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This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.
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| Article Title | Author | Company | eMag Issue | Article Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potential risks of smart grids are underestimated | Contributed by | TÜV SÜD Industrie Service | Apr 2013 |
According to the study 'Security & Safety in a Smart Energy World', presented by TÜV SÜD at the opening of the 2013 Hannover Messe, the energy and manufacturing sectors are underestimating the potential risks involved in modernising power grids; awareness of the vulnerability of smart grids is negligible and protective action is rare. |
| Leading Edge Erosion on Wind Turbines | Contributed by | 3M Wind Energy | Apr 2013 |
Awareness is growing in the wind industry about the severe impact that blade leading edge erosion can have on wind turbine output. Recent research shows that erosion can lead to a loss in annual energy production (AEP) of up to 20 percent, costing thousands of dollars. |
| Data Loggers Bring More Light to Remote Medical Clinics | Contributed by | Onset | Apr 2013 |
The WE CARE Solar team required a better way to log system performance data and monitor usage patterns to ensure that correctly-sized PV power systems were being implemented in the medical clinics. |
| CHINA FACES $243BN CLIMATE FINANCE “GAP” PER YEAR BY 2020 | Contributed by | The Climate Group | Apr 2013 |
Series of reforms being explored as China seeks to expand clean tech investment |
| Case Study: Thomonde Hospital In The Central Region of Haiti | Contributed by | Trojan Battery Company | Apr 2013 |
The Thomonde battery bank was designed for 40 percent depth of discharge and only one day of autonomy due to the large loads of some of the medical equipment and the availability of the diesel generator. |
| Case Study – Home Solar Panel Installation Leads to 115% Savings! | Contributed by | Solar Energy USA | Apr 2013 |
The photovoltaic home solar panel array was installed in October of 2011. The system was designed to offset approximately 77% of the annual home power bill with an average savings of around $200 dollars per month over the 40 year expected life of the system. |
| The Future of Hydrogen Powered Cars | Contributed by | ITM Power | Feb 2013 |
Over one and a half million hydrogen powered vehicles could be on UK roads by 2030 according to a joint Government-industry study. |
| Solid Waste to Syngas - From Demonstration to Commercialization | Contributed by | Plasco Energy Group | Feb 2013 |
In December 2012, Ottawa’s City Council signed a 20 year contract with Plasco, committing 109,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste to a Plasco waste conversion facility. The City’s support was achieved through a collaborative approach, commitment to open and transparent communication, and careful attention to risk management. |
| Case Study - Wind Energy for the Eagles | Contributed by | Urban Green Energy | Dec 2012 |
The installation of 14 UGE-4K wind turbines at the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field proves that distributed renewable energy is within closer reach for all than once thought. |
| Case Study - Solar LED Lighting | Contributed by | ProQuip International | Dec 2012 |
We wanted people to enter the site and view the solar street lights as they come in and leave the facility as a statement to the public of the state of the art technology that was used throughout the facility. The LED component was chosen for the maintenance free and long life qualities of the technology. |
| Smart Cities: Intelligent Transportation and Smart Grid Standards - Part 2 | Contributed by | Gridaptive | Oct 2012 |
Standards-based solutions were instrumental in the exponential growth of the Internet. For the Smart City, public electrical infrastructure ecosystem to expand, development, application and worker training of interoperability standards is an important strategic foundation from which to grow. This convergence of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid, is allowing the Smart City concept to gain hold in many areas of the US and around the world. |
| Small Wind Case Studies | Contributed by | Southwest Windpower | Oct 2012 |
Here are 4 diversified project case studies illustrating how small wind systems can make a difference. |
| Fuel Cell Basics for Communications Industry Professionals | Contributed by | ReliOn | Oct 2012 |
Fuel cells are a viable, commercial product addressing needs to a number of site issues. Using them to address your network needs increases reliability, decreases maintenance costs and promotes a healthy environment. |
| Connecting the Sun | Contributed by | EPIA | Oct 2012 |
