Certified Green's blog
Are Photovoltaics (PV) really net positive for the planet??
The answer is a resounding YES!
A recently released life cycle assessment from ISIS (Institute of Science in Society) shows that not only do PVs reduce fossil fuel energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, some panels have full carbon paybacks in as little as 1.1 years. To capture the full energy payback data, the study examined the entire PV life cycle beginning with mining of quartz sand needed for silicone PV modules.
Though concerns about the energy consumption, materials, and chemicals used during production are valid, the benefits overwhelmingly outweigh the costs. With continued technological innovation like thin film and paint applications, the carbon payback is looking better every day.
Read the full report here.
Time for Change: New Funding for ARPA-E
Though congress authorized the development of Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) in August of 2007, the last few weeks have brought some exciting developments thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. On Monday, a $400 million program designed to fund development of disruptive/transformational energy technologies with the goal of reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing the nation's economic and energy security.
The Energy Department will begin taking applications next month for research projects and they are looking for high risk projects that will knock their socks off – incremental innovation need not apply. The program is modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that spawned the Internet, Global Positioning systems (GPS), and advanced space exploration.
Not only are the program goals innovative, but the approach signals change. The DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement issued this week offers individual awards of $500,000 to $20 million and requires applicants to submit only an eight-page “concept paper” outlining the technical idea by June 2. If accepted, applicants will then be invited to submit a full application. The announcement also explains, “ARPA-E has the flexibilities to work with companies who do not traditionally work with the Federal Government,” indicating new flexibility in the process.
The challenges these funds are slated to address are not new – cheaper alternative energy solutions, reduction of energy-related emissions, and improved energy efficiency – but the solutions must be.
LEED-Certified Building of the Year
Check out the beautiful Arizona Game and Fish department's new headquarters building, which won Arizona's LEED-Certified building of the year award ... currently a LEED Gold building, but soon to be Platinum (the highest certification level) when photovoltaics are installed.
Don't Be Fooled by Window Replacement Ads
I cringe and groan every time a TV advertisement for energy efficient window replacement airs. The ads generally entice homeowners to contact them for complete window replacement at a bargain and realize huge energy savings as a result. The truth is that, unless your windows are extremely old and have served well beyond their lifespan, are damaged and/or have lost their seal, window replacement is the last alternative that should be considered to improve your home's energy efficiency. Your money would be better spent by hiring a reputable home energy auditor to evaluate your home and provide a list of recommended steps that will produce the greatest return. Generally, today's homes suffer from the lack of proper air sealing and poor-quality insulation installation. In many cases, simple, relatively inexpensive steps can be taken to significantly improve your heating and cooling efficiency and reduce those monthly bills. So buyer beware when it comes to windows ... don't believe everything you see on TV!
