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An inventor is a person who makes an ingenious arrangement of wheels, levers and springs, and believes it civilization.
-- Ambrose Bierce (1842?-1914), The Devil's Dictionary

No New Question
Send questions! Do you have a question about any aspect of solar energy or other renewables? Send it to SUN-Enews here.

Previous Question
Q1, Vol. I, Issue 7
Are solar-photovoltaic modules available from any PV manufacturer in triangular shapes (in addition to the standard rectangular modules)? Triangular PV modules, in several standard sizes, could be fit into the triangular structural constituents of similarly standard-sized geodesic domes. This product could be offered by a PV manufacturer in partnership with one or more of the main modular geodesic dome manufacturers.

"Dome people" and "solar people" are both creative and visionary folks and overlap considerably, so I believe such a product would find more than a little use. Perhaps the geodesic dome PV modules would be manufactured in concert with one or more manufacturers of modular geodesic domes.

Also, dome structures—and pyramids, ziggurats, spires and more—could be added to existing large buildings as a way to retrofit solar electric modules in an architecturally compelling and beautiful way, another reason for PV manufacturers to consider this option.
-- Gregory Wright, SUN Utility Network, www.SunUtility.com

A1.1, I.7
PV panels can be produced in virtually any shape imaginable with custom glass laminate solutions. PV cells are sandwiched between two layers of glass for applications as varied as building facades, atriums, skylights and artistic installations. A quick search on the web including "photovoltaic" and "glass laminate" will bring up a number of sources.
-- Katy Ansardi, outreach coordinator, North Carolina Solar Center

A1.2, I.7
Yes, Sharp Electronics is supposed to have them, or be coming out with them. They also are coming out with some color choices. All this is geared toward working the arrays into the architecture. If you'd like to learn more about the above you can search for them or visit www.energyoutfitters.com/sharppv.htm, my distributor's website.
-- Gary Higbee, Windstream Solar, Eugene, OR

A1.3, I.7
Sharp will be offering PV roofing tiles very soon. They will be in triangular shapes and there will be a choice of three colors—blue, green, and gold!
-- Bill Higdon, Excellent Energy Solutions, LLC

The Sharp answer also was suggested by Gail Burrington, Burrington Solar Edge, and Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters Ltd. But some readers questioned the use of PV modules on geodesic domes:

A1.4, I.7
Check out Sharp's new triangular module that allows you to build into hard-to-reach corners. It should be on the market by July. But with the dome thing, it may not be the best idea to wire up all the modules facing different angles and azimuths because the system always will be hindered by the module producing the least at any given point of the day.
-- David Buckner, Solar Energy Systems, Inc., Brooklyn, NY

A1.5, I.7
PV on domes really does not work that well because all of the panels need to face approximately the same direction. We have had far better results mounting the panels on pole mounts next to the domes.
-- Jonathan Hill, solar applications engineer, Sierra Solar Systems, Grass Valley, CA

A1.6, I.7
Building triangle-shaped PV modules into a geodesic dome is an uneconomical proposition. PV modules must be oriented to true south at 90 degrees to the sun for maximum efficiency, so only a small fraction of the modules on a geodesic dome would be oriented optimally at any time of the day. A flat panel array oriented directly to the sun is still the most efficient and economical use of the solar technology available today, so on a geodesic dome much of the value of the system would be lost during peak hours. PV technology is inefficient and expensive, which is why the industry depends on rebates and incentives.

Working with California's net metering system, you count on PV productivity during peak afternoon hours to pile energy credits in your utility account while your system sends extra energy back to the grid. You draw on your peak hour credit at night and rainy days to zero out your utility bill. It is a waste of money to mount panels in unproductive orientations. When efficiencies go way up and the prices drop, then we will enjoy the luxury of installing modules that are productive only early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the sun moves around the dome.
-- Greg Kerwin, Sun Power and Geothermal Energy Co., Inc., San Rafael, CA

Solar Retrofit Architecture Contest?
I propose a design competition whose purpose is to encourage the design and installation—in architecturally creative and attractive ways—of solar energy technologies (solar photovoltaics in particular) on existing large-scale buildings: a Solar Retrofit Architecture Design Competition that might be sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture, the American (or the International) Solar Energy Society, the Solar Energy Industries Association, the United States Department of Energy (perhaps as a project of the DOE's Solar Decathlon competition) and/or one or more schools of architecture.

It is fair to say there is little time to lose in promoting this, and quite a number of other ideas that collectively will create the new sustainable civilization we humans had better put together, soon, on this beleaguered planet!
-- Gregory Wright, communications director, SUN Utility Network, Los Angeles, CA

We have put Gregory Wright's longer discussion of his proposal on our website. Click here to read his article, and then tell us what you think.

Keep it coming!
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Taos Solar Music Festival
The fifth annual Taos, NM Solar Music Festival hits the storied mountain town again June 27-29. This year's headliners include Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Michelle Shocked and many more—the legendary Harry Belafonte, a sellout last year, returns for this year's party.

