Advanced Solar Photonics Featured in the Orlando Sentinel

As seen in...The Orlando Sentinel
(click on the photo to read the story on the Sentinel's website.)






Central Florida's solar industry growing hotter


Maureen McHale is marketing and public-relations manager and Edgardo Rodriguez is executive vice president with Advanced Solar Photonics in Lake Mary, which plans to ramp up production later this month. (ROBERTO GONZALEZ, ORLANDO SENTINEL / June 19, 2009)





In the midst of a dreary economy, the people behind a new company in Lake Mary say things are looking quite sunny.

Advanced Solar Photonics plans to start manufacturing solar panels later this month. While Orange County is courting a solar manufacturer from Ohio, the Lake Mary upstart is among a number of solar companies that already make Central Florida home.

And they say that, despite the economy, business is great.

Advanced Solar Photonics expects to hire 1,500 people within the next two years. UMA Solar, an Altamonte Springs company that sells a variety of solar goods, plans to start manufacturing solar water heaters in Seminole County this summer. Winter Haven-based QuickBeam, which has been designing and installing solar-electric systems for a year and a half, just opened a second location in Orlando.

"We've seen explosive growth in the solar business locally," said Richard Smith, president of Longwood's Superior Solar Systems, which worked on the 1-megawatt solar electric system recently installed on the roof of the Orange County Convention Center.

Across the state, more people are putting solar panels on homes, on commercial buildings or in sunny, remote areas to capture solar energy and to use it for heating water or producing power. A household solar-electric system can be as simple as a panel that powers an outdoor light or as complex as a series of roof panels that provide electricity to an entire home.

Those in the solar industry say the combined momentum of government incentives, the green movement and the search for cheaper energy is creating the growing demand. Membership in the Longwood-based Florida Solar Energy Industries Association has doubled within the past 18 months to about 130 members.

"It's a hot topic — sorry for the pun," said Sherri Shields, assistant director for communications at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, a research institute of the University of Central Florida. "With the price of oil fluctuating and energy independence, I think people are finally starting to pay attention to solar."

The center's solar-technology training courses are booked through October, and there's a waiting list for the certifications the center provides for solar equipment used in Florida.

Solar companies in Central Florida generally fall into two categories: those that started with a round of government incentives in the late 1970s, and those that started less than five years ago amid fresh demand.

The older companies say they survived on pool-heating business between the original incentives, which ended in the 1980s, and the recent resurgence. Now, pool business has declined along with the construction industry, while solar water heaters and solar electric systems, which can help homeowners save on power bills, are doing well.

In 2006, the state started offering rebates of as much as $100,000 for companies and $20,000 for residences that installed solar systems. Money budgeted for the rebates has been spent, but a round of federal stimulus dollars is expected to fill the gap. The program sunsets in July 2010.

"I remain cautiously optimistic that we can get it extended," said Bruce Kershner, executive director of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association.

Since January, Florida property owners have also been able to claim a property-tax exemption for solar installations. And at the federal level, the 30 percent residential-solar tax credit used to be capped at $2,000, but last year lawmakers eliminated the limit. Federal stimulus packages have also emphasized green building techniques.

But along with the growth in solar technology have come unqualified technicians. Contractors complain that they often have to fix others' shoddy work.

"You need to make sure that these are licensed people that you are dealing with," Smith said.

Rachael Jackson can be reached at rjackson@orlandosentinel.com or 407-540-4358

Global Solar Technology - Combing in the Energy

Global Solar Technologies May/June 2009 issue featured an article written by Maureen McHale of Advanced Solar Photonics.

To read the article online, click the link below and see pages 18 and 19.

Combing in the Energy

Or, you can visit the website and download the PDF.
http://globalsolartechnology.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3291

Here comes the sun - Solar panel plant energizes Lake Mary

As Seen in...

Here comes the sun - Solar panel plant energizes Lake Mary

by Peter Reilly

Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 07:00 AM

Lake Mary’s future is looking bright and sunny – thanks to solar panel maker, Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP). In a move perfectly timed with President Obama’s call to develop renewable sources of energy to grow the economy, the company has launched a $40 million project to build out 100,000 square feet at their facility on Rinehart Road and become the first solar panel manufacturing plant in Florida.

The project, dubbed SolarFAB, is expected to be up and running this summer and should bring 200 new jobs for area residents, along with an economic boost to Seminole County and the state. Over the next two years, as the company grows, an additional 1,300 new jobs could be created.

“This is a remarkable opportunity, not just for our city, but for our entire region to have such a cutting-edge company provide job growth and opportunities for enhanced economic development,” says Lake Mary Mayor David Mealor. “It’s an excellent match for the types of target industries we’ve been attempting to draw to the Central Florida region. Especially with so many communities struggling financially, we’re very fortunate that people are willing to invest in Lake Mary. It speaks volumes about our community.”

Customer response to ASP’s decision to produce solar panels in Florida has been very positive; the project has become even more ambitious than first conceived. Originally the company was planning to apply thin-film conductive material over glass to produce up to 40-megawatt solar panels.

But now ASP also plans to use monocrystalline technology to make larger panels that can produce up to 500 megawatts in output. These panels could be mounted on solar towers at a mall to power the entire mall and even reduce a user’s utility bill by feeding unused energy back to the power company’s grid. The panels could also be mounted on the roofs of schools and big box stores like Walmart.

That’s a lot of power. A megawatt is 1,000,000 watts. By comparison, the average homeowner would use a 2-kilowatt solar panel system to power a house. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts.

Maureen McHale, ASP’s corporate marketing and public relations manager, says the company will start by producing 5-megawatt panels and then increase 50 megawatts every couple of months, and eventually build up production over the next two years to the 500-megawatt panels.

“Demand for panels is so high right now,” says Maureen, “It’s just exponentially growing.”
In a very short time SolarFAB could be the largest thin-film and monocrystalline solar manufacturing plant in the country. It is also the only solar panel company in the nation to have a product that is 100 percent manufactured in the USA, the company’s CEO Demitri Nikitin pointed out.

Demitri brought ASP, a cutting-edge developer of laser equipment, to America from Austria in 2001. The company has been in Lake Mary since 2008. He says the company had many reasons for relocating to this area. Central Florida is a high-tech hub with a skilled workforce. Lake Mary is a wonderful place to live and the Lake Mary Commissioners, along with the county’s Economic Development Commission, have been very supportive.

“The facility is a tremendous fit,” says Demitri, referring to the Rinehart Road plant. “Lake Mary is one of the best places to live in the United States. It’s surrounded by areas from which we can pull qualified people. We think it’s a perfect place for us to start high volume manufacturing of a high-tech product.”

And one other thing - it’s really, really sunny here most of the year.

“This is the Sunshine State,” says Demitri. “There’s obviously plenty of sunshine to support the solar panel business.”

Now is the perfect time for ASP to be in the solar energy business. Solar panel efficiency is up to around 17 percent from a meager 1 percent when the technology debuted. The price of traditional energy has risen high enough to make solar energy cost-effective. And the government is providing millions of dollars in stimulus money to encourage solar energy development and production.

ASP also has a clear advantage over other companies. Their laser technology allows them to produce solar panels more efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional manufacturers.
“We’re focusing on making the manufacturing process more efficient,” says Maureen. “As new technology comes out we will incorporate that into our process. We’ll not only have the highest-efficiency panels, we’ll have the lowest manufacturing cost.”