Europe’s electricity demand is increasing. In the context of Europe’s decarbonisation goals, this power will have to come from more variable Renewable Energy Sources. As European policymakers consider their options for invesments in new and more efficient grid infrastructure, they should take into account the benefits that PV is already producing and, more importantly, plan for the greater benefits it is capable of producing in the future. |
| A Modular Hydrogen Facility at a University Campus | Contributed by | ITM Power | Oct 2012 |
This facility is based around a modular platform, which provides maximum flexibility for the customer. It contains a hydrogen production component (electrolysers) and a hydrogen storage component (compressed gas cylinders). |
| The Port of the Future: The Potential of Fuel Cells to Green Our Nation’s Ports |
Contributed by | Fuel Cells 2000 | Aug 2012 |
Fuel cells can help resolve many issues facing ports. By deploying this clean and modern technology, ports can reduce pollution and increase operational efficiency. Fuel cells generate electricity using electro-chemical reactions, not combustion, so there are no polluting emissions, only water and heat as by-products. |
| The National Solar Tour, Oct 6 | Contributed by | American Solar Energy Society (ASES) | Aug 2012 |
The ASES National Solar Tour is the world’s largest grassroots solar event. More than 160,000 participants will visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S. |
| Smart Cities: Intelligent Transportation and Smart Grid Standards - Part 1 | Contributed by | Gridaptive | Aug 2012 |
Standards-based solutions were instrumental in the exponential growth of the Internet. For the Smart City, public electrical infrastructure ecosystem to expand, development, application and worker training of interoperability standards is an important strategic foundation from which to grow. This convergence of intelligent transportation systems with the Smart Grid, is allowing the Smart City concept to gain hold in many areas of the US and around the world. |
| Geothermal Manifold Installation with a Professional Touch | Contributed by | Caleffi Hydronic Solutions | Aug 2012 |
The GeoCal™ is a breeze to install and gives a lot of flexibility as the automatic air vents and supply and return temperature gauges are a couple of added plusses. With this first one up and running, and the customer satisfied, I’ll be evaluating how it holds up. |
| AltEnergyMag eMagazine - Special Coverage of Solar Power International 2012 | Contributed by | AltEnergyMag.com | Aug 2012 |
Here is a synopsis of the many SPI 2012 news and product reports that we have prepared this year. Use these links to browse the coverage from your easy chair. |
| AltEnergyMag - Solar Power International News Report | Contributed by | AltEnergyMag.com | Aug 2012 |
News and Product Announcements for SPI 2012 - Almost 100 news announcements at last count and still growing. Be sure to add your own company news to this report - just click the link that says "Click here to Submit Your Free Show News Release" |
| Adept Robotics for the Solar Industry | Contributed by | Adept | Aug 2012 |
Today’s ultra-thin solar cells require precise and gentle handling. And with the increasing demand on solar manufacturers for product, automation must deliver the highest throughput possible. Adept Robotics for the Solar Industry |
| We need a Long Term Energy Plan and Here It Is !!!!!!! | Contributed by | Peter Lynch | Jun 2012 |
In this intimate talk filmed at TED's offices, energy innovator Amory Lovins shows how to get the US off oil and coal by 2050, $5 trillion cheaper, with no Act of Congress, led by business for profit. The key is integrating all four energy-using sectors—and four kinds of innovation. |
| Two Case Studies - Cedar Point and Crossroads | Contributed by | RES Americas | Apr 2012 |
The Cedar Point Wind Energy Project provides approximately 875,000 MWh which corresponds to the annual consumption of about 80,000 Colorado homes. The Crossroads Energy Project provides approximately 924,307 MWh which corresponds to the annual consumption of about 70,000 homes. |
| Solar Energy Index Underperforms S&P in Q1 2012 | Contributed by | Lincoln International | Apr 2012 |
Lincoln International’s Renewable Energy Group is pleased to present the latest Q1 2012 Solar Energy Stock Index Report, which tracks relevant solar company metrics in this growing industry. |
| Solar cell therapy: transforming second-rate goods into first-class products | Contributed by | Innotech Solar | Apr 2012 |
Innotech Solar optimizes off-spec cells |
| GREEN PLUG: THE LITTLE COMPANY THAT DID | Contributed by | Green Plug | Apr 2012 |
Sometimes, the Path to Success is a Straight Line; Other Times, Circumstances Demand a Less Direct Route. Here’s How One Start-Up Avoided Getting Sidetracked. |
| Case Study: William G. Mennen Sports Arena | Contributed by | Tioga Energy | Apr 2012 |
Tioga helped facilitate a first-of-its kind financing program (“the Morris Model”) in which taxable bonds were issued to finance the solar program |
| Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power - Global Market Size and Key Country Analysis to 2020 | Contributed by | Global Data | Feb 2012 |
The global cumulative installed capacity for solar PV is expected to reach 330,424 MW by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 23.7% during 2011-2020. Europe is the leading solar PV market, with a share of 76.5% of the total cumulative installed capacity, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for a share of 15.8% in 2010. |
| North American Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Installations Surge in Q4’11 | Contributed by | SolarBuzz News | Feb 2012 |
Region set for more than 60% growth in 2012; Downstream companies will need to adapt to changes in end-market |
| A New Generation Grid-Inverter | Contributed by | REFUsol GmbH | Feb 2012 |
The high AC and DC voltages have the advantage that line losses can be reduced almost everywhere in the system. Firstly, in the inverter, which forms the part of efficiency gain, and secondly the cable losses in the PV installation, which will be significantly lowered. In addition, the installation costs for cabling and the associated costs are reduced. |
| 2011 Greentech M&A Review | Contributed by | Peachtree Capital Advisors | Feb 2012 |
When the dust settled, 353 transactions had been completed for a reported $13.9 billion—down 6% from the $14.7 billion posted in 2010. While greentech funding rose 4% to $10.6 billion, mergers and acquisitions slumped 29% to $3.3 billion. |
| Vodacom deploys fuel cell system as backup power at cell site in South Africa | Contributed by | Vodacom SA | Dec 2011 |
The South Africa Baviaanspoort site has yielded significant savings in terms of maintenance and repair costs and improved reliability over the duration that the ElectraGen™ ME has been installed. |
| Trabant partners with Siemens to develop game changing solar tracker | Contributed by | Siemens | Dec 2011 |
Sade’s idea was to eliminate the need for masts or poles to secure a solar array to concrete foundations. Instead, the tracker would use a ballast pan filled with dirt, gravel or sand. |
| Solar Photovoltaic Companies Shifting From Focus on Market Share Growth to Profitability in 2012 | Contributed by | SolarBuzz News | Dec 2011 |
Planned Production Revised Downward; Market Growth Shifting Away from Europe, NPD Solarbuzz Reports |
| North American Photovoltaic Market Set to Double Year over Year in Q4’11 | Contributed by | SolarBuzz News | Dec 2011 |
Caught between strong utility-scale project demand, declining solar incentives in distributed generation applications, module over-supply, and significant policy uncertainty, the North American photovoltaic (PV) market is at a crossroads, according to the conclusions of the recently-released NPD Solarbuzz North America PV Markets Quarterly report. |
| InstaRack in Orange County | Contributed by | Sollega | Dec 2011 |
One of the Largest Rooftop Solar Installations in the City of Irvine |
| IHS iSuppli Teardown Analysis of Solar Inverter, Identifying the Cost-Reduction Opportunities | Contributed by | IHS | Dec 2011 |
In its first-ever dissection of a solar power inverter, IHS has determined the bill of materials (BOM) of a major manufacturer’s product, providing a path-setting benchmark for cost reduction in a market expected to undergo rapid price erosion in the coming years. |
| Goodbye Nuclear – Hello Solar | Contributed by | Solar Plaza | Dec 2011 |
The prospect of a probable reduction in nuclear in France presents a fantastic opportunity for the photovoltaic industry. And never mind the Chinese competition – the French players have their card to play. |
| Understanding Solar Power Purchase Agreements A Guide to Hosting a Solar Energy System |
Contributed by | Third Sun Solar | Oct 2011 |
Under the terms of a solar PPA, a solar services provider installs solar equipment at a host business, government site, university, or other organization, and the host agrees to buy the solar electricity generated by the system for a fixed price and term, usually 5-20 years. |
| Top 10 Best-Performing Solar PV Stocks in 2011 | Contributed by | Solar Plaza | Oct 2011 |
Germany, the world’s biggest PV market in 2010, reduced its incentives for solar energy at the beginning of 2011. The same happened in the case of the runner-up, Italy. At the same time, an industry boom occurred in the supply chain. |
| Plug Power Case Study: Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. | Contributed by | Plug Power | Oct 2011 |
The idea of using hydrogen fuel cells instead of lead- acid batteries in the material handling equipment was introduced because of significant benefits offered by the alternative energy power source—increased sustainability, less maintenance requirements and operator self-sufficiency. |
| Energy Storage and Variable Renewable Energy Sources | Contributed by | CALMAC | Oct 2011 |
