Monday, September 27, 2010

Solar Panel Lease | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Leasing solar power. Another option to go green.

Posted on September 27th, 2010 by Daniel

Solar panels are probably the first thing we think of when we think clean power for your home. And it’s no surprise, because we know there will be daylight readily available to give us the power we need. However, most of us probably think that we can’t afford solar panels on our roof because of the up-front cost of tens of thousands of dollars. The federal government has stepped in by providing a 30% tax credit for solar installs, and states like Maryland have rebates of up to $10,000, but even after applying those, the cost can still be pretty high. So why not lease solar panels?

Here’s an example: Say that your household pays up to $175 for 1000 kW-hours of electricity per month, your highest usage during the year. You decide to install a 5.5 kW solar photovoltaic system to generate 50% of your electricity for $30,550. After applying Maryland’s $0.3/watt rebate and the 30% federal tax credit, the total cost drops to $19,440, a nice drop! But because you do not have that kind of money laying around, you decide go with the No-Money-Down lease option.

A typical lease term for a solar system is 15-20 years (yes it should be transferrable to a new owner if you decide to sell your home). Using the 15-year term, your monthly lease payments come to about $78. Since you are still paying some money to the utility company for the additional power you need at night, etc. (aka the other 50%), your average utility payment is now $68 per month. Adding the two payments, you get $166 per month, or about 5% in savings. Note that most of these deals are structured such that you save at least 10% off of your usual electric bill, so the numbers presented here vary slightly (they’re based on a residual value of $1/Watt and a 9% interest rate), but we hope that you get the gist of this option.

Of course you don’t get to collect any of the incentives and credits for the system because you do not own it. However, at the end of the lease term, the cost of the system can be more affordable, so it would make sense to buy the existing panels, instead of getting another lease agreement. From a technological standpoint, there may be better/cheaper options available at the end of your lease as well. So we’ll simply say “let’s cross that bridge when we get there!”

Overall, we think this is an excellent option for people that want to get solar panels with no money down. As long as the federal/state incentives are available, these green financing options make it very affordable for people to go green and reduce their carbon footprint. We have several solar contractors available to help you with your solar project, so request a free quote today!

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This entry was posted on Monday, September 27th, 2010 at 11:37 pm and is filed under Featured Content, Green Financing, Solar Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

just like leasing a car, but greener

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Clean power for your home or business with RECs | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Clean power for your home or business with RECs

Posted on September 7th, 2010 by Daniel

Many states (like DC, MD, and VA) nationwide have gone through energy deregulation, meaning that you can now choose your electricity (or gas) supplier. Because of deregulation, there are several options available when it comes to powering your home or business, one of which is clean electricity. Renewable power companies (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.) scattered all over the USA produce clean electricity that is available for green enthusiasts everywhere. This clean electricity cannot be efficiently transported nationwide on a separate grid for specific paying customers, due to the long distances. Also, each electron generated from a clean source cannot be tracked individually once it goes into the national electric grid. So how can someone use clean electricity if they don’t have a clean power source nearby? Say hello to the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). This tool was created through the EPA’s Green Partnership program. For more details on RECs check out this EPA.gov white paper [.pdf]), but we’ll give you the gist of it here.

What’s a REC?

When a wind farm somewhere in the midwest produces 1000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, two things happen: (1) the physical electricity goes into the national electric grid, thus providing power to the people nearby, and (2) a REC is created for that 1000 kilowatt hours of electricity generated, and this REC is tracked (info on geographic location and vintage of the generator) by a regional tracking system. One REC is equal to 1000 kilowatt hours of electricity produced by a renewable source (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.). These RECs are sold nationwide, and tracking systems allocate each REC to its purchaser.

So if you want to use clean renewable energy to power your home or business, and you can’t use solar panels, or geothermal, or wind turbines, etc. you can simply buy RECs from a supplier to cover your electricity usage and call it done.  RECs are sold at a dollar-per-kilowatt-hour ($/kWh) rate that can be very competitive to your current energy supplier’s rates. There is absolutely no additional equipment needed, and you’ll still have the same electric grid reliability you’re used to! Because RECs are purchased through a one or 2-year contract, you’ll know exactly what your electricity rate will be for the duration of the contract, and more importantly, you’ll know that your electric bill payments go directly to fund more renewable power sources, like that wind farm out in the midwest. Basically, your current electricity provider will take your money and buy the amount of electricity you consumed for the month, from a clean power source, on your behalf.

What will my electric bill look like?

You’ll still get the same bill from your electricity provider, but here’s what changes: the generation and transmission costs are now taken care of by the clean RECs you purchased, while the distribution is still handled by your electricity provider. Think of it this way: the power generated by the wind farm, and the transmission of that power over huge electricity towers near highways is accounted for in the cost of the wind REC. The distribution of that power to your local neighborhood is taken care of by your existing utility.

Looking at my regular PEPCO electric bill for July, for a total of $961 kWh of electricity, I paid $52.31 for distribution, $111.62 for generation, and $3.38 for transmission, a total of $167.31. Hypothetically, had I switched to a 1-year contract of 100% wind power through wind RECs (at a fixed rate of 0.105 $/kWh), I would have paid $100.91 for generation and transmission, and the existing $52.31 for distribution, a total of $153.22.

