Solar energy is most useful when it is converted to electricity. To reduce the traditional use of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels to run electricity generators, solar energy, which is substantially a renewable energy, is now extensively used as alternative energy. The principle of producing electricity through solar energy is simple in that it can run through basic application of photovoltaics.

Photovoltaics is the most common method of electricity production using solar energy with the application of the photovoltaic effect. In this method, radiation from the sun is exploited using semiconductors and, conducting the photovoltaic effect, converting it to electricity. Photovoltaic effect happens when voltage builds up between electrodes through electron transfer between different bands. It must not be mistaken with photoelectric effects which poses different movement of electrons to produce electricity.

To generate the photovoltaic effect, solar cells are needed. The more solar cells placed on a panel, the greater electricity can be generated. This method is now becoming popularly used for residential, commercial and agricultural purposes, even in provinces in the country such as Butte County and Chico City. Many houses in these places can be seen with solar cells installed on the roof.

The energy conversion to electricity is not based on the degree of heat radiated on the panels of solar cell, but on the amount of light. In the photovoltaic application, photons of light knock electrons to a higher state to be able to produce electricity. butte county solar systems are built with wide panels of solar cells arranged systematically on a plain and uncovered terrain. This supplies enough electricity to power a few residential houses and commercial establishments.

Residential solar cells are very useful because it cuts down bills for traditional geothermal power consumption. During a sunny day, chico solar systems can receive as much energy that is needed to supply electricity for a few days. And since the solar systems only utilize light, they can still get minimal solar energy during rainy days.

Solar cells are also expansively used in farmlands for producing electricity to light poultry houses and stables. Although some still prefer biomass to butte county solar systems as alternative source of electricity because of its natural presence in the farm and for proper disposal purposes. However, this traditional alternative energy source is slowly being phased out because of high maintenance costs.

Just Listed at 75000 MLS# 40477209 This home has it all. It features high quality upgrades throughout! Gorgeous Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Slab Counters, Built-in Stainless Steel Wolf Appliances, Library, Formal Dining, Wine Closet, Breakfast Nook, Built-in bbq, Solar Panel System, views! Too many to list!!! Must see!
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Julia Plays with Camcorder – Exploring Solar in Dassel


Image by CERTs
Over the past few years, the use of solar power for commercial and residential applications has seen substantial growth in Minnesota. The interest was evident as over 40 people gathered to hear from industry experts and entrepreneurs at an event highlighting solar opportunities in Minnesota. The event was hosted by West Central Clean Energy Resource Team (WC CERT) and the Southwest Initiative Foundation, June 21st , 2011, at the Dassel History Center. See presentations and more at www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/get-answers/19/07/2011/e….

2nd & Commercial ~ Crazy


Image by DragonWoman
3_solar

HERS indexes, known as the Home Energy Rating System, is the new meter for gauging a homes energy efficiency. Solar Attic Fans from U.S. Sunlight Corp have been declared as one of the top 10 energy efficient home improvements.

Home Energy Rating System

HERS indexes have been developed to effectively compare the energy efficiency of different homes. A certified RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) auditor is able to quantify a homes energy efficiency on pre-existing homes or on pre-construction plans of a new home. As a guide: a HERS index of 0 is a carbon neutral home, a HERS index of 85 is an Energy Star rated home, a HERS index of 100 is a standard new home and a HERS index of 130 is the average pre-existing home. The Department of Energy incorporates the value of HERS indexes as a factor to apply federal tax credits as well as a guide for their Building America program.

Additionally, many homeowners are looking to energy efficient home improvements as a method to go green and lower their carbon footprint or to simply save money on energy costs. As a reward, homeowners who choose to purchase an energy efficient home or make energy efficient home improvements can potentially qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). In order for a homeowner to qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage, the home must be audited by a certified RESNET rater.

The Solar Attic Fan from U.S. Sunlight Corp. is the first solar powered attic fan to receive a HERS index rating. By installing the Solar Attic Fan, a homes HERS index can improve by up to 4 points, frequently equivalent to a 4% reduction in the homes energy consumption. In comparison to many of the top HERS index reducing products, the U.S. Sunlight Solar Attic Fan is one of the top 10 energy efficient products for the price.

For more information on the Solar Controller, Solar Attic Fans and HERS index ratings, visit U.S. Sunlight Corp at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida February 8-11 at Booth #W370.

Robert Buckley, President of US Sunlight Corp We are excited about the approval of our solar attic fans and Solar Controller to the HERS index as developed by RESNET. With the HERS index, builders and homeowners are able to make an educated decision to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Additionally, the Solar Attic Fan qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit making it a cost effective green solution for all new construction and remodeling projects.

