's Comments

Great way to end 2007, and to begin anew for 2008. It would be very advantageous for future agriculture students and agri-business farm major participants, if U.S.D.A. funding were to be applied for F.F.A. and 4-H youth programs, as well as High School and Junior College programs.

Inclusive with actual implementation of renewable and solar energy construction farm projects utilizing; wind energy units, solar thermal and photovoltaic system, methane and ethanol production plants, should be an emphasis for classroom curriculum enhancement in C.T.E. [Career Technical Education] and R.O.P. [Regional Occupational Programs].

The future of farming in America will depend on fast track renewable energy educational processes. The farm bill that was signed today requires input from farmers in the form of growing products that will enhance the production and use of bio-fuels, such as methane and ethanol.

Support your farming community. Buy and eat local.

Happy Holidaze

In response to James Giambrone Jr, I think your approach to the height issue v/s renewable 'wind' energy and HAM radio towers, should center on HomeLand Security issues.

There may even be funding or language in the HomeLand Security Act that would recognize the value of towered devices for the protection of the citizenry of Oregon and throughout the United States of America.

The planning department would be hard pressed to deny the need for communications and emergency power in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist act. A wind system or a photovoltaic system would continue to operate during such disasters, and when the utility grid may be off line.

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

In Northern California, there is an effort under way to have Renewable and Solar Energy added to the state school's R.O.P. [Regional Occupation Program] and C.T.E. [Certified Technical Education] curriculum. It has been determined that a replacement labor/management force needs to be developed to replace the aging 'baby boomer' solar entrepreneurs working in Solar Thermal/P.V./Wind/Hydro/Home Construction.

Those of us who helped form Cal-SEIA and helped develop solar energy in the 70's to present are graying at a rapid pace. Except for 'in-house' trained employees, there has not been a real concerted effort to develop the next generation of Solar & Renewable Energy entrepreneurs.

If we don't act now with a proactive plan, it won't matter how many solar rebate and grant programs are offered. There won't be enough of a work force to follow through effectively.

Kudos to NSF and Maricopa & Mesa Community Colleges.

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

I believe that the current 2006 'Do Nothing Congress' had only been present for approximately 90 daze of their job description committment. Their [politicos] explanation centers around mandatory recognition of approved holiday time off, various seasonal vacation time off, time off to seek money for campaigning and elections, and time off to prepare for Nov. 7th elections.
Then there is the 'time on' to actually legislate. Can't get it all done in 90 daze, so why bother?
I think the voters need to present serious RE questions and demand that the politico's back a feasible and sustainable RE platform as a condition for seeking office. Then the voters should demand that their legislators maintain a firm stance on their RE platform promises, that could then translate into a committment to action once they start their 90 day tenure.
Actions speak louder than words.
VOTE THE INCUMBENTS OUT.

Pursuant to the posting from Gene Lucas, I agree that there should be more attention paid to thermal systems. If you do the math and convert BTU's produced to KW Hours, the cost for thermal solar makes for a more attractive financial and environmental investment when compared to Photovoltaic systems.

Just run the numbers for an Olympic pool w/solar, or a commercial domestic solar water system. If more consumers were educated and made aware of the power of thermal solar, the topic would be almost entirely about thermal systems.

Until they, [the consumers], learn more about BTU's thermal conversion to kilowatts, the photovoltaics lobbyists will continue to over sell the 'sexy' part of PV's.

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

The performance based incentive program is arguably the most important solar related legislation ever approved in California. There are too many sub standard photovoltaic installations in California, [and across the nation I presume] and we needed a method to rid the solar industry of solar companies with questionable qualifications and incompetent installs.


