Welcome
Hello from Standard Solar and welcome to the May / June issue of our newsletter, The Solar Standard.
Before we head into the summer vacation season, this issue will help get you up to speed on several developments designed to hasten the adoption of solar electric systems by homeowners, schools and businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Among other things, you can read about new local zoning rules for solar systems in two Maryland counties, a showdown brewing on Capitol Hill over national renewable energy and climate policy, and what makes two more of our valued team members tick from as far away as Nicaragua no less!
As always, we welcome your inputs so please share with us any topics that you think our growing family of solar customers and fellow advocates should know about.
Jim Pierobon
Chief Marketing Officer
jim.pierobon@standardsolar.com
301-944-5133
In This Issue
Guess where this solar array was built by two Standard Solar engineers? Read on for the answer.
Standard Solar Helps Students Power Virginia High School with Solar-Generated Electricity
Students raise $56,000 to purchase solar panel system at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
Capping years of student fund-raising efforts from about 30 students, Standard Solar activated a 3.8 kilowatt solar electric system at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology earlier this month. The system is set to generate about 5,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, prevent about 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually, and set an example for other schools to follow.
"The solar panel array at TJ is a huge step forward for our school and county, but needs to be the start of a larger movement," said Varun Bansal, Chairman of the Thomas Jefferson Solar Panel Initiative. "More than anything else, I hope this is the spark for a wave of renewable power and environmentally-friendly technology across the nation, from other schools to federal legislation."
The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is the fourth school in the Washington, DC area to host a Standard Solar system. Earlier this year, Standard Solar completed a similar array of solar panels for T. C. Williams High School, Sousa Middle School, and Thurgood Marshall Academy, (Read more about the Thurgood Marshall installation here).
Earlier this year, Standard Solar completed a similar array of solar panels for T. C. Williams High School, also in Virginia. (Read more and watch a video clip on the T.C. Williams solar electric system here.)
Scott Wiater, Standard Solar President, addressing students, faculty, and community members.
Click here to watch the clip of Scott Wiater, Standard Solar President, speaking at the event.
Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, DC Now Teaching with Its Own Solar System
This law-theme public charter high school in the District of Columbia is one of the four schools in the region to host a solar electric system designed and installed by Standard Solar. The 2.8 kilowatt system there is the centerpiece of a green makeover spearheaded by the Earth Day Network with support from the University of Phoenix.
"This system will save the Academy an estimated $30,000 and about 150,000 pounds of carbon emissions over the next 25 years," said Tony Clifford, Standard Solar's Chief Executive Officer. "And with a monitoring system, teachers can show how the system performs throughout the year under varying weather conditions."
"We are providing the students with a learning experience that will prove useful for students interested in studying sustainability and renewable energy in college and then becoming part of the cleaner energy economy," said Sean Miller, Director of Education at the Earth Day Network. "In addition, green schools reduce toxins while increasing attendance, lowering illness rates and raising test scores."
Standard Solar Marketing Associate Keerin Tener-Chamber responds to questions from Thurgood Marshall Academy students in the Southeast Washington, DC during the school's formal unveiling of their latest teaching tool: a solar array designed and installed by Standard Solar.
Pennsylvania Crest
Standard Solar Is Now a Certified Solar Installer Under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Residential/Small Business Solar PV Program
Tell your friends and family in Pennsylvania that Standard Solar has expanded our "green footprint" into the Commonwealth! We would be happy to fill them in as incentives for going solar become available and develop in selected townships.
Spearheaded by Governor Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania is investing about $420 million to spur the development of alternative energy resources and create good-paying, skilled jobs for Pennsylvania's hard-working men and women. The objective of the program is to provide grants, loans and rebates to jumpstart the solar market in Pennsylvania.
The package includes incentives to help households and small businesses take advantage of solar energy technology -- a key resource for reducing electricity demand during times of peak demand when rates are most expensive -- and make improvements to their homes or buildings that conserve energy.
Last fall Standard Solar had the privilege of being selected by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to install a 2.76 kW solar system for the Drumm family near Fayetteville, PA. Click here for more.
To learn more about the Sunshine Program, go to: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent/lib/energindependent/documents/fs-pasunshine.pdf.
It's Official: Maryland's Solar Grant Program Guidelines for Fiscal 2010 Are In
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has officially changed the structure of the State's solar energy grant program for FY 2010, which includes any solar grant application received after December 1, 2008. The new guidelines for solar electric / photovoltaic systems match the previously reported DRAFT guidelines, as follows:
- $1.25 per watt for the first 4,000 watts of capacity
- $1.00 per watt for watts 4,001 - 8,000 watts
- $0.50 per watt for watts 8,001 - 10,000 watts
The maximum grant amount remains at $10,000.
The MEA announced that through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), sufficient funds have been added to the Maryland Solar Energy Grant Program to cover all applicants who had previously been placed on the FY 2009 waitlist. As a result of both Federal Stimulus funds and proceeds generated from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the Maryland Solar Energy Grant Program is offering grants to more 400 Maryland residents, businesses, and local governments wanting to install solar energy projects.
