PRICE REDUCTION FOR ELECTRIC CARS COMING?

US battery maker claims electric car breakthrough

     United States manufacturer said it has developed a new automotive battery which can perform in extreme temperatures, offering the potential to cut the cost of making electric cars.

The Nanophosphate EXT would reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems, which is expected to create sizeable new opportunities for automotive and other types of batteries.

Nanophosphate EXT is a game-changing breakthrough that overcomes one of the key limitations of lead acid, standard lithiumion and other advanced batteries.

The new battery technology can reduce or even eliminate the need for costly thermal management systems, which  will dramatically enhance the business case for deploying  lithiumion battery solutions for a significant number of applications.

Testing showed the battery can retain more than 90 percent of its initial capacity at 113 degree Fahrenheit. It also can deliver starting power at minus 22 degree below Fahrenheit.

This comes amid sputtering sales in the United States of electric cars, and doubts about whether the high purchase costs will be justified by lower operating costs.

The technology could help cut costs of "thermal conditioning."

Most electric cars have some system of pumping coolant to remove excess heat from their battery packs.

Pumping coolant through this system eats up energy and reduces on-road range.

This new technology would reduce the weight, complexity, and cost of future plug-in vehicles, bringing down their cost and moving them closer to mass-market competitiveness.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT SOLAR......

5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Solar Electric System

There are a nerve-wracking number of solar manufacturers and installers out there, so Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. came up with the 5 most important questions to ask before making the decision to install solar modules on your roof.

1. “How many systems has your company installed?”
Due to the recent spike in solar panel installations, and the decrease in other construction-related businesses, many roofers, fencers, and builders are attempting to start solar installation companies with no solar experience and without proper solar installation knowledge. Look for a reputable installer with an NABCEP certification as Electrical Systems and Services does.

2. “Is the warranty on my solar panels 25 years?”
Most solar panels on the market are high-quality and will have a guaranteed output of not less than 90% after 10 years and no less than 80% after 25 years. Any brand panel should have this warranty, whether it’s made in China, Germany, or America.

3. “Is the warranty on your labor 10 years or longer?”
Some states require installers to warranty their labor for 10 years in order for the system to be eligible for state rebates. Any good installer should have no problem including this.

4. “How many kilowatt-hours will the system produce the first year?”
This is arguably the most important factor in comparing solar electric systems (other than price, of course). If you have solar panels warranted for 25 years, and labor guaranteed for 10, then the brand of solar panel – whether Canadian Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Helios or any other – doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how much energy they are expected to produce in a year. Many times the cheaper, “less efficient” solar panels will produce more energy in a year at a better price than the pricier, “more efficient” solar panels. When warranties are the same, output is the money-maker, not brand or efficiency.

5. “How much will it cost? (…after parts, labor, installation and rebates)?”
Don’t compare the cost of the panels exclusively, or the labor exclusively. Compare the bottom-line cost after rebates. Whoever can give you the most output (kWh/year) at the best price, is the company you should chose. This is what Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. calls ‘solar value’.

NABCEP CERTIFICATION FOR RJ DATT

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

RJ Datt of Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. has successfully satisfied the requirements and standards for the Certified Solar PV Installer in credentials established by the NABCEP Board of Directors.

This is a great honor and achievement, as it means RJ is one of very few Certified Solar PV Installers in SouthEast Wisconsin.

PV Installer Certification

The NABCEP PV installer certification is a voluntary certification that provides a set of national standards by which PV installers with skills and experience can distinguish themselves from their competition. Certification provides a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of practitioners. It is not intended to prevent qualified individuals from installing PV systems nor to replace state licensure requirements.

The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the person responsible for the system installation (e.g., contractor, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman).

The NABCEP PV Installer certification has been developed in accordance with the certification field’s best practices. NABCEP is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) and has endeavored to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024: General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons.

NABCEP’s PV Installer Certification is North America’s only renewable energy personnel certification that has been ANSI accredited to the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

Congratulations to RJ on this great accomplishment!

ELECTRIC VEHICLES - BUILDING MOMENTUM ?

Hard to believe that in 1996 there were just 3,280 electric vehicles in the USA. By 2007, that number had surged to over 55,000. President Obama has set a national goal for there to be one million all-electric vehicles on U.S. roads by the year 2015. That's great news for the environment, so let's all help make it a reality

Chevy Volt

Electric cars are booming!

