MANY TYPES OF SOLAR INSTALLATIONS ARE AVAILABLE

Solar Energy Systems Come In A
Variety Of Installation Types

The type of racking or mounting systems impacts how well your solar panels function. When shopping for solar for your business, or home these are the most common mounting options you’ll find on the market:

Flat Roof Solar Panel Installation  

A flat roof installation is the easiest way to go solar on your building. It offers flexibility for orienting and tilting the solar panels for ideal solar collection. This installation type is more common on commercial installations and is perhaps one of the least complicated. These are the three most typical mounting options in flat roof installations:

Ballasted Mount:

Some solar systems use weights (called ballasts) to hold the solar array to the roof instead of bolting it down. Ballasted systems are often preferable because they do not penetrate the roof, but only work for large system in low-wind zones.

Mechanically Attached:

Traditional rooftop systems are mounted to the posts secured in the roof beams. Special roof leak protection is added to each penetration to stop leaks. These attached systems work for any size, and hold tight even in windy areas.

Hybrid Mount:

Often referred to as a minimally attached system, the hybrid mount uses some structural attachments combined with typical ballasted design. This results in minimal roofing penetrations but a little more security where needed.

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Pitched Roof Solar Panel Installation 

Perhaps the most common type of solar panel installation seen in residential solar systems, the pitched roof mounting option means installing panels on non-flat (or angled) roofs. Due to the angle and complexity of solar equipment used to keep solar panels in place on a pitched surface like a residential roof, makes this type of installation the most difficult.

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Ground Mount Solar Panel Installation: 

Some buildings are not well-suited to solar installations because of location, size, or orientation. In these cases, where surface area permits, a ground-mounted system is an option. The installation for these types of systems involves a wedge structure made of steel that anchors the solar panels to a concrete foundation.

Electrical Systems and Services, Inc can work with you to determine which of the installation techniques would be best for your type of roof or property, and provide your system with the best results. Contact ESS to set up free, no obligation, building and property survey.

WINDOWS CAN GENERATE ELECTRICITY

Transparent solar cells for windows that generate electricity

Scientists are reporting development of a new transparent solar cell, an advance toward giving windows in homes and other buildings the ability to generate electricity while still allowing people to see outside.

There has been intense world-wide interest in so-called polymer solar cells (PSCs), which are made from plastic-like materials.

PSCs are lightweight and flexible and can be produced in high volume at low cost. That interest extends to producing transparent PSCs. However, previous versions of transparent PSCs have had many disadvantages.

They describe a new kind of PSC that produces energy by absorbing mainly infrared light, not visible light, making the cells 66 percent transparent to the human eye. They made the device from a photoactive plastic that converts infrared light into an electric current.

Another breakthrough is the transparent conductor made of a mixture of silver nanowire and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which was able to replace the opaque metal electrode used in the past.

This composite electrode also allowed the solar cell to be fabricated economically by solution processing. The suggestion is that the panels could be used in smart windows or portable electronics.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RANKINGS

US Lags in Ninth Place on Energy Efficiency Among Top 12 Global Economies

The United Kingdom comes in first in a new energy efficiency ranking of the world's major economies, followed closely by Germany, Japan, and Italy, according to the first-ever International Energy Efficiency Scorecard published by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The report finds that in the last decade the U.S. has made "limited or little progress toward greater efficiency at the national level," putting it in 9th place out of 12 economies around the globe.

The rankings are modeled on ACEEE's time-tested approach to energy efficiency ranking of U.S. states, and include 12 of the world's largest economies: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. These 12 economies represent over 78 percent of global gross domestic product; 63 percent of global energy consumption; and 62 percent of the global carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions.

On a scale of 100 possible points in 27 categories, the nations were ranked by ACEEE as follows: (1) the United Kingdom; (2) Germany; (3) Japan; (4) Italy; (5) France; (6) the European Union, Australia, and China (3-way tie); (9) the U.S.; (10) Brazil; (11) Canada; and (12) Russia.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline Photovoltaic Cells

You may have heard the terms monocrystalline and polycrystalline used to describe photovoltaic cells, but what does that mean and how does it affect a cell’s performance?

