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Alternative Energy

Going GREEN Increases the Value of Residential or Commercial Property by Ten Percent- But it’s Ugly? Solar Power Isn’t Going to be so Ugly When Everyone Else has it

• 2012/04/17

Southern Maryland (PRWEB) April 16, 2012

The current government incentives for “Going Green” are remarkable, but like all incentives provided by the Federal Government, they aren’t designed to last forever. In fact, they’ll be gone before we know it. The grants issued to power companies to cooperate with the Go Green Movement will be eliminated over the next 10 to 15 years.

The current incentives are SRECs, tax credits, increased property values, and finally, an electric bill that is sliced in half and in most cases, is eliminated altogether. Smallwood sells solar installation panels for AdvaPoint and has a team of licensed MHIC installers, engineers, and a Master Electrician that guarantees the workmanship of the installation for five (5) years; and AdvaPoint guarantees the generation of solar power for twenty (20) years.

Beginning with the basics, Smallwood explains the overall excitement in adding Solar Energy to a home or business:

Considering the #1 polution in our environment is the coal burned to generate electricity to all buildings, installing solar  panels will give the property owner a considerable sense of positive contribution to the environment in which we live for generations to come.

Option for Zero Money Down means just that – zero money down. When a person receives their electric bill, they’re are purchasing electricity generated by the power company; however, if they install solar panels on their property, the power company is purchasing electricity generated by the property owner – from the property owner. Any difference in the power generated and the power used is ‘banked’. At the year end close out, the power company issues either a check or an account credit to the property owner. AdvaPoint Solar is offers a leasing option payable over fifteen years that can (1) replace the electric bill or (2) significantly reduce the electric bill – depending on the number of panels installed and the azimuth calculation of the roof or installation site toward the south sun.

The leasing company affiliated with AdvaPoint Solar reduces the total cost of the panels by a transfer of the $10,000 tax credits over three years (credited in advance by the leasing company) and gives the property owner the OPTION of keeping their SRECs (solar renewable energy credits – explained below). “The option for the property owner to keep their SRECs is usually not available to the clients of AdvaPoint competitors – which makes AdvaPoint Solar a more viable and attractive solution,” Smallwood said.

A Ten Percent increase in value? Yes, that’s correct. Appraisers now adjust property valuations to increase the bottom line value of their appraisal by 10% should the property have the ability to generate solar power. That’s remarkable!

What are SRECs

The term SREC stands for Solar Renewable Energy Credit and is a tradable credit that represents all the clean energy benefits of electricity generated from a solar electric system. Each time a solar electric system generates 1000kWh (1MWh) of electricity, an SREC is issued which can then be sold or traded separately from the power.

SRECs are purchased by electrical utilities or energy suppliers who need to meet a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The value of SRECs are quantified by three major factors:

1. State RPS requirements

2. Value of the state’s Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP)

3. Supply and demand of SRECs in that specific state

Because of these factors, SREC values can vary dramatically from state to state.

Attached is a form any interested person across the U.S. may complete and fax in. Although Smallwood’s focus is in Southern Maryland, she is committed to finding everyone their alternative solar installation company nearest you. Please include the Average Watts Usage from an electric bill handwritten anywhere on the form. A free solar proposal will be generated and sent to any address requested.

For more information please contact (301) 399-3764

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Energy Industry

Element Power Solar and Ariya Capital Sign Partnership to Develop Renewable Energy Projects in Africa.

• 2012/04/17

Portland, OR (PRWEB) April 17, 2012

Element Power Solar, the global renewable energy developer, and Ariya Capital, the UK- and Botswana-based private equity firm, have signed a new partnership agreement to identify, construct and operate renewable energy projects throughout the African continent.

“The new partnership will leverage Element Power Solar’s international expertise in opening new market where solar resource and prevailing power prices present strong investment opportunities – Raimund Grube

A global player in the solar energy field, Element Power Solar, will act as a technical advisor to Ariya Capital in the selection of energy projects in Africa, while assisting the latter to implement its high-value investment strategy.

