Sun Is The Future (www.sunisthefuture.net), advocating for the use of Solar Energy, aiming to spread SunShine throughout planet Earth since 2011
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
If you are visiting Sun Is The Future for the first time or long-time subscribers, welcome and be prepared for some updates! Sun Is The Future has been advocating for the use of Solar Energy since January of 2011 via information/education (Internet, Youtube Channel, Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Instagram,etc.), helping entrepreneurs to establish small businesses in Solar Energy/Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency/Recycling via micro-finance/crowdfunding (Sunisthefuture Team at Kiva), and online store (Sunshine Online Store). Sun Is The Future is designed to be a self-sustaining organization, without support from any government and without non-profit status. For those of you who have shown interest in helping to support Sun Is The Future, please feel free to visit Sunshine Online Store to select any gift(s) of appreciation and become part of the support group for Sun Is The Future , Sunisthefuture Team at Kiva, and solar/renewable/recycling/energy efficiency projects at Zip.Kiva.org. Thus far, we have reached readers/viewers from 192 countries, with more than 20,000 subscribers, and accumulated 132 videos and 566 posts, and have helped more than 1000 small businesses. We hope you will continue to return and participate in our effort in spreading the SunShine throughout our planet Earth.
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Now, for a recent press release from Sonnen-Batterie ( winner of Bloomberg 2015 New Energy Pioneers Award and is attending Intersolar North America 2015 at booth #8121.), below:
Sonnenbatterie (Solarbattery) Is Now Offering Its Innovative Products in the United States For the first time in the US, Sonnenbatterie is taking orders for residential and commercial smart energy storage products for distribution through certified channel partners, Sonnenbatterie Centers
Los Angeles, Calif. – July 13, 2015 – Sonnenbatterie, market leader for smart energy storage systems with offices in Los Angeles, California and Bavaria, Germany, today announced that US versions of the residential and commercial products that have earned the reputation of market leader in Europe are now available for ordering and shipment in the US for the first time. Demos of the new products and applications for channel partners will be available at Intersolar North America, Booth #8121.
Today’s news comes on the heels of recent announcements regarding the company’s new research and development facility in Atlanta, GA, and a non-exclusive North American distribution deal with Sungevity.
“I’m very happy to announce that Sonnenbatterie is officially open for business in North America!” said Boris von Bormann, CEO of Sonnenbatterie USA. “Over the last five years, the name Sonnenbatterie has become synonymous throughout Europe with high quality, beautiful design, and easy-to-use home and commercial energy solutions. We’re delighted to invite American consumers to enjoy the Sonnenbatterie experience for themselves.”
Sonnenbatterie products are now available in North America exclusively through channel partners called Sonnenbatterie Centers. Sonnenbatterie Centers are very often local solar installers that enjoy a certain level of geographic exclusivity, given they meet certain volume requirements. Interested parties can seek an application at the company’s booth at Intersolar North America (Booth #8121).
Sonnenbatterie is the German market leader for lithium storage systems with corporate and manufacturing headquarters in Wildpoldsried, Germany, 90 minutes from Munich. The company has sold over 8,000 units of its intelligent energy storage system to homeowners and businesses since entering the market in 2011.
Coupled with a solar energy system, Sonnenbatterie systems can supply residential owners with 100 percent of their energy needs, in addition to providing backup power for the home and taking advantage of different tariff structures for off-peak vs. on-peak use. For commercial customers, Sonnenbatterie helps reduce demand spikes that lead to peak load charges.
About Sonnenbatterie
Sonnenbatterie designs and manufactures fully integrated energy storage systems, with US headquarters in Los Angeles, California and corporate headquarters in Bavaria, Germany. The Sonnenbatterie solution integrates battery cells, an inverter, and energy management software in one package that allows for extremely fast and inexpensive installation. The product offers an array of smart functions like peak shaving and remote management, and has an industry leading expected life of 10,000 charge cycles. Sonnenbatterie has doubled sales every year from 2012 to 2014, and the company has raised a total of $13M in venture capital to date from partners including SET Ventures, Munich Venture Partners, and eCAPITAL.
Administration Announces New Initiative to Increase Solar Access for All Americans
Including Actions to Scale Up Solar Access and Cut Energy Bills in Communities Across America
The Obama Administration is committed to addressing climate change, promoting clean energy, and creating good paying jobs. That is why the Administration is announcing a new initiative to increase access to solar energy for all Americans, in particular low- and moderate- income communities, while expanding opportunities to join the solar workforce.
