Chemistry Behind Improved Solar Electrolysis

The Kentucky Derby is almost upon us and a side benefit is attracting world class researchers to visit. One will be giving a presentation on May 3rd, 2010 about using solar energy to break down water into hydrogen (solar electrolysis). Once you have hydrogen, I assume it can be used in a fuel cell or burned to create heat.





Read more in this April 26, 2010 press release from the University of Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A chemist whose renewable energy research landed him in Time magazine’s Time 100 list last year will discuss “The Global Energy Challenge” May 3 at the University of Louisville.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology chemist and energy researcher Daniel Nocera will give the free, public talk at 1:30 p.m. in Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium.

His more scientifically oriented talk, “The Chemistry Behind Personalized Energy for 1 (x 6 Billion),” will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 4 in Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium.

UofL’s Chemistry Graduate Student Association sponsors the annual distinguished lecturer series.

Nocera is the Henry Dreyfus professor of energy and professor of chemistry at MIT, where his research group works on renewable energy at the molecular level. Adapting plant photosynthesis as a model, he is using sunlight to split water molecules in an effort to make hydrogen fuel and is trying to create from inexpensive materials a catalyst that works under common conditions.

The scientist has received the American Institute of Chemists Award and the Eni-Italgas Prize for Energy and the Environment for his work and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Besides the Time magazine 2009 salute as a scientist among “the people who most affect our world,” Nocera and his research on energy conversion have been featured on nationally broadcast programs such as ABC’s “Nightline” and PBS’ “NOVA.”

For more information, contact Ricky Woofter at 502-852-3578 or ricky.woofter@louisville.edu

Solar Energy Training

Upcoming Trainings on Solar Energy & Home Energy Efficiency

Scholarships available to Eastern Kentucky residents!


Residential Energy Assessments
For Contractors, Remodelers, & Homeowners
May 13—14, 2010
Mount Vernon, KY
8:30 am—5:00 pm each day

Fee: $225

Learn the essentials of home energy use and conservation; how to perform a detailed home energy assessment; how to identify major energy consumers in the home; strategies and best practices for reducing energy use & emissions; how to estimate energy savings; preparing detailed assessment reports. This workshop will address energy use for heating & cooling, water heating, lighting, appliances, and electronics.

Instructor: John Robbins, CEM CSDP

To learn more and to register, visit: http://kysolar.org/news?news_uid=13&group_id=0


Introduction to Solar Water Heating Systems
June 2—3, 2010
Mount Vernon, KY
8:30 am—5:00 pm each day

Fee: $225

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to solar water heating systems, focusing on the two freeze-protected system types suitable for year-round use in Kentucky, pressurized glycol and drainback systems.

Instructor: Bill Guiney, Johnson Controls, Inc.

To learn more and to register, visit: http://kysolar.org/news?news_uid=13&group_id=0


Creating a Successful Solar or Energy Conservation Business
June 4, 2010
Mount Vernon, KY
9:00 am—5:00 pm

Fee: $115

This workshop is directed towards small businesses working in the expanding “clean energy” sector – solar and other renewable energies, energy efficiency, conservation, and green building. The workshop will present successful business management and marketing strategies that can help small businesses establish a strong foundation for long-term success.


Bill Guiney of Johnson Controls, Inc. will speak from 30 years of experience in the solar industry about the fundamentals of managing a solar energy business, successful marketing strategies, and lessons he’s learned over the years. Bill Schutters of MACED will present “Guerilla Marketing Tactics for the Entrepreneur” and “Elements of Entrepreneurship,” discussing characteristics of small businesses that are outside traditional business management.

To learn more and to register, visit: http://kysolar.org/news?news_uid=13&group_id=0


These workshops are presented by Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest and the Kentucky Solar Partnership as part of our Sustainable Energy Training Series. Visit www.kysolar.org to learn more about this series and our other work.


Sponsors:
MACED – Mountain Association for Community Economic Development
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service
Christian Appalachian Project
Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at U of L
Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence

Louisville Zoo Earth Day

The Louisville Zoo had their annual Earth Day event on April 25, 2010 from 10 AM till 2 PM. I believe it was sponsored by E.on. It was a somewhat sunny and windy day that luckily was clear of rain till after 2 PM.

