New Jersey Solar Installers

New Jersey Solar Installers

Green Apple Energy is a fully licensed solar installer operating throughout the state of New Jersey. To be more specific, our home base is actually located out of Monmouth County.  Although we offer solar installation throughout NJ, most of our focuses are on residential and commercial clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ.

New Jersey Solar Financial Incentives & Rebates

Click or Tap Here To View New Jersey Solar Incentives & Rebates

Residential Solar Installers in New Jersey

Are you ready to start saving money? There are many different names that mean “residential solar system.” You’ve probably heard of one or the other. These include grid-tie, residential solar, and home solar. At the end of the day, they all represent the same thing; A solar energy system that will provide you with clean, renewable energy from the sun.   The benefits when it comes to solar energy are enormous.

• Green Apple Energy offers zero down financing on solar installations for your home in NJ
• You can actually get a return on your investment vs. paying the utility with no return every month
• This is a non-polluting energy source
• It’s renewable (unlike fossil fuels which will eventually run out)
• You can sell your excess power back to the utility
• Very low maintenance
• Solar panels can last well over 20 years
• Once installation is complete-your power is free!
• You can monitor your savings as well as usage via software

Commercial Solar Installers in New Jersey

Whether you own an office building or strip malls, going solar is a fantastic economic choice for commercial establishments.  A commercial solar system will provide fixed cost energy pricing for your business from a clean, renewable energy source. With all of the government and state sponsored incentives, there’s never been a better time to convert over to solar. For large commercial establishments, Green Apple Energy can supply your business with large solar panels that can be positioned on rooftops or structures adjacent to your building.  If your facility utilizes more power than the solar panels provide, you’ll always have the main grid as a backup. However, if your solar panels generate more power than your establishment needs, your utility will credit your energy bill for the excess energy.

Commercial Solar Power Benefits in New Jersey

• You’ll typically see a return on your investment within 3-4 years
• You can sell extra power back to the utility company
• Reduce your electric bill from 50-90% (we’ve seen it hit $0!)
• The federal government permits accelerated depreciation for solar energy technology
• Reduce your electric bill from 50-90% (we’ve seen it hit $0!)
• A commercial solar energy system is a long term capital investment (they last well over 25 years, the solar energy model works to reduce and flatten variable costs into a fixed model making this extremely cost effective for any business)
• Give your business an environmentally friendly image to back it up

Our Five Step Installation Process in New Jersey

Step 1 – Analysis and Consultation: One of the first things our energy consultants will do is go over a thorough on-site energy usage analysis. We realize it’s very important that we take your goals into account

Step 2 – Proposal and Contract: By going through all available factors related to your solar installation such as budgetary concerns, available technology, equipment specifications, cost/benefit analysis and rebate incentives; we will develop a proposal custom tailored to your residential or commercial property.

Step 3 – Design and Permitting: Don’t worry about design or any of the legal hassles that might go along with proper installation. We are completely experienced when it comes to compliance with the National Electric Code as well as local New Jersey jurisdiction regulations. Our design teams are all NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner) certified.  For solar panel equipment and materials, we only use the highest quality in brands and have relationships with manufacturers all over the world.

Step 4 – Solar Panel System Installation:  One of the most common questions we get is, “What separates you’re from the competition?  We always say it’s “our love for installing solar energy systems.”  So when it comes to your home or business, we truly take pride in our workmanship.  Our NJ solar installers will arrive on time daily, leave in the evening and will always make sure everything is maintained in a clean, professional manner.

Step 5 – Cost Savings & Maintenance: This is the best part of Green Apple Energy’s five step process! You can now begin saving money and producing environmentally friendly renewable energy. Our photovoltaic systems are extremely reliable, durable and easy to maintain. By cleaning your panels twice a year, your solar energy system will be running at peak performance.

New Jersey Solar Service Areas

We provide complete residential and commercial solar installations throughout Atlantic County, Bergen County, Burlington County, Camden County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Essex County, Gloucester County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Salem County, Somerset County, Sussex County, Union County, and Warren County

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2012, Solar, Solar Energy,

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Residential Solar Service

Residential Solar Service

Solar is the cleanest and most sustainable form of energy on Earth, producing no emissions and requiring little or no maintenance. It is also an excellent financial investment.

