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EVENTS
2010
AFFORDABLE
COMFORT
MARCH 4 -5
PA HOME ENERGY
Pennsylvania Home Energy Rebate, Loan Program and Energy Audit Qualifications
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Fall 2009 Classes
Spring 2010 Classes
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BUCKS COUNTY'S GREAT GREEN EXPO
A HUGE SUCCESS!
The expo was organized by Temple's Joe Fratti, who said the green energy event drew record crowds. To which Executive Director, Gee McMaster called Simply "eco-fabulous" !
The learning event sponsored by PECO, AE Polysilicon, ARCHETYPE eco-house, ADVANCE Master Training and was free to all visitors.
McCaffrey's Markets received the Corporate Responsibility Energy Conservation Award and was presented a sculpture crafted by Michael Posey.
The event developed to help residents and business owners learn how easy it is to reduce energy use by up to 33% before the expected rate increase in energy rates takes effect and how to take advantage of funded loan and rebate programs.
Energy Experts were "Teachers for a Day" offering examples and demonstrations on Sealing Air Leaks, Insulation Methods and how to Identify Phantom Electric Waste offered by four RESNET certified energy auditors.
Residents leaving the expo said that they learned how to reduce energy use in their homes that they planned on using those tips as soon as they arrived home. Gee McMaster said that taking a proactive approach to energy use can save you thousands of dollars every year! Its a gift that keeps on giving!
Event sponsor, A E Polysilicon contributed to the expo learning center by providing samples of silicon in different stages of the manufacturing process that the solar giant plans to open once construction is completed. York Tsuo, President, said "We want to support residents and businesses in Bucks County by reaching out to our community and green grassroot events like this one." AEPolysislicon has also worked with local educators like Bucks County Community College green workforce programs. This summer even though AEP is still in construction phase,has hired seven summer interns in addition to other outreach initiatives. AEP production phase is planned for the first quarter of 2010.
PECO representative Liz Finnacchio, spoke to help families understand all of the important aspects of how Act 129, the competition law, all of the new programs PECO has planned to assist energy users with the transition. PECO and Exelon have recently opened a new Education Center in Falls Township and encourage residents to visit and to see all of the information available on their website.
Keystone HELP Program's spokesman, Jeffrey Gatter spoke during the opening to explain Keystone Help Program as the State of Pennsylvania's new Low Cost Loan and Rebate Program for Energy Star Home Improvements and PA Home Energy Certified Energy Audits.
Bucks County's Great Green Expo also had Green workforce Training Programs available to Bucks County Residents in high gear for those interested in Certification Programs for Solar, Energy Auditor and Master Electrician Certification. Event organizers report that over 30 interested parties signed up for classes in Solar Installer, RESNET, BPI and NREL Programs.
In all three green job training programs were represented at the expo including PA Home Energy, Advance and Bucks County Community College. ADVANCE Master Electrician and Solar Installation Training Programs were registering students. Representatives for Bucks County Community College Sustainable Building Adviser Program also on hand to explain the community colleges Green workforce programs. The Pennsylvania State funded green workforce trainers, PA Home Energy offered RESNET Energy Auditor Certification Programs needed by residents to qualify for Keystone HELP Program Energy Improvement Loans.
The day began at 10 am in Yardley with inspirational talks from notable energy, policy and environmental leadership followed by a fun fill day of energy wise demonstrations and from a cross section of smart energy experts!
Miller Lighting and Energy donated enough CFL light bulbs for every residential home developed by Interfaith Housing Development Corporation!
There were lots of free door prizes offered by PECO, the Environmental Home Store, Thomas Wells Construction and Miller Lighting and Energy of Newtown and by recycling artist, Joe Dillon of Rosemont.
PV AMERICA Philadelphia!
Convention Center
Philadelphia's Convention Center was the site of the young solar industry assoc- iation's first national tour entitled, PV America's. Mayor Nutter and Governor Rendell welcomed the Solar Energy Industry Association,(SEIA) membership and participated in what was a noteworthy event for continued regional solar development.
The June expo was electrified with news on developing advances in thin film solar technology as Mayor Nutter welcomed the opportunity to tell solar industry leaders about his mission to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the nation by 2015.
Governor Rendell's support of solar growth expanded upon existing strategies in PA that promise to boost clean energy sectors statewide by announcing his intentions to push Pennsylvania into the top tier states for energy independence.
Rhone Resch, SEIA President, reported that U.S. PV and solar energy industry grew significantly in 2008 despite the economy. Resch also predicted strong, continued expansion as concentrating solar power technology plants complete construction. Additional plant operations promise to drive the U.S. totals for installed PV and solar generation capacity from 10,000 MW well past the 30,000MW mark.
The conference delivered the latest solar news from around the world shining a light on a very bright future in store for all segments, a message that has been long awaited here in the U.S. International colleagues from research, development, and academia were excited by the chance to meet and share inspiring presentations and success stories.
