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Soon, New York City residents will be able to easily asses their home’s solar energy potential using a detailed solar map currently under construction by city officials. Following in the footsteps of cities like San Francisco and Boston, the city is creating the online tool to make the decision to go solar easier for residents, and to better understand the city’s overall potential for solar power.

For two weeks in April, reports the New York Times, dual-engine Shrike Commander aircraft performed low early-morning flyovers above the Big Apple. Using a laser system known as Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), the planes gathered detailed, three-dimensional readings of the city’s landscape. Everything from the shape, pitch and size of building roofs were gathered. Each plane’s Lidar laser system works by bouncing laser pulses off structures and terrain, calculating the lay of the land by measuring how fast it takes each pulse to bounce back, much like sonar sound pulses bounce off objects underwater.

How Does the Program Work?

NYC residents can simply enter their address into an online program set up using solar map data. The project is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s larger plan for greening the city and preparing for the effects of Climate Change on the coastal city. It was funded in part with $205,470 from the Department of Energy.

Use for data recovered by the 3D laser-mapping is not limited to measuring solar potential. It will also be used to update flood maps, identify wetlands and neighborhoods in need of trees, as well as census-like data, such as how many flat and pitched roofs are in the city. The overall picture that will result will be unprecedented in New York City, and should help craft more detailed and accurate plans for the city’s new future. Utilities will also be able to use the solar data to understand how much solar power they can ween from rooftops. The images will help officials figure out exactly how much solar power is already being created.

It is estimated that New York City could get one-fifth of its power from solar energy. The upcoming solar map should facilitate a more confident and exact estimate. Both the solar and flood maps are expected to be complete by the end of 2010.

Photo Credit: NYT & Google Maps

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Soon, New York City residents will be able to easily asses their home’s solar energy potential using a detailed solar map currently under construction by city officials. Following in the footsteps of cities like San Francisco and Boston, the city is creating the online tool to make the decision to go solar easier for residents, and to better understand the city’s overall potential for solar power.

For two weeks in April, reports the New York Times, dual-engine Shrike Commander aircraft performed low early-morning flyovers above the Big Apple. Using a laser system known as Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), the planes gathered detailed, three-dimensional readings of the city’s landscape. Everything from the shape, pitch and size of building roofs were gathered. Each plane’s Lidar laser system works by bouncing laser pulses off structures and terrain, calculating the lay of the land by measuring how fast it takes each pulse to bounce back, much like sonar sound pulses bounce off objects underwater.

How Does the Program Work?

NYC residents can simply enter their address into an online program set up using solar map data. The project is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s larger plan for greening the city and preparing for the effects of Climate Change on the coastal city. It was funded in part with $205,470 from the Department of Energy.

Use for data recovered by the 3D laser-mapping is not limited to measuring solar potential. It will also be used to update flood maps, identify wetlands and neighborhoods in need of trees, as well as census-like data, such as how many flat and pitched roofs are in the city. The overall picture that will result will be unprecedented in New York City, and should help craft more detailed and accurate plans for the city’s new future. Utilities will also be able to use the solar data to understand how much solar power they can ween from rooftops. The images will help officials figure out exactly how much solar power is already being created.

It is estimated that New York City could get one-fifth of its power from solar energy. The upcoming solar map should facilitate a more confident and exact estimate. Both the solar and flood maps are expected to be complete by the end of 2010.

Photo Credit: NYT & Google Maps

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Leading By Example

Achieving true sustainability requires a diverse approach. The city of Millbrae, California — just south of San Francisco at the end of the BART transit line — is doing just that, setting a magnificent example for surrounding communities. This small town of just over 20,000 has a lot to show the rest of us, from city-sponsored solar rebates to a very progressive food service ware ordinance. A lot of eyes have been on Millbrae’s sustainable progress since it began its exemplary work many years ago.

Sustainable History

Since the early 1990s, water conservation has been a primary focus in Millbrae. The city offers rebates for high efficiency clothes washing machines and toilets, plus free kitchen and bathroom aerators and toilet leak tablets to all residents and businesses. They even hold free water-wise landscaping workshops to inform people about the benefits and means for conserving water at their home or business.

