February 11, 2010
January 24, 2010
2010 Solar Breakout
Significant solar capacity will come on-stream in 2010. States with solar potential will begin to reap the benefits of power from photovoltaics. ...
... "Among states, California is expected to maintain first place, and New Jersey is likely to come in second, with Florida making a strong showing for the first time. " ...Via New York Times: Solar Power
November 11, 2009
Mars NJ Solar Energy Garden Powers Facility
PSE&G owns the solar installation and MARS has entered into a long-term contract for the power. The solar garden has deployed 28,680 ground-mounted panels on 18 acres of MARS company land.
The MARS solar garden:
Continue reading "Mars NJ Solar Energy Garden Powers Facility" »
NJ Solar Power Expansion
State regulators support Public Service Electric and Gas exansion of its solar loan program, which will signficantly expand the megawatts of installed solar capacity in the state. The loan program is open to all PSE&G customers and will run over the next two years until the financed
target of megawatts has been achieved. The solar loans would cover up to half of the total installation costs with payments terms of ten to fifteen years of duration. The program is funded by an increase in the delivery part of the electric bill for all customers. ...
... "Today’s new initiative will result in a total of $248 million available for loans and 81 megawatts of solar power for New Jersey. " ...Via Public Service Electric and Gas: Solar Loan Program Expanded
November 09, 2009
New Jersey Solar Leader
New Jersey's climb into solar energy per-capita leadership has been enabled by its solar renewable energy credit trading strategy. ...
... "Number two for solar electric power, and number one in total solar installations on a per capita basis, is small and not-so-sunny New Jersey, more known environment-wise for its abundance of Superfund sites. " ...Via Yale Environment 360: Solar Development
September 11, 2009
Sustainable Lawrence (NJ)
Lawrence Township joins other communities that want to promote green aspects of their community and are working toward that end ...
"Sustainable Lawrence is... dedicated to creating a sustainable community in Lawrence Township, NJ. ... community in which the present needs of all of its citizens are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs ... "
" ... policies and practices that ultimately ... Reduce ... fossil fuel dependence and wasteful use of scarce metals and minerals ... Reduce ... dependence on harmful chemicals and wasteful use of synthetic substances ... Minimize ... encroachment upon nature (e.g., land, water, wildlife, forests, soil, ecosystems) ..."
Via: Sustainable Lawrence LINK
August 16, 2009
Sustainable Cherry Hill (NJ)
For those who follow this blog and live in Cherry Hill, NJ - check out Sustainable Cherry Hill.
" ... The goal of Sustainable Cherry Hill is to help educate and empower our community to view the world through a different set of glasses and to act upon this new understanding of the world. We are all in this together and the one resource that Cherry Hill possesses is PEOPLE! Lots of folks making small changes will result in large scale transformation."
"We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors,
we are borrowing it from our children"
"Stay tuned for lots of great information about how we are creating and organizing SCH into a non-profit group. ... "
Join one of 11 task forces ... "Green Building, Educating for Sustainability, Community Composting, Green Business, Bike Path/Sidewalks, Transportation, Renewable Energy, Local Food/Gardening, Land, Air & Water Conservation, Zero Waste, Urban/Regional Partnerships for Environmental Justice"
Via: Sustainable Cherry Hill LINK
August 02, 2009
PSE&G to Double Solar Capacity with "Solar 4 All"
PSE&G, a New Jersey based utility, will double its current solar capacity with a program called "Solar 4 All."
Components of the program are (1) utility pole mounted solar cells and (2) roof top solar 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
June 29, 2009
New Jersey Ethanol from Algae
Garden State Ethanol plans to use algae to power its ethanol production in NJ. ...
... "A company is looking at property for a plant that would turn algae into ethanol to be used as fuel. " ...Via NJ dot com: Woobine NJ algae plant
June 13, 2009
Conserve Energy in New Jersey
Local government agency sponsors event to educate citizens on conserving energy and implementing green technologies. ...
