Solar Power International 2010
Again Solar Power International brings together the companies from around the world that are working diligently at bringing to the population of he world a better living through cleaner air and innovations, that will turn back the clock of potential global warming that has been looming around us all. As individuals and the companies creating waste and the burning of fossil fuels we keep attacking ourselves with production of goods that use fossil fuels and harm ourselves and the planet.
We know there is an answer to this problem but it costs money and so far the US has addressed this problem in a unfortunately week manner. If you are an investor and the government programs keep changing would you place your money there? Probably not, but there are many investors that have taken the risk, to help the planet become a better place. One such individual is Paul Allen from Microsoft, who has invested in many renewable energy projects such as Infinia Corp.
Chinese company invests in the US
If we reflect on the global increase in production in China and their government’s investment into renewable energy sources it becomes obvious that if the US government gets involved in the race we can compete as partners in redesigning the world we live in to be happier and healthier. We know that the Chinese government has taken the lead by putting their money into the renewable energy market. Now what needs to happen is the US government needs to step up to the plate and give America the opportunity to compete in the new world economy.
This economy will have countries like the US and China selling energy and energy products to the world. How good would we all feel if the Middle East war was eliminated because oil lost its prominence in the world? There would be no need to protect our interest there because there would be no interest except protecting our countries security and the security of our partners in the world.
The relationship between China and the US is so important that Mr. Huang Kai, Vice Mayor of Shenyang, a major industrial city in Northern China,came to the US for the ribbon cutting ceremony of a Nasdaq listed Chinese company A-Power Energy Generation Systems, Ltd.(Nasdaq GS: APWR), opening of an American wind turbine and LED manufacturing plant in Nevada. US Senator majority leader Harry Reed (Democrat, Nevada) was in attendance to show his appreciation for creation of a thousand US jobs, and his support of the partnership between the two countries. After attending the ceremony, Mayor Huang Kai and his delegation attended Solar Power International 2010 in Los Angeles, where I had the opportunity to interview him to find out what his views are on the importance of the US China partnership in renewable energy. From this interview with Mr. Mayor, I learned how actively China is transforming its industrialization into the clean and new energy space.
Most laymen and business owners when considering renewable energy for their house or company, the first thing that comes to mind is solar (PV) photovoltaic. Yet if they were attending Solar Power International 2010 they would find many innovations that are already approved by the appropriate governing bodies within the US and have proof positive of their renewable energy production and qualities. Following are some of these companies and how they collect renewable energy.
Renewable use of old technology
Infinia Corp. has PowerDish generators use concentrated sunlight with Infinia's free-piston Stirling engine to generate electricity. They have asked two independent groups of engineers to analyze its solar power generator so that they could vouch for it to financial institutions globally. As Infinia wants to install their PowerDish units on a commercial scale, David Townley, VP Sales & Marketing, said.
Infinia also has been working to get statistical validation for its signature product to show that the existing field units are performing as promised. In June 2010, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility which serves more than 1.1 million customers throughout the state, agreed to link the electricity generated by Infinia's 35 PowerDish units in Yuma, Ariz., to the power grid. The generators were installed by Infinia in the past few months to supply power to a dairy.
NASA's micro chip converted to capture renewable energy
Joe Budano, CEO of Energy Innovations stated that “The Sunflower system” is an integrated, highly concentrated photovoltaic (HCPV) solution for commercial and industrial use. It integrates modules, tracking, communications, controller, racks and power optimizing into one elegant solution. From its founding in 2001, Energy Innovations believed in the promise of concentrated solar. We believed in the promise of higher energy production, lower cost and ultimately, the lowest cost for energy.
With their introduction of their new Sunflower HCPV solution, they have harnessed the power of sun’s energy by magnifying it 1,200 times to achieve an astounding 29% module efficiency. Joe said they didn't stop there they believe they have created the world's simplest and lowest-cost HCPV solution to install. Energy Innovations opened its new 60,000 square-foot headquarters in Poway, California with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 22, 2010. The new facility, which was relocated from Idealab in Pasadena, Calif., will house the company's corporate offices, design center and global manufacturing operations.
Old company with innovative products
Westinghouse Solar states they provide 25% more energy than other solar panels. Advanced monocrystalline solar cell technology efficiently captures and converts more of the sun’s energy into more usable power. The Westinghouse technology on each panel ensures you achieve maximum power production. Gary Mull, VP of Marketing says, you have our word on it. Every Westinghouse Solar Power System is backed by the proven reliability of the Westinghouse name. Our warranty covers panels for 25 years.
Gary also stated the clean, contemporary look of Westinghouse Solar Panels complements any roof and style of home. But the benefits extend beyond beauty. The entire system requires 80% fewer parts to install and maintain ensuring years of worry-free operation.
Roof tops secured with floor mat like solar
Desiree a representative of Lumeta™ said Lumenta has created novel solar solutions for all roof types. Whether you have a flat or sloped roof, Lumeta has a roof integrated product that maximizes energy efficiency and return on your solar investment. Lumeta raises the bar on solar aesthetics that maintain building sightlines and design features, preserving the highest value for the commercial or residential property.
With a management team active in the roofing industry since 1978, DRI Companies California's top roofing contractor developed Lumeta's groundbreaking design. You can be assured that the Lumeta™ line of products is as durable as it is innovative, while remaining lightweight and easy to install.
Lumeta™ PowerPly™ is our state-of-the-art Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) module designed for low slope applications of 2:12 (10 degrees) or less. PowerPly’s front sheet is made of high performance DuPont™ fluoropolymer, replacing the heavy glass front sheet of standard modules, and reducing the weight of the unit. DuPont™ fluoropolymer product has transparency properties that are superior to those of glass, and has been tested for long-term durability as a PV superstrate membrane. The products include, Lumeta™ Solar Tiles. Integrated Tile Designs that Replace Roof Tiles. Lumeta™ Solar S Tile for Profiled Tile Roof Systems.
Lumeta™ Solar S Tile is the first roof integrated solar solution that simulates the shape of clay or concrete profiled tiles, resulting in greatly improved roof system functionality and aesthetics. These tiles have a solar laminate which consists of monocrystalline cells, EVA and TPT. Lumeta™ Solar Flat Tiles are available in the most popular clay and concrete tile colors.
Medium to large renewable investments
There were a number of companies offering loan opportunities but the company I found best able to finance large scale projects was CA Solar, LLC Larry Schmidt, Sales Manager as he stated they have access to Chinese investment money of up to 500 million. Mr. Schmidt also stated he was looking for projects from 50 to 100 million dollars. Then Larry said, "I wish all Americans and Chinese citizens could have been at this show. It would restore our faith in our governments working together to build a clean future for planet earth”. Mr. Schmidt and Kevin Gao VP and founder of CA Solar discussed the venture capital along with Mayor Huang Kai during the interview. Mayor Kai said this is another method that China is helping to build the US production of solar farms. We see the two countries as partners in fixing the energy and pollution problems of the world. Together we can improve living conditions throughout the world.
To give you a more in-depth explanation and review into the Mayor and companies I spoke to I will be writing about them in more detail in future articles.
To review similar articles please go to the links below:
Economy the Environment and Your Wallet
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http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-53411-SF-Internet-Business-Examiner~y2010m7d22-Inter-Solar-2010
Keeping Cool with the Sun
http://www.examiner.com/internet-business-in-san-francisco/keeping-cool-with-the-sun
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