By BrentC on January 16, 2010
Boston from Crestock Stock Images
Solar energy is making its debut at none other than Harvard University. Three companies — CarbonFree Technology, Integrys Energy Services and SunPower Corporation — have partnered to install a 500-kilowatt solar array on the roof of one of Harvard University’s historic brownstones. The system will be managed by Crimson Solar, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integrys.
Harvard has committed to buy power from the array for a period of 25 years at a pre-determined rate with no upfront capital cost. Using SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tiles among its components, the array has an estimated power-generating capacity equal to the needs of “83 average Massachusetts homes,” according to the joint press release announcing completion of the work. The system will help Harvard offset its carbon dioxide output by an estimated 367 metric tons annually.
The T5 Roof Tile units combined with SunPower’s high-performance, 96-cell solar panels create the first non-penetrating rooftop product in the industry. Tilted at a five-degree angle, the system has double the capacity of comparable flat-mounted arrays. The panels’ frame and mounting hardware are designed to function as a single unit, allowing the T5 tiles to interlock. This creates a more secure, durable placement with greater wind resistance. The design is optimized for use with flat and low-slope rooftops. The T5 array does not require electrical grounding due to the use of glass-filled, non-reactive polymers in the frame and mount, allowing for an easier and faster installation process.
SunPower developed the system with monies secured through the Solar America Initiative program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. Introduced in the United States in May 2009, the T5 Roof Tile components became available for European orders in the third quarter of 2009. At Harvard the tiles were installed on the roof of the Arsenal, a multi-story structure built during World War I on the school’s Charles complex. The roof, which has been upgraded, is flat and unshaded, making it ideal for solar power purposes.
Harvard put the project out for bids in March 2009, with the array coming online just ten months later. Tom Leyden, managing director of SunPower, said via press release, “It is clear to us that Harvard has a serious commitment to environmental sustainability, and is looking for ways to creatively reduce operating costs on campus. We feel this project serves both objectives. The T5 Roof Tile will deliver more solar energy per square meter and greater energy savings than conventional systems.”
Funding for the project also included a $1.1 million rebate through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, whose purposes is to promote the use of grid-tied photovoltaic systems. The Harvard project, while undoubtedly reducing energy costs for the university, is also part of broader efforts afoot in the state to leverage Massachusetts into a leading position in the renewable energy field. David Oxtoby, CEO of CarbonFree Technology was also quoted in the press release. “We are delighted to see Harvard play a leading role in the adoption of solar power in Massachusetts, and among academic institutions nationwide. We believe this is a clear win for Harvard, and an excellent fit with the university’s environmental goals,” Oxtoby said.
This article provided courtesy of HowToSaveElectricity.net
Posted in Alternative Energy, Solar Energy, Solar Panels, Solar Power | Tagged CarbonFree Technology, Crimson Solar, David Oxtoby, Harvard University, Integrys Energy Services, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Solar America Initiative, SunPower Corporation, SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tiles, Tom Leyden |
By Grace on January 13, 2010
China Flag from Crestock Stock Photography
ESolar, a Pasadena-based company, lands a deal that will have it provide technology and assistance in putting up several solar farms in China. It is one of the largest solar thermal power deals of its kind, with a proposed total capacity of 2000 megawatts.
According to the deal, ESolar will supply China Shandong Penglai Electric Power Equipment Manufacturing Co. the expertise and technology to build solar power plants that have the equivalent peak output of that of a large nuclear power plant.
To start with, a 92-megawatt solar power plant will be built in 2010 located in the 66-square mile Yulin Energy Park in the Mongolian Desert. This region will be the center of China’s renewable energy. Another American company, First Solar, will build a 2000 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant just 60 miles to the north of ESolar’s proposed location.
Penglai Electric Power Equipment Manufacturing Co. will be in charge of the construction, and China Shaanxi Yulin Huayang New Energy Co. will take over once the operation phase begins. Although China is the world leader in the production of photovoltaic panels, the ESolar project will be the country’s first venture into large-scale solar thermal power production.
ESolar will use mirrors called heliostats that will focus the sun’s rays onto a water-filled receiver on top of a tower. The heat will vaporize the water, and the resulting steam will power the turbine to produce electricity.
Under the agreement, ESolar will manufacture the heliostat arrays and power plant receivers in China. ESolar will retain ownership of the intellectual property of the technology’s design and operation. At present the company has already set up its manufacturing facilities of heliostat arrays in China.
Experts agree that the ESolar deal indicates China’s aggressive move in gathering technologies that can help it achieve its renewable energy goal. Aside from solar thermal power, there are proposed projects that will use solar photovoltaic and wind energy as well.
ESolar is a solar venture backed by Google Inc., Idealab and other investors. Its first project is the five megawatt Sierra SunTower in Lancaster. This demonstration power plant supplies Southern California Edison.
Although the solar power concept is not new, the ESolar system utilizes sophisticated software to control the small mirrors. The software positions the small mirrors to form a parabola that will focus the sun on the receiver tower.
Posted in Alternative Energy, Broad Scale Clean Energy, Clean Energy, Clean Power Plants, Photovoltaics, Solar Energy, Solar Panels, Solar Power, Solar Power Plants, Wind Power | Tagged China, eSolar, First Solar, Google Inc., heliostats, Idealab, Mongolian Desert, photovoltaic panels, Shaanxi Yulin Huyayang New Energy Co., Shandong Penglai Electric Power Equipment Manufacturing Co., Sierra SunTower, Solar Farm, solar photovoltaic plant, Solar Power Plant, solar thermal power, Southern California Edison, wind energy, Yulin Energy Park |
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