February
26
2010
Wednesday, February 24th, Hartsburg, Missouri This evening the board of directors of Show Me Solar authorized Jeffrey Owens, the Executive Director to purchase this year’s Global Sun Oven to be raffled away to one lucky winner. This year’s Solar Oven Raffle
has the additional goal of raising funds to send a matching oven to a community in need. Solar Ovens are of tremendous benefit in many parts of the world where fuel to cook is scarce and the indoor air quality from open pit wood and dung fires is responsible for respiratory health problems especially amongst children.
The oven will be on display at fairs and festivals throughout the year. Raffle tickets may be purchased in person at these events or online through the convenience of PayPal – just click on the button below. The winning ticket will be drawn during the Show Me Solar annual members meeting the second week of November, 2010.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS: Show Me Solar reserves the right to void entry into the 2010 fundraiser at any time. No refunds. No personal checks please. Directors and Officers of Show Me Solar and their immediate family members are ineligible to enter. The winner of the raffle item will be notified once by phone and/or email at number/email address registered with Show Me Solar. The winning ticket must be redeemed within 7 days of notification. The winning ticket holder’s right to claim the prize expires after 7 days of notification. The winning ticket is not transferable to third parties. The raffle prize will be shipped ground delivery service with insurance. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
March
5
2010
An Evening on Solar Energy with Dan Chiras
Friday, March 5th, 2010, ShowMeSolar.org Show Me Solar is pleased to announce that Dan Chiras, PhD, the famed Gr
een Building and Renewable Energy author who also currently serves as the director of the Evergreen Institute, will be traveling across the state of Missouri the first two weeks of April delivering evening presentations on solar energy entitled “Solar Electricity Makes Cents Now!” free of charge and open to the general public .
In his talk, Dan will discuss the highly favorable economics of solar electricity. Dan’s presentation will also cover the basics of solar energy — how solar modules work, the main types of solar systems, and common misunderstandings. Specific attention will focus on how much it will cost to install a PV system at your home or business, taking into account numerous incentives now available in Missouri that make solar electricity a great investment! Dan will also present other inexpensive and innovative ideas that can help you reduce the initial size and cost of your PV system.
The presentations will take place from 7-8 pm on April 1st in KC Metro, April 5th in Columbia, and in St. Louis Metro on the 14th of April. Immediately following his presentation, Dr. Chiras will be available to meet with those in attendance during a book signing event. Latest editions of most of his over 20 titles including Power from the Sun, Power from the Wind, and The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy will also be available for sale at a special price. Numerous solar related organizations and businesses local to each area will have displays open for visitation before and after the presentations.
EVENT DETAILS:
Doors Open 6:30 PM
Presentation Begins 7:00 PM
April 1st – KC Metro – The Energy Savings Store – 15209 West 99th, Lenexa, KS
Event Co-Sponsors: Heartland Renewable Energy Society, Show Me Solar, Hathmore Technologies
April 5th – Columbia, Missouri -114 Arts & Sciences Bldg., University of Missouri
MU Campus Sponsorship by Students for Progressive Action
Participating Nonprofits: Show Me Solar, Missourians for Safe Energy, Renew Missouri, The Columbia Climate Change Coalition
April 14th – St. Louis Metro – Schlafly Bottleworks - 7260 Southwest Avenue at Manchester in Maplewood
Event Co-Sponsors: St. Louis Green Drinks, Home-Eco, Show Me Solar
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February
27
2010
March 13 & 14, 2010 Net-Zero Energy Home Workshop with Dan Chiras
Learn ways to cut your home’s energy costs up to 50% in this intensive 2-day workshop presented by USGBC-STL, Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center and The Evergreen Institute! Practical strategies for new and existing homes address energy demand, passive-solar design and construction, implementing renewable energy systems, building and rehab costs, and more.
INSTRUCTOR
Dan Chiras, Ph.D., nationally noted author and energy expert and founder of The Evergreen Institute.
WHEN
Saturday & Sunday, March 13 &14, 2010
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Commerce Bank Center for Science Education (CBEC), 4651 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110; Rooms 129 & 130
FEE
$80 for USGBC-STL and Missouri Botanical Garden members
$95 for non-members
Fee includes continental breakfast, handouts, parking.
To inquire about discount for couples call 314-577-9506.
REGISTER
Online at the Missouri Botanical Garden website. Once on the website, scroll down to the Green Living section and click on "Alternative Building Workshop: Net-Zero Energy Home." If you are a USGBC-STL member, select the member ticket and note "USGBC-STL member" in the notes section.
February
26
2010
“Solar Pioneers” or “Solar Guinea Pigs”?
