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Photonic Crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light

A top layer of silica etched with tapering holes could improve absolute solar cell efficiency by around 1 percent, Stanford researchers predict.

Landis+Gyr Unveils Energy and Capacity Optimization Strategy at Annual Customer Conference

ECOS platform brings together grid management technologies to address distribution challenges.

SunPower Breaks Ground on 9.5-Megawatt Solar Project for California Department of Water Resources

The project is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Berryessa Union SD Uses Bond to Save $12.5 Million through Integrated Solar and STEM Program

Berryessa Union School District (BUSD) celebrated the beginning of its new, district-wide initiative to empower student success through an integrated solar energy and STEM program during a groundbreaking event at Piedmont Middle School yesterday. Through a collaborative partnership with OpTerra Energy Services, the District is leveraging its Measure L bond funding to build a comprehensive sustainability program that will generate renewable energy, while offering STEM educational opportunities for students and teachers tied to solar science. The program will save the district $12.5 million in energy savings.
Leveraging Bond Money for Long-Term Savings?
In early 2015, District leaders sought ways to leverage Measure L bond funds to make investments in renewable energy that would generate long-term savings. In addition to enhancing their sustainability profile, BUSD wanted to make sure that any solar project would complement the District’s ongoing STEM education program. The Board selected OpTerra Energy Services to be their district-wide partner as they co-developed a comprehensive solar scope to serve all campuses, with educational offerings that will be customized to support different grade levels across the district.
Over the past 12 months, BUSD has worked closely with a San Jose-based team of OpTerra engineers to conduct a district-wide assessment and analysis of all school sites and district property to identify the best opportunities for solar energy generation. As part of OpTerra’s commitment to building long-term impact, the OpTerra education team is partnering with principals and teachers across the District to design hands-on STEM activities using the solar production data as a platform for direct STEM learning.
In just one year, the Berryessa Union SD Board of Trustees has utilized their bond funding to design and develop their district-wide sustainability program right on time to start construction this spring.
Solar and Site Modernization Plan
With the program officially kicking off next month, BUSD’s solar and site modernization plan is set to accomplish the following:
  • $12.5 million in net savings over the life of the program
  • 2.4MW of solar at all 13 District sites
  • The combination of solar shade canopies and ground-mounted solar will take on 80-90% of planned electric load by site
  • Construction of a new, high efficiency Central Kitchen, creation of multiple flexible instructional spaces, and installation of upgraded classroom furniture and repaving of multiple sites
  • Hands-on STEM education curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards
  • Environmental stewardship through GHG emission reduction
Earth Day, Every Day
During Thursday’s groundbreaking celebration, Superintendent Ector and members of the Board of Trustees’ leadership spoke to the symbolism of kicking off their new sustainability program during April, the same month as Earth Day and during a time of focus on regional environmental issues. Superintendent Ector shared that, "Our goal for our new solar program is to set the bar for sustainability at districts across the region. We are proud that as a result of this program, Berryessa’s ability to conserve energy will be complemented by a natural fit education tie-in. The benefits of our solar program are both immediate and long-term, empowering our students, staff, and community to support Earth Day, every day."
OpTerra CEO John Mahoney also shared his enthusiasm for what Berryessa’s new solar program will mean for the region, stating, "Berryessa’s 2.4MW solar program represents a significant commitment to both environmental and fiscal stewardship. With expected savings of over 3 million kWh in the first year – the equivalent to taking 500 cars off the freeways here – the OpTerra team congratulates the District on making these first important steps toward a more sustainable future for San Jose."
Solar canopy structure implementation will begin at school sites this summer to avoid any disruption to class schedules. As Berryessa’s energy work continues to unfold, the District looks forward to engaging with the community to promote milestones and new successes throughout the school year.

Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Green Investment Fund Fighting Climate Change, Growing Ontario’s Economy

BlueRock Solar Launches Community Solar Projects for New York State Residents

Leading energy solutions company expands into solar industry; making solar accessible to all

Standard Solar Installs Largest Rooftop Array in Virginia; Dominion Virginia Power Project on Public High School Rooftop

3,000+ panel array’s output will exceed 1,330 MWh/year and offset 918 metric tons of carbon

Strengthening the bond with the renewable energy industry: MBA Renewables launches international Advisory Board

The distance learning Master of Business Administration (MBA) Renewables jointly offered by the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and the Renewables Academy AG (RENAC) ¬proudly announces the launching of its international Advisory Board. MBA Renewables is designed to equip professionals with the advanced interdisciplinary management skills for executive positions in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. Through the new Advisory Board, MBA Renewables is building a platform of exchange which will bring its graduates a step closer to the green industries.

SunPower to Deliver 11.4 MW solar power system for the County of Santa Clara

The County will own the systems, as well as their associated renewable energy credits.

Nautilus Solar announces a significant expansion of its project acquisition And operations team

Nautilus welcomes Scott Greenberg as Vice President of Operations where he will be responsible for leading operations and construction of solar developments acquired or invested into by Nautilus; Steve Littlewood as Director of Business Development for the Northeast U.S.; and Eric Lamora and Richard Sun as Business Development Associates, to help drive Nautilus’ execution of project acquisitions and direct investments into solar projects throughout the United States and Canada.

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