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.

Florida Developer plans all-solar city

Given that Florida has accurately been coined The Sunshine State, it's not at all shocking to hear that America's first "solar city" will be built in the state's southwest corner. Or, at least that's the plan. According to a new report, West Palm Beach-based Kitson & Partners is currently developing a new city near Charlotte County, which will get juiced by a massive 75-megawatt solar plant. The plant will cost around $300 million to build and will be installed by Florida Power & Light; if all goes well, homes will begin construction on a sizable plot of land dubbed Babcock Ranch by 2011. If things don't go so well, we're told that the actual power plant will still be erected and fed into the larger grid. In other words, Florida's gettin' some solar power, with or without this newfangled concrete jungle.

The Florida developer says he wants to build a 19,500-home city powered entirely by solar energy. Babcock Ranch will be developed by Kitson & Partners on 17,000 acres northeast of Fort Myers, Fla. The developer said it will be the "first city on Earth powered by zero-emission solar energy," The Miami Herald reported Saturday. The city will include the world's largest photovoltaic power plant, to be operated by Florida Power & Light. The facility will cost about $300 million. "We're out to prove that it works economically," developer Syd Kitson was quoted as saying. "And it's the right thing to do for the long-term solutions in this country." The newspaper said researchers are working to develop storage capability for sunlight-generated power since solar electricity is available only during daytime hours. Solar panels to power the city will sit on 350 acres within the development. The newspaper said more than half of the city's 17,000 acres will be permanently protected as greenways and open space, and will adjoin the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve, which has been purchased by the state.

Track a PV System in Action with Live Data

Robert Brown, a retired Information Technology person, and his wife have used solar water heaters for fifteen years or more. In November of 2007 they installed a 4.4 KW Photovoltaic system on their home. He has kept detailed daily data on the system and has developed a pretty good feel for the practicality of solar as an energy source. Their house is over 40 years old and does not have a particularly efficient envelope. Even so, since start up they have averaged almost 41 percent of our energy from solar. That is not counting the solar water heating. Visit his website at http://www.bbbrown.com/ and you can track their solar output at http://bbbrown.mysolarlog.com/ -- good stuff, check it out!

Media Contact:

Maureen McHale

Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager

Advanced Solar Photonics

mmchale@advancedsolarphotonics.com

407-829-2613 x317

Advanced Solar Photonics Was Featured in Texture Magazine!

Page 14 of the Metro Orlando Economic Commissions' Texture magazine has a write up about Advanced Solar Photonics...

Click on the picture to the left to read the article.

Advanced Solar Photonics Featured on Fox35 News - WOFL - Orlando, Fl

Advanced Solar Photonics was featured on the 6, 7 and 8am news here in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. The four spots featured Demitri Nikitin, CEO of ASP, Edgardo Rodriguez, VP of ASP, Kristen Breunig, Market Development Manager of ASP and Maureen McHale, Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Manager.

Following the segments, Steve Gelbach, the reporter for Fox 35 wrote and posted the following piece on their website:






Business Ramps Up to Make Solar Panels

Last Edited: Tuesday, 31 Mar 2009, 12:26 PM EDT
Created On: Tuesday, 31 Mar 2009, 12:25 PM EDT
STEVE GEHLBACH FOX 35 News Reporter

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Advanced Solar Photonics will soon be the only place in the Sunshine State to make panels to capture energy from the sun. Solar power is becoming more popular on homes and businesses, but installers have to get the high-tech panels from outside Florida.

The company hopes to start making the panels by June and plans to add hundreds of jobs. President Barack Obama promised billions in funding to great new green jobs and make alternative energy sources more available. Advanced Solar Photonics hopes to cash in on some of those federal dollars.

The company is also working to get legislation passed to make it cheaper for homeowners to switch to solar power by paying them a premium for power they make, but don't use and sell back to power companies. The cost to install solar panels onto your house can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the size of the house and system used.