An expertly installed solar system can generate all of the electricity needed to power your home. Green Apple Energy systems add value to your home while protecting you from rising energy costs. Solar simultaneously allows you to control your electric bill and your impact on the environment.

We are  providing a true turnkey solar experience utilizing in-house experts to design the best system to fit your energy  needs. We use only the best of brand products to deliver custom PV solutions that optimize return on investment and aesthetic appeal.

Residential Solar Installations

Green Apple Energy is a leader in the design and installation of residential photovoltaic power systems. We are a turnkey solar integrator delivering a wide range of services from initial homeowner consultation through final construction completion and beyond.

Our integrity, dedication to client satisfaction, and experienced teams set us apart from our competitors. When working with Green Apple Energy you can be sure that we deliver what we promise,on time and on budget.

Analysis and consultation

Our knowledgeable Energy Consultants conduct a detailed energy usage analysis and a free site evaluation of your home in order to determine which systems are optimal. Our solar experts will listen to your specific objectives and help you understand your choices and the technologies available. Our objective is to help you realize your goals, by working together to ensure your aesthetic and budgetary concerns are addressed, while delivering production performance and reliability.

Residential Solar Design and Permitting

Our team of North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) designers will design a system that complies with the National Electric Code and abides by local jurisdiction regulations. You will have the final approval of the solar system design prior to our submittal for permitting. Green Apple Energy has direct relationships with top solar product manufacturers worldwide and only premium products will be used in the construction of your solar system. Green Apple Energy delivers technical expertise and attention to detail. As a premier professional solar contractor, we take care of every last project detail to optimize the performance and aesthetics of your solar system.

Solar Installation and interconnection

Green Apple Energy takes great pride in every system we build. Installation dates are coordinated with the client and project timelines are clearly communicated. Our professional crews arrive each day on time, conduct their work in a respectful and courteous manner, and leave work sites clean every evening. Residential systems are generally completed within 3-5 days depending on size and complexity.

Post Installation Customer Service

Green Apple Energy Customer Service and Warranty Team guides each client through the transition from construction to full system operation and provides long-term maintenance and service for years to come.

SREC Management

We  offer Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Management, ensuring our customers take full advantage of current pricing and not missing out on their yearly payout.

Comprehensive Warranties

We offers full service warranties for up to 5 years in addition to manufacturer’s equipment warranties that cover equipment for 25 years. We guarantee that your system will have exceptional performance over its lifetime and with high quality equipment that’s built to last.

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2012, Energy Development, Solar, Solar Energy,

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Benefits of Solar Installation

Benefits of Solar Installation

The sun is 93 million miles away, but you can harness its power right at home…

Solar is a Local Sustainable Energy Solution

By going solar, you generate your home’s power directly where you use it.
The clean and renewable electricity you are producing doesn’t just benefit your household, it benefits the community. By converting to solar, you reduce the demand for coal and other fossil fuels that would otherwise need to be extracted from the earth and transported long-distances to huge power stations.

Electricity transmission and distribution losses in the US are estimated at over 7%. There is no more effective, efficient, and sustainable way to supply energy to your home than with a residential solar system.

Going Solar Reduces Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Electricity generated by solar systems offsets the amount of greenhouse gases that would otherwise be emitted by non-renewable fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum. Solar is the only renewable energy source that does not consume or pollute water. Solar is also silent – reducing noise pollution.

Going Solar Conserves Energy

The demand for energy is increasing at an alarming rate. Consider that for every British thermal unit (BTU) of coal or natural gas burned in a combustion turbine only 35 percent is typically converted into useful power (electricity). The other 65 percent is heat loss discharged into the environment.

By using alternative energy sources such as solar, which generate energy at the site of consumption, we can conserve fossil fuels and other natural resources that are non-renewable. When you consider that the sun’s energy is both limitless and worldwide, it only makes sense to harness it for the health and well-being of future generations

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2012, Solar, Solar Energy,

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Election 2012 Romney on Energy

 Election 2012: Romney on Energy

After last week's review of President Obama's energy record and campaign materials on energy, Governor Romney's energy plans present a sharp contrast. They are based on a fundamentally different view of energy and the economy, relying on markets to allocate capital to the most productive opportunities, rather than on government to guide a mix of public and private investments along specific paths towards designated ends. They also emphasize technologies that are already deployed at scale today, not those still under development or striving to attain scale. Implicitly, the Romney plan prioritizes supplying the energy for a robust economic recovery over programs designed to address long-term environmental challenges like climate change. These positions present voters with a serious and consequential choice on November 6th.