Fast growing industrial and commercial areas in Africa, where traditional power sources are scarce and expensive, can benefit from solar power supplies and provide good returns on investment.

Raimund Grube, COO of Element Power Solar, stated:
“The new partnership will leverage Element Power Solar’s international expertise in developing, constructing and operating solar projects and opening new markets where solar resource and prevailing power prices present strong investment opportunities “
The technical expertise of Element Power Solar combined with Ariya Capital’s access to African development opportunities and additional investment capital , provide a sound base for a relationship that will permit both partners to help provide sustainable and renewable energy throughout the continent while benefitting from investments in that market.
Herta von Stiegel CEO of Ariya commented:

“We will be working closely with Element Power Solar on new projects in selected African countries. There is tremendous scope for clean solar power on the continent and our partnership will contribute towards addressing the energy security and emission reduction issues in the regions where we will invest.”

About Element Power Solar (http://www.elpowersolar.com)
Element Power Solar is a unit of Element Power focusing on the global opportunities in PV solar. Element Power Solar has an extensive portfolio of solar projects with 77 MWp of solar projects developed, built and already put in operation and over 2,200 MW of projects in development in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and South East Asia. Element Power Solar is based in Portland Oregon, with offices in Madrid, London, Verona, Charlottesville, Santiago and Mexico City.

Press contact: Stefania Toscano +1 503 416 0833 – stefania(dot)toscano(at)elpower(dot)com

About Ariya Capital Group (http://www.ariyacapital.com)
Ariya Capital is a private equity and financial services firm focusing on energy investments in Africa. The firm operates from London, Gaborone and the Channel Islands and is developing clean and renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa as well as creating sustainable agricultural investment opportunities.
Press contact: Jonathan Shillington +44 20 7932 1850 – jonathan(dot)shillington(at)grayling(dot)com

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Environment Issues

Survival-Supply.com Increases Selection of Emergency Food and Disaster Preparedness Products

• 2012/04/17

White Plains, NY (PRWEB) April 10, 2012

How many approaches are there for disaster preparedness? The nature, severity, and location of an emergency must all be taken into account, and an individual, in response, should gather the most appropriate supplies. To meet this need, Survival-Supply.com, an emergency preparedness retailer, expanded its selection of disaster preparedness products in several areas: emergency food, first aid, security, and outdoor shelters. All new products add to the already-vast options for emergency preparation, from quicker- and easier-to-cook outdoor meals, situation-specific first aid supplies, and sturdier shelters that handle a wide range of environmental conditions.

As one of Survival Supply’s newer emergency food products, MREs, also known as meals, ready to eat, were originally developed decades ago for the military. While still used by military personnel and first responders, MREs are economical emergency food for disaster preparedness, as no additional equipment, fire, or gas is needed. Survival Supply’s new MREs are geared toward efficiency, as the meals themselves are 50-percent larger and cook 20-percent quicker.

Emergency food supply kits are a second new addition. Containing enough freeze dried food to last from a month to a year, these kits employ the grab-and-go approach of buckets containing several three-to-five-servings pouches. The Mylar pouches eliminate storage planning, and the selection, variety for all three meals, and daily caloric amounts supersede the need for basic items. All meals are vegetarian, and each plan is based on a body’s nutritional requirements instead of unrealistic serving sizes.

Aside from emergency foods, Survival-Supply.com now includes hiking meals in its selection of outdoor gear. Designed specifically for the minimal packing of a camping trip, all such meals just need water, and additional preparation and equipment are not necessary.

Along with food and water, first aid is a crucial component of emergency preparedness, and Survival-Supply.com expanded its variety to include kits for specific situations. As automobile emergencies, from getting stranded in a snowstorm to an accident, are common, Survival-Supply.com now offers OSHA-compliant first aid kits for such instances. Military environments, as well, pose their own unique set of hazards and potential injuries, and such first aid kits for first responders, wilderness survival, and tactical situations now round out Survival Supply’s selection. Sports first aid kits, addressing all possible injuries on the playing field, are a third addition. In addition to containing all basic supplies, all kits include first aid for each specific environment.