Applying these calculations to a 1-year contract, I could have saved about $164 per year! So why wouldn’t anyone want to do this again??? The process to switch is very simple, and you can do it today. You can easily start by getting quotes on the REC rates available to you through certified REC suppliers in the area. Enter your zip code, select “wind services” and request quotes from up to 3 suppliers in your area.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 1:19 pm and is filed under Featured Content, Solar Energy, Wind Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

a nice way to buy clean electricity

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Smart Energy International Conference & Technology Expo

About the event

The Smart Energy International Conference & Technology Expo is the smart energy industry’s platform to the future. Building on the success of Spintelligent’s Smart Energy East & West Coast Conferences over the last four years, Smart Energy International pulls together the best-of-breed from the smart energy conference series from across the US, pulls in the technological and financial interests and focus of Silicon Valley, and leverages Spintelligent’s international reach. 

The event will also feature a Technology Expo displaying cutting edge technologies from industry-leading vendors so you can get first-hand insight into the latest technologies being rolled out in the smart energy space today.

Still looking for more interaction? Then don’t miss out on the Pre-Conference Workshops on September 7th to drill into specific issues. Choose from three workshop topics and benefit from the experience and expertise of world-class presenters in these dynamic, dynamic, interactive sessions.

Smart Energy International will also have a truly international flavor with leading experts from around the globe highlighting their successes and challenges in moving the smart energy movement forward in their countries.

This unique combination of experience, relationships, and market focus come together to make Smart Energy International the venue for established leaders and new market entrants alike to learn, communicate, and network on the brink of the smart energy future.

Don’t miss out on local and global insights shared by more than 40 industry expert speakers and hundreds of colleague representing all the key stakeholders. From Smart Grid to Renewables to Electric Vehicles to Customer issues, Smart Energy International has got you covered!

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Pacific West BIOMASS Conference & Trade Show

With an exclusive focus on biomass utilization in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada, the Pacific West BIOMASS Conference & Trade Show is a dynamic regional offshoot of Biomass Magazine’s International BIOMASS Conference & Expo, the largest event of it’s kind in the world.

Taking place in Seattle, Washington, January 10-12, 2011, the Pacific West BIOMASS Conference & Trade Show will connect the area’s current and future producers of biomass-derived electricity, industrial heat and power, and advanced biofuels with waste generators, aggregators, growers, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, investors and policy makers.

The mainland Pacific West—from southern California to the Washington/Canada border—has huge amounts of biomass resources. The region is home to dozens of biomass power plants, advanced biofuels startups, research hubs and vital industry associations.    

The Pacific West BIOMASS Conference & Trade Show program will include more than 60 speakers, including technical presentations on topics ranging from anaerobic digestion and gasification to combined heat and power and large-scale biomass combustion, within the structured framework of general session panels and four customized tracks:

TRACK 1: Electricity Generation
TRACK 2: Industrial Process Heat & Power
TRACK 3: Biorefining
TRACK 4: Biomass Project Development & Finance

The Pacific West BIOMASS Conference & Trade Show is designed to help you – as a biomass industry stakeholder – identify and evaluate solutions that fit your operation. It’s time to improve your operational efficiencies and tap into the revenue generating potential of sustainable biomass resources in the region.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » WORLD ENERGY ENGINEERING CONGRESS (WEEC

AEE is very pleased to bring the WORLD ENERGY ENGINEERING CONGRESS (WEEC) once again to Washington, DC for 2010. Now in its 33rd year, the WEEC is well-recognized as the most important energy event of national scope for end users and energy professional in all areas of the energy field. It is the one truly comprehensive forum where you can fully assess the “big picture” – and see exactly how the economic and market forces, new technologies, regulatory developments and industry trends all merge to shape your critical decisions on your organization’s energy and economic future.

The WEEC features a large, multi-track conference agenda, a full line-up of seminars on a variety of current topics and a comprehensive exposition of the market’s most promising new technologies.
The WEEC conference and expo target the complete spectrum of technologies and services of greatest importance to our delegates in attendance, including, but not limited to:

•    Energy efficiency and energy management
•    Renewable, green and alternative energy
•    Combined heat & power / cogeneration / distributed generation
•    Integrated building automation & energy management
•    Lighting efficiency
•    HVAC systems and controls
•    Thermal storage and load management
•    Boilers and combustion controls
•    Geoexchange technologies
•    Solar and fuel cell technologies
•    Applications specific to federal energy management programs
•    Energy services and project financing

Also, in order to address the interests and needs of the large number of U.S. government professionals who traditionally attend WEEC, AEE will again offer a section of the program known as FEMWorks 2010. First introduced as part of the 2006 WEEC agenda, this special multi-track portion of the WEEC conference will include a comprehensive series of workshops for federal energy managers.