Last year, the United States brought online as much solar energy every three weeks as it did in all of 2008, and the solar industry added jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy. And since the beginning of 2010, the average cost of a solar electric system has dropped by 50 percent. The executive actions and private sector commitments that we are announcing today will help continue to scale up solar for all Americans, including those who are renters, lack the startup capital to invest in solar, or do not have adequate information on how to transition to solar energy. The key components of the initiative that the Administration is announcing today are:
Launching a National Community Solar Partnership to unlock access to solar for the nearly 50 percent of households and business that are renters or do not have adequate roof space to install solar systems, including issuing a guide to Support States In Developing Community Solar Programs;
Setting a goal to install 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy in federally subsidized housing and providing technical assistance to make it easier to install solar, including clarifying how to use Federal funding;
Housing authorities, rural electric co-ops, power companies, and organizations in more than 20 states across the country are committing to put in place more than 260 solar energy projects, including projects to help low- and moderate- income communities save on their energy bills and further community solar; and
More than $520 million in independent commitments from philanthropic and impact investors, states, and cities to advance community solar and scale up solar and energy efficiency for low- and moderate- income households.
To continue enhancing employment opportunities for all Americans in the solar industry, the Administration is announcing the following executive actions and private sector commitments, including:
AmeriCorps funding to deploy solar and create jobs in underserved communities;
Expanding solar energy education and opportunities for job training; and
The solar industry is also setting its own, independent goal of becoming the most diverse sector of the U.S. energy industry, and a number of companies are announcing that they are taking steps to build a more inclusive solar workforce.
These new actions build on President Obama’s goal to train 75,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020 and the Solar Ready Vets program that will train transitioning military personnel for careers in the solar industry at 10 military bases.
EXECUTIVE ACTIONS TO SCALE UP SOLAR AND DECREASE ENERGY BILLS
To continue supporting all American communities in deploying clean energy while creating jobs and reducing carbon pollution, the Administration is announcing the following executive actions:
Setting A Goal To Install 300 Megawatts Of Renewable Energy in Federally Subsidized Housing: In the Climate Action Plan, the President set a goal of installing 100 megawatts (MW) of solar and other types of renewable energy in Federally subsidized housing. The Administration has already surpassed that goal, through commitments to install more than 185 MW of renewable energy. Today, we are announcing that the Administration is tripling its current goal and setting a new goal to install 300 MW of renewable energy on affordable by 2020, as well as expanding the goal to include community and shared solar installations.
Providing Technical Assistance to Make It Easier to Install Solar on Affordable Housing: One of the largest barriers to deploying onsite solar on affordable housing is the lack of knowledge on how to initiate the process. To overcome this barrier, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is announcing that it will offer direct technical assistance to affordable housing organizations making a commitment toward the Administration’s new 300 MW goal. As part of this assistance, HUD is launching a website to provide policy guidance, tools, and other online resources to help advance solar deployment and the installation of other renewable energy in affordable housing.
Developing a Toolkit to Increase the Ability of States to Use Federal Funding to Deploy Solar on Affordable Housing: To make it easier to use Section 108 Community Development Block Grant funds for solar energy systems, next month, HUD is releasing a renewable energy toolkit for use by Community Planning and Development (CPD) grantees. The toolkit will provide program compliance information, tools, and case study examples to help communities integrate renewable energy components such as solar photovoltaic, solar hot water, and cogeneration into the program in an efficient, cost-effective, and impactful way by using CPD funds. This action builds on an announcement last year during which, HUD’s CPD office affirmed that under current guidelines, Section 108 Community Development Block Grant funding can be used for clean energy and energy efficiency projects.
Enhancing the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)’s PowerSaver Policy to Make It Easier to Borrow Up To $25,000 For Solar and Energy-Efficient Improvements: FHA is planning updates to its second-mortgage program that will make it easier for homeowners to borrow up to $25,000 for solar and energy-efficient improvements by cutting red tape and making improvements more affordable. Key features of the second mortgage program will include: 1) providing flexible underwriting to recognize the reduced cost of utilities for energy efficient homes; 2) allowing homeowners to control the disbursement of loan funds to the contractor; and 3) permitting contributions to lower out-of-pocket expenses and/or reduce borrower interest rates.
Clarifying Policy to Pave the Way for Increased FHA Solar and Energy Efficient Financing on Federally Assisted and Insured Housing. FHA recently clarified its policy on first mortgages to allow flexible financing options and the ability to obtain larger loan amounts for solar systems. FHA is conducting forums on the updated Single Family Handbook to help increase lender awareness of these financing options, which will be effective September 14, 2015.
Launching a National Community Solar Partnership: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with HUD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), representatives from solar companies, NGOs, and state and community leaders are launching a National Community Solar Partnership to unlock access to solar for the nearly 50 percent of households and business that are renters or do not have adequate roof space to install solar systems. The partnership will leverage the interest in the public and private sector to expand access to community solar, in particular, for low- and moderate- income communities, while utilizing the technical expertise of DOE and the National Laboratories.
BARC Electric Cooperative
Black Rock Solar
State of California
Clean Energy Collective
Citi
Colorado State Energy Office
District of Columbia Department of the Environment
First Solar, Inc.
Grand Valley Power
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
GRID Alternatives
Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
National League of Cities
State of New York
RE-volv
Solar Energy Industries Association
Solar Electric Power Association
Spear Point Energy
SunShare
The Solar Foundation
Vermont Public Service Department
Vote Solar
Issuing A Guide To Support States In Developing Community Solar Programs: The DOE SunShot Initiative and the National Renewable Energy Lab are releasing a new guide, which answers key program design questions collected from states that have implemented shared solar policies and programs around the country. The guide will also explain how shared solar polices work in conjunction with other polices and provides links to relevant shared solar publications.
