Illinois Solar Energy Association ISEA Blog

InterPark installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at 12 Chicago locations

Michelle Hickey — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:36:34 GMT

InterPark is installing charging stations at 12 of its downtown Chicago facilities to help provide infrastructure for electric vehicles.

InterPark is going "greener!" To meet the changing needs of customers, InterPark is the first operator of parking garages in Chicago to do a multi-facility, citywide charging station installation program at 12 of its downtown Chicago facilities to help provide infrastructure for EVs. "We believe EVs are the next big thing in environmental friendliness and we want to provide leadership and support," said InterPark CEO Marshall Peck.

On Wednesday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m., you're invited to join us on the rooftop at InterPark's Traders Garage, 329 South Franklin Street in Chicago to view the new chargers, as well as check out the new Tesla Roadster 2.5, just one of the prizes in a sweepstakes that will run from now through 10/31/10. And, there's "no charge to charge" your EV at any participating InterPark facilities through 12/31/10.

InterPark CEO, Marshall Peck, will be available to answer questions about the company’s green initiatives and plans to install additional charging stations at facilities nationwide beginning in 2011. (more)

Small Business Tax Credit

Michelle Hickey — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:21:57 GMT

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that create new jobs between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 may be eligible to take advantage of a $2,500 tax credit. Eligible businesses may include new businesses hiring their first Illinois employee(s). To learn more visit JobsTaxCredit.illinois.gov. This policy targets the 500,000 small businesses in Illinois, and is expected to support 20,000 new jobs.

Tax Relief for Wind Farms

Michelle Hickey — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:06:30 GMT

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to extend property tax relief for wind farms in Illinois and give local governments the authority to finance renewable energy projects in unincorporated areas of the state.

H.B. 4797 keeps wind farms’ property tax assessments uniform by extending a sunset provision of the property tax code through 2016, giving the industry the ability to anticipate operating costs. Without the provision, property taxes on wind farms would be based on location. (more)

ComEd to install Solar panels in "Innovation Corridor"

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:06:35 GMT

ComEd said will letters go out this week to single family homeowners in the innovation corridor along I-290 – which includes 130,000 customers in Melrose Park, Bellwood, Maywood, River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, Broadview, Hillside, Berwyn and the Humboldt Park section of Chicago – asking for single-family homeowners to test solar panels.
...
The three-year photovoltaic pilot is partially funded by a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy grant and allows ComEd to install 100 solar arrays on residential homes in the corridor. The arrays produce enough electricity to power a small home and at the end of the pilot, the homeowners keep the panels, said Maryl Freestone, senior engineer and project manager for the PV pilot.

Chicago Breaking Business
Chicago Tribune

Solar Ramp Up explained - HB 6202

Michelle Hickey — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:53:09 GMT

There has been a lot of interest in understanding the details of the recently signed into law HB 6202 Solar Ramp Up. These resources should provide clarification:

DSIRE - IL Renewable Portfolio Standard

YEAR	RPS requirement	Solar Requirement (as % of RPS)	Solar Requirement (as % of total power supply)	Estimated Annual New Solar MW (DC)
2012-2013	7%	0.5%	0.04%	40
2013-2014	8%	1.5%	0.12%	99
2014-2015	9%	3.0%	0.27%	178
2015-2016	10%	6.0%	0.60%	397

Created by Vote Solar

Governor Quinn signing HB6202 at Wanxiang Solar Plant Grand Opening

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:10:01 GMT

Governor Quinn Signing HB 6202 &

Wanxiang Solar Plant Grand Opening

The City of Rockford and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, in conjunction with Wanxiang America Corporation are coordinating an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, August 17, 2010.

The ceremony will celebrate the grand opening of the Rockford Solar Panel plant and Governor Patrick Quinn’s signing of House Bill 6202 in Rockford.

Address: Wanxiang, 5985 Logistics Parkway, Rockford 61109
Time: TBD

Power play: ComEd rates are on the rise

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:01:34 GMT

Commonwealth Edison customers will see an increase of about $9 to monthly bills effective immediately.

The Illinois Commerce Commission said electricity bills include charges for electricity and charges for delivering power. The end user cost increase is the result of changes in the wholesale price of electricity in the market. The ICC does not regulate or set the price of electricity; the ICC reviews and sets the price of the utility's delivery services.

"This is the price of electricity, which is changed every spring," Beth Bosch of the ICC told The Times.

Jeff Burdick, ComEd company spokesman, said ComEd does not procure the electricity, the Illinois Power Agency does on behalf of ComEd and the cost is passed on to the consumer without markup. (read full article)

Take ISEA Solar & Wind 101 and Learn how you can stop Renting from ComEd and Own your Electricity with Solar.

Illinois Poised to be Major U.S. Solar Player

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:57:15 GMT

At a former industrial site on Chicago's South Side, more than 32,000 solar panels slowly tilt every few minutes, following the sun as it moves across the sky.

Operated by Exelon Corp. (NYSE:EXC) , the 40 acres of panels in West Pullman is the nation's largest urban solar plant, generating 10 megawatts of clean power and hope for an Illinois industry that has long waited for its moment in the sun.

