Electical Contractor

Bay Area Officials Get Smart With Solar

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Miscellaneous

The US Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) announced up to $25 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value bio-based products, subject to annual appropriations.

FERC Approves First Hydrokinetic Device for Existing Hydroelectric Project

| March 2009

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Miscellaneous

There is no better place to plant the seeds for the expanded use of renewable power by future generations than in a school environment.

Green Grows the Home

Darlene Bremer

| March 2009

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Miscellaneous

Preliminary findings from a study conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) note a strong demand for sustainable housing at all income levels, even in the current housing market.

Company Sends Breeze Through Wind Energy Training Sails

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Miscellaneous

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the first installation of a hydrokinetic device at an existing hydroelectric project to be located on the Mississippi River in Hastings, Minn.

Austin Considers Largest Solar Project in the World

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Miscellaneous

Students at Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater, Texas, will now be able to gain hands-on experience testing wind turbine systems with equipment supplied to the college by Megger.

Ohio Grants Solar Power to Its People

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Miscellaneous

Austin, Texas, is considering building a major solar power plant, according to the Dallas Morning News. Austin’s city electric utility wants to set aside 300 acres of land for a solar array that would be built and owned by San Francisco-based Gemini Solar Development Co.

L.A. Mayor Supports Ambitious Solar Power Plan

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Green Building

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio has unveiled a $3.5 million renewable energy program to boost the use of wind power and solar water heating systems in the state. Certified installers can apply for wind power grants rather than individual homeowners.

People Warming Up to Solar Power

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Green Building

According to the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is advocating a proposal to install enough rooftop solar panels on buildings in the city by 2013 to power 100,000 households now served by the Department of Water and Power (DWP).

Obama's Renewable Energy Goals Draw Praise, Criticism

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Green Building

For years, solar power was too cost-prohibitive for the average consumer. However, utilities and communities around the country are experimenting with unconventional and more affordable ways to deliver solar power to consumers and businesses, according to Energybiz.

JCPenney Discounts Its Energy, Too

| February 2009

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Miscellaneous

Bold ideas always get a mixed reaction. It’s not until years later that anyone can say objectively if they were effective. President Barack Obama’s alternative energy goals are no exception.

California Raises the Bar for Renewable Power

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Miscellaneous

According to the Plano (Texas) Courier Star, early in November 2008, JCPenney broke ground on its first store constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications.

The Green Do-Over

Jeff Gavin

| February 2009

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Green Building

Navigating today's uncertain economic waters demands strong planning, sharp instincts and steady nerves. Fortunately, remodeling provides some ballast during construction downturns. Green remodeling could be an attractive addition to a recessionary survival kit.

Utah Geothermal Plant to Supply Power to California

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Green Building

Never content with the status of pioneer in the nation’s quest for greater development of renewable power, California has taken steps again to raise the standards for other states to follow.

The Alternative-Energy Quandary

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Green Building

Provo, Utah-based Raser Technologies Inc., recently inaugurated its first commercial-scale geothermal power plant in Beaver County, Utah. The plant’s output has already been committed to supply electricity to Anaheim, Calif.

Edward Brown

Slow Water Currents Feed 'Fish Technology'

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Green Building

Alternative energy sources are all over the news these days as a means of achieving fossil fuel independence, while addressing global warming. Many issues must be addressed in order to enable sources, such as wind and solar, to make practical contributions to our supply of electricity.

January 2009

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Green Building

Slow-moving ocean and river currents could be a reliable and affordable alternative energy source. A University of Michigan engineer has made a machine that works like a fish to turn potentially destructive vibrations in fluid flows into renewable power.

Conenergy Sells the Largest Solar Energy System on the East Coast

January 2009

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Green Building

Pennsylvania Conenergy Group and its subsidiary, Epuron, announced the completion and sale of the Exelon-Conergy Solar Energy Center. The 3-megawatt project is located on the GROWS 16.5-acre landfill site, which is just outside of Philadelphia.

Clean Energy Could Power Green Stimulus in Pacific Northwest

Wind Energy Installations Continue Record-Setting Pace

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Green Building

President Barack Obama has made it clear that he will invest heavily in the renewable and clean-energy sectors to help launch a national economic recovery. According to a study released just before the election, at least one region of the country is ready for the challenge.