A recurring theme in Millbrae’s run at sustainability is a do-it-yourself mentality. City government does not simply tell its constituents what to do; it leads by example and engages them, giving them the tools for going green and pointing them in the right direction. Instead of forcing homeowners to conserve water, Millbrae offers the tools and simply says, “Now look what this can do for you, your community and our environment.” And the people of Millbrae have responded in a big way. Actions speak louder than words, and Millbrae is a prime example of that.

Millbrae has an extremely high participation rate in its recycling program, well above state-mandated compliance levels. The city has had a curbside recycling program since the late ’80s, and that experience shows. When the state of California required that cities reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfill by 50 percent by the year 2000, Millbrae reached that goal a year ahead of schedule, posting a high current recycling rate of 67 percent.

Millbrae also houses seven participants in the Bay Area Certified Green Business program, including City Hall and the Millbrae branch of the San Mateo County Library, which is leading the local fight against “brown” building.

These programs, led by water conservation and waste reduction, facilitated a remarkable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in Millbrae — more than anyone realized when the state mandated reductions and the emissions were measured once more. Now, the city and surrounding communities can see how effective progressive conservation policies can be, and Millbrae has a head-start on reducing its carbon footprint even more in the coming years.

Sustainable Food, Sustainable City

It’s obvious the people of Millbrae know all about waste reduction and conservation, and they’re tackling the problem from all sides, including food. Disposable food service ware and utensils are a major source of waste throughout the country. Much of it is made from polystyrene, a non-recyclable plastic that litters streets, waterways, beaches and landfills. So, Millbrae put the kibosh on the product, banning polystyrene food service ware products such as plates, bowls, and cups in all restaurants, delis, cafes, vendors, food trucks, fast food restaurants and city facilities within city limits.

Now, all food service businesses in Millbrae must use compostable or recyclable cups, plates and other service ware. Taking it even further, all disposable utensils must be biodegradable because plastic forks, knives and spoons cannot be recycled. In this way, they’ll at least break down faster and customers can even compost them on their own if they like.

Oh, and if you’re heading to the grocery store in Millbrae, be sure to stop by the Public Works Office and pick up your free reusable shopping bag made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Yet another free and easy tool for curbing climate change in Millbrae. It’s no wonder that all eyes are on this small city. It is, after all, setting a big example for the entire country.

There’s not a lot of waste in Millbrae. And nowhere in the city is that fact exemplified on a larger scale than at the municipal wastewater treatment plant. The plant uses brown grease from kitchen waste to create green energy. This biofuel technique now supplies nearly 100 percent of the treatment plant’s energy needs.

The city also offers small rebates for business and home solar power, in addition to the big rebates available from the state of California and the federal government. But in Millbrae, the movement is not all about solar power or any specific path. You may not find Millbrae leading the nation in solar panels installed, but residents have an undeniable drive to get sustainable and they are actively seeking out their own ways to do so. And there’s no doubt you’ll find Millbrae at or near the top of any list of sustainable cities, doing what Millbrae does best: Leading by example.

Links to all Sustainable Millbrae programs may be found at the City website.

Photo Credit: The Magnolia

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In an effort to lead the city of Austin into a true new clean energy economy, in late 2008 Austin Energy, the City Council of Austin, the University of Texas, private corporations and the Environmental Defense Fund teamed up in what is known as the Pecan Street Project. The group set out to perform research and develop a set of recommendations that will help usher in transformative change to the way energy is generated, managed and delivered in the city. The group released those recommendations today.

An innovative municipal solar incentive program is spreading like wildfire across America. Based on a program devised in Berkeley, California, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds are provided by the municipality and paid for over time through voluntary property tax increases tied to the home (rather than the individual). Several cities across the country have or are scrambling to adopt PACE incentives. Virtually all have met with immediate success.

However, one recently developed program in San Antonio, Texas is in dire straits due to a conflict with existing statewide real estate law. A number of solar-incentivizing bills failed in the Texas legislature last year, with only one slipping through. That bill, which allowed Texas cities the freedom to develop PACE programs, set the wheels motion in several towns, including San Antonio, which would also offer loans for solar hot water, geothermal heating and cooling, and several energy efficiency upgrades.