Basic Anatomy of a PV cell

A lump of pure silicon

The main ingredient in most photovoltaic cells is silicon – the same element that makes computer chips possible.  Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, but unfortunately it is normally found in the form of silica – you might know it as sand.

Various methods exist to extract the pure silicon, but the most common is carbothermic reduction, where the silica is heated to 1700°C in the presence of carbon.  As the silicon cools it forms crystals.

The speed at which the silicon cools is one of the critical factors that determine the crystal size: the slower the silicon cools, the larger the crystals.  With care the silicon can be extracted as one large crystal.  As you might imagine, that’s more difficult, which means it’s more expensive.

The difference between monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar cells is simply that one is produced from a single crystal of silicon and the other is produced from a piece of silicon consisting of many crystals.

Practical Differences

So what is the impact on cell performance?

Since polycrystalline cells contain many crystals, they have a less perfect surface than monocrystalline cells.  This means that they absorb slightly less solar energy and produce slightly less electricity per square foot. On the plus side, the process of creating the silicon for a polycrystalline cell is much simpler, so these cells are generally cheaper per square foot.

On balance, the cost of monocrystalline vs polycrystalline based panels per Watt of power output works out about the same, but the polycrystalline panels will be slightly larger than equivalent monocrystalline panels.  This is generally not a problem unless you have a very limited area available for the installation, in which case you will want to maximise the power output per square foot.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline can also look different.  Monocrystalline cells will usually have a perfectly uniform appearance, but polycrystalline cells will appear “grainy” – think of how a granite worktop looks and you’ll get the idea.  From a distance this will not be noticeable, so if they are going on your roof this is unlikely to worry you.

 So which should I choose?

At the end of the day, unless you are very space constrained, your choice of panel will probably be dictated by factors other than whether they are made up of mono or polycrystalline cells.

The price per Watt is an important factor, and that is largely unaffected by the choice of monocrystalline versus polycrystalline cells.  In some circumstances, the area available for the installation may be a factor that pushes you to go for monocrystalline cells.

But the most important thing is to make sure that you choose a reputable installer and manufacturer.  Your panels will most likely give you many years of trouble free operation, but for your own peace of mind you will probably want to choose a manufacturer that is likely to be around for long enough to honor the terms of the guarantee – which may be up to 25 years!

Please contact Electrical Systems and Services, Inc should you have any questions or would like to schedule a site survey to see the potential your home or business could have with a solar system installed.

MAYBE IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO THINK SOLAR?

U.S. SOLAR MODULE DEMAND EXPECTED TO DOUBLE IN 2012

The U.S. market for solar panels is likely to double in 2012, thanks to government policies and falling prices, although new tariffs on panels imported from China could contribute to slower growth in 2013, according to a new study.

U.S. developers are likely to install 3,300 megawatts of solar panels this year, nearly double the amount installed in 2011. More than 500 megawatts of solar power were installed in New Jersey, California, Arizona, Massachusetts and other states in the first quarter 2012 alone, in what is usually a slow time for solar installations due to winter weather.

The global solar power market has been turbulent for manufacturers, as prices have plunged amid an over supply of panels. But the falling prices, as well as faster development for large scaled solar powered plants, have driven strong demand for solar equipment.

Government subsidies, such as the federal rebate of 30% of the cost of each solar system, and state and local incentives have been driving growing demand for solar. The lowering prices have also played a role in the increase of interest for solar projects.

Average solar module prices fell by one- half in 2011, to about 94 cents a watt. That followed a 2010 drop of 27% in prices. The lower panel prices, combined with lower prices for other components, led to a drop in total solar systems installation costs. This was true in both large scale utility solar systems, as well as residential roof top installations.

Electrical Systems and Services, Inc is proud to be a NABCEP certified installer and part of this growing market. Now is the time to contact Electrical Systems to have a Free, No obligation assessment to your business or residence to see if this is the right time for you to go Solar.  Please contact us, so we can get yours scheduled.

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.