Pew Roundtable Explores Ideas for Accelerating U.S. Clean Energy Industry
Athens, Ohio—The Pew Charitable Trusts Clean Energy Program recently convened a roundtable discussion to explore ideas for accelerating growth and competitiveness in the U.S. clean energy industry. This was the second of a half-dozen nationwide roundtables that Pew is hosting to gather expert input on the state of the U.S. clean energy economy and strategies for enhancing America’s competitive position. The ideas from these roundtables will be compiled by Pew into a “Blueprint for American Clean Energy Competitiveness.”
The roundtable was convened in collaboration with The Central Ohio Clean Energy Manufacturing Solutions Hub, Advanced Energy Economy of Ohio, Edison Welding Institute, and The Ohio Manufacturers Association. Approximately 30 industry leaders participated, including executives from GE Energy, AEP Ohio, Babcock & Wilcox, Rolls-Royce Fuel Systems, and Third Sun Solar.
The Pew roundtable focused on the issue of clean energy manufacturing in Ohio and, by extension, the U.S. The information gathered during the event will help inform Pew’s year-long effort to develop a comprehensive U.S. clean energy competitiveness strategy. The roundtable gathered a diverse group of business executives that crossed technology interests and areas of expertise. The group featured executives who know their industries well, are comfortable speaking candidly, and most importantly, can offer expert advice for steering policymakers to key issues in stimulating investment, business development, job creation, and progress across the U.S. clean energy supply chain.
During the roundtable, significant time was spent on issues currently impacting clean energy manufacturing in Ohio and across the nation, including:
Government policies regarding renewable energy
Financing and investment
Grid parity
“Bankability”
Tax laws
Regulatory changes and inconsistent policies
Free market policy directions
It is hoped that outputs from the Pew roundtables will encourage policymakers to renew the production tax credit, pass a clean energy standard, and support innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry in developing the world’s most advanced, cost-competitive clean energy technologies for Americans to use and export around the world.
Statement from the Pew Charitable Trusts Clean Energy Program
Energy is a key pillar of our lives—it runs our cars, charges our computers, and powers our factories. Globally, energy use is expected to increase 35 percent over the next 25 years, driven almost entirely by demand due to increases in electricity use and vehicle fleets. The growing need for energy around the world is likely to make it an ever more precious commodity—forcing up prices and increasing global instability. Additionally, the world’s energy sector is responsible for approximately 70 percent of global carbon emissions, the direct cause of climate change. A business-as-usual approach to energy policy threatens global economic competitiveness, national security, and the environment. We must fundamentally transform the manner in which we produce, distribute, and consume energy if we are to reduce dependence on oil, create jobs, enhance global competitiveness, and decrease carbon emissions.
First renewable energy project will reduce carbon emissions on Kent State campus
Athens, Ohio— Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, is installing 1,716 solar panels on the Kent State Field House. Covering almost one acre of roof area, this installation is believed to be the largest roof-mounted system among Ohio’s public universities. Scheduled to be completed in July, it is the first renewable energy project for Kent State, and is being completed by Third Sun Solar of Athens, Ohio.
The solar array will generate about 500,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year – about one-third of the annual consumption of both the Field House and Dix Stadium, or enough to power about 50 average homes. The project will eliminate an average of 779,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year, which is roughly equivalent to removing 70 cars from the road per year.
“We have been searching for funding opportunities to install solar panels on this roof for many years, and it is great to see the installation underway,” said Tom Euclide, Kent State’s associate vice president for Facilities Planning and Operations. “The benefits of adding this renewable energy source to our campus energy portfolio will not only help keep our costs lower for decades to come, but will also provide a visual reminder of Kent State’s leadership in sustainability, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy.”
“Facilitating the installation of energy-saving technologies—and now, renewable solar energy systems—is extremely satisfying,” said Robert Misbrener, project manager, sustainability, energy conservation, commissioning in the Office of the University Architect at Kent State. “The true goal is to demonstrate our stewardship of the environment and empower generations of students to carry that mission to the world.”
Kent State does not initially own the solar panel system, but will purchase all of the electricity produced by the system, while retaining the option to purchase the system after seven years. Some larger system components are being included to allow for the potential expansion of the Kent State Field House facility.
“Potentially, the sun’s energy can fulfill all of the world’s power needs many times over,” Misbrener said. “Sunlight contains energy that can be turned into electrical current, which can be harnessed for power. There are no harmful emissions from the sun as an energy source; it won’t run out, and best of all, it’s free.”