... "first-ever Burlington County Energy Conservation Summit Tuesday, June 16th at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park Environmental Education Center. Speakers at the free event will explain energy-saving programs, grants available to fund program applications, and financing options to implement green initiatives. " ...Via Courier-Post: Energy Conservation Summit
April 15, 2009
Marcal Small Steps - Recycled Paper Produsts
Marcal has been making recycled paper products for many years. Their "Small Steps" branding helps bring this to the markets attention.
In addition to providing employment and a use for recycled paper ... trees are not being cut down as new r
aw materials needlessly.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Marcal is an "Earth-Friendly Paper Goods Company" ... For over 50 years, Marcal has been making its paper from recycled paper, not from trees. ... saving trees and the wildlife it supports, ..."
" ... over five decades, ... saving trees and reducing landfill ... uses paper collected from curbs in residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across America ...uses recyclables from more than 600 municipalities from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and New England. ..."
Via: Marcal Paper LLC LINK
February 02, 2009
Princeton Solar
Princeton Univ installs solar power system on its Forrestal Campus library. ...
... "In November, crews began installing more than 5,000 photovoltaic panels covering 53,000 square feet of the roof. Wires from the panels lead to equipment in the building that converts the solar energy to AC energy. When the project is completed in early February, the arrays will have the capacity to produce 370 kilowatt-hours of power. " ...Via Princeton University: Solar energy
December 08, 2008
NJ Schools Solar Generation
Multiple New Jersey schools are planning for or implementing solar power generation from roof-top panels as a means of lowering operating costs and increasing their sustainability. Not every town is willing to make the investment, which in some cases requires an increase in taxes. ...
... "Solar energy systems operate in at least two area districts -- Clementon and Voorhees, which this year added a second panel at Voorhees Middle School. " ...Via Courier-Post: Solar panels on school rooftops
October 24, 2008
MINI to offer Electric Car
The BMW / MINI is a hot little car and pretty fuel efficient ... designed with lots of energy saving features like lightweight recyclable aluminum and some plastic parts coded for recycling.
The next step might be the electric / plug in MINI. Read on for more >>
" ... readying an invasion fleet of 500 electric MINIs to launch on the shores of California, New York and New Jersey....will be used by a mixture of corporations and “private individuals”."
" ... electric MINIs are powered by a motor (with 220nM of torque) and by a lithium ion battery ... takes up the place where the rear two seats usually live in the MINI hatchback ... electric motor drives the front wheels and the top speed is just 95mph, ... the MINI E will do 0-62mph in 8.5sec."
" ... plugged into the domestic supply to recharge and all owners will be given a wall-mounted box that will recharge the MINI E in around 2.5 hours....a range of over 100 miles."
Via: Mirror.CO.UK LINK
October 06, 2008
New Jersey Offshore WindFarm
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities selects Garden State Offshore Energy to develop a 350-megawatt wind farm off the coast of the New Jersey shore, that will not be easily visible from land. GSOE will evaluate the environmental impact and the wind resources quality for this project, and, in parallel, begin the permitting process. ...
... "GSOE’s proposal calls for 96 wind turbines arranged in a rectangular grid 16 to 20 miles off the coast of Cape May and Atlantic counties. At this distance, the wind farm would be barely visible from shore, addressing one of the major concerns of beach communities. The wind farm could begin generating energy in 2012 with the entire project operational in 2013. " ...Via Garden State Offshore Energy: NJ OFFSHORE WIND FARM
September 17, 2008
Ocean Power
Ocean Power Technologies is testing a buoy that harnesses wave energy to make power ... unlike off shore turbines theses are close to the ground and are hardly visible ... eliminating the "not in my backyard problem" from shore communities.
" ... a leading renewable energy company specializing in cost-effective, advanced, and environmentally sound offshore wave power technology. ... PowerBuoy® system extracts the natural energy in ocean waves,... is a “smart” system capable of responding to differing wave conditions."