Demitri points out that the company will also make money from power purchase agreements with power utilities. ASP would convert “brown fields” - land that is unsuitable for any other use - into solar energy farms. ASP would then sell the energy to the power company. He said they have already identified areas in Lake Mary that could be used for this purpose. Demitri believes a solar farm could generate power comparable to that of an atomic power plant.

It seems that the sky… no make that the sun, is the limit.

“It’s very exciting,” says Edgardo Rodriguez, ASP executive vice president. “Solar farms are a perfect alternative to building nuclear plants. This is the only industry I see for the real creation of jobs and the growth of the economy. We all use energy and the demand for energy will continue to grow. The solar energy industry is the only industry that will save the economy of the United States.”

And if he’s right, the nation’s economic recovery could start right here in Lake Mary.

SOURCE: http://www.lakemarylifemagazine.com/viewArticle.php?articleId=2081

Advanced Solar Photonics Expands Distributor Network

Lake Mary, Fl., June 25th, 2009 - Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP), the only manufacturer of monocrystalline solar panels made with one hundred percent American made components announced today that it’s expanding its distributor network.

“We are speaking with dozens of solar providers every day. Some are distributors currently working with other PV companies looking for new products, pricing and opportunities. Other contacts we’re making are distributors selling complimentary products such as solar thermal or pool heating systems who would like to diversify their product offering to include PV panels”, said ASP’s Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Maureen McHale.

Through strategic partnerships, ASP has been able to control costs and offer some of the most efficient and competitively priced solar modules on the market today. ASPs’ focus is now on building a strong distributor network with a mix of not only high volume producers but also those companies who are just getting started in the solar industry.

“As the only manufacturer of solar panels in the state of Florida and the only manufacturer of monocrystalline modules made with one hundred percent American made components, ASP is uniquely positioned to be a clear industry leader. We are actively growing our distributor network as we continue to build our manufacturing facility up to the 500MW capacity over the next two and a half years and are also expanding our product offering. Currently we are taking orders for our 250 Watt ASP Panels with just a four to eight week lead time,” said McHale. “Over the next nine months, we are expanding to manufacture 300, 440 and 600 Watt ASP Panels which we’re projecting to be highly sought after.”

Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP) located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. ASPs’ monocrystalline solar panels and commercial solar solutions for the photovoltaic industry are ideal for residential, commercial and utility projects. For more information about becoming a distributor, our company or about our solar solutions, please call 407-804-1000 or visit our website at http://www.advancedsolarphotonics.com.

Media Contact:

Maureen McHale

Coporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager

mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com

407-804-1000 x515

Solar Disarray: Lawmakers Bungle Green Push

Source: Tampa Tribune, June 23, 2009


As a blazing sun bore down this week, Southwest Florida got a sweltering reminder of true solar power.
With the intensity and frequency of its sunshine, Florida should be a world leader in harnessing this potent form of renewable energy.

Yet, the state has only a handful of commercial solar arrays, offers a paltry $5 million rebate program and serves merely as a conduit for federal stimulus funds targeted to renewable energy projects.

Despite good goals set by Gov. Charlie Crist, Florida has done too little to increase the use and generation of solar power or to encourage businesses or jobs in developing, supplying or installing the equipment.

Meanwhile, California's Solar Initiative boasts a $2 billion budget to finance incentives. Arizona and Nevada also offer generous incentives for solar installations. Even New Jersey has surpassed Florida by making solar systems tax-exempt and providing loans and rebates to support installations.

Florida's Legislature had an opportunity in this year's session to move the state forward in the promotion of renewable energy. Crist's call to require electric utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2020 was part of an energy bill that passed in the Senate.

But the House never took up energy legislation, citing a need to focus on the budget.

Yet, the House found time, in the closing days of the session, to pass a bill to allow offshore oil and gas drilling as close as three miles from Florida's Gulf Coast. Fortunately, the Senate refused to consider it.

The action and inaction by the House explain why Florida is falling behind in the "green economy" - despite the efforts of a cadre of entrepreneurial companies - while other states and nations benefit from the industries and jobs generated by the push for renewable energy.

While Florida's House continues to embrace fossil fuels - and jeopardizing the coastal environment and tourist economy - nearly 30 states have passed laws similar to what Crist and the Senate were seeking. Congress is on the verge of setting a national standard for increasing the use of renewable energy. And other countries such as Germany - which estimates that it now has 250,000 jobs in renewable energy - have burgeoning industries based to a large degree on the production of solar power.

Emblematic of Florida's solar disarray is the tale of Sarasota County's Triple J Ranch, reported by Zac Anderson in the June 7 Herald-Tribune.

The owners of the ranch spent $500,000 to install a 300-panel solar system. The array generates enough power in one month to run an average house for a year. The owners figured they could produce enough power to reduce the ranch's monthly electric bill from $5,000 to $1,000.

But Florida law got in the way.

A 2008 law regulating "net metering" - the sale of excess, independently generated energy to a power company - expanded the eligible solar systems from home-based arrays to those at businesses and office buildings. But the bill failed to account for homes and businesses - like the Triple J Ranch - that have multiple electric meters.

And a 1969 law largely prohibits combining multiple meter readings on one bill.

Unfortunately for the Triple J, all of its solar panels were installed on two, low-energy-consuming horse barns and feed into two meters. The power generated cannot be applied to seven other metered sites at the ranch. And the excess energy is being sold to Florida Power & Light not for the state-established price of 12 cents per kilowatt hour but for just 6 cents a kilowatt hour. That's FPL's "fuel price," less the cost of its transmission lines and other infrastructure.

As a result of all that, the Triple J's $500,000 solar array saves it very little.

Florida should be in the business of encouraging the use of solar power, not of punishing users who fail to grasp the nuance of the state's arcane laws.

If Florida is to join the vital global gold rush in green energy, the Legislature needs to take some critical steps:

•Establish a renewable energy standard of 20 percent by 2020.

•Thoroughly debate the concept of "feed-in tariffs," by which utilities purchase excess solar power at a premium over conventional rates. The city of Gainesville's publicly owned utility pays such a premium and has created a mini-economic boom in the purchase and installation of solar panels - which is the purpose of the tariffs. Germany and other countries have done the same.

•Rewrite the net-metering law and other laws that could discourage investment in solar energy.

Given the stakes for Florida in the onset of climate change - the potential for rising sea levels, stronger storms and the soaring insurance costs tied to those eventualities - this state has more reason than most to pursue and promote renewable energy, especially solar power.

Next year's legislative session is not too soon to start.

And if legislators fail again to let Florida join the green economy, voters need to send them into the electoral sunset in 2010.

Advanced Solar Photonics is NOW SELLING SOLAR PANELS!

We're Open For Business!

Lake Mary, Fl., June 10, 2009 – Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP), the cutting-edge developer of monocrystalline solar panels manufactured with one hundred percent American made components announced today that its SunPanels™ are now on sale.

“We are excited to announce that Advanced Solar Photonics is officially taking orders, “, said ASP’s Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Maureen McHale. “Any order placed now will only have a four to eight week lead time.”

Over the last few years, Advanced Solar Photonics has focused on becoming a fully integrated solar solution provider. Through strategic partnerships, ASP has been able to keep costs down and offer the competitively priced SunPanel™ turn-key system. This solution will include a patented method for ground installation, mounting, inverter, wiring and all the necessary hardware components. Combined, these factors enable ASP to offer a lower cost on the balance of the system.