Storage is inevitably involved in emergency preparation, and if a home does not have enough interior room for a food and water supply, a sturdy shed, as long as the interior is dark, cool, and dry, suffices. Not all sheds are the same, in terms of stability and strength, and Survival-Supply.com, in response, significantly increased its product selection to cover several types of prefabricated structures, including portable garages, portable greenhouses, and storage sheds with foundations or vinyl floors. Once fully anchored into the ground, these enclosed structures hold up to a wide range of environmental conditions, from rain and UV rays to variable winter weather.

Along with freeze-dried food options, first aid, outdoor products, and shelters, Survival-Supply.com covers the full spectrum of disaster preparedness, including car emergency kits, lighting, camping gear, and home defense systems.

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Energy Efficiency

Southeast Industrial Plants Make Bold Moves toward Improving Energy Efficiency

• 2012/04/17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) April 13, 2012 — Seven manufacturers in the Southeast are currently helping to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of an energy efficiency certification program in their plants that is designed to be the “gold standard” of energy efficiency programs.

In August 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) initiated the energy management demonstrations for seven separate manufacturing plants. These seven companies partnered with AMO to demonstrate Superior Energy Performance (SEP), an energy efficiency program that provides a road map for continuous improvement in energy efficiency with transparent and verifiable energy savings. The seven participating companies include Nissan North America, Volvo Trucks, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Bridgestone America Tire Organization, Spirax Sarco, Eaton Corporation, and Schneider Electric. Each was tasked with testing the elements of SEP.

SEP is a sophisticated, plant-level energy efficiency certification program developed by the U.S. Council for Energy-Efficient Manufacturing (U.S. CEEM) and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). SEP provides industrial facilities and commercial buildings with a clear roadmap for achieving continual improvement in energy performance while maintaining competitiveness. The program aims to potentially create value for corporate energy savings and carbon reductions in utility, state, regional, national, and international trading markets.

A central element of SEP is conformance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) energy management standard, ISO 50001. The ISO 50001 energy management standard provides a recognized framework for industrial plants, commercial facilities, or entire organizations to manage energy, including all aspects of procurement and use. The standard provides organizations and companies with technical and management strategies to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve environmental performance.

According to AMO, the facilities that participated in the SEP demonstrations received tailored assistance regarding the application of ISO 50001. The personnel at the various demonstration sites were provided with special training to understand the intent of ISO 50001 and be able to more effectively apply the standard and maximize value from energy resources consumed in the industrial facilities. Additionally, the personnel in these facilities, who formed energy management teams after conforming with ISO 50001, were given technical assistance in applying the SEP M&V methodology for measuring and verifying their plants’ energy performance improvements.

To date, one of the plants—Volvo Trucks—has earned SEP and ISO 50001 certification, and several other facilities are nearing the completion of the testing/demonstration initiative. “We are very pleased with the progress that our industrial manufacturers have made toward SEP and ISO 50001 certification,” said Bill Meffert, who manages the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Energy and Sustainability Services group and oversees the demonstration initiative. “The adoption of energy management best practices and innovations in industry and commercial buildings will help our manufacturers reduce energy usage, decrease carbon emissions, and increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace. We have been honored to assist these companies through the demonstration program and look forward to their continued journey toward sustainable energy management practices.”

For more information about the SEP program, ISO 50001, or the Southeast energy management demonstration project, visit the Georgia Institute of Technology’s energy management site.

Links
1. Superior Energy Performance: http://www.superiorenergyperformance.net/
2. U.S. Council for Energy-Efficient Manufacturing: http://www.usceem.org/
3. American National Standards Institute: http://www.ansi.org/
4. Georgia Institute of Technology Energy Management Site: http://gamep.org/services/energy-management/

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Renewable Energy

Northern Power Systems is Named Ex-Im Bank’s Renewable-Energy Exporter of the Year

• 2012/04/17

Barre, VT (PRWEB) April 17, 2012

“Ex-Im Bank helps Northern Power successfully compete in global markets by allowing us to offer customers very attractive project financing,” said John P. Danner, President and CEO of Northern Power Systems

Northern Power Systems (http://www.northernpower.com), a next-generation wind turbine company, has received the Renewable-Energy Exporter of the Year award from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). The award was presented at the Bank’s 37th Annual Conference on April 12 in Washington, D.C.

