Solar Power – Will the USA ever catch Europe? Guest Post

Europe has historically been a long way ahead of the USA, with over 45GW peak capacity as of 2011 compared to the USA's figure of 2.6GW. Last week, the Solar Power Generation USA conference was held in Las Vegas, and Shayle Kann, director of research at Green Tech Media declared that the "U.S. solar market is poised for growth in 2012", and that it will be in the top two leading world markets for solar in the next two years.

  Guest Post Provided by: Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy 

Where will this growth come from for the USA? California saw the greatest amount of solar capacity installed over 2011, with New Jersey in second place and Pennsylvania lagging some way behind in third. These increases were a mixture of commercial and domestic sized systems.

 

For 2012, a lot of the USA's growth looks to come from large scale solar projects. For example, National Solar Power are building their 3^rd PV project in Florida – a gigantic solar farm of 100MW. During the President's State of the Union address at the end of January, he announced that federal land would be used for solar development - the Department of Interior have proposed Solar Energy Zones across the south west states. This move has widely been supported, both from within the solar industry and from environmental advocates around the world.

 

A recent study by California's Research and Policy Center concluded that even residential solar in California could reach grid parity by 2015. This is because the falling price of solar panels and the increasing number of installers means that competition has driven down the cost per watt, to an estimated $5.25 per watt installed by 2015.

 

However, Europe isn't being lazy on the solar front either! The Desertec project is currently well underway – it is a very large solar farm being constructed in the Sahara. The aim of this project is to meet 15% of Europe's energy needs by 2050. Tunisia has just announced that it is building a 2,000MW solar power plant, six times the size of the world's current largest solar farm. The Desertec project already includes a 500MW solar power plant in Morocco that is current under construction, at a cost of $2.8 billion, and an expected date to start producing electricity in 2014.

 

Excitingly, it seems that both the USA and Europe are continuing to push hard with solar power.  Whilst some of Europe's latest projects are extremely large, they are still very much in a planning phase. The USA is starting to make some very large leaps forward, and even if it doesn't catch up to Europe in the next few years, it's important to remember that solar power is always a matter of large, long-term investment - a very large amount of funding is required up front, and so getting such projects as the Florida plan into action bodes well for the future of renewable energy generation. As the Desertec website reminds us – by 2050, we will need three Earth's to support mankind if we don't increase our renewable energy production, and if the Sahara were covered in solar panels, it would meet our annual energy needs in just six hours.

 

Article Written by James Hawkins, from a UK energy efficiency company, coming shortly - a similar service for boilers. email-->James Hawkins <james@comparecompanies.co.uk>

 

  Guest Post Provided by: Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy 

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On Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 9:07 AM, James Hawkins <james@comparecompanies.co.uk> wrote:

Hi Scott,

Sorry for the slight delay - I got a bit snowed under this week.

I've attached the article we discussed last week for your site.

If you'd like it in a different format, such as plain text or html, if you'd like any revisions just let me know.

Best wishes,

James

On 30/01/2012 11:32, Scotty, Scotts Contracting wrote:

your article idea sounds interesting and insightfull. i also heard about a project that compared the various solar panels on the market going on in the Uk. im headed to work soon my best. put all the info you want into the guest post. using phone  to type .its a pain
-----
Sent from Boost Mobile Phone

Renewable is DOable!

- Improving Your Sustainable Supply Chain -

 

Life With Plastic, It's Fantastic!

Recycling is not just something that makes consumers feel good about being eco-friendly; it is also something that the earth requires.  With limited resources, we must utilize materials to their highest potential. Plastic is a great example. Much can be done to increase the percentage rate of recycled plastics, especially when careful attention is paid to using recycled plastics in supply chain management. It is easily reused and recycled, cost effective, light, durable and can be easily molded and modified to fit supply chain needs.

 

The China Effect

Until recently, the UK has relied on China to process plastic recyclables. The processing in China is now more rigorous due to world-recognition through the Beijing Olympics, increased global pressure on China to improve their human rights and news releases that exposed the poor quality plastics which were sent from the UK. This change is good in the long run as it forces the UK to review its general criteria in plastics.