Launching a Solar Working Group To Save Households on Their Energy Bills: The DOE SunShot Initiative, with assistance from Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is forming a new working group to disseminate information to new homebuilders that want to offer customer-owned solar PV.
STATE AND PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITMENTS INCREASE SOLAR ENERGY AND CUT ENERGY BILLS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS AMERICA
States, cities, businesses, and organizations from more than 20 states across the country are making their own, independent commitments to put in place more than 260 solar energy projects in low- and moderate- income communities or to further community solar. These announcements include:
22 additional Public Housing Authorities and affordable housing providers from around the country are committing to install solar and other type of renewable energy on their facilities, to help meet the Administration’s new 300 MW goal. This include:
Allegheny County Housing Authority, PA
Asheville Housing Authority, NC
Boulder Housing Authority, CO
BRIDGE Housing, CA
Cambridge Housing Authority, MA
Community Housing Partners, VA
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, OH
Fresno Housing Authority, CA
East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, CA
Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles, CA
King County Housing Authority, WA
Knox County Housing Authority, IL
Mercy Housing, Washington, D.C.
Metro West Housing Authority, CO
New York City Housing Authority, NY
New Bedford Housing Authority, MA
Rural Ulster Preservation Corporation, NY
San Antonio Housing Authority, TX
Tampa Housing Authority, FL
The Core Companies, CA
Vistula Management Company, OH
York Housing Authority, PA
RE-volv, a nonprofit organization, is announcing a goal of financing 200 community-based solar energy projects over the next three years. As these communities pay RE-volv back through a solar lease, the money is “paid forward,” setting in motion a self-sustaining revolving fund that will finance a new solar project every month. Already, RE-volv has already crowdfunded $120,000 from people in 38 states and 22 countries to finance 65 kilowatts (kW) of solar on three nonprofits and cooperatives that collectively serve over 1500 families.
Private sector companies announcing new projects in low- and moderate- income communities or to further community solar:
More than 30 member-owned, not-for-profit rural electric cooperatives in 17 states across the country are committing to install community solar projects by the end of 2016. This builds on the nearly 20 co-ops nationally that have already brought online community solar projects in the last year.
Spear Point Energy, is committing to develop nearly 10-15 solar projects for rural water companies in the next year. The program will include green bank financing and create jobs in low-income rural communities.
Clean Energy Collective is announcing three new community solar projects:
The first community solar to be built in Texas, CEC will develop a 900kW project in partnership with Nueces Electric cooperative, which will be located near Corpus Christi, Texas, and serve Nueces’ full customer base across the state of Texas.
A 120 kW community solar project located in Pueblo, Colorado with Black Hills Energy. A significant portion of the array will serve low-income households through a partnership with Posada Pueblo.
A new partnership with CPS Energy to develop a 1.2 MW community solar project in the San Antonio area. The project will be the first for CPS Energy and make CPS the largest municipally-owned utility in the nation with a community solar project.
Freetown, MA will soon complete a shared solar installation. The project – the first to be fully funded and managed by NRG Energy, Inc. in Massachusetts – will provide one megawatt of clean electricity, enough to power nearly 200 homes. This project will provide solar power to residents who would typically not have access solar energy, while reducing the overall cost of their utility bill.
The Colorado Energy Office is launching a shared solar project for low-income households as part of its strategy to comprehensively reduce their energy burden. The project complements Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program by giving low-income households the ability to reduce electricity costs. The Office has released a Request for Application for a Community Shared Solar System Demonstration Project consisting of varying size and scale that will cumulatively provide more than 1 MW of solar generation solely for low-income shareholders.
Vote Solar is announcing Shared Renewables HQ, a web resource providing state-by-state policy analysis and resources to help communities design programs that work for all income levels.
SunEdison and NASCAR are announcing a partnership to promote distributed residential and commercial solar power through “NASCAR Green,” a platform created in 2008 to educate and promote sustainable solutions to fans and stakeholders on initiatives such as biofuel use, recycling programs, and solar energy adoption. Over the next three years as part of this collaboration, SunEdison and NASCAR will educate the NASCAR fanbase about the benefits of home solar. Additionally, SunEdison will work with NASCAR partners, race track properties, and race teams to design and propose commercial scale solar solutions.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS FROM STATES, CITIES, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SCALE UP RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Today, leaders from across the country are also committing to invest more than $520 million to advance community solar or scale up solar and energy efficiency in low- and moderate- income communities.
Community Capital Management is committing to investing $100 million in government-assisted rental housing that support environmental and energy efficiency initiatives, including deploying solar energy systems to meet the Administration’s new 300 MW goal, indoor environmental quality, and site remediation in the next year.
Clean Energy Collective (CEC) is announcing that it has secured over $400 million in cumulative financial backing to help scale up community solar nationwide.