SEIA encouraged learning opportunities for all at the young association's first conference by scheduling one conference day open to the public attracting hundreds of students from universities across the Northeast who came to meet industry’s top scientists, see the latest in solar advancements and to participate in fascinating discussions.
Local solar installation and sales business owners say that solar is booming in the Philadelphia market. Pointing to federal incentives for initial growth, they are confident of continued strong growth without incentives as consumers realize the value in renewables and as the green building market broadens consumer understanding of new healthy home concepts.
Financial and policy experts see evidence of the bright future for solar as purchasing option tests show success in more advanced markets. The Solar Leasing Models are taking root and policies on Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) financing options have help segue the impact of rate cap expiration and market shifts.
Bucks Great Green Expo
June 27, 2009
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Masonic Hall
Edgewood Rd, Yardley, Pa
Door Prizes
Learning Center
Demonstrations
Green Energy Vendors
Solar Panels
Wind Power
Recycling Artists
The school district has demonstrated Energy Efficiency Leadership since 2005 by reducing energy use district wide by over 40%.
This year CR Energy Star Leaders Top Performer recognition for its collaborative Energy DecisionsGroup shares best practices across the community earning an district-wide energy score of 84!
The Home Star Coalition has support from a broad cross section of energy and environmental advocates including American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy, Alliance to Save Energy, National Association of State Energy Offices, US Green Building Council and many more.
Using Building Performance Institute and Home Performance with Energy Star models the proposal includes Consumer Education on Whole House Model, and staff Training of BPI standards and assures quality with independent, third party QA program. more>>
Full Story>>>
Postgreen Partners With Greenable to Offer Affordable LEED Platinum Homes FULL STORY>>>
WITH NEW JOBS
NORTHAMPTON
Awarded Building Performance Honors
Energy Coordinating Agency Has Good Energy News for Pennsylvania
Gas Company Drill Fracking Effects
Delaware Water Shed
watch video
PGW Urges LIHEAP
Customers To Apply
For Assistance Today
12MW Solar Energy Fields TrentonHamilton Spring 2010
full story >>
Awarded Building Performance Honors
EXTON, Bentley Systems, A global leader in building and infrastructure systems that sustains our world, announced that MicroStation V8i and STAAD.Pro received top honors at the Construction Computing Awards 2009 ceremony in London Tower Hotel
Workshops for Woman
Bucks County Community College
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BUCKS COUNTY'S
GREAT GREEN EXPO
Bucks County's Great Green Expos are events where local green businesses and service professionals take the time to help community members learn easy ways to go green and reduce energy use!
Bucks County's green professionals value education and find sharing what they know part of their commitment. For them, its easy to express their appreciation for all little things that when added together make going green big news locally.
Watch for our next Great Green Expo to bring out the Green in you.
Environmental Life Academy's Great Green Expo organizers hosted more than fifty five green energy and eco-friendly products, services and non-profit organizations from across Bucks County to participate.
These events meet the teaching and learning mission of Environ- mental life Academy as event vendors agree to come as teachers for the day.
Community members will learn about energy auditing, solar installs, solar manufacturers, smart energy devices, healthy paints, soaps, home products, green building materials, and recycling artists.
The events also host green policy makers, speakers and much more! For more information, please email us!
admin@environmentallifeacademy.com
Declining Solar Prices Hurt Panel Manufacturers
The Journal of New England Technology
Steep declines in the cost of solar panels is making the overall cost of installing photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of homes and businesses cheaper, but not all of the price declines are falling to the bottom line.
A combination of increased labor costs and reduced rebates has eaten into the savings, and while panel costs are expected to fall further, solar integrators say now is the time to install before those price declines turn into increases.
“Module price decline is a nice one to have because it’s been so rapid, but module prices are not dropping as fast now,” said Brendan Neagle, chief operating officer for Borrego Solar in Lowell, which installs solar systems on commercial and government buildings. Neagle said the total installation cost in Massachusetts has dropped about 20 percent from a year ago.
While declining costs of solar panels may be a boon to integration firms, which install the panels, electrical components and mounting systems, it challenges panel makers to lower the cost of production to protect profit margins. Evergreen Solar Inc., the Marlborough solar panel maker, said in its second-quarter conference call that while it has been able to reduce its manufacturing cost to around $2.70 per watt from around $3.16 per watt in the first quarter, average selling prices declined just as fast.
“This market does not have the elasticity the most markets tend to have. So, people are dropping prices to move inventory not because of increasing demand. Until credit starts to flow, we don’t believe there is much more we can do,” said Terry Bailey, senior vice president of sales and marketing, in the call.
Overall, panel prices have declined from last year’s peak of $4.20 cents per watt to around $2.40 cents per watt today, according to London research firm New Energy Finance. Some analysts expect panel prices could fall below $2.00 in the near future. Panel prices make up roughly half of the total cost of installation, several integrators said.