The Romney campaign's website on energy arrays the candidate's ideas mainly in words, rather than with the kind of images and interactive features that dominate the Obama campaign's sites. Energy is the first plank of Governor Romney's five-point "Plan for a Stronger Middle Class", though it requires a little work to explore the details of his energy program. A list of bullet points  is backed up by a lengthy policy paper with numerous references to external sources, but you have to look for it. 

The Romney energy plan focuses mainly on oil, gas, coal and nuclear energy, which together meet 91% of current US primary energy demand and which the Department of Energy projects will still provide nearly 90% in 2020 under the policies in place today. You won't find much on his campaign's website about the new renewables that generated electricity equivalent to 2% of our energy use last year, beyond a critique of the administration's investment in Solyndra and a commitment to R&D on new energy technologies.

Among the details of his plan are support for expanded offshore drilling, including areas such as offshore Virginia that were originally in the Obama administration's early-2010offshore development blueprint, along with a comprehensive assessment of US resources using current technology, rather than further extrapolations based on 1980s technology. Governor Romney proposes expanding energy cooperation with both Canada and Mexico and would approve the entire Keystone XL pipeline. His goal of attaining North American energy independence is aggressive, yet recent analysis by Citigroup puts it within the realm of possibility. It appears to be based on an assessmentby Wood Mackenzie, a top-notch energy consultancy, indicating that US oil and natural gas liquids output could expand by 7.6 million barrels per day, with 6.7 million of that coming from federal lands and waters currently off-limits to development. That compares to US net petroleum imports of 8.5 million barrels per day in 2011.

Another aspect of the plan aimed at streamlining the permitting of energy projects could be just as useful for utility-scale renewable energy projects as for oil and gas exploration and production. Regulatory and permitting delays are among the key reasons it takes longer and costs more to develop crucial energy and infrastructure projects here than in many of the countries against which our competitive standing has been slipping. Governor Romney also proposes giving states greater control of permitting on their non-park federal lands. That could substantially increase energy access and output, especially in the west, where the federal government owns over 280 hundred million acres, or 37% of those 11 states, net of tribal lands. 

There are also some missing elements. I would have liked to see more about how renewables fit into Governor Romney's vision. He apparently supports the Renewable Fuels Standard but is silent about the increasingly urgent need to reform it. He is on record against the extension of the wind Production Tax Credit (PTC), a 20-year old subsidy roughly equivalent to the current price of natural gas, yet misses the opportunity to explain how all types of energy would be treated under his proposal to reduce corporate income tax rates while broadening the tax base--policy-speak for closing loopholes and eliminating incentives. In last night's debate he said, referring to the $2.8 billion in annual tax incentives for oil and gas identified by the Department of Energy, "... if we get that tax rate from 35 percent down to 25 percent, why that $2.8 billion is on the table. Of course it's on the table. That's probably not going to survive (if) you get that rate down to 25 percent." I'd also like to hear more about how Governor Romney would address greenhouse gas emissions once the economy returns to stronger growth. 

Superficially, much of the Romney energy agenda evokes a return to the pre-2008 status quo: heavy on oil, gas and coal, light on renewables, and largely ignoring climate change. I see it from a different perspective: When Barack Obama began running for President in 2007, the US was considered by many to be tapped out on conventional energy, with domestic oil and natural gas production exhibiting signs of deep and permanent decline. In that context it made sense to look beyond those resources to the potential of renewable energy and vehicle electrification, even if the transition involved would be lengthy. That approach also appeared synergistic with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and a strategy was born. In the meantime, however, it turned out that US oil and gas were far from exhausted, and the most productive new energy technology of this decade wasn't wind, solar or biofuels, but the combination of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") and horizontal drilling that has unlocked hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of shale gas and tens of billions of barrels of shale oil or "tight oil" resources. Since 2008 the expansion of shale gas drilling has added as much new US energy production as over 250,000 MW of wind turbines or solar panels--8x the wind andsolar power added in the same interval. To the surprise of many, the big global energy opportunity of the 20-teens is US hydrocarbons. The Romney plan reflects the unexpected energy transformation we're experiencing. 