The key complaint regarding any recyclable plastic is that it is contaminated, which causes higher transportation and storage costs that deal with rejected material. To bypass these challenges, the UK will need to: 1) differentiate plastic types with better control, 2) increase effective sorting of plastics, 3) improve awareness of types, amounts and quality, 4) educate supply chain members on specifics in the plastic trade, 5) and improve production runs and methods of packaging.

 

Milk Bottles = UK Success

While the plastic road to China may be riddled with obstacles, milk bottle recycling in the UK stands as a shining example of plastic recycling possibilities. Seventy-six percent of HDPE milk bottles were recycled in 2010, a rise from 2009's seventy-two percent.  This recycling rise is partly attributed to higher curbside collection rates. Still, the remaining percentage of unrecycled bottles does contribute to landfill costs while causing losses of up to eight million Euros in potential recyclable sales. This shows the great potential in recycling plastics at a high rate of efficacy, and that still more can be done.

 

What We Can Do

If we think about supply chain economics, we can apply the basic principle that products will pass through stages along the chain. The ability for products to complete the cycle equates to "closing the loop" of the chain. By closing supply chain loops, businesses can secure economic benefit while providing true social value. Closing the loop necessitates avoidance of damage or spoilage of the materials.

 

The different types of recyclable plastics include polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene and polypropylene. These plastics are used for soft drink bottles, milk jugs, shrink wrap, trash can liners and meat trays, respectively, and numerous other uses. Currently, the infrastructure for separating these plastics can be improved. Also, many recyclable plastics are not collected at all—for instance, in 2008, only 13.2% of recyclable plastic waste was collected in the U.S.

 

Closing the Loop

In order to optimize recycling potential, we need to appropriately label products within their differentiated plastic categories, which requires more focused management of the recycling supply chain in every community. This will offset some of the waste which currently takes place. Also, we need to support investment in recycling in order to build infrastructures for complex recyclables like plastics. The infrastructures play a key role in separating plastics and seeing that they move along the appropriate route in the chain. With organized effort, we can ensure that most major plastics achieve a full life cycle from inception to use to re-use such that our reliance on materials coincides with our reliance on the earth.

 

University Alliance submitted this article on behalf of The University of San Francisco's online program. The University of San Francisco provides all the tools and resources necessary to gain a sustainable supply chain management certification online. For further information please visit http://www.usanfranonline.com.

 

 Kaity Nakagoshi

Bisk Education |University of San Francisco

9417 Princess Palm Avenue Tampa, FL 33619

(866.442.6587 x7269

*E-mail Me

Guest Post Provided by Scotty, Scotts Contracting 

How To Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Needs

Power Point Presentation of how Incorporating Green Building Practices can 

Add Curb Appeal and Save on Home Energy Use

Both of which will Add Value to your Home in Comfort and Appraisal Value

This Wrap Around Porch was 

Designed and Built by Scotty, Scotts Contracting

The Final Photos will be added soon!

Download or View the Power Point Slide Show of the project here

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs for your Home or Business in the Greater St Louis Area and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP.

Recycling Building Materials in St Louis

Earlier this year I was asked to replace a leaking roof on a Patio of an Investment Property.  The job consisted of Removing the existing Mound City Clay Roof Tiles from the Porch Roof and replacing with Certain Teed 3 Tab-Shingles (Energy Star Rated). 

Rather than dispose of the Clay Roof Tiles in the local  landfill I choose to "Recycle" the roof tiles and am happy to report that they went to a good home and will be re-installed on future roofs by: "Old World Roofing Company Slate and Tile Specialists"

Mound City Clay Roof Tiles Recycled by Scotts Contracting

While I was at Old World Roofing Company and speaking with the business owner, Mr. Hagerty.  We discussed the aspects of his business that has his business backlogged with future projects into 2012.  I jumped at the opportunity to discuss and learn the various aspects that have made his business a success.  And was thrilled to learn that the things that have made his business a success are the same principles that I incorporate into my small business:

"Honesty and hard work, prompt customer service, keeping the customer informed of the progress on the job, and providing quality work!"

We also discussed the aspects that make the Clay Roofing tiles a Green and Sustainable product.  Clay Roofing Tiles-

• are traditionally made from locally available materials such as clay.

