Welcome to the third issue of SUN-Enews, one of the newest email newsletters to be launched by Santa Fe-based ConnectPress, Ltd., which boasts more than 190,000 readers for its family of free email digests. At SUN-Enews, our mission is to provide connections for the solar community—linking the readers to a forum for news and information, creating a meeting place for users and providers and offering a starting point for beginners and a venue for advanced users in which to share their experience.

In this issue, we have added a small section called Other Renewables—covering topics such as wind, geothermal, fuel cells and general renewable energy information.
Kate McGraw, Electronic Editor, ConnectPress, Ltd.

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Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790

Dr. Franklin also wrote:
If your head is wax, don't walk in the sun.

For some of us, that might be contradictory advice.

New Question
Q1
I pass by several wind farms every time I go to the valley near San Francisco. The windmills are all running at different speeds. How do they put the outputs of these windmills together so they produce useable power-that is in sync and at the desired voltage?
-- Dick Beach, Sealedair.com

Do you have an answer? Send it to SUN-Enews here.

And check out our new section, Other Renewables, here.

Previous Question
Q1, Vol. I, Issue 2
I need a solar-wind designer/installer who can coordinate with a ground source heat pump system in southwest Virginia, close to the North Carolina border. Thanks!
-- Joyce Johnson Rouse, Earth Mama Productions, www.earthmama.org

Still no answer! Do you have one? Send it to SUN-Enews here.

Editor's note: This question highlights the value of the directories we are building. Click here to learn about listing your resource on the SUN-E directories.

Send questions! Do you have a question about solar energy? Send it to SUN-Enews here.

Editor's note: We asked for feedback and you are sending it! Keep writing. This newsletter is for you...

Include Solar Tubing
I have read your articles with great interest. I have always been a great proponent of anything solar and I think its time has finally arrived.

We manufacture and distribute tubular skylights. I know a lot of the solar industry does not consider us a true element of solar energy but we are certainly making our inroads into respectability. Our tubular daylight device (TDD) is widely accepted as a viable answer to lighting facilities with natural daylight without the use of electric lighting. The units are being used in school classrooms, city and state buildings, grocery stores, car dealerships, warehouses, manufacturing plants and offices as well as in residential applications. This type of energy-saving system provides great day lighting with minimal heat gain or loss. We would like to see some articles or input from any of your readers.
-- Don Poggendorf, Sun-Dome by Daylighting Technologies, info@sun-dome.com

Equal Time for Solar Thermal
Shouldn't we say something about solar thermal as well as solar electric? The romantic nature of solar electric has, to some extent, distracted the purchasing market from the true "cost-effective technology," which is solar thermal.

Making hot water for domestic use and home heating and air conditioning would border on the ludicrous using solar electric. However, these applications are practical and possible, using solar thermal. Thanks for a publishing a nice newsletter.
-- Dan I. Fieldman, Ivan Labs, Inc., Jupiter, FL, ivandelsol@juno.com

Editor's note: Dan, a little flattery will get you results—see the article under SUN-E Politics about the growing use of solar thermal in Europe.

Useful Clarification
Keep up the good work. I just wanted to clarify that federal rebates are not available for solar electric installations under the Department of Energy's Million Solar Roofs program. The Million Solar Roofs Initiative does not provide funding to design, purchase or install solar energy systems. Instead, the Million Solar Roofs Initiative brings together the capabilities of the federal government with key national businesses and organizations and focus them on building a strong market for solar energy applications on buildings www.millionsolarroofs.com.

For information on the financial incentives, regulations, and programs for renewable energy in the United States, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) at www.dsireusa.org.
-- Valerie Everette, policy analyst, North Carolina Solar Center and NC Million Solar Roofs coordinator

Thanks, Valerie. We included the Million Solar Roofs link for its great chart of possible rebates, but your source is even better!

Keep it coming!
To send us SUN-E feedback, click here.

Module Conversion Efficiency Rises Sharply
Japan-based Sharp Corp., a leading developer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, says innovations in PN-junction technology and electrode design, as well as lower interconnect resistance between solar cells within modules, have led to the world's highest module conversion efficiency.

Sharp has introduced into the Japanese market a new single-crystal (PV) module. The NT-167AK achieves a conversion efficiency of 17.4 percent. That makes it the world's most efficient PV module designed for residential applications, according to the company. Sharp Corp. says these features and efficiency figures are based on data among PV modules mass-produced for terrestrial use as of April 21.

Sharp says with this module it will be possible to install a 3 kW PV generating system in an area of just 17.3 square meters, the smallest surface area requirement in the industry. Sharp plans to promote the use of these modules in "zero-energy houses." Such residences demand higher power generating capacities using only limited roof surface area.

Speaking of Zero-Energy . . .
A home in Tucson, AZ that produces as much energy as it uses was introduced to the public on Earth Day, April 22. Designed by architects Devereaux and Associates and built by John Wesley Miller Companies, the so-called "zero-energy home" combines energy efficiency with solar energy technologies that are expected to meet all its energy needs over the course of a year.

