Stimulus Dollars Advance Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy In America's Cities

The nation's mayors this week released the results of a new survey pointing to city successes in using Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

Participating Washington state cities included Everett, Redmond, Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver.

Gresham (OR) Mayor Shane Bemis, Bridgeport (CT) Mayor Bill Finch and Carmel (IN) Mayor Jim Brainard presented the survey findings on a national press conference call to highlight local energy innovations championed by mayors in every part of the country. The results document the responses of 204 mayors – representing cities of all population sizes and from all regions – to a series of questions from the Mayors' Climate Protection Center designed to show generally how cities invested their EECBG program funds to help further local initiatives to reduce energy use, deploy new energy technologies and curb harmful energy emissions, among other local outcomes. 

"These findings underscore that mayors have been leading by example on energy efficiency and conservation for years," said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis, Chair of the Conference's Energy Committee.  "Mayors all across the country have been actively working to advance energy-saving measures in communities large and small, and what we see in this report translates into real budgetary savings, local job creation and small business growth."

While the full report can be found at www.usmayors.org, some of its key findings are below:

• The three top uses of EECBG dollars by cities were energy retrofits of government buildings (83%of cities), LED/other energy-efficient street lighting (42%), and solar energy systems on public buildings and facilities (31%).
• Most mayors directed a majority of their EECBG funds to investments in municipal projects and operations.  Nearly seven in eight mayors (87%) expended a majority of their EECBG grant dollars on municipal projects and operations.
• LED/other energy-efficient lighting ranked first among energy technologies that have already been deployed by cities, with local and federal resources, most notably EECBG grants, providing the primary sources of funding for these deployments. 
• The availability of EECBG funds to cities has influenced city budgetary priorities, and also prompted new partnerships with a range of private sector and governmental entities.
• A majority of mayors cited energy service contracting as the innovative energy financing strategy that EECBG funds helped most often.

Of the report's findings, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, who Co-Chairs the Conference's Energy Independence and Climate Protection Task Force said, "Even as mayors were confronting budget constraints due to the recession and federal spending cuts, this report shows that cities leveraged EECBG dollars by making investments that are still paying dividends today.  In my city, we are reducing electricity usage and making solid waste and sewage sludge operations more efficient.   So, clearly, this modest federal commitment has bolstered mayors' efforts to advance energy efficiency, conservation and technology deployment initiatives in their cities." 

Five years ago, as part of ARRA, EECBG formula grants were distributed directly to cities by the U.S. Department of Energy. Of the $2.7 billion provided to the program in formula funding, about half of these dollars ($1.3 billion) were distributed directly to cities to support their energy and climate efforts, a commitment that ranked among the largest provided to local governments in the ARRA legislation.

The Conference of Mayors conceived the EECBG Program to engage the federal government in supporting the nation's mayors in accelerating local energy and climate initiatives, especially the more than 1000 mayors who have joined as signatories to the Conference's Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which was a landmark pledge for mayors all across the country to take bold action to significantly reduce carbon emissions in cities in alignment with Kyoto Protocol standards.

"The mayors who signed the USCM Climate Protection Agreement represent more than 86 million people in the U.S. who are learning how important it is to work locally to curb harmful greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change," said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, Co-Chair of the Conference's Energy Independence and Climate Protection Task Force.  "The success mayors are having in deploying these resources makes the case for a stronger local-federal partnership on our nation's energy and climate challenges, including continued EECBG funding to support cities and local areas as they develop new energy solutions." 

Last month, the Conference released a related report, Energy Efficiency and Technologies in America's Cities, which was unveiled during the USCM 82^nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. at a session with mayors and U.S. Energy Secretary Moniz at the Capital Hilton.  That survey can be found at usmayors.org/2014energysurvey.

About the United States Conference of Mayors:
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. 

SOURCE: The U.S. Conference of Mayors. WASHINGTON, March 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire.

Solar Power Succeeds in Whatcom County

When Dana Brandt started installing solar panels on homes in Bellingham nine years ago, people wondered what was next - screen doors for submarines?