Best Sustainable Product

The editors at BUILDERnews, a 15 year old publication, declared the Solar Attic Fan and Solar Controller the Best Sustainable Products of 2011.

Best of Show

With over 100,000 products in the 2011 National Hardware Show, our Solar Attic Fan and Solar Controller caught the attention of retailers, media, and trade professionals, and won the Best of Show awards.

About U.S. Sunlight Corporation

U.S. Sunlight Corporation designs and manufactures cutting edge solar products. For more details, visit us at http://www.ussunlight.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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More Residential Solar Press Releases

John McCrea of CAKE Gives Away the Tree Sapling to a Fan During the Show at The Cosmopolitan’s The Boulevard Pool


Image by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
CAKE performed at The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on June 11, 2011.

CAKE, one of the most principled, enduring, self-reliant, and best-selling artists in post-alternative rock, has been cited by Rolling Stone as creators of “a modern pop that is both mechanized and organic…highly developed and virtually unique.” Founded in 1992 and reaching worldwide attention on the strength of their platinum albums Fashion Nugget and Prolonging The Magic, as well as the gold-certified discs Comfort Eagle and Pressure Chief, CAKE is still an outsider – defiantly and proudly cutting their own path. Both their music and their way of operating in the ever-evolving marketplace are fueled by the same core principles of self-reliance, democracy, and integrity that inspired their formation.

CAKE’s new album, Showroom Of Compassion, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 in January, marking their first number one album in their nearly two decades of existence. Showroom Of Compassion, CAKE’s first record of new material since the release of Pressure Chief seven years ago, comes via the band’s own label, Upbeat Records. The new album has been produced using 100% solar generated electricity from the rooftop of their solar electric powered studio in Sacramento, CA.

The Boulevard Pool sets the stage for Las Vegas’ most unique live concerts. Perched high above The Las Vegas Strip, The Boulevard Pool is a multilevel pool experience by day and an intimate outdoor concert venue with unobstructed sightlines of both the stage and The Strip by night.

For upcoming shows and events at The Cosmopolitan see the Events Calendar.

Find The Cosmopolitan on…
Twitter: @Cosmopolitan_LV
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCosmopolitan
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheCosmopolitanLV
Website: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

CAKE Performing at The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas


Image by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
CAKE performed at The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on June 11, 2011.

CAKE, one of the most principled, enduring, self-reliant, and best-selling artists in post-alternative rock, has been cited by Rolling Stone as creators of “a modern pop that is both mechanized and organic…highly developed and virtually unique.” Founded in 1992 and reaching worldwide attention on the strength of their platinum albums Fashion Nugget and Prolonging The Magic, as well as the gold-certified discs Comfort Eagle and Pressure Chief, CAKE is still an outsider – defiantly and proudly cutting their own path. Both their music and their way of operating in the ever-evolving marketplace are fueled by the same core principles of self-reliance, democracy, and integrity that inspired their formation.

CAKE’s new album, Showroom Of Compassion, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 in January, marking their first number one album in their nearly two decades of existence. Showroom Of Compassion, CAKE’s first record of new material since the release of Pressure Chief seven years ago, comes via the band’s own label, Upbeat Records. The new album has been produced using 100% solar generated electricity from the rooftop of their solar electric powered studio in Sacramento, CA.

The Boulevard Pool sets the stage for Las Vegas’ most unique live concerts. Perched high above The Las Vegas Strip, The Boulevard Pool is a multilevel pool experience by day and an intimate outdoor concert venue with unobstructed sightlines of both the stage and The Strip by night.

For upcoming shows and events at The Cosmopolitan see the Events Calendar.

Find The Cosmopolitan on…
Twitter: @Cosmopolitan_LV
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCosmopolitan
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheCosmopolitanLV
Website: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

CAKE Performing at The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas


Image by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
CAKE performed at The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on June 11, 2011.

CAKE, one of the most principled, enduring, self-reliant, and best-selling artists in post-alternative rock, has been cited by Rolling Stone as creators of “a modern pop that is both mechanized and organic…highly developed and virtually unique.” Founded in 1992 and reaching worldwide attention on the strength of their platinum albums Fashion Nugget and Prolonging The Magic, as well as the gold-certified discs Comfort Eagle and Pressure Chief, CAKE is still an outsider – defiantly and proudly cutting their own path. Both their music and their way of operating in the ever-evolving marketplace are fueled by the same core principles of self-reliance, democracy, and integrity that inspired their formation.