February 26th, 2010, www.ShowMeSolar.org Yesterday evening marked the final installment in the Winter 2010 Show Me Solar online solar seminar series. Approximately 7 members of Show Me Solar were in attendance and the evening turned into a three hour affair chock full of great discussions and helpful exchanges of useful information. The central part of the evening was the “Economics of Solar” portion of the solar seminar series, and on-topic discussions before, during and after the presentation ranged from pushing the boundaries of incentives from the 30% Federal Income tax credit (whether the 30% can be claimed on the full cost of the solar system prior to deducting the $2/watt solar rebate and whether you would have claim the rebate as income on your Federal Tax return), to the Missouri Proposition C Solar Rebate program (for example, whether the same property could qualify more than once and what the finally basis will become for calculating the rebate – maximum power at STC, CEC ratings, etc.) , extending the rebate program to cover all utilities selling electricity in Missouri not just the investor owned utilities such as Ameren UE and KCP&L, to strengthening the net-metering laws to require utilities to credit production based on the marginalized cost of producing electricity not the avoided cost, to the political viability of Renewable Energy Certificates making it out of the rule-making process with the Public Service Commision and into the hands of home and business owners in the form of additional cash incentives. Discussion even turned to whether the Missouri Green Sales Tax holiday would apply to the purchase of renewable energy systems and to the fact that Missouri has been the only Midwestern state out of 12 not to participate in the Midwest Governor’s pact to reduce emissions from coal. Governor Nixon, any plans to join your colleagues in establishing a Midwest Regional Green House Emissions Reduction pact?
Discussion also included the possibility of cost savings through collective wholesale purchasing based on the number of unsolicited offers Show Me Solar has already received from distributors to purchase panels below $2/watt. The pros and cons of this years plan to install solar systems which we have dubbed “Energy Raisers” was also visited prompting Jeffrey Owens, the current Executive Director of Show Me Solar to respond that the first owners to participate in an Energy Raiser could be viewed either as “Solar Pioneers” or “Solar Guinea Pigs” depending on whether you want to take a glass half full or glass half empty approach to the issue. Needless to say, everyone in attendance looked forward to being a solar pioneer. Although the Energy Raiser events will save the solar system owners thousands of dollars in avoided labor charges, the Show Me Solar Energy raisers are by no means intended to undercut market prices. Logistically, the number of installs possible for the nonprofit operating off of donated labor and materials will not keep pace with the rate at which the commercial industry is installing systems. Instead, the Energy Raisers are designed to provide the general public access to a real live solar energy installation. To turn out on a Saturday and witness just what is solar all about. To ask questions and receive answers. In addition, for those wishing to explore the possibility of a career in renewable energy, the Energy Raiser events will provide professional associates of Show Me Solar and opportunity to get the experience they will need to enter the job market as a solar system installer, integrator, and even designer. NABCEP certification requirements allow credit from one training installation to go towards NABCEP certification as a PV installer and Show Me Solar Energy Raisers in every local community will allow Midwesterners and others to get the on the job training they need without having to travel and pay thousands of dollars to gain access to a training program.
After the presentation segment on the Economics in Solar, discussion even turned to electric vehicles and one participant, Gavin Perry of GPTS LLC based in St. Louis, shared his plans for a bulk purchase of Lithium Ferrous Phosphate batteries used by the automobile industry and already available in the form of an electric assisted bicycle that his company provides. His online presence can be found at http://gptsllc.com/ Perhaps, fuel cell technology was the only aspect of both home and transportation distributed energy that was not discussed. With announcements of inexpensive fuel cells coming this week from venture capitalist start-up Bloom Energy announcing their plans to put a Bloom Box in every American home for under $3,000, this technology will almost certainly be a perennial topic of discussion for members of Show Me Solar.
Now that this first cycle of online webinars is drawing to completion – next Tuesday evening Show Me Solar hosts Dan Chiras for the final online seminar for Winter 2010, our organization plans to regroup, reevaluate and retool our online educational outreach program to both improve it and expand its content and functionality. A working group of members interested in developing the educational content and creating an online learning environment is forming to begin meeting next week. If you are interested in participating in this important component of Show Me Solar’s mission by joining the Educational Outreach working group please contact me, Jeffrey Owens at jowens@showmesolar.org
For more information on Show Me Solar and it’s activities in the field of Solar Energy please visit:
February
24
2010
Show Me Solar Hosts Susan Brown of the Energy Savings Store
Susan Brown, VP for Sales and Marketing, The Energy Savings Store
February 24th, ShowMeSolar.org Yesterday evening, Show Me Solar hosted Susan Brown of The Energy Savings Store (TESS). Members of Show Me Solar were treated to a rich presentation featuring photos of dozens of projects completed by TESS over the past seven years of the company’s business ranging from solar sign and lighting applications to both large and small, residential and commercial, solar thermal and electric systems. Highlights included application of Uni-Solar’s thin film laminates to standing seam steel roofs and a strawbale home with solar thermal collector plates for radiant floor heating. Describing themselves as the most experienced wind and solar integrators in Missouri and Kansas, Susan’s presentation clearly dazzled and impressed the seminar attendees and demonstrated that not only is solar possible in the Midwest but rapidly becoming more accesible and commonplace.