Yet while installers say they pass on all of the price declines to the customers in the sales of systems, the nature of the tax credit and rebate system pegs rebates to the total cost of the systems.
Massachusetts officials recalculated commercial rebates for and industrial applicants to its Commonwealth Solar program, cutting the rebate from between 50 cents and 90 cents per watt depending on the size of the system. State rebates have shrunk since the program implemented early last year as cost declined and federal rebates grew.
“This was always the intention, that as the installation industry grew and became more comparative that prices would go down and we would be able to scale back the incentives,” said energy spokesman Robert Keough. He said the rebates had grown to between 35 percent and 40 percent of installation costs, and the new rebates would bring the rebates down to the intended rebate level of 30 percent of costs.
In addition to shrinking incentives, labor costs, are going up. Regulations now require licensed electricians to handle all components of solar installations, which command higher wages than laborers.
“We had to retrofit with all new electricians, and so at the end of the day the total price remained relatively constant,” Dan Leary, President North Andover integration firm Nexamp Inc.
Indeed, Leary said the payback period for most solar panels has stayed around five years for most installations.
Yet Neagle of Borrego Solar said he believes the combination of a recovering economy, new financing plans and a net metering law that allows large installations to resell power back to the grid is creating “for a number of customer classes a perfect storm and it’s the right time to really take advantage of what’s happening in the market.”
SIERRA CLUB
WEBINAR
Yardley, June 09-Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy environmental party goers watched videos from EPA hearings on coal mining legislation, participated in a live national conference call discussion with Big Picture leaders on the issues and actions that you believe will have the greatest impact on our Bucks/NE PA/NJ area.
The webinar, a national and local success attracted people from as far as 50 miles away and drew tens of thousands across the US.
Follow up webinars set to occur as an effective way to inform Pennsylvanians about plans to increase coal strip mining by foreign and US companies especially here in PA.
* Woman's
* Clubs
* Seniors
* Communities
Groups Learn together to reduce energy use, save money, save the environment and feel Great * free
Stop Energy Waste Tonight
Energy Use Management
Energy Audit Case Studies
How to Insulate and Air Seal
Evaluate New HVAC options
Solar Power at Home
Trash Cash Economics
Pay-To-Throw Waste Mgt
Energy Efficiency Guide
* Homes
* Businesses
* Multiple Unit Apts
Community groups getting on board before electric rates go up also learn how electric energy use in homes is tied to ice cap melting.
Find CERTIFIED Energy Contractors
Certified Energy Auditors
Energy Efficiency Programs
Energy Efficiency Consultant
Solar Installers
Insulation Contractors
Recycling Program Developer
Energy Efficiency Loans
Incentive Resources
Keystone Energy Financing
NJ CleanPower Choice
McCAFFREY'S GOES GREEN
PV Systems
Energy Saving Devices
Efficient Lighting
Heaters and Air Conditioners
Recycling Products
Energy Efficiency Products
Green Office Products
New Energy Efficiency Organization gets nod from Energy Star
Efficiency First has joined BPI and assembled a national plan to increase efficiency by 25% and improve housing stock in line with federal guidelines and also focuses on creating green jobs.
* Recycle Responsibly!
* The Greeni Maniac in you is waiting!
Pa Home Energy Conference
Incredible Success
State College, Pa, Hundreds gathered for the PA Home Energy Conference held at Penn Stater Conference Center in March.
The PA Home Energy Event sponsored by West Penn Power, Keystone HELP Low Interest Loan Program and PSD Consulting brought energy experts from Washington, Harrisburg and across the country to help Pennsylvanians reduce energy use.
National EPA Directors, Sam Rashkin and Chandler Von Schrader, PUC Chairman, James Cawley represented leadership committed to
assisting and identifying the economic opportunities and strategies of energy efficiency.
Their presence at the conference called attention to exciting expansion happening in Pennsylvania and to the extraordinary needs and
benefits that come when we act together to reduce
energy use.
The conference showcased achievements made by PA energy efficiency leaders who saved tons of carbon dioxide and tens of thousands for Pennsylvanians over the past year and committed to saving even more CO2 emissions.
Reduced energy use in homes and business building science creates healthier interior environments for occupants and extends the life of the building itself.
The event offered trainings, technology demonstrations covering every stage of energy auditing process, life cycles and the stimulus backed Keystone HELP loan and rebate programs.
Mission Statement
Environmental Life Academy is an educational nonprofit 501 (C)(3) established to educate, promote and maintain alliances with those committed to integrating energy efficiency, building performance, alternative energy and recycling best practices supporting educational, economic, workforce and national goals.
To meet these goals, we create educational, training and career opportunities that share learning resources with students, adults, families, elderly, groups, educators, businesses and communities.
Our mission also supports applying best practices and accountability as we demonstrate respect for ourselves, all people and the Earth.