" ... ocean trials have been conducted off the coast of New Jersey to demonstrate the concept of using a floating buoy to capture wave energy and convert it into electricity. ..."
Via: Ocean Power Technologies Link
June 28, 2008
NJ Solar Power Project
enXco will develop, then own and operate, a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic array on Hall's Corporation warehouse in South Plainfield, NJ, that will generate 1.8 megawatts of power. The installation will be among the largest net-metered solar facilities in the United States. ...
... "enXco will own and operate the system and supply the project's output to Hall's Corporation under a Power Purchase Agreement on a net-metering basis. enXco will begin construction shortly and expects the project will produce energy in early November 2008. The roof mounted fixed tilt solar array, to be built on Hall's Warehouses located on Kentile Road, will consist of approximately 25,000 First Solar modules deployed from EDF EN's global supply agreement with First Solar. 1.3 MW will be installed at the 501 Kentile Road facility with the remaining panels on 601 Kentile Road. The installation is estimated to save Hall's Corp. $1 million in energy costs over the life of the project. The project will qualify for New Jersey Renewable Energy Credits which are essential to the economics of the project. " ...Via enXco: 1.8 MW Solar Project Power Purchase Agreement
April 30, 2008
Recycle Bank and Cherry Hill, NJ: Increasing Recycling Rates
RecycleBank helps communites increase participation in their recycling programs via incentives. The incentives take the form of awards that can be used at participaing local stores.
"Cherry Hill [NJ] was looking for a cost-effective way to reduce waste and curb rising landfill fees, and double ... its existing recycling program. By offering a reward-based initiative and streamlining recycling efforts, RecycleBank makes it easy for citizens to participate in the program. "
"... RecycleBank ... provides communities with a cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution to the rising cost of waste collection."
"RecycleBank ... [provides] ... tools to quickly and easily measure the amount of material each home recycles. ... then converted into RecycleBank reward dollars that can be used with hundreds of local and national reward partners. ..."
Via: Recycle Bank Link
Via: Cherry Hill, NJ Link
Continue reading "Recycle Bank and Cherry Hill, NJ: Increasing Recycling Rates" »
December 06, 2007
Energy Recovery by RF Frequency
Recovering the potential "fuel" in materials has been the driving force behind oil shale and oil sands. Global Resource Corp, a NJ company, has found a way to "crack "the energy" from materials using RF energy.
" ... GRC’s hydrocarbon specific frequencies are generated by much higher RF klystrons that actually crack the hydrocarbon chain into its characteristic fuels.
"... no CO2 or CO produced ... because there is no oxidation... "
"... designed klystron machinery for gasifying hydrocarbons where they exist or in fabricated systems. In-situ meaning processed deep in the ground, rock formations or anywhere naturally occurring and off-situ meaning processed above ground that is mined or material removed from site.
"... GRC ...now possess the technology that will free America from foreign oil imports.
Click the LINK to see a YouTUBE video of converting COAL into natural gas and hydrogen fuel.
Via: Global Resource Corporation Link
November 09, 2007
Near Zero Energy Home
What is a green home?
What makes it special or different?
>>>> Read on to learn more...
"Transforming the residential market to green building is critical to our efforts to halt global climate change. By earning LEED Platinum certification for the Near-Zero Energy Home, BASF is having an immediate, measurable impact on energy use and CO2 emissions ...BASF's leadership in achieving LEED Platinum certification sends a powerful message to the marketplace, and will help accelerate the adoption of green homebuilding nationwide."
"... a demonstration home for innovative BASF technologies promoting high-performance, energy efficiency and ecological benefits in new housing. ..."
"... will incorporate Zero-Energy Housing (ZEH) concepts from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the building science principles of PATH/Build America expert, Steve Winter, AIA."