Climate change, national security, energy independence, jobs and energy cost are some of the factors that are merging to reinvigorate efforts in energy storage development. |
| Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Regulations & Investment | Contributed by | Global Data | Oct 2011 |
In 2010, global CSP investments primarily came from Spain and the US. Of total investments in 2010, 59.2% were made in Spain and 28.8% in the US. Spain also recorded the highest number of installations in 2010. Annual CSP capacity additions reached 350MW in 2010 due to the introduction of the FIT scheme. |
| Wireless Power Solutions for the Wind Industry | Contributed by | Proxi | Aug 2011 |
PowerbyProxi has just completed a successful trial of the Proxi-Ring™ 480, a frictionless and contact-free slip ring that provides wireless power and data to pitch control systems that drive blades in wind turbines. The technology was developed to replace mechanical slip rings which can be a source of problems for wind turbine operators due to the maintenance requirements and failures caused by physical connections and frictional rotation. |
| SunTop Case Study | Contributed by | Conergy | Aug 2011 |
Once Imagine Energy identified the hurdles to increasing their efficiency, they were able identify specific solutions. Imagine Energy has successfully finished the first two phases of the residential installations. The 3rd phase, which includes 75-100 households, is set to commence shortly. The entire project is estimated to be completed in a total of 18 months. |
| SolarPlaza Top 10 stock listed solar energy companies | Contributed by | Solar Plaza | Aug 2011 |
The endless pursuit of solar energy as a realistic alternative energy source to fossil fuel shows no signs of waning; which is not only good news for businesses and consumers, but also great news for investors as well. Never underestimate the power of technology. |
| Solar Thermal 101 | Contributed by | Apricus Solar | Aug 2011 |
We've cobbled together some great factoids from the Apricus website to create this overview of Solar Thermal systems. Why are we not using this technology on every home that is exposed to the sun? |
| Solar Powered Lighting Case Study - Brattleboro Hospital | Contributed by | SolarOne | Aug 2011 |
Even during Vermont’s shortest days, the systems can collect enough energy to support their normal operation through 15 hour nights. This is partly due to algorithms built into the controller to monitor and adjust voltage from the solar module (Maximum Power Tracking). |
| Major Asia Pacific Photovoltaic Markets to Reach 26% of Global Demand by 2015 | Contributed by | SolarBuzz News | Aug 2011 |
Japanese and Chinese Markets Continue Strong Growth with New Policy Initiatives |
| For How Long will Germany Remain the World’s Largest PV Market? | Contributed by | Solar Plaza | Aug 2011 |
The Italian market is growing faster than ever before. In the first half of 2011, the market volume was almost three times that of Germany. Italy is on its way to becoming the world’s number one market in 2011. |
| Clean, Reliable Power for Remote Off-Grid Communities | Contributed by | Ballard Power Systems | Aug 2011 |
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Products contain proprietary esencia™ technology, ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility. |
| Case Study: PowerScrew System | Contributed by | Powerway Renewable Energy Co., Ltd | Aug 2011 |
This 20MW Demonstration Project is the first power plant in Hainan, and it is a joint venture of Hainan Tianneng Electricity Co., Ltd., Hainan Provincial Water Conservancy & Hydropower Group Co., Ltd. and Yingli Solar. Various types of solar mounting systems, such as ground screw, concrete post, roof power plant and BIPV, will be employed. |
| Case Study: Peak Demand Management with Fuel Cells | Contributed by | Ballard Power Systems | Aug 2011 |
The CLEARgen™ unit is comprised of nine – 150 kilowatt PEM modules including the air delivery, cooling, fuel delivery and power electronics systems resulting in a one megawatt fuel cell power system. |
| Case Studies from SolarWall | Contributed by | SolarWall | Aug 2011 |
Here are two case studies about SolarWall. NREL - Research Support Facility is pictured below and Northern Arizona University - Distance Learning Center |
| Case Studies from Proven Energy | Contributed by | Proven Energy | Aug 2011 |
Here are a examples of Wind installations around the world. With an operational fleet spanning 60 countries and every continent Proven Energy’s high performance wind turbines accrue over 30 million run hours annually. |
| Biopower - Global Market Size, Feedstock Analysis, Regulations and Investment Analysis to 2020 | Contributed by | Global Data | Aug 2011 |
GlobalData has released its research on the Alternative Energy Industry. Please see below for key findings from the study. |