“ASP is essentially a one stop shop for solar energy solutions because we are fully integrated. Whether you’re an installer or distributor looking to purchase just the solar panels or have the need for a full turn-key system, we’d like to talk to you about our competitively priced solar solutions. We are actively growing our installer and distributor network as we build our manufacturing facility up to a 500MW production plant”, said McHale.

ASPs’ manufacturing plant is slated to grow in 50MW increments over the next two years to reach the 500MW capacity. The monocrystalline silicon SunPanels™ being produced are one of the most efficient solar modules on the market today. After years of product development – including research and development, manufacturing process development, fabrication and product testing, engineering, and factory construction, ASP is officially open for business with SunPanels™ now on sale.

“When looking at other manufacturers and deciding which panel you’d want to sell or even install in your own home, it’s important to know, unlike any other company, ASPs' monocrystalline panels are 100% made from US components. Additionally, ASP is the only manufacturer of solar panels in the state of Florida and strives to be the largest solar manufacturing plant in the United States”, said McHale.

Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP) located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. ASPs’ monocrystalline solar panels and commercial solar solutions for the photovoltaic industry are ideal for residential, commercial and utility projects. For more information about our company and our solar solutions, please call (407) 804-1000 or visit our website at http://www.advancedsolarphotonics.com/.


Become a Distributor!


Media Contact:
Maureen McHale
Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager
mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com
407-804-1000 x317
www.advancedsolarphotonics.com

Listen to our Podcast NOW!

The solar industry is on fire… in a good way. Solar panels and solar farms are popping up all over the nation, but do you ever consider who is behind the production of this hot technology? Maureen McHale of Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP) took a minute to speak with Kimberly Miller of Green Cities Media at Green Cities Florida to discuss some of their recent advancements and the status of solar in the Sunshine State. One thing is clear from this interview; Florida is keeping Advanced Solar Photonics busy. Born from a laser systems producer, Advanced Solar Photonics quickly found a home in the sustainability industry by creating parts for solar panels. The demand for parts led to the idea of selling entire solar panels and even the production of solar farms. Green Cities turned out to be the perfect opportunity for this rapidly expanding company. The media attention and sheer number of participants made it a perfect place for Advanced Solar Photonics to spread their message to a diverse and attentive audience.

Listen to the podcast now.

In the spirit of true sustainability and the triple bottom line, ASP is a completely American made company, even their productions means are 100% American. Not only does this mean a more efficient way to produce their panels, but their expansion directly relates to Florida’s economy. Maureen states that they are expected to fill 1,500 green jobs over the next two years in Florida’s Lake Mary region. When asked about their future opportunities Ms. McHale responded with one word “Endless”. She and ASP have plenty to look forward to, especially with the backing of government initiatives from the Obama administration and locally in Florida. They have no intention on squandering their good fortune, as they are making plans to diversify their brand. One way in particular are the “Brown Fields” created by past manufacturing sectors in Florida where developers cannot build homes. Here they found opportunity in crisis as “Brown Fields” are perfect for installing solar farms, which in essence turn the land from brown to green. These farms range from the size of a city block to a 2,500 acre lot. This opens the door to become one of the largest energy producers selling power back to utility companies. Combine this with their assorted list of clients and Florida’s initiative to create solar cities and Advanced Solar Photonics is set to be a major player in the industry for years to come.

—————Transcript of Interview - May 20, 2009

I’m Kimberly Miller for Green Cities Media speaking today with Maureen McHale of Advanced Solar Photonics, whose tagline is “innovation today for a brighter tomorrow,” and we’re broadcasting actually from Green Cities here in Orlando, Florida. Welcome, Maureen. Thanks so much for joining me today.
Thanks for having me.

So I want to go ahead and start off by asking kind of the history of the company, where the idea for Advanced Solar Photonics come from and what kind of things were you guys interested in whenever you started this company?

Sure. The owner of the company actually started making laser systems for all different types of industries, everything from flat panel displays, semi-conductor, aeronautical, automotive, industrial applications. A lot of those applications are very similar to the photovotaics where the panels need to be cut; the glass needs to be cut. They need to be scribed. Lots of lasers are used in the making of them so we developed a solar line, and from that point, because there’s so much demand for solar panels, the owner said, “You know what? We should not only sell the equipment that makes the panels, we should make panels.”

Right.
And here we are.

Terrific, so how long ago did that get started?
The company’s been around since nineteen ninety something…in the nineties, and Advanced Solar Photonics spent the last several years making equipment specifically for the solar industry. The first panels are actually coming off our line in July of this year.

Terrific; and whenever these panels come off of your line, what is it specifically that is going to set them apart from other panels that are out there?
Well not only are they made with the latest technology and lasers, they’re also manufactured in a lean way in that all of the processes and technologies used are very efficient making our panels very efficient and also the panels are going to be made of 100% American made components the equipment even is made in America.

Terrific!
So we’re 100% American-made.

Alright, and you know sometimes I think people forget that part of the triple bottom line and sustainability and this kind of conversation also needs to have jobs here in the United States. That’s really important.
Right; and we are growing so fast. In the next two years we’ll have fifteen hundred new green positions.

That’s terrific. And so will those be located in Florida?
Yes, actually in Lake Mary, which is just north of Orlando.

So you guys are located here in Florida, the sunshine state; seems like it’s a good place for you guys to be. How has the reception been for this kind of technology?
It has been fantastic. As soon as we announced that we were going to be making panels, the phones were ringing, the emails were coming in left and right, and shows like this just attract more attention to what we’re doing and how great renewables can be for everyone.

Certainly; and so who do you see as your biggest client? Is it business people? Is it people who are wanting to put solar panels on their homes? Who’s your target audience?
We’re working with everyone along the chain. We’re going to work with installers, distributors, all the way up to utility companies that want to buy our power. We intend to put solar farms together so that we can sell back to the electric companies.

That’s terrific. So what do you think is the future of solar photonics?
It’s endless. Literally every week we get bigger and bigger, and more things change. It’s nothing but bright and green.

So with the new Obama administration a lot of green initiatives being put into place…do you think that’s going to affect your business specifically? And do you think this is an easier climate with this administration to try and advance this business?
I think more people are talking about renewables because of the government initiatives today. It’s nothing but good. It’s a start at least people are starting to understand and recognizing solar panels. I went down to the beach this past weekend, and I saw solar panels lighting up the channel markers for the beaches and the boats so it’s becoming recognizable. Everybody’s talking about it, and the more government incentives, the more state incentives that can bring down the costs for normal people like you and me to put them on their houses, and the better it is.

So what is it about Green Cities specifically that was attractive for your company to come here?
It’s definitely the number of people we were able to get in front of, the media attention, the government officials that were here, the fact that Orlando is becoming a green city. I mean it’s huge for us. So anything that we can tag along with and be involved in is where we want to be.
So what kind of advancements would you like to see in Florida happen in the next 5-10 years?
I’m definitely excited about the new solar studies about more green everything; from the booth next to us has the pavers that the water penetrates through to, like I said, the solar panels lighting up traffic lights and overhead displays and all those kind of things. Just more and more renewable sources

Right; it seems like a real change towards sustainability is actually happening, and to see it happen here in Florida is exceptionally exciting I think. So are there any upcoming projects that you guys are going to be working on that maybe you’re excited or that you could share with us?
Yes, actually we’re looking to do a project for Seminal County School systems, and trying to put panels on their roofs, and power their buildings. There’s, like I said, solar farms that we’re putting together. There’s something called Brown Fields, where there’s been waste from companies and other manufacturing processes that have gotten into the ground, and they can no longer use the ground for new buildings. They can’t put houses there unless they do a huge cleanup. Our panels and our solar towers are perfect for that because we can make a solar farm, put panels on there, and generate electricity from a piece of land that may not even be usable.