Northern Power Systems exports its industry-leading NPS™ 100 wind turbines for installation into European Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) wind-farms and into hybrid power applications, where wind energy offsets expensive diesel-generated electricity. Recently, the Company used Ex-Im Bank’s Renewable Express financing to export 55 of its 100 kW wind turbines for several new FIT projects in Italy. These distributed wind turbines are installed in independent wind farms to generate power for local commercial use and to supply electricity to the power grid. The sale is the largest U.S. export of community-scale wind turbines to any country, and it is the first time that Ex-Im Bank has assisted in financing such a wind-power project on a project-finance basis.

“Northern Power Systems is a great example of an innovative company that is creating American jobs by helping other nations meet their energy needs,” said Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President of the Ex-Im Bank. “Ex-Im’s financing for renewable energy projects exceeded $720 million in FY’11, and the Bank remains committed to supporting U.S. exports in this vital sector.”

“Ex-Im Bank helps Northern Power successfully compete in global markets by allowing us to offer customers very attractive project financing,” said John P. Danner, President and CEO of Northern Power Systems. “We are looking forward to expanding our relationship with Ex-Im beyond Italy to the United Kingdom and numerous other markets.”

About Northern Power Systems
Northern Power Systems has over 30 years of experience in developing advanced, innovative wind turbines. The Company’s proven, next generation permanent magnet direct drive (PM/DD) wind turbine technology is based on a vastly simplified architecture that utilizes a unique combination of a permanent magnet generator and direct-drive design. This revolutionary approach uses fewer moving parts, delivers higher energy capture, and provides increased reliability due to reduced maintenance and downtime costs. The Company currently manufactures the NPS™ 100 turbine, designed specifically for distributed wind applications such as schools, businesses, commercial farms, municipalities and diesel-powered remote communities. The NPS 100 is particularly well-suited for European feed-in tariff applications. The Company also designs turbines for the on-shore and off-shore utility-scale wind energy markets, and in 2011 introduced the NPS 2.3 MW wind turbine for on-shore applications. Northern Power Systems is a fully integrated company that designs, manufactures, and sells wind turbines into the global marketplace from its headquarters in Vermont, USA, with additional offices in Massachusetts and Michigan, USA and Zurich, Switzerland. For more information, please visit http://www.northernpower.com.

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Fossil Fuels

Advocates for Communities Announces the Launch and Development of Shoals Creek Farm Village in North Carolina, a Fully Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Artisian Community

• 2012/04/17

St. Augustine, Florida (PRWEB) April 11, 2012

An informational gathering will be open to potential residents and investors Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14th from 9-5 p.m. To register or find more information, http://www.ShoalsVillage.com/workshop.

SHOALS CREEK FARM VILLAGE will be established as an intentional pedestrian community just outside Murphy, North Carolina complete with alternative renewable energy production, preserved green spaces, farming, wildlife habitats, spring fed ponds, educational retreat center, recreation, service centers, wellness center and more. The inspiration for the development comes from such communities that were established pre-fossil-fuel such as historic St. Augustine, St. George Street, English villages such as the Cotswold villages, Findhorn and other pedestrian farm focused villages throughout the world. The design evokes the traditional cluster and hamlet living creating a timeless, car-free environment within a farming and artisan community. The primary goal of the founders and directors is to involve the future residents and the local community to focus on re-enforcing the local economy with sustainable jobs, businesses and work-force housing while re-enforcing the overall health of the area, region, and planet.

SHOALS CREEK FARM VILLAGE is based on strict conservation principles to create an inspiring, self-sufficient, multi-age, intergenerational and organic lifestyle. A permaculture urban design will be implemented to conserve natural resources, incorporating the use of alternative power sources, recycling, and produce less waste and minimize the environmental footprint of a conventional city. The community will produce 50-90% less carbon per person based on conservation community principles. All structures reflect the policy of sustainability and integrate local materials. There will be a central transportation facility that will provide space to deposit a car/vehicle but will also house environmentally friendly vehicles for residents who may need the use of transportation to move around the village.