"You can imagine what people say," says Brandt, sitting in the conference room at his company, Ecotech, on a cloudy December day.

The northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest is famous for its winter gloom, and there's not much energy to be had from the sun that time of year. But as it turned out, Brandt was on to something. Whatcom County is a good place to go solar.

What winter lacks in sunlight is made up for in the summer, when clouds are usually scarce and the sun can shine 16 hours a day. What Washington needed to launch its solar industry was a way to squirrel away that summer bounty for the dark winter.

Enter "net metering." A state law passed in 1998 requires utilities to credit homeowners with solar (or other alternative energy) systems for any power they generate beyond what they use and that flows onto the grid. The excess power produced in the sunny summer comes back to the homeowner as a credit on their electric bill during the gray winter.

"It's really why solar works here," Brandt says. "There's no battery that can do that."

Josh Miller, general manager of solar operations at Western Solar in Bellingham, says his goal is for his clients to produce as much electricity in a year as they use. That wipes out the customer's electric bill - all but a base $7.49 monthly charge, according to Puget Sound Energy.

On top of that, owners of solar-powered homes typically get $1,000 cash from the state just for producing solar energy. The payback, from what PSE calls the Renewable Energy Advantage Program, can be as much as $5,000 a year.

A 20-panel solar system with equipment made in the state can be installed for about $22,000, Miller says. Combining net metering, REAP and certain tax breaks, such a system can pay for itself in five years.

Solar energy has grown at a rapid clip in the state - about 50 percent a year since 2008. Brandt says it should continue to grow over the next decade or so.

A big reason the future looks so bright for solar power here is the 270 solar arrays that already have appeared on Bellingham roofs, according to PSE's count.

"Every week more people learn solar works here because their friends and neighbors did it," Brandt says.

INCENTIVES

Net metering: Under a state law, utility customers receive a credit on their bills for the full retail cost of extra energy produced and delivered to the grid.

Federal income tax credit: Covers 30 percent of the total cost of the system, including installation (expires 2016).

No state sales tax: The tax exemption for solar equipment or installation expires 2018.

Renewable energy system cost recovery law: What Puget Sound Energy calls the Renewable Energy Advantage Program pays solar users 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, which increases to as much as 54 cents per kWh for solar panels and inverters made in Washington. (itek Energy of Bellingham makes both.) On average, the incentive is $1,000 a year. The maximum payment is $5,000 (expires 2020).

OTHER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Besides solar, there are a number of ways to reduce home energy costs, says the Community Energy Challenge, based in Bellingham:

-- Use energy-efficient light bulbs. CFLs are used as are LEDs, which are becoming popular because of their color quality and dimmability.

-- Seal heating ducts. That way, the ducts won't leak into unheated spaces in your home. "That's about the biggest bang for your buck," says Alex Ramel of Community Energy Challenge.

-- Air-seal or weatherize your home. That requires a trained professional, because improperly sealed homes can lead to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide or mold.

-- Insulate your home. People should start with the attic, because hot air rises. "If you only have $1,000 to spend, spend it on insulation in the attic," Ramel says.

-- Replace furnaces or water heaters. That's recommended if the original system is older and less efficient.

SOLAR FAQ

How do I get started?

To find a reputable solar contractor, call an energy advisor at Puget Sound Energy, 800-562-1482. Two established companies are based in Bellingham: Ecotech, 360-318-7646; and Western Solar, 360-746-0859.

For a broader assessment of how to reduce energy costs in your home (see "Energy-Saving Tips"), contact the Community Energy Challenge at 360-676-6099.

Is my home right for solar?

The ideal spot for solar panels is a south-facing roof. Panels can also be installed along a deck or free-standing in the yard, as long as the area gets no shade from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Panels can be mounted on east- or west-facing roofs, but the energy production drops 12 to 15 percent.

How many panels should I get?

The median size of an array attached to PSE's grid is 19 panels. Josh Miller of Western Solar says at least 10 panels give a significant return on investment. Beyond 38, the customer doesn't get the full state cash incentive for the energy produced, because the incentive is capped at $5,000.