As in 2008, this blog isn't in the business of endorsing candidates. Energy remains an issue that, like the Cold War, demands bi-partisan cooperation and some level of consistency from one administration or Congress to the next. However, that doesn't prevent me from observing that the energy agendas of the two campaigns are not equally well-suited for a period of serious US fiscal constraints and shrinking federal discretionary expenditures, in which our energy security and economic growth will still depend largely on fossil fuels. In that context, it's highly relevant that the "all of the above" credentials of one candidate depend on oil and gas outcomes that his policiesdid little to support. Of course, energy isn't the only issue that matters, but then you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't think it was important.

Labels: climate change, crude oil, election, electric car, energy independence, gas shale, keystone xl, obama, renewable energy, romney, solar power, subsidy, tax reform, tight oil, wind power

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2012, Energy Development, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Energy, Solar power,

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SoloPower unveils new solar PV panels and installation systems at Intersolar in Munich

SoloPower unveils new solar PV panels and installation systems at Intersolar in Munich

2012-06-16 13:05:43, india

Intersolar Europe 2012

Greentech Lead Europe: SoloPower, a manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and modules, has unveiled six models of photovoltaic panels and three installation kits at Intersolar in Munich, Germany. SoloPower's installation kits include the SoloSaddle, SoloWedge, and the SoloBridge.

SoloPower's new suite of SoloPanels and installation systems enable the modules to perform optimally and to be integrated into a variety of roof systems across geographies.

"At SoloPower, we approach the market based on the needs of our customers, with solutions that are rapidly deployable on old and new roofs as well as adaptable to site-specific conditions. The combination of our next generation SoloPanels with our installation kits enables us to expand the solar rooftop market, making solar energy easy and economical for just about any roof type, anywhere," said Bruce Khouri, president and chief commercial officer, SoloPower.  

SoloPower's new SoloPanel SF1 and SP1 are optimized for twelve-inch and sixteen-inch standingseam metal roof integration.  SoloPanel SP3L and SP3S are large format modules optimized for commercial and industrial low-slope building applications.

SoloPower's SoloSaddle is a non-penetrating kit designed to integrate the SP3S into membrane based roofing systems. A low-slope curve provides self-cleaning and high performance in hot climates.

SoloWedge is designed to integrate the SP3L into membrane based roofing systems. A five-degree slope provides self-cleaning and maximum performance in cold climates.

The new SoloBridge is designed to integrate the SP3L into metal roofing systems.

SoloPower's modules have low profile bypass diodes that allow maximum performance under shade conditions. The company's latest solutions advance the possibilities of solar power integration, with proven technology that overcomes the product weaknesses of other thin-film solar modules and offers true flexibility for a range of applications.

The company currently plans to set up its high-volume manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, which will begin commercial production later this year. SoloPower's operations in Portland are ultimately expected to have a capacity of 400MW and employ 450 people.

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Solar, Solar Energy, Solar power,

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UBM India brings Asia's Largest congregation of Renewables

UBM India brings Asia's Largest congregation of Renewables

Renewable Energy India is an annual exposition held in New Delhi to serve the Indian renewable energy market in leading sustainable development globally. It focuses on upscaling and mainstreaming environment-friendly renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, biomass, bio-fuel, small hydro, geothermal and energy efficiency through an international exhibition and conference platform.

Destination India

• The renewable energy supports the government's objectives of 'inclusive growth' and is part of solutions to meet nation's energy needs
• The sector has grown at an annual rate of 23% to about 25,000 MW in March 2012
• The renewable power installed capacity forms 6.5% in the total electricity mix and 12.5% of total installed capacity in 2011- 2012
• With 17,352 MW of generation, WIND continues to account for 70% of installed capacity
• RE generation from Small Hydro power is 3395 MW |Biomass power is 3224 MW and Solar power is 1028 MW
• Capacity addition of 30,000 MW is planned from various renewable energy technologies in the next five years
• Wind Energy is estimated to contribute 15,000 MW followed by solar power at 10,000 MW, small hydro by 2100 MW and biomass power by 2700 MW
• Cleantech sector has the potential to generate 10 mn jobs in India by 2025

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2012, Efficient energy use, PIC Microcontrollers, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy,

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Solar Water Heaters

Solar Water Heaters

An ENERGY STAR qualified solar water heating system can cut your annual hot water costs in half, and is generally designed for use with an electric or gas back-up water heater. These systems can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. Your first step is to determine if your house is suitable for a solar water heater. For maximum results, your roof should:

• Receive direct sunlight between the hours of 10 AM
  and 4 PM year round;
• Face south (within 15°); and
• Be sturdy with the shingles in good condition.

