Google's Googleplex Solar Capabilities

"In June 2007 Google completed a 1.6MW solar installation at our Mountain View, CA headquarters ... 9,212 solar panels that cover the rooftops of eight buildings and two solar carports at the Googleplex ... produces enough electricity to power 30% of Google's peak electricity demand in our solar powered buildings at our Mountain View, CA headquarters ... equivalent of approximately 1,000 California homes ..."

See the actual daily stats on power generated and some comparisons to typical activities to better understand the numbers - these are updated daily.



Via: Google LINK

Petra Solar

Petra Solar has signed a contract with PSE&G worth $200 million contract to provide 200,000 utility mounted solar panels.

" ... the Utility Grade SunWave™ UP Series ... the first smart grid interactive solar system specifically designed for installation on utility distribution poles ... address Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirements and invest in a smart grid technology."

" ... compatible with existing grid infrastructure ... brings solar on-line faster ... shovel-ready systems ... system mounts directly on utility poles and connects to the grid secondary at the pole ..."

See related post - New Jersey utility PSE&G selected Petra Solar to provide utility pole solar panels ... LINK



Via: Petra Solar LINK

PSEG to Double its Solar Capacity by 2013

PSE&G will double its installed solar capacity with (1) pole mounted distributed solar panels and (2) solar gardens and roof installations.

"... invest $515 million in 80 megawatts of solar projects ... creating green jobs ... expects to complete the installations by the end of 2013."

" ... installing a solar unit ... on 200,000 utility poles in PSE&G’s service territory ... the largest pole-attached solar installation in the world ... power ... sold into the PJM wholesale grid."

" ... effectively double the size of New Jersey’s installed solar capacity ... more solar capacity than ... any state other than California ..."

Via: PSE&G LINK

SunChips® are Powered by the Sun in Modesto, California

In addition to packing SunChips® in plastic bags made from plants and working on a compostable packing bag ... SunChips® are made with solar energy ( see LINK).

" ... plant in Modesto, California, solar collectors track the sun from dawn to dusk, gathering all the energy they can ... transfer that energy into heat, ... you get a snack that's not only better for you, but better for the planet as well."


CLICK to download a pdf to learn how they did it !


Via: Sunchips® LINK

Zwahlens - Audubon Pa Ice Cream Shop Get Solar Powered

Zwahlen's is a local (Audubon PA) ice cream and chocolate establishment that just so happens to have the first commercial use of SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile Roof.
I was driving past the store last evening when my son told me about the sign on the front that said --- something along the lines "the best ice cream under the sun is now powered by the sun". I needed to check this out ...
" SRS Energy, ...installed ... the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, ... the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system ..."

"T...a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "

" ... designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. ... preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look."

"SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009."
SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile can generate 500 Watts per sq ft.
Via: EarthTimes LINK
Via: SRS Energy LINK

Fat Spaniel Technologies - Monitor and Track PV Solar Panels in Real Time

So you have decided to go green and install solar panels on the roof. How do you know that they are working - or specifically their efficiency and minute to minute generation. How do you anticipate problems before they happen? How do you really see what is happening with your PV solar system?

Do what Jay Leno (link to Jay Leno case study) did when he covered his garage with solar panels .. get Fat Spaniel!

" ... Fat Spaniel provides ... an industrial-grade, Software-as-a-Service renewable energy plant management system that enables plant operators to: ... Manage renewable energy plants in real-time ... Communicate and interact with mobile personnel ... Generate revenue utilizing back-end services for regulatory agency reporting, renewable energy certificate (REC) registration, and environmental reporting"

Fat Spaniel allows you to see, in real time ... "... total power generated by ... day, week, month, or year ... local irradiance, cell temperature, and ambient temperature ... avoided greenhouse gases (CO2, NOx and Sox) over the lifetime ..."



Via: Fat Spaniel Technologies LINK