__________________________________________________________________________________________

Cadmium Telluride
www.CadmiumTelluride.net

Cadmium Telluride: A toxic and deadly ingredient found in some solar panels?

I. Summary. Several US and foreign manufacturers have started mass production of CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) based thin film PV modules, and are planning to install millions of these untested and unproven for this use PV modules on US desert lands.

While using small number of these modules on a house rooftop, or a small commercial site, does not pose any significant problem for a number of reasons, we foresee serious problems when installing and operating CdTe PV modules in large scale solar power fields, destined to operate 25-30 years non-stop on

desert lands.

Due to the fairly small amount of Cadmium in each CdTe module (avg. 7-9 g / m²), it is unlikely for a small number of these modules to cause any environmental or health related issues under normal operation, regardless of the operating conditions.

Avoiding direct contact with damaged modules, and staying away from fires involving CdTe modules would be enough to eliminate any danger of environmental contamination or human health during the normal life of the modules. Proper disposal of these at end of useful life (as toxic hazmat materials) is a must, if we are to protect the environment from unknown and potentially damaging consequences.

Thin films of any kind (including CdTe and CdS) tend to shrink when exposed to cold and expand significantly when heated. After hundreds and thousands of these temperature cycles, accompanied by distortion of the films and friction between them, thin films tend to fatigue and show signs of mechanical deterioration and disintegration (expressed as cracks, pits, particles generation, and delamination from the substrate and from each other).

The interface between the thin films and the surrounding layers is weakened and even destroyed with time, and the films lose their monolithic structure. All these abnormalities lead to loss of power with time and facilitate chemical reactions, if and when outside elements enter the structure.

2. CdTe PV modules are a fairly new product, untested for long term desert operation and have no proven track record for such application.

3. Regulations covering Cadmium and its compounds are in force in some countries, but in the US Cadmium use is totally unregulated presently.

4. Tests done to date with small test pieces do NOT address the issues at hand: i.e., large scale operation for 25-30 years in the high deserts of CA or AZ.

5. CdTe and CdS thin films cannot remain monolithic and stable for 25-30 years of non-stop operation under the large temperature variations in the desert.

6. CdTe / CdS thin films will disintegrate, decompose and react with time, forming unstable Cadmium compounds, which behavior is unknown and unpredictable.

7. These newly formed compounds might outgas with time, thus poisoning the air in the affected areas.

8. CdTe modules usually are frame-less structures of two pieces of glass, bonded together with a plastic laminate material, which will also disintegrate with time and will allow moisture and gasses to react with the thin films, while at the same time allowing the Cadmium byproducts to outgas to the outside.

9. Who is going to control the changes in the modules, the potential contamination of, and outgassing in, the environment?

10. Who is going to be responsible for remediating any problems, arising from damage to the environment or life in the affected areas?

11. Who is going to recycle the CdTe modules at end of useful life, if the principles and / or their insurers are gone out of business at that time?

12. This is a big deal – covering thousands of acres US desert land with a new and potentially toxic product. Why are the principles refusing to discuss the issues openly, and assure us of the safety of this product? Why the mystery around it?

Argument 1: “…one nickel cadmium flashlight battery has about as much cadmium (7 g)

Answer 1: If we can visit a 6,000 acres field covered with millions of NiCd batteries we’d be able to compare the difference. Until then, this argument is simply irrelevant.

Argument 2: The material is bonded and sealed and, even if it were to be released, it would be below hazardous levels (2).

Answer 2: Agreed. Small test pieces; no problem. But imagine 7.3 million CdTe thin film modules containing 132,000 lbs. (60 tons) Cadmium, spread evenly over 6,000 acres (as needed for the proposed 550MW power plant in CA). Imagine a tornado slamming the modules into the ground and into each other. Imagine half of the modules’ thin films decomposing after 5-10 years exposure to the desert extremes and outgassing through the cracked and porous encapsulation layers. Just imagine Cadmium chunks and particles buried into the ground, and Cadmium vapors carried by the wind to where the wind decides to blow.

Argument 3: Using a small amount of cadmium in a sealed PV module provides substantial environmental benefits (2).

Answer 3: Agreed, small amounts are of no consequence and the benefits might outweigh the damages. But how about the huge amounts of Cadmium in the large scale power fields? How about 132,000 lbs. Cadmium spread over one area? How about 6,000 acres contaminated land to start with and many more coming our way?

Answer 4. Reliability aside, the CdTe modules (like any other thin film and Silicon based) module will lose efficiency with time. Approx 1% per year (3). Or 10% in 10 years and 30% in 30 years. Or maybe more; there are no tests to verify that, so we can only guess. So what is this loss of power due to? Adhesion failure between the layers? Disintegration and decomposition of the thin films? Or all of the above. And what would stop the thin films from outgassing?

Argument 5: Heating experiments to simulate residential fires showed that most (i.e., 99_5%) of the cadmium content of CdTe PV modules was encapsulated in the molten glass matrix. (4).

Answer 5: Agreed, the small test pieces did not pose much danger. But how about the results from a massive fire over 6,000 acres packed with CdTe modules?

NOTE: “Pieces of commercial CdTe photovoltaic (PV) modules, nominally 25x3 (75sm2) cm were used for the tests. (4)”. 6,000 acres is 242,812,380,000.00cm², so how does a small 75cm² test piece, tested with a Bunsen burner on a lab bench answer the question of large scale installation wild fire safety. Apples and oranges…?

Answer 6: “It corresponds to the SIMS measurements, which indicate that dopants migrate from the junction to the back contact and accumulate near the back contact.” (6)

Such drastic change in key performance elements is not a sign of a strong and stable material. On the contrary; it is a sign of chemically and electronically unstable one, that is looking for a stable chemical and electronic state, thus is prone to chemical reactions.

Various tests done with CdTe modules clearly show inconsistent efficiency and steady power output degradation, which means that the materials in them are unstable and are undergoing some changing with time.

On the other hand Asbestos is even stronger and more stable material…but look what happened when it was used in such a large scale. Anything in moderation, they say. And potentially toxic materials even more so, we say.

Answer 7: Yes, for now. EU and China have issued restrictions and banned (5) the use and manufacturing of some Cadmium containing products, which means that there is a problem that we need to look into BEFORE allowing the installation of millions of CdTe modules on thousands acres US land.

Answer 8: Who is going to recycle them if the manufacturer and/or the insurance company are out of business by then? The future generation, that’s who! And they are the ones who will cleanup the hazmat fields, UNLESS we make sure that they are safe BEFORE allowing their installation to begin with.

There is a serious problem with a major PV technology. A supposedly “green” technology, which, in our opinion, has the potential of becoming deadly, if not taken care of, tested, proven safe and properly controlled for long term use in large scale operation in the

deserts.

This is a clear and present danger that has to be brought out in the open, addressed and resolved -- BEFORE we allow mega fields of Cadmium to cover the

deserts.

The biggest problem thus far has been the fact that CdTe manufacturers and responsible organizations, such as: DOE, NREL, NIH, BNL, EPA, OSHA, CEC, ASES, Union of Concerned Scientists and others are hesitant to get involved in this debate, and prefer to sweep the issues under the rug…until now.

Sweeping these serious issues under the rug, however, will only postpone the inevitable, making things even worse in the process. So why not bring them in the open now, and address and resolve the most urgent ones once and forever? While we still have time.

Time to act is NOW. Please take a close look at this potential disaster, brewing over US desert lands, and let’s urge the

scientific community and governing bodies into action. We need to make sure that millions CdTe modules installed on thousands of acres US desert lands will not cause another Asbestos-like environmental debacle and will not convert thousands of pristine desert acres into deadly hazmat fields…and all in the name of “green” energy.

We must convince the CdTe products manufacturers and the regulators to bring the Cadmium related issues in the open and tell us their side of the story. We must come to an agreement with them BEFORE they mess up the US deserts and life in general. It is our responsibility to the environment and people’s health.

There are solutions that we should discuss with and suggest to the responsible parties (manufacturers, governing bodies, regulators, customers etc.), so we’ll continue looking for ways to raise the issues to the attention of all people who might be interested and / or affected by this potential disaster.

Please take a close look at the facts herewith and on the Internet, and help us help our selves and the next generations by avoiding another Asbestos-like debacle.

Why is Cadmium being regulated?
http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-contamination/cadmium-contaminants-removal-water.htm

In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.

The MCLG for cadmium has been set at 5 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.

NOTE. MCLG for Cadmium is set at 5ppb, or 0.000 005g/l, or 5 grams per 1,000,000 liters

This, compared with 8 grams of Cadmium content per each square meter (3 ft2) in CdTe thin film PV modules. You be the judge!

Some cadmium compounds are able to leach through soils to ground water. When cadmium compounds do bind to the sediments of rivers, they can be more easily bio-accumulated or re-dissolved when sediments are disturbed, such as during flooding. Its tendency to accumulate in aquatic life is great in some species, low in others.

Short-term: EPA has found cadmium to potentially cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, salivation, sensory disturbances, liver injury, convulsions, shock and renal failure.

Long-term: Cadmium has the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: kidney, liver, bone and blood damage.

HOW CAN CADMIUM AFFECT MY HEALTH? http://www.idph.state.il.us/cancer/factsheets/cadmium.htm

Some workers who breathe air with high levels of cadmium over a short time experience lung damage and even death. Breathing cadmium in air does not usually cause immediate breathing problems or any warning signs. Therefore, exposure may continue until serious lung damage has occurred. Most cadmium levels found in the environment are not high enough to cause lung damage. Breathing lower levels of cadmium over several years can result in a buildup of cadmium in the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. It also can cause bones to become weaker. If you eat food or drink water that contains large amounts of cadmium, stomach irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea may result. Small amounts of cadmium taken in over many years may cause kidney damage and fragile bones.

Female rats and mice fed diets high in cadmium have offspring with low birth weight and improperly formed bones. Low birth weight also has been found in women exposed to cadmium in the workplace. Exposure to cadmium at normal environmental levels is not likely to cause low birth weight infants. Rodents exposed to cadmium in air have higher rates of lung cancer, liver damage, and changes in the immune system. There is no evidence that cadmium causes cancer at the low levels normally found in the environment.

Cadmium is dangerous to human health and to the environment. The Council Directive

91/338/EC of 18 June 1991 prohibits the use of cadmium as a pigment, dye or stabilizer in plastics and its use as plating on metallic surfaces. Companies can do much to prevent the manufacture, sale, import and export of products containing cadmium by means of selfregulation.

This fact sheet provides details about the Cadmium Directive and how to observe it.

