The Renewable Energy Industry
Making A Difference For the Quality Of Life
by Andrew Jakubowski

Just 12% of Americans can pass a basic quiz on energy knowledge. “Unfortunately, our nation is ill-prepared for the issues it must face in the coming years,” says a recent survey by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Thirty years after the nation’s worst energy crisis, just one in eight Americans can correctly answer questions such as “how is most of our electricity generated?” Or whether gas mileage is rising or falling, or what the fastest growing sector of the economy is with regard to energy consumption, EPA’s October 2002 report, "Our Low Energy IQ: Why America Needs a Refresher Course," indicates that most Americans overestimate their energy knowledge. 75% of Americans rated themselves as having “a lot” or “a fair amount” of knowledge about energy, while only one in 100 adults received a grade of “A” on the energy quiz, answering at least 9 of the 10 questions correctly.

Energy has been much in the news of late. In the summer of 2001, California experienced “rolling blackouts” from imbalances between utility supply and demand. In consumer markets, gasoline prices rose some 40% and then fell back. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 called into question our ongoing energy relations with Middle East nations, and drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge came under renewed consideration.

Hope has arrived. There are now many good alternatives to conventional, dirty, non-renewable forms of energy! More good news is that the IRS and state rebate programs have stepped in to offer a helping hand toward moving these alternatives to wide use ever faster.

There are large cash incentives available to everybody who wants to improve their environment, whether it be by generating your own clean, renewable electricity, or by purchasing a non-polluting automobile. With the tax credits and rebates at the level they are currently at, it costs more not to have a clean and renewable source of energy!

Every time you write out a check to any of the utility companies you’re voting “yes, I am for your method of generating electricity.” Over 99% of New Jersey’s electricity is produced by the traditional polluting sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power. As it stands now, energy production is the largest industrial source of air pollution and radioactive waste in the country. Do we really want to keep paying companies to pollute the air and water we consume, or do we want to set up ways to sustain our future and our economy by choosing to install clean, non-polluting and renewable energy systems now?


What Exactly is RENEWABLE ENERGY?

Renewable energy resources (i. e. solar, and wind) are constantly replenishing sources of energy that will never run out. The opposite is, of course, non-renewable energy, (oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power) that draw on finite resources which will eventually disappear and, at the same time, become too expensive and too environmentally damaging. The United States currently relies extremely heavily upon these non-renewable, costly sources for power.

The sun is the source of most renewable energy today. Sunlight has a great deal of energy that can be used in many applications. Solar energy can be used directly for heating and lighting homes, as well as heating water, and generating electricity.

The sun’s energy also drives the winds. The winds can then be used to drive large or small wind turbines that can produce large amounts of clean, non-polluting electricity for commercial and residential buildings alike.

As the sun heats the waters around the world, the water vapor generated falls to the earth in the form of rain, sleet, or snow, which, in turn form rivers, streams, and waterfalls that can then be captured to produce hydroelectric power.

In addition to these forms of renewable energy, there are many others. Geothermal, for example, uses Earth’s heat for everything-from electricity production to heating and cooling homes or office buildings. Hydrogen fuel cells and biomass also generate renewable energy.

PROBLEMS WITH Old Ways of ENERGY PRODUCTION

There are many problems with conventional and non-renewable sources of energy -- including the methods used to extract our limited resources from the earth, and waste products that are inevitably created when they’re converted to energy.

These days, oil has the benefit of costing the taxpayer a lot of money while simultaneously damaging the environment. Uncle Sam goes to great lengths devouring huge portions of the national budget to secure oil from other oil producing nations. In the meantime, the pristine environment of Alaska is constantly under threat by more and more oil drilling companies.

Coal-fired power plants, of which there are many, are the largest single source of mercury emissions in the country. In 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared Mercury to be a hazardous air pollutant which has been known to cause permanent and irreparable damage to the brain, kidneys, and developing fetuses. Yet, power plants that burn coal for energy continue to pollute the air, contributing to the facts that many water sources are at undrinkable status, and that many fish are unfit for consumption.