That’s terrific. So with these Brown Fields and solar farms, about how long does it take to complete a project like that?
Well thankfully we have this great technology we’ve just partnered with, a manufacturing fabricator that has a technology that can put a post for the tower into the ground in about three hours time. Normally, it would take a month for the concrete to set and things like that. It’s the same technology that was used to put the fence between Mexico and Texas so it’s like 120 miles plus, and they did it in like sixty-one days. So this is a fast way to do things. So literally we can put a farm up in a matter of weeks and not months or years

Great; so more efficient.
Exactly.

So how big are these Brown Fields and solar farms? Do you have a rough estimate? There’s all different sizes. Depending on the size of the contamination, it could be anywhere from a city block to acres and acres. We’re looking to cover probably about twenty-five hundred acres. There’s some in Pensacola; some here; other local companies have them. So we’re partnering with these people to make those Brown Fields green. It’s what we’re trying to do.

Right. That’s amazing. Well I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like you guys have an incredible year or five ahead of you.
It’s very exciting.

And it’s really nice to meet you and have you here at Green Cities.
Well thanks a lot!

ASP Sponsors GreenCities™ Florida

Lake Mary, Fl., May 26, 2009 – Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP), the cutting-edge developer of laser systems and one hundred percent American made monocrystalline solar panels recently sponsored Florida’s first GreenCities™ event in Orlando. This conference, an innovative sustainability conference for business, government and community was held May 20th and 21st, at the Orange County Convention Center.

“In sponsoring GreenCities™ Florida, Advanced Solar Photonics’ goal was to promote renewable energy in the state of Florida, said ASP’s Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Maureen McHale.

The conference offered a highly interactive, outcome-based portfolio of workshops presented with practical steps and specific plans for participating in the growing $400 billion green economy. State and national experts in green government, business, and technology provided practical tools, case studies, and resources. Additionally, numerous speakers' focused on sharing vital information driving today’s new green economy and moving Florida towards a sustainable future.

Orange County Mayor, Richard Crotty kicked off the event by cutting the green ribbon for the grand opening and dedication of Orange County's new Climate Change Education Center. Following the dedication ceremony, in addition to the Mayor, Senator Lee Constantine and Lt. Governor John Lushetsky participated in flipping the switch on Orange County's new one megawatt solar system on the rooftop of the convention center.

“We believe GreenCities™ Florida was an excellent opportunity for key people to meet and take the first steps towards changing Florida’s future which is why Advanced Solar Photonics not only had a booth in the tradeshow area, our CEO, Demitri Nikitin, was the keynote speaker at the sustainability in manufacturing session. Additionally, ASP sponsored the evening networking reception, at the Orlando Peabody Hotel, for all convention attendees. In the end, because of the connections we were able to make, it was well worth the sponsorship.” said McHale.

Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP) located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. ASP manufacturers cutting-edge solar panels and commercial solar products for the solar industry.

Media Contact:
Maureen McHale
Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager
mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com
407-829-2613 x317
www.advancedsolarphotonics.com

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy will benefit a lot of people and not only the rich. This is why some governments have increased funding for this type of technology because they are aware of its many benefits.
For one, solar energy is very cheap compared to other technologies. It is also renewable unlike coal or the rest which are non-renewable and hard to maintain.

It also improves the health of people since it does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions unlike kerosene lamps that give out fumes which are just as deadly as smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day. It also reduces the incidents of fire that are often associated with the use of kerosene, candles, diesel fuel and gasoline for generators.

Solar energy is almost maintenance free because the solar cells used will last for 20 years or more before it has to be replaced. You just have to keep the panels clean so it is able to absorb sunlight and convert that into electricity.

These are also very useful in remote locations where power lines are not yet available. Some examples of these include fish houses, highway signs, marine applications, remote lighting and telecommunication.

If countries focus on solar energy and other renewable techniques, they will be able to conserve their foreign exchange because they no longer have to use it to pay for foreign oil. This money can then be used for other things such as health care, infrastructure projects and education.
Solar energy will also reduce your electricity bills because you are no longer dependent on electricity coming from the power company. The only downside to solar energy is the initial cost in setting it up.

Yes you will have to buy a lot of solar panels which are quite expensive but in the long run, you will be able to save more because you don’t have to pay for anything else to keep them running.
Should the cost of solar cells be beyond your budget, you can probably invest in used systems first then try to acquire the brand new ones later on.

Another benefit of using solar energy is that you get to conserve fossil fuels and other natural resources that are quickly diminishing as a direct result of an increase in the world’s population which could compromise the needs of the future generations.

So should people get into solar energy? The answer is yes because it is safe, cheap and good for the environment. You only have to worry when the sun isn’t shining because when this happens, rays from the sun won’t be able to produce electricity so you have to rely on other means to get power. The same also goes when there is a blackout or brownout because you will soon lose power from your solar system.

The demand for solar energy is increasing and you should join in. Aside from reducing your electric bill, homeowners who use solar energy may claim up to $2,000 in federal investment tax credit in the first year while businesses may claim a 30% federal investment tax credit.

Believe it or not, solar energy has one other benefit and that it increases the value of your home. According to home appraisers, a dollar decrease in your energy bill results in a $20 increase in its property value so do the math and you can easily figure out how much your home will be worth after you decide to invest in solar energy.

Can Hawaii get GREENER?

HONOLULU (AP) — Wind and solar power pioneers spent this week seeking their Holy Grail: the ability to easily sell renewable electricity for use on Hawaii's power grids.

Clean energy groups met with the state's major power company and regulators in an attempt to decide how much the utility would have to pay everyone from big clean energy developers to homeowners for their independently produced power. The five-day hearing at the Honolulu Country Club concluded Friday.

Setting a standard rate for renewable electricity is a key to Hawaii's transformation from the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state to its most self-reliant.

"It really is the difference between us having a rapid development of large-scale renewable development in Hawaii, or having things stay the same," said Erik Kvam, chief executive officer for Zero Emissions.

This week's meetings provided the state Public Utilities Commission with information it will use to decide how to set prices for renewable energy and to make rulings on how much clean power can be accepted into each island's power grid.

If the regulators decide to enact the policy, called a feed-in tariff, Hawaii would become the first state in the nation to have these kinds of incentives for renewable energy.

"What is a fair price that will meet the needs of the developers but also protect the rate payers?" asked Peter Rosegg, a spokesman for Hawaiian Electric Co., which serves most of the state's power needs along with its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. "The question is in the details."

Hawaii depends on imported oil for about 90 percent of its energy, as it has for decades.Hawaiian Electric committed to work toward implementing feed-in tariffs when it signed on last year to Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to meet 40 percent of the state's energy needs through renewables by 2030.

The difficulty for the Public Utilities Commission will be finding a rate that encourages companies to invest in building renewable energy projects without forcing customers to pay much more for their power.