• Clay as a building material is one of the oldest building materials on Earth, among other ancient, naturally occurring geologic materials such as stone and organic materials like wood. Between one-half and two-thirds of the world's population, in traditional societies as well as developed countries, still live or work in a building made with clay as an essential part of its load-bearing structure.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay#Clay_as_a_building_material

• Clay minerals are typically formed over long periods of time by the gradual chemical weathering of rocks, usually silicate-bearing, by low concentrations of carbonic acid and other diluted solvents. These solvents, usually acidic, migrate through the weathering rock after leaching through upper weathered layers. In addition to the weathering process, some clay minerals are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clay deposits may be formed in place as residual deposits in soil, but thick deposits usually are formed as the result of a secondary sedimentary deposition process after they have been eroded and transported from their original location of formation. Clay deposits are typically associated with very low energy depositional environments such as large lakes and marine deposits.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay

In keeping with the Title of the Article: " Recycling is not just for Cans " I'd also like to point out that recycling also saves:

"Landfill Space, Reducing the Energy to manufacture new products ie: Reducing Global Warming, and re-using building products in the construction industry will also save you money." 

I encourage everyone to Re-use and Re-cycle!  If you are interested in recycling options on your next building project (St Louis Area) Scotts Contracting offers many options for recycling the building materials  and many times are tax deductible for added savings on your project.  Feel free to drop me a quick note by using the Contact form below and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will return your request asap.

Additional Articles by Scotts Contracting

• Frost or Snow on Roof or Lack Snow is a sure sign... (scottscontracting.wordpress.com)
• CAD Detail Heat and Cold Loss-2×4 Wall (scottscontracting.wordpress.com)
• Fall Weatherization Services Offer (scottscontracting.wordpress.com)

Tracking two important EPA pollution rules

Tracking two important EPA pollution rules

November 3rd, 2011 › Climate Action, Coal › Josh Galperin, Esq. ›

In the past few weeks, new information has become publicly available about two important pending rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One rule would set the first-ever, national standards for greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Know as the greenhouse gas New Source Performance Standard (GHG NSPS) rule, EPA announced on October 29 that it would undergo further delay before publication. This delay is the third such delay since the GHG NSPS rule was originally due last summer. But this time, the delay is not entirely bad news. Environmental groups and states have agreed to extend the deadline to November 30, 2011. The groups agreed to the delay in a letter sent to the Justice Department and said in the letter that this was reasonable, “In light of the progress made to date.”

EPA proposed another important rule in March of this year. This rule, known as the Mercury and Air Toxics rule or Mercury MACT rule, will set national emission standards for mercury and other hazardous air pollution from coal-fired power plants. EPA also recently announced a new date for finalization of the Mercury MACT rule. Previously, the deadline for the rule was November 16, but EPA now plans to release the final rule on December 16. Once again, this is seen as a generally positive development since it sets a date certain in the very near future. Moreover, utilities and some states were pushing to have the rule delayed by a full year, a proposition that the federal court explicitly rejected.

This minor delay is really a big win against those who are trying to push the rule indefinitely into the future. As currently proposed, the mercury rule will prevent 91 percent of mercury in coal burned at power plants from being released to the air, which will have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Given that the Southeast is home to almost 300 coal units that have collectivelyemitted over 20,000 pounds of mercury into the air in a single year, this rule would be a huge step forward in cleaning up the air and water in numerous states. Meanwhile the GHG NSPS rule would be a crucial first step in reducing our contribution to global climate change.

Together, these two policies represent significant steps forward in protecting human health and the environment. If these minor delays provide EPA with needed time or help to deflect unwarranted criticism, then it is a small price to pay.

Tracking two important EPA pollution rules

Green Home Renovation Tips for Fire Safety - Guest Post

Green Home Renovation Tips for Fire Safety-

Guest Post by: Ms Sally Davison 

When it comes to sustainable home construction and renovation, fire safety should also be a concern. Preventing fires is a green practice in itself, because fires present a serious threat to the environment in terms of emitting toxic smoke and chemicals and creating hazardous debris and waste. Firefighters also have to use a considerable amount of water to fight a fire, and this water can turn into dangerous runoff containing various chemicals.