Nuclear power isn’t any better. The process of electricity production via nuclear power plants gives us the wonderful benefit of dealing with metric tons upon metric tons of radioactive waste that causes painful deaths, horrific health problems, and grotesque deformities.

Natural gas contributes to many problems as well, through global warming and atmospheric conditions, which are severe problems that have been acknowledged by scientists throughout the world. The primary method of extraction is off-shore drilling, which has per day emissions equivalent to that of about 7,000 average sized cars driving 50 miles each day. Leaks of methane gas, which have 20 times the strength of carbon dioxide emissions, are associated with natural gas transport. 5,000 people a year die from asphyxiation from natural gas. And, numerous explosions from natural gas accidents that result in many deaths each year.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

What can be done about the energy problems here in the United States and, more specifically, here in New Jersey? There are many options available to consumers these days.

The best option, though, is to incorporate your own electric generating system into your own home. Solar and wind power are now very cost effective in addition to being the cheapest, cleanest source of power you can get.

Another option is to purchase your electricity from a less polluting source. (Not all areas of New Jersey are able to take advantage of this option. Check to see if this is available in your area.) There are companies like Green Mountain Energy that offer customers the option to choose where their electricity is generated from. Green Mountain Energy’s electricity is produced through wind, solar, hydro, and biomass facilities.

One of the easiest ways (but least effective) is to lower your consumption of energy. Choose Energy Star labeled products, like air conditioners and refrigerators that use drastically lower amounts of energy than typical appliances would use.

Consumers all over the world and especially in New Jersey are finding an amazing return on investment, coupled with a tremendous environmental impact. You really can obtain solar or wind electric generators. Here, in New Jersey there is a rebate program that covers up to 60% of the total installed cost of renewable energy systems. The IRS offers an additional 10% federal tax credit for renewable energy systems that business owners can take advantage of. This equipment can be depreciated for large tax savings.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SOLAR ElECTRIC POWER?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), generate electricity from sunlight. Solar cells, the intricate parts that make up a solar panel, have electrons that are dislodged by the incoming photons (particles of light).

PV technology fulfills residential, commercial, and industrial electricity needs. If 26% of Manhattan’s building surfaces were covered with solar panels, they would generate enough electricity to power the entire city, according to The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. Believe it or not, on the average, if each state designated a 17 sq. mile lot and filled it with solar panels, it would satisfy the electricity needs for each state and therefore the entire country. This amount of space is rooftops of American homes and businesses.

RECENT UPDATES IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY

The Solar and wind industry is taking off rapidly. The call for solid investments and clean power has brought sales on all levels to new heights. Here in New Jersey the number of photovoltaic installations exceed record numbers.

One of the largest residential solar systems (25kW) in the country is here in Freehold, NJ and was installed and designed by a local New Jersey company called Ecological Systems headed by Sky Sims. Also, Ecological Systems was the first company to get any projects approved for funding under the NJ rebate program.

“This is an exciting time for these proven technologies. The national energy emergencies coupled with state grants give everyone the opportunity to obtain their own private generating system, free from price increases, shortages and pollution.” says Sky Sims.

Large commercial entities are also utilizing sustainable energy. BJ’s Wholesale Club in southern New Jersey has installed a large solar system on the rooftop of one of their locations. In addition, they also have a public education display at the store’s entrance.

Right now, the coastline of New Jersey is being studied for feasibility of an offshore wind farm similar to the popular one in Denmark. Denmark is far ahead of the crowd with 30% of their nations’ electricity needs coming from wind power.

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is currently planning a 100 MW, 33 wind turbine project, to be located 3-6 miles of the coast of Jones Beach. The project is still in the early stages of development and, thus far, everything is looking positive.

Cape Cod in Massachusetts also has an offshore wind farm on the drawing board. Developers are planning on placing 170 wind turbines in 5 square mile area. Public sentiment is good and a recent poll has shown that only 35% of the people were skeptical and over 55% favored the project.