The most important reasons to convert to a electric car is to save money and the environment.

Nissan Leaf

RACINE ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Re2 PROGRAM

Would you like to save on energy bills and boost your bottom line?

Re2 and Electrical Systems and Services, Inc can help.

Re2 or the Racine Energy Efficiency Program is a federally funded program to help business owners implement energy-efficiency projects that will yield large energy savings over time. Re2 has the resources and expertise to help make energy savings upgrades like new lighting, HVAC, refrigeration equipment, and more, to your business.

Contact us to find out more on this new and exciting opportunity.

LED Street Smarts

Street lighting turns to LEDs for longevity and efficiency

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been appearing in traffic signals and vehicle headlights for years and are poised to affect another source of light we use to navigate our cities and towns. 


Municipal street lighting retrofitted with LEDs has enhanced several communities’ nighttime environments, while significantly reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Administrators are well-versed in the financial strains of street lighting. It can account for up to one-quarter of a municipality’s electric bill, while maintenance can cost another 15 to 25 percent of their annual operating expense. However, what most municipalities lack is basic knowledge of lighting systems and technology.

T12 LIGHTING PHASE-OUT JULY 1, 2012

What should I be prepared for?

• Manufacturers will be phasing out their production

of T12 lamps and ballasts

• Progressively less availability of T12 lamps and

ballasts

• Increased cost of T12 lamps and ballasts due to

demand vs. limited supply

• To keep up with federal regulations of energy

efficiency, manufacturers’ technology and production

will be focused on T8 and T5 systems

What T12 Lamps are affected by this

phase out?

• T12 4-ft. & 2-ft U-lamps with medium bi-pin bases

   - Majority of F40 and F34T12 lamps and all FB40

and FB34T12 U-lamps

   - 4-ft. requires 3560 lumens @ 40W and 3030

lumens @ 34W to pass @ 89 LPW

   - 2-ft. U-lamps require 3360 lumens @ 40W and

2856 @ 34W to pass @ 84 LPW

• T12 8-ft. Slimline with single pin bases

   - All 75W F96T12 lamps

   - All 60W F96T12/ES except for the 800 Series

• T12 8-ft. 800mA HO with RDC bases

   - All 110W F96T12 HO lamps 

   - All 95W F96T12/ES/HO lamps

Did you know?

Approximately 30 percent of all fluorescent lamps sold

in the U.S. are still T12 technology. As a result of the

T12 phase out, 70 percent of all T12 fluorescent lamps

sold in the U.S. will be phased out come July 2012.

FAQ's

1. Why are T12 fluorescents systems being 

phased out?

Answer: T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts are 

considered outdated compared to the far more energy 

efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies now 

available. The Department of Energy’s objective is to 

remove less efficient T12 fluorescent systems from the 

market, and thus increase lighting energy efficiency for 

organizations. 

2. What type of energy savings can I expect 

for upgrading?

Answer: Managers of facilities can select from several 

upgrade scenarios which could result in energy savings 

as high as 45 percent, with attractive 1-3 year simple 

paybacks to the building owner. 

3. Why are Energy Efficiency Fund incentives only 

offered for a limited time on T12 upgrades?

Answer: Once the DOE mandate becomes effective, 

it will become common practice to remove less efficient 

T12 systems; therefore, retrofitting T12 systems will be 

the customer’s only option for maintaining their old, 

inefficient lighting system.  Energy Efficiency Fund 

incentive programs will likely not support commercial 

and industrial T12 system retrofits in the future.

4. Are there some T12 systems that will continue to 

be manufactured?

Answer: Yes.  The following will continue to be manufactured:

• T-12 ballasts designed to dim fixtures more than 

50 percent of their full light output

• T-12 ballasts driving 8-foot, high-output fixtures 

designed for outdoor advertising

• T-12 ballasts designed and labeled for use in 

residential applications

5. Should I gradually change out my T12 magnetic 

ballast system or should I change it all at once?

Answer: In order to take advantage of the Energy 

Efficiency Fund’s 50 percent upgrade incentive, a 

project must upgrade the lighting system as a whole, 

not as individual fixture upgrades.