Cadmium is a soft metal. Chemically it is classed together with zinc and mercury in Group 2B of the Period Table. Cadmium is a by-product of the production of zinc from its ore. Total world production is currently in the order of 20 000 tonnes per year. Cadmium has many uses. For example:

When cadmium is released into the environment it can be taken up by plants, including crops. The cadmium intake in Europe amounts to around 75 micrograms per week. Most of this is taken in by mouth and accumulates in the kidney. The disease 'itai itai' (Japanese for 'ouch, ouch') is caused by chronic exposure to a relatively high dose of cadmium. In 1968 it was discovered that the cadmium entered the human food chain via rice grown in paddies irrigated using waste water that contained cadmium. Since then much research has been carried out to study the toxicity of cadmium. Cadmium ions can cause kidney damage leading to an enhanced excretion of calcium from bones. The 'softening' of bones that results can lead to serious malformation and hellish pains. Hence 'itai itai'.

Following the discovery of the causes of 'itai itai' disease awareness of the need to eliminate, or at least reduce, the release of cadmium into the environment grew. This is not a simple task because of the economic importance of the metal itself. However, in the twenty years that followed the discovery of itai itai, alternatives have been found for most cadmium applications. As of 1985-1990, in view of oncoming european legislation for cadmium, the industry has started to replace Cadmium-based pigments by organic pigments and the cadmium-based stabil;izers, used for PVC, by lead or zinc-based stabilizers.

- may not be used to give colour to finished products manufactured from plastics and resins (for a list see table I). When the cadmium content exceeds 0.01% (100 milligrams per kilogram) these products may not be placed on the market;

- may not be used in paints. If the paints have a high zinc content, the residual concentration of cadmium must be as low as possible and at all events must not exceed 0.01%;

- may not be used as stabiliser in products made from PVC or related compounds (for a list see Table

II). In these cases the cadmium concentration in the finished product is also limited to 0.01%;

- may not be used for cadmium plating of metallic products and components to be used in equipment and machinery, furniture and household goods.

Exemptions include the use of cadmium pigments and or stabilisers in products where they are required for safety reasons. The prohibition against the use of cadmium plating does not apply to products or components used in aeronautical, aerospace, mining, offshore and nuclear sectors where applications require high safety standards; and for electrical contacts, where cadmium is used to ensure the reliability of the devices in which the contacts are fitted.

Several Member States have been granted derogations from the Cadmium Directive to take into account local circumstances and have applied this in national legislation that deviates. Whereas the Council Directive contains a limited number of products, made of substances and preparations containing cadmium, these Member States have issued a total ban on the use of cadmium in plastics (see Box 1).

The national regulation Cadmiumverordnung BGBI. Nr. 855/1993 restricts the use of cadmium further than prescribed by Council directive 91/338/EEC. It includes a general ban (with exemptions) on cadmium and cadmium compounds for:

Under the Chemical Substance Act the Cadmium Decree 1999 was issued to replace the

Cadmium Decree 1990. It contains a total ban on the use of cadmium as pigment, dye and/or stabiliser in all plastics and as plating for metal, although there are exemptions for a limited number of essential applications in aerospace and defence. The Cadmium Decree also contains rules for recycling of 'old' products containing cadmium stating that, depending on its useful life, between 90 and 99% of cadmium-containing materials should be recycled. The Minister for the Environment can grant an exemption for safety applications. A fact sheet in English is available from the Ministry of the Environment.

The Swedish ban on cadmium covers the use of cadmium compounds as pigments, stabilisers and for surface treatment (plating). Because the Swedish regulations do not specify the types of plastics in which cadmium pigments or stabilisers can be used, the ban also covers other plastics. Some general exemptions have been granted for certain goods and commodities.

These include some minor deviations from the Council Directive. Further information is available on <www.kemi.se>).

Enforcement of the Cadmium Directive is one of the priorities for the Chemical Legislation European Enforcement Network (CLEEN) under the joint presidency of Greece and the Netherlands . In recent years inspections have been carried out to ensure compliance among manufacturers and firms that import products from outside the European Union. These inspections have shown that 15 - 20% of the samples tested still contain too much cadmium in the form of either pigments or stabilisers. The main source of these cadmium-containing products is the Far East, particularly the Peoples Republic of China . Approximately 80% of the products made from PVC containing an excessive cadmium content originates from this country.

To prevent the import of prohibited goods CLEEN is co-ordinating efforts of the Member States to improve inspection methods and procedures as part of the EuroCad Network (see Box 2 ). The Network aims to establish closer co-operation between customs and environmental inspectors both within and between Member States. On the European level co-operation will be encouraged between the directorates-general involved, DG III (Industry), DG XI (Environment) and DG XXI (Customs).

In 1995/96 several Member States worked together in a project known as NONS (Notification of New Substances) which aimed to improve enforcement of Council Directive 92/32/EEC. This directive requires companies to inform authorities on the release of new substances. At the conclusion of the NONS project, CLEEN, the Chemical Legislation European Enforcement Network, was established in May 1999 in Dresden . CLEEN aims to enforce European legislation on substances and products by setting priorities and initiating international projects.

EuroCad, set up to help to enforce cadmium legislation, is the first of these projects. It began work in September 1999 and concentrates on four areas for international co-operation: selfregulation;

co-operation with customs; development of inspection methods; and desk studies on the use of cadmium. Another project aims at enforcement of CFC (chlorofluorcarbonate) legislation.

Companies must obviously comply with relevant national cadmium regulations based on the Council

Directive. They can also work voluntarily to restrict cadmium use and to prevent the manufacturing and import of products containing unacceptably high levels of cadmium either through their environmental management system or through supply chain management.

Environmental management systems ( EMS ) are becoming more and more common among manufacturers. An EMS consists of a series of related measures concerning company policy, organisation and administration. These measures are meant to provide an insight into the effects of plant processes on the environment, to control these effects and, where possible, to diminish them. An EMS can be certified by an independent certification authority providing certain standards are achieved. In 1996 the International Standard Organisation published the ISO 14000-series as a standard for EMS . The Council of Ministers in 1993 published the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), a voluntary scheme for companies that have a certified EMS . Inspections of raw materials or components that are purchased, including a check on the cadmium content should be part of an EMS , including a check on cadmium-content.

Responsible Care. The chemical industry itself has taken the initiative in establishing a systematic approach to improve standards in safety, health and environment with their Responsible Care programme. This encourages opening up communication links with authorities as well as with other stakeholders, including people living near chemical plants, environmental organisations and suppliers and purchasers. A fairly recent element added to the Responsible Care programme is the concept of 'product stewardship', whereby a company takes responsibility for its products after they have left the factor from distribution through to (re-)use and finally removal, or waste management. Product stewardship is motivated, on the one hand, by a genuine concern for health and safety, and on the other, by the need to reduce liability. In general product stewardship can be used to prevent the manufacturing of products containing excessive levels of cadmium.

Contracts. Trading companies generally do not have environmental management or comparable systems, in spite of the fact that the import of substances and products is an important source of cadmium in the European Union. To stop, or at least reduce, this flow companies could include a special clause in the contract with their supplier requiring the supplier to provide documentation to prove that the substances or products do not contain excessive levels of cadmium. For an example see annex 1.

These documents should preferably contain the results of the tests carried out according to an accepted procedure (see Box 3 ) and by qualified laboratories. In other cases where the imports involve small amounts and importers are not dealing with a regular supplier, companies could request a 'Non-Cadmium Declaration' , as shown in the example in annex 2. However, this type of declaration does not protect the purchaser against prosecution if it the product is subsequently discovered to contain an excessive concentration of cadmium. However, it can be of use by making it possible to claim damages from the supplier.

A European Pre-standard procedure (ENV 1122) has been developed in order to meet the European standards for total cadmium content in plastic components, paints and pigments Where paints and varnishes are required to be tested for cadmium content an alternative test method as laid down in ISO 385614 may be used. The European Pre-standard procedure is based on the atomisation of a solution in the flame of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and measurement of its absorption at a wavelength of 228.8 nm.

a) All products must comply with any and all European Union and national legislation, regulations, directives, administrative requirements or practices and any other requirements which may from time to time be in force, relating to the supply, offer for sale, sale and safety of the products, for all countries in which they are offered for sale.

b) The supplier has to provide all documentation required by <company name> or any European Union of national or local governmental authority or agency necessary to prove and demonstrate compliance with the requirements of paragraph a) above of products supplied to the Purchase order. Where European Union or national certification is available to prove or demonstrate compliance with any such requirements, the supplier shall supply only products so certified.

c) Without prejudice to the provisions of b) above, where products may bear, or are required by law so to bear, certification under the 'CE' mark of conformity, the Supplier shall supply only products so certified. The supplier shall provide to <company name> or any European Union or national or local governmental authority or agency any and all documentation necessary to prove or otherwise demonstrate conformity with said mark.

d) The Supplier has to ensure that all tests necessary to obtain certification under b) or c) above have been carried out in accordance with any and all applicable legislation, requirements, rules or regulations, and that any and all such tests are conducted by a test house approved by the European Union, as may from time tot time appear in the Official Journal of the European Union.

e) All product claims shall at all times be true and accurate. The supplier shall, upon the request of <company name>, and as may otherwise be required by any national or local government authority or agency, immediately provide any and all documentation necessary to prove or otherwise substantiate any and all product claims.

f) In the event that the supplier supplies products which do not conform with the provisions of a), b), c), d) or e) above, these products may be returned to the Supplier or the country of origin (if different) at the Supplier's expense. The price of such non-conforming products may, with agreement from the Supplier, be deducted by <company name> from sums otherwise payable to the Supplier in relation to other products or batches of products, save that if the price payable has already been paid, <company name> may require immediate reimbursement of the sum, such reimbursement in no circumstances to take place later than 10 days following a request by <company name>.

i. In order to meet the European and national standards for total Cadmium content in plastics <company name> has specified the European Pre-standard ENV 1122 procedure for testing of all of its individual plastic components.

ii. The test procedure applies to all individual plastic components, paints and pigments used in the manufacture of products intended for supply by supplier to <company name>.

iii. The level of Cadmium found in any individual component shall not exceed 100 mg/kg when tested by the method prescribed.

iv. If test method B is used the watch glass should be replaced during all the heating processes so as to prevent any loss of cadmium during the test.

v. Where paints and varnishes require testing for Cadmium content an alternative test method as laid down in International Standard ISO 385614 may be used.

vi. Producers should also be aware that it is planned to introduce a new European commission directive under the dangerous substances Directive 76/769/EEC which will restrict the use of tin and cadmium in a range of plastics and paints.

vii. It is a requirement that all items which require Cadmium certification (as indicated on the purchase order) shall be inspected and certified per production batch. A copy of such certification is to be sent to: <company name>

NB. No product which requires Cadmium certification may be shipped to Europe without Cadmium certification approval. The company lot code should be attached by the Supplier to this certificate for identification purposes.