The music is the draw, of course, but the Solar Village sponsored by the New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) is the purpose of the festival. This innovative festival draws on the tremendous solar energy knowledge base in the area, represented by the now 30-year-old NMSEA, with its many solar enthusiasts, architects and scientists. Also represented are the Taos Earthship Community, one of the most self-sufficient and eco friendly communities in the world, and KTAOS, the world's most powerful solar-powered radio station, plus many local green builders, permaculturalists and other specialists dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly communities.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.solarmusicfest.com.

New One-Megawatt Solar Installations Online on Both Coasts
Two large solar power installations, both weighing in at a megawatt in capacity, went online recently in California and on Long Island, New York.

In California, BP Solar installed 9,700 solar panels on the roofs of 11 stables at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego, providing a combined peak generating capacity of one megawatt (MW). The $4.8 million project will produce enough power each year to equal the annual electrical needs of 300 homes and is expected to save the fairgrounds more than $250,000 per year. The San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) provided an incentive of nearly $2.3 million for the project.

On Long Island, Shell Solar and PowerLight Corporation dedicated a one-megawatt solar power system at Fala Direct Marketing, one of the nation's leading direct-mail companies. The system, located in Farmingdale, NY, consists of 13,464 solar panels covering nearly 2.4 acres on three buildings.

2003 National Solar Tour
The American Solar Energy Society's 2003 National Solar Tour of Buildings has been slated for Oct. 4. More than 26,000 visitors in 422 communities in 44 states toured more than 1,000 facilities on Oct. 5, 2002. Some local organizers estimated that attendance at their tours increased by as much as 40 percent compared to the 2001 Tour. In addition, the tour generated print media coverage that reached an audience totaling nearly 48 million readers.

If you are interested in establishing a tour in your area or volunteering to help with a 2003 tour, please contact Cindy Nelson at ASES, cnelson@ases.org.

To send solar energy news, click here.

SEIA Says Energy Bill Has Potential
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says some of the best provisions in the energy bill currently before the United States Senate are "traveling beneath the radar." According to SEIA executive director Glenn Hamer, the Senate energy bill is dominated by provisions designed to help the coal, gas and nuclear industries. "There are, however, little-noticed provisions that could break the grip of these polluting sources and move us toward two Holy Grails of energy policy: energy independence and cleaner air," Hamer opined in a press release Wednesday.

Hamer cited an amendment U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, which was accepted by voice vote during debate of the House bill. The amendment would authorize $1.3 billion over five years to deploy solar electric systems on federal buildings. "The genius of Oberstar's amendment is that it uses the permanence of the United States government to sidestep the biggest challenge facing the solar industry: the upfront cost of solar electricity," Hamer said.

"Solar electric is cost-efficient today, but it often takes 15 or 20 years for the panels to pay for themselves. Most panels will last 30 years or more, so the energy produced in those later years is all profit. However, it is difficult for many to commit to that up-front cost: it would be like paying in advance for all the gas your car will ever need. Even at a discount, that's a hard sell," Hamer acknowledged.

"But the federal government can make such long-term investments without breaking a sweat. Put the panels in now, and get clean energy for three decades. The concept is elegant in that it would turn idle roof space into mini-power plants—the Federal government owns an extensive portfolio of buildings across the country and is the nation's biggest energy consumer.

"This provision would have salutary effects in addition to saving taxpayers money over the life of the systems. The environmental benefit would be akin to planting 250,000 acres of trees annually for the life of the system," Hamer claimed. "And should we face a natural disaster or terrorist attack, federal buildings dispersed across the country could generate electricity on site, even if the electrical grid failed.

"The provision also would help drive down the cost of solar panels for businesses and homeowners. Solar panels cost one-10th what they did two decades ago, in large part because of the manufacturing advances stemming from large-scale production. Making the feds big purchasers would speed these cost declines," Hamer said.

He also noted a provision being discussed for—but not yet a part of—the energy bill that would develop solar electric applications for mobile refrigeration and parked idling of long-haul trucks. "Imagine: If solar panels were placed on all the long-haul trucks crisscrossing our interstates, we could save two billion gallons of diesel fuel per year. That would help us all breathe easier because the air would be cleaner, and because we would be less dependent on foreign sources of energy," Hamer said.

Hamer and SEIA conclude that there is good in the energy bill—we just have to look for it. "Solar power did $3 billion in worldwide sales last year, but that's peanuts compared to coal and nukes," he wrote. "The solar industry cannot rely on political muscle to achieve good legislation. But with innovative ideas like these, we might just see a clean energy revolution take place, thanks to a couple of obscure provisions buried deep in the recesses of a 1,000-page energy bill."