"... Near-Zero Energy Home-Paterson, N.J., has been selected by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) pilot testing for the recently launched Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, under which it has achieved the Platinum level. The home will be designed to achieve Energy Star certification and, with the inclusion of solar panels, will support New Jersey's Solar Initiative Program."
Via: Betterhomebetterplanet.com Link
October 02, 2007
National Solar Tour 2007 (Oct 7)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Oct 7th, 2007!
The ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour is Saturday Otc. 7, 2007 all across the USA.
As the green dude is from PA and the green tech is from NJ let's see what is planned for those states ...
"... ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S. Now in its 12th year, some 100,000 people ... see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights."
Look for a report later in the month ...
PA ASES Solar Tour Link
NJ ASES Solar Tour Link
Via: ASES Link
September 28, 2007
BP Solar Committed to Solar Power
BP is committed to alternative power solutions. In addition to manufacturng Solar panels they have partnered with several groups to make it easier to buy (with Home Depo).
>>> Read on for more.
In 2005, "... expanded state-of-the-art facility in Frederick, Md. to more than double our production of solar panels. ... contains all of the elements of solar product manufacturing processes. These are vertically integrated to ensure the overall quality of the finished products. ... In fact, BP already is one of the world's largest producers of solar panels."
See photo at right.
"Residential customers in southern California can visit one of many of The Home Depot® centers and purchase a complete home solar system via the BP Solar Home Solution program. ... [also] available in New Jersey, California and New York."
" ... BP Solar has partnered with Sun Edison to create "SunE Solar Fund 1," a $60 million fund ... to support the installation of as many as 25 U.S. solar electric systems. The funds kickoff by installing BP Solar Energy Solutions systems at several Staples stores in California and New Jersey. When fully operational, these three systems will generate a total of 680 kWh of electricity."
"... the BP Solar Neighbors Program. ... Actor Edward Norton broached the idea of giving low-income families in Los Angeles access to solar power after he installed a BP Solar system in his own home. ... a community partnership between BP and the Enterprise Foundation called the BP Solar Neighbors Program. Also joining in this ground-breaking collaboration is the Environmental Media Association.
Every time an invited celebrity has a BP Solar system installed on his or her home, BP donates a system to a low-income family living in South Central L.A. More than 25 families have received the gift of clean solar power through this program to help lower their electricity bills."
Via: BP.com Link
September 11, 2007
New Jersey Clean Energy Conference amd Leadership Awards
New Jersey's Clean Energy Conference,on September 27 - 28, 2007 will honor nominees that are saving energy and advancing the state of clean energy in New Jersey. The winner will be named at the conference.
Nominees include Home Builders, Colleges and Universities, and Vendors.
The annual conference is in it's 3rd year. " ...brings together ... leading energy professionals and businesses to learn, network, and discuss the issues shaping the energy market and the New Jersey energy market in particular."
" ... provides an excellent forum ... to learn more about the economics of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and how to hedge against rising energy costs, to leverage the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy."
" .. Conference ... has been expanded to 2 days. New workshops and programs are being added ... A special Municipal track and evening networking session will be the focus of day 1. Day 2 will have new workshops and sessions and the luncheon presentation of the Clean Energy Leadership Awards. ... "
"... Special workshops include:"
- "New Jersey's Energy Master Plan"
- "Energy Project Financing"
- "Combined Heat and Power"
- "Renewable Energy Certificate Markets"
- "Green Building Design"
- "Clean Energy Strategies to Reduce your Carbon Footprint"
- "Energy Programs for Municipalities"
Via: NewJerseyCleanEnergy.com Link
July 19, 2007
New Jersey Clean Choice Power Program
What can an individual do to generate clean power? Not everyone is in a position financially or other) to put up solar panels or a wind turbine or a hydro power facility.
>>BUT: If you live in New Jersey (and other states including Pennsylvania) you can choose to have part of your electricity generated from these sources.
Sound appealing? Read on ...