CAKE’s new album, Showroom Of Compassion, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 in January, marking their first number one album in their nearly two decades of existence. Showroom Of Compassion, CAKE’s first record of new material since the release of Pressure Chief seven years ago, comes via the band’s own label, Upbeat Records. The new album has been produced using 100% solar generated electricity from the rooftop of their solar electric powered studio in Sacramento, CA.

The Boulevard Pool sets the stage for Las Vegas’ most unique live concerts. Perched high above The Las Vegas Strip, The Boulevard Pool is a multilevel pool experience by day and an intimate outdoor concert venue with unobstructed sightlines of both the stage and The Strip by night.

For upcoming shows and events at The Cosmopolitan see the Events Calendar.

Find The Cosmopolitan on…
Twitter: @Cosmopolitan_LV
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCosmopolitan
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheCosmopolitanLV
Website: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

Applications for energy projects sought
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the US Department of Agriculture is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy …
Read more on Lewiston Sun Journal

Senate candidate Mark Neumann got stimulus funds
And another renewable energy company run by former US Rep. Mark Neumann signed a letter in November urging congressional leaders to keep the incentives flowing. The letter contradicts Neumann's campaign stance calling for the immediate end to the 2009 …
Read more on Green Bay Press Gazette

First Stop Loss Point Triggered for 2012 Solar Stocks Portfolio; Yingli Green …
Mr. Lynch discusses the first stop loss order for his 2012 solar stocks portfolio, Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE). Our first stop loss point for our 2012 Solar Portfolio was triggered this morning with YGE trading below $ 4.20.
Read more on Your-Story.org (press release)

Pentair Technical Products announces a new, fully featured line of Hoffman Wall-Mount Enclosures. The small and medium sized offerings are available in a full range of popular sizes and offer one of the highest customer values of any enclosure in the Mexico market. These wall-mount enclosures are specifically designed to meet customer needs and improve both service and availability to this market.

Enclosures are manufactured in Pentairs 30,000 square meter facility in Reynosa, Mexico, and stocked in their Reynosa warehouse and distributor locations throughout Mexico, offering customers immediately availability. Since they are made locally, these new products can also be manufactured with customer-specified modificationsincluding size changes, holes and cutouts, paint color changes and installed accessoriesand still offered with short lead times. These versatile enclosures also provide IEC IP66 and UL Type 12/4 protection ratings for both domestic use or on exported equipment. This combination of high availability, local modification capability, and IEC and UL protection ratings makes the wall-mount offering one of the highest customer values in the industry.

Small hinge cover enclosures are available in 20 metric sizes in heights from 150 to 500 mm, widths of 150 to 300 mm and depths from 80 to 200 mm. These mild steel enclosures are right-hand hinged. Enclosures feature hidden hinges, flush quarter-turn latches with 3-mm double bit insert, bonding provision on the door, a galvanized internal panel and a light-gray RAL 7035 textured finish.

The medium size single-door offering includes 22 metric sizes with height options from 300 to 1200 mm, widths of 200 to 800 mm and depths from 150 to 400 mm. Also featuring mild-steel construction, medium enclosures provide rolled, right-hand hinges on the door, flush quarter-turn latches with 3-mm double bit insert, bonding provision on the door, a galvanized internal panel, a large bottom gland plate and a light-gray RAL 7035 textured finish.

The Hoffman Wall-Mount Enclosure family now features IEC IP66 ratings and design features, as well as UL Type 12/4 certification, meeting the needs of diverse applicationseven in demanding environments, said Pablo Howland, Market Manager Hoffman Enclosures Mexico. This new platform of enclosures is built and stocked in Mexico to meet the needs of this marketplace more than any other enclosure manufacturer with regard to availability, quality and now service, including factory-made modifications.

Applications: Hoffman Wall-Mount Enclosures are designed to house and protect electrical and electronic components in industrial environments, including:

]]> http://bayareasolargroup.com/2012/02/hoffman-wall-mount-enclosures-offer-wide-range-of-ip66-and-type-4-rated-small-and-medium-models-for-the-mexico-market/feed/ 0 http://bayareasolargroup.com/2012/02/bene-electric-in-walnut-creek-ca/ http://bayareasolargroup.com/2012/02/bene-electric-in-walnut-creek-ca/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:51:25 +0000 admin http://bayareasolargroup.com/2012/02/bene-electric-in-walnut-creek-ca/

For over thirty years, Bené Electric in Pleasanton has quietly and efficiently provided customers across the greater San Francisco Bay area with the highest quality electrical services, when they needed them, at a reasonable price. It’s a simple philosophy that has helped us to build longstandin…
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Solar Amusement


Image by complexify.
Solar panels at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Output on this partly
cloudy day was 360W when I walked by.