Here are some areas of green home renovation that will make your home fire-resistant.

Insulation – Spray-foam insulation uses green products, saves energy, and resists fire. It is made from agriculturally based materials like soy and doesn't emit toxic vapors. It creates a perfect seal with no gaps in the wall, which keeps heat from leaking out and mold from growing. The materials are fire-resistant, and the air-tight seal keeps out oxygen that could feed a fire.

Natural Lighting – The use of natural lighting such as skylights and large windows can reduce the need for electric lighting in the day time. This saves energy and reduces the risk of something catching on fire near a hot light bulb.

Appliances – Old and poorly-maintained appliances pose a significant fire risk. Appliances that use lots of heat such as stoves, dryers, and microwaves should be in good working order. You may want to consider replacing some of your appliances with Energy Star certified ones, as these will use less energy and pose less of a fire risk.

Carpeting – Normal carpet fibers can quickly ignite from just a dropped cigarette or match. However, wool carpeting is flame retardant, difficult to ignite, and has low heat-release properties. It also emits fewer toxins and is a biodegradable, renewable resource.

Windows – Windows made with heat-reflective glass can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters the home, which saves energy. They can also reflect up to 90 percent of the heat from a raging wildfire outside the home.

Roofing – Metal roofing made from materials such as aluminum or steel are sustainable and fire-safe. These types of materials are non-combustible and will not support a fire. They will also last a lifetime. Vegetative roof systems, which have a layer of soil and vegetation on the roof, can be fire-resistant if they are watered regularly. However, a roof with dry vegetation will actually increase the fire risk for a home.

Landscaping – Just by establishing a fire-safe landscape around your home, you will create a "green belt" to protect you from outside fires like wildfires. Remove all dead trees, shrubs, and plants at least 30 feet around your home. Eliminate low-hanging branches and shrubs growing under trees. Replace highly flammable plants and trees with fire-resistant ones like succulents, hedging roses and honeysuckles, and hardwood trees. Keep your landscape well-watered, especially during the dry season.

This article was written by Sally Davison. She owns the site Fire Science Degree [update7/11/2013-Good day to you, My name is Mark, and I'm writing as a representative of FireScienceDegree (dot) com. We recently acquired this domain and will, in the near future, begin editing and updating the content. If you look, the most recent blog post is from September 2011. Before we remove everything, I wanted to email as many of the webmasters and bloggers linking to us as possible. You found this information useful once, so I didn't want you caught with missing resources.] Sally is an experienced EMT and loves to write various articles about health and safety.

Guest Post Provided by: Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy

CSP Design with Heat Recovery Unit-Designed by Scotts Contracting

UPDATE:  Concentrated Solar Power Design with Added Heat Recovery Unit-

• CSP-CAD Diagram designed by Scotty, Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy Nov 1, 2011

Updated Concentrated Solar Power Photovoltaic Design with Added
Automatic Heat Recovery Unit for Dual Energy Savings

This is an update on the CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) design with Heat Recovery Unit for added energy savings.

Design Features:

• Parabolic Trough Focuses the Suns Rays onto the Receiver

• Photovoltaic Receiver creates Electricity and 

• Energy via the Automatic Heat Recovery Unit

Notes: 

• Many of the CSP designs on the Market today "create steam to generate electricity".  This design will create electricity efficiently via Photo-voltaic Cells in the receiver; thus eliminating the need for Steam Engines.  It also generates heat to be used in the Heat Recovery Unit (twice as much usable energy for today's home and business).

• Heat Recovery Unit incorporates a automatic air handler set by thermostat for transferring climatically controlled air movement.

• This design works exceptionally well during the winter time when the suns radiation is at it lowest radiation level-the loss of energy is minimized by the Heat Recovery Unit.   

• Concentrated Solar Power will soon be available for non-desert regions and easily adaptable for any region. 

• System allows for the'Receiver' to easily upgrade to new and developing Photovoltaic Cells for increased electrical output

Seeking Assistance to further Develop this CSP Design2.  Please use the Contact Form> for additional info and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will reply ASAP.