With a main show room in Lenexa, Kansas and an auxilliary showroom in Webster Groves, the Energy Savings Store is well equipped to serve the bi-state region. The founder and owner of TESS, Bob Solger currently serves as a board member and treasurer for the new Missouri Chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association, MO-SEIA and has been an active member of the Kansas City based chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, Heartland Renewable Energy Society for years. Last fall, one of Bob’s projects, the Eco-School House at Grant Elementary in Columbia, Missouri was shown on the Show Me Solar Tour, the local tour event coordinated with the ASES National Solar tour event the first weekend of every October. Jeffrey Owens, Executive Director of Show Me Solar, hopes to feature more of The Energy Savings Store’s solar energy homes on this year’s Show Me Solar Tour event to be held Saturday, October 2nd.
For more information on The Energy Savings Store please visit their website at http://www.ewindandsolar.com/
For more information on MO-SEIA, the new Missouri chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association please visit their website at: http://moseia.org/
February
18
2010
Educational and Training PV Cart Enters Phase 1
Image Credit: Kevin Alleman of Show Me Solar
Yesterday evening three members of Show Me Solar met online to continue work on the first of two planned demonstration carts to be used by Show Me Solar volunteers and associates at educational outreach events and solar photovoltaic training workshops planned for this spring. Individually, each cart will demonstrate a working solar module and combined the carts will provide a platform on which to train on the installation of a four module string array.
The front of each cart consists of a simulated roof complete with rafters and shingles showing the common mounting techniques for roofs. A components board on the back will display the electronics and electrical equipment used in a photovoltaic system to convert the direct current (D.C.) of the solar module into alternating current (A.C.) for household use. The design includes a bi-directional utility meter for use in explaining how photovoltaic systems are net-metered when connected to the grid. A bottom shelf will hold batteries allowing demonstration of off-grid and battery back-up solar systems. Light sockets and an outlet will add to the demonstration features of the cart.
The project now enters phase one of construction to include assembly of the cart itself. Phases 2 and 3 will consist of racking, electronics, electrical and the module itself respectively. Labor and materials are currently being donated to the nonprofit Show Me Solar for use by the organization in it’s mission to bring solar energy closer to home one ray of sunshine at a time. Donations are recognized or remain anonymous according to the donor’s preference. For more information on Show Me Solar, to donate to this project or to volunteer to participate in a project like the PV cart project please visit www.ShowMeSolar.org and follow the website navigational links.
February
17
2010
Show Me Solar Hosts Dane Glueck of Missouri Solar Living
ShowMeSolar.org – As part of an ongoing guest speaker series, Dr . Dane Glueck, President of Missouri Solar Living and the first president of MO-SEIA, the Missouri Chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association spoke to members of Show Me Solar 
yesterday evening. Dane’s presentation was titled “Exploring your solar options”. Answering questions along the way, Dane covered his personal and professional recommendations in three areas of solar energy – solar space heating, solar water heating and solar electricity. Using state of the art internet conferencing software the experience was as if the speaker was in the room with the audience.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri Solar Living is a leading solar integrator with a wide variety of installations ranging from more conventional 1 and 2kW utility interactive rooftop installations to a 20kW+ installation integrated into a net-zero green building project at Washington University’s Tyson Research Center in Eureka, Missouri that is pushing the envelope of what the technology can achieve to new heights.
The only Missouri based company with a NABCEP PV certified installer on staff, Missouri Solar Living has joined a bevy of small Missouri solar businesses to form the trade association MO-SEIA, the Missouri Chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association. To download a copy of his presentation and to learn more about Missouri Solar Living, past and current projects and the products and services they offer visit www.MissouriSolarLiving.com
To learn more about MO-SEIA visit http://moseia.org
February
16
2010
Workshop: Solar Power Makes Cents Now!
Dan Chiras, Ph.D. and Director of The Evergreen Institute, The Center for Renewable Energy, comes to the Kansas City area for a free workshop.
The Energy Savings Store, Kansas and Missouri’s most experienced wind and solar provider, is hosting the Chiras event on April 1,
The Author Dan Chiras in front of his home in Colorado
from 6:30 to 9pm at our solar and wind showroom - 15209 W. 99th, Lenexa, KS.
Prices of solar panels have fallen dramatically in the past year, and Missouri now has a generous rebate program. These factors, combined with 30% Federal Tax Credits, have slashed costs by over 50%. Solar energy has never been more affordable !
