500, installed, an active, flat-plate solar collector system will produce 80 to 100 gallons of hot water per day. The payoff: Your water-heating bills will drop by 50 percent to 80 percent. Plus, you'll be shielded from future energy price increases.
Green Space:
http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/
1.When Tom and Sheryl Stone set out to remodel their 900-square-foot condo, their goal was to make it as green as possible using materials that were recycled, renewable, or sourced from environmentally responsible companies.
2.The first renovation they made was removing the wall that separated the living room and kitchen. Removing the wall opened up the condo without changing its footprint.
3.Cork flooring was used throughout the space. Cork is a popular option for flooring especially in high-traffic areas because it's water- and mold-resistant. Cork is roughly the same price as wood, but it's a sustainable material. Cork trees regenerate every nine years, while trees such as oak or maple can take 30 years or more.
4.Storage was an important factor in this small space. Kristin Lomauro-Boom, the designer, carved out storage wherever she could. Among the more intriguing solutions were drawers that hide within the toe-kicks, and a tall tambour door. She also designed a niche for the TV on the living room side of the island. The table on wheels can also serve as additional counter space.
5.The Stones used compact fluorescent lamps in the green glass pendant lights above the island and the track lights throughout the kitchen. The CFLs uses less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. Although they cost a little more, they last up to 10 times longer and can be installed in most light fixtures.
6. See Remaining Eco Friendly Ideas: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/eco-friendly/real-life-eco-friendly-make-over/?page=6
Info Provided by: Scotty, Green Builder St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri
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