Craft3, a nonprofit community development financial institution, is committing $12 million to expand its on-bill repayment loan program to help homeowners convert from high-carbon oil heat to natural gas and electric heat pumps, including financing oil tank decommissioning, the installation of high-efficiency gas furnaces, heat pumps and weatherization measures. The program will focus on low to moderate income households that do not qualify for low-income weatherization support where borrowers will repay their loans through their utility bill. Today’s announcement builds on Craft3’s March commitment to work with MPower, a non-profit company dedicated to provide $4 million in financing for building-wide energy efficiency services to qualified affordable housing facilities. Since 2009, Craft3 has provided over $40 million in energy efficiency financing to 3,000 Oregon and Washington households.
The District of Columbia Department of the Environment is announcing that it will launch a plan to invest up to $6 million in community solar for low-income residents this fall. Today’s announcement builds on their existing initiative to install 130 solar panels on low-income homes in 250 days by September 30, 2015.
California is announcing a new $3 million pilot program for multi-family homes that provides credit support to facilitate energy improvements. The program will offer multi-family affordable housing credit support for energy efficiency improvements, including solar water heating. The program is expected to facilitate improvements in 1000 housing units. This builds on the California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership, a program that encourages solar on new construction, currently has $3.5 million in reservations for future solar on affordable housing, representing 2.26MW. To date, the program has provided $23 million in incentives for 883 affordable housing systems, representing 7.69 MW.
The State of Hawaii, is committing to open up financing for solar energy systems for renters, through the financing of community-based renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency projects to non-profits and small businesses in the coming months. Through the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the State has already committed to financing $150 million of clean energy technologies for underserved Hawaii homeowners, renters, non-profits and small businesses by the end of 2016. In March 2015, the Authority launched financing for solar PV to underserved non-profits and small businesses, with financing for solar PV to underserved homeowners available by July 2015.
The State of Massachusetts is committing to exploring new models to support community solar projects through the Massachusetts Solar Loan Program. Through the program Massachusetts will work with the solar industry and lenders to provide affordable financing for solar electricity, with specific support for low- and moderate- income residents as well as community solar projects. MassCEC and DOER will also continue to work collaboratively with the private sector to create pathways towards innovative community solar models and projects that increase access to solar electricity for Massachusetts residents.
The Vermont Public Service Department is announcing that it will launch a new statewide program to support customers that want to participate in community solar through an interest rate buy-down fund, with support from the DOE’s Rooftop Solar Challenge II. The buy-down program will boost access to group net metering systems, in particular for those that cannot afford their own solar systems, and will enhance the state’s efforts to reduce barriers to going solar. These include the financial incentives such as the state’s solar adder and regulatory initiatives such as the statewide 10-day registration form for projects under 15 kW. Today’s announcement builds on the lessons learned through a pilot program in Windham County. Vermont is also enhancing access to solar for public entities by working with them to create tools such as the recently released Solar Group Net Metering Agreement Template for Vermont’s Municipalities and Schools.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission is announcing theEnergySpark Home Loan, a new home-loan program from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. EnergySpark gives homebuyers an incentive to buy a home that is constructed to high efficiency standards that are at least 15 percent above code, or to make efficiency improvements to an existing home that cut its energy use by at least 10 percent. The program offers a quarter-percent off the interest rate, and also allows buyers of older homes to finance the cost of modest improvements, for example, installing renewable energy, adding insulation, replacing windows or upgrading to an efficient furnace, right into the cost of the mortgage at the time of purchase. When added to the Commission’s downpayment assistance, EnergySpark gives low- and moderate-income homebuyers not only savings on their home purchase, but savings on utilities over the long term.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE ENERGY WORKFORCE
The solar industry is adding jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy. They are good paying jobs that are helping Americans enter into the middle class. In fact, earlier this year, President Obama announced a new goal to train 75,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020 and a Solar Ready Vets program to train transitioning military personnel for careers in this growing industry at 10 bases. To continue enhancing employment opportunities for all Americans, including low-income and minority communities, the Administration is announcing the following executive actions and private sector commitments:
Announcing Funding through AmeriCorps that will Deploy Solar and Create Jobs in Low-Income Communities: The Corporation for National and Community Service is supporting GRID Alternatives’ SolarCorps program. Through the program, 40 AmeriCorps members will gain hands-on training and skills to access jobs in the booming solar industry, while providing clean energy to low-income families who need the savings to pay for basic expenses, through service at GRID Alternatives affiliates and offices throughout the country. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for helping retrofit 1500 low-income homes with solar power and will help 200 economically disadvantaged individuals gain jobs in the solar industry, while securing jobs for themselves at the end of their years of service. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage an additional 4000 volunteers who will be engaged in installing solar for low-income families.
Expanding Renewable Energy Education and Job Training: HUD, DOE, and the Department of Education launched “STEM, Energy, and Economic Development” or “SEED.” SEED is a place-based initiative, currently operating in five cities; DC, Cleveland, Tampa, San Antonio, and Denver. This project will leverage Federal investments and partnerships to support workforce development and educational opportunities in the energy sector for public housing residents. Today, we are announcing a key part of this initiative will be focused on the solar industry.
