Northern States Solar Services LLC

How To Embed Sustainability Into Corporate Culture: A Cheat Sheet

Derek Wong — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:33:06 +0000

August 16, 2011 Reprinted with permission Copyright, all rights reserved Derek Wong is a Toronto based sustainability consultant. He holds an Engineering degree from University of Melbourne and is a CSA America certified greenhouse gas professional. See contact info and more posts like this at Carbon49.com. 93% of CEOs see sustainability as important to their company’s future success, as found by a UN-Accenture study. But how does one embed sustainability into a company’s core culture? Dr. Stephanie Bertels of Simon Fraser University conducted one of the most extensive researches in this subject. Her findings in the 74-page reportare distilled into a core framework diagram. This cheat sheet will guide you through the key points. How to use the framework diagram? The framework has 4 quadrants. To effectively embed sustainability into your corporate culture, you should have initiatives in all 4 quadrants. See below for an explanation for each quadrant along with example initiatives. If you are starting from zero, plan for small initiatives in all 4 quadrants. If you are already executing your initiatives, check to see if they cover all 4 quadrants and analyze for any gap. Enlarge This Image 1. Fostering Commitment (Informal-Fulfillment)—Deliver existing sustainability commitments by motivating [...]

Clever Accounting Lets Utilities Cash In When You Go Solar

John Farrell — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:56:28 +0000

August 13, 2011 Re-printed with permission Copyright, all rights reserved I recently got a copy of a utility bill for a Minnesota business that has a 40-kilowatt (kW) solar PV array. I wanted to learn how quickly he’d pay off his array with the electricity savings. I was shocked. Payback time was 30 years. Even if the business owner had received a generous $2.00 per Watt rebate on top of federal tax incentives, it would still take 22 years for her to recoup her investment. It all came down to the way utilities account for solar power under “net metering” rules. A quick tutorial. Net metering essentially lets a utility customer run their meter backward if they have an on-site electricity generator (like rooftop solar). So, if I’m a commercial customer who uses 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month but my solar panel generates 4,000 kWh, I only pay for the difference: 6,000 kWh. This is supposedly a great deal, because rolling back the meter at the retail rate typically beats getting paid the utility’s “avoided cost” wholesale power rate — the rate the utility pays for more power from nearby power plants. But the trick is how the meter rolls [...]

The Next Logical Step in Solar PV Adoption

Richard Carter — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:50:35 +0000

I recently ran a small, informal poll on a couple of solar (and related) online discussion groups, asking if respondents had installed solar on their own property, and if not, why not. Results showed, without a doubt, the two most frequent reasons people had not already implemented solar were: (1) the cost; and (2) they needed to learn more before investing. Since solar on a national basis is still slow to catch on in the United States, let’s assume for a moment that the aforementioned two reasons are valid. Now let’s see if we can find a solution that solves both problems. Leasing: Have you considered ‘leasing’ a Solar System for your home or office? It’s a possibility. Leasing a solar system is much like leasing a car or truck. Someone else owns it. Since you don’t own it, you don’t have to learn how to maintain it, install it, service it, or even understand it (though the last part is a good idea). That off-loads much of the learning curve of solar system ownership. As for the cost problem, the current trend in lease offering is that, if you qualify (i.e. your home has enough sun exposure, your community [...]

Solar Hot Water Resources at Your Fingertips

alpha — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:25:19 +0000

URL: http://shw.northernstatessolar.com/ Solar Hot Water Resources at Your Fingertips Northern States Solar Services LLC (NSSS) has added a comprehensive national solar hot water resource directory at: http://shw.northernstatessolar.com. The directory is designed to make it fast and easy to find the resources needed for any solar hot water project. Currently, more than 500 solar hot water resources are listed in 150+ categories. This is the first online national directory for a rapidly growing sector of the renewable energy industry. “We spend our time and energy developing methods to bring together those who want to make informed decisions about solar and other renewable energies with those who have real, demonstrable, and dependable information,” said Richard Carter, founder of NSSSLLC. “Adding a directory is a natural extension of that mission.” The NSSS Solar Hot Water Business Directory is inclusive, not exclusive. Basic listings in the directory are free of charge, so every solar hot water professional has the opportunity to increase visibility to its market. Northern States Solar Services, founded in 2006, provides knowledge, information, and understanding of the technologies of Solar Energy Systems. This is accomplished through research, communication, consulting and presentations to various communities. NSSS is an independent research and reporting [...]

