Month: December 2017

California Governor Jerry Brown Wants to Increase Renewable Energy Workforce

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Governor Jerry Brown is determined to create half a million jobs in the renewable energy industry. During his campaign, one of his promises was to increase the renewable energy workforce, and he has created a plan that outlines what he wants to do in order to achieve his goal. He was sworn into office this month, and now Californians are waiting to see if he lives up to his promises.

“My goal is that by 2020, California should produce 20,000 new megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity, and also accelerate the development of energy storage capacity. California can do this by aggressively developing renewables at all levels: small, on-site residential and business systems; intermediate-sized energy systems close to existing consumer loads and transmission lines; and large scale wind, solar and geothermal energy systems. At the same time, California should take bold steps to increase energy efficiency,” commented Governor Brown.

“Below is my plan to get us there. It will produce a half a million new jobs in research, development, manufacturing, construction, installation, and maintenance over the next decade,” continued Governor Brown.

1. Build 12,000 MWs of Localized Electricity Generation

a) California should develop 12,000 megawatts of localized energy by 2020. Localized energy is on-site or small energy systems located close to where energy is consumed that can be constructed quickly (without new transmission lines) and typically without any environmental impact.
b) Solar systems of up to 2 megawatts should be installed on the roofs of warehouses, parking lot structures, schools, and other commercial buildings throughout the state.
c) Solar energy projects up to 20 megawatts in size should be built on public and private property throughout the state. For example, we should create the California Solar Highway by placing solar panels alongside our state highways.
d) The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) or Legislature should implement a system of carefully calibrated renewable power payments (commonly called feed in tariffs) for distributed generation projects up to 20 megawatts in size. Holding down overall rates must be part of the design.

Governor Brown’s plan is to install solar panels in warehouses, parking lot structures, schools, commercial buildings, and highways. Knowledge of proper solar panel installation procedures is important for workers to have, therefore solar photovoltaic (PV) training is required. The American Institute of Renewable Energy (AIRE) is a solar training school that offers solar sales force training, solar installation certification courses, and solar panel installation training. By being a part of Governor Brown’s plan, those looking for this type of work should really consider attending this remarkable institution.

The American Institute of Renewable Energy (AIRE) is located in southern California and offers the best instructors and hands-on experience in solar power training. If one is interested in attending a course, one should take advantage of the free bimonthly solar seminars AIRE offers. Receiving quality training in solar panel installation is the first step in accomplishing Governor Brown’s goals.

Energy Efficient Double Glazed Windows

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Energy Efficient Windows Can Save You Money!

When you fit Energy Efficient Windows to your home you can seriously save money on your energy bills. It is estimated by the Energy Saving Trust that households can save between 130-150 when windows are fitted with energy efficient technology.

By reducing heat loss when you fit energy efficient windows the environment also benefits, important for those concerned about the carbon footprint that our modern lives cause. Standard windows, which are usually single pane, have been shown in tests that they are very inefficient in keeping heat contained in the home.

Choosing the right window for your home is vital to making your home as energy efficient as possible. It is important to make an informed choice when buying energy efficient windows and you should always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. This means that the window and pane has been tested to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible.

Energy Efficient Windows Key Factors

When you decide to fit energy efficient windows to you home there are 3 components, which are vital to take in to consideration. The window frame material, the Energy Saving Window glass rating, and the way the window operates are key to ensuring your windows are as efficient as possible.

The Window Frame

The material you choose to fit your energy efficient windows or energy efficient double glazing with plays a key part in how energy efficient they are. Each material has pros and cons which may suit your household needs.

Metal or Aluminum Frames

Advantages of metal or aluminum frames are that they are very strong, not as heavy as other materials and do not require high maintenance. A disadvantage is that they are not so good at providing insulation.

Composite Frames

Composite window frames are made of composite wood products. These frames have better stability and thermal insulation properties than wood, and last longer as they are more durable.

Fiberglass Frames

Fiberglass window frames offer high insulation properties when the air cavities with the frame are filled with insulation. Fiberglass provides a strong structure for the window frame and result in high energy efficiency for windows.

Vinyl Frames

Vinyl windows are often made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Advantages of PVC is that in the frames do not require painting, have good energy efficiency with good insulation. Unfortunately in extreme weather conditions PVC can warp in heat and crack in the cold.

Similar to Fiberglass, vinyl frames can be filled with insulation to increase energy efficicency. These well insulating frames are often used with double glazing and high energy efficiency rating windows.

Wood Frames

Wood frames can perform well when it comes to energy efficient windows. A disadvantage is however that they also can be affected by changes in the weather. They also are heavy and take up more space reducing light in to the room, as well as needing the most work to maintain.

Window Glazing and Energy Efficiency