Please contact Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. with any questions or for a FREE evaluation and proposal for your lighting upgrade needs.

MORE ON EV CHARGING STATIONS

"Charge it" may soon have new meaning at shopping malls and retail centers across the country.

As sales of electric cars begin to pick up, retailers are installing electric vehicle charging stations in their parking lots so customers can plug in and juice up their vehicles while browsing inside.

Leading the way is drugstore chain Walgreen Co., which is installing chargers at about 800 stores nationwide.

Macy's Inc. is installing chargers at a handful of department stores. Kohl's Corp. is undertaking a pilot program to equip 33 stores with charging stations, and Best Buy said it will test them at 12 locations.

Retailers view the chargers as a good investment for the future, a way to one-up competitors and burnish a green reputation. Although adoption of electric cars has been tepid so far — only about 17,000 sold in the U.S. last year — many retail chains are hoping to win goodwill with eco-conscious customers by offering an amenity that very few actually need yet. We all know the price to fuel our vehicles with gasoline or diesel will only continue to go up.

California leads the nation with about 89,000 registered electric cars on the road last year.

One roadblock for electric car sales has been the need for drivers to regularly recharge the batteries and the limited number of public places to do so, and the amount of time needed to reach 80% charge.

There's even a term for it: "range anxiety," or the fear of getting stranded on the road with no outlet in sight. Only 5,084 public chargers are scattered around the country, and more than a quarter of them are in California, but the number of charging stations is growing in other locations.

Retailers are moving quickly to fill that void. And, for now, most are providing electricity for free.

Other companies to join in on the EV charging stations are the likes of furniture giant Ikea, the Mall of America in Minneapolis, and grocery chain Whole Foods.


So next time you are out and about, doing your part to help out the economy,  Keep your eyes open for any new charging stations that may appear in your favorite retailers.

ESS INSTALLED EV CHARGING STATIONS

SOLAR MYTHS AND FACTS

MYTH #1: There are no jobs created by the solar industry

FACT:Today, the solar industry employs more than 100,000 Americans, double the amount of solar workers in 2009. They work at more than 5,000 companies, the vast majority being small businesses, in all 50 states. The industry grew by 69 percent in the past year, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. economy.

MYTH #2: Solar only works in states like California.

FACT:Solar energy works in all 50 states. Germany has more installed solar capacity than any other country and it receives roughly the same amount of sunshine as Alaska. Less than one-third of the photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2011 was installed in California. In fact, more PV was installed on commercial buildings in New Jersey than in California during that quarter.

MYTH #3: The market for solar energy is very small.

FACT:The U.S. solar energy market is big and growing fast. In 2010 alone, $6 billion worth of finished solar energy systems were installed in the U.S. The U.S. solar energy market grew 69 percent in the second quarter of 2011, helping aid our economic recovery. In fact, many analysts project that the U.S. will become the largest solar market in the world in the next few years.

MYTH #4: Solar energy is too expensive for widespread usage.

FACT:Solar energy is already cost effective in many locations across America. The price of solar modules has dropped 30 percent since the beginning of 2010 as the industry scales up and companies innovate with new products and manufacturing techniques. Also, new financing options allow homeowners and businesses to start saving money on their utility bills as soon as they turn on their solar systems.

MYTH #5: If solar power really worked, it wouldn’t need government support.

FACT:The U.S. decided long ago to support energy sources since energy drives our economy. Every major energy source and technology has benefited from federal government R&D support and incentives of various types. This is true of the oil, natural gas, hydroelectric, nuclear and biofuels industries—all of which continue to receive government support today.

MYTH #6: Solar products are all made in China.

FACT:The U.S. was a significant net exporter of solar products in 2010, including to China. Total U.S. exports of solar energy products was $5.6 billion, with net exports totaling $2 billion. Of the $6 billion in direct value created by U.S. solar installations in 2010, more than $4.4 billion, or 75 percent of the value, accrued to the United States.

MYTH #7: Solar devices require more energy to manufacture than they produce in their lifetime.

FACT:Studies have conclusively demonstrated that energy payback for photovoltaic (PV) energy is now less than three years. Given that PV module warranties are generally in excess of 20 years, a PV system will produce far more energy over its lifetime than was consumed to manufacture it. Technological progress is reducing the energy consumption of PV manufacturing further. Energy output and input ratios for concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar water heating equipment are also favorable.

