PGE Electricity Purchase Agreement

Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE) has signed contracts to purchase at least 2.0 GW of electricity. This included 830 mW of solar electricity to help meet the 2010 state requirements. The electricity will be generated by 3 different plants. 

One of the plants, a 586 mW natural gas plant, will be built near Oakley by 2014. Another 719 mW natural gas plant will be built by 2013 next to the existing Mirant's plants in Antioch. The rest of the 2.0 GW of electricity will be generated by a solar system.
Original - PGE Electricity Purchase Agreement

 

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How to get Solar Panels for Sale

Wanting solar panels for sale and getting solar panels for sale are two completely different stories. It is well known that many different models and brands of solar panels are available for sale. Each model is unique and is utilized in speciific situations so it is vital to research and find the best solar panels to sell.

Different solar panels are used in different situations. When a homeowner has a lot of available roofspace and minimal shading, it is best to choose an inexpensive panel with a lower energy conversion rate. For a homeowner with limited roof space or a lot of shading, more expensive panels with higher energy conversion rates are required.

When researching solar panels, it is important to find quality solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity for the lowest price. Finding quality solar panels for sale now will save homeowners a lot of money and frustration in the future. Quality panels will outlast poorly constructed panels. This is especially important considering solar panel output is guaranteed for 30 years. Once one sells solar panels, the buyer may keep the panels for the rest of his/her life.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

Solar Panels for Sale

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Teaching Solar in Schools

To promote renewable energy and a renewable lifestyle to future generations, many schools are setting examples through green building and electricity generation. Schools such as Chafford School in the UK or universities such as Point Loma and UC Santa Barbara have installed photovoltaic solar systems and are strong advocates for recycling. 

The schools that implement photovoltaic solar systems typically spend time explaining how the system works and how it benefits the environment.
Teaching Solar in School

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Kohl's Solar Installations

Kohl's now operates 59 solar locations after the opening of a solar location in Sacramento, California. This makes for its 79th solar location nation-wide. With the new Sacramento solar location, nearly half of Kohl's stores in California will be solar. Some of the newest locations include: Mira Loma, Rancho San Diego, and San Jose South.

In addition, Kohl's has taken taken steps to use less energy in their stores through energy-efficient appliances including: high-efficiency heating, cooling, sensor lighting in stockrooms, offices, and a recycling programfor boxes, hangers, and packaging.

The new store in Sacramento features 990 panels generating 206 kW of electricity, or 50% of the store's energy.

Today, the California Kohl's chain generated 50 million kWh of solar electricity, accounting for 1% of the California Solar Initiative goal. With the energy improvements and clean energy generation, Kohl's has been ranked number 1 greenest retailer in the U.S.
Kohl's Solar Installations

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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Solar-Thermal Electricity Generation Faces Water Use

In addition to affecting farmers, turning off the tap is changing the way we generate solar electricity. Currently, solar-thermal plants generate electricity through mirrors redirecting solar energy to a boiler. The solar energy heats up liquid sodium which turns liquid water into water vapor. The steam turns a turbine, generating electricity.

The water needs to be cooled, which is achieve through evaporation. Since so much water is lost through evaporation, it must constantly be replenished. An alternative method of cooling using fans and heat exchange saves most of the water, but the procedure adds costs.

Currently, 35 large-scale solar projects are planned for California alone. These projects can generate 12 GW of electricity, enough to power 9,000,000 homes. Although these are great plans, they will take a heavy toll on water.

One proposed project, the Ivanpah dry-cool project in California, plans to consume 25 million gallons of water per year. Most of this water is required to clean the mirrors. In comparison, a wet-cool solar-thermal plant half the size of Ivanpah would require 705 million gallons a year using a dry-cool system.

Obviously, dry-water systems are the way to go. With the American Southwest being a desert, it is important that we conserve water. Until we are able to efficiently purify ocean water, we need to find alternatives to consuming valuable fresh water for cooling solar plants.

Original Article: Solar-Thermal Electricity Generation Faces Water Use

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House that Uses No Energy

Eventually, the world will become carbon neutral again. Some of the changes that need to happen are self-productive homes, or homes that generate their own electricity for appliances, transportation, and personal use.

Currently, homes use energy generated mostly from fossil fuels, nuclear reactions, and an increasing amount of renewables. Homes of the future might look the Florida State University green house which has no connection to the electricity grid. The home uses excess electricity generated during the day to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.

Oxygen and hydrogen is used at night (or during periods of high usage) to generate electricity. The $575,000 experiment house is in the middle of Florida State's campus. The house is unique in combining old tricks for home heating/cooling with the lastest energy saving technology.

In addition, Florida State University is working on creating appliances that burn hydrogen and oxygen for cooking and indoor heating since it is more efficient that generating heat through electricity.

Hydrogen offer a low-cost potential alternative to batteries since it can be produced from water, the problem is producing hydrogen. Right now, expensive platinum is required for the conversion of water to hydrogen. FSU is looking into alternative, cheaper metals.

Homes of the future are going to be sell-reliant. It is only a matter of finding and implementing cost-effective technology to promote self-reliance.

Rich Hessler
pvsolarsalestraining.com
(949) 208-0221

House that User No Energy

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ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA HOMEOWNER GOES COMPLETELY SOLAR

Gary Manzo, a St. Lucie Village, Florida, homeowner decided to go 100% solar. To completely cover his electric bill, he ordered 11 photovoltaic solar panels from Solar Energy Systems. He installed the solar panels to do his part to save the environment and make some money.

The total system cost of 11 solar panels and installation is $25,000. Gary expects a $10,000 solar rebate from the state of Florida and a $6,500 rebate from the federal government. This brings the solar system cost down to $8,500. After not paying for electricity for a year, assuming his anual utility bill is $1,500, he only pays $6,000 for the solar system.

This can be paid for with either a loan or refinancing his home with the solar system. Instead of paying for electricity, Gary will pay off his solar system. Once the solar system is paid for, he will be generating free, green electricity.
St Lucie Village, Florida Homeowner Goes Completely Solar

Rich Hessler
CleanFamilyEnergy.com
(949) 208-0221

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