Following closing arguments Friday, the commissioners were left with more questions than answers, and they didn't appear close to making any ruling. A feed-in tariff will take months of additional debate and consideration before it's set.

"There's a lot of decisions that have to be made," said Carlito Caliboso, chairman of the commission. "There's a lot of balancing interests and policy we have to do."

Currently, companies that want to build expansive wind farms or solar projects have to go through a yearslong process with the state and Hawaiian Electric before they can get a contract to provide power to the grid.

With feed-in tariffs, companies would know how much they'd get paid for electricity from the start.

Some clean energy advocates worried that the commission wouldn't act fast enough or set a rate generous enough to attract "green" investment in Hawaii.

"If oil costs were still at $100 plus per barrel, our whole attitude at this hearing would be much different," said Jody Allione of Renewable Energy Consulting in her closing arguments.

The commissioners will have to think of ways to set fair rates for each island and ensure grid stability despite an influx of intermittent power, Rosegg said.

"The rate should make it attractive to developers, but much more importantly it should offer a long-term benefit to rate payers," said Doug Codiga, an attorney for Blue Planet Foundation, whose mission is to make Hawaii energy independent. "

There may be a short-term increase, it's possible, but over the long term the idea is that indigenous renewable energy is cheaper to rate payers than oil."

Advantages of Using Solar Energy

Are you burdened with your monthly home electric bills? No matter how you try to keep your consumption of electricity low, does it still hurt your pocket when payment is due? Have you pondered on ways on how you can eliminate this undesirable load from your budget? Well, worry no more. The answer to all these questions can actually be very simple: solar energy.

In homes, solar energy is a very good option since it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. All you have to do is invest on solar panels that will convert the heat coming from the sun to useful energy that you can use for numerous items in your household. These solar panels can be strategically placed on the part of your house where they will be in contact with the heat coming from the sun at all times. These devices can also supply heating and energy in your homes not only during the day but also at night time since they also have energy storage devices.

So how do they work?
These solar panels, or solar cells, are also known as photovoltaic cells (PV) that are in turn made of semiconductors such as silicon. When light hits the cells, it is absorbed and then transferred into the semiconductor which lets loose electrons allowing them to move freely. The PV then has the capacity to direct the electrons to flow in a certain direction which is now the current that we can use externally. Lights in your yard, for instance, can be made to work using solar energy. Calculators with small solar panels also function without the use of your standard batteries. Even heating your water can be made possible through the use of energy from sunlight. Watching television, turning on air-conditioning units, operating washing machines, and surfing the net for hours in your laptops can be just some household activities that can be done without the guilt or worry of high electricity bills if you are to use solar energy. And since heat coming from the sun is inexhaustible, there is no possibility of having blackouts in your entire home.Among the advantages of using solar energy are:

1) Environmental friendly
Being a renewable source of energy, it is highly sustainable and clean to use. Unlike nuclear energy and energy obtained from fossil fuels, solar energy does not leave behind waste products and is a non-polluting source of energy. It doesn’t have the dangers of nuclear technology.

2) Reduced cost
The best part about using solar energy probably is that it is free. Direct from the sun. Even thought, there are certain time where the weather conditions are cloudy and stormy where solar power may not be received, but such days are exceptions and not the rule. After the one-time investment in the solar energy device gets fully recovered, the energy that is provided by the sun is absolutely free and does not involve any further investments.

3) Independent or semi-independent
The semi-independent benefit of the solar energy includes offset utilization of energy consumption supplied and the ability to operate independently without requiring the support of any gas or power grid. Therefore solar energy can be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.

4) Little or no maintenance
Solar equipment requires less maintenance as compared to conventional energy equipment, resulting in significant cost saving. As the solar equipment do not require investment or expenditure in its maintenance, a large amount of maintenance cost can be saved. After installation, the solar energy systems do not need to be paid for the recurring costs.

New Solar Plant Opening in Florida Creates 1500 Jobs

Did you know a solar manufacturing plant is opening in Florida which will create 1500 jobs?

In case you missed the coverage on Fox35 or in the Orlando Business Journal in April, here's an update. Advanced Solar Photonics, located off Rinehart Road in Lake Mary, Florida is in the process of assembling a solar panel manufacturing line, which will bring 1500 new jobs to Central Florida.

Having secured a 318,000 square foot facility last year, ASP is in the assembly stage of developing two processing lines in the facility, which we call SolarFAB™. In the plant, ASP will manufacture both thin film and monocrystalline photovoltaic solar modules.

"As the only manufacturer of solar panels in the state of Florida our projects will focus on lowering Florida’s carbon footprint as we have projects pending with the local schools, universities, military bases, etc. We are also partnering with Florida utility companies to develop power purchase agreements where the utility company will purchase power generated from our solar farms. Additionally, we will provide solar panels and commercial solar energy generating systems to distributors throughout the world, " said Maureen McHale, Advanced Solar Photonics Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

"Our solar panels will be 100% Made in America from the material, components, and equipment used in production. We are very proud to be the only monocrystalline solar panel manufacturer in the United States that can say our panels are 100% Made in America," said McHale.

Currently, clean rooms are in place, equipment is being installed and a pilot line will be up and running within the next few weeks to allow for full certification. The first mono-crystalline panels are slated to come off the line by the end of July. Starting at 5MW in July ramping up to 100MW at the end of 2009 and every quarter thereafter ASP will increase our capacity by 50MW to be at 500MW of production capacity by 2011. This will be largest solar manufacturing plant in the United States.

Full thin film production is scheduled to ramp up by late 2010. ASP expects to hire approximately 200 people by the end of the summer and another 1300 over the next two years.

Media Contact:

Maureen McHale

mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com

407-804-1000 x317

11 Solar Power Facts

1) Fact: It takes 8 minutes 15 seconds for light to travel from the sun’s surface to earth.

2) Fact: Horace de Saussure (Swiss Scientist) invented the world’s first solar energy collector or ‘hot box’ in 1767.

3) Fact: In the 1830s British astronomer John Herschel used a solar energy collector box to cook food while on an expedition to Africa.

4) Fact: Albert Einstein won the prestigious Nobel Prize in 1921 for his experiments with solar energy.

5) Fact: Enough sunlight falls on the earth every minute to meet the world’s energy demands for a whole year.

6) Fact: You can install solar power in the remotest locations.

7) Fact: If there is a power outage in your home or business, you can still have electricity!

8) Fact: Over 40000 solar powered systems have been installed in the United Kingdom.

9) Fact: In the United States there are more than 15000 homes which are powered by solar energy.

10) Fact: Passive solar energy converts sunlight into usable heat without the assistance of other energy sources.

11) Fact: Solar energy will not pollute the planets air with carbon dioxide or other harmful emmisions.

Advanced Solar Photonics Solar Panels are 100% American Made

Lake Mary, Fl., May 6, 2009 – Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP) announced today that the company’s monocrystalline solar panels which are slated to come off the line in July of 2009, will be one hundred percent American made.

“We are very proud to be the only monocrystalline solar panel manufacturer that can say our panels are completely made in the United States,” said ASPs’ Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Maureen McHale.


Currently, clean rooms are in place, equipment is being installed and a pilot line will be up and running within the next few weeks to allow for full certification. Starting at 5MW in July and ramping up to 100MW at the end of 2009, ASP will increase production capacity by 50MW every quarter thereafter to be at 500MW by 2011. Additionally, full thin film production is scheduled to ramp up to 40MW by late 2010.