WEEC’s highly acclaimed GreenStreet expo showcase, introduced in 2007 and co-presented by the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR®, will again be a prominent part of the WEEC for 2010. Here you can examine firsthand the latest green / sustainable / environmentally friendly energy technologies now available for both new design and retrofit projects. Conference presentations will facilitate your understanding of these technologies, covering such topics as green building design and retrofit; LEED certification and building commissioning; high performance facilities; federal initiatives; state and local sustainable development programs; the latest developments in renewable energy; reducing carbon emissions; transportation solutions for the future; and green/sustainable project success stories.
Other features for 2010 include a free technology workshops held in the exhibit hall, and several free tours of local energy installations of interest.
The WEEC also serves as the annual convention of the Association of Energy Engineers, and is attended by more AEE members each year than any other single event.

There’s no better way to find the immediate answers you need, and to assess the full scope of potential energy solutions available to you, than by attending the 2010 World Energy Engineering Congress.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Windustry Community Wind Energy Conference

Community Wind Across America presents a two-day regional conference on local, state and national policies, and options for financing Community and Small Wind projects. The conference will also include practical information on how to put together a Community Wind project. Concurrently there will be a full Small Wind program focusing on topics such as how to choose a turbine, installation, and rebates and grants.
 
The Mid Atlantic Region Conference in State College, Pennsylvania will bring together state and local economic development and policy makers with members of the agriculture and wind energy industries to advance opportunities for locally-owned clean energy production. We will share experiences and information to harness the growing momentum for new models, new policies and new projects.
 
The Community and Small Wind Energy Conference is for farmers, ranchers, rural landowners, economic development professionals, elected officials, business leaders, tribal representatives, investors, bankers, town planners, community leaders and any other interested individuals.
 
See more Community and Small Wind Energy Conferences in other regions:
 
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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Phase II of Renewable Energy in America

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE’s) Phase II National Policy Forum offers a unique opportunity for government and industry leaders of the renewable energy community to convene and voice decisive policy recommendations “on the record.” The conference will be held December 8-9, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

History of Phase II National Policy Forum

Phase II of Renewable Energy in America National Policy Forum was first held in 2003. The goal of the conference is to convey the contribution of renewable energy to the nation’s energy needs by bringing together high-level speakers to discuss the energy policy issues concerning renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable development, the environment and related fields.

Keynotes have included Governor Bill Richardson, reporter Thomas Friedman, the Honorable Andy Karsner, and many other leading figures passionate about the success of renewable energy.

In addition, an emphasis is made on providing networking opportunities for participants. Attendees, speakers and sponsors are encouraged to attend the opening reception.

Why Phase II?

Phase I of renewable energy in America was the period from 1975–2000, centered on federally-funded research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs that were successful. After 25 years of effort by our nation’s best scientists and engineers, and approximately $15 billion spent, the US has an array of new technologies in wind power, solar energy, hydropower, ocean energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy and biofuels.

ACORE has designated “Phase II” to be the period from 2000 to 2025, when the focus will be on putting the new technologies to use.

Phase II policies began at the state level with the passage of Renewable Portfolio Standards and economic incentives. Now it is time to instill the philosophies of Phase II into federal policy. There is a need to recognize the public benefits for domestic energy supply, national security, economic security, environmental protection, global warming, investment opportunities, and job creation. There is a pressing need for policy stability so that companies have a reasoned basis for making long-term investments in factories and the financial community can have reasonable confidence making investments in new projects.

About ACORE

The American Council On Renewable Energy is focused on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies into the mainstream of American society. ACORE provides a common platform for the wide range of interests in the renewable energy community including renewable energy industries, associations, utilities, end users, professional service firms, financial institutions and government agencies. ACORE serves as a forum through which these parties work together on common interests. For more information visit our website: www.acore.org.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Renewable Energy Finance – West

Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF) West returns to San Francisco, following last September’s successful second edition which attracted over 400 senior executives and investors.

This year the conference will focus on the renewable energy markets on the West Coast of North America.  There will be particular focus on the opportunities for private equity and venture capital in clean tech energy companies as well as a detailed review of the latest technologies likely to create a step change in the industry, plus examination of the prospects for financing the scale-up of these game changing innovations and the rapid growth of renewables across the West Coast. 

The conference will allow you to hear from the thought leaders in this space and also from companies providing exciting opportunities in the current market. For all enquiries regarding the 3rd REFF West, please contact Euromoney Energy Events

Meet senior representatives from both the energy and financial sectors who are focusing on renewables and clean technologies. Read more

Where: San Francisco, CA
Date: Sep 29 2010 – 7:00am – Sep 30 2010 – 5:00pm
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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Maryland Clean Energy Summit 2010

This conference brings thought leaders from industry, academia and government together to focus on the job creation and business development opportunities inherent in addressing the climate change challenge. Looking to the development of future technologies, policies, and finance – participants will identify options, issues, and action strategies to obtain winning outcomes for Maryland.

SUMMIT TOPICS INCLUDE:
•Energy as a National Security concern;
•Opportunities through Research & Development;
•Transportation and paving the way for Electric Vehicles;
•Overcoming challenges to implement Renewable Power Generation;
•Alternative Fuels & Biomass energy solutions;
•How Energy Management & the Built Environment can drive reduction in demand.
Conference registration is limited!