We herewith declare that the article or articles as stipulated under the above mentioned invoice number does or do not contain any cadmium.

This declaration also applies to: accessories and other additional materials (such as zips, bindings, drawstrings, buckles, labels, etcetera) ; and packaging of the article or articles.

We further guarantee that our company can be hold responsible and shall accept any qualified claim in the event of declarations that do not accurately reflect the true cadmium level(s).

What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

A Power Purchase Agreement is a legal agreement wherein our clients agree to buy either the power (electricity) or the power and energy (hot water, steam and/or chilled water for air-conditioning) - or both - directly from us, for a term of 10 to 20 years, where we have installed, own and operate our solar energy systems.

In nearly every case, once we have installed our solar energy systems at our client's facility, we can immediately reduce our (commercial) client's electricity expenses by 10% over what they were paying for their power electricity from their electric utility.

The right Power Purchase Agreement, solar cogeneration or solar trigeneration energy solution, may save your company hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions of dollars over the term of the agreement.

Simultaneously, having the wrong or poorly drafted PPA can cost your company thousands or millions of dollars. You wouldn't consult a brain surgeon to treat your child's broken bone! Selecting the wrong attorneys, law firm or team to promulgate or re-negotiate your Power Purchase Agreement can leave you "powerless" and penniless - and still requiring the skills and expertise of competent and qualified professionals to resolve the situation.

Because a Power Purchase Agreement is at the "heart" and underlying foundation of our projects, we can help your business with the selection and oversight of PPA's.

We can help your city or community create a Municipal Utility District or Public Utility District that may then qualify for our very competitively priced energy and electricity rates. Now is the time for cities, municipal and governmental clients to consider having our company install one of our renewable power and energy systems that will generate "clean" power and energy, lower costs, and avoid the coming electricity shortages and grid congestion problems!

Products and services provided by us include the following power and energy project development services:

The Best Site Available for Power Purchase Agreements,
Information, Resources and Turnkey Solar Energy Systems

Advertise Your Company, Product, or Solar Services
at the BEST website address for Power Purchase Agreements!

www.PowerPurchaseAgreement.com

What Is a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA)?

A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a financial arrangement in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the photovoltaic (PV) system, and a host customer agrees to site the system on its roof or elsewhere on its property and purchases the system’s electric output from the solar services provider for a predetermined period. This financial arrangement allows the host customer to receive stable, and sometimes lower cost electricity, while the solar services provider or another party acquires valuable financial benefits such as tax credits and income generated from the sale of electricity to the host customer.

With this business model, the host customer buys the services produced by the PV system rather than the PV system itself. This framework is referred to as the “solar services” model, and the developers who offer Solar Power Purchase Agreements are known as solar services providers. Solar Power Purchase Agreement arrangements enable the host customer to avoid many of the traditional barriers to adoption for organizations looking to install solar systems: high up-front capital costs; system performance risk; and complex design and permitting processes. In addition, Solar Power Purchase Agreement arrangements can be cash flow positive for the host customer from the day the system is commissioned.

How do Solar Power Purchase Agreements Work?

A host customer agrees to have solar panels installed on its property, typically its roof, and signs a long-term contract with the solar services provider to purchase the generated power. The host property can be either owned or leased (note that for leased properties, solar financing works best for customers that have a long-term lease). The purchase price of the generated electricity is typically at or slightly below the retail electric rate the host customer would pay its utility service provider.

Solar Power Purchase Agreement rates can be fixed, but they often contain an annual price escalator in the range of one to five percent to account for system efficiency decreases as the system ages and inflation-related costs increases for system operation, monitoring, maintenance, and anticipated increases in the price of grid-delivered electricity. A Solar Power Purchase Agreement is a performance-based arrangement in which the host customer pays only for what the system produces. The term length of most Solar Power Purchase Agreements can range from six years (i.e., the time by which available tax benefits are fully realized) to as long as 25 years.

The solar services provider functions as the project coordinator, arranging the financing, design, permitting, and construction of the system. The solar services provider purchases the solar panels for the project from a PV manufacturer, who provides warranties for system equipment.

The installer will design the system, specify the appropriate system components, and may perform the follow-up maintenance over the life of the PV system. To install the system, the solar services provider might use an in-house team of installers or have a contractual relationship with an independent installer. Once the Solar Power Purchase Agreement contract is signed, a typical installation can usually be completed in three to six months.

An investor provides equity financing and receives the federal and state tax benefits for which the system is eligible. Under certain circumstances, the investor and the solar services provider may together form a special purpose entity for the project to function as the legal entity that receives and distributes to the investor payments from the sale of the systems kWh output and tax benefits.

The utility serving the host customer provides an interconnection from the PV system to the grid, and continues its electric service with the host customer to cover the periods during which the system is producing less than the site’s electric demand. Certain states have net metering requirements in place that provide a method of crediting customers who produce electricity on-site for generation in excess of their own electricity consumption. In most states, the utility will credit excess electricity produced from the PV system, although the compensation varies significantly depending on state polices.

Some of the above information from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency with permission.

A Power Purchase Agreement is "behind" almost every power plant. A PPA is a contract involving the generation and sales of electricity - which is normally developed between the owner of a power plant generating the electricity, and the buyer of the electricity. PPA's can be quite lengthy agreements that may exceed 100 pages in length and take several months to even 1-2 years to finalize.

The basic information contained in a Power Purchase Agreement include the following items:

          * Definitions
          * Purchase and Sale of Contracted Capacity and Energy (such as steam, hot
             water and/or chilled water in the case of cogeneration and trigeneration
             plants
          * Operation of the Power Plant
          * Financing of the Power Plant
          * Guarantees of Performance
          * Penalties
          * Payments
          * Force Majeure
          * Default and Early Termination
          * Miscellaneous
          * T&C's

For more information about Power Purchase Agreements, call or e-mail us today.
Tel. (832) 758 - 0027.

Why Not Go Green? ^sm

Solar Energy Systems Now Available with
Zero Up-front Costs
for Qualified Commercial, Industrial &
Municipal/Government Clients in
the U.S., Canada or Caribbean

Cogeneration and Trigeneration Energy Systems Now Available with
Zero Up-front Costs for Qualified Commercial, Industrial &
Municipal/Government Clients in the U.S. and Canada

Eliminate your Company's Carbon Emissions
and Greenhouse Gas Emissions!

More information at the following sites:

www.AbsorptionChillers.com

www.AdsorptionChillers.com

www.AnaerobicDigester.com

www.AnaerobicDigesters.com

www.B100Biodiesel.com

www.BiogasPlant.com

www.BiomassGasification.com

www.Biomethane.com

www.BuildingIntegratedPhotovoltaic.com

www.CarbonEmissions.com

www.CarbonFreeEnergy.com

www.CentralPowerPlant.com

www.CleanPowerGeneration.com

www.Cogeneration.net

www.CompressedNaturalGas.net

www.ConcentratedSolarPower.com

www.ConcentratingSolarPower.com

www.DecentralizedEnergy.com

www.DemandSideManagement.com

www.DirectHydrogenFuelCell.com

www.DispersedGeneration.com

www.DistributedGeneration.org

www.DistributedPV.com

www.DistributedSolarGeneration.com

www.EcoGeneration.com

www.ElectricPowerGeneration.net

www.GasTurbines.org

www.GreenhouseGasEmissions.com

www.HeatRecoverySteamGenerator.com

www.HydrogenFuelCell.net

www.LandfillGasToEnergy.com

www.MethaneRecovery.com

www.MoltenCarbonateFuelCell.com

www.MoltenSaltStorage.com

www.NetZeroEnergy.com

www.NetZeroEnergyBuilding.com

www.OrganicRankineCycle.com

www.PhosphoricAcidFuelCell.com

www.PipelineQuality.com

www.PipelineQualityGas.com

www.PlasmaGasification.com

www.PollutionFreePower.com

www.PowerPurchaseAgreement.com

www.RooftopPV.com

www.SewageSludge.com

www.SolarEnergySystems.net

www.SolarCogeneration.com

www.SolarPowerAndEnergy.com

www.SolarPowerParks.com

www.SolarTrigeneration.com

www.SolidOxideFuelCell.net

www.SteamTurbines.net

www.SynchronousGenerator.com

www.SynthesisGas.com

www.ThinFilmPhotovoltaics.com

www.Trigeneration.com

www.TurbineInletAirCooling.com

www.WasteHeatRecovery.com

www.WasteToEnergy.net

www.WasteToFuel.com

www.WasteToWatts.com

We develop renewable energy projects, and specialize in solar power and energy project development. Our company provides the total, turnkey solar energy system "in-house." This means our capabilities and core competencies include solar project:

Our company provides the total, turnkey solar energy system design/engineering through installation, "in-house." This means we provide the following;

We have successfully completed "turnkey" installations of our solar energy systems for clients that include residential, commercial, industrial, and government. Our present clients and projects include a large pipeline of solar energy systems projects that are now in design &/or under development or construction. Our present projects range in size from:

We recently completed a 160 kW solar energy system for a major hotel wherein we self-funded their new "Rooftop PV System" with our Power Purchase Agreement.

Our solar power and energy project development services and capabilities include multiple solar technologies, including;

Even nuclear power plants generate "carbon free energy." These are just some examples of carbon-free renewable energy. The purpose of all these methods is to combat the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our impact on the environment as a whole.

We install our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems, for qualified commercial businesses, as well as cities, schools and government facilities with our Zero Up-front Cost program.

For some customers - based on their present location, utility company and electric rate - we are able to reduce their electric rate by 10%. Even more for other customers. Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy System!

Does your; business, city, school, or electric utility want a more sustainable solar power and energy solution?

Are you interested in transforming your facility, campus or building(s) to "Net Zero Energy"™ buildings?

Does your city or school have a problem with rising electricity and energy expenses, but not have the financial resources to provide the necessary updates and upgrades to make your buildings more efficient?

Maybe you have already decided to go solar, but you have a lot of questions, and don't know where to start. Call us, we have the answers to your solar questions.

What is the optimum solar solution? There are hundreds of companies in the solar power and energy industry..... Who do you call to help you with these questions to help you make the right decisions?

There's still more questions, that you may not have thought about..... which solar technology do you go with, and what is the return on investment?

Are there any solar rebates, refunds, tax credits or other incentives available?