MYTH #8: Solar energy needs a technological revolution to go mainstream.

FACT:Solar technologies available today already provide enough electricity to power 630,000 American homes. Solar panel prices have fallen 30 percent in the past year and a half. No scientific breakthroughs are required for solar energy to power America. Solar is 

ANALYZE THIS !

                                                              Commercial Building

30 %

Percentage of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide produced by commercial buildings

70 %

Any successful approach to combating climate change must include commercial buildings, which make up 70% of electrical consumption.

50 %

According to the World Economic Forum research, nearly 50% of all energy consumed by commercial building could be avoided with new energy-efficient systems and equipment. These energy savings would exceed the costs of the upgrades - generally within five years or less.

SOLAR IS PORTABLE

Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. Announces New WebPage

For those of you that have taken an interest in the ESS blog, 

Please visit our new Web Page @

www.esselectric.com

Here you will find more useful information on the many capabilities and what we do at ESS. We appreciate you following our blog, please continue to come back for more interesting topics for Renewable Energies. Please feel free to comment or contact ESS with any questions.

You can also FRIEND us on FACEBOOK

RAMAC Article on ESS

This Article will be in the next issue of RAMAC Business Quarterly November 2011

Renewable energies in Germany

For the third year, ESS has participated in the International exchange program held by Gateway Technical College in Racine. This year ESS hosted two students, Laura Strauss of Bad Soden-Salmuenster, Germany and Jan Hofmann of Maintal, Germany. They spent 4 days at ESS learning many  aspects of the business. One of their "assignments" was to write and post on our blog, a story about the German renewable energies and some current statistics. They did lots of research and writing, in between all of the other activities, and came up with the wonderful blog post. Please enjoy their blog and many thanks to Gateway for having this unique program. 

The contingent of renewable energy in Germany was in 2010 17 % of the whole electrical power usage. There was an increase of the energy usage from the biogas and the photovoltaics in 2010.


Chancellor Merkel wants to accelerate the development of renewable energies. In Germany the ministry of environment is working at the “Renewable Energy Act” to make it more effective. Up to the year 2020 Chancellor Merkel wants a contingent of renewable energy of 40 % of the whole electrical power usage.

The ministry of environment made some proposals for better integrating the renewable energies into the electrical market. The government wants to create more incentives to involve the renewable energies into the electrical market.

In case of turning off all the atomic power plants, Germany has to develop in renewable energy all the time.

 
 
Wind energy in Germany



At the turn of the half-year 2011 it is the first time the percentile part of renewable energies in Germany exceed 20 %. For Germany it is a very delightful development and they try to be a good example for the use of renewable energies in the future.

It is caused by the fact that Germany has to revolutionize the energy generation because of the decision to phase out the nuclear power. So the Government had to react and started to encourage these kinds of energies more than ever before.
The biggest part of renewable energies in Germany is the wind energy (6.5 % of the whole energy consumption). With that wind energy is ahead of solar energy and hydro power. In Germany there are more than 22,000 wind turbines located in the federal areas.
The next step of the German government will be to facilitate the offshore wind energy. They declared the target to install wind turbines with a capacity of 25,000 MW by 2030. This project would also produce new jobs for about 7,000 workers.
Some German companies that manufacture wind turbines:

- AREVA Wind GmbH
- Avantis
- BARD Holding
- Enercon (biggest manufacturer of onshore wind turbines)

Solar Energy in Germany

The solar energy still enjoys an enormous growth in Germany, 94% of the Germans estimate the extension of renewable energies is very important. And solar energy belongs to this category.


The contingent of solar energy in 2010 was 2 % of the whole electrical power. So it’s twice as much than the year before.

Germany is one of the top photovoltaics installer in the world. The PV capacity of May 2011 was more than 18,000 MW. Some market analysts expect that the contingent of solar energy could reach 25 % by 2050.

The ”Renewable Energies Act” of 2009 also encouraged this development. “Renewable Energies Act” requires that every new built house has to use one renewable energy technique. And in Germany many people decided for the solar energy because of the efficient way to get energy. Furthermore, the house owners can earn money with their photovoltaic facility, because the not used energy will be injected into the energy grid and gain money for every kilowatt hour.