Date: Monday, October 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Hilton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

For more information, visit www.MDCleanEnergySummit.org

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Going Green with Technology Summer Camp Highlights | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

We want to share with you, our fans, highlights on the Going Green with Technology Summer Camp from the Patriots Technology Center.

From Thurman Jones of the Patriots Technology Training Center:

We wrapped up our summer activities and wanted to share with you our “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” experience. Our summer camp would not have been a success without the support of our sponsors and partners. To all of them, we would like to say THANK YOU! Our sponsors/partners are as follows:

  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy/Melody Bell/ Shawn Mason
  • U.S. Department of Energy, Department of the Environment
  • Justice, Melinda Downing
  • U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Association, Malika Hobbs
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth Johnson
  • NAVSEA /Thomas Palathra/Walter Pannick, Heather Zdobysz
  • NAVY/LCDR Robin Lemon-Soape Mirant/Misty Allen/Wayne Hale
  • Johnson Controls /John Cavanaugh, Janet Hatch, Jenell Brimhall
  • Shell Hydrogen, Karen Kruger
  • NBC-WRC TV/Mark Whitaker/Enid Doggett
  • Clean Air Partners, Jessica Davis
  • IT Computer Wiz Kids, Gerard Cooper
  • DNA Extraction, Marty Pollock
  • U.S. Army, Deanna Tyler

Kickoff Day:

Carti Harris kicked off the camp with instructions on Idvd, Imovie, Keynote, Iphoto, Glogster and online blogging. The campers were exposed to web 2.0 applications. From this exposure the students were able to utilize their acquired skills to enhance educational projects throughout their tenure as students. This knowledge also places them on the cutting edge of technology. The applications that were taught align with the Maryland Multi-Media Interns Technology standards. These tools came in handy when the students prepared for their “Going Green” research projects. Senovia McLaughlin and Janell King, along with four interns, Brandon Joseph, Daniel Cooper, Lance Williams, and Sahara Lindsey assisted in the coordination and implementation of the camp’s activities.

Here is a video from a past event:

NBC Studios Visit:

On their first field trip, the camper visited NBC studios in Washington, D.C. The students were welcomed by Mark Whitaker, Chief of Washington Bureau, NBC News. They then were treated to a behind the scenes look at broadcasting in its finest lead by Phalley Lambert and Alonzo Ray. They were greeted by local celebrities such as Mac McGarry (It’s Academic), news anchors Barbara Hairston, Pat Lawson Muse, and Jim Handly along with weatherman Tom Kieran. The students were escorted to the different control booths and taught some of the logistics of broadcast journalism. They were also made privy to the robotics used to operate the camera and other equipment needed to produce a quality program

The highlight of the trip came when the students were allowed to signoff on air at the end of the 12:00 noon news broadcast. The students were inspired when they were able to see the benefit of pursuing a career in the STEM field up close.

IT Computer Wiz Kids Workshop:

In an IT Computer Wiz Kids workshop lead by Gerard Cooper, students received instructions on building the ultimate gaming computer.

Going Green Research Project:

Research was initiated on the “Going Green Research Project” and captains were selected to head teams that were given “renewable energy sources” on topics such as vehicles, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, environmental justice, and nuclear. These teams developed a list of fascinating questions for the various DOE Program Managers to discuss and answer during a DOE on-site interviewing session coordinated by Shawn Mason of EERE.

Here is a video from a previous event

Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center

The Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center was the destination of the second field trip. The students were given a tour of the facility, a full-service gas station. It is the only one of its kind in our area that provides fuel for hydrogen cars which are not yet for sale to the public. The students learned about hydrogen fuel and the future of our oil supplies and were given a chance to “test ride” in a real hydrogen fuel car prototype from General Motors. To wrap up the day at Shell Hydrogen and what the future holds for the automobile industry, students watched “Back to the Future.”

DNA Lecture

Marty Pollock came to talk about DNA and described in great detail the ins and outs of DNA. He had the students do an experiment to see what actual DNA looks like. Each of the student’s DNA samples were put into test tubes for further examination.

Chalk Point Power Plant

The camp went off to tour the power plant in Chalk Point located in Aquasco, MD. During the tour led by Wayne Hale, the students learned that Mirant Mid-Atlantic, the owners of Chalk Point, burns more than 60 tons of coal in one month. The energy gleaned from burning the coal is enough to supply 20 million homes. The Chalk Point facility is so large that a whole train could sit inside of it. A mention of the underground tunnel that is large enough to house a dump truck should not be left out. One of the things that Mirant is most proud of is the fact that of the 100% of the coal that is burned, 99.4% of the burn off is recaptured as not to harm the environment. It was a great trip and a great experience.

Lego & Balloon: Lego Robots & Water Balloon Launches

Thomas Palathra from the NAVSEA Indian Head Division, provided staffers Walter Pannick and Heather Zdobysz, who instructed our students for a week of building and programming a Lego robot for exciting tech challenges, assembling a rocket, constructing a solar car, and participating in a water balloon and egg drop mission. Of the six competing teams, the Hotmass Team won the robotics competition for completing the most challenges. For the finale of the week’s activities, the students launched their rockets and displayed their projects. To end the wonderful day, the Prince George’s County Fire Department Engine Team #33 came out and assisted our campers in the Egg Drop Competition.