For more information, visit http://www.energy.state.md.us/incentives/residential/solargrants/index.asp.
Gaithersburg, MD and Standard Solar Walk The Talk Together On Sustainability, Carbon Emission Reductions
City mayors listen up: Gaithersburg, Maryland is tracking who's walking the talk about sustainability and carbon emissions reductions and Standard Solar is with our headquarters city every step of the way. So much so, that we're honored to have received the 2009 Environmental Award for our 15 solar installations in the city along with our sustainable office practices and community outreach.
Those 15 installations offset at least 56 tons of carbon dioxide every year. In addition to these systems, we frequently take part in opportunities to educate the community -- both children and adults -- at local schools and community centers.
Through educational school presentations, we emphasize to younger generations the urgency of clean energy, and explain how solar works. We often speak at neighborhood association meetings to teach homeowners about conservation, the financial benefits of installing a residential solar system, and how much carbon they can offset.
Around the office we recycle and reuse everything we can. We're on the constant outlook to conserve power and water. And we use green cleaning products and materials throughout our office, including our carpets and low VOC paint.
We tip our hats to Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz and Council Vice President Michael Sesma, among others, for their critically important leadership on efforts such as these.
Standard Solar CEO Anthony Clifford and Marketing Associate Keerin Tener-Chamber share the spotlight at the Gaithersburg, Maryland environmental awards ceremony with Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz.
In Case you Missed It: the New FERC Chairman Questions The Need for ANY New Nukes or Coal-fired Power Plants
The U.S. may never need to build new nuclear or coal-fired power plants because renewable energy and improved efficiency can meet future power demand, the head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said on Earth Day, April 22.
"They're too expensive," Jon Wellinghoff told reporters at a press conference in Washington hosted by the U.S. Energy Association, according to the Bloomberg news service and reporter Tina Seeley. "The last price I saw for a nuke was north of $7,000 a kilowatt. That's more expensive than a solar system."
Wellinghoff, a Democrat, was appointed chairman by President Barack Obama in March. He has served on the commission since 2006 and is considered an ally to renewable sources of energy. The FERC is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity. FERC also regulates natural gas and hydropower projects.
Southern Co. and Virginia-based Dominion Resources Inc. are among companies that have submitted applications to U.S. nuclear regulators seeking permission to build as many as 26 new reactors. There are also plans for as many as 87 new coal-fired plants, according to a report this month by the U.S. Energy Department. "Coal plants are sort of in the same boat," Wellinghoff said.
The new chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Jon Wellinghoff. He has broad support among environmentalist and renewable energy advocates. Photo courtesy of the FERC.
Heard About a Good Federal Stimulus Project Suitable for Solar?
Tell your friends, especially those in the Federal Government, that Standard Solar is now on the GSA Schedule, which is Washington-speak for becoming a pre-approved vendor to the Federal General Services Administration.
We would like nothing more for your federal tax dollars working harder, and smarter, to help build a cleaner energy economy than to help green up the Federal buildings and other facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our sincerest thanks to our Congressman, Democrat Chris Van Hollen and his staff, for helping to secure this listing on a timely basis.
So spread the word, along with our GSA Contract Number, which is: GS-07F-0292V. You can find Standard Solar online at the GSA Library at: http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/contractorInfo.do?contractNumber=GS-07F-0292V&contractorName=STANDARD+SOLAR%2C+INC.&executeQuery=YES
Standard Solar Chief Marketing Officer Jim Pierobon receives an update on energy and climate legislation working its way through the U.S. House of Representatives during the annual Congressional Renewable Energy Expo in mid-May on Capitol Hill.
National Energy Legislation Nearing Important Crossroads - Make Your Voice Count
When President Obama took office he introduced big plans to reduce carbon emissions and create a clean, green energy industry. Now, many solar advocates argue some members of Congress do not recognize the urgency of many green energy bills.
What was once Obama's idea to auction 100% of emissions permits has been reduced to 25% or less. Energy bills presented to the House and Senate bills contain concessions to lawmakers closely aligned with interests throughout fossil fuel industries.
This in turn could produce fewer green jobs here in the States, lessen our competitive advantage, and undermine the progress the nation is beginning to make toward a cleaner energy future. If you're concerned about the impact these concessions will undoubtedly have, voice your opinion now.
As early as this Friday, June 26, the full U.S. House of Representatives is slated to vote on an bill that, among other things, establish a cap-and-trade system to limit the nation's greenhouse gas emissions -- which solar energy would have a major role in -- and require utilities to generate at least 20% of their electricity with renewable sources such as solar by 2020. It would also create a "Clean Energy Deployment Administration" equipped with $7.5 billion of "green" bonding authority for solar and other clean energy projects. Standard Solar's representative in Congress, Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland's 8th District (see photo elsewhere in this newsletter), has played a major role in crafting the Clean Energy Deployment Administration as an independent agency rather than part of the Department of Energy.
