Shuco ezAnchor Mounting System

Suitable for Almost Every Roof Tile Installation

The ezAnchor portfolio is suitable for almost every roof tile installation situation in order to handle a broad variety of roof tile types used in North America. All anchors are made out of stainless steel for the highest reliability and strength. Every anchor type has been tested in the Schüco owned accredited testing laboratory based on a tensile test and compression test to confirm the maximum load capacity.

Features

• Solution for almost every type of roof tile to reduce manual adaption of tile
• Stainless steel high load anchors for the highest load and pressure durability and minimum deformation to avoid roof-tile cracking
• Flexible multi-hole base plate for flexible installation on rafter
• All anchors enable height adjustability of side-mounted ezRail due to elongated hole
• Solution for vertical and horizontal ezRail mounting
• For composite shingle, Stile, and mission tile roofs

Best Inverters for Ontario microFIT installations

The SolarEdge PV inverter combines a sophisticated, digital control technology and a one stage, efficient power conversion architecture to achieve superior solar power harvesting and best-in-class reliability.

Their fixed-voltage technology ensures the solar inverter is always working at its optimal input voltage, regardless of the number of modules in a string or environmental conditions.

The CDN & US single phase inverter comes with a built in DC switch while the European single phase inverter can be fitted with a seamlessly attachable cabling duct for managing the installation wirings. Both are light enough for a single person to install on a supplied bracket.

Single Phase Inverter Feature highlights:

• Solar inverters specifically designed to work with power optimizers
• Superior efficiency (>97%)
• Excellent reliability with standard 12 year warranty (extendable to 20 years)
• Small, lightweight and easy to install
• Built in module-level monitoring receiver
• Communication to internet via broadband or wireless ZigBee
• IP65 / NEMA 3R – Outdoor and indoor installation

FIT for Life

Feed-in-tariff system the most successful renewable energy policy worldwide, studies show

Development of renewable energy eases the high cost of fossil fuel and nuclear energy borne by governments worldwide. The green energy sector is one of the few actually creating new jobs in many of the world’s floundering economies. Both developed and developing economies are benefitting from renewable energy initiatives, the most smashingly successful of which is Ontario’s Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) system according to a recent REN21 study.

The rock star of the renewable energy industry, FIT programs have been so successful that over 75% of solar and 45% of wind energy is harvested through them globally. This makes them the most popular energy policy worldwide according to a recent study. Over 75 countries, states and provinces across the globe have instituted FIT programs in one form or another.

These policies vary to fit the landscape of the economies in which they are instituted, but one lesson is abundantly clear in all of them; the devil is in the detail. FIT prices need to be attractive enough to entice home and business owners to install solar panels, but this is irrelevant if access to the grid is not cheap and easy. Although most FIT programs claim to be modelled on the success of the German endeavour, none have reached quite such dizzying heights. The reason for this is that most residents do not enjoy the same easy access to their power grid as do the Germans.

If a German homeowner (let’s call him Fritz) gets approval for his FIT project, he need wait for connection to the grid only as long as it takes him to install his panels. That’s because Fritz’s microFIT system has priority over all other energy sources. Renewable sources of energy not only enjoy priority in Germany, Fritz actually has a “right to sell electricity to the grid”, according to Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act. This means that when Fritz gets approval for his microFIT installation (a process that runs as smoothly as a German auto) he can rest assured that his local electricity provider will be paying him an income in a couple of days. Failing to do so would be a violation of his rights.

MicroFIT tariffs are what attract investors from the outset. They range from as much as 88 cents per kWh in Switzerland to as little as 22.4 cents per kWh in Hawaii. Currently, Ontario residents enjoy a tariff of 80.2 cents per kWh, although this price is due for adjustment in the fall.

During the recent Ontario elections, rising hydro bills were blamed on the FIT and microFIT programs. This fatuous allegation failed to note that the average household pays less than 50 cents to solar initiatives. This is expected to rise to only 70 cents by 2018. This year alone, the solar industry contributed $2 billion and 8,200 jobs to the Province. The extensive refurbishments to nuclear and gas facilities currently underway in Ontario will double hydro bills in the next 10 to 15 years.

Although many Ontarians have successfully installed microFIT and FIT programs and are currently reaping the benefits of optimum FIT tariffs, others have had delays in getting their systems hooked up to the grid. In some cases, residents have invested in their microFIT systems only to be told that they could wait a year or longer before gaining access to the grid. This has occurred mostly in rural areas where archaic electrical infrastructure does not allow for the inclusion of residential solar systems. It is imperative that you get approval and check the connectivity of your local electrical provider prior to investing in a FIT system.

Too many solar installers simply install the system and leave homeowners to sort through the paperwork. The Province is making inroads into streamlining the system and catching up with the backlog of applications. In the interim, don’t let the horror stories put you off. Find a solar installer that will help you every step of the way. Solar installers need to help you to obtain building permits, authorizations and inspections. It’s best if your solar power installer has a licensed electrician who can inspect the system once complete.

Take advantage of our prime microFIT tariffs (second only to Switzerland’s) before they get revised. Owning your own microFIT system will make you money, add value to your home and contribute positively to the environment. Make your own energy. Put SUNMONEY.CA in your pocket today.

Google Goes Green

Google supports green energy initiatives

Google is the most successful search engine in the brief history of the Internet. So iconic has Google become that it can be used as a verb (I Googled myself), a national pastime (I Googled myself) and a way for people to connect (I Googled you.) ‘Google’ has even made it into the illustrious Oxford English Dictionary where it has achieved official recognition as a verb. The overwhelming success of Google must surely come as a surprise to its creators who could never have foreseen the behemoth that Google would grow up to be. Affectionately known as the ‘Google guys’, Larry Page and Sergey Brin are going to great lengths to use their new-found super powers for good.