You will then want to contact a local solar water heater contractor, who can assess your site, provide recommendations, install a system and then perform periodic maintenance.
New Jersey's Clean Energy Program provides a list of approved solar water heater contractors. These contractors have been approved to participate in the program and have met several technical training requirements as well as completed the Contractor Application for Participation.

2012 Solar Domestic Water Heater Rebate*
Equipment Type	Qualifying Level	Incentive
New, qualifying solar water heater system replacing or supplementing existing residential class water heater in a single-family home	System must be ENERGY STAR qualified (OG-300 SRCC rating, SF>=0.5) and listed on energystar.gov Warranty 10 years - solar collector 6 years - storage tank 2 years on controls 1 year for piping and parts	$1,200
IMPORTANT: *To be eligible for the solar domestic water heater incentive, the residence must be serviced by one of the following electric utilities: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, Rockland Electric Company, or gas utilities: New Jersey Natural Gas, Elizabethtown Gas, Public Service Electric and Gas, South Jersey Gas.

Eligible Solar Equipment
Find eligible solar water heater systems on energystar.gov.
Find out more about how to become a solar water heater trade ally
2012 Application Forms
For systems purchased on or after February 15, 2012:

• WARMAdvantage Gas or Electric Solar Domestic Water Heater Application

For systems purchased on or after July 1, 2012:

• WARMAdvantage Solar Domestic Water Heater Application for propane, municipal, and Co-op electric Customers 

*For any customers who purchased equipment between June 15, 2012 and June 30, 2012 we will honor your applications and process them.  Please disregard the June 15th ending date shown on the Terms & Conditions page of the application
For systems purchased between February 15, 2011 and February 14, 2012:

• WARMAdvantage Electric Solar Domestic Water Heater Application

Additional Opportunities to Save

• If you purchase an energy-efficient product for your home, you may also be eligible for a federal tax credit. Please consult your tax professional.

Also, consider getting a home energy assessment from Home Performance with ENERGY STAR to help you save even more and improve the comfort, safety, and durability of your home.
Are you wondering what other rebates might be available?  Visit our Rebates and Promotions page.
Questions About Your Rebate Status?
Do you have a question about a rebate that you already submitted? Please contact us at 866-NJSMART. You may also submit your question online.
Please allow up to 120 days to receive a rebate.

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Audit, Energy Audit, Home Offices, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Energy, Solar power,

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Heating

Heating

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling.  Through the WARMAdvantage Program, consumers are provided rebates when they purchase high efficiency ENERGY STAR^® qualified natural gas home heating systems and/or water heaters.  As part of the program, you are able to receive rebates for the purchase of furnaces, furnaces with electronic commutated motor (ECM) or equivalent, boilers, and/or water heaters.  By purchasing these high efficiency heating products, you will save on energy bills and improve the comfort level of your home.
Furnaces

Furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the United States, running most often on gas, but sometimes on fuel oil or electricity, and deliver their heat through a duct system.  One in 4 furnaces in U.S. homes today is more than 20 years old.  ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces use advanced technology to deliver higher efficiency than standard new furnaces available today.
Boilers
A boiler heats your home by burning gas or fuel oil to heat water or steam that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor systems.  Boilers that have earned the ENERGY STAR have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, which is a measure of heating equipment efficiency.
Domestic Water Heaters
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program also provides incentives for the purchase of high efficiency water heaters.
Find out more information on the WARMAdvantage Program.

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Energy Audit, Other, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Energy,

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set to become India’s strategic energy partner

set to become India’s strategic energy partner

 INDOLINK Consulting (es)

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Oct 09, 2012

New Delhi: Iraq, which is set to become one of the major oil producers in the world, could also become India’s strategic energy partner, International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Chief Economist Fatih Birol said.