Launching a Webinar Series to Provide Information about Job Opportunities: DOE is launching an eight-part webinar series through its Minorities in Energy Initiative to discuss the regional impacts of climate change on minority and Tribal communities and job opportunities in renewable-energy and energy-efficiency sectors to support a growing, next-generation workforce. In addition, experts will discuss findings from the Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) and outline Federal energy policy objectives as they relate to climate resilience, including underserved communities. Authors of the National Climate Assessment will discuss their findings and the regional applicability to communities who are disproportionally impacted by the effects of climate change.
Announcing a New Goal by the Solar Industry to Become the Most Diverse Sector of the U.S. Energy Industry: The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is announcing a new goal of becoming the most diverse sector of the U.S. energy industry, promoting greater workforce diversity – from gender, nationality, and race to veteran status, sexual orientation and beyond. According to the to The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2014, “the solar workforce is increasingly diverse, with select demographic groups (i.e., Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and African American solar workers, along with women and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces) representing a larger percentage of the solar workforce” than was observed in 2013. The Solar Foundation report indicates the solar industry has already surpassed a number of other energy sectors when it comes to both ethnic and gender diversity. To ensure that the solar industry can achieve its new goal, the solar industry plans to ramp up its training and recruitment opportunities nationwide.
Individual Private Sector Commitments: A number of individual companies are taking steps to build a more inclusive solar workforce. Their independent commitments include the following:
As part of a $5 million philanthropic partnership called the Realizing an Inclusive Solar Economy (RISE) that SunEdison entered into with GRID Alternatives earlier this year, today, GRID Alternatives, in collaboration with Civic Works, is training residents in East Baltimore to enter the solar industry. RISE aims to train 4,000 applicants from underserved communities to begin solar careers. GRID Alternatives and SunEdison will work with over 70 job training organizations and community colleges over the next two years and offer recruitment venues, hands-on solar installation training, one-year paid fellowships, webinars, and other opportunities for applicants from underserved communities to begin a solar career. Training opportunities will be available across the country, including through extensive outreach that drives job applicants to job fairs at major solar industry events like Intersolar in San Francisco in July 2015 and Solar Power International in Anaheim in September 2015.
PosiGen, commits to increase the diversity of its workforce and unlock employment opportunities for low-income households, including by hiring 40 percent of their employees from low- and moderate- income communities by the end of 2016. To realize this goal, PosiGen is also committing to increasing its infrastructure investment in low- and moderate-income communities by more than $100 million by the end of 2016.
Nautilus Solar Energy proudly commits to expand solar installations in low-income communities and to continue working towards creating a brighter future for communities everywhere. Both woman-owned and veteran-owned, with females comprising approximately half of its employees, Nautilus Solar Energy provides businesses, schools and not-for-profit organizations across the United States and Canada with solar power
Please keep in mind that there is another valuable source at: DSIRE, providing various federal and state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Take advantage of them and join the New Renewable Energy Age!
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Solar Energy Has Arrived! Gemasolar Power Plant, a concentrated solar power plant with a molten salt heat storage system, located within the city limits of Fuentes de Andalucía in the province of Seville, Spain ,
Gemasolar Power Plant of Spain (attrib: Koza 1983),
is not only the first plant in the world to create a system that produces 24 hour a day electricity using only the power of the sun,it’s also been known to serve as the backdrop for various campaigns to set future trends (e.g.Louis Vuitton, Mercedes Benz and Ford). For the first time, in July (on July 17, 2015) of this year, this desert solar power plant in Spain will showcase the combination of haute couture and high end ready-to-wear collections from the 100-meter catwalk surrounded by circular formation of mirrors.
This spectacular event is organized and hosted by the famous Jessica Minh Anh, who is known for turning the most iconic venues into fantastic catwalks! She is the only fashion show organizer who has gained exclusive permission to some of the most phenomenal venues on earth (such as Grand Canyon Skywalk of USA, Eiffel Tower of France, London’s Tower Bridge of UK, Petronas Twin Towers’ Skybridge of Malaysia, Costa Atlantica of Dubai, or Gardens by the Bay’s OCBC Skyway of Singapore, etc.). Jessica’s status as the global fashion sensation and self-made entrepreneur is solidified by: FashionTV, Canale 5 Italia, Marie Claire, Le Nouvel Observateur, to name a few. She currently resides in Paris, France, and continues to travel the world in hosting her Unconventional Catwalks. Press coverage for Jessica Minh Anh may be found on www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk and her daily update is at www.facebook.com/jessicaminhanhpage .