In fact, with all new technologies and a bigger demand starting after 2009, the costs have the potential of being reduced up to 30 % for the manufacture and the installation of solar systems.

Per the forecast from experts, the delivery of electricity from solar energy will reach the delivery of electricity from offshore wind turbines in 2014.

In the long run solar energy will be one of the cheapest ways to generate energy.

Posted by Laura Strauss of Bad Soden-Salmuenster, Germany and Jan Hofmann of Maintal, Germany  

We Would Like to Hear What You Think !

Electrical Systems and Services, Inc has been involved in the renewable energies movement for over 2 years. As you have been reading on this blog, during that time, ESS has done many wind turbine, solar systems and lighting projects in Southeast Wisconsin. These various projects have been done for business locations, as well as public and private schools and residential applications. The possibility for installation locations goes much further than that. Think of all of the energy saved if we had more renewable energy being used to heat our water for personal use, or heating water for a pool or hot tub or even the floors of our homes. Churches, Motel/Hotels, Restaurants, Apartments & Condos, Banks the list is endless when it comes to Renewable Energy potential.

Since you have been reading our blog, you know of some of these projects ESS has completed, and maybe many of you have seen these projects first hand. It certainly is a pretty thing to see, when you think of these renewable energy projects as saving us from the grips of depending on others for electricity.

Some of you have taken the time to comment on some of the postings, we appreciate your participation and observations.

We know that this blog receives many hits, so for this posting we are asking everyone to comment on your thoughts on the “Green Movement”. Ask yourself, "Is this Renewable Energy promotion all that it is talked up to be". We know that technology always has room for improvement, so please comment and tell us how you feel.

Want to know the Difference?

Solar Thermal vs. Photovoltaic

It is important to understand that solar thermal technology is not the same as solar panel, or photovoltaic, technology. Solar thermal electric energy generation concentrates the light from the sun to create heat, and that heat is used to run a heat engine, which turns a generator to make electricity. The working fluid that is heated by the concentrated sunlight can be a liquid or a gas. Different working fluids include water, oil, salts, air, nitrogen, helium, etc. Different engine types include steam engines, gas turbines, Stirling engines, etc. All of these engines can be quite efficient, often between 30% and 40%, and are capable of producing 10's to 100's of megawatts of power.

Photovoltaic, or PV energy conversion, on the other hand, directly converts the sun's light into electricity. This means that solar panels are only effective during daylight hours because storing electricity is not a particularly efficient process.

Heat storage is a far easier and efficient method, which is what makes solar thermal so attractive for large-scale energy production. Heat can be stored during the day and then converted into electricity at night. Solar thermal plants that have storage capacities can drastically improve both the economics and the dispatchability of solar electricity.

Storing Solar Energy in Batteries

4 Types Of Battery Suitable For Home Solar Power System




There are many diverse types of batteries you can use in conjunction with a home solar power system. All batteries rely on chemical reactions to convert stored chemical energy to electrical energy. The 4 types of battery suitable for solar use are described and contrasted below.



1) Lead Acid BatteriesLead acid batteries are the most common type of batteries  found in automobiles. This type of battery relies on the conversion of lead and lead dioxide in a sulfuric acid solution to lead sulfite to release electrons. This reaction can be reversed to recharge the batteries.
Pores in the lead and lead dioxide plates allow greater surface area for the energy-providing reaction, allowing sudden bursts of high current. Although lead acid batteries are less efficient than other forms, they are preferred because they can provide the high amount of current in a short amount of time needed to start a car.
Because automotive batteries should never be highly discharged, they are inappropriate for the powering of home systems, which often require repeated discharges of power. Thus, lead acid batteries are not suitable for residential solar power system



2) Lead Acid Deep Cycle Batteries. In contrast, lead acid deep cycle batteries are designed to have a large amount of their stored power discharged between charging sessions. Their plates are non-porous to allow the battery to withstand deep cycles (up to 80% discharging).
RV marine batteries often do not last as long as other deep cycle batteries. However, they are small and compact, which makes them easy to handle and install. They often come “sealed,” which makes them safer to use indoors. Unfortunately, sealed batteries are sensitive to overcharging, which may shorten their lifespan.
These types of batteries are usually 12-volt, and have varying capacities (up to 100-amp hours). To obtain a larger storage capacity, batteries would need to be attached in parallel, which is less efficient than having a single large battery.