To kick-off the final week of camp, Deanna Tyler of the U.S. Army presented a workshop on solar panels. It was interesting to learn how effective the solar panels assist our troops as they defend our country. With much enthusiasm, campers were challenged to design a more natural way to power the batteries that are used by the soldiers.

Johnson Controls

We were then joined by Johnson Controls. John Cavanaugh of Johnson Controls coordinated Jenell Brimhall and Janet Hatch to facilitate a 3-day training that would certify the students as “Energy Ambassadors.” Johnson Controls is a company whose main objective is to conserve energy and find unconventional ways to create power sources. The students made their own personal wind turbines as a renewable energy source. They also made pizza box ovens designed to cook smores. The process of cooking depended on the construction of the oven and the placement under the sun’s waves. Awards were given for the construction and production of the ovens. By the end of the week, each student had complete knowledge of the renewable energy sources; solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

David Air Partners

Rebecca Davis of Clean Air Partners presented a fun-filled workshop on Air Quality. Ms. Davis provided background information on topics such as: What Makes Up Our Atmosphere, Criteria Pollutants, Air Quality Index, and Respiratory System Effects on Health. Students were split into teams and then played “Air Quality Jeopardy” utilizing the information they obtained on Air Quality. The winners received prizes.

Mini-Green STEM Conference

On our final day of camp, parents, family, friends, and the community were invited to attend a Mini-Green STEM Conference hosted by our campers. It was their time to shine and display all of the exciting projects that they participated in during the summer camp session.

Camp Conclusion

The “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” was an invaluable experience. It exposed our students to many aspects of renewable energy and how it affects our community, the future, and the power they have to make a positive impact. By the looks on their faces, you can see for yourself that they were “happy campers”.

For more information on the technology summer camp and program, please contact the following:

Thurman D. Jones, Jr.
President
thurmanjones@hotmail.com

Gloria Shivers
Director of Programs
gloriashivers@hotmail.com

Jenise Littlejohn
NSBE Jr. Advisor
jeniselittlejohn@hotmail.com

Denise Lewis
Director of Strategic Programs and Communications
lewis438@comcast.net

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

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This entry was posted on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 8:21 pm and is filed under Green Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Volunteer at ECOffshoots.org Urban Farm

Are you ready to wake up to a nice Saturday morning, roll your sleeves up, and do some urban farming volunteer work? Join us this Saturday, Sept. 4th, at the ECOffshoots.org urban farm to help these guys out with building this wonderful community farm. We’ll be there from 10am to 1pm, so come through and lend a helping hand, learn what urban farming is all about!
Form more info on ECOffshoots.org’s volunteer session, check out their site.

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Going Green. It’s for the kids. It’s for their future. | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Going Green. It’s for the kids. It’s for their future.

Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by Daniel

The winner of August’s Green Photo of the Month contest is Oleg, all the way from the suburbs of Moscow, Russia! This picture is of Oleg’s son, and it reminds us of why we are doing this. The future of our kids, the future of their generation, that is what’s at stake here. Going green may help us save some money on our overall energy costs now, it may reduce our carbon footprint substantially, but most importantly, it will secure a healthier future for the next generation. And if we want to do what’s best for their tomorrow, we have to be mindful of what we do for ourselves today!

To submit your green photo to Sobuka’s Green Photo of the Month contest, please email it to contest[at]sobuka.com with a brief description of where it was taken, and how it relates to going green.

Also, if you are in the DC/MD/VA area, and you need help with going green, let us know, we’re here to help! If you already have an idea of what you want to do to go green, we have skilled professionals for solar and wind-related services, energy efficiency audits, and green remodeling. Do a quick zipcode search and request FREE quotes for your green project.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Featured Content, Green Photo of the Month. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Recycle, Reuse, or Re-purpose your old campaign signs | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Recycle, Reuse, or Re-purpose your old campaign signs

Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Sulaiman

Sobuka’s Campaign Platform: Let’s Recycle, Reuse or Re-purpose old campaign signs and stop spending money to pollute the environment

If you didn’t know already, this year (2010) is an election year which explains the numerous campaign signs around town and along the highways with names of candidates you never heard of. I know we all can become overly preoccupied with which candidate to vote for, however, we must not forget about the environment. The truth of the matter is, most homeowners who are uninformed will put their campaign signs in one place after the election, “the garbage”. Therefore, Sobuka is encouraging all candidates for political office as well as citizens to recycle campaign signs at the end of the election process instead of tossing them in the garbage.

The important thing is, when we recycle materials such as campaign signs, it keeps waste out of landfills and allows for the reuse of materials. Recycling campaign signs not only saves space at landfills, each ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Recycled paper also uses 60 percent less energy in comparison to new paper and generates 95 percent less air pollution.

Now that you are “informed”, I know you’re excited and want to jump into action, so here’s how you can be part of the solution instead of the problem.

What should a person do with a campaign sign after the election is over?

The environmentally friendly thing we all can do with old campaign signs is to RECYCLE, REUSE, or RE-PURPOSE.