How quickly does a solar system pay for itself?

For the typical system, five to seven years. Larger systems that produce more energy can see a full return on investment sooner.

Given that a solar system is expected to last much longer, homeowners come out ahead. For a proposed $31,000 system, Dana Brandt of Ecotech estimated the client would net $24,000 in 30 years.

Are solar grids hard to maintain?

Solar panels are virtually maintenance free, Miller says. They are generally more durable than the homes themselves, and can withstand winds up to 120 mph. Installers recommend hosing off the panels once or twice a year to remove debris. Panels come with a 25-year warranty, which includes a guarantee that the efficiency of the panel will be no worse than 80 percent after 25 years.

Source: By Ralph Schwartz, The Bellingham Herald, 2/17/14

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/02/17/3403276/remodeling-solar-power-succeeds.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/02/17/3403276/remodeling-solar-power-succeeds.html#storylink=cpySource

State of the Union Highlights Clean Energy Progress

President Obama focused on a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues in his State of the Union address on January 28, highlighting progress toward a "shift to a cleaner energy economy" and spotlighting solar energy and fuel efficiency. "The shift to a cleaner energy economy won’t happen overnight, and it will require tough choices along the way," President Obama said. "But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children’s children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did."
The President also spoke about the growth of renewable energy in the United States, saying that "we’re becoming a global leader in solar, too. Every four minutes, another American home or business goes solar; every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can’t be outsourced." The President noted that as the United States has increased its energy production, the nation has "partnered with businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months, I’ll build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks, so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump."

Among the other energy-related highlights:

• The President proposed new incentives for medium- and heavy-duty trucks to run on natural gas or other alternative fuels, and the infrastructure needed to run them.
• President Obama caled on Congress to establish an Energy Security Trust to invest in a range of cost-effective advanced vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles, homegrown biofuels, hudrogen, and domestically-produced natural gas.
• The President announced a new tax credit to spur investment in the necessary infrastructure to support deployment of advanced vehicles at critical mass. His proposal would be fuel neutral, allowing the private sector to determine if biofuels, electrification, natural gas, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels would be the best fit in different communities.
• In addition, the President proposed to extend the cellulosic biofuel producer credit that expired on December 31, 2013.

As part of his Climate Action Plan, President Obama has directed his Administration to work with states to develop clean energy and energy efficiency policies. Under the same plan, the Energy Department has proposed five energy conservation standards and finalized one standard for appliances and equipment. Additionally, the President directed his Administration to negotiate an agreement that would eliminate tariffs on environmental goods, including clean and renewable energy technologies.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Testing Confirms Operational Readiness of World’s Largest Solar Thermal Project

Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Reaches ‘First Sync’ Milestone

NIPTON, Calif.–Sep. 24, 2013– Today it was announced that the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System produced its first output of energy when the Unit 1 station was synchronized to the power grid for the first time. Achieving this critical “first sync” is a major milestone for the project, which is jointly-owned by NRG Energy, Inc., BrightSource Energy, Inc. and Google.

Ivanpah First Sync (Photo: Business Wire)

This successful test demonstrates the effectiveness of the station’s power tower technology, which includes large heliostats that track the sun throughout the day, solar field integration software and a solar receiver steam generator.

“Given the magnitude and complexity of Ivanpah, it was very important that we successfully complete this milestone showing all systems were on track,” said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. “We couldn’t be more excited about achieving ‘first sync,’ and we share this success with our project partners, BrightSource and Google, as well as Bechtel, which is responsible for engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning on the project.”

Power generated from Ivanpah’s initial sync testing will go to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), which has a power purchase agreement (PPA) for energy produced out of the plant’s Unit 1 station. Power generated from Ivanpah’s Unit 3 station is also sold under a PPA with PG&E, while Unit 2 is under a PPA with Southern California Edison. Proof-of-concept testing will also be conducted at Unit 2 and 3 in the coming months.

“This is yet another major milestone that we have successfully achieved as Ivanpah approaches completion,” said David Ramm, Executive Chairman of BrightSource Energy, Inc. “Ivanpah is the showcase project for BrightSource’s power tower technology and technical expertise. Validation at this scale demonstrates the viability of our technology as BrightSource increases focus on international markets and applications for concentrating solar power.”