3) Electric Golf Cart BatteriesGolf cart batteries are designed for deep cycles, which give them a longer lifespan and better performance. They are usually lightweight and cheaper per amp hour than RV/marine batteries. They also have the advantage of being less sensitive to overcharging.
Because they are generally 6-volt, while most home systems are 12-volt, they will need to be connected in series, which is more complicated than using a single battery. Because they are not sealed, they need to be stored in a well-ventilated area and occasionally be given water.
Golf cart batteries have too limited amp-hour capacities for use in a large power system. Industrial or stationary batteries are available in 2-volt units, so the appropriate number of units need to be combined. They have very high amp-hour capacities, but are significantly more expensive than other types of battery and very heavy.
Their weight (up to 350 pounds per 2-volt cell) will often require special storage and transportation. Among all, the electric golf cart batteries are the most suitable for home energy system because of its cost and practicality.



4) Nickel BatteriesNickel batteries use nickel alloy plates (nickel cadmium or nickel iron) instead of lead plates. Unlike lead-acid batteries, these plates are stored in an alkaline (basic) instead of an acidic solution. While excellent for home power use, the cost is significantly higher than that of lead acid batteries.
Nickel allow batteries can last up to fifty years, and require less maintenance, as they can be fully discharged without damage. Unfortunately nickel alloy batteries are more difficult to dispose of than lead-acid batteries.

Solar and Wind Energy? ESS can help!

Looking at installing your first renewable energy system?

Well, if the system is designed, installed, and maintained properly, like we do at Electrical Systems and Services, it should be your only renewable energy system! I guess it comes down to this: There are many reasons not to generate your own electricity from the wind & sun, including significant economic, utility, and zoning barriers. But at the end of the day, we face certain truths: Fossil fuels are a limited energy resource, our current electric generation methods are compromising the rights of our future generations to inherit a healthy planet, and the cost of grid electricity will continue to go up.

Renewable energy gives us the ability to change this balance of power. We can make and use clean energy in our neighborhoods, on our farms, and at our businesses.

We  know that when all the costs are factored in, renewable energies are more economical than burning coal or splitting atoms, and we can feel good about it.

If you’re considering any renewable energy, I say great!

Wind & Solar energy are both remarkably simple and amazingly complex.


So do your homework. We can help, contact us at Electrical Systems and Services. We have all the resources to inform you with all you need to know about renewable energy projects.

An educated  consumer is the renewable energy dealer’s best friend.  And when your
system is up and running, you can take the time to sit back and enjoy.

MOTION OR OCCUPANCY SENSORS

 Motion or Occupancy Sensor Light Switch


Fit a motion sensor light switch to automatically switch off lights when a room is empty

• The Motion Sensor Light Switch  is a new product which will only turn lights on in a room when it is occupied. By automatically turning off the lights when no-one is in the room, the manufacturers claim that an average of 128 hours per year of unnecessary lighting will be avoided, reducing electricity consumption for the lighting by 10%.

• The light switch is sold as a complete, easy to install unit which can be quickly fitted as a direct replacement for a standard (non-dimmer, single way) switch. A manual switch is provided so that lights can be switched ON or OFF, or to enter AUTO mode. When in AUTO mode, the fitted PIR sensor (which covers 110 degrees with a range of 5 metres) detects if someone is in the room. A second adjustable light sensor ensures that the lights are only turned on when it is dark

• A delay time setting (8 secs to 6 mins) is provided so that you can set how often you want the motion detector to check the room for inhabitants. The longer this time is set, the longer the lights will remain on after you leave the room. The shorter the time, the more likely it is that the lights will turn off while you are still in the room - potentially a problem if you are sat in an armchair not moving or walking backwards and forwards directly towards the motion sensor.

Contact ESS for more information on how we can install these money saving devices in your office or plant.

SOLAR FACTS

Here are the five most practical and popular ways that solar energy is used:


1. Small portable solar photovoltaic systems. We see these used everywhere, from calculators to solar garden products. Portable units can be used for everything from RV appliances while single panel systems are used for traffic signs and remote monitoring stations.