You have numerous questions and need the answers to help in the decision-making process regarding the solar power and energy system you want to install. These decisions will have a long-lasting impact as the solar energy system that you install at your business or facility will probably be generating clean power for the next 40 to 50 years, if not longer! So, the decisions that you need to make now regarding your solar energy system will be a decision that will be either a long-term asset or a liability, depending on the equipment you select and who you choose to install it.

We can help cities, schools and commercial (and large residential) customers make the switch to solar!

And now, with our no up-front cost for our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy System, we can also transform your building(s) to a "Net Zero Energy Building"™ and many times, actually REDUCE your present energy expenses by 10%, and possibly more!

Examples of buildings/facilities where our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems would benefit, include; universities, churches, data centers, shopping centers, schools, radio/television stations, food processing, warehouses, new real estate developments and subdivisions, and electric utilities - practically any commercial facility can be upgraded to one of our "pollution free power" systems featuring one of our solar energy systems, including our Solar Trigeneration^sm system!

Call or email us, we can provide these answers. We are focused on providing the optimum solar energy systems for our clients. This begins with an initial review of your past 12 months energy/electrical bills. The next step would include a site visit which may include a Demand Side Management study and/or a Solar Feasibility Study which determines the optimum solar energy system for your facility or location. Once the optimum solar solution(s) are determined, we then have a blueprint to proceed that could include our installing one of our Solar Cogeneration™ or Solar Trigeneration^sm energy systems. Or for a city, real estate development or subdivision, or an electric utility, one of our utility scale power plants which might be a Concentrating Photovoltaic, Concentrating Solar Power or High Concentration Photovoltaic power plants.

Net Zero Energy^sm - when applied to a home or commercial building, simply means that the home or buildings generates as much power and energy as they consume, when measured on a monthly or annual basis, and with an onsite, renewable energy system, such as our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy System.

A Net Zero Energy Building^sm produces as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Net Zero Energy Buildings^sm are very energy efficient. The remaining low energy needs are typically met with on-site renewable energy.

First of all, understand that there is no such thing as a "zero energy building!" EVERY building uses energy, or you may as well be in a cave!

4. What are the utility company's prices for the excess power generated and sent to the grid?
(see: Net Energy Metering)

5. How difficult is it to interconnect the renewable energy system of the building with the utility company's powerlines/electric grid?

At the heart of a Net Zero Energy Building^sm is the idea that any building can meet its energy requirements from low-cost, locally available, nonpolluting, renewable sources, like our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems. Our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems are the idea whose time has come, to make Net Zero Energy Buildings^sm commonplace.

Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems Provide All of the Cooling, Heating & Power, for Any Size Building, with only the Energy of the Sun. Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy Systems Provide Simultaneous Cooling, Heating & Power whether it is 12 Noon, or 12 Midnight, and can do so, WITHOUT Connection to the electric grid!

The Diagram Below Shows How Our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy System Works,
for Heating and Cooling a Building (next to the Solar Thermal Collectors, are the PV Panels, that generate the Electricity).

Our Solar Trigeneration^sm Energy System
provides "Cooling, Heating & Power" for your business,
or home with the free energy of the sun!

Net energy metering is used to measure a customer's total electric consumption against that customer's total on-site electric generation. When a customer's onsite generation of power exceeds the amount that they use, the customer's solar energy system (or other renewable energy system) exports the extra electricity to the grid. When the power requirements of the customer exceeds their onsite generation of power, the customer imports the electricity they need from electric grid. The customer pays the electric company for any extra power they use over the amount they generate - OR - the customer receives a credit or refund from the electric company if they exported more power to the grid, than what they consumed.

Renewable Energy Is Necessary for Net Zero Energy Buildings

Much focus is placed on energy efficiency as the most cost-effective way to reduce energy use in commercial buildings. However, consumption can be reduced only so much. There is a point at which the cost of adding efficiency measures is higher than that of using renewable energy such as thin film photovoltaics and other solar energy systems.

Aggressive energy efficiency strategies can reduce a building's energy consumption by 50% to 70%. Renewable energy technologies must be used to reach the goal of a net-zero energy building (NZEB).

Supply-Side Technologies

Various supply-side renewable energy technologies are available for Net Zero Energy Buildings. Supply-side technologies, often called energy producers, collect natural energy and transform it into a useful form. Examples of these technologies include PV, solar hot water, wind, hydroelectric, and biofuels.

Ranking of Energy Options

All renewable sources are favorable over conventional energy sources such as coal and natural gas; however, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following ranking for these options (the lower numbers are preferable):

Option Number	NZEB Supply-Side Options	Examples
0	Reduce site energy use through low-energy building technologies	Daylighting, high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment (HVAC), natural ventilation, evaporative cooling
On-Site Supply Options
1	Use renewable energy sources available within the building's footprint	PV, solar hot water, and wind located on the building
2	Use renewable energy sources available at the site	PV, solar hot water, low-impact hydroelectric, and wind located on-site, but not on the building
Off-Site Supply Options
3	Use renewable energy sources available off site to generate energy on site	Biomass, wood pellets, ethanol, or biodiesel that can be imported from off site; waste streams from on-site processes that can be used on-site to generate electricity and heat
4	Purchase off-site renewable energy sources	Utility-based wind, PV, emissions credits, or other "green" purchasing options; hydroelectric is sometimes considered

This hierarchy is weighted toward renewable technologies within the building footprint and site. Rooftop PV and solar water heating are the most applicable supply-side technologies for Net Zero Energy Buildings. Other supply-side technologies such as parking lot-based wind or solar energy systems may be available.

Now, Your Business Can Have Our Solar Trigeneration™
Energy System, installed for No Up-Front Costs!

Through an affiliated partner company, we are now installing our Solar Trigeneration™ Energy Systems, for qualified commercial businesses, nationwide, with Zero up-front costs.

Some customers may even see a decrease in their energy expenses by as much as 10% to 20% with our Zero up-front cost Solar Trigeneration™ Energy System!

To qualify for our no up-front cost Solar Trigeneration Energy Systems, businesses must:

We expect ALL of our customers will be very happy knowing that the clean, green, renewable power they are using is:

We provide Solar Power and Energy systems that we refer to as "EcoGeneration" solutions that produce cooler, cleaner, greener power and energy for our customers and our environment. Unlike most companies, we are equipment supplier/vendor neutral. This means we help our clients select the best equipment for their specific application. This approach provides our customers with superior performance, decreased operating expenses and increased return on investment.

Our company provides turn-key project solutions that include all or part of the following:

The Audubon Nature Center Installs Solar Trigeneration System
Making this one of the World's First "Net Zero Energy Buildings"
at Their New Facility in Los Angeles, California

GRID-FREE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM....
NO CONNECTION TO THE ELECTRIC UTILITY!

The Solar Trigeneration Provides All of their Facility's (5000 sq.ft.)
Cooling, Heating and Power Requirements - at 12 noon or 12 midnite,
WITHOUT ANY CONNECTION to the Electric Utility
with our Solar Trigeneration Energy System!

The Audubon Nature Center is totally powered by the sun’s energy and our Solar Trigeneration energy system!

The 5,300 square foot building operates entirely “grid-free” and without any electric connections to the electric grid, or natural gas connections – a truly sustainable power and energy solution.

Best of all, the Audubon Center doesn’t rely on the over-burdened electric grid or even natural gas. Therefore, the Audubon Nature Center NEVER receives an electric bill or natural gas bill.... ever!

The Audubon Nature Center's 5,000 square foot office and conference facility is powered by a Solar Trigeneration system that features a 25-kilowatt solar electric power system where the energy is stored in a bank of batteries. The Center is cooled by a 10-ton solar absorption cooling system powered by an array of very efficient solar heat pipe vacuum tube thermal collectors. The collectors heat the water to temperatures of 200+ degree F stored in a 1,200 gallon insulated tank, another type of inexpensive battery. The Solar Trigeneration system at the Audubon not only provides the air-conditioning in the summer but also heats the building in the winter, and provides the hot water for the kitchen and bathrooms.

Absorption chillers, and cooling with solar energy with an absorption chiller are not new technologies. In fact, absorption chiller technology is over 70 years old. The first refrigerators were powered by propane gas to run the absorption chillers that used ammonia as a refrigerant. Electricity and the electric compression chiller gained popularity only because of the convenient “plug and play” appliance and relatively cheap electric rates. Electricity is no longer economically, or environmentally “cheap.”

Few people realize that the world's first commercial power plant, designed and built by Thomas Edison, was a cogeneration power plant that was first opened on Pearl Street, in Lower Manhattan, New York. That was in 1882! Edison not only generated, and sold electricity in the several blocks surrounding his "Pearl Street Station" but he also sold the hot water that was also generated from the cogeneration plant. The fuel Edison used for generating the electricity and hot water (cogeneration) came from "pulverized coal." The Pearl Street Station provided 110 volts of "direct current" power to 59 customers in lower Manhattan, around his Pearl Street laboratory.

Unlike traditional cogeneration and trigeneration power plants that are fueled by natural gas - and Thomas Edison's cogeneration plant, which was fueled with pulverized coal, our Solar Cogeneration and Solar Trigeneration energy systems are fueled with the energy of the sun! And, while natural gas is a "cleaner" fuel, it still has its problems in that it is a limited resource and generates greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas also have had extreme price swings and has a history of price volatility. Natural gas prices have gone from a high of $17.00/mmbtu to a recent low of under $3.00/mmbtu.

Regarding pulverized coal, yes, it's cheap in terms of the cost of generating electricity, but too many people forget about the "externalities" of pulverized coal that is not reflected in the "cheap" costs of generating electricity from pulverized coal. These costs not accounted for are the huge environmental cost relating to the use of pulverized coal. Pound for pound, pulverized coal and coal fired power plants generate more greenhouse gas emissions than any other fossil fuel. There are also the costs related to the health and safety issues of the miners that mine the coal. And, the costs to the environment in terms of the ever-increasing amounts of mercury that are "dumped" into the environment from coal fired power plants, is also not reflected in the "cheap" price of generating power from pulverized coal.

And talk about "cheap" costs of generating power and energy, there is nothing cheaper than free!!!!

The owners of the Audubon Nature Center never receive any monthly natural gas or electric bills!