“Our SolarFAB™ facility will not only be largest thin film and monocrystalline solar manufacturing plant in the United States, but unlike any other company, 100% of the components and materials for our monocrystalline panels will be made in America. Even the equipment used for production is made in the United States.” said McHale.


This new facility will not only manufacture American made solar products, but will also be responsible for the creation of green jobs. ASP expects to hire approximately 200 people by the end of the summer of 2009 and another 1300 over the next two years.


Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP) located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. ASP’s cutting-edge laser equipment for solar panel processing, solar cells, and commercial solar products for the solar industry is applicable to both the silicon and thin-film processes.

Media Contact:
Maureen McHale
Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager
mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com
407-829-2613 x317
www.advancedsolarphotonics.com

ASP Featured Again!

As seen on:









Advanced Solar Photonics has expanded its SolarFAB solar panel manufacturing facility to produce 40MW of thin film and up to 500MW of monocrystalline solar panels.

Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP), has increased the product line for its previously announced SolarFAB™ project in Lake Mary, Florida to include not only thin film, but also mono-crystalline solar modules.

“Originally, our SolarFab™ production plant would only manufacture thin film modules, up to 40MW. However, due to high response for our panels, Advanced Solar Photonics will not only be producing thin film, but also mono-crystalline panels,” said Maureen McHale, Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager for ASP. “This new silicon line would initially be 25MW, ramping up to 50MW in a fairly short span of time. Within 2 years it's possible we'll be at 500MW of monocrystalline modules.”

Having securing a 318,000 square foot facility within the last year, ASP is in the assembly stage of developing the two lines. Clean rooms are in place, equipment is starting to arrive and a pilot line will be up and running within the next few weeks. The first mono-crystalline panels are slated to some off the line by the end of the summer, 2009. Full thin film production is scheduled to ramp up by late 2010.

“Adding another dimension to the manufacturing plant not only allows us to meet customer demands, it also increases job creation for the Central Florida area. Up from projecting approximately 200 green jobs, we now estimate SolarFAB™ will employ 1500 people,” said McHale.

With the dependence on foreign oil, environmental degradation and the vulnerability of power networks, SolarFAB™ SunPanels™, both thin film and the new mono-crystalline, will help meet government and consumers’ growing demand for increasingly efficient and cost- effective solar power.

Advanced Solar Photonics, located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. Reaching out to the photovoltaic industry, ASP strives to lower manufacturing costs utilizing proven patented technology geared to improve and lower the cost per kilowatt. This technology is applicable to both the silicon and thin film processes.

ASP in the News - on Nanowerk

As seen on Nanowerk – the world's most comprehensive nanotechnology and nanoscience resources...

Advanced Solar Photonics Expands SolarFAB Facility to Manufacture Thin Film and Mono-Crystalline Solar Modules

(Nanowerk News) Advanced Solar Photonics, (ASP), the cutting-edge developer of laser marking, scribing, edge deletion and edge isolation systems for the solar industry, has increased the product line for its previously announced SolarFAB™ project in Lake Mary, Florida to include not only thin film, but also mono-crystalline solar modules.

“Originally, our SolarFab™ production plant would only manufacture thin film modules, up to 40MW. However, due to high response for our panels, Advanced Solar Photonics will not only be producing thin film, but also mono-crystalline panels,” said Maureen McHale, Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager for ASP. “This new silicon line would initially be 25MW, ramping up to 50MW in a fairly short span of time. Within 2 years it's possible we'll be at 500MW of monocrystalline modules.”

Having securing a 318,000 square foot facility within the last year, ASP is in the assembly stage of developing the two lines. Clean rooms are in place, equipment is starting to arrive and a pilot line will be up and running within the next few weeks. The first mono-crystalline panels are slated to some off the line by the end of the summer, 2009. Full thin film production is scheduled to ramp up by late 2010.

“Adding another dimension to the manufacturing plant not only allows us to meet customer demands, it also increases job creation for the Central Florida area. Up from projecting approximately 200 green jobs, we now estimate SolarFAB™ will employ 1500 people,” said McHale.

With the dependence on foreign oil, environmental degradation and the vulnerability of power networks, SolarFAB™ SunPanels™, both thin film and the new mono-crystalline, will help meet government and consumers’ growing demand for increasingly efficient and cost- effective solar power.

Advanced Solar Photonics (advancedsolarphotonics.com), located in Lake Mary, Florida employs an international team of technology driven professionals. Reaching out to the photovoltaic industry, ASP strives to lower manufacturing costs utilizing proven patented technology geared to improve and lower the cost per kilowatt. This technology is applicable to both the silicon and thin film processes.

Is the Sun Going to Set on Florida?

There are only a few days left, and lawmakers have an urgent decision to make about Florida's future. While workers are going jobless and the Florida Legislature stands at the precipice of budgetary ruin, a very clear path to a prosperous future loaded with new jobs and true, long-term energy independence is bottled up in the Florida Legislature.

A Senate bill expected to be approved this week would require the state's utilities to buy an increasing amount of their electricity from renewable energy companies in Florida that produce solar, biomass and even wave-generated electricity. The Senate and governor are ready to act. But the House is an unknown, and the 2009 Legislature is scheduled to conclude Friday.

Gov. Charlie Crist and Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, are pushing for 15 percent of our energy to come from renewable sources. Why? In large part because each megawatt of energy produced by solar is creating 15 to 30 jobs and each megawatt of biomass creates nine new jobs. These are real jobs based on an estimated 6,000 megawatts of renewable energy. The new market being created is likewise real. This new industry and jobs are so tangible that 28 states already have mandated such policies. Smart, forward-looking states are making this move - and doing so fast - for three reasons: jobs, energy independence and to reduce the causes of global warming.

These policies are spawning an entire new industry and marketplace for innovative small, and large, homegrown businesses. The money changing hands would stay in Florida, instead of going off to a corporation in another state.

Florida has sunlight. Florida has crops. Florida has ample tidal and solar thermal possibilities. Given all of this, Florida should already be the renewable energy capital of the world.

But there is one huge hurdle in the way: The House of Representatives is in disarray and is struggling to merely pass a budget. It's time for the House to get down to the business of the people.

Orlando: A leader in solar technology

Advanced Solar Photonics in the News

With warm weather and consistent sunshine, Florida is an ideal location for solar research and application. And with growing awareness of clean technology, Orlando is poised to become a leading force in the solar industry.

The existence of a strong technology cluster and proximity to the University of Central Florida (UCF) - one of the nation's top research universities - help set Orlando apart. In addition to research being conducted by UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center, local companies are working to leave their mark on the industry as well. Lake Mary based Advanced Solar Photonics is poised to become Florida's first photovoltaic solar manufacturer by producing thin-film solar panels. In nearby Longwood, SKYShades is merging shade structures and solar power by harnessing thin-film solar technology atop sidewalk umbrellas dubbed "Powerbrellas" in order to power small electronics.

For more information on the growing clean tech industry in Metro Orlando, click here.

Watch below as Executive Vice President of SKYShades, Joe McKenna, provides more info on the "Powerbrella."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjeUkqpWBFM&feature=player_embedded

California plans space-based solar power

Californians could soon be powering their homes, and no doubt their hot tubs, from a space-based solar electricity program. The plan by the state’s massive energy company PG&E calls for the generation of 200 megawatts over 15 years to be collected by space-based solar arrays and beamed down to earth via radio frequency.