Recycle

Broken down corrugated plastic, cardboard signs and metal stakes can be placed into your curbside recycling blue cart. Campaign signs must be free of staples, metal or wood posts and tape.

Small wood stakes can be recycled with green waste in counties that have green carts. Drop off small or large corrugated plastic and cardboard signs at the various Recycling Center that take plastic and cardboard. Wood signs and wood frame/stakes can be recycled at centers that take wood.

If you have wire frames made of steel or aluminum the metal can be recycled.  Standard “H” stakes weigh about .43 lbs which is equal to 12 empty aluminum cans.

To find a recycling center in your area please visit Earth911 which is a website where you can search for local recycling centers by entering your zip code. You can also call  1-800-CLEANUP for recycling information in your state.

Reuse or Re-purpose

Old campaign signs can be turned inside out and written on with markers to make new signs for different occasions such as parties, garage sales or you can even make your own sign supporting your church or charity.

Unfortunately, bag signs are not as easy to reuse, but it’s possible. Turn the bag inside out and you can make your new sign. They are a little tricky to write on, but a thick black marker works well. The bag signs can be put into the recycling bins of most municipal collection operations, so that’s another option.

If you have a corrugated plastic campaign sign, you can paint over it next time you have a wet paint roller out to cover up the political information. Then you’ll be able to make it a sale sign or other sign you need in the future.

Metal “H” Stakes are also good for holding up plants. Just step the stake into the ground and you’ve got the support for your plant. They work great for ivy and tomatoes. You can cut the steel wire at the corners and use them in the future. This is very good material, so it shouldn’t be thrown away.

If you’re going to keep the steel wire wickets, they should be properly stored. First, wipe the wicket off with a damp cloth. This will remove dirt that sticks to the wire. Then, store the wire in a place where it won’t get wet. Otherwise, you’ll have a rusty rod that won’t be much good. The steel wickets can also be used to hold up and grow plants as well.

If you don’t find any of these suggestions useful you can always return the campaign sign to the candidate’s office. Political candidates are not going to stop ordering campaign signs; they are a vital part of every good political campaign. But, all that material doesn’t need to be wasted. A quick minute of planning, and you can figure out the best use for your old campaign sign.

Don’t forget to vote on September 14th and Remember

Vote

for the Environment by choosing Sobuka for your green needs !!

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

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  3. Green + School Supplies = GreenER Planet!

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 3:18 pm and is filed under Environment, Featured Content. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Lately…we have been asked this question | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Lately…we have been asked this question

Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Nick

Question: What can you do when snow or ice is on your solar panels? Folks have asked us a lot of questions around this topic especially with this year’s snow storm that broke records along the east coast.

Several recommendations we have heard and also things to consider have been listed below. They are just opinions thrown together and have no bearing by us in rank. We encourage anyone with this type of issue to first contact their installer or licensed solar contractor and/or professional.

1. Make sure that the panels on your roof are tilted. We’ve heard anything from 15 to 40 degrees. If your solar roof is adjustable, you are in much better shape. You can slowly hope for the ice to slide right off as the outdoor temperature increases during the day.

2. You can hit the ice off with a soft football-like object. One blogger came up with this idea. Make sure it’s soft and that you avoid hitting your neighbor. :) Please avoid rocks or anything heavy as to not damage the panels.

3. Use a garden hose or roof rake to clean off any debris. This is the commonly used method until technology improves. If you are using either one, please make sure that the panels are cleaned throughly without smear as best as you can. Avoid damaging the panels if you are doing it yourself. Please contact a professional solar contractor.

4. If you live in a snowy area and are considering installing solar panels, you might want to consider installing a ground mount system. That way you can easily wipe anything off by avoiding far to reach places.

5. Snow may not be a bad thing during the winter. Several sources are saying that snow can actually make the panels more effective. Snow from the surrounding ground can reflect light back to the panels. The cold weather also makes the panels efficient from a molecular prospective.

6. Any guess on technology? There are smart technologies already out there. One company in Germany has created solar panels with self cleaning instruments similar to a wind shield wiper. The language of the article was in German so it was hard for us to translate. We will see if they can translate it for us. If you find any technology out there please feel free to share with us.

7. Wait for the snow to melt. If you are in the part of the world where one day it snows and the next day it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then you are in luck.

8. Find out if your contractor has a maintenance package and/or program. They may be able to provide you with an expert who can assist you with the up keeping of your panels.

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

Bookmark and Share

Related posts:

  1. Winter Storm…Power Outages…Good time for Solar!

Tags: ,

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm and is filed under Do it Yourself, Featured Content, Solar Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted via email from The EthioRussian's posterous

Lately…we have been asked this question | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

Lately…we have been asked this question

Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Nick

Question: What can you do when snow or ice is on your solar panels? Folks have asked us a lot of questions around this topic especially with this year’s snow storm that broke records along the east coast.

Several recommendations we have heard and also things to consider have been listed below. They are just opinions thrown together and have no bearing by us in rank. We encourage anyone with this type of issue to first contact their installer or licensed solar contractor and/or professional.

1. Make sure that the panels on your roof are tilted. We’ve heard anything from 15 to 40 degrees. If your solar roof is adjustable, you are in much better shape. You can slowly hope for the ice to slide right off as the outdoor temperature increases during the day.

