Arizona Solar Center Blog

A New York energy company is planning to build a $32 million solar thermal plant at the University of Arizona's Tech Park.

Six solar-power equipment factories proposed for metro Phoenix, which if built could create higher-paying manufacturing jobs, are earmarked to receive nearly $30 million in tax breaks announced by the White House.

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The Board elected Dr. David Renné of the USA as President for the term from 01 January 2010 through 31 December 2011. He is the 26th President of the Society and successor of Ms. Monica Oliphant of Australia.

Salty lakes worldwide could produce valuable freshwater using a low-cost solar process developed at the University of Nevada, researchers said.

Az4Solar.org, an association dedicated to supporting economic development of Arizona's solar energy industry, has finalized the program for its Arizona Solar Manufacturing Symposium being held Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

An Australian company hopes to build what sounds like an ideal energy source in western Arizona - a power plant that uses no fuel or water, causes no pollution and runs all day. But first EnviroMission Inc. has to raise the money to build one of the tallest manmade structures on Earth on top of a sprawling greenhouse.

Colleges are rapidly adding new majors and minors in green studies, and students are filling them fast. Nationwide, more than 100 majors, minors or certificates were created this year in energy and sustainability-focused programs at colleges big and small [including Arizona State University], says the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The West Valley is sprouting green technology as the buzz about renewable energy grows. Environmental concerns, national security interests and the quest to diversify the economy have led to a push for alternative-energy resources at the federal, state and local level.

For us, getting our car washed is a dirty job. For Super Suds Car Wash in Benson, they're doing their part to keep that job green.

1. I am writing a paper on solar energy for school. Where do I find information on this topic? Fast answer
2. Is the Arizona Solar Center hiring? Where can I find a job in the renewable energy sector? Fast answer
3. Are there organizations in Arizona that offer internships in solar energy? Fast answer
4. Photovoltaics (PV)
   • What are photovoltaics? AzSC link | AzSC link | EREN link
   • How do they work? AzSC link
5. Solar water heating
   • How do solar water heaters work? AzSC link | EREN link
6. Passive solar
   • What is passive solar heating and cooling? AzSC link | EREN link
   • What is the difference between active and passive solar? Fast answer
   • What are the various approaches to passive solar? Fast answer | AzSC link
   • Where is passive design used in Arizona? Fast answer
7. What solar energy events/lectures can I attend? AzSC link
8. Where can I find current solar energy news highlights? AzSC link
9. Where can I find other sources of information about:
   • General solar AzSC link
   • Photovoltaics AzSC link
   • State solar AzSC link
   • Federal solar AzSC link
   • Geothermal energy AzSC link
   • Solar space heating AzSC link
   • Wind energy AzSC link
10. Where do I find solar energy books and other literature? AzSC link
11. How is solar used and energy reduced here in the desert southwest? AzSC link
12. What Arizona utility companies are currently using photovoltaic (PV) systems? Fast answer
13. What is "Power Tower" and how can it produce 10 million watts of electricity? AzSC link (Sandia National Labs "R&D 100" Awards 2000 PDF file - 1.34MB)
14. What are the mirrors and solar panels near the intersection of University and McClintock in Tempe? AzSC link
15. What university departments offer curriculum and degrees in solar energy in Arizona? AzSC link
16. Is there a required "solar contractors" license in Arizona? Fast answer
17. Solar cooking - I am making a solar cooker. What is the best absorbing material or paint that I can use to coat the surface in order to maximize solar heating? Fast answer
18. Tax Credits - Is an individual who designs and installs his or her own solar energy device entitled to take the solar energy credit? Fast answer
19. Solar Panel Size - If you have a solar panel with 25 individual panels, is it really different compared to one large panel of the same size. Why is it different? Fast answer
20. Where can I find data on the solar angle-of-direct-incidence for various times of day and year? NREL link.

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• Over 60 years of life, it is estimated that the average conifer tree will absorb 1 TON of Carbon Dioxide.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of an artificial tree to that below a living tree takes 20 years of re-use.
  
  • Suggestion: buy a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays; if you do get a cut tree, find your local after Christmas tree recycling facility.
• The amount of holiday cards sent out every year could fill a ten-story football stadium.
  
  • Suggestion: send seasonal greetings through e-mail to reduce waste.
• Most mass-produced holiday wrapping paper CANNOT by recycled.
  
  • Suggestion: use newspaper or old wallpaper as wrapping, or better yet, give a gift of your time or a donation to a charity, bypassing the gift wrap altogether!
• One string of LED decorative lights uses on average 90% less energy than traditional lights.

• Over 60 years of life, it is estimated that the average conifer tree will absorb 1 TON of Carbon Dioxide.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of an artificial tree to that below a living tree takes 20 years of re-use.
  
  • Suggestion: buy a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays; if you do get a cut tree, find your local after Christmas tree recycling facility.
• The amount of holiday cards sent out every year could fill a ten-story football stadium.
  
  • Suggestion: send seasonal greetings through e-mail to reduce waste.
• Most mass-produced holiday wrapping paper CANNOT by recycled.
  
  • Suggestion: use newspaper or old wallpaper as wrapping, or better yet, give a gift of your time or a donation to a charity, bypassing the gift wrap altogether!
• One string of LED decorative lights uses on average 90% less energy than traditional lights.

Read more...

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a space-based renewable energy contract for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in an effort to move the state a step closer to meeting its renewable energy goals.

The world's largest solar energy office building opened on November 27 in Dezhou, Shangdong Province in northwest China. The building, which has a total area of 75,000 square meters, features exhibition centers, scientific research facilities, meeting and training facilities, and a hotel.

Recuperate from and reminisce about Greenbuild 2009. Learn about the State of the Chapter and Southern Branch. Vote on minor changes to the Chapter and Branches' Bylaws. Welcome the incoming executive leadership of the Chapter and all four Branches. Enjoy an evening of revelry indoors or under the night sky!

For more information: www.usgbcaz.org/southern/2009

University of Arizona researchers snared more than $83 million of the $21.5 billion in stimulus funds designated for scientific research in the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, said Leslie Tolbert, UA vice president for research.

From: Earthwisesolar [mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 3:59 PM
Subject: SRP Meter Tampering

Meter Tampering

It has come to our attention that SRP meters are being removed without our knowledge.  We know these meters have been removed at some point in time because the seals on the meters are broken.  Although there have been significant advances in the safety and reliability of solar electric systems, this is a serious issue and can compromise the safety of your crews, our employees and the customer’s equipment.