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

First Solar Announces Major Manufacturing Plant Expansion

First Solar, a leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality, high-performance solar modules, announced this week that it has broken ground on a $20 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, OH. The expansion will increase annual plant capacity of First Solar's thin-film solar module production to 25 megawatts (MW) in 2005 to meet the growing demand for First Solar's PV modules in the U.S. and European markets.

First Solar CEO Michael Ahearn said the progress made to date in meeting production volume, quality and customer acceptance milestones warrants this investment. "We are committed to our vision of making solar power a more affordable and compelling source of renewable energy during this decade," Ahearn said.

First Solar, LLC was formed in 1999 to bring into commercial production an advanced thin-film semiconductor process for producing high quality, affordable solar modules. Initial research and development of a unique vapor transport deposition process for producing thin-film solar modules was conducted by Solar Cells, Inc. SCI was acquired by First Solar after demonstrating a low throughput, "proof of concept" production line.

In late 2001, First Solar qualified its 75,000-square-foot (7.000-square-meter) pilot production plant in Perrysburg and began producing solar modules for commercial sale. During its first full year of production in 2002, First Solar produced 1.5MW of thin film solar modules and exceeded its targets for factory throughput, line yields, and module conversion efficiencies.

The company currently employs 150 people and will increase employment as the plant ramps to higher production in 2005. This expansion culminates three years of investment to optimize First Solar's thin film semiconductor deposition and automated manufacturing process. First Solar produced 1.5MW of solar modules for commercial sale in 2002 and will roughly double that volume to 3MW in 2003 and to 6MW in 2004 before bringing capacity to the 25MW level in 2005 with the completion of the plant expansion.

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Costa Rica Workshop
Solar Energy International is offering a opportunity to study solar energy technology in the natural setting of Costa Rica. The workshop will be at Rancho Mastatal, Costa Rica, Feb. 16-21, 2004. The tuition is US$600. This workshop will be open to only 20 students, so early registration is recommended.

The six-day workshop will include classroom sessions and labs, and will have a strong hands-on component. The workshop will focus on three main areas: solar electricity, solar hot water and solar cooking.

There also will be survey coverage of wind and hydroelectric systems, and the social and financial issues surrounding renewable energy in the developing world. The focus will be on simple systems that work in the real world conditions in less-developed countries. For more information or to register, go to www.solarenergy.org.

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.

European Solar Thermal Study Released
A new study reveals significant opportunities for solar thermal technologies in European countries. The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) has published Sun in Action II - a Solar Thermal Strategy for Europe. Built on the analyses of 21 national markets, this study identifies reasons for success and barriers to growth. ESTIF proposes concrete measures to support solar thermal.

"Solar thermal has grown by 11.7 percent per year over the past decade, and still the technical potential for this clean technology is largely untapped," ESTIF president Ole Pilgaard said. "We estimate that 1.4 billion square meters of solar thermal collectors could be installed in the European Union. This is 100 times more than the current capacity of roughly 14 million m2. In Sun in Action II., we propose a detailed action plan to help Europe realize this vast potential and thus reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear power and imported energy."

The action plan takes specifics of various market segments into account. For the residential sector, ESTIF proposes binding regulations requiring the use of solar thermal for domestic water heating. "Barcelona and several Spanish municipalities are implementing such regulations with great success," said Raffaele Piria, Secretary General of ESTIF. "Financial incentives to investment, raising awareness among potential users, focused promotion campaigns and development of market structures are further important instruments to promote solar thermal."

A presentation about Sun in Action II. will be made at the first European Solar Thermal Energy Conference June 26 and 27, in Freiburg, Germany. The study was published by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) and co-financed by the European Commission under its ALTENER program. Sun in Action II. consists of two separate volumes. Volume 1 analyzes in depth the European solar thermal market, identifies reasons for success and barriers to growth and proposes concrete measures to promote solar thermal. Volume 2 contains 21 national market reports. Both volumes are available for download here.

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

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• 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!

Fuel Cell Symposium Readies
The eighth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Building Fuel Cell Industries, will be conducted at ExCel, London, UK Sept. 24-26. According to its organizers, Grove will be one of the world's largest fuel cell events in 2003. They are expecting a global attendance of between 4,000-5,000 attendees.

Exhibition Organizer Pam Chattin urges industry members to consider exhibiting at the Symposium. Exhibitors have the option to participate for free in the Grove "Meet the Buyer" forum, which will take place all three days at Grove. "This is a unique, free service, where we assist buyers in matching their requirements with the products and services offered by exhibiting suppliers," Chattin said. "Buyers will be drawn from a mix of delegates, visitors and exhibitors. Buyers select which exhibitors they would like to meet and we then set up appointment schedules at the Grove Fuel Cell Symposium in a confidential environment. Right up to the time that we make appointments between the two parties, we keep the identity of buyers anonymous. This guarantees a level playing field for all."

To learn more about the symposium and exhibition possibilities, email Chattin at PamChattin@aol.com.

To submit renewable-energy news, click here.

FYI

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