"We have been frustrated over the years that solar has not become more mainstream," said Kevin Lynch, who trains electricians to install solar panels for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "We understand it's still a relatively expensive technology, but the cost is much less than it was a few years ago."

Indeed, the biggest obstacle to the growth of solar energy -- its cost -- has started to decline. The price of photovoltaic solar panels dropped more than 40 percent last year due to a glut in global supply, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.(read full article)

NOTE: ISEA is planning a tour of the Exelon West Pullman solar plant. Stay tuned to the events calendar for more information soon!

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Encourage Investment in Renewable Energy

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:07:21 GMT

Governor Pat Quinn today (July 14) signed legislation to encourage investment in Illinois’ renewable energy sector and further build the state’s green economy. The new laws extend property tax relief for wind farms and give local governments the authority to finance green projects in unincorporated areas of the state. (read full press release)

$125 million awarded for Community-Based Job Training Grants

Michelle Hickey — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:28:23 GMT

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $125 million in grants to 41 community colleges and organizations. This round is the fifth and final of Community-Based Job Training Grant awards. Awardees were chosen from among 323 applications received in response to a competition first announced on March 15. Of the full amount, nearly $74 million is dedicated to applicants that have never received a Community-Based Job Training Grant.

"The $125 million awarded today will create opportunities for working Americans to train for high-demand occupations with the help of our nationwide community college system," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our goal is to help workers across the country prepare for and secure good jobs, and with support from these colleges and other critical stakeholders, we'll ensure we reach a broad base of individuals in need." (more)

Lake Land College

Mattoon

Ill.

Green-Building, Retrofitting and Solar

$2,542,762

Why Solar Car Races exist

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:34:58 GMT

Solar car races have existed for a number of years, with many such as the “American Solar Challenge” that runs a 1,100 mile course from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Naperville, Illinois having gone on for roughly 20 years now.

These races have even become so well known in many media cultures to have become the focus of some movies, such as the 1996 comedy-drama “Race the Sun”.

Beyond simply being an interesting pastime, however, these races have a very real benefit to many alternative energy industry personnel and have played an active role in helping to shape the modern solar power industry.

Focusing on the most efficient and effective usage of energy possible from solar photovoltaic cells available today, solar car participants must use their engineering skills to develop a vehicle that is both light weight and energy efficient enough to allow them to achieve both speed and endurance into a small craft to make the substantial run between cities. (more)

Wind Farm Bill signed into law

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:29:42 GMT

CARPENTERSVILLE – District 300 is one step closer to becoming one of the first Illinois school districts to use a wind farm to reduce energy costs.

Gov. Pat Quinn recently signed into law the School District Intergovernmental Cooperation Renewable Energy Act, which authorizes school districts to acquire and build facilities that convert wind or solar power to energy.

Last year, Carpentersville District 300 joined a School Wind Consortium with Keeneyville District 20 and Prospect Heights District 23.

With the new law that went into effect Friday, the three districts are onto Phase II of their project. (more)

Installing a Solar Power System at Home can be a GOOD Investment

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:34:59 GMT

Naperville man's roof system slashes use of gas and electricity

June 30, 2010|By Gerry Smith, Tribune reporter

A few years ago, Jim Camasto thought about investing $20,000 in the stock market.

But instead, Camasto, 43, of Naperville, spent that money on a safer, "greener" investment — solar power.

Camasto has installed a solar thermal and solar electricity system on his roof, which helps heat and power his home.

His gas use has dropped more than 50 percent, and his electricity use has dropped about 70 percent. He sells extra power back to the electricity grid and sells renewable energy credits, which investors buy and trade to support renewable energy projects.

His return on his investment is about 3 or 4 percent a year. (more)

Solar Power may get chance to Shine in Illinois

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:39 GMT

Chicago Tribune, Gerry Smith.
..."We have been frustrated over the years that solar has not become more mainstream," said Kevin Lynch, who trains electricians to install solar panels for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "We understand it's still a relatively expensive technology, but the cost is much less than it was a few years ago."

Indeed, the biggest obstacle to the growth of solar energy — its cost — has started to decline. The price of photovoltaic solar panels dropped more than 40 percent last year due to a glut in global supply, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The drop in price is driving renewed interest in solar energy, said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. (more)

A $100 Million Pool for Solar Financing

Michelle Hickey — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:46:50 GMT

P.G.&E. Corporation, the California utility holding company, has created a $100 million tax-equity fund to finance residential solar installations by SunRun, a San Francisco start-up that leases photovoltaic arrays to homeowners.

The fund, managed by a P.G.&E. subsidiary, Pacific Energy Capital II, is the largest single solar leasing pool to date, according to the company, and marks the growing interest of utilities in the renewable energy financing business.

“We’re in somewhat of a unique position in that roughly half of the nation’s rooftop solar installations are in our service territory,” Brian Steel, P.G.&E.’s senior director of corporate strategy, said in an interview. “We’re at the proverbial ground zero of these new technologies and so perhaps more than any utility holding company in the country we have a strategic imperative to get ahead of the curve through having a propriety seat at the table with a partner like SunRun.” (more)

2010 American Solar Challenge Road Race Underway

Michelle Hickey — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:13:18 GMT

Sunseeker, Western Michigan University's solar car Special to the Gazette/John A Lacko

On Saturday, solar-powered vehicles took off at noon from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, en route to the Chicago suburb of Naperville. ASC is a competition where students design, build and drive solar-powered vehicles in a rally event. This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the ASC.