Solar Trigeneration is an EcoGeneration solution. EcoGeneration refers to a power and energy system that uses the “natural” energy or fuel that is available for a specific site or location. Such energy or fuel includes, solar, wind, BioMethane, geothermal, and ocean power, including ocean tidal and ocean thermal energy conversion. For example, in the desert areas of the Southwestern U.S. , there is an abundance of solar energy. Therefore, home-owners and business owners in this part of the country should seriously consider an EcoGeneration system (“ecogen system”) that optimizes the opportunities available through solar energy

Today, the cause of the summer peak electric demand, electric supply problems, and black-outs, are the result of the energy crisis in California, primarily attributed to the air conditioning load. Over 40 percent of the electricity generated every day goes is used for air conditioning. At this time of year, the electric utilities are forced to turn on all of their power plants to generate the “peak” demands required by the customers, primarily for air-conditioning. This means that all of the efficient power plants, the inefficient power plants, along with all of the “peaking” power plants have to run to generate the electricity needed. The high cost of meeting the peak demand is passed on to the consumers with rates of $.20+ per kWh during the summer months. For fixed income seniors living in desert communities, they are already forced to conserve on energy, food, water, and other necessities of life.

Greater Demands on California’s Limited Electric Supply, Lack of New Electric Power Supplies, and This Summer’s Heat Wave are Compounding the Problem Leading to the “Perfect Electric Storm”

Many people will remember the movie “The Perfect Storm” from several years ago, when several storms came together in the northeastern part of the

U.S.

to produce a deadly and catastrophic “perfect” storm. Today, a different type of “perfect storm” is brewing in California. The storm that’s looming on the horizon in California is a “perfect electric storm” wherein the supply of electricity from the electric utility company’s power plants are unable to keep-up with the demand – meaning a black-out, or loss of electricity, like the black-outs from previous years, and like the northeastern black-out from 2003.

The most likely time of year for a black-out in California, unfortunately, is the summer, when air-conditioners are running at the maximum, and placing the maximum load on California’s electricity supply. Should such a black-out occur in the desert areas of California, where daily high temperatures routinely reach 110 degrees and higher, and where a significant percentage of the population is comprised of retired and senior citizens, and should the black-out be prolonged, a number of deaths will be the likely outcome. People, and especially the elderly, simply cannot tolerate prolonged high temperatures

How Do We Prevent the “Perfect Electric Storm” from Occurring in California and Other Regions in the U.S.?

Another major concern is how do we prevent the “Perfect Electric Storm” from happening, like the Northeast Blackout several summers ago, especially for people living in the desert? California ’s energy authorities are warning of a possible energy crisis during the hot summer months, due to the excessive and prolonged summer temperatures where demand increases by over 40 percent. Compounding the problem is the rising demand for electricity due to population growth and the limited transmission capacity in some areas in the region. According to the California Energy Commission, the State must build three natural gas-fired 500-megawatt peaking power plants, every year, just to keep up with the growing demands of electricity. Failure to keep up with demand means The problem is getting worse due to the population growth in the Inland Empire , Coachella Valley and Antelope Valley. The projected power gap for the coming summers remains bleak.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s “Million Solar Roofs” program and the passage of the 2005 Federal Energy Act will be the foundation to create a “Perfect Solar Storm” to trigger the Solar Economy throughout California.

With the threat of California’s seniors and elderly dying from heat exhaustion due to power outages, black-outs, rolling black-outs and the rising costs of electricity and natural gas, combined with the continuing impact of global warming, the perfect solution is to create a Solar Revolution by cooling, heating and powering the desert with solar energy and technologies like Solar Cogeneration or Solar Trigeneration.

The hot water from the Solar Thermal Collectors on the roof of the Audubon is pumped here for producing the building's heating, cooling and domestic hot water.
Hot water is stored in the tank on the left for overnight.

What Absorption Chillers and How Does They Work?

Absorption chillers use heat instead of mechanical energy to provide cooling. A thermal compressor consists of an absorber, a generator, a pump, and a throttling device, and replaces the mechanical vapor compressor.

In the chiller, refrigerant vapor from the evaporator is absorbed by a solution mixture in the absorber. This solution is then pumped to the generator. There the refrigerant re-vaporizes using a waste steam heat source. The refrigerant-depleted solution then returns to the absorber via a throttling device. The two most common refrigerant/ absorbent mixtures used in absorption chillers are water/lithium bromide and ammonia/water.

Compared with mechanical chillers, absorption chillers have a low coefficient of performance (COP = chiller load/heat input). However, absorption chillers can substantially reduce operating costs because they are powered by low-grade waste heat. Vapor compression chillers, by contrast, must be motor- or engine-driven.

Low-pressure, steam-driven absorption chillers are available in capacities ranging from 100 to 1,500 tons. Absorption chillers come in two commercially available designs: single-effect and double-effect. Single-effect machines provide a thermal COP of 0.7 and require about 18 pounds of 15-pound-per-square-inch-gauge (psig) steam per ton-hour of cooling. Double-effect machines are about 40% more efficient, but require a higher grade of thermal input, using about 10 pounds of 100- to 150-psig steam per ton-hour.

In single-effect absorption chillers, all condensing heat cools and condenses in the condenser. From there it is released to the cooling water. A double-effect machine adopts a higher heat efficiency of condensation and divides the generator into a high-temperature and a low-temperature generator.

Determine the cost-effectiveness of displacing a portion of your cooling load with a waste steam absorption chiller by taking the following steps:

Absorption Chillers Refrigeration Cycle

The basic cooling cycle is the same for the absorption and electric chillers. Both systems use a low-temperature liquid refrigerant that absorbs heat from the water to be cooled and converts to a vapor phase (in the evaporator section). The refrigerant vapors are then compressed to a higher pressure (by a compressor or a generator), converted back into a liquid by rejecting heat to the external surroundings (in the condenser section), and then expanded to a low- pressure mixture of liquid and vapor (in the expander section) that goes back to the evaporator section and the cycle is repeated.

The basic difference between the electric chillers and absorption chillers is that an electric chiller uses an electric motor for operating a compressor used for raising the pressure of refrigerant vapors and absorption chillers use the heat for compressing refrigerant vapors to a high-pressure. The rejected heat from the power-generation equipment (e.g. turbines, microturbines, and engines) may be used with an absorption chiller to provide the cooling in a CHP system.

The basic absorption cycle employs two fluids, the absorbate or refrigerant, and the absorbent. The most commonly fluids are water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide as the absorbent. These fluids are separated and recombined in the absorption cycle. In the absorption cycle the low-pressure refrigerant vapor is absorbed into the absorbent releasing a large amount of heat. The liquid refrigerant/absorbent solution is pumped to a high-operating pressure generator using significantly less electricity than that for compressing the refrigerant for an electric chiller. Heat is added at the high-pressure generator from a gas burner, steam, hot water or hot gases. The added heat causes the refrigerant to desorb from the absorbent and vaporize. The vapors flow to a condenser, where heat is rejected and condense to a high-pressure liquid. The liquid is then throttled though an expansion valve to the lower pressure in the evaporator where it evaporates by absorbing heat and provides useful cooling. The remaining liquid absorbent, in the generator passes through a valve, where its pressure is reduced, and then is recombined with the low-pressure refrigerant vapors returning from the evaporator so the cycle can be repeated.

Absorption chillers are used to generate cold water (44°F) that is circulated to air handlers in the distribution system for air conditioning.

"Indirect-fired" absorption chillers use steam, hot water or hot gases steam from a boiler, turbine or engine generator, or fuel cell as their primary power input. Theses chillers can be well suited for integration into a CHP system for buildings by utilizing the rejected heat from the electric generation process, thereby providing high operating efficiencies through use of otherwise wasted energy.

"Direct-fired" systems contain natural gas burners; rejected heat from these chillers can be used to regenerate desiccant dehumidifiers or provide hot water.

Commercially, absorption chillers can be single-effect or multiple-effect. The above schematic refers to a single-effect absorption chiller. Multiple-effect absorption chillers are more efficient and discussed below.

In single-effect absorption chillers, the heat released during the chemical process of absorbing refrigerant vapor into the liquid stream, rich in absorbent, is rejected to the environment. In a multiple-effect absorption chiller, some of this energy is used as the driving force to generate more refrigerant vapor. The more vapor generated per unit of heat or fuel input, the greater the cooling capacity and the higher the overall operating efficiency.

Double-effect absorption chillers uses two generators paired with a single condenser, absorber, and evaporator. It requires a higher temperature heat input to operate and therefore they are limited in the type of electrical generation equipment they can be paired with when used in a CHP System.

Triple-effect absorption chillers can achieve even higher efficiencies than the double-effect chillers. These absorption chillers require still higher elevated operating temperatures that can limit choices in materials and refrigerant/absorbent pairs. Triple-effect chillers are under development by manufacturers working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy.

Polycrystalline silicon, also referred to as "semicrystalline silicon," "polysilicon," "poly-Si," or just "poly," is a material consisting of small silicon crystals. Polycrystalline silicon cells are recognized by their visible grain known as the “metal flake effect.”

Semiconductor grade as well as "solar grade" polycrystalline silicon is converted to "single crystal" silicon - meaning that the randomly associated crystallites of silicon in "polycrystalline silicon" are converted to a large "single" crystal. Single crystal silicon is used to manufacture most Si-based microelectronic devices. Polycrystalline silicon can be as high in purity as 99.9999%.

Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CuInSe2) is a material that provides an extremely high absorption of light ( 99%) to be absorbed in the first micron of the material. Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide is projected to be the revolutionary material that some are saying, could put typical "central" power plants and some electric utilities, out of business, as it will be much cheaper for customers to generate their own onsite power with Thin Film Photovoltaics made from these materials.

When additional small amounts of Gallium is added to Copper Indium diSelenide, this increases its' light-absorbing band gap, thereby making the solar panel more closely match the solar spectrum of the sun. This, in turn, increases the voltage and the efficiency of the Thin Film Photovoltaics solar panel.

The conversion efficiency of Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide PV technologies is very stable over time, meaning its power output remains stable over many years, while the power output of many other PV materials can rapidly decline with time.

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar energy systems that are integrated into a part of the building, that serve as the building's exterior or the building's skin.

Commercial buildings and facilities (including houses) that integrate their own solar power systems into the building's exteriors, are referred to as "power buildings."

Without a doubt, the most exciting technology in the solar power industry is "Thin Film Photovoltaics." Thin Film Photovoltaics technology represents the next big thing in renewable energy and solar power as it integrates nanotechnologies into the production of solar photovoltaics.

According to the Department of Energy, the recent technological advances in thin film photovoltaics make this a very exciting time to be in the solar energy industry. These advances have led to many new developments in the components and manufacturing of thin film photovoltaics. This has made thin film photovoltaics cheaper to manufacture as they are also now easier to install since they are extremely versatile, flexible, bendable, and much lighter.

Thin film photovoltaics have led many to believe that as much as 50% of our nation's future power will be generated by "power buildings" that integrate "building integrated photovoltaics" or "BIPV" into the building's skin or exterior surfaces, that convert sunlight into "pollution free power" for use in the building. This also designates these buildings (and homes) as "Net Zero Energy Buildings" and make the option for going grid-free, or not connecting to the grid, a real possibility.

