SAN LORENZO — The Sanitary District located in Oro Loma is attempting to become more energy self-sufficient by implementing several power supplies, some conventional and some not-so-conventional.

Recently the sanitary district cut the ribbon on a new commercial solar panel energy system, which is expected to produce 822,000 kilowatt-hours of energy a year — enough to power around 46 dwellings. With the existing power plant and this new solar array, the district will receive all of its electrical needs entirely from green energy sources. General manager Jason Warner said officials decided to run an energy audit and an evaluation of the power usage around four years ago. The purpose of the audit was to look at how they could become more self-sufficient. “We wanted to look at our overall energy management and use of green energy, while also making sure our ratepayers were getting the best deal,” Warner said. (more…)

Farms across America that were on the brink of financial devastation just a few short years ago are coming back to life with the addition of commercial solar panels and wind turbines. Those once-empty and withering fields are now producing a different kind of harvest – renewable energy. The output from solar arrays and wind turbines is putting dollars and cents into the pockets of farmers and producing clean energy that is fueling America without polluting the environment. (more…)

SAN DIEGO — As gas prices continue to skyrocket, several car dealerships in San Diego are busy keeping up with hybrid and electric vehicle orders. Randy Schimka bought his electric vehicle last January. He purchased the Nissan Leaf for approximately $25,000 once he received his tax credits. Randy enjoys being able to drive by the gas stations in San Diego and never have to pay for gas again. “It’s a great feeling to be able to just coast by,” said Schimka. “I was spending about $50 a month for gasoline. Now, I spend around $6.83, the amount for the electricity it takes to charge. I’m feeling good. I have the electric vehicle grin, as they say.” (more…)

On March 2, 2011 in ROCKLIN, Calif. SMA America released its newest product that will harness the energy of the sun like no other solar inverter. The Sunny Tripower released its 8000TL, 10000TL, 12000TL, 15000TL and 17000TL inverters for applications requiring PV array voltages up to 1,000 VDC. The three-phase, transformer-less Sunny Tripower is a much simpler design and perfect for the large-scale array with modular plant topology. (more…)

At the same time the New South Wales Labor government jumps toward a possible electoral slaughter on the 26th of March, the state’s Greens are proposing bringing back the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme that the Keneally government roughly pared last October. The Greens are proposing an increase in solar feed-tariff to 35 cents per kilowatt. They also claim they will impose an annual tax on coal-fired power stations to help pay for a range of other solar energy measures. (more…)

The United States has always been on the cutting edge of leading green technologies, but one company in-particular is scratching the surface of where, not what, to do with these. Greenhouse Holdings of California are the builders of eco-friendly infrastructure and they aren’t trying to sell their work to China. They’re heading to a more exclusive niche market. There are countries in Africa and other third-world communities that don’t have readily available access to electricity. Greenhouse Holdings feels they’d be better off with a sustainable, renewable energy from commercial solar panels. (more…)

The U.S. House of Representatives cut into the federal budget to the tune of $61 billion. The Senate is next to take their best shot to make cuts through amendments and compromises before sending the new version to the President. Some things about the budget might change. However, reducing indiscriminate spending by cutting funds from significant programs could influence public attitudes toward the fledgling solar industry. (more…)

The Prime Minister of Greece unveiled a government proposal this week to start a solar project over the abandoned coal mines in Kozani. The 200 MW capacity array made up of utility level commercial solar panels will cost over 600 million euros and will surpass the 97 MW solar power plant in Sarnia, Canada as the largest solar facility in the world when it goes online. The project is expected to be a model to promote renewable energy and create desperately needed job opportunities. (more…)

During the Superbowl a few weeks ago, the power grid in Texas had to rely on renewable energy, specifically wind turbines, to pick up the slack when rolling blackouts occurred after fossil fuel plants shut down with frozen pipes. The state of Texas wasn’t ready for what would be standard weather in New England or Colorado, so the infrastructure broke down. The switch to renewable power, despite the media blitz launched by pundits after the fact, was actually fairly smooth. It brought up a good point. What if renewable output could be predicted more accurately? Industry experts see forecasting as the key to incorporating solar and wind into the smart grid. (more…)

Here at Bella Energy, we are proud of the fact that we have created new jobs in a field that has a bright future. Our commercial solar installers make up a team of highly experienced and talented systems designers and builders. Converting the world to renewable energy ensures that the generations that come after us will have clean air and a healthy planet. It’s also the best way to eliminate America’s dependence of fossil fuels. If you’re looking for a renewable energy job, we have a few available. Check our listings in the main website. If none of them are what you’re looking for, there are other renewable positions that you may be qualified for. Here are a few tips on how to land them. (more…)