The Shoals Creek Farm Village site was chosen for its unique natural setting and its close proximity of one mile from the Shoals Rural Township Center, including the 500 student Hiwassee K-12 School and store. The site will be the future home of the 150 unit conservation community on approximately 300 acres. The property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of land with a diversity of wildlife and is located 5 miles from Apalachee Lake and Hiwassee Lake. Approximately 250 acres of the 300 acres will be preserved in perpetuity for wildlife habitats and farming and development will be placed on a maximum of 50 acres (10-15% of the site). The conservation community will include a 120 unit pedestrian village and organic farm, a farm and dairy hamlet, an equestrian hamlet, a summer camp, an education and retreat center, and an outlet store in the Shoals Township. The Farm Village will be a mixed income, full life village with will facilitate aging in place and exchanges between young and old.

The Shoals Creek Farm Village and Hamlet build rate is anticipated to be over a 5 year period, at an average absorption rate of approximately 30 homes per year. Each phase will be based on pre-investment. The Shoals Creek Farm at full production will meet most of the food requirements for the community as well as be able to sustain the community in the event of a food crisis. The design was lead by the founding farmer for Serenbe Farms in Palmetto, Georgia, known as “Farmer D”, who created a 25 acre biodynamic farm that supplies the community with fresh produce and organic gardening supplies.

Advocates for Communities, a nonprofit organization, lead by visionaries and directors Jeff and Sofia Kaller, and Village Habitat for Design, a second generation eco village master builder, co-founded by Greg Ramsey, have designed and are developing an intentional sustainable village community that will be used as a template for other villages that can be developed around the world. These agriculturally based, artisanal live and work communities are focused on conservation, self-reliance, sustainability, and quality of life. Advocates for Communities vision if the enhanced growth, through identification of areas of expansion for village based communities throughout the United States.

Greg Ramsey and Village Habitat Design have a global reputation for award winning quality and long, strong record of “built sustainable projects”. Following in his father’s footsteps, Greg Ramsey witnessed the inception of the eco village movement (1972) that has exploded to over the 40 years transforming the global lifestyle paradigm to one of intentional conservation communities numbering in the hundreds all over the world. Greg has pioneered the growth of the conservation community movement with landmark projects such as Lake Claire Cohousing, East Lake Commons Cohousing village, and the Chattahoochee Hill Country, large scale village conservation project.

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Momentum Energy News

Littman Bros. Lighting Celebrates Earth Day

• 2012/04/17

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 17, 2012

With the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, individuals and organizations will unite their voices calling for a sustainable future.

Littman Bros. joins the eco-friendly movement by offering a number of different options that can reduce energy consumption, save on energy bills and help the environment.

“Homeowners should replace their incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) or LED bulbs,” said Benson Littman, co-owner of Littman Bros. “Both bulbs are energy efficient for all of today’s indoor and outdoor lighting needs.”

It is important to look for the Energy Star® label on the bulbs as this standard uses as much as 75 percent less energy, produces 90% less heat and last 8-10 times longer. Saving energy helps homeowners save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

Energy efficient lighting solutions help consumers to maximize lighting and energy budgets. By fusing efficiency with design, many manufacturers of decorative ceiling fans, sconces, floor lamps, bathroom lighting, outdoor lighting and chandeliers are becoming eco-friendly too.
“We offer many modern lighting fixtures constructed with eco-chic materials,” said Littman. “Many of our popular lighting fixtures are using wood, stones, crystals, steel and other renewable sources.”

To find durable and long lasting eco-friendly lighting fixtures to suit any indoor living space or outdoor application visit http://www.littmanbros.com.

As one of the top lighting showrooms in the country with a renowned online presence, Littman Bros. works on a daily basis with manufacturers such as Hinkley Lighting, Hubbardton Forge, Kichler Lighting, Minka, Schonbek Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting, and Tech Lighting.