SOLAR Marketing companies Enjoy Explosive Growth

Dankoff Solar Products, Inc., a wholesale distributor of solar electric power components has crept its way to be ranked 242 of the top 500 fastest growing privately held companies in the US by Inc magazine. Also, AstroPower, a manufacturer of solar electric products, was named by Forbes as one of the 200 Best Small Companies.

Evergreen Solar, Inc., a developer, marketer, and manufacturer of photovoltaic products for the worldwide market, reports Third Quarter 2002 product revenues reached a record $1.5 million, an increase of approximately 245% from the third quarter of 2001 and up 36% from the second quarter. That's an increase of $ 1 million from the same period in 2001.

Exports to the German market nearly quadrupled from the second quarter.

"Sales growth was driven by stronger demand from our European customers, with exports to Germany increasing nearly fourfold," commented Mark A. Farber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Solar. "

"In addition to the operational progress made this quarter, we, along with Conservation Services Group, installed four 10 kW systems on BJ's Wholesale Club stores on Long Island, under a program sponsored by the Long Island Power Authority. These installations will test an innovative business model to maximize the value of PV generated electricity by selling the electricity and the green attributes of the electricity separately."

Schools, municipal buildings, union halls, post offices, home owners and more are making great decisions to go with solar power. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is currently in the early stages of getting photovoltaics installed on 50 schools throughout the state. Here in New Jersey there are many ideas being thrown around to get solar power up and running on some of the public schools.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) completed housing developments that utilize the latest in cost effective, environmentally friendly design and construction. They have plans to install solar pv on more than 40 homes in their project, to reduce their draw of electricity from polluting power plants. Some of their solar installations have already been completed.

There are already established and running wind electric generating farms as close as Pennsylvania and New York. These wind farms are generating power to thousands of homes and businesses around their area including University of Pennsylvania.

Renewable energy companies are putting their names on the map. They are growing very quickly and are telling everyone that tried and tested technologies for clean, non-polluting energy are here to stay.

WHAT ABOUT MY POLLUTING CAR?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that average auto gas mileage in the U.S. has declined by about 6% in the past 15 years. They offer several reasons for this. Mainly, the current popularity of larger sport utility vehicles. A recent report, released by the National Environment Education and Training Foundation, (as sited earlier) suggests that a general un-awareness regarding energy is a big part of the problem.

Shopping for a new automobile? Well, it is now possible to purchase automobiles that get up to 68 miles to the gallon.

These new cars are called “Hybrids” and have been around since Honda introduced the first model in 2000 called a Honda Insight. The Honda Insight is a two seater that has the best gas mileage of the three hybrid models that are now available. A hybrid is a car that has both an electric and gasoline powered engine and is the latest bandwagon that manufactures are getting on.

Right now the only two companies that have hybrid cars available are Toyota and Honda. Ford has an SUV model called an Escape scheduled for release the end of the 2003 calendar year and an Explorer on the drawing board for 2005. General Motors has a Saturn SUV and Chevy pickup scheduled for 2004. Last, Daimler-Chrysler has a Mercedes S- class on the back burner with a tentative release date of 2006. The Honda Civic model hybrid is already available, and has earned the title of being the first hybrid version of an already preexisting model. This 5-passenger sedan has all the amenities of the established Civic but with 40% better gas mileage, and roughly a ton and a half reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions per year.

The price tag for the three hybrids that are currently available from Honda and Toyota is about $20,000. To assist customers in the cost of one of these hybrid cars, the IRS has set up a “Clean-Fuel” vehicle tax deduction of $2,000. This incentive will not be around forever and is scheduled to phase out in 2004-06. Additionally, counties, municipalities, school boards, state colleges, universities and governmental authorities purchasing environmentally friendly vehicles have the extra bonus of classifying for eligibility for large rebates under New Jersey's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program.

WHAT NOW?