2. Solar pool heating. Running water in direct circulation systems through a solar collector is a very practical way to heat water for your pool or hot tub.

3. Thermal glycol energy to heat water. In this method (indirect circulation), glycol is heated by the sun's rays and the heat is then transferred to water in a hot water tank.

This method of collecting the sun's energy is more practical now than ever. In areas as far north as Edmonton, Alberta, solar thermal to heat water is economically sound. It can pay for itself in three years or less.

 4. Integrating solar photovoltaic energy into your home or business power. In many parts of the world, solar photovoltaics is an economically feasible way to supplement the power of your home. In Japan, photovoltaics are competitive with other forms of power. In the US, new incentive programs make this form of solar energy ever more viable in many states. An increasingly popular and practical way of integrating solar energy into the power of your home or business is through the use of building integrated solar photovoltaics.

5. Large independent photovoltaic systems. If you have enough sun power at your site, you may be able to go off grid. You may also integrate or hybridize your solar energy system with wind power or other forms of renewable energy to stay 'off the grid.'

GIFFORD SCHOOL - OFF GRID SOLAR POLE LIGHTS

GIFFORD SCHOOL GOES GREEN

Next time you find yourself traveling on Highway K thru Franksville, check out the 2 Solar Pole Lights at the west entrance to the Gifford School parking lot. The project was a part of the overall parking lot restructure. The off - grid lights were installed instead of using the old "wired to the grid" lighting system that uses electricity supplied by WE Energies. Working with Racine Unified School District, ESS located, assembled and installed the lights. The LED lights use only solar power to light the entrance to the school parking lot.

Great Job RUSD & Gifford School.

All of your current and past students, teachers & staff can be proud of the fact that Gifford School is doing its part to go "GREEN"

SAVE MONEY WITH SOLAR WATER HEATERS

Solar Water Heaters


Solar water heaters—also called solar domestic hot water systems—can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.

How They Work

Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

Pumps circulate a non-freezing, heat-transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger. This heats the water that then flows into the home. They are popular in climates prone to freezing temperatures.





Passive solar water heating systems are typically less expensive than active systems, but they're usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer. There are two basic types of passive systems:

• Integral collector-storage passive systems

These work best in areas where temperatures rarely fall below freezing. They also work well in households with significant daytime and evening hot-water needs.

• Thermosyphon systems

Water flows through the system when warm water rises as cooler water sinks. The collector must be installed below the storage tank so that warm water will rise into the tank. These systems are reliable, but contractors must pay careful attention to the roof design because of the heavy storage tank. They are usually more expensive than integral collector-storage passive systems.


Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may already be part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be packaged with a demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heater for backup.

Gateway Technical Institute adds 3 Windspire wind turbines

For those of you that have driven or walked around the Racine Gateway Campus you have probably noticed the newly installed Windspire wind turbines. ESS installed the three units and they are now producing electricity for the campus. The units are located on the east side of the building and are very easy to see.

Just another way Gateway is looking to improve the look of the campus for the students and to help offset  the rising energy costs.



SITING YOUR SOLAR MODULES

The two basic issues with the siting of a solar energy system are :




1. Face panels to the south

2, Avoid shade from trees, buildings or hills.

It is important to carefully site PV systems, especially those that use crystalline cells. A shadow across just part of a crystalline cell based PV system can virtually turn it off, while a shadow across a thin film cell based PV system or a solar thermal system will simply reduce its output.



Think about both the sun’s daily path and its annual path when considering how objects may shade the solar panels. Shading may result from trees, dormers, chimneys, and neighboring buildings. Remember - trees grow, and neighbors may build additional structures that block the sun. However, Wisconsin has a solar rights law that guarantees your right to solar access.

 Axis trackers adds installation cost, but increases efficiency of modules significantly. These arrays will track the sun throughout the course of the day and the racking itself will physically move from east to west every day.




Single axis tracking systems


Solar panels with single axis tracking systems. The panels can turn around the centre axis. ESS can provide the actuators that tilt the panels.

Dual axis tracking systems


Dual axis tracking is typically used to orient a mirror, to redirect sunlight along a fixed axis towards a stationary target or receiver, however you can also gain extra yield on you PV cells. ESS can provide you with quality actuators that move your panels.