Wisconsin’s Widening War on Renewable Energy

Michael Vickerman — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:20:32 +0000

Dramatic slowdown in Wisconsin’s renewable energy market activity anticipated What started out as an opening salvo from the Walker Administration to shackle large-scale wind projects has in six months turned into a systematic campaign to dismantle the state policies that support renewable energy development. Joining the executive and legislative branches in pursuing policy rollbacks and/or funding cutbacks against renewables are various utilities and, surprisingly, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s ratepayer-funded energy efficiency and renewable programs. Since January 1st, Wisconsin has seen a series of assaults against utility-scale projects and smaller renewable systems serving both residences and businesses. These include the following actions: The Legislature suspended PSC 128, the statewide rule developed by the Public Service Commission last year in response to a law passed by the Legislature in 2009 ordering the agency to establish uniform standards for permitting wind energy systems. Since the March 1 suspension vote, wind development in Wisconsin has slowed to a standstill. The Legislature adopted SB 81, a bill that RENEW Wisconsin describes as the “Outsource Renewable Energy to Canada Act.” SB 81 allows Wisconsin utilities to meet their renewable energy requirements beginning in 2015 with electricity generated from large hydro power plants [...]

Germany Passes New Renewable Energy Law for 2012

Paul Gipe — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:44:11 +0000

Ups Renewable Energy Target: Between 35% and 40% by 2020 Raises Payments for Biomass, Geothermal, & Offshore Wind Applies Standard Degression to Wind on Land and Solar PV Despite widespread rumors in North America that Germany was abandoning its system of Advanced Renewable Tariffs, the country’s upper chamber of parliament, the Bundesrat, approved the latest revision of its pioneering Renewable Energy Sources Act on July 8, 2011. The action follows approval by Germany’s House of Commons, the Bundestag, on June 30, 2011. The new version of the law first introduced in Germany in 2000 will go into effect January 1, 2012. Approval of the latest revisions of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, the Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (EEG) in German, is significant because it follows the nuclear accident at Fukishima, Japan and the debate in Germany about the future of nuclear power. The 30-year long debate on nuclear in Germany was settled earlier this summer when parliament decisively voted to quit nuclear power by 2022. Germany is currently ruled by a coalition of the Conservative (CDU/CSU), and the neoliberal (FDP) parties. Read More ….

Couple’s Dream of Owning a Solar-Powered Home Meets Opposition

David Dobs — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:10:53 +0000

By David Dobs Electrical Engineer, PE Having been an electrical engineer with 35 years experience in the profession as a consulting engineer, I have always had the dream of someday owning a solar-powered home. In March 2011, I completed a course of study in the design and installation of solar energy systems and passed a solar fundamentals exam given by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. After a detailed discovery process, I learned that an investment of $33,000 would be sufficient to install a solar panel system capable of meeting 100% of our home energy needs. After Federal and State tax incentives totaling $20,000, my final cost would amount to $13,000. The calculations I performed, which included the tax credits and incentive plans currently available, indicated the energy savings from the system would provide a complete payback of my investment within 7 years. After that, the system would provide a net income for the remaining life of the system (about 20 years.) It seemed like the dream should now be easily within reach. (It should be noted that the tax incentive programs are time limited and there is no guarantee that they will be extended after a year [...]

District Energy: A Launching Pad for Solar Hot Water

Richard Carter — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:08:37 +0000

If you aren’t aware of it, urban centers use a lot of energy to heat and cool the buildings within their area. We’re talking millions of dollars worth of electric, natural gas, or coal energy each month. Traditionally, each building in an urban center, large or small, has its own heating and cooling plant. Be it a boiler, furnace; forced-air air conditioning or chiller systems, these systems are energy hungry. When you have a heating plant and an air conditioning plant in each building, it becomes very inefficient. There is alternative however, its call “District Energy”.