2. You can hit the ice off with a soft football-like object. One blogger came up with this idea. Make sure it’s soft and that you avoid hitting your neighbor. :) Please avoid rocks or anything heavy as to not damage the panels.

3. Use a garden hose or roof rake to clean off any debris. This is the commonly used method until technology improves. If you are using either one, please make sure that the panels are cleaned throughly without smear as best as you can. Avoid damaging the panels if you are doing it yourself. Please contact a professional solar contractor.

4. If you live in a snowy area and are considering installing solar panels, you might want to consider installing a ground mount system. That way you can easily wipe anything off by avoiding far to reach places.

5. Snow may not be a bad thing during the winter. Several sources are saying that snow can actually make the panels more effective. Snow from the surrounding ground can reflect light back to the panels. The cold weather also makes the panels efficient from a molecular prospective.

6. Any guess on technology? There are smart technologies already out there. One company in Germany has created solar panels with self cleaning instruments similar to a wind shield wiper. The language of the article was in German so it was hard for us to translate. We will see if they can translate it for us. If you find any technology out there please feel free to share with us.

7. Wait for the snow to melt. If you are in the part of the world where one day it snows and the next day it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then you are in luck.

8. Find out if your contractor has a maintenance package and/or program. They may be able to provide you with an expert who can assist you with the up keeping of your panels.

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

Bookmark and Share

Related posts:

  1. Winter Storm…Power Outages…Good time for Solar!

Tags: ,

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm and is filed under Do it Yourself, Featured Content, Solar Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted via email from The EthioRussian's posterous

What do you know about switching? | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

What do you know about switching?

Posted on August 28th, 2010 by alex

Could it be the fear of hassle or unknown complications that make most DMV residents “stagnant” about choices of alternative renewable energy? Besides mere contentment on current situations, everyone should become more educated about the renewable energy options available to them – especially with the likelihood of them benefiting by saving money on their current energy expenses. As we all continue to be more conscious about wasting energy in our homes we should consider and make inquiries about alternative renewable energy resources. Switching to alternative renewable energy resources such as Solar or Wind are available options to the majority of homeowners.

There are affordable solar installers, wind RECs service providers or energy audit technicians that would love to  help anyone  to streamline their energy accounts  and conserve energy in their households. A few minutes of your time to consult reliable providers such as Clean Currents or Kenergy solar on considerations about electricity supply options will help and educate you on making the right choice.

A D.C resident recently made a complete switch to 100% wind RECs as his energy supplier instead of using PEPCO. The following process lead to him switching to a renewable energy provider:

  • Examined current billing charges of cents per KWH (pepco, BGE, etc.)
  • Inquired and compared rates from renewable energy provider ( Clean Currents)
  • Considered the options available within budget from the renewable energy provider (most likely will have lower rates for residents when compared to local utility company)
  • Proceeded with switching process ( simple sign up with energy billing documents)
  • Confirmation from parties involved about successful transition and other important information

The transition the resident described was simpler than expected – and I believe others would say the same. As we gradually roll into colder season, so does most budgets adjust and you may see an increase in your utility bills due to heating your home. However, on the other hand if you switch to an alternative renewable energy supplier you can have a lower fixed rate no matter the season.  It is alarming to know how far-back we are when it comes to this aspect of technology growth – east coast in general. But the numbers are changing; and it should when there are no significant reasons for staying in an “old system”.

Nothing is perfect nor would anything improve without series of hurdles. Solar energy and wind RECs are reliable energy with good causes and incentives – not to mention a good investment. One important notion about going green is living smart. There is no sense in making these changes in your homes when there isn’t any discipline on daily activities concerning energy usage.

An affordable energy audit will do more than tell you what you might already know but it will also give you specific individual assessments for necessary changes while educating you in the process. Making these choices or having inquired about different alternative energy considerations is one step towards smart green living for all DMV residents.

Sobuka would be glad to assist anyone within the area that considers making the switch. Contact us at info@sobuka.com for assistance.

Bookmark and Share

Related posts:

  1. MoM’s doing it, So can you.
  2. Going Green & Clean Can Prevent Dirty Mishaps
  3. China charges on, topping U.S. in Clean energy investments

Tags: , , , , ,

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 1:49 am and is filed under Featured Content, Solar Energy, Uncategorized, Wind Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted via email from The EthioRussian's posterous

What do you know about switching? | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

What do you know about switching?

Posted on August 28th, 2010 by alex

Could it be the fear of hassle or unknown complications that make most DMV residents “stagnant” about choices of alternative renewable energy? Besides mere contentment on current situations, everyone should become more educated about the renewable energy options available to them – especially with the likelihood of them benefiting by saving money on their current energy expenses. As we all continue to be more conscious about wasting energy in our homes we should consider and make inquiries about alternative renewable energy resources. Switching to alternative renewable energy resources such as Solar or Wind are available options to the majority of homeowners.

There are affordable solar installers, wind RECs service providers or energy audit technicians that would love to  help anyone  to streamline their energy accounts  and conserve energy in their households. A few minutes of your time to consult reliable providers such as Clean Currents or Kenergy solar on considerations about electricity supply options will help and educate you on making the right choice.

