Electical Contractor

Integrating the various forms of renewable energy into our complex patterns of transmission, distribution and consumption is nothing less than a monumental transformation. On the other hand, the industry is making great strides, and new smart grid technologies are playing a vital role.

Joel Spira, who founded Lutron Electronics Co. in 1961, invented the first solid-state dimmer in 1959. For decades after, dimmers were largely used to control the aesthetic environment. Only in recent years has dimming become an important part of the energy costs saving debate.

Two major trends in the building automation industry are opening more opportunities for electrical contractors—open standards and green movement acceptance.

If the hallmark of renewable technology is its ability to harness the earth’s forces in new and imaginative ways, then one recent innovation is really riding a wave.

The National Park Service (NPS) opened a net-zero energy visitor center in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), the first of its kind in the nearly 400 parks that make up the NPS system.