Kent State already produces most of its own energy in its combined heat and power plant that uses natural gas to power electric turbines. The heat typically released into the atmosphere by a power plant is, instead, saved and used to heat and cool the campus, making the university’s power production substantially more energy efficient than utility power systems. The university will reduce its fossil fuel consumption as it continues to develop renewable energy as one of its sustainability initiatives.
In an article examining small businesses wanting government to invest in clean energy, Michelle Greenfield and Third Sun Solar shine as successful examples of the growing green economy.
Across the United States, Main Street small businesses are working to rebuild our economy. These entrepreneurs are doing all they can to hire, grow and move their businesses forward. And they’re doing it largely through innovation — particularly in the clean energy arena.
Across all industries and at both ends of the political spectrum, entrepreneurs overwhelmingly support government investing in renewable energy and creating clean energy policies that will help guide them into a new economic sector….
A new AEP program pays you for 15 years of renewable energy credits (RECs) in one lump sum, up front—as soon as your solar energy system is installed & certified.
A powerful incentive to go solar
Up to 50% of your system cost can be paid to you by AEP in exchange for 15 years of your SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates). That guarantees a good return for 15 years worth of your energy credits—paid up front—and brings the total cost of your system into affordable range.
SRECs are generated when you generate clean solar power. AEP is buying up solar customers’ SRECs, in part, to meet their own clean-energy mandates. But this is a limited time opportunity; once AEP’s SREC budget is spent, the program will end.
Use the energy of tomorrow, today
Clean solar power offers a wealth of advantages, not the least of which is—a cleaner planet for your kids’ kids and their kids. Leave them a profoundly positive legacy—a cleaner, smarter way to power their planet. Every step in the solar direction brings us closer to a cleaner world for everyone.
We’ll help make it happen
Third Sun Solar will design and install your solar energy system, help you register it, and guide you through the AEP paperwork to secure your RETP payment. We’ll make it easy for you. Give us a call today to get started!
Invest now in clean energy
No one knows for sure where fossil fuel prices are going… but the smart money says they’re going up. A clean solar energy system will provide power for 30+ years, and the fuel is free—it rises every morning.
Add clean solar now through Third Sun Solar and get this direct payment from AEP. We’ll help with all the details.
In any young, developing industry, turmoil is inevitable — in fact, turmoil is an indicator of growth. Those of us who work in the industry — and those of us considering solar for our home or business — sometimes get caught up in the details of our specific projects, and lose sight of the bigger solar picture. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® has just released these statistics for 2011, which show that, for all the growing pains, solar is indeed growing! Take a look at these impressive stats — here are some highlights:
Eight U.S. states installed over 50 megawatts of solar in 2011
In 2009, only two PV projects over 10 megawatts were completed in the U.S. In 2010, the number rose to eight. In 2011, 28 such projects were connected to the grid.
The U.S. installed 776 megawatts of solar in Q4 2011, up 64 percent over Q3 2011 and up 115 percent over Q4 2010. Every market segment had a record quarter, as did ten individual states.
The U.S. installed 1,855 megawatts of PV in 2011, up 109 percent from the 887 megawatts installed in 2010. Growth occurred in every market segment and in 18 of the 23 states we track closely. The value of all PV installations rose to $8.4 billion, up from $5.0 billion in 2010.
We are a woman-owned business, recognized as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through the state of Ohio’s Unified Certification Program. We are EDGE-certified and federal HUBzone-certified.
Doctor Sudhir Sehgal, DDS Expands Use of Solar Panels to Three Central Ohio Locations
Athens, Ohio—A top-rated dentist in the Columbus area has taken a leadership position in clean energy by installing Solar PV Systems on all three of his dental practices. In the face of Ohio Utilities increasing energy prices on January 1st of this year, Dr. Sehgal says, “Why not? Continue reading “AREA DENTIST GOES GREEN IN A BIG WAY”
[box]We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. —Native American Proverb[/box]
Third Sun Solar Offers Residential Referral Program
At Third Sun Solar, we have been building our business one system and one customer at a time, and seeing a surprising amount of growth from word of mouth—customers telling a friend, or a friend of a friend. So we have decided to begin rewarding our customers for those referrals.
If a friend or neighbor of yours has shown interest in your solar energy system, and might be a good candidate for their own solar energy, at home or at their business, please provide us with their contact information and help introduce us.
If you do this, we can offer each of your referrals a special premium—a $250 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of Third Sun Solar and courtesy of you—for installing a 5kW or larger solar system. And if they install a system, we can also reward you with a $250 Visa Gift Card. This offer is good until February 15, 2012.
There is no limit to the number of referrals you can give us—and we will reward you for each one. But referrals must sign a contract by this February 15 for the rewards to be paid. The $250 reward applies to systems 5kW and larger, with rewards being pro-rated for smaller systems.