In this talk, Chiras will discuss the highly favorable economics of solar power. He will discuss the basics of solar energy — how solar panels work, the types of systems, and common misunderstandings. He will also discuss how much it will cost to install business or home solar panels as the numerous financial incentives for solar are taken into consideration. Chiras will also present other inexpensive and innovative ideas that can help you reduce the initial size and cost of your solar energy system.
We are grateful to have Dan Chiras as our guest in Kansas City. He is author of numerous books on renewable energy, including Power from the Sun, Power from the Wind, and The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy.
Come a little early to tour the showroom, see different types of solar panels, wind turbines (windmills) and more. Drinks and appetizers provided!
Sponsoring organizations include ShowMeSolar ; Hathmore Technologies; and Heartland Renewable Energy Society.
February
14
2010
Solar Energy ~ Wind Power Showroom
There’s a lot to know when it comes to solar and wind power. We knew that if people could look and feel and talk about the different solar and wind solutions, more people would see how solar and wind could work for them. With that in mind, we opened the largest solar energy and wind power showroom in the midwest in late 2009.
It’s worth a trip to suburban Kansas City (actually Lenexa, Kansas) to see the latest solar and wind technology at our new warehouse and showroom! Our renewable energy experts can answer all your questions and help you determine the best solution for your situation. We also have staff that ensures our customers take advantage of every possible rebate and tax incentive.
Ryan (Director of Sales) is discussing the benefits of Sunpower Solar Panels, some of the highest quality panels available. Sunpower panels reduce payback and increase return on investment!
Our staff includes renewable energy experts, financial incentive specialists, event coordinators, engineers, solar installers and more.
February
14
2010
Solar is More Affordable than Ever in Missouri
When Missouri’s Proposition C – the Clean Energy Initiative – passed in 2009, it made solar energy more affordable than ever. The Energy Savings Store and I had been actively working to get this legislation passed for years.
The first ever utility rebates for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on Missouri homes and businesses started on January 1st, 2010. (Read about the who got the first KCP&L solar rebates here).
The cost of a new solar energy system has been reduced by over 50% as a result of these new rebates and in combination with the federal tax credit. Instead of a 20 year payback, many Missourians will see a 10 year payoff of their initial investment.
While the idea of wading through rebate paperwork doesn’t appeal to many people, the substantial payoff that comes with it should not be disregarded. The Energy Savings Store provides financial expertise to identify every possible financial incentive and help file the paperwork for it’s clients. We want as many people as possible to take advantage of the rebates and tax advantages.
A summary of the incentives available for solar PV in Missouri:
- $2.00 per watt solar rebate (capped at $50,000) for KCP&L and Ameren customers in Missouri (only) starting January 1, 2010
- Federal tax credit of 30%
- Net metering – “store” excess solar energy on the grid at any time during the billing cycle, and receive a credit for any excess at the end of the cycle.
The above incentives apply to both residential and commercial customers.
Businesses have additional advantages at their disposal:
- The 30% federal tax credit can be applied for as a grant in 2010
- The 5-year accelerated depreciation is expected to be extended into 2010
An example of how incentives can lower the cost of a residential solar PV system:
Let’s assume you are buying a small 1kW solar array (about 6 panels):
| Installed Cost | $7,900 |
| Less $2/Watt Utility Rebate | ($2,000) |
| Less 30% Federal Tax Credit | ($1,770) |
| Net Cost | $4,130 |
Proposition C is designed to require that a certain percent (15% by 2021) of our utility power come from renewable sources, like wind and solar. This is called a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Investor owned utilities (KCP&L and Ameren) can choose to build wind and solar farms or they can purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from individuals that install solar and wind systems on their homes or businesses. Utility companies can then use those credits toward compliance with the RPS.
This will create a market that will drive pricing for RECs in Missouri. Your utility may pay an up-front lump sum for RECs from smaller systems, or may buy the RECs as the energy is produced over the life of the equipment for larger systems. This market will be established once the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) finishes the rule-making process. The PSC will be finalizing the draft rule within the next few weeks. After a 30 day comment period and a public hearing, the Commissioners will produce a final rule.
What do you do if you want to install solar on your home or business and take advantage of the new programs? Talk to us. We make this process as easy as possible and we make sure our customers get every financial incentive possible. You may also want to check the Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association (MOSEIA) website. MOSEIA members report on the rulemaking process, monitor the industry, and train installers. Bob Solger is a founding member and a key member of the board.
Find listings of all federal, state, local and utility rebates, credits, grants and loans at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org).
Susan Brown has worked diligently to bring clean energy to Missourians. She now wants to make sure you get every available financial incentive for installing a TESS solar or wind energy system. Stop by Missouri’s largest solar energy and wind power showroom, call 816-877-6760, or email SusanB@TheEnergySavingsStore.com.