Speaking to Business Line after the release of IEA’s report on ‘Iraq Energy Outlook’ Birol said Iraq’s role in the global oil market was growing rapidly.

Currently, half of Iraq’s oil exports go to Asia. This situation will change by 2020, when exports to Asia will account for 80 per cent of Iraq’s oil exports.

Two major oil importers in Asia – China and India – will have the largest share by end of this decade. Today, Iraq produces three million barrels a day of crude oil and, according to IEA’s Iraq Energy Outlook, the country’s oil production is expected to grow by over 5 million barrels a day to 2035, he said. Incidentally, Iraq recently replaced Iran as India’s second largest crude oil supplier.

According to IEA Iraq Energy Outlook, by 2020, crude oil production is expected to more than double to 6.1 million barrels a day to reach 8.3 million barrels a day by 2035.

Birol said by 2020, China will account for almost 2 million barrels of oil a day sourcing from Iraq, while India will be getting close to 1.5 million barrels a day. Twenty years down the line, Iraq will have reached GDP levels of what Saudi Arabia is today, he said.

On whether Iraq will be able to meet the demand shortfall created due to geo-political issues in Iran, he said, “Iraq will be able to sustain it, because it has vast and low-cost oil resources. Iraq is on its way to become the second largest exporter of oil globally. The largest exporters today are Saudi Arabia, followed by Russia.”

Asked if the flush of oil from Iraq will result in bringing down prices, Birol said, “If Iraq is able to sustain the developments, then it will. But, if it remains lower than expectations or developments weaken due to any kind of political uncertainty, the prices may be $15 a barrel higher than expected in 2035.” International crude oil prices are well over $105 a barrel today.

On becoming a gas supplier to the world, Birol said natural gas could play a more important role in Iraq’s future for its power generation.

He said there was a huge potential for Indian companies to invest in Iraq in not only oil and gas exploration but also in areas such petrochemicals, IT, engineering and infrastructure.

The overseas investment arm of ONGC, ONGC Videsh Ltd, is the sole licensee of Block-8, a large on-land exploration Block in Western Desert, Iraq. The company is currently re-negotiating the contract with Iraq.

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2012, Efficient energy use, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy,

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Reliance, Tatas among 150 in race for solar photovoltaic projects

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Oct 16, 2011

New Delhi: Over 150 companies have evinced interest in developing large solar photovoltaic projects of up to 20 MW. These include Reliance (Anil Ambani Group), Lanco, Moser Baer and the Tatas.

Also in the race are public sector companies GAIL (India) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Official sources told Business Line that the request for selection (RFS) were received for 218 solar PV projects for over 2,500 MW capacity, much higher than the capacity offered – 350 MW.

The RFS were invited by the Government as part of the second batch of Phase-1 of the National Solar Mission. The last date for submission was October 3.

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), the trading arm of NTPC, has been designated as the nodal agency for sale and purchase of grid-connected solar power under Phase-1 of the Mission.

NVVN expects to call for discount bids from the shortlisted entities by November.

What made this phase attractive was that besides the incentives being offered by the Government, the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy revised the guidelines for new grid-connected solar PV projects and increased the per unit capacity into multiples of 5 MW with the maximum of 20 MW for FY 2011-12.

In the earlier round, where projects with a cumulative capacity of 150 MW were approved, the maximum capacity stood at 5 MW for each unit.

Further, for the second batch of the Mission, the Government has increased the timeline to achieve financial closure by a month to seven months or 210 days for the bidders from the time of signing the power purchase agreements.

Also, the total capacity of such projects to be allocated to a company, including its parent, affiliate or ultimate parent or any Group company shall be limited to 50 MW. They can submit applications for a maximum of three projects at different locations, subject to a maximum aggregate capacity of 50 MW.

The net worth of the company should be equal to or greater than the value calculated at the rate of Rs 3 crore of the project capacity up to 20 MW. For every MW additional capacity, beyond 20 MW, additional net worth of Rs 2 crore would need to be demonstrated.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission envisages the implementation of the solar programme including utility grid solar power in three phases – first phase up to 2013 (1,100 MW), second phase up to 2017 (4,000 MW), and third phase up to 2022 (20,000 MW).