For more information, please give us a call at 740-249-4533. Thanks!
Third Sun Solar Short-Listed for Major Innovation Award
ATHENS, OHIO—Third Sun Solar has been listed as a semi-finalist for the 2011 TechColumbus Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in technology and innovation in Central Ohio.
Presented by TechColumbus, the annual Innovation Awards recognize outstanding achievements in technology leadership and innovation. From hundreds of entries, 13 outstanding leaders and teams who exemplify the best in technology leadership and innovation in 2011 will be honored during the Innovation Awards Ceremony on February 2, 2012 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Of the 13 award categories in this year’s event, Third Sun Solar is listed for its contributions in the Green Innovation segment. It shares this recognition with other firms that have developed a Green product or service that is commercially available and in production, and is in use with at least one customer/client; or that have applied or implemented a technology or process change that has a net positive impact on the environment.
About TechColumbus
TechColumbus is the catalyst for technology-driven economic growth in Central Ohio. Its goal is to accelerate innovation, business growth, job creation, and prosperity in the 15-county region of Central Ohio. TechColumbus works to create new companies, strengthen existing businesses, open doors to technology resources, and support the attraction and retention of technology-based businesses and talented people.
Linking the efforts of top technology enterprises, TechColumbus reaches out to the foremost research and development firms in the area—including The Ohio State University, Battelle, Columbus Children’s Research Institute, OhioHealth, 15 Fortune 1,000 companies, and thousands of tech-based and tech-enabled companies. TechColumbus facilitates collaboration among these tech assets and provides resources and assistance to accelerate business and overall economic progress.
THIRD SUN SOLAR PEOPLE: MEET JAMEY JONES
If you have ever sought a residential remote estimate from Third Sun Solar, or needed help getting your solar array certified and registered to sell your SRECs, chances are you’ve spoken—or at least emailed—with Jamey Jones. She is one of our mainstays—another Third Sun employee who does multiple things well, and without whom we wouldn’t be able to function as we do.
Jamey came to Third Sun Solar in 2008 as a receptionist—a position known within the company as a launch pad, as we keep finding great people to answer the phones and promoting them into other jobs here. Jamie was soon doing economic and solar performance modeling for residential systems, and became part of our sales team, handling inside work for all residential sales—completing remote estimates, interfacing with the Public Utilities Commission and GATS, and serving as liaison to all residential customers and projects.
What led Jamey to Third Sun Solar? Mainly, it was her abiding interest in wellness and being green. She had previously worked at the Farmacy Natural Foods Store in Athens; developed health food recipes for a local clientele; provided organic landscaping services for area clients; and worked with Passion Works Studio in Athens as a lead production artist, making collaborative art with adults with and without developmental disabilities.
Having come to the Athens community over twenty years ago as an Ohio University student, Jamey has put down roots here. She is the proud parent of two amazing kids—daughter Lilah (again on course for straight A’s at Athens city schools) and younger son River, aptly named for being a source of boundless energy.
What matters most to Jamey is that her work has environmental and/or social value—that it makes the world a better place for her children.
IN THE NEWS—STATE GRANT PROGRAM, OHIO UPDATE
Energy Loan Fund Replaces State Grants for Renewable Energy Systems
This past year, the State of Ohio Department of Development, Office of Energy announced that it was suspending the grant program for solar installations. The ODOD Office of Energy administers incentive programs through the Advanced Energy Fund to support investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. To that end, on December 15, 2011, the Office of Energy launched the Energy Loan Fund that applies funds through the Advanced Energy Fund along with federal funds from the State Energy Program to offer low-interest loans to those seeking to add renewable energy systems to their homes.
The new program is not a grant. It is a loan program that requires credit approval and carries up-front and annual fees, and for that reason, is not nearly as attractive as the former grant program. However, solar panel prices have been falling, and we are willing to review and re-do the performance and economic modeling we may have previously performed for you. We may be able to offer better pricing than we could before.
Our take on this is that some customers may benefit, but not nearly as much as during the previous grant period. With solar panel prices falling, the Federal Tax Credit and depreciation rules still in place, and the Energy Loan Fund, there may be enough incentive in place to persuade more people to go solar. 2012 should show us whether the move to clean energy is ready to climb the adoption curve and see more of a mainstream embrace.