According to the Department of Energy, the market potential for printed electronics will grow into a $47 billion market by 2018. Thin film photovoltaics represents a significant portion of this market - and based on this heavily researched solar technology, thin film photovoltaics now represents a $20 billion/year industry in the U.S.

The solar PV panels produced under the thin film photovoltaics umbrella have the potential to produce power significantly cheaper power than today’s typical silicon-based PV panels. The panels are usually made in the form of a monolithic piece of glass, upon which various thin films are deposited, although a number of firms are working on depositing the materials on a substrate, such as stainless steel or plastic.

Amorphous Silicon had the largest share of the thin film photovoltaics market through 2006. It has been researched for the longest period of time, may be the best understood material of the three and has been commercial for the longest. Cadmium Telluride, a very toxic chemical and has the remaining share and is growing.

About Us

We provide renewable energy engineering services and turnkey installations of our solar energy systems for commercial, municipal, government, schools and utility clients with projects located in the U.S., Canada Central America and the Caribbean. In many cases, we may also be able to provide project finance or investment.

Solar Electric Power Systems (PV)

Solar electric power systems transform sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is an abundant resource. Every minute the sun bathes the Earth in as much energy as the world consumes in an entire year.

Solar cells employ special materials called semiconductors that create electricity when exposed to light. Solar electric systems are quiet and easy to use, and they require no fuel other than sunlight. Because they contain no moving parts, they are durable, reliable, and easy to maintain.

How It Works

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, do the work of making electricity. Several types of solar electric technology are under development, but four—crystalline silicon (a form of refined beach sand), thin films, concentrators, and thermophotovoltaics—are illustrative of the range of technologies. Solar cells are connected to a variety of other components to make a solar electric power system.

Crystalline Silicon

Crystalline silicon solar cells are used in more than half of all solar electric devices. Like most semiconductor devices, they include a positive layer (on the bottom) and a negative layer (on the top) that create an electrical field inside the cell. When a photon of light strikes a semiconductor, it releases electrons (see animation). The free electrons flow through the solar cell's bottom layer to a connecting wire as direct current (DC) electricity.

Some solar cells are made from polycrystalline silicon, which consists of several small silicon crystals. Polycrystalline silicon solar cells are cheaper to produce but somewhat less efficient than single-crystal silicon.

A simple silicon solar cell can power a watch or calculator. However, it produces only a tiny amount of electricity. Connected together, solar cells form modules that can generate substantial amounts of power. Modules are the building blocks of solar electric systems, which can produce enough power for a house, a rural medical clinic, or an entire village. Large arrays of solar electric modules can power satellites or provide electricity for utilities.

Solar Electric Power System Components

In addition to modules, several components are needed to complete a solar electric power system.

Many systems include batteries, battery chargers, a backup generator, and a controller so that people in solar-powered homes and buildings can turn on the lights at night or run televisions or appliances on cloudy days. Grid-connected systems don't require batteries or backup generators because they use the grid for backup power. Some remote system applications, such as those used to pump water, do not require a backup power source.

Diagram showing how solar modules can be connected to a DC-AC inverter, battery bank, and a backup generator to provide a continuous source of power in stand-alone applications.

Components of a typical standalone PV system using crystalline silicon technology. (Source: Solar Electric Power Association)

Solar electric power systems can incorporate inverters or power control units to transform the DC electricity produced by the solar cells into alternating current (AC) to run AC appliances or sell to a utility grid. Complete systems usually include safety disconnects, fuses, and a grounding circuit as well.

Thin Films

Solar electric thin films are lighter, more resilient, and easier to manufacture than crystalline silicon modules. The best-developed thin-film technology uses amorphous silicon, in which the atoms are not arranged in any particular order as they would be in a crystal. An amorphous silicon film only one micron thick can absorb 90% of the usable solar energy falling on it. Other thin-film materials include cadmium telluride and copper indium diselenide. Substantial cost savings are possible with this technology because thin films require relatively little semiconductor materials.

Thin films are produced as large, complete modules, not as individual cells that must be mounted in frames and wired together. They are manufactured by applying extremely thin layers of semiconductor material to a low-cost backing such as glass or plastic. Electrical contacts, antireflective coatings, and protective layers are also applied directly to the backing material. Thin films conform to the shape of the backing, a feature that allows them to be used in such innovative products as flexible solar electric roofing shingles.

Concentrators

Concentrators use optical lenses (similar to plastic magnifying glasses) or mirrors to concentrate the sunlight that falls on a solar cell. With a concentrator to magnify the light intensity, the solar cell produces more electricity. Today, most solar cells in concentrators are made from crystalline silicon. However, materials such as gallium arsenide and gallium indium phosphide are more efficient than silicon in solar electric concentrators and will likely see more use in the future. These materials are now used in communications satellites and other space applications.

Concentrators produce more electricity using less of the expensive semiconductor material than other solar electric systems. A basic concentrator unit consists of a lens to focus the light, a solar cell assembly, a housing element, a secondary concentrator to reflect off-center light rays onto the cell, a mechanism to dissipate excess heat, and various contacts and adhesives. The basic unit can be combined into modules of varying sizes and shapes. Concentrators only work with direct sunlight and operate most effectively in sunny, dry climates. They must be used with tracking systems to keep them pointed toward the sun.

Thermophotovoltaics

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices convert heat into electricity in much the same way that other PV devices convert light into electricity. The difference is that TPV technology uses semiconductors "tuned" to the longer-wavelength, invisible infrared radiation emitted by warm objects. This technology is cleaner, quieter, and simpler than conventional power generation using steam turbines and generators.

TPV converters are relatively maintenance-free because they contain no moving parts. In addition to using solar energy, they can convert heat from any high-temperature heat source, including combustion of a fuel such as natural gas or propane, into electricity. TPV converters produce virtually no carbon monoxide and few emissions. They may be used in the future in gas furnaces that generate their own electricity for self-ignition (during power outages) and in portable generators and battery chargers.

Advantages

Solar electric systems offer many advantages. Standalone systems can eliminate the need to build expensive new power lines to remote locations. For rural and remote applications, solar electricity can cost less than any other means of producing electricity. Solar electric systems can also connect to existing power lines to boost electricity output during times of high demand such as on hot, sunny days when air conditioners are on.

Solar electric systems are flexible. Solar electric modules can stand on the ground or be mounted on rooftops. They can also be built into glass skylights and walls. They can be made to look like roof shingles and can even come equipped with devices to turn their DC output into the same AC utilities deliver to wall sockets. These advances mean individual homeowners and businesses can relieve pressure on local utilities struggling to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

More than 30 states offer grid-connected solar electric system owners the chance to save money on their energy bills by feeding any excess power their solar electric system produces into the utility grid—an arrangement called net metering.

Solar power systems require minimal maintenance. They run quietly and efficiently without polluting. They are easy to combine with other types of electric generators such as wind, hydro, or natural gas turbines. They can charge batteries to make solar electricity continuously available.

For utilities, large-scale solar electric power plants can help meet demand for new power generation, especially in distributed applications. A solar electric power plant is created from multiple arrays that are interconnected electronically. Solar electric plants are easier to site and are quicker to build than conventional power plants. They are also easy to expand incrementally—by adding more modules—as power demand increases.

Solar electric power systems are good for the environment. When solar electric technologies displace fossil fuels for pumping water, lighting homes, or running appliances, they reduce the greenhouse gases and pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. The use of solar electric systems is particularly important in developing nations because it can help avert the expected increases in emissions of greenhouse gases caused by the growing demand for electricity in those countries.

Solar electric technologies also benefit the U.S. economy by creating jobs in U.S. companies. Exporting solar electric technologies to developing nations expands U.S. markets while protecting the global environment.

Disadvantages

Although solar electric systems make financial sense in remote areas that lack access to power lines, they are usually more expensive than fossil fuels for grid-connected applications.

This disadvantage is significant for utilities considering large-scale solar electric power plants. Although solar electricity costs considerably more than electricity generated by conventional plants, regulatory agencies often require utilities to supply electricity for the lowest cash cost.

Utilities view solar electric power plants differently than they view conventional power plants. Solar electric modules produce electricity intermittently—only when the sun shines. Their output varies with the weather and disappears altogether at night. Integrating solar electricity into a utility system requires creative planning.

Applications

Aerial photo showing solar electric arrays and solar hot-water systems installed on the roof of the Georgia Tech University Aquatic Center.

A combination of solar electric arrays and pool-heating solar collectors were used to provide power and heat to the Georgia Tech University Aquatic Center, site of the 1996 Olympic swimming competition. (Credit: Heliocol)

Solar electricity has powered satellites since the dawn of the space program. It has run remote communications outposts high in the mountains and turned on the lights, kept medicines cold, and pumped water in rural areas for more than 30 years. Small solar cells are used to power wristwatches, calculators, and other electronic gadgets. More recently, solar electric systems have been used to provide supplemental power to homes and commercial buildings in cities.

Solar electric technology has important roles to play in both the developing and developed worlds. From the farmer irrigating his crops in rural Mexico to an innovative lighting system for an Olympic sports arena, solar electric solutions abound.

Electric utilities harness solar electricity for distributed applications—near substations or at the end of overloaded power lines, for example, to avoid or defer costly line upgrades. They use solar electricity during hot, sunny periods when the demand for air conditioning stretches conventional power generation to its limit. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, for example, uses large solar electric arrays as part of its power generation mix. Utilities also rely on solar electricity to power remote, standalone monitoring systems.

Consumers and builders are integrating solar electric modules into their homes and offices. Innovative solar electric technologies can replace conventional roofing and facade materials in new buildings. Solar electric roofing shingles, for example, are being used in some new residences. In grid-connected applications, solar electricity supplies some of a consumer's energy needs; the local utility provides the rest.

Standalone solar electric systems power a variety of applications far from the reaches of the power grid. These applications include remote communications systems such as television and radio transmitters and receivers, telephone systems, and microwave repeaters. Standalone solar electric power is also used to prevent corrosion of metal pipes, tanks, bridges, and buildings.

Many remote residences worldwide use solar electricity as their source of power. For instance, more than 100,000 vacation homes in Scandinavia rely solely on solar electric technology to run lights and appliances.

Villages around the world are building solar electric systems to bring electricity to their homes and local industries, often for the first time. To make the maximum use of available resources, village power is typically produced by a hybrid power system that combines solar electricity with diesel backup generators and sometimes another renewable energy technology such wind power. Villages also use standalone solar electric systems for pumping water—an application shared by rural farmers and ranchers in the United States.