They started by replacing the company’s official motto which was “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” with the more memorable “Don’t be evil”. “Don’t be evil” is a motto that they seem to be living up to as the core members of the group realise their promises of using their powers for good. I know what you are thinking, big corporations only window dress their charitable contributions, while secretly harbouring desires for world domination. Google seems to be the genuine exception. Not convinced? Go ahead… Google it!

Mojave Desert Solar Plant

The Mojave Desert will be the site of Google’s latest contribution to renewable energy development; the Ivanpah solar farm. This $168 million solar farm will have a capacity of 392 MW once completed in 2013. The production of CO₂-free energy will be the equivalent of taking 90 000 cars off the road during the solar farm’s expected 25 year lifespan. 173, 000 Heliostat mirrors will be set up in the desert and will focus the sun’s energy on 450 feet tall ‘power towers’ which convert water to steam.

Solar States

Moving closer to home, Google announced recently a $280 million partnership with solar installers Solar City. The money will go to cover the capital outlay of solar systems. Residents across the States can rent the systems from Solar City, thereby alleviating the expense of setting up their own solar arrays. Solar City is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the solar system during the lease period. Residents can lease the solar systems and still save on their utility bills, without the necessity for a large capital outlay. This initiative brings Google’s investment in solar energy to date to an impressive $680 million – not so evil now, are they?

Winds of Change

A 350-mile stretch of the United States’ Atlantic coastline is about to be transformed into the first offshore wind farm to supply almost 2 million American homes with clean energy. Situated 10 to 15 miles off the coast, the development is an initiative of the Atlantic Wind Corporation. The project’s total cost of $5 billion got off to a good start with Google investing 37.5% so that the company can begin installation.

Google.org

This not-for-profit was created with over a billion dollars of Google shares. The organization has to date funded the development of electric cars, supported research to develop renewable sources of energy that are cheaper than coal and donated $100 million to schemes that alleviate poverty and create awareness for climate control. They support a number of third world initiatives that hope to develop education and essential services and stimulate growth for small and medium businesses.

Solar Energy Decathlon 2011

Competition heats up to find the best innovation in solar powered homes

The Solar Decathlon is a biannual event where 20 teams from around the world construct energy efficient homes utilizing green building techniques at the West Potomac Park on the National Mall in Washington DC. The Solar Decathlon encourages innovation in the design of solar-powered homes. An initiative of the US Department of Energy, the Decathlon is intended to encourage excellence in the fields of design, affordability and energy efficiency. During the competition, schools that offer courses in green building technology pit their best solar home designs against each other for the sought after top prize. This year’s 19 homes (15 US and 4 international contestants) include sheep insulation, edible walls and iPad apps. The homes must produce as much energy as they consume and provide pleasantly liveable spaces a family of 6, all for under $300 000.

The purpose of the Decathlon is twofold; the first is to create awareness of (and educate the public about) solar energy, green building technology and the benefits of creating clean-energy homes. It also provides students with a unique educational experience, hands-on training and an opportunity to create innovative home designs. Many of the home plans are sold to developers after the Decathlon and the homes themselves are reconstructed on campus to serve as educational tools for upcoming students or sold. Habitat for Humanity bought the Parson’s Empowerhouse and donated it to a single mother.

Picture courtesy of Inhabitat

The University of Maryland is one of the front runners in the race for 2011 Decathlon honours. Their Watershed home not only saves on energy with a solar array, it also saves water by collecting runoff rainwater. Watershed also focuses on landscaping; a green roof improves energy efficiency and a modular wetland filters grey water from the dishwasher, shower and laundry. The home features an ‘edible wall’ where veggies are grown for the true locavore, and a picturesque waterfall provides humidity control.

This year’s decathlon holds other surprising revelations. A new target construction aspect was added to this year’s competition where homes would receive extra points for capping construction costs at $250 000. This restriction was used to show how the cost of solar energy has made energy-efficient homes more affordable. As solar technologies improve, so does the cost of solar panel installations. Both the Empower house (Parson’s School of New Design and Steven’s Institute of Technology) and INhome (Purdue University) built their homes for less than $250, 000.

Currently in the top three is Ohio State University. Their enCORE home provides cutting edge technology with a flat-plate solar thermal collector that works with a water heater to improve energy efficiency. Their unique 86 m² abode focuses on living spaces for families and its clever design offers the same functionality as a much bigger home. A thin-film 8-kW system provides the home’s renewable energy.

Picture courtesy of University of Calgary

The Canadian Team from the University of Calgary currently occupy 10th place (fear not, the final scores are not yet in). Inspired by the tipis of the Treaty 7 native peoples of Southern Alberta, the TRTL (Technological Residence, Traditional Living) looks to the sun as a source of light and energy. The home is designed according to a holistic philosophy where it is seen as part of the greater natural ecosystem. The house, which focuses on tradition and sustainability, is equipped with an 8.3 kW photovoltaic system able to withstand Alberta’s winter weather. It’s impressive 93% optimal efficiency ensures a constant energy supply.

With this commitment to design and development, the US government is clearing the path for innovation in renewable energy. As solar energy gains a foothold in the international energy trade, it is design and technology that will keep Canada and the US in the market and allow them to compete against that behemoth of energy production, China.