"... CleanPower Choice Program ... is a statewide program that allows you to choose clean, renewable sources of energy. ... you're choosing to support ... renewable energy sources that diversify our energy supply ... Solar power. Wind power. Low-impact or small hydro power. Landfill gas power. Clean power, that's good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for New Jersey."
"... electricity is generated from clean, renewable energy sources located in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region. Importantly, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' Office of Clean Energy verifies that renewable energy is delivered into the Mid Atlantic power pool that serves your needs. ... each household that participates ... can reduce CO2 emissions by over 10,000 lbs. per year, which is equivalent to planting 1.35 acres of trees!*"Via: NJCleanPower.com Link
May 11, 2007
New Jersey Program Offers Clean Power Choice
Electricity users in New Jersey (that means JUST ABOUT EVERYONE) can choose to use "clean power". It's easy to do and good for the environment.
"... is a statewide program that allows you to choose clean, renewable sources of energy. ... Solar power. Wind power. Low-impact or small hydro power. Landfill gas power. Clean power, that's good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for New Jersey. ... Importantly, the ... Office of Clean Energy verifies that renewable energy is delivered into the Mid Atlantic power pool that serves your needs. ... Also, each household that participates in the CleanPower Choice Program can reduce CO2 emissions by over 10,000 lbs. per year, which is equivalent to planting 1.35 acres of trees!*"
"*This is an estimate that varies by product selection and household energy usage."
For more information see the programs FAQs Link
Some of the Clean Power Providers are:
Via: New Jersey Clean Power Choice Program Link
April 03, 2007
Whole Foods Market uses Solar Power
Whole Foods Market has committed to using Solar Power at stores in their Southern Pacific, Northern California and North Atlantic Regions.
"... Brentwood is using solar energy as 24 percent of its power source ... will produce 62,370 kilowatt hours, approximately equal to 20 residential homes, result in more than 140,000 lbs per year of CO2 emissions avoided, the equivalent of removing 10 cars from the roadways, and reduce the equivalent of more than 58 tons of coal being burned."
"In March 2002 Whole Foods Market Berkeley became the first major food retailer to introduce solar energy as a primary lighting power source ... while increasing building thermal insulation and extending the life of the roof." 
"The combination of solar power and efficient lighting, along with a Duro-Last Energy Star® roof system with a solar reflectance of more than 86%, will reduce both peak and base load electricity demand. The net effect will be reduced load on the local electric substation, especially during peak summer hours."
"Our Edgewater, New Jersey store ... installing solar panels made by BP Solar on our facility's roof. ... will meet more than 20 percent of Edgewater store's needs. The new ... system will produce and save more than 2.2 million kWhs over 20 years resulting in more than 1,650 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions avoided, the equivalent of removing 440 cars from the roadways, and reduce the impact on our country's power grids.
Via: WholeFoodsMarket.com Link
January 24, 2007
BASF "Near Zero Energy Home"
There are at least two ways to look at the current "energy crisis": (1) use exisiting energy more effeciently and (2) find / develop new sources of energy.
This article looks at energy efficiency ... and what is available today.
"The average American homeowner pays about $1,300 a year on utility bills. Imagine being able to cut that expense by as much as 80 percent ... Innovations like the Near-Zero Energy House in Paterson, NJ are examples of how BASF solutions are being used to demonstrate how homes can be stronger, more efficient and more affordable, all with a lower environmental impact, for a better future."
Efficiency: "Superior insulating performance so you can downsize HVAC equipment. Use the sun to power electricity and hot water. Back it up with low-e windows, ENERGY STAR (R) appliances, high-efficiency air conditioning, boilers and radiant flooring. More
Affordability: "Most homeowners pay about $1,300 a year on utility bills. This can be reduced by as much as 80 percent in the BASF Near-Zero Energy Home - Paterson, N.J. Add structural stability for reduced insurance costs, along with a lower lifecycle cost with minimal maintenance requirements." More
Via: BASF Better Home, Better Planet Link