A D.C resident recently made a complete switch to 100% wind RECs as his energy supplier instead of using PEPCO. The following process lead to him switching to a renewable energy provider:

  • Examined current billing charges of cents per KWH (pepco, BGE, etc.)
  • Inquired and compared rates from renewable energy provider ( Clean Currents)
  • Considered the options available within budget from the renewable energy provider (most likely will have lower rates for residents when compared to local utility company)
  • Proceeded with switching process ( simple sign up with energy billing documents)
  • Confirmation from parties involved about successful transition and other important information

The transition the resident described was simpler than expected – and I believe others would say the same. As we gradually roll into colder season, so does most budgets adjust and you may see an increase in your utility bills due to heating your home. However, on the other hand if you switch to an alternative renewable energy supplier you can have a lower fixed rate no matter the season.  It is alarming to know how far-back we are when it comes to this aspect of technology growth – east coast in general. But the numbers are changing; and it should when there are no significant reasons for staying in an “old system”.

Nothing is perfect nor would anything improve without series of hurdles. Solar energy and wind RECs are reliable energy with good causes and incentives – not to mention a good investment. One important notion about going green is living smart. There is no sense in making these changes in your homes when there isn’t any discipline on daily activities concerning energy usage.

An affordable energy audit will do more than tell you what you might already know but it will also give you specific individual assessments for necessary changes while educating you in the process. Making these choices or having inquired about different alternative energy considerations is one step towards smart green living for all DMV residents.

Sobuka would be glad to assist anyone within the area that considers making the switch. Contact us at info@sobuka.com for assistance.

Bookmark and Share

Related posts:

  1. MoM’s doing it, So can you.
  2. Going Green & Clean Can Prevent Dirty Mishaps
  3. China charges on, topping U.S. in Clean energy investments

Tags: , , , , ,

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 1:49 am and is filed under Featured Content, Solar Energy, Uncategorized, Wind Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted via email from The EthioRussian's posterous

Free Home Energy Audits for DC Residents | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing

The program promotes energy efficiency assessments for single family homes in the District. Based on a home energy rating system, auditors will suggest specific cost-effective, energy efficient improvements that should be done to reduce the home’s operational costs and improve comfort.

Such improvements and ratings may help you qualify for lower rate mortgages or energy efficiency home mortgages. Your energy rating should also help sellers be more attractive to home buyers.

What is a home energy rating?

The Home Energy Rating is a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a homebuyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. A homeowner who wants to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific cost-effective improvement needs.

Home energy ratings involve an on-site inspection of a home by a residential energy efficiency professional, a home energy rater. DDOE has selected Elysian Energy, LLC to conduct the Home Energy Ratings. As a rule, home energy raters come from either the housing or energy fields. Their backgrounds include experience as home inspectors, appraisers, energy auditors, low-income Weatherization contractors, and energy efficient homebuilders and designers.

The home energy rater inspects the home and measures energy characteristics such as: insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-wall ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Diagnostic testing, which may include a blower door for air leakage and duct leakage testing, is often part of the rating.

The data gathered by the home energy rater is entered into a computer program and translated into points. The home receives a point score between 1 and 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home’s energy costs is also provided. The home’s energy efficiency is then equated to a STAR rating ranging from 1 STAR for a very inefficient home to a 5 STAR for a highly efficient home. Along with the rating sheet, homeowners receive a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating.

FIVE STAR + (PLUS)      = EXTREMELY EFFICIENT
FIVE STAR                            = VERY EFFICENT
FOUR STAR + +                   = EFFICIENT
FOUR STAR                           = GOOD
THREE STAR + +               = ABOVE AVERAGE
THREE STAR                       = AVERAGE
TWO STAR + +                     = BELOW AVERAGE
TWO STAR                             = FAIR
ONE STAR + +                      = POOR
ONE STAR                              = EXTREMLY POOR

One of the major differences between a home energy rating and an energy audit or Weatherization assessment is that the rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage process. Home energy ratings are valuable to the housing industry and can be utilized in a variety of ways. The information derived from the home energy rating provides important information about a home’s performance and the economic analysis necessary to support lending decisions.

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Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Ecobuild America 2010-Washington, DC

Ecobuild is the only industry event bringing the entire construction team together. So many specialized areas of knowledge are needed to create a better built world – one that is safe, healthy, and environmentally responsive. Come discover integrated, proven solutions encompassing:

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • green technology
  • high performance building
  • sustainable design
  • energy-efficiency
  • smart buildings
  • security and more.

Learn how to reduce environmental and energy impacts throughout every phase of the facility lifecycle. At this one unique event, you can also catch up with ever-evolving tech tools to improve workflow and communication.

No matter what your discipline—from architecture, engineering, construction, facility management, to development and more – go beyond events where attendees talk in silos. Come to Ecobuild where real collaboration is advancing our industry’s performance today.

Ecobuild America and its co-located events give you the education and resources you need to build smarter and improve our built environment.

Member meetings: Dec. 6-10
Conference: Dec. 7-9
Exhibits: Dec. 8-9

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