The house uses passive solar, solar electric and solar thermal methods. They include solid masonry construction for thermal mass, a four-kilowatt solar power system and an integrated solar hot water and space heating system that utilizes tankless water heaters as a backup energy source. Because it is in the Sonoran desert of the United States, the home also has a high-efficiency central air conditioning system. The energy performance of the building will be monitored for one year. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory provided partial funding for the project.

To send solar energy news, click here.

Solar Thermal Use Revives in the EU
A report from Berlin-based consultant firm eclareon shows that the solar thermal sector is alive and well in the European Union. Eclareon studied market development in both solar thermal and solar electric in the 14 EU member states, plus Switzerland, and recently published "SUNRISE 2002—The Solar Thermal and Photovoltaik (cq) Markets in Europe." [The full report can be ordered at info@eclareon.com.]

As in other parts of the world, there was an initial solar thermal boom in the late 1970s and early '80s in nearly all European countries because of crises in oil availability and prices. And as in other parts of the world, eclareon found, there have been severe fluctuations in market growth for solar thermal products in Europe, ranging from -20 percent in 1987 to +50 percent in 1992. But the consultants said the past few years have shown a distinct revival in the use and growth of solar thermal technologies in Europe. In 2000, for the first time, the industry exceeded its own benchmark: 1 million square meters of solar thermal collector surface installed.

Germany still is the leading solar country, with 30 percent of the solar thermal market in Europe. It is followed by Greece and Austria with 25 and 20 percent, respectively, and France and Spain with 5 and 4 percent. The report also shows that financial assistance and creditable education and information are important to market development. In Portugal, Spain and Italy, where these external factors still are issues, the growth is not as great. "SUNRISE 2002" concludes that if the EU is to meet its goal of 35 percent solar thermal use by 2010, the political framework must be improved. Not only would national and regional subsidies help, but legislation is needed to give tax relief/exemptions/write-offs, and low-interest credit must be made available.

Germans Get Serious about IRENA!
Kudos to Germany, which is calling for the creation of an International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to promote renewable energy on a global scale. The Bundestag has passed a resolution calling on its federal government to finalize the concept for IRENA and to develop a plan of action. Lawmakers want the government to appoint a commission of international members to assess the prospects of success, and to allocate funds in the 2004 national budget.

"The deliberations and the results of the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg clearly illustrated the growing worldwide interest in renewable energies," the Bundestag resolution states. "These energies play a key role in the protection of the global climate and the environment, resource conservation, the fight against poverty in developing countries and securing the long-term reliability of supplies."

IRENA would be "a decisive step for promoting worldwide technology transfer in connection with renewable energies," and international promotion "requires full concentration on the subject by way of a separate governmental organization," says the resolution. "The promotion of renewable energies is no longer just a question of commercial energy supplies, but in many cases one of autonomous energy utilization and the introduction of corresponding technologies."

The European Association for Renewable Energy (EUROSOLAR) praised the German resolution as the "first official political step" in establishing a new international government organization. The idea for IRENA was developed by the German-based EUROSOLAR organization as a parallel to existing international groups that promote atomic and fossil fuel energy use. IRENA's jobs would include advising governments on creation of national programs for renewables and supporting education and training in the technologies.

To submit solar political news or opinion pieces, click here.

The International Solar Energy Society
The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) has been serving the needs of the renewable energy communities since its founding in 1954 as the Association for Applied Solar Energy (AFASE) in Phoenix, AZ. A group of southwestern United States industrial, financial and agricultural leaders established AFASE as a non-profit corporation. The first two important meetings were held in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ. They were attended by more than 900 scientists, engineers and government officials from 36 different countries.

In 1970, the name of the society was changed to International Solar Energy Society (ISES), and its headquarters were relocated to Melbourne, Australia. A UN-accredited non-governmental organization present in more than 50 countries, ISES supports its members in the advancement of renewable energy technology, implementation and education all over the world. Goals include:

• Encouraging the use of renewable energy everywhere through appropriate technology, scientific excellence, social responsibility and global communication.

• Bringing together industries, individuals and institutions in support of renewable energy technologies through communication, cooperation, support and exchange.

• Applying practical projects, technology transfer, education, training and support to the issue of global energy development.

• Stimulating and encouraging both fundamental and applied research in solar energy.

• Ensuring individual and community growth through support of private enterprise and empowerment in the area of renewable energy.

• Rapid access to information through tailor-made communication and exchange platforms utilizing modern technology.

To learn more about joining ISES, click here.

To nominate an organization or company for a profile, click here.

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Solar Glossary
A short list of common terms:
Passive solar—Harvesting the sun's radiant heat through greenhouse windows, Trombe walls, transpired solar walls, brick floors and other non-electric uses.

Solar hot water—Sometimes called solar thermal; usually involves storing solar energy in a heat storage device to heat water for household or commercial use. It also can be used to heat a home through baseboard radiators or embedded floor tubing, as well as to heat and cool swimming pools.