PG&E hopes to have the system running by 2016 and is seeking permission from regulators to contract with a company called Solaren to put the system in place.

Experts say that harnessing solar power in space has advantages over terrestrial systems since solar energy can be harvested around the clock and is never obscured by clouds or bad weather.

Solaren’s solar-power satellite would consist of mirror arrays up to several kilometers wide, which would focus sunlight onto photoelectric cells. The electrical power would be converted into a microwave beam directed towards Earth, where it would be converted back into electricity.

According to the company, the system could generate roughly 1.2 to 4.8 gigawatts of power, at a price comparable to that of other renewable energy sources. “While a system of this scale and exact configuration has not been built, the underlying technology is very mature and is based on communications satellite technology,” Solaren CEO Gary Spirnak said in announcing the move.

“For over 45 years, satellites have collected solar energy in earth orbit via solar cells, and converted it to radio frequency energy for transmissions to earth receive stations,” he said.

A Solar-Powered Bloodmobile

Redlands, Calif.-based American Custom Coach will offer the nation's first-ever solar-powered bloodmobile. The Contra Costa Times reports that the $243,000 vehicle will be used by the Community Blood Bank of Palm Springs, Calif. The solar panels are designed to generate up to 50% of the vehicle's electricity, and the bloodmobile's wireless computer system, appliances, refrigerators and lights will be connected to the solar array. Charlie Mello, CEO of American Custom Coach, points out that the solar-powered air conditioning will come in handy during the summer, when the bloodmobile will be parked outside on days when the temperature can reach 120 degrees."You're still generating 110 volts for the system, but the solar panels take half of that," says Mello.

What If The Electric Company Paid You?

Would you install a solar energy system or a windmill if the power company would pay you for the electricity? That's the idea behind a bill being debated in Augusta, Georgia.

The plan is called a "feed-in tariff," and supporters say it would dramatically increase demand for renewable energy systems in the state. The plan would require utilities to buy electricity generated by homeowners or small businesses, and pay them a premium price, far more than the cost of electricity from big power plants. The cost would be passed on to consumers, but supporters of the bill think Maine people would be willing to pay the extra cost.

Peter Drum from Midcoast Green Collaborative said, "I think they will when they realize what it means for Maine. For one there's huge job growth potential. Right now we're in a terrible economic strait. Germany has created over 300,000 jobs because of their feed-in tariff, and we think there will be similar rates of job growth in Maine. A conservative estimate we have is 3,000 jobs."

But not everyone thinks the "feed-in" tariff is a good idea. Central Maine Power Company says there are major problems with the plan. A lobbyist for the company testified to the legislature's utilities committee that Maine tried something similar, back in the 1980s when electric companies were told to sign long-term contracts with large private power plants called non-utility generators. The plan backfired and cost billions of dollars.

The sponsor of the bill, Representative Herb Adams of Portland, says the tariff plan is much different because it involves homeowners and small businesses and not big power plants.

Ontario plans feed-in tariff

Ontario plans feed-in tariff to boost investment in renewable energy

Queen’s Park’s new tool to help drive construction and development in Ontario’s green economy is a proposed feed-in tariff to sweeten the renewable energy investment pot. “The proposed feed-in tariff program would help spark new investment in renewable energy generation and create a new generation of green jobs,” George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said in a statement. “It would give communities and homeowners the power and tools they need to participate in the energy business in the new green economy.”

Ontario’s feed-in tariff is a North American first and introduces new electricity pricing to encourage renewable energy development from homeowners to large scale commercial generators. The guaranteed pricing structure in the feed-in tariff would offer a stable, competitive price combined with a long-term contract. The tariff would establish prices for energy generated from renewable sources such as onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, solar, biogas, biomass and landfill gas.

“Ontario has a number of advantages in developing its offshore wind potential and those advantages should provide for a lower price point than offshore wind projects in Europe,” said John Kourtoff, president and chief executive officer of Trillium Power Wind Corporation. “The announced tariffs are very progressive and are a tremendous start for renewable energy in Ontario.”

Trillium plans to build a 710 MW offshore wind facility in the middle of Lake Ontario, 28 kilometres away from the Prince Edward County shoreline. This project, known as Trillium Power Wind 1, will result in a facility that will power at least 300,000 Ontario homes annually, offsetting nearly 1.7 million tons of carbon emissions each year. The feed-in tariff’s proposed prices for this type of project is a good start, added Kourtoff.

“The 19 cents is a good reference point for offshore wind and we are looking forward to working with the provincial government to make sure that it is a good deal for consumers as well as developers,” said Kourtoff.

SunEdison Canada is currently building a 9 MW solar PV project near Kingston which will power over 1,000 homes when completed later this summer. The new feed-in tariff will encourage companies like it to purse more renewable projects on a larger scale, said Ron Mantay, country manager at SunEdison Canada.

“We anticipate that a number of renewable energy companies will consider increased investments in Ontario in response to the government’s call for ‘green jobs’ and renewable energy generation,” said Mantay.

The province explained that under the feed-in tariff a farm-based 250 kW biodigester would cost around $1.7 million to install, and could earn back this investment in approximately 12 years. A 10 MW, community-owned wind farm, would cost around $32 million to construct and have an expected 10 year payback.

An eight-week consultation with renewable energy stakeholders, hosted by the Ontario Power Authority and open to the public, is currently underway and ends May 5. The consultation sessions will seek renewable energy suppliers seek and feedback from on proposed program rules and contracts.

FIT Program in Florida

The sun's daily rise is a predictable thing. A Florida legislative session, not so much. Solar power advocates want the state to allow so-called feed-in tariffs of the sort just recently adopted by Gainesville's GRU. But debate over that issue has not been given its day in the sun. The tariff approach is controversial, but it presents appealing economic and environmental benefits that deserve exploration.

Under feed-in tariffs, big electric companies are required to buy — at a higher than usual price, guaranteed through long-term contracts — the excess power produced by small-scale solar systems. Those could include your neighborhood grocery store's rooftop solar panels, for example, or an array on municipal land.

Such installations can be expensive. The guaranteed tariff payments, combined with government rebates, would help defray buyers' costs and encourage wider use of solar power. That serves the vital goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to global warming.

Large utilities aren't enthusiastic about the tariff approach. They tend to prefer a more centralized strategy involving "renewable energy credits," purchased through competitive bidding from big solar "farms," not rooftop providers.

But credible research suggests that feed-in tariffs do more to broaden the use of clean energy, stabilize prices and create local job opportunities.

In Germany, where the feed-in tariff system has taken hold, "Germans pay 25 percent less per kilowatt hour for renewable energy and deploy seven times more renewable energy," a recent Environmental Defense Fund letter stated.

Lawmakers have a crowded agenda and limited time. But we hope they reserve some of it for an open, informative debate on solar feed-in tariffs. Proponents should get a chance to present their case before the sun sets on the annual legislative session.

Proposed solar power plant criticized by state report

The proposed Beacon Solar Energy Project, a 250-megawatt solar power plant planned for the Kern County desert, has hurdles to overcome before getting the blessing of the staff of the California Energy Commission. A preliminary staff assessment released Wednesday identifies several unresolved issues related to construction and operation. The plant, as currently proposed, would not comply with certain applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards nor comply with state water policies that pertain to the use of fresh water in industrial applications and power plant cooling systems, the assessment says.