If you are interested in finding out more about getting renewable energy systems for your home, contact your local installer who will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to improve your environment, your health, and your financial well being.

For further resources and to find out more about what you can do check out these Internet sites:
www.ecologicalsystems.biz (Installer and Consultant)
www.njcrda.com (Casino Reinvestment Development Authority)
www.nrel.gov (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
www.nesea.org (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association)
www.njcep.com (New Jersey Clean Energy Program)

Global Warming and Sustainable Schools

Bush refused to sign the Kyoto agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Sustainability Greenhouse Gas Action Plan is attempting to reduce New Jersey’s collective greenhouse gas emissions 3.5% below 1990 levels by the year 2005. NJHEPS -- Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability -- is playing a key role in the program by promoting and developing new sources of renewable, alternative energy on campuses throughout the state. All 55 institutions of higher learning in New Jersey have agreed to surpass the Kyoto goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions -- making them 3.5 % below what they were in 1990 -- by 2005.

At this point, most of the schools are far short of the goal, according to James Quigley, Executive Director of NJHEPS, with the notable exceptions of Stockton College, Kean University, the College of New Jersey and Princeton, and Montclair State. Stockton, because of its huge geothermal system, has reduced the amount of greenhouse gases it emits 13% since 1990 -- in spite of the fact that it has grown in enrollment and size. While campuses have grown in size, most have taken energy efficiency and conservation measures such as boiler replacements, lighting retrofits and new HVAC equipment. Co-generation, fuel cells, geothermal applications, solar and wind energy are all potential sources of electricity that some colleges are now utilizing or plan to. Demand can be moderated through greater efficiency by a more conscientious community of users.

Stockton has been a leader in the alternative energy initiative. Its campus has one of the largest geo-thermal heating and cooling systems in the world. 400 wells were installed as part of its geothermal system that significantly reduces the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a sizable number of buildings on campus. There’s a 25% decrease of energy consumption per square foot of building space since 1990 due to this system. And, the geothermal system saves 31,000 dollars per year in energy costs, according to Dr. Lynn Stiles, Stockton’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics & chief advocate for the installation of the system.

In the works for Stockton is a 200kw fuel cell system. Also to be installed is a geo-exchange system for cooling. The College will be the first commercial geo-exchange system in the US, (The Netherlands already has 200 large geo-exchange systems). Also known as Aquifer Energy Storage Systems, its payback period will be only five years, and its efficiency for cooling is three to to six times more energy efficient than current geothermal systems, according to Stiles, though they are only cost-effective for large scale commercial applications, unlike geothermal systems which can be utilized for single family homes.

Under Stiles’ guidance, Stockton also installed an 18kw solar panel system on top of its Arts and Sciences building in 1995. Stiles added that student interest in alternative energy has doubled. As a result, the college now offers courses in Energy Management, Energy and Ethics, and Energy Planning. Stiles, who has been a professor of physics since 1973, spent much of his time in the 1970s blocking a proposal to develop floating nuclear power plants off the coast of Brigantine, New Jersey. Because of his work on preventing that particular plant, another 1000 additional floating nuclear power plants were blocked from being constructed.

High schools and elementary schools are also making strides towards “energy sustainability.” Kearney High School recently installed a 40 kilowatt solar panel system with the help of grants from New Jersey’s Clean Energy program and a smaller one from the Schools & Hospitals foundation. The system will pay for itself in two years. It generates about $12,000 annually in electricity. Two Howell Township schools in Monmouth County are earning “green points” from the U.S. Green Building Council in recognition of the implementation of new environmentally-efficient designs. Each of the new school buildings will install 50 kilowatts of solar photovoltaics.

Could Renewable Energies Replace Conventional Nuclear, Coal and Fossil Fuel Power Plants Today?

“The technology is there, it’s technically possible and financially feasible. We need the political will to do it. There’s a lot of cynicism,” says Stiles. “New Jersey has a great opportunity to become a leader in the use of clean energy.”