FYI. to Phillp Treanor, it takes approx. 130 sq.ft. per kilowatt of solar array.

allen

I agree with Roy Bauer. In Ventura and El Dorado Counties in California, we are trying to get solar and renewable energy classes added to the State's school curriculum. During the past few decades, ROP school programs offered auto, wood, welding, farming and other 'service related' programs. NOW, they should consider offering technology that will be useful for tomorrows citizens.
Classes in renewable energy would cover basic knowledge of the nuts and bolts of solar, bio-fuels and other renewables, as well as the economices and business aspects of this multi billion dollar industry.
It is time for America to re-establish itself as a leader in this industry and not out source another home grown technology!
ROP programs for solar and renewables should be created that teach design, installation and investment strategies for students in grades 7-12, and in Junior Colleges, as well as a University level programs.
allen@scholfieldsolar.com

Performance Based Incentives and proof of performance of installed PV systems, via D.A.S. modems or other certification(s) is a very needed criteria for the PV industry. For too long, PV systems were sized and calculated for quantity of components - not quality of operation and performance.

My friend, the late Michael Orians and I were installing DAS units on our systems in the mid 90's, proving that our systems were operating correctly and met - or exceeded- CEC, PUC, NABCEP and local utility requirements.

We had witnessed dozens of questionable PV commercial installations, most notably on California County Fair properties, whereby the PV modules are facing North, East, West and South orientations, without consideration for shading from trees or adjoining buildings.

PBI's will seperate those who should remain in the PV industry from those who should go back to selling widgets, or cars.

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

My associates and I have been working with a 'Micro Utility' concept that was very popular in California during the early '80's. We design and install solar thermal systems on schools for pools, and domestic water for kitchens and gym showers. Recently, we added solar electric Photovoltaic systems utilizing funding from local utility companies and solar panel manufacturers, as well as our 'Third Party Lease Option' program.
From UCSB, UCLA, CAL Lutheran and a dozen local high schools and prison facilities, we have worked on this concept since 1984.

Allen@scholfieldsolar.com

This program could be used to fund a program to add solar and renewable energy classes to local K-12 school curriculum, as well as Junior College and University programs, to help educate and develop the future solar customer end users.

In addition, funding for solar school programs would help to create a work force of Solar Company personnel, from solar component manufacturers, distributors, construction installation companies, and solar marketing programs.

The old 1980's and 1990's generation of solar company owners are just about retirement age and are in need an influx of new blood.

This fund could also be useful in facilitating the NABCEP license program across the nation.

As Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young once sang, "teach your children well..."

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

This is great news for a town that is local to me. However, as encouraging as it is to have a 'solar electric neighborhood', why are we neglecting utilizing solar thermal systems? Both domestic water and pool/spa systems are arguably the most cost effective uses of solar energy. PV's are higher tech and higher priced.
If nothing else, why not a mix of solar & renewable energy disciplines; thermal, pv's and conservation measures?

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

I applaud the efforts of the California Energy Commission to establish a New Solar Homes Partnership program. However, I am surprised to see that solar thermal systems were not included in this progressive program. Industry operatives have known for 30 years that solar thermal systems, be it domestic water, Pool/spa heatings systems produce less expensive kilowatts than photovoltaic systems.

Anything less than an inclusive energy program utilizing the various renewable energy technologies, thermal, passive, conservation measures, etc., consumers will perceive the use of solar energy as an expensive technology. It does not have to go there. Solar and Renewables can be, and usually are, very cost competitive with the high price of oil. However, to use photovoltaic systems as the bench mark for affordability is shortsighted.

allen@scholfieldsolar.com

This is a very great renewable energy industry event. I wish the participants well in what could turn out to be an extremely needed micro/macro utility company enterprise. I would even like to personally invest in this concept.

Now that's what I'm talking about. Gentlemen and Ladies, start your Sterling engines!

Ventura has long been a leader in solar energy pursuits. Since the late 70's most of Ventura County's High Schools and Ventura Junior College had pool solar hot water systems. Numerous senior citizen housing buildings had solar thermal systems and hydronic heating. I know, because my company installed them. As the solar industry progressed so had the mindset of the government officials in Ventura. Kudos to Mayor Brennan and his staff for a well thought out plan for solar photovoltaics.
Allen@scholfieldsolar.com