Why Commercial Solar Hot Water Lags Behind It’s Potential

Richard Carter — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:23:15 +0000

We have been carrying out a Performance Research Project on Commercial Solar Hot Water for approximately four months. In that time, we have noticed some very interesting facts. Though not the direct goal of our research, we have noticed some very interesting bits of information, which from a ‘business standpoint’, we believe are the reasons why commercial solar hot water has lagged so far behind it’s huge potential. Paramount in those bits of information has been the fact that most small-to-medium-sized commercial solar hot water system designers and installers, have NOT included monitoring and data-logging capabilities in their systems. We find this curious at the least, and dangerous at the worst. Let me draw a parallel or two: “Would you build a house and stop short of putting the doors on it?” “Would you purchase a pre-owned car if the odometer read, 000000.0?” Would you believe the sales person if he told you it was a great car purchase because he/she said so? I think not. Let me begin by stating, commercial systems are not the same as residential systems. Wherein, in residential systems there are simple usage patterns, low volumes of hot water consumption, and limited applications (potable water [...]

Quick Updates – December 2010

alpha — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:55:28 +0000

(Send your Updates to: quickupdates@northernstatessolar.com. There is no charge for these listings. Please limit to policy and industry announcements. Events can be scheduled in our Events area. Thank you!) Dec 1, 2010: REBATE FUNDS FOR SOLAR HOT WATER AND SOLAR AIR STILL AVAILABLE From the Minnesota Department of Energy Security: State solar hot water, solar air heat rebates still available More than $300,000 in rebate funds from the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) is still available for solar hot water and solar air heat systems installed at residences and small businesses. Application materials are located in the Rebates & Credits section of the OES website. Contact OES at 651-296-5175 or energy.info@state.mn.us for more information or if you need assistance completing the application. Dec 1, 2010: NEWS FROM DSIRE (www.dsire.org): ARIZONA – Further Reductions to SRP PV Incentives After announcing cutbacks to its incentive program for residential PV systems in October, SRP has announced that 2010 funding for its commercial PV incentive program is exhausted. A new injection of funding will become available in May 2011. However, until that time, systems up to 30 kW may be eligible for a reduced rebate of $1/W. Performance-based incentives for systems larger than [...]

Commercial Solar Hot Water – How to Start

alpha — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:00:10 +0000

With so much of the interest focused on Solar Photovoltaics (PV, electricity generation), Solar Hot Water Technology has sat in the shadows for decades. At one time in this country, much of the hot water used for heating, cleaning, sanitation, and other uses came from solar heating, collectors mounted on rooftops of homes across the continent. No wonder; it’s cost effective, low-to-no maintenance, and so simple in operation. The only drawback was the sun going down, not to return for a few hours. If enough water was stored, as was the usual case, there was little to notice except very, very, very inexpensive and dependable hot water. The same is true today. The systems have become more automated and efficient, but they are still dependable, inexpensive (especially when compared to Solar PV, and they use FREE fuel! Most people think of residential use when they think of Solar Hot Water. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Solar Hot Water has many commercial and industrial applications; pretty much anywhere hot water is needed and used. Hotels, water parks, hospitals, restaurants, health clubs, laundromats, car washes, apartment buildings, dairy or hog farms, food processing, ice arenas, industrial manufacturing, chemical processing; the [...]

Solar Services

alpha — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:26:59 +0000

First, what we Don’t do: Northern States Solar Services does not offer products, installation, or maintenance services of solar systems. What we do provide is KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION, and UNDERSTANDING of the technologies of Solar Energy Systems. We do this through research, communication, consulting, and presentations. Northern States Solar Systems provides presentations, consulting and opinion services, as well as information resources for solar applications and state legislators. When we became involved in Solar Energy and its many applications in 2006, we soon discovered a great disconnect between those who wanted to know more and those who had real experience-based knowledge. To fill that void, we spent a great amount of time and energy developing methods to bring together those who want to make informed decisions about solar and other renewable energies with those who have real, demonstrable, and dependable information. That is what we do.

The Un-Noticed Sister of Solar Technology

Richard Carter — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:54:23 +0000

We all know Solar Energy is in. We especially see it in the states, cities and provinces where there is keen foresight and knowledge. We all know Solar Energy is the most dependable energy source we have, and it’s free. We all know that our days on fossil-based and carbon-based fuels are coming to a very abrupt end, and very quickly. Though it is just now gaining momentum in the United States, Europe has converted on a large scale. Germany alone has developed and put in place enough solar-generating systems to equal two nuclear plants. With all that said, why is it we keep focusing on the use of Solar Energy that is the least efficient, most expensive, and most difficult to maintain? What do you think of when you think about Solar Energy? What’s your first thought? I’d bet a nice lunch that most of you think about electricity, solar photovoltaic panels, and having your electric meter spinning backwards. Would it surprise you to know that Solar Thermal (hot water generation) has a much faster financial break-even, payday, and rate of return? Did you know it can be effectively used across the continental US? Would it be of interest [...]