Brighton Earthship Front / Left Elevation


Image by Dominic’s pics
The south facing windows maximise natural solar heating.

An image taken at or near the Brighton Earthship located near Stanmer Park, Brighton, East Sussex.

The Earthship – the first built in the UK – is an experimental sustainable development which includes the following features: photovoltaic solar cells, collection of rainwater from the roof, a windmill, using the thermal storage property of the ground (by building "hobbit like" into a hillside), reuse of rubber tires as a building material for the walls.

No one lives here, but regular tours are available by arrangement.

Further information:
Low Carbon Trust
Brighton Earthship Project
Sustainable Development Commission
The UK Earth Centre Network

IMG_7133.jpg


Image by tompagenet

Shipments of tablet PCs are expected to grow from 72.7 million units in 2011 to 383.3 million units by 2017, according to the latest NPD DisplaySearch Tablet Quarterly report. Driving the demand is the continued solid growth in mature markets complemented by increasingly strong growth in emerging markets. Emerging markets are expected to account for up to 46% of worldwide shipments by 2017, an increase from the 36% share in 2011.

The emerging market opportunity for tablets has been flying under the radar mainly because the device brands arent household names and there are concerns regarding the sustainability of the market, said Richard Shim, NPD DisplaySearch Senior Analyst. However, we are beginning to see investments by some of the better known brands in developing regions, and we expect this to not only continue but to flourish as competition improves.

The introduction of tablets from new brands, such as Aakash in India, and established brands, such as Dell in China, is boosting competition and adoption. Penetration rates of tablet PCs in China and Asia Pacific are leading the emerging market regions, but Brazil, India, Russia and other countries are becoming bigger forces on the worldwide scene as prices come down and distribution channels expand. Additionally as counties such as Turkey move to overhaul its entire education systems through efforts such as their FATIH project, Tablet PCs are also taking on a bigger role outside of the home as well.

Growth in the emerging markets will be accompanied by competition at lower price points, says Jim McGregor, NPD In-Stat Chief Technology Strategist. This will result in significant opportunities for processors that can optimize power and performance while achieving device price points that are often under $ 100.

In addition to broader market opportunities driving growth, evolution of the tablet platform will also increase growth. That evolution is expected to initially take the form of higher pixel densities and, in the later years of the forecast, higher performance to enable richer multimedia experiences. In the coming quarters, resolutions and pixel densities will increase in panels, resulting in market segmentation of premium and value categories. Pixel densities of 200-300 ppi are forecast to rise in 30% of units in 2012 to 47.5% by 2017.

The NPD DisplaySearch Tablet Quarterly report tracks quarterly changes in tablet PC products and strategies, and also offers forecasts based on the impact of those changes on the market. It covers the changing landscape of screen sizes, features that are expected to be included and excluded in future tablets, and operating systems, including highlights such as these:

Survey results of U.S. commercial tablet owners indicate 39% of respondents said having a Windows OS option as part of their next tablet purchase was important to very important.

Touch technology penetration is dominated by projected capacitive with over 80% share in 2011, which is expected to continue and grow to nearly 95% share in 2017. Competing touch technologies, including resistive, combo, and on-cell, will have limited opportunities in tablet PCs.

Many display manufacturers are transitioning tablet panel production to larger plants, Gen 6 and Gen 8, which will lead to greater capacity for tablet displays and lower prices.

For more information on this report, please contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, or contact(at)displaysearch(dot)com or contact your regional NPD DisplaySearch office in China, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

About NPD DisplaySearch

Since 1996, NPD DisplaySearch has been recognized as a leading global market research and consulting firm specializing in the display supply chain, as well as the emerging photovoltaic/solar cell industries. NPD DisplaySearch provides trend information, forecasts and analyses developed by a global team of experienced analysts with extensive industry knowledge and resources. In collaboration with The NPD Group, its parent company, NPD DisplaySearch uniquely offers a true end-to-end view of the display supply chain from materials and components to shipments of electronic devices with displays to sales of major consumer and commercial channels. For more information on NPD DisplaySearch analysts, reports and industry events, visit us at http://www.displaysearch.com. Read our blog at http://www.displaysearchblog.com and follow us on Twitter at @DisplaySearch.

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,800 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com and http://www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter at @npdtech and @npdgroup.

Media Contact:

Stacey Voorhees-Harmon

SAVVY Public Relations

Phone: 925-336-9592

E-mail: media(at)displaysearch(dot)com

Note to editors:

Media interested in The NPD Group’s Point of Sale data can contact Sarah Bogaty at sarah(dot)bogaty(at)npd(dot)com or 516-625-2357.

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