The electric power generation, transmission and distribution system (the electric "grid") is changing and evolving from the electric grid of the 19th and 20th centuries, which was inefficient, highly-polluting, very expensive and “dumb.”

You can easily and affordably reduce or eliminate your company's "carbon footprint."

Did you know that the United States Congress will be passing the S. 2191 "Cap and Trade" Law in 2009? Did you know that Supreme Court ruled in April (2008) that the EPA already has the authority to regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions? Cap And Trade narrowly passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is now in the U.S. Senate, who has threatened to make even greater reductions of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in their final Bill of the Cap And Trade legislation.

According to Monty Goodell, the Founder and Chairman of the Renewable Energy Institute, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Dioxide Emissions will be the world’s biggest commodity market and will probably soon be the world’s largest market, period." In fact, Mr. Goodell anticipates that Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Dioxide Emissions will become one of the fasting-growing commodities and markets ever.

Every day, leading companies are spending millions of dollars going "GREEN" and reducing their Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Dioxide Emissions Market Potential is staggering! According to a recent New York Times article, carbon trading is one of the “fastest-growing specialties in financial services.”

Already, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading and International Carbon Trading markets are worth in excess of $50 billion/year. The United Nations expects this market to be valued in excess of $2 Trillion/year by 2012 and others are saying this could easily exceed $5 Trillion/year within the next several years!

You may be wondering, how can such a relatively new commodity grow so rapidly? Here in the USA, 40 billion tons of Carbon Dioxide Emissions are produced every year. At the present price of $50 per ton of carbon dioxide, the Carbon Dioxide Emissions market is valued at $2.0 Trillion (40 billion tons of Carbon Dioxide Emissions x $50.00/ton).

Qualified commercial, government, industrial and municipal clients can affordably have one of our Solar Cogeneration and Solar Trigeneration energy systems installed, with ZERO up-front costs, with our Power Purchase Agreement. Call (832) 758 - 0027 to learn more and find out if your business qualifies.

Monty Goodell, Founder and President of the Renewable Energy Institute, along with the Renewable Energy Institute's Scientific Advisory Board, which is comprised of several of our nation's leading experts, engineers, attorneys, professors and universities, is calling for our nation and all 50 states to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of at least 25% by 2025.

And even better than a Renewable Portfolio Standard, according to Mr. Goodell, is a "Feed In Tariff," which is the route Germany took, and why they have had such great success in their transition to a solar based economy. The fastest paths to jump-start the renewable energy industry, is through a "Feed In Tariff.

A Feed In Tariff is superior to a Renewable Portfolio Standard," according to Mr. Goodell. "For example, look at Germany's success in their transition to an economy based on the installation of solar energy systems, they adopted a Feed In Tariff, are further north from the Equator than we are here in the U.S., and they are placing solar panels on every rooftop and wind turbine generators throughout their country. They are leading the world in renewable energy technologies, primarily due to their early adoption of a Feed In Tariff"

A Feed In Tariff is a utility rate that is established by a state or federal government, that requires a utility to pay higher electricity rates for green electricity generated by the owners of the solar energy systems, whether that is a homeowner or business owner. Feed In Tariffs shifts the expenses of subsidizing green energy from taxpayers, to electricity ratepayers. Feed In Tariffs also include guarantee that the Feed In Tariffs' artificially higher rates, will continue for periods as long as 25 years.

Germany's great success for jump-starting the solar energy industry there, first established Feed In Tariffs in 1999. Germany now has about five times as many solar photovoltaic panels installed as the United States - even though their total combined installations of PV panels still only account for about 0.5% of the electricity generated there.

"So, we go with a Feed In Tariff in lieu of a Renewable Portfolio Standard. Simultaneously, we need to start re-building our national electric grid, and transforming it into 'Transmission Superhighway' or 'Unified Smart Grid' and dramatically increase the nation's power supply as well as implement greater use of 'Energy Efficiency Measures' - also referred to as Energy Conservation Measures. And we need to implement "real" 'Demand Side Management' programs. Failure to move in these areas and to do so immediately increases the risks to our country, our national security and the climate" according to Mr. Goodell.

According to Mr. Goodell, our nation is at a crossroads and we have been 'over the Middle Eastern barrel of their fossil fuels' long enough. We must shift from energy dependence to energy independence and place significant emphasis and investments in our national energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy, and only renewable energy provides the significant economic and environmental dividends our country now needs. Preferably, our fledgling renewable energy industry in the U.S., will be "jump-started" with a Feed In Tariff.

Some of the economic and environmental dividends that renewable energy will provide our country include:

According to the Energy Information Administration, the total US primary energy consumption is expected to increase from 100 quadrillion Btu (quads) in 2005 to 131 quads in 2030. However, the renewable electricity generation remains at 9% while use of coal increases 50 percent in 2030 to 57%. Ethanol use is expected to increase from 4 billion gallons in 2005 to 14.6 billion gallons in 2030, yet that is only about 8% of total gasoline consumption.

In January (2008) the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) blamed the burning of fossil fuels as a key contributor to global warming and accelerating climate change. The NCDC warned that the rate of the warming is accelerating and that the rise in temperatures over the past 9 years is “unprecedented in the historical record." This was underscored in February (2008) in the consensus report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that concluded with near certainty that human activity was the main contributor to global warming.

The renewable energy industry, single-handedly, provides a powerful argument and solutions for these problems.

Global warming and climate change are symptoms of a sick planet and the results of unrestrained "dumping" of huge amounts of pollution - in the form of carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

The vast majority of carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gas emissions comes from "dirty" fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) used in making electricity at power plants and dirty fuels (gasoline and petroleum diesel) that run our internal combustion engines in our cars, trains, planes, and trucks. Our planet is home to millions and millions of internal combustion engines that run on dirty fossil fuels - whether they are fueled with gasoline for running our cars and lawnmowers or running on diesel fuel in the engines of trucks and ships like the very large crude carriers that transport the crude oil all around the world...... every internal combustion engine that is running on dirty fossil fuels is dumping millions and millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gas emissions into our atmosphere - which is aggravating and exacerbating our sick planet - and making manmade climate change and global warming more difficult to resolve through manmade remedies and solutions.

"Finally, the fact that over 60% of the gasoline we use every day in our cars comes from foreign countries - should be the "clarion call" that jump-starts the renewable energy industry here in the U.S." said Mr. Goodell.

According to Monty Goodell, the Chairman and Founder of the Renewable Energy Institute, "our country desperately needs to upgrade its' national electric grid. The grid of today is a relic from the past, that is inefficient and costly. Originally built in the 1930's, it is costing our nation approximately $120 billion every year due to its' outdated and out-lived existence. The national power grid as designed and built in the 1930's does not have the efficiencies and capabilities to keep pace with the national power grid's demands of today."

A Transmission Superhighway would be buried underground and "wheels" or transmits the renewable power ("green electricity") from the wind farms of the midwest, and solar farms of the southwest, and geothermal farms of the west, to load centers throughout every corner of the U.S."

According to many estimates, the "Unified Smart Grid" or "Transmission Superhighway" could be built for about $400 billion. Through its' increased efficiencies, savings and reliability improvements that it will provide, the nation's new "unified smart grid" will be paid in full, in less than 4 years.

The carbon clock tracks total carbon dioxide emissions in metric tons since 1750.

Since 1750, humans have emitted over 5 trillion pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Roughly half of this has ended up in the oceans where it is beginning to damage the coral reefs. The other half is still in the atmosphere and causing global warming. Each pound of CO2 takes up as much space as a 500 pound person.

The formula (which should be good for a year or two) is:
C(t) = 2.58 ×1012 + 1240×t, where t is seconds since the start of 2007.

C is tonnes (metric tons) of carbon dioxide emissions.
2205 x C gives pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

That comes to over 43 billion tons/year or over 86 trillion pounds/year.

Carbon dioxide (2) = 1 carbon atom with 2 oxygen atoms.
Carbon has relative weight 12 and Oxygen 16.
So it takes only 12 pounds of carbon to make 12+16+16 = 44 pounds of CO2.

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) does not take a stand in the debate on global warming, and if there is global warming, is it "anthropogenic" or is it caused by the sun, or the sun's normal cycles. Or, if there is " climate change," is it " global cooling" caused by the water vapor in the atmosphere?

At the Renewable Energy Institute, we are waiting for the "true" scientists who doing the real research, to provide us with the science and answers critically needed to formulate correct policy - and not the phony " scientists" who are following politically-motivated and profit-driven agendas of the United Nations and government leaders. These phony scientists are not interested in conducting real scientific research. Their very livelihoods are dependent on the government grants to fund their phony research that have pre-determined conclusions before and "research" is conducted.

Political-interference by governments, governmental agencies, and bureaucrats that hand out billions of tax-payers dollars to phony scientists to conduct "junk science" and research, expect the conclusions that supports anthropogenic global warming, or climate change.

When scientists conclude in their research that they find no evidence of anthropogenic climate change or global warming, they are summarily dismissed, and black-balled from their communities and colleagues, and never again receive funding or grants. Grants and funding by government bureaucrats with politically-driven agendas to "scientists" expecting their pre-determined results and conclusions supporting anthropogenic global warming must stop.

Taxpayers have bankrolled the oil and gas industry, and the coal industry for 100 years now, and the nuclear industry for 50 years, to keep these dirty fuels and energy "cheap." Take away the tax-payer incentives and tax dollars, and we believe the real cost of gasoline, would be similar to the gasoline cost in Europe - $7.00 - $8.00/gallon!

In the meantime, our U.S. Military is spending billions of tax-payer dollars each year protecting the Straits of Hormuz where much of the world's crude oil is produced and shipped through the straits' international shipping lanes. Each day, hundreds of "very large crude carriers" pass through the Straits of Hormuz carrying oil from OPEC and the Middle-East to the U.S. and many other countries.

Isn't it time we take some of the tax-payer dollars supporting the nuclear, coal and oil and gas industries, and start incentivizing clean, renewable energy technologies that don't pollute or harm the environment in any way? Isn't it time that America ends its reliance on non-sustainable energy sources and stop over $1 billion every day, to oil suppliers from foreign countries, and start putting this money in "solar on every rooftop?!?

Regarding the harm being caused to our planet from energy use, far more harm is being done to the planet, as well as to people and plants and animals, particularly fish, from the mercury emissions from coal fired power plants than from the coal fired power plants' greenhouse gas emissions. We surmise that if any polar bears have died as a result of an environmental problem, it was more likely from the high levels of mercury in their food chain, than from greenhouse gas emissions.