As Jessica walks down this catwalk on July 17, 2015, the world will take note that Solar Energy belongs to the new generation of the multi-talented, bold, creative, and beautiful, just like Jessica Minh Anh. Plant manager Raul Mendoza Ruiz said, “Gemasolar is an international symbol of the next generation of power plants and represents the future, as Jessica does in fashion.” This J. Summer Show of 2015 will be filmed from various angles, using flying drones to highlight the sunlight’s effect on the stunning circular concentrated solar power plant. With solar energy’s exponential growth pattern, one may anticipate many many more solar power plants of various sizes to be rising up from all corners of the planet earth, be ready to surpass hydropower within a decade. The simple fact that Solar Power Plant may be considered to be used as a fashion catwalk reflects the essence of Solar Energy: it is bountiful, clean, healthy, free from conflicts, and accepted by all. We look forward to more catwalks such as Gemasolar in the Solar Future. We will also look forward to Jessica showcasing solar wearables in the future.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Intersolar North America 2015 (Exhibition: July 14-16, 2015, Conference: July 13-15, 2015, https://www.intersolar.us/en/home.html)
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
Just a quick note to remind you all that Intersolar North America 2015 will take place in San Francisco, Moscone Center, Exhibition between July 14-16, 2015 and Conference between July 13-15, 2015. This is the most attended Solar Event/Exhibition in the United States. 27,000 trade visitors are expected. There will be high caliber conference with renowned speakers and multitude of workshops. It also provides great international marketing opportunity.
It is with great sadness that I am sharing this news/press release from CASE (Coalition For Affordable Solar Energy) with you, below:
CASE Responds To Department of Commerce Administrative Review Results
Washington, DC — The U.S. Department of Commerce yesterday announced the results of its administrative review of the 2012 anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD) duties on imports of solar products from the People’s Republic of China. The final tariff rates set yesterday are comparable to the original rates and are higher than the rates proposed preliminarily in January 2015.
In response to this news, Jigar Shah, President of the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) released the following statement:
“This determination is another disappointing move toward short-sighted protectionism for the American solar industry.
“The Department of Commerce chose against lowering the tax on solar imports. Keeping these stiff tariffs in place makes solar power less affordable, slows job growth and prevents more American homes, businesses and utilities from switching to clean solar energy.
“Despite booming solar employment, economically counterproductive tariffs have artificially madesolar panels prices in the United States the most expensive in the world. This decision does nothing to correct this imbalance.
“Too much of the solar industry remains embroiled in SolarWorld’s unnecessary, wasteful trade conflict. Uncertainty is sure to continue with more trade litigation, and all solar companies are paying the price. We urge SolarWorld to negotiate a reasonable solution with international manufacturers which can be implemented by the governments of the United States and China. “
CASE is a 501(c)4 organization whose purpose is to educate the Administration, Congress, the American solar industry and the public about the impact of protectionism on the affordability of solar energy and the American workforce. Its primary focus is to show decision, policy, and opinion-makers that the majority of pro-solar Americans oppose the SolarWorld petition, as it will result in the denial of affordable solar energy to a nation whose demand for clean and renewable energy is higher than ever before.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Dwelling With The Spirit of Freedom-Ecocapsule (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
In recent years, many people have started to become attracted to the concept of Living Small or Tiny House. A Slovakian design firm, Nice Architects, incorporated concepts of “micro-living”, being “eco-friendly”, and “self-sufficient” and developed the egg-shaped Ecocapsules (some call it ecopod). This design of ecopod can house two people for a year off the grid, with a warm bed,
Ecocapsule interior (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
a kitchenette, toilet and shower and work/dining area, running water, and hot food, all powered by 2.6 sq meters of solar panels and a 750 w retractable wind turbine. These small pods are designed to capture, treat (with a built-in filter system), and store rainwater as potable water. These ecopods are 2.55 meters (100.4 inches) high, 4.45 meters (175.2 inches) long, and 2.25 meters (88.6 inches) wide. The fact that these ecopods/Ecocapsules can be towed by a trailer, airlifted, (even be pulled by a pack of animals), or fitted into a shipping container means that they can be transported and used any where on planet earth.
Ecocapsule on a hillside (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
Ecocapsules in city atop buildings (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
Enjoying a beach holiday in Ecocapsule (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
Ecocapsule being self-sufficient (credit: Ecocapsule of Nice Architects)
A prototype of the Ecocapsule was on display at Vienna’s Pioneers Festival in May 28-30, 2015, and customised pods will be available from the end of 2016. Pre-orders are expected to open at the end of 2015, with delivery in 2016.
Imagine your future holidays on a beach, gazing or sleeping under the stars, or going camping will take on a different meaning….
Basic Specs:
Dimension: (HxLxW)2.55×4.45×2.25m/4.5m with extended pole
Weight: 1500 kg
Installed power output: wind 750w, solar 600w
Battery capacity: 9744 wh
For more information, please check out: ECOCAPSULE
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Solar Independence Day, 2015 (credit: composite of The Spirit of’76 painted by A.M. Willard (L) & photograph by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker via photoshop work by Susan Sun Nunamaker)
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
2015 is a momentous year for us, the Solar Enthusiasts! That is why I wanted to create a special image for the July 4/5, 2015 weekend post (above). For this image, I learned to use photoshop during the weekend of July 4/5, 2015!