Two solar exhibitors were present that do installations locally. The larger set up belonged to SunWind Power Systems, Inc. They were kind enough to let me take pictures of their solar panels. They list a range of services in their brochure from solar electric system installations, solar thermal water and spacing heating installations, solar swimming pool heating, tubular skylights, solar attic fans, wind turbine generators, and solar thermal ice melt systems. Very nice people and had some interesting solar demonstrations. Contact them at 502-876-5174 or SunWindPowerinc.com They were sponsors and also installed the system at Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light which was on the Louisville Solar Tour 2009.

Also visited with another solar installer, Avery and Sun - Solar Installations. The company is run by Sam Avery of Louisville, Kentucky. He installed the Dr. Donald Feeney's home site in August 2008 that was on the 2009 Louisville Solar Tour. He can be reached at AveryandSun@gmail.com or www.AveryandSun.com

The Partnership for a Green City

Louisville has an interesting partnership between Louisville Metro Government, University of Louisville, and Jefferson County Public Schools that formed in August 2004. Through a coordinated effort, the organizations would help make Louisville a greener place thus improving health and well-being of its citizens.

Check out their website for more information: http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Departments/EnvironmentalEd/GreenCity/index.html

Kentucky Solar Water Heater Rebate

Starting April 22, 2010, Kentucky residents on a first come first serve basis could be eligible to receive a rebate for replacing an existing appliance with a qualifying ENERGY STAR appliance. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides $4,096,000 for this program in Kentucky. The rebate amount varies depending on the appliance (e.g. heat pumps, washers, furnaces, refrigerators, air conditioners, and water heaters). Residents installing an ENERGY STAR solar water heater that back ups an electric or gas one qualify for a $400 rebate.

Find out all the details and all the rules at www.KYappliancerebates.com or (877) 813-3663.

The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence website has information as well.

For a list of solar installers in the state of Kentucky see The Kentucky Solar Partnership website.

Solar at Ramsey Middle School

A Courier-Journal article entitled "Ecologically friendly building teaches about saving energy" by Charlie White in the March 31, 2010 paper describes green power used at Ramsey Middle School. The school is housed in a 2 story, 130,000 square foot building located on Gelhaus Lane off Billtown Road. Its windmill is hard to miss if you are getting on or off the Gene Synder Freeway at Billtown.

The school has 12 solar panels on the roof that heat at least 5 water tanks (shown in picture with article) and a wind turbine mounted 40 feet up. One class has window tubes called "Solatubes" that stream sunlight into the room to cut down on electric lighting use.

100% Solar Wastewater Treatment Plant

On Solarbuzz.com (March 24, 2010), there is a story entitled, Auburn’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to be 100% Solar Powered.

It reports the following:

Auburn, California will use solar power to provide 100% of the electricity for its wastewater treatment plant. Auburn’s Pacific Power Management (PPM) will install the 680 kilowatt system, consisting of over 3,300 solar panels.

The city of Auburn will face no upfront cost for the solar installation and will instead pay PPM for the power it uses, in accordance with a 20-year contract. Director of Public Works Jack Warren stated, “The project will be one of the largest solar facilities in the area and should save the city money.”

The city council’s decision to approve the contract with PPM was unanimous. Councilman Kevin Hanley said, “I think it’s a triple win for the city, the tax payer, the environment and the local contractor.”

To read the article, go to http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR1954.htm

New Technology Could Make Solar Power Less Expensive

The Montrose Daily Press (March 26, 2010) has an article entitled New design to spawn cheaper solar energy, 300 Montrose jobs by Kati O’Hare.

It reports the following:

A Colorado company called Aquasoladyne has developed a promising new concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) system. Its newly patented design requires less material to manufacture and operates more efficiently than current systems.

Aquasoladyne President Douglas Kiesewetter stated, “We think in two years, we can make solar cheaper than utility power without government subsidies.”

In addition, the company plans to create 300 local jobs. Kiesewetter said, “We want to manufacture as much here as we can.” He added, “My goal also has been to create high-quality jobs because I think a lot of people are underemployed.”
To read the article, go to http://www.montrosepress.com/articles/2010/03/27/news/doc4bac2470879d6748228948.txt