The Renewable Energy Institute is supporting and advancing renewable energy technologies, as well as reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and the fossil-fuel problems related to America's oil addiction and ending our dependence on foreign oil. The renewable energy technologies we support are already deemed to be economic, viable and practical. Solutions such as Solar Trigeneration energy systems (see www.SolarTrigeneration.com for more information) for any kind of facility or building - office buildings, shopping centers, data centers, university campuses, etc.

Since 2003, a Solar Trigeneration energy system has been providing 100% of the power and energy for a 5,300 sq. ft. office building near downtown Los Angeles, and doing so without any connection to the electric grid, whether its 12 noon or 12 midnite!

The Renewable Energy Institute is also involved in research and advocacy of "Net Zero Energy" (see: www.NetZeroEnergy.com for more information) and "Net Zero Energy Buildings" (see: www.NetZeroEnergyBuildings.com for more information). Net Zero Energy Buildings generate as much (or more) energy than they use, and export their excess power to the grid, which we believe needs to be updated into a "Transmission Superhighway."

The past 10 years indicates the opposite of "global warming" has occurred - that the "Earths Fever" has and that global cooling has taken place.

Weather, on a daily basis, or even an annual basis, is not climate, and climate is not weather.

"Climate change" is always taking place, from one day to the next, and one week to the next, as well as one year to the next. The planet's climate is an ever-evolving, changing and dynamic process.

Again, researchers and scientists need to refrain from being political, and stay out of politics, and politicians need to stay out of the way of the scientists and researchers, and let them do their work. Politicians, government leaders and bureaucrats scientists need true and accurate data and climate research from scientists that do not have a political agenda.

In the meantime, as there may still be 30 years of research before there are conclusive answers concerning anthropogenic climate change, can we "risk" 30 years of our children and grand children's future, should there is a link between climate change and greenhouse gas emissions? Should we not err on the side of caution?

Marion King Hubbert was a geologist and scientist who worked at Shell Oil company's research lab in Houston, Texas. Hubbert made several important contributions to geology, geophysics and petroleum geology. Hubbert is most recognized for the "Hubbert Curve" and " Hubbert Peak Theory" which is now referred to as " Peak Oil.

Hubbert's life work determined that the world has a finite amount of petroleum that can be produced. (Similarly, there is a finite amount of coal.) Many scientists and engineers believe we have reached Hubbert's "peak oil" limit. Hubbert's espouses that when 50% of domestic crude oil production has been reached, that there will be such significant upward demand on prices of the limited supplies of oil production, that the U.S. economy will experience severe economic, social, and political turmoil.

Hubbert's Peak Oil predictions have proven to be true and this is validated as the U.S. in the early 1970's produced about 60% of its' oil demand and imported 40%. That equation has flipped since then, because our domestic oil production has been on the decline since 1970, so now, due to our declining domestic oil production, we have to import 60% of our oil supplies, to meet our country's oil/energy demands.

How severe our economic calamity and next "oil shock" will depend upon a number of factors, including when this occurs, as well as the following:

1. the dependence of the individual country upon its own crude oil production to meet its energy needs and to subsidize consumer imports;

4. the degree to which our country had prepared in advance for this inevitable geological and economic calamity.

Examples of past "oil shocks" and the economic and political calamities that followed:

United States: Our peak crude oil production of domestic oil occurred in 1970; the first "oil shock" and oil crisis followed in 1973 with the Arab/OPEC Oil Embargo.

Iran: Their peak crude oil production occurred in 1974; They had their islamic revolution 1979 that overturned government and replaced it with radical islam.

Soviet Union: Their peak crude oil production was in 1989; what happened next?
Their country disintegrated and the collapse of the Soviet Union followed in 1991.

Indonesia: Their peak crude oil production was in 1991; their financial and government crisis followed in 1997.

Iraq: Iraq's crude oil production was in 1989; they then invaded Kuwait (for their oil) in 1991.

Using Mr. Hubbert's predictions, that beginning around 2000 we would see peak (global) oil production, then, if the country's not weaning themselves off of their oil addiction, and had not begun making the switch to renewable energy, that the negative economic and political calamities would soon follow, including ever-increasing prices of energy that is from fossil fuels.

Now is the time to begin weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels and making the transition to and increasing the use of renewable energy. If you don't believe in climate change, or global warming, GREAT! Join us in the switch to renewable energy and a fossil-free economy!

America Has INCREASED its' Dependence on Foreign
Sources of Energy by 50% Since 1973.

America is even more "addicted" to foreign oil today, than we were in 1973 - 1974 when OPEC, Saudi Arabia and other suppliers from the Middle-East stopped selling us their fossil fuels, and created a significant blow to our economy.

This Means that 65% of America's Energy Supplies are Now Imported from Suppliers from Foreign Countries.

Simply put, about 65% of the gasoline in your car's gas tank, comes from a foreign country.

EVERY day, the U.S. must IMPORT over 13 million bbls of oil from foreign countries and foreign suppliers to meet demand.

At $80/barrel of oil, this also means that $1,040,000,000.00 American Dollars leave our country, EVERY DAY, to foreign countries/suppliers of our fossil fuels, to pay for the energy we need.

That's $1 Billion EVERY day leaving our economy, and going to support a foreign country's economy.

Talk about our foreign trade deficit..... nearly $400 Billion each year, leaves our country to pay for our oil addiction and the energy we need. To be exact, that's $379,600,000,000.00 American Dollars.

Millions of new and sustainable American jobs would be created here at home, if we would end our addiction to foreign fossil fuels, and quickly transition to an economy based on renewable energy and renewable fuels, produced here in the U.S.A.

According to Monty Goodell, Founder and Chairman of the Renewable Energy Institute, "our increased dependence and reliance on foreign energy supplies represents a Clear and Present Danger to our national security, our economy, and the lives and livelihood of every American. Energy - including the energy we use from imported fossil fuels, is the very "lifeblood" of the American economy as it is for every industrialized country. An economy dies without it's lifeblood of energy. This Clear and Present Danger we face is far more serious than the problems related to greenhouse gas emissions. And while greenhouse gas emissions are very serious issue, in the long-term, pales in comparison to America's vital national security interests and America's economic stability in the short term. For this reason alone, America needs to transition away from its addiction to foreign energy supplies. And America's abundant renewable energy resources such as the energy we receive from the sun, and renewable energy technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants - can supply 100% of America's power requirements with a concentrating solar power plant measuring 75 miles by 75 miles, located in the Southwest U.S. By generating America's power from concentrating solar power plants, America resolves its' short-term Clear and Present Danger as it relates to importing its energy from foreign countries, and the long-term problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions."

Continuing, Mr. Goodell states that "too many Americans have forgotten what happened to us in 1973, when the Arabs and OPEC brought the United States economy to a screeching halt during the OPEC Oil Embargo. This happened because they (mainly the country of Saudi Arabia) disagreed with our foreign policy and is the reason why they "turned off the tap" of our need for their oil supplies. When Saudi Arabia and OPEC stopped the vital flow of oil to our country in 1973, they caused an "oil shock" that severely and negatively impacted our economy.

Mr. Goodell's question for us to ponder is, "do these countries who sell us 60% of our daily energy requirements, like us and our foreign policy, or might they leverage our addiction to their fossil fuels, and turn off the tap to make us adjust or revise our foreign policy?? Like any addict, America's foreign policy may be held hostage to its addiction, and in this case, our addiction to foreign oil, may over-ride our national interests."

Have American's forgotten the gas shortages and long lines at
their gas stations to get gas during the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973?

"Apparently so." Mr. Goodell states that "in 1973, America was 'addicted' and 'over the barrel' of foreign oil to the amount of 40%. Forty percent of our energy 'needs' in 1973 came from countries - many of which didn't like us then, and I'm afraid, many of them still don't. The difference between 1973 and today - is that today we receive 50% MORE foreign oil now than we did in 1973. And now we know about the problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions that we didn't know then. America needs to change course, and change course now, in terms of its' energy supplies and how we keep America's economy strong, without the threat of being held hostage to a middle-east tyrant or regime, that could once again, turn on us, and turn off our supply of foreign oil."

" Sadly," Monty Goodell continues, " most Americans have forgotten the long lines of people waiting in their cars - lined up and waiting for gasoline at their nearby gas station, with lines that were many blocks long. And, after waiting 4-5 hours, many even waiting overnight in many places, to finally take their turn to fill up their car with gasoline, only to find that the gas station had run out of gas."

"Let me Repeat.... That was 1973 when we imported 40% of our daily energy requirements in the form of crude oil from overseas, and from foreign countries - and many of these from countries that don't like us.

Today, over 35 years later, America has yet to learn the lesson. We cannot continue our reliance on energy from foreign countries that supply us with 60% of the crude oil that our refineries use as a feedstock for producing gasoline and diesel fuel for our cars and trucks comes from overseas.

America is "over the barrel" and it's not our barrel, but the barrels of oil that we are addicted by and owned by other countries. Why have we not learned the lessons we needed to learn in 1973 when we were cut-off from the vital energy supplies we need?

Countries like China, are growing rapidly, and have an insatiable need for crude oil. China, with their booming economy, is increasingly growing in its clout and control over international supplies of crude oil - whether they do this through their ability to buy as much oil as they need on a daily basis, or whether they simply but American drilling rigs, technology, and explore and produce oil and gas from their own fields. China, is buying large amounts of oil for their country, and causing upward pricing on declining supplies. What happens if Russia, with all of their oil and natural gas, along with China and Venezuela, with or without the help of OPEC, decided to NOT sell oil to us????

America's reliance for 60% of our energy "needs" coming from foreign suppliers is un-acceptable.

The "driver" to get America to begin reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use should be our nation's national security and the welfare and safety of its citizens. And this can all begin with developing and investing in our own renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies, let's start by putting solar on every rooftop that has a clear and unobstructed view of the Southern sky. See www.RooftopPV.com or www.DistributedPV.com for more information. Let's create incentives begin with adopting a national "Feed In Tariff" as Germany did in 1990.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you doing your part to prevent Climate Change and End America's Reliance on Foreign Energy?

* eliminate or greatly reduce our customer's electric demand charges and electric expenses.

* reduce the need for inefficient and expensive central power plants owned by utility companies.

* promote energy independence.

* end America's dependence on oil from OPEC and other countries in the Middle-East, Venezuela and end our need for importing natural gas from Russia.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Renewable Energy Institute is "Changing The Way The World Makes and Uses Energy by Providing Research & Development, Funding and Resources That Create Pollution Free Power, Carbon Free Energy & Renewable Energy Technologies."

The information contained on this site is copyright protected and
cannot be reproduced in any form or manner without our consent.

What Is Cadmium Telluride, and Why Do We Use It?