July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, Public Domain-U.S.Airforce Employee
I am simply ecstatic! In the end of June, 2015, I came across some data (for PV projects as part of a 600-megawatt procurement, some new data on developer bids was just released by Austin Energy) that I want to share with you. According to Austin Energy’s vice president of resource planning Khalil Shalabi, the utility received offers for 7,976 megawatts of project after issuing a request for bids in April. Of those bids, 1,295 megawatts of projects were priced below 4 cents per kilowatt-hour. During a presentation before the Austin city council, Shalabi displayed an exponentially declining curve for PV projects in Texas,
Austin Solar Prices (Source: Austin Energy)
he said, “If you continue the curve, you can see that if the cost points continue along this sort of exponentially declining curve, we expect to see prices out in the future that are possibly below $20 a megawatt-hour.” Wow! $20 a megawatt-hour translates into 2 cents per kilowatt-hour (between 2018-2019)! That is definitely cost competitive (costing less than any other energy source if the cost of the plants, insurance, environmental costs, and operating costs are all being taken into consideration) when compared to all other energy sources.
Another exciting break-through is the fact that Solar has reached the 1% mark of global electricity demand. The actual figure may be even slightly higher than the cumulative capacity (178 GW) that’s being presented below because some countries (such as USA) did not include distributed solar into the calculations. With such an exponential growth, it will not be too surprising if/when solar will reach 10% of global electricity demand by 2025. According to EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association), in three European countries: Italy, Germany, and Greece, solar PV supplies more than 7% of the electricity demand.
Global Solar PV (Source: Solar Power Europe), Tweeted by Jigar Shah
Globally, Europe is the world’s largest player with more than 88 GW installed at the end of 2014. China is now the fastest growing solar country/market, installing 10.6 GW in 2014, followed by Japan with 9.7 GW, and the USA in third place with just over 6.5 GW in 2014. Solar Power Europe (SPE) indicates that capacity could reach 540 GW in five years’ time in a high growth scenario and would reach 396 GW in a low-support case.
In 2015, according toGlobalData, China is likely to retain its world leading status, with US becoming the second, Japan third, and followed by Germany and India, for annual solar addition. China has revised its annual target to 17.8 GW and is well on its way, given that about 5 GW of solar capacity was already installed in Q1. “In the US, annual installations are expected to remain high during 2015 and 2016 owing to tax incentives for power stations that come online before the end of 2016. Solar additions in 2015 are expected to hit 7-8 GW largely due to continued policy support.””Japan’s lucrative solar PV policies have been attracting an increasing amount of investment since 2012, with annual installed capacity in 2014 reaching 8-9 GW, the country’s highest ever installed capacity in a single year. However, annual installations in 2015 are unlikely to reach 2014 levels.” I just want to remind us all that the solar/renewable energy world would not have come thus far if it were not for spear-heading effort and policy by Germany’s Hermann Scheer. I am thrilled to see both China and India (two nations with the most populace on planet earth) are making a great deal of effort in development of solar future.
These are all signs of what is to come….the Solar Tsunami that will bring about the change of our entire planet’s energy matrix mix. Dear friends and viewers/readers of Sun Is The Future, time to wake up to and share the fact that cost of solar is dramatically lower than what it used to be. We are ready to unshackle ourselves from the fossil fuel, and be ready for a much healthier, cleaner, and brighter Solar Energy Future!
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Now, let’s shift our attention toward another industry, the fashion industry (also the second most polluting industry in the world), that is also participating in the transition toward a Solar/Renewable Future. As the solar technology continues to develop, availing more thin and flexible material on the market, designers are now given opportunities to bring solar power into the fashion world. In the videos below, I’d like to present several designers (such as Pauline van Dongen) who had integrated solar cells into clothing such that the surface areas of an individual’s clothing would be efficiently used to capture sunlight and generate energy to power one’s smartphone. There may be certain challenges that need to be resolved, such as washability of any garment and better battery life. As designers and solar manufacturers collaborate to encapsulate solar cell material for fashion designers, one may anticipate potential future solar technology/material that will surface to better suit the fashion industry. Perhaps we will also be anticipating greater care for our garments in the future. Yes, there are all types of surface areas that may be used to generate solar power: in addition to rooftops, roads, vehicles, don’t forget clothes, sails, shoes, hats, bags, jewelries, etc. We look forward to the day when these wearable solar material, repurposing clothes and various surface areas as alternative energy sources, become mainstream.
Tommy Hilfiger has launched Solar Power Jackets to charge your phone, below:
Another wearable solar charger, called Carbon, described by Sean Ebersold, in the video below:
Here is the SolarHug Bracelet: a kickstarter 2014 video of a new dimension of solar charging, below:
Let’s make good use of these surface areas! Can you think of any more surface areas that may be used ?
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Wow, we are surely living in a magical time! Another form of upcoming mass transport is based on the magical Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) with upgrade. It is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. A vehicle would travel along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, thereby reducing friction and allowing higher speed. Here is a TED Talk that demonstrates this concept, below:
Of course, such a magical technology would have many potential applications;for example: theShanghai Maglev Train, also known as theTransrapid, is the fastest commercial train currently in operation and has a top speed of 430 km/h (270 mph) (and once reached 311 mph or 501 km/h in a pre-launch test). The line was designed to connectShanghai Pudong International Airportand the outskirts of centralPudong,Shanghai. It covers a distance of 30.5 kilometres in 8 minutes.