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Auditor, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy,

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IFC invests Rs 67.5 Crore in Indian biomass company – Shalivahana Green Energy

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will provide $15 million (Rs 67.5 Crore) in equity financing to Shalivahana Green Energy Limited, an Indian biomass power company, to help increase India’s power supply. IFC’s investment will support the company’s expansion of about 200 megawatts of its existing biomass power projects in the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Tamil Nadu. Apart from IFC, Axis Infrastructure Fund 1 and IL&FS Renewable Energy Limited are also invested in the company.

Through its Post-2012 Carbon Facility, IFC will also commit to purchase up to 1.5 million Certified Emission Reductions or CERs from energy projects developed by Shalivahana during 2013 to 2020. IFC will pay for a pre-agreed percentage of the spot price of the CERs at the time of delivery, subject to a minimum price.

“IFC’s support will help us raise funds, adds credibility to our work, and raise the generation capacity of our portfolio over the next four years. The Post-2012 Carbon Facility will help us generate sustainable revenues in the long run despite the uncertainties in the global carbon market,” said M. Komaraiah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shalivahana Green Energy Limited.

India suffers from serious power shortages, poor quality and reliability of supply, and inadequate access to power. The company plans to undertake small to medium-sized projects in the biomass, hydro, and wind-energy sectors. Eighty-percent of power generation in India comes from state-owned providers, with most private players focused on large thermal and hydro-power projects.

“Improving access to regular and clean power supply is a key strategic priority for IFC in India. Our Post-2012 Carbon Facility provides the Shalivahana Group with a high-quality revenue stream from CERs up to 2020 to strengthen the viability of their projects,” said Thomas Davenport, IFC Director for South Asia.

After the Indian government made adoption of renewable purchase obligations mandatory, state distribution utilities, open-access consumers, and captive power plants are required to buy a certain portion of their power purchases from renewable-energy sources.

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Efficient energy use, Home Offices, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Energy, Solar power,

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TERI and Uninor launch solar charging facilities for rural India

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Uninor under their respective social initiatives will be enhancing the lives of 5000+ people living in 20 villages of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The strategic social partnership between TERI’s ‘Lighting a Billion Lives’ (LaBL) and Uninor’s ‘Aditi Urja Vikas’ campaign will help extend solar charging facilities in rural India.

This mutually beneficial initiative is not just about spreading awareness on solar energy but is also about encouraging a sustainable model of economic growth among rural women. Under this collaboration, a local community woman will be selected and trained to take the responsibility for day-to-day operations of the charging station. Solar lanterns are rented out by this new entrepreneur against payment of a nominal amount every evening, and returned in the morning to be recharged. Mobile phone charging through solar energy is also provided to the rural community. In addition, Uninor will also help create income generation opportunities for the woman entrepreneur by training them on selling mobile telecom services locally.

Lighting a Billion Lives

“The LaBL campaign is a visionary initiative, which cannot be fulfilled by TERI alone. Corporate partners like Uninor who too believe in the ethos of the campaign will help us reach a billion lives. With roughly 25% of 1.4 billion across the world still toiling in darkness in India alone, LaBL is not just about alternate energy but it is about empowering the underpowered through solar power”, said, Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director-General, TERI.

Till date the LaBL campaign has enlightened almost 200,000 people in India covering 650 villages across 16 states in India and the journey continues.

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2012, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Energy,

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Magnetic Solar Power

Our installation at Southern Energy Management in Raleigh-Durham, NC seems to have some gravitational pull.

As SEM would readily admit, their offices are not exactly on Times Square. But in spite of the industrial surroundings, the Spotlight system is attracting a steady stream of visitors. CEOs, government leaders, and community leaders have all made a point to see this new and novel solar system/sculpture/thing.  This is exactly the type of benefit we are trying to bring to our Certified Integrator partners. It comes down to delivering new value to commercial buyers of solar.

One CEO and community leader who visited our installation today looked up at it and said  “Now, I get it!” He was the latest of several to say the same thing. They get that a visible and striking solar system will start conversations among visitors to a property — about clean energy, the environment, and the positive impact measures the property owner has taken. And thus, the property will be differentiated, the owner will earn a reputation for leadership, and more people will consider solar power.

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Solar, Solar Energy, Solar power,

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