In an effort to promote a greater understanding of solar energy technology, this hands-on competition provides the opportunity for students to “develop and demonstrate their technical and creative abilities” while learning about the benefits of solar power. (more)

Homeowners Solar Rights on CBS 2 tonight at 5:00 pm

Michelle Hickey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:33:45 GMT

Watch the story

A Northbrook couple says their neighbors were more concerned with green lawns than a "green" lifestyle. They were among those statewide who saw a homeowners association blocking their plans for the installation of solar panels on their own home. But, as CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports, those roadblocks seem to be melting away in the sun.   
Solar energy panels seemed like a bright idea for the Goldmans and their sunbathed Northbrook home.   "We have a southern exposure, which is the exposure you want to put up solar panels," said Phyllis Goldman, as she looks up at the sun shining over her two story roof. "The trees we have don't block it."   

Phyllis and her husband Eugene are an environmentally conscious couple who have been recycling since the '70s. Four years ago, they drew up plans for a rooftop installation of several solar panels.   "They don't add to the beauty of the house, but that's not the point of it," said Eugene.   But the Goldmans live in a manicured, almost picture-perfect, private community where they knew outward appearances were subject to the approval of a homeowners association; an association that turned them down, in part over aesthetics.   

"The last bastion of fascism is homeowners associations," said Phyllis.   The decision had the green living couple seeing red. "If you don't want to do it yourself, that's your business, but to prevent somebody else from doing something that would be good for the environment, it's not good," said Phyllis.   

Brandon Leavitt owns Solar Service, a company that specializes in solar energy.   "Even on a cloudy day, we're generating electricity right now," said Leavitt, as we looked at a rooftop display of black solar panels that sit atop the roof of his business in Niles.   He says for decades associations throughout Chicago have blocked solar panel installations. That's in spite of current federal programs offering considerable financial incentives for their purchase, and the fact that much of what's sold today arguably resembles a standard skylight.   

"We think it's a freedom to choose," said Leavitt. "It's a freedom to choose to harvest the energy falling on your property," said Leavitt.   

It's a choice now seeing the light of day thanks to Illinois' Homeowners' Solar Rights Act. It requires homeowners associations to adopt acceptable design standards for solar systems in buildings up to three stories tall.   "Somebody just can't say, 'I don't like the way it looks, you can't do it,'" said Leavitt.   

Re-energized, the Goldmans are now renewing their plans to power their home with the sun.   "They should be grateful we didn't want to put up a windmill in our backyard," said Phyllis.   The Homeowners' Solar Rights Act was approved by both Houses, and is awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn's signature.

Solar in Naperville

Michelle Hickey — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:12:05 GMT

Jim Camasto loves sunny days. The Naperville resident, along with his wife Kath, enjoys seeing the sun out because it helps power his home. The Camastos have solar panels on their roof that provide both electrical and thermal energy to their home. On extra-hot days, excess electricity flows back into the Naperville power grid.

“My neighbors are using it right now,” said Jim Camasto. “It’s a great way to produce energy. I just sit here and let the sun do it for me.”

If you’re enrolled in Naperville’s renewable energy program, you contribute funds to purchase green energy from sources like Camasto’s solar panels. Click here to watch a video and read the article.

Instructor Position Opening

Michelle Hickey — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:19:26 GMT

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is seeking solar and wind energy professionals to teach introductory-level courses to the public and ISEA membership. Applicants should have in-depth knowledge of solar and wind technologies, experience public speaking and delivering presentations, and comfort teaching independently.

ISEA courses generally run for three hours on Saturday mornings throughout the greater Chicago area, but also occasionally on weekday evenings. All educational materials necessary for course delivery will be provided by ISEA. Instructors will receive compensation for their time and will have travel expenses covered.

Interested applicants are to complete an application and submit it by June 18th. Once applications are received and reviewed, a meeting will be scheduled at the ISEA office in Chicago to begin the vetting process.

For more information, please contact Christopher Pell, Education Coordinator, christopher.pell@illinoissolar.org

Instructor Application

Senate Bill 380 - Defeated Last Night!

Michelle Hickey — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:37:35 GMT

Senate Bill 380: DEFINES TIRE BURNING AS RENEWABLE ENERGY

Passed through the Energy Committee but defeated on the main floor last night in 17-26-6 vote!

Senate Bill 380 amends the Illinois Power Authority Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-10) by expanding the definition of “renewable energy resource” and its associated “renewable energy credit” to include tire burning.

Tire burning is not renewable energy. Renewable energy is produced from natural resources that do not pollute the air, water or land such as energy produced from: solar, wind, biomass (fibrous vegetation) and the earth’s thermal heat.

Tires contain known carcinogens and poisons such as arsenic and benzene. Burning tires releases highly toxic dioxins as well as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.