IN THE NEWS—EXCERPTED FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD, JANUARY 2012
Gainesville, Florida Becomes a World Leader in Solar
By John Farrell
You don’t have to be big to go big on solar power. That’s the lesson from the Gainesville Regional Utilities, the electric utility whose feed-in tariff solar policy has brought over 7 megawatts (MW) of solar to the city’s 125,000 residents. The raw number isn’t much, but it puts Gainesville among the world leaders in solar installed per capita, beating out Japan, France, and China (and besting California, with 32 kilowatts -kW- per 1,000 residents).
[box]If we were to advocate for, and gain, such policies here in the Midwest, we could put Ohio and the surrounding states on the solar map—and make a dramatic step toward moving away from electricity generated by burning coal. Want to take action on that? You can begin by sending this article to your local municipal electric utility. [/box]
The basic premise behind the feed-in tariff program is that anyone who wants to be a solar power generator can connect to the grid and get a 20-year contract for their power from the municipal utility.
The long-term contract makes getting financing for solar projects easier and the prices are attractive. The utility pays 24 cents per kilowatt-hour generated for large-scale ground-mounted systems and up to 32 cents for small, rooftop systems.
The price differentiation helps accommodate solar arrays of various sizes, from residential to larger commercial installations, spreading the economic opportunity. The differentiation may also help small-scale residential projects that can’t use federal tax incentives for businesses (depreciation).
Thus far, approximately one-third of the city’s 7.3 MW of solar power is in relatively small systems 100 kW and smaller. About half the installed capacity is in projects 500 kW and larger.
The solar feed-in tariff program also brings value to the local community and electricity system. A report released earlier this year found that the grid benefits and social benefits of solar power far outweigh the typical valuation of solar power by utilities. These benefits include reduced stress on the utility distribution system and reduced transmission losses.
The feed-in tariff program also means local economic development. With a rule of thumb of eight jobs per MW, according to a University of California, Berkeley, study of the jobs created from renewable energy development, Gainesville has already generated 56 jobs. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that each megawatt of solar adds $240,000 to the local economy, and if Gainesville’s solar projects are locally owned, the value could be much higher.
More than anything, Gainesville provides an important lesson in local energy self-reliance. While many communities must await action by a state legislature or investor-owned utility, the municipal utility has the authority to act quickly in support of the community. And when the utility is locally controlled, it can mean big things for local solar power.
ABOUT THIRD SUN SOLAR
Founded in 2000, Third Sun Solar is at the forefront of the emerging Ohio clean energy industry—a growing resource for 21st-century jobs. For more than a decade, the company has custom designed and installed over 300 renewable energy systems for its commercial, institutional, government, and residential customers across the Midwest. Third Sun Solar employs a team of NABCEP-certified solar energy system installers along with system designers, financial analysts, grant specialists, and support staff, all focused on making it easy for customers to go solar. The company combines financial and management experience, highly trained installation crews, privileged supply agreements with leading equipment suppliers, a network of professional services partners, and advanced internal systems to deliver a smooth transition to solar energy at any scale. An Inc. 5000 company in 2009, 2010 and 2011, To learn more, please visit our website at kokosingsolar.com.
TESTIMONIAL
ON THE JOB
Third Sun Solar installers completing a 5.4kW SunPower panel systemon a standing seam metal roof in Coshocton, Ohio
[av_one_half min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
This project included an initial installation plus an expansion, which brought the total system size to 212kW. Our client, the Kentucky National Guard, wanted a net-zero facility; our installation crews faced some challenges in placing solar panels onto large Quonset huts, but in the end, the finished installation looked even better than the proposal renderings we provided the client.
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_half]
[av_one_half min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
This project included an initial installation plus an expansion, which brought the total system size to 212kW. Our client, the Kentucky National Guard, wanted a net-zero facility; our installation crews faced some challenges in placing solar panels onto large Quonset huts, but in the end, the finished installation looked even better than the proposal renderings we provided the client.
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_half]
Athens, Ohio Solar Firm Listed Among Green Innovation Finalists
ATHENS, OHIO—Third Sun Solar has been listed as a semi‐finalist for the 2011 TechColumbus Innovation Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in technology and innovation in Central Ohio.
Comparison of Crystalline and Thin-Film Solar Technologies in Cincinnati
Athens, Ohio— Alternative Energy Magazine, a web-based news source featuring inside knowledge of the renewable energy industry, has published a new study performed by project developers at Third Sun Solar. The study explores the comparative strengths of two competing solar panel technologies—crystalline and thin-film solar cells—mounted on the same rooftop.
This year, we have seen our business grow with increasing numbers of large commercial solar installations—and we are projecting that growth to continue, and accelerate, in 2012. But we have also seen a steady increase in residential solar. And in looking back over the past couple years, we see some clear trends emerging. Continue reading “Good Living, Solar Style: Residential Trends”