Maglev Train coming out of Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China
Maglev trains move more smoothly and more quietly than wheeledmass transitsystems. They are relatively unaffected by weather. The power needed for levitation is typically not a large percentage of its overall energy consumption; most goes to overcomedrag, as with other high-speed transport. Maglev trains hold thespeed recordfor rail transport.Vacuum tube train systems might allow maglev trains to attain still higher speeds, though no such vacuum tubes have been built commercially yet.
Compared to conventional (normal) trains, differences in construction affect the economics of maglev trains, making them much more efficient. For high-speed trains with wheels, wear and tear from friction along with the “hammer effect” from wheels on rails accelerates equipment wear and prevents high speeds. Conversely, maglev systems have been much more expensive to construct, offsetting lower maintenance costs. Despite decades of research and development, only two commercial maglev transport systems are in operation, with two others under construction. In April 2004, Shanghai’sTransrapid system began commercial operations. In March 2005, Japan began operation of its relatively low-speed HSST “Linimo” line in time for the2005 World Expo.
Linimo approaching Banpaku Kinen Loen towards Fujigaoka Station (attrib: Chris 73)
In its first three months, the Linimo line carried over 10 million passengers. South Korea and the People’s Republic of China are both building low-speed maglev routes of their own designs, one in Beijing and the other at Seoul’s Incheon Airport. Many maglev projects are controversial, and the technological potential, adoption prospects and economics of maglev systems are often debated.
Even though no commercial vacuum tube train systems have been built yet, scientists at Southwest Jiaotong University in China have reportedly built a maglev train that could reach 1,800 mph (2,900 km/h). A vacuum is used to minimize air resistance, according to The Daily Mail.Dr. Deng Zigang, the project leader, claims such vacuum tube train systems could be used for military or space launch systems. At the high speed of maglev train system, air resistance becomes a serious issue. Dr. Deng Zigang writes in his paper, “If the running speed exceeds 400 km (250 miles) per hour, more than 83% of traction energy will dissipate wastefully in air resistance.” A maglev train running in a vacuum would increase its potential top speed and improve its efficiency level. If such a theoretical evacuated tube transport (this concept had been around for over 100 years now) may be successfully designed and built, people potentially will be able to travel between New York and Beijing in 2 hours!
Evacuated Tube Transport model of Southwest Jiaotong University of China (credit: Imagechina)
Evacuated Tube Transport model of Southwest Jiaotong University of China (credit: Imagechina)
In one of our previous posts we have also discussed a similar concept, Hyperloop, by Elon Musk, with the added feature of being solar powered and reaching top speed of 760 mph (1,220 km/h).
The beauty of universal collaboration through open-source is such that information in free-flow form, would enable much to be synthesized, exchanged, and edified quickly. Now the scientists and engineers at Netherland have also taken on the challenge and incorporated the concepts of maglev, evacuated tube, and solar power, working on the Netherland’s Quantum Train (quantum-locking or quantum-levitation). Quantum Train is essentially the solar-powered evacuated tube transport that will be CHEAP, SAFE, FAST, SUSTAINALBE, and GREEN. The future of Quantum Levitation will enable 2 mm thick 3″ diamter superconducting material to carry approximately 1000 Kg (a small car). The future will be magical ! Many top notched scientists and engineers are working on this at the moment in multiple countries and we are looking forward to the day when Solar Powered Quantum Evacuated Tube Transport/Maglev Train will be transporting us near 1,800 mph on every continent….perhaps even one day transporting us from one continent to another continent in this magical transport system.The world is getting smaller. I am very thankful that we are living in such a magical and collaborative world, full of wonderful scientists and engineers with visions and willingness to collaborate.
Here is another video on future transportation technology:
*If you want to find out more updates or to support the research and development of this technology, please feel free to check with Dr. Deng Zigang and/or Dr. Yaoping Zhang of Southwest Jiaotong University of China or go to: www.Quantumtrain.com for Netherland’s progress in working with this magical solar powered evacuated tube/maglev transport. Please feel free to contact me at: sunisthefuture@gmail.com if you know of any other groups/organizations that is/are currently working on this project and would also like to be mentioned/added into this post.
THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING THIS CAMPAIGN A MASSIVE SUCCESS!! Thanks to you, we will now be able to provide solar power to Other Avenues! AND we’ve almost doubled the size of the revolving Solar Seed Fund, which will allow us to build more community-based solar projects even faster. Thank you for showing us what a grassroots solar movement looks like.
This is terrific news! Congratulations! Thank you for planting the seeds of hope for all of us working with various communities in different parts of the world. Let those of us who are involved within our communities to take note that, with cooperative effort, many community solar projects can be accomplished!
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your questions/comments/suggestions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