The problem is this: the San Antonio City Council wants to tie PACE loans to the front end of mortgages to guarantee that home solar power systems are paid off before the end of the mortgage (Terms for PACE loans are typically around 20 years). Unfortunately, the city council’s desires seem to conflict with Texas real estate laws and, local solar proponents fear, will make it nearly impossible for the city to secure bonds from insurers due to the added risk brought on by the struggling housing market.

According to Solar San Antonio, nearly 40 percent of residents are eager to go solar, but may not get the chance, at least not anytime soon. There are existing incentives offered for solar PV and solar hot water systems by city-owned utility CPS Energy, but despite the $3/watt rebate on PV systems, there are still thousands of dollars in up-front costs to be contended with in a city not known for extreme wealth. Such is the case in almost every city in the country, and a reason why PACE has been so successful.

Fully aware that PACE programs are the best thing residential solar power has going for it right now, local solar proponents and city officials are searching for a solution. According to the San Antonio Current, there are two options on the table right now. One is a return to the state legislature (which doesn’t meet again until 2011) to hammer out the conflict or get the federal government to guarantee loans. That, say those involved, is the only way that insurers will accept the risk and dole out bonds to San Antonio and other Texas cities. Apparently, the federal option is being pursued right now.

This is the first major obstacle I’ve heard of for burgeoning PACE programs kicking off around the nation. And it certainly puts a damper on the only government incentive option in place for cities in our second largest state, and one with a hefty dose of annual sunshine. In the absence of a national feed-in tariff or renewable portfolio standard, as well as any state level rebates, the success of solar power in Texas in the short term may really depend on how fast San Antonio can get their PACE on track.

Via San Antonio Current

Photo Credit: Solar San Antonio

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In the same way that historic Californians caught gold fever, the city of Banning caught clean and green fever. But Banning’s solar knight didn’t come ’round the mountain on a noble steed; he came riding in on a stagecoach packed full of groundbreaking solar rebates and tax incentives. Stationed in southern California’s San Gorgonio Pass, this “Stagecoach Town, USA” continues to culture a prolific history in solar power.

Our story begins around the turn of the century, when a little-known statewide public benefit program required by AB 1890 immediately began changing the face of Banning. AB 1890 required that electric utilities collect money from Californians from energy efficiency and renewable projects, and began spreading that accumulated wealth among residents in the form of renewable energy efficiency incentives.

What Happens When a City Pays for Half of Your Solar Installation Costs?

…your town goes solar! The Banning Electric Department began offering rebates of $4 per watt for the purchase and installation of  home solar power — up to 50 percent of total costs. Suddenly, solar panels started popping up on rooftops, buildings found themselves sealed tighter, green spaces and clean air began to spread and the sunlight in Banning somehow felt a bit brighter.

In 2002, the city began offering rebates for developers and homeowners that exceded the state’s Title 24 energy standards. Banning had five Energy Star rebate programs in place by 2002 as well, including one real crowd pleaser that offers rebates for purchase of energy efficient ar conditioning units. A rebate of up to $500 per ton is offered, depending on the unit’s efficiency rating.

Banning: Way Ahead of the Green Game

Indeed, the great solar city of Banning has become the foremost leader in solar power and energy efficiency in all of California, which is saying a lot considering California’s status as unrivaled national solar mecca. Banning was the first city to meet California’s renewable portfolio standard requiring an electric utilty provider supplies at least 20 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy resources by 2010. Banning accomplished that feat two years ahead of schedule in 2008, and is well on its way to achieving the longer-term goal of 33 percent reduction by 2020.

He may be on a stagecoach, but the city of Banning’s knight in solar armor is nothing to scoff at. In fact, Banning has become its own solar knight and, for its size, a role model to all of California. Banning shows what a determined city can do in a short time with an aggressive solar agenda. When the state of California told Banning to hand out $2 million for solar rebates, Banning handed out $2.5 million. When the people of Banning were told there were solar incentives to be had, the people bought them up faster than the rest of us could fathom. Already, Banning’s funding for solar power rebates is sold out through the summer of 2011.

The city of Banning may seem like the little guy, sandwiched between Palm Springs and mega-city Los Angeles, but there is nothing small about this city when it comes to solar power. A short 21st-century history has already become epic. As Banning’s version of the ol’time litany goes, when she comes around the mountain, she’ll be riding six solar panels when she comes.