“The achievement of this major milestone was possible through the tireless efforts of the entire project team – from the craft to the field engineers and technical experts,” said Toby Seay, President of Bechtel’s power global business unit. “With the cooperation of Ivanpah’s owners, we have been able to bring to life a world-class solar project that will help California meet its renewable energy goals safely and effectively.”

“At Google we invest in renewable energy projects that have the potential to transform the energy landscape. Ivanpah is one of those projects,” said Rick Needham, Director of Energy and Sustainability at Google. “We’re excited about the project achieving this first sync – a landmark event along the path to completion. Congratulations to the many people who have worked so hard to get this far.”

Located in California’s Mojave Desert, Ivanpah is the largest solar thermal plant in the world, spanning 3,500 acres of public land. Once fully operational, the 392 megawatt (377 megawatt net) plant will generate enough electricity to power 140,000 homes annually. Ivanpah’s three power tower units will also nearly double the amount of commercial solar thermal energy capacity now operating in the United States.

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is one of several NRG assets that are subject to a Right of First Offer Agreement between NRG Energy Inc., and the newly-created NRG Yield, Inc. (NYSE: NYLD).

Source: NRG Energy, Inc.

18.72 kW Skagit Community Solar Project on Anacortes Middle School Complete

Western Solar has completed the installation of an 18.72 kW, 100% made-in-Washington system on Anacortes Middle School, as part of the Skagit Community Solar Project. For more information on this project check out this article in the Skagit Valley Herald.


The project features 78 of the Bellingham made, Itek Energy modules and 4 of the Theia/Eltek Central Inverters. 

Solar 101 Hosted by Solar Washington

Go Solar Off to Bright Start

Workshop held at the Fairhaven Library, April 27th

When we decided to launch the Go Solar Bellingham campaign for the second time we questioned our logic on focusing another campaign in the same community; one would think this area would have heard enough of our solar rant. However, as always, we are blown away by the support and eagerness Bellingham residents show towards making the place we call home a little greener.

Although we are only partially through the campaign, the amount of Kilowatts committed has already surpassed all of our previous Go Solar campaigns. Lynne Pharis, a Bellingham resident, is already enjoying free power from the sun as a result of her Go Solar Bellingham System: “We had only dreamed of having a solar system for our house until we learned about the federal and Washington state financial incentives that reduced our payback time for this investment from 20 to 5 years! Josh and the folks at Western Solar could not have been more helpful and friendly and the installation was fast and smooth. We are stars of the neighborhood!”  To read what more customers are saying, visit Testimonials. More Go Solar Bellingham installations are set to begin soon–stay tuned for more updates!

From the astoundingly high attendance at our workshops and Itek Energy factory tours to the amount of committed systems, simply saying that the campaign is off to a good start is an understatement. We are thrilled at the chance to work with so many local residents and to see the adoption of solar energy rising rapidly, especially here on our home turf.

Not only is this campaign helping to support the environment and reduce local homeowners’ energy expenses, it is also giving back to the community. As a commitment to our slogan, saving the world one solar panel at a time, the Western Solar Initiative is donating  a panel or inverter/mounting system combo for every system sold in the customer’s name to the Habitat for Humanity Women Build Passive Home set to break ground this fall here in Whatcom County. The Go Solar Bellingham campaign has already generated 2.64kWs for this project. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County, visit their website at www.hfhwhatcom.org or like them on Facebook! For more details visit the Western Solar Initiative

Itek Factory Tour, April 13th

If you’re interested in participating in the Go Solar Bellingham campaign, join us for our final workshop Tuesday, May 14^th, 5:30pm at Re Sources located at 2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA. Just another reminder that Itek Energy will be hosting their second factory tour on Saturday, May 18^th beginning at 10:30am at their facility located at 3886 Hammer Drive, Bellingham, WA. This is a rare opportunity to see firsthand how solar modules are produced here locally. Hope to see you there!