The Solar Energy Industries Association is recommending a YES vote on this House Bill formally titled, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
To learn more about how you can take action, visit http://capwiz.com/re-action/issues/alert/?alertid=13575521&type=CO where you can customize an email or letter template directed towards your representatives.
Delaware Weighing Legislation Limiting Covenants Against Solar
Delaware's Senate has passed legislation that would bar communities from banning solar photovoltaic systems starting January 1, 2010. Senate Bill 49, which still has to clear the House, also would provide a means for lifting deed restrictions in communities that prohibit such systems.
"There's a lot of interest in solar energy as an alternative, especially since energy prices keep going up," Sen. David McBride, D-Hawks Nest, said in a written statement. McBride, who sponsored the bill, added: "But there are communities that have restrictions against it. This would allow those restrictions to be reduced or eliminated, if the civic group goes along with it."
You can view the bill at: http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/LIS145.nsf/vwLegislation/SB+49?Opendocument
To track breaking developments, check out the www.AllGreenToMe.DelawareOnline.com at the www.DelawareOnline.com news site.
Maryland's Frederick and Washington Counties now expressly permit ground-based, pole-mounted solar electric systems on land zoned residential.
If you don't have a south-facing roof line but have space in a side yard or your back yard for a ground-based pole-mounted system like the one in the adjacent photo, call Standard Solar at 301-944-1200 for an assessment.
The zoning change in Frederick allows for ground-mounted solar arrays up to one-half the footprint of the principal home or business structure or 600 square feet, whichever is larger. Roof-mounted systems are now permitted on "accessory" structures as well as principal residential and business buildings. Frederick County's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved this zoning change on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
Washington County approved similar zoning changes by a 4-1 vote June 16. For more please visit: http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=225213&format=html
Dual Pole-Mounted Solar Electric Array in Middleburg, VA
Updates From Previous Stories
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has signed legislation seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland 25% by 2020.
While the new law does not answer the all-important question as to how Maryland can accomplish this, clean energy advocates look forward to the plan for doing so from the State's Department of the Environment.
The Maryland Clean Energy Center has its first Executive Director: I. Katherine Magruder.
She already serves on the Center's Board of Directors and, among other work, has been the Chief of Staff of the Maryland Biotechnology Institute.
Treasury Grant Instructions to Be Released By June 30
The Treasury Department is expected to release full application instructions for the 30-percent grant by June 30 and is to begin accepting applications in July. The Treasury is supposed to review and respond to applications within 60 days, and applicants will receive funds within 5 days of being approved. The 30-percent grant can be claimed in lieu of the 30-percent ITC for commercially owned systems. More information is available at the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act website.
Standard Solar Team Profiles: C.J. Colavito at Centro Solar in Sabana Grande, Nicaragua -- In His Own Words
Before joining the Standard Solar team I got my feet wet in the solar business by volunteering for a year in Nicaragua for a non-profit organization where we used renewable energy technologies to help rural Nicaraguans. When I returned to the US last August I was determined to join the ranks as a green professional and I found my dream job as a Commercial Project Manager for Standard Solar.
After eight months with Standard Solar I was itching to go back to "Nica" where I could visit friends and practice my Espanol. I was also planning to do a small project to benefit the community. I decided that a larger PV system for the Centro Solar made sense so they would have enough electricity during the rainy season, when it is much less sunny.
I mentioned the project to my friend, Nicholas Bernel, who happens to be a Solar Design Engineer with Standard Solar, and he instantly loved the idea and asked to join me on the trip. Nick took the bull by the horns and was able to raise over $600 in five days from friends, family and our Standard Solar companeros to help fund the project. So we took an early spring break and headed for Nicaragua in mid March.
It took over 24 hours for us to travel from Washington, DC to Sabana Grande, Nicaragua. After four taxis, two flights, and a four hour bus ride we finally arrived at the village. We took a couple days to rest, visit friends, and play with the children; then we got to work. It didn't take long for us to realize that putting up eight 60 Watt solar panels on a custom-made steel pole mount system in four days was not going to be such a small project! Nick and I were determined, plus we made a great team. Nick had the craftsman and design skills and I spoke the language and knew how to get things done in Nicaragua.
My friends from the Centro Solar, Edwin and Mauro, hand-made the eight solar panels while Nick and I were in charge of getting the steel ground mount system ready. We spent an entire day just buying the materials because we had to visit seven hardware stores to get all the parts we needed. We got a taste of the hard-working campesino life when we spent an afternoon in the hot Nicaraguan sun digging the holes we needed for the footings. We also sanded, painted, and cut all the steel with hand tools. We assembled it on the ground and then enlisted about a dozen people to help us lift up the 15 foot tall mounting system and get it cemented into the ground. We tightened down the final solar panel just before the bus pulled up. There wasn't much time to spare but the project was finished. The Nicaraguans were ecstatic that they would finally have enough electricity to keep their lights and tools running. Nick and I were satisfied with our adventure and felt fulfilled by the contributions we made to the community.
Standard Solar Commercial Project Manager C. J. Colavito and Design Engineer Nick Bernel after the assembly of their solar electric array for the Centro Solar in Nicaragua.
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