Solar electric—Using the sun's energy to run electrical systems, excluding electric heating elements.

Grid—tied and off the grid-Remaining on the electric grid after converting to a solar-electric system is called "grid-tied." A solar electric system that stands alone and is not connected to the electric utility is considered "off the grid."

Net metering—When you convert to solar energy and remain hooked to the larger electric utility, you have an automatic backup if your solar system does not generate as much electric power as you need to use on any given day. On the other hand, most of the time your solar system will generate more power than you are using, and will let that generation flow into the larger electric "grid." Most states now have "net metering" laws that allow you to connect your renewable energy system to the grid and bank your electrons there, literally making your meter spin backward and reducing your electric bill, often to a credit rather than a debit charge. To download a table of state net metering programs, click here.

To submit a news item or tip for people beginning to explore the world of solar energy, click here.

Solar Electric Database Launched
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is building a database of commercial solar power installations. SEPA is just beginning to build its database, so if your company's project is not listed, the association encourages you to submit it. See the SEPA Commercial Solar Electric Installation Inventory at http://www.solarelectricpower.org/installation_inventory/.

The Commercial Solar Electric Installation Inventory provides data on commercial, industrial, institutional and utility owned or sited solar electric systems and is a tool to recognize the leadership of those who have chosen to run their facilities using solar electric power.

The inventory includes solar electric systems from the United States and around the world, recording installations to measure progress against the SEPA objective of increasing the penetration of on-grid and off-grid use of solar electric power.

To submit a news item or tip for users or providers experienced in solar energy use, click here.

SUN-Enews has created four directories (with links) on our website, www.SUN-Enews.com. There is a nominal fee for listing, to cover costs of content management. These directories are always growing. To find out more about listing in one of our directories, click here.

• Employment

• Associations

• Education

• Resources

SUN-Enews has created two calendars that run in monthly segments on the website, www.SUN-Enews.com. The May calendars list (1) meetings of non-profit associations, and (2) trade shows.

To list your meeting, conference or trade show in the June 2003 calendars click here. Include the name of your association or trade show, date, meeting place (building), town and state/province/country. Also include an email contact, please. Submit June items by May 30. Thanks!

Large U.S. Regulator Aids Wind Power
One of the largest regional transmission organizations in the United States has adopted rules to allow wind power to compete on an equal basis with conventional electricity generators. PJM Interconnection, based in Pennsylvania, will allow wind turbines to receive capacity credits that will be awarded based on the commitment to provide electricity to the regional grid and the performance of generation when called upon by PJM dispatchers.

PJM operates a high-voltage electricity grid for 25 million people in seven northeastern states. It was the first fully functioning regional transmission organization in the United States. It coordinates a pooled generating capacity of 74,000 MW and has administered $15 billion US in energy trades since regional markets opened in 1997.

The rule change places wind turbines on the same basis as nuclear reactors or combustion facilities. Under PJM rules, electricity retailers must prove they have guaranteed access to a supply of power capacity. The change in rules is effective on June 1 and will allow wind generators to sell their capacity credits to companies that serve end-use customers and provide another source of income to generators.

Meanwhile, in the UK...
The British Wind Energy Association says within two years, new offshore wind capacity in Britain may equal the level of onshore turbines. A total of 567 MW was approved from 10 projects during the first quarter of 2003, while only 23 MW in projects were refused, compared with 621 MW and 123 MW (respectively) in the first three months of 2002. More than 1,330 MW of new wind energy projects have planning approval and will be constructed during the next two years. Scotland will install 272 turbines for total new capacity of 415 MW, while England will install 79 turbines with 141 MW, Wales will install 103 turbines with 101 MW and Northern Ireland will install 25 turbines for 22 MW of capacity.

United States ID's Geothermal Sites
The United States government has released a report that identifies opportunities for near-term development of geothermal energy in western states. The U.S. Department of the Interior is working with the U.S. Department of Energy to locate and identify sources of geothermal energy potential on public lands. Federal land managers will use the report to prioritize development and use of geothermal resources on public lands within a two-year timeframe. The two departments used Geographic Information System data to assess geothermal energy potential on federal lands and identified 35 top sites in 18 planning regions in six western states. Ten sites were identified in Nevada, nine in California, seven in Oregon and three each in New Mexico, Utah and Washington state.

A geothermal power plant can generate electricity 90 percent of the time, compared with 65 percent to 75 percent for coal plants or nuclear reactors, according to "Opportunities for Near-Term Geothermal Development on Public Lands in the Western United States." The report focuses on areas with the best opportunities and highest potential for development of geothermal energy, which it says "will not replace fossil fuels as the major energy source in the United States (but) can contribute in a significant way to the nation's energy mix." Planners also can use the reports to locate transmission corridors where they are needed, to reduce environmental impacts to move the energy from generation to consumption. Get a copy of the report at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy03osti/33105.pdf.

To submit renewable-energy news, click here.

FYI

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