| Solar Installation on Parking Deck Will Save Taxpayers $1 Million in Energy Savings | Contributed by | Pfister Energy, Inc. | Jun 2011 |
This project is a win-win for the County, not only in terms of monetary savings, but also by establishing the County of Bergen as a role model for other counties and municipalities in the state to adopt renewables and implement clean energy practices. |
| International Wind Energy Development: World Market Update 2010 | Contributed by | BTM Consult – A Part of Navigant Consulting | Jun 2011 |
This year’s World Market Updated includes a full chapter dedicated to Direct-Drive WTG versus Gearbox-Equipped WTG. The increased use of the direct-drive turbines across the wind market is impacting the wind industry. The World Market Update 2010 identifies and compares the pros and cons of both the direct-drive and gearbox-equipped concepts, as well as the implications of using permanent magnets on a large scale. |
| India Renewable Energy Market Trends Analysis and Forecasts | Contributed by | GlobalData | Jun 2011 |
India Renewable Power Market Trends 2001 to 2020 |
| First Renovated Residential High-Rise Worldwide to Reach Passive House Standard | Contributed by | Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE | Jun 2011 |
Fraunhofer ISE Accompanies the Energy Renovation and Monitors Operation |
| Echo Captures More Untapped Solar Energy | Contributed by | EchoFirst | Jun 2011 |
This is an interesting use of existing technologies combined to build a viable solution. |
| Careers in the Clean-Tech Industry | Contributed by | Ecotech Institute | Jun 2011 |
The NY Times reports that the federal government is pouring $500 million into training for green jobs, and the sector devoted to energy efficiency is estimated to grow as much as fourfold in the next decade, to some 1.3 million people, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. |
| 2010 Solar Deal Volume Comparison | Contributed by | Lincoiln International | Apr 2011 |
The transaction landscape of 2010 highlights the increasing consolidation trend within the solar energy industry. Primarily, this consolidation occurred later in the value chain with acquisitions of EPC integrators/ developers and producers of solar energy. This trend is expected to continue as companies and investors look to increase their portfolios of completed solar projects and pipeline opportunities. |
| “Green jobs” Come in Every Shape and Size | Contributed by | Ecotech Institute | Feb 2011 |
Thousands of careers forced to change and adapt in the new energy economy |
| FuelCell Energy Fuel Cell Systems in California | Contributed by | Fuel Cells 2000 | Feb 2011 |
These installations help propel not only FuelCell Energy’s image and financial stability, but also California’s standing as a fuel cell leader in not only the United States, but the world. |
| A Bean Called Castor Can Cut Carbon & Fuel the Future | Contributed by | CENTER FOR JATROPHA PROMOTION & BIODIESEL | Feb 2011 |
Vast scope exists for exploitation of castor as a bioenergy crop although there are still some technological challenges to overcome. A combination of conventional breeding methods with biotechnological techniques provides newer routes for designing oils for biofuel purpose. |
| 3 Case Studies from Canadian Solar | Contributed by | Canadian Solar | Feb 2011 |
Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world's largest solar companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingot, wafer, solar cell, solar module and other solar applications, Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar system solutions for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. |
| Harnessing the Power of the Ocean: A Program Still in its Infancy | Contributed by | EBSCO Publishing | Aug 2010 |
Energy can be retrieved from the oceans in five basic ways: Tides, waves, tidal or marine currents, temperature gradients, and salinity gradients. Of these, wave energy is the most significant resource, according to ABS Energy Research, followed by power from salinity and thermal gradients. |
| Micro Inverter or the AC-Module Inverter: Truths vs. Myths | Contributed by | KACO New Energy Inc. | Jun 2010 |
When it’s time to choose an inverter for a PV system, the system owner and the installer have the choice to use a string inverter or micro inverters for the installation. It is important to realistically assess the viability of this technology. |
| The Science of Solar: Solar Energy – The Basics | Contributed by | Dow Corning Solar | Apr 2010 |
Solar is one of the most talked-about alternative energy sources in the world today. Enough energy comes from the sun in one hour to power the global population for a year. Even though the amount of sunlight varies around the world, sunlight is a totally renewable resource, unlike oil, coal and natural gas. As long as life exists on the earth, sunlight will play a role. |