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Spanish solar company Acciona will receive $2.9 million to expand a solar power plant in Boulder City, Nevada. The grant from the U.S. government comes in lieu of tax credits as allowed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Obama administration announced the grant last week.

The provision in the Recovery Act allowing renewable energy projects to receive grants in lieu of tax credits came in response to the economic recession that had lenders tightening the reigns on loans for solar projects due to the risk involved. The prospect of recouping 30 percent of project costs in the short term gave developers more leverage while seeking financing for projects. The expansion of Acciona’s Nevada Solar One plant is a prime example.

It is one of 250 renewable energy projects slated to receive grants, 72 percent of which are solar energy projects. The feds have promised at least $550 million in grant funding for projects approved since applications started rolling in during August of last year. Developers apply for the program through the Department of Treasury and, upon approval, may recoup the money upon completion of their project.

At the time it was built in 2007, Nevada Solar One, a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, was the largest of its kind in the world and the first built in 17 years. It was the plant that really sparked interest in large-scale solar power around the country. Now hundreds of projects are either underway or under development. Nevada Solar One is now the third largest in the world, according to the Las Vegas Sun, pumping out better than 64 megawatts of solar thermal power.

Three other projects in Nevada are receiving grants under the Recovery Act provision. All are geothermal power plants in the northern half of the state.

Photo Credit: TIME

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Spanish solar company Acciona will receive $2.9 million to expand a solar power plant in Boulder City, Nevada. The grant from the U.S. government comes in lieu of tax credits as allowed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Obama administration announced the grant last week.

The provision in the Recovery Act allowing renewable energy projects to receive grants in lieu of tax credits came in response to the economic recession that had lenders tightening the reigns on loans for solar projects due to the risk involved. The prospect of recouping 30 percent of project costs in the short term gave developers more leverage while seeking financing for projects. The expansion of Acciona’s Nevada Solar One plant is a prime example.

It is one of 250 renewable energy projects slated to receive grants, 72 percent of which are solar energy projects. The feds have promised at least $550 million in grant funding for projects approved since applications started rolling in during August of last year. Developers apply for the program through the Department of Treasury and, upon approval, may recoup the money upon completion of their project.

At the time it was built in 2007, Nevada Solar One, a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, was the largest of its kind in the world and the first built in 17 years. It was the plant that really sparked interest in large-scale solar power around the country. Now hundreds of projects are either underway or under development. Nevada Solar One is now the third largest in the world, according to the Las Vegas Sun, pumping out better than 64 megawatts of solar thermal power.

Three other projects in Nevada are receiving grants under the Recovery Act provision. All are geothermal power plants in the northern half of the state.

Photo Credit: TIME

More »

In central France lies Poitiers, a city rich in Roman architecture and medieval history. Modern building in Poitiers is constructing a new sort of history, however, an energy-efficient, solar-powered and potentially profitable history. Sipea, a local non-profit builder of social housing in the city, is installing solar electricity at its headquarters to sell back to [...]

Think is a Oslo-based car company that makes electric-cars. Last month, It rolled out its first electric car for European market from its plant in Finland. Think chief executive announced that they will be building their first car in December, 2011 at the newly constructed plant in Indiana.

The new subcompact electric car is currently being called “Think City”. Company is planning to sell the first car in U.S. as early as October, 2010. These early models will be imported from Finland. These cars will be followed by production of U.S. produced cars in January, 2011. Mr. Richard Canny, CEO of Think has been quoted as a source of above information.

Think is likely to make an investment of around $50 million at its assembly plant in Elkhart County, Indiana. The auto manufacturer is expecting to get around $20 million in subsidy from U. S. Government in shape of tax incentives and human resource development funds.

Think City electric car will be able to drive more than 100 miles on a single charge. Top speed is around 73 miles per hour which is pretty decent for an urban car. It is a good compact design and is enough for a small family of two with children. The car has two front seats for adults and two relatively small seats for children in rear.

Car is expected to come with a hefty price tag of $30,000 after a tax credit of $7500.

Think City will have Lithium-ion batteries installed made by Ener1 Inc.

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