The solar plant’s proposed use of potable groundwater for power plant cooling and the project's process and potable water needs would cause a significant adverse impact to potable water resources and could affect current and future users of groundwater, the report says.

The preliminary analysis shows that, with the exception of soils and water resources, and its visual impact on the landscape, the solar power plant’s potential impacts could be mitigated to a less than significant level.

The commission’s staff says it is waiting to receive from the applicant new design data related to the engineering of the proposed diversion channel to determine if it impacts to the floodplain and neighboring properties will be avoided or mitigated.

The project proposed by Beacon Solar LLC, a subsidiary of Florida Power and Light Energy is a concentrated solar electric generating facility proposed on 2,000 plus acres in eastern Kern County. It would use parabolic trough solar thermal technology to produce electrical power from a steam turbine generator, fed from a heat exchanger.

If licensed by the California Energy Commission, the solar thermal facility will begin construction in late 2009 or first quarter of 2010, with commercial operations beginning in approximately the fourth quarter of 2011.

Six Florida Schools Get Educational Solar Arrays

Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) will install power arrays at six schools in its service territory to help teach future generations about the benefits of renewable energy. Each school receiving a Next Generation Solar Education Station will be able to generate emissions-free electricity and provide students with a hands-on tool to learn how solar power works, FPL explains.The recipients of the Next Generation Solar Education Stations are Mandarin Lakes Academy K-8 Center, Homestead (Miami-Dade county); Deerfield Beach Middle School (Broward county); SunCoast Community High School, Riviera Beach (Palm Beach county); J.D. Parker Elementary School, Stuart (Martin county); Hinson Middle School, Daytona Beach (Volusia county); and L.A. Ainger Middle School, Rotunda West (Charlotte County).Each FPL Next Generation Solar Education Station will provide 5 kW of solar electricity. The solar installations will save the schools about $800 each year in electricity costs, while giving teachers a way to focus science education on essential energy technologies of the future.

FIT in California and Bills on the Docket in Arizona

The Solar Alliance and the Vote Solar Initiative announced support for four bills designed to advance solar energy in Arizona. The new legislation would allow Arizona's schools, homes and businesses to take full advantage of the state's strong solar potential.

In California, the CPUC took another step toward a state level feed-in tariff.

“Thanks to the leadership of the Arizona Corporation Commission, Arizona has the fundamental policies in place to support a healthy and robust solar market. These bills are turbo-chargers: they reduce the cost of doing business, attract new customers, and help bring new jobs to the state,” said Adam Browning, executive director of the Vote Solar Initiative.

The four Arizona bills designed to foster in-state economic opportunity in the growing solar energy market include:

HB 2335: Would allow municipalities to set up voluntary, opt-in financing programs for solar and energy efficiency investments on home. This type of city-run financing program helps property owners overcome solar’s upfront cost by spreading the system price over an affordable 20-year property tax assessment.

HB 2332: Would let schools implement solar and energy efficiency improvements by removing the upfront cost which would be paid back through monthly savings on the school’s utility bills.

HB 2329: Would cap permit fees for solar at US $375.

SB 1403: Degisned to give incentives to attract solar manufacturing companies to Arizona.
In California, the CPUC took another step toward a state level feed-in tariff. Key elements of a new set of rules created by the CPUC raises project size that will qualify for any tariff from 1.5 MW to 10 MW, and adds another 1000 MW (in addition to the 500 MW for the under 1.5 MW program).

The program would be limited to a 1,000 MW overall cap, allocated across the three utilities according to the share of coincident peak demand. Projects meeting the tariff requirements would be permitted to sign a standard form contract, which would not require CPUC approval.

"After a 8 month process, the Energy Division of the CPUC issued a proposed decision for its inquiry to expand the state’s feed-in tariff program," Browning said. "We will have some comments and recommendations in reply to the proposal, but the program’s general approach treats solar as if itwere a resource that can be the foundation for California’s renewable energy future: it integrates solar into the long term renewable planning process, and looks to provide a framework that providessecurity for solar project developers, utility planners, and regulators."

Browning noted however that the decision by the CPUC does not address price, which is likely to be the next step. Rulemaking should take place in the next few months.

South Africa introduces feed-in tariff

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has announced that the Energy Regulator approved the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff guidelines for the country.

The feed-in tariff for electricity from wind energy will be 1.25 South African Rand (EUR0.098;$0.131) per kWh over a period of 20 years.

The World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) welcomed the news. Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General of WWEA, said: "Many small and big investors will now be able to contribute to the take-off of the wind industry in the country. Such decentralised investment will enable South Africa to overcome its current energy crisis."

Sunshine State plans world's first solar-powered city

Plans have been unveiled for the world's first solar-powered city, a $2 billion (£1.4 billion) emission-free community in Florida. The Sunshine State, which sees 2,700 hours of sun a year, promises a "city of tomorrow" in which every aspect of residents' lives will be driven by solar energy.Located near Fort Myers, on Florida's Gulf coast, the carbon-neutral Babcock Ranch development will house 49,000 people and be powered by its own $300 million (£205 million) photovoltaic plant that will convert sunlight into electricity using a 400-acre field of solar panels."Babcock Ranch will be a true living laboratory of the new-energy economy," said Syd Kitson, the chairman of the developers, Kitson & Partners.According to the plans, the community's 19,500 homes and six million square feet of commercial and civic premises will be fed energy directly from the on-site facility, which, unlike conventional plants, will not require water or produce waste by-products. A fossil fuel plant of the same size and capacity yields 61,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and consumes six million barrels of oil a year.

All residential, civic and business properties will be built using energy-efficient methods and materials, and plants for landscaping the area will be grown on site. Street lamps will be specially adapted to reduce light pollution. Homes will be topped off with "green" roofs that minimise energy loss.Residents will travel in electric cars, rechargeable at roadside kiosks, or on Segways, bicycles, or on foot. Homes, which will range from apartments to detached houses, will be computer-controlled to manage energy consumption and will even take care of some of the chores.

"Throw out your alarm clock in a home that can be programmed to rise and shine, turning on the lights, raising the shades and rousing you with music from the digital server," Mr Kitson said."Stop by the local store on your way home armed with a digital shopping list from your automated inventory system or, better yet, let your smart home place the order for you and schedule delivery."

More than half of Babcock Ranch's total area will be devoted to green spaces, farmland, waterways and wildlife preservation areas. Plans for the world's most environmentally friendly city have been welcomed by conservation agencies including the American branch of the WWF and the country's National Audubon Society.

Richard Moss, managing director for the climate change wing of the WWF, said: "There is an urgent need for the private sector, electric utilities and government at every level to recognise and address the causes and impacts of climate change."Renewable energy, smart grid technology, and energy efficiency are crucial to this effort."

Florida, with its 9.74 per cent unemployment rate and high level of domestic repossessions, is one of America's most depressed states, but the Babcock Ranch project would generate thousands of construction jobs and up to 20,000 permanent jobs in the education, retail and technology sectors serving the community.

The development is planned in partnership with Florida Power & Light, the state's biggest utility company, and comes as Charlie Crist, the state's governor, pushes for legislation that would require electric companies to generate 20 per cent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020.If the plans are approved, construction of the energy plant should be under way by the end of this year, with homes and businesses to follow in 2011.