Want to Understand Feed-In Tariffs?

Richard Carter — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:54:17 +0000

Thanks to Craig Lewis, at Right Cycle, here is a great presentation on the how’s, why’s, what works and what doesn’t: Craig Lewis FIT & WDG presentation April 2009 from Joshua LaForge on Vimeo. Also, here’s a great analysis for further understanding: REESA The Renewable Energy & Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 Contact us with any questions you may have about creating a Feed-In Tariff in your state or province. (Click HERE).

Electricity Feed Laws, Feed-in Laws, Feed-in Tariffs, Advanced Renewable Tariffs, and Renewable Energy Payments

Paul Gipe — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 19:00:14 +0000

While not exhaustive, this site contains an extensive collection of articles on Feed-in Tariffs, Advanced Renewable Tariffs, and Renewable Energy Payments. Learn more about feed-in tariffs and how they have been successful in Europe, and how they can benefit North Americans by following the links below. Primers on Feed-in Tariffs and Advanced Renewable Tariffs Renewable Tariffs by Country Renewable Tariff Design Model Advanced Renewable Tariff Legislation Renewable Tariffs (General Articles) Tables of Feed-In Tariffs Worldwide Feed-in Tariffs: The Economic Case Reviews of Books on Feed-in Tariffs Links to More on Feed-in Tariffs North American Experts on Feed-in Tariffs What are Feed-in Tariffs? Feed-in tariffs are simply payments per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated by a renewable resource. In North America this simple idea is known by many different names: Electricity Feed Laws, Feed-in Laws, Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), Advanced Renewable Tariffs (ARTs), Renewable Tariffs, and more recently Renewable Energy Payments. Regardless of the name, they are the world’s most successful policy mechanism for stimulating the rapid development of renewable energy. Feed-in tariffs are also the most egalitarian method for determining where, when, and how much renewable generating capacity will be installed. Renewable Tariffs enable homeowners, farmers, cooperatives, and First Nations (Native North [...]

Solar Hot Water Research Project Introduction Letter

alpha — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:50:38 +0000

Northern States Solar Services LLC Bloomington, MN 55431 952.292.1930 August 17, 2010 To: All Participants, Solar Hot Water Industry Our research shows that your organization commissioned a renewable energy project that has been completed. It is this event that initiated this letter. As you may be aware, given that renewable energy industries are still somewhat early in their implementation, there has been very little performance data collected on recent solar (photovoltaics and hot water), wind, and geothermal projects. Without such data, it is very difficult to demonstrate performance, feasibility, and financial benefits. We have discovered over the last two years that these missing data sets are one of the major reasons renewables have not moved forward. A number of projects could be launched if we could simply provide the decision makers with objective data and results from completed projects and projects that have been accumulating performance data in the last couple of years. To that end, would you be willing to share your performance data or energy utilization results? Obviously, you and your organization understand the benefits and values of renewable energies because you moved forward with your project. We also are aware of these benefits from the analysis we [...]

New Research Project: Industry-Wide Performance Data Collection

alpha — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:48:29 +0000

In the four years I have been involved in the solar hot water industry, I have had the opportunity to visit with many people involved in the many and varying areas which make up the industry. In that time, I also brought with me years of experience in re-designing companies which, politely stated, “Weren’t doing so well”. Considering what I have seen in these last four years, I think it accurate to say, “This industry, the Solar Hot Water Industry, could be doing a lot better than what it has been doing”. Granted, there are pockets that are and have been doing very well; places such as Hawaii, New Jersey, Florida, and portions of the Carolinas. As a whole, as a nation, it’s “not so good”; and few have disagreed with me. Early on, I decided to ask those involved parties, those along the entire timeline of an energy project, just why they either were or were not participating in Solar Hot Water projects. If they were not, or have not participated in any Solar Hot Water projects, I asked them why, in their own words, it wasn’t happening for them. I also asked, what they needed to see happen [...]

Disclaimer(s)

alpha — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:26:42 +0000

Northern States Solar Services LLC reserves the right ....