tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2536329749256572292024-03-14T01:35:24.050-04:00Greener WarrenDeveloping a sustainable community, including efforts to conserve energy and install alternative energy methods in Warren, Ohio.Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-10098737941795294952010-05-30T16:11:00.000-04:002010-05-30T16:11:51.830-04:00Meeting Summary: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, May 25, 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle in Your Future?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks, Brian, for an interesting talk that provided valuable insights into the electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) discussion. Here's a <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/41312165/Is-an-Electric-or-Hybrid-Vehicle-in-Your-Future">link to a PDF version of the PowerPoint slides</a>. Before I visit showrooms or research the Internet, I'll be sure to consider your information.</span>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-69062377896480956492010-05-21T16:46:00.002-04:002010-05-22T16:32:03.479-04:00Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, May 25, 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Is an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle in Your Future?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brian Shar, Lead Engineer of the Core Technology Group at <a href="http://www.stoneridge.com/">Stoneridge Electronics North America</a>, will explain developing automobile technologies at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW, Warren, Ohio. The meeting is free and open to the public. <a href="http://www.greenenergyohio.org/page.cfm?pageID=2716">REGISTER HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meeting will focus on alternative energy vehicles such as hybrids and all-electric cars. Shar will explain some of the practical considerations of owning and operating the new technologies, such as issues involving vehicle operating costs and energy storage. He will explain how “green” these cars are and will respond to questions from the attendees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to his role at Stoneridge, Shar teaches engineering-technology at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center. He earned a B.S. degree in Engineering-Physics from John Carroll University and is an Ohio licensed instructor. Shar is a Pharmacy-Technology graduate of the U.S. Army’s Academy of Health Sciences, a registered Associate Value Specialist (AVS) with the Society of American Value Engineers (SAVE) International, a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) with American Society for Quality (ASQ), a certified Lean & Six Sigma Blackbelt (C6sBB/Lean), and a board-member for the Youngstown-Warren ASQ 0805 section.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information about the Clean Energy Network and the Trumbull County meeting, contact Dave Ambrose at 330-647-3666 or <a href="mailto:dambrose1@neo.rr.com">dambrose1@neo.rr.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO website is <a href="http://www.greenenergyohio.org/">http://www.greenenergyohio.org/</a>.</span>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-71886487809639089482010-03-22T11:55:00.002-04:002010-05-22T16:33:31.406-04:00Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, March 30, 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Green Energy Online Courses at Kent State Trumbull</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marie DaBelko, coordinator of the Workforce Development & Continuing Studies at Kent State Trumbull, and Tony Davis, coordinator of green and renewable energy programs, are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DaBelko will explain the programs at Kent State Trumbull that relate to green and renewable energy topics, such as energy auditing, green building basics for real estate professionals and contractors, design and installation of alternative energy systems (solar and wind) and sustainability training. Davis will use distance learning equipment to demonstrate how an online course operates by way of the student’s personal computer and Internet connection. Both will explain course requirements and fees. In addition, a representative from Trumbull County One Stop will answer questions about training grants and other services available to area residents, especially displaced worker programs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Online courses are growing in popularity. They decrease the need to be on campus for classes, thereby lowering transportation costs. Attending online often allows a student to attend class on a flexible schedule. E-mail and discussion forums provide interaction with instructors and other students. Many online courses eliminate the purchase of costly textbooks and other materials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meeting will help explain some of the educational opportunities available locally for someone to become involved in the growing field of “green collar” jobs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. It is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is </span><a href="http://www.greenenergyohio.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.greenenergyohio.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent State Trumbull has provided non-credit training to individuals and businesses for the past 30 years. With a highly dedicated staff covering more than 60 areas of study, the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies Center at Kent Trumbull is positioned to provide you with all the tools that will make you and your company more productive, competitive, and efficient within a constantly evolving global economy. The Center’s Web site is </span><a href="http://www.trumbull.kent.edu/workforcedevelopment/index.cfm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.trumbull.kent.edu/workforcedevelopment/index.cfm</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Post-meeting update: <em>Tribune Chronicle </em>story at <a href="http://tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/535454.html">http://tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/535454.html</a></span>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-75465938617414165792010-03-01T17:01:00.003-05:002010-05-22T16:34:26.208-04:00February sets record output<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 2010 was the fifth month of operation for my solar PV array. The panels produced 100 kilowatt-hours, the best monthly total so far. Total production since installation has reached 375 kwh. Here’s a monthly breakdown:</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oct. 2009 = 87</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nov. 2009 = 85</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dec. 2009 = 51</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 2010 = 52</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb. 2010 = 100</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even on cloudy days some power is produced, and a combination of longer days and a higher sun angle result in more potential electricity. Snow accumulation was a significant factor in February; I had to clear the panels about 10 times. When possible, I try to clear snow in the morning. By noon, unobstructed panels usually produce enough heat to melt small amounts of snow that fall during the day. Once the panels stop producing electricity, they stop producing heat. Nighttime snow piles up for the next morning’s clearing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While not an exact comparison because of electric company billing periods, I used 326 kwh during February 2009. So last month’s production was about 30% of my consumption. As we continue into months with more solar gain, this percentage should only improve.</span>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-63510770346585842262010-01-18T16:58:00.002-05:002010-05-22T16:35:31.548-04:00Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, January 26, 2010<strong>Geothermal Systems</strong><br />
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John Cesta and Marvin Shevel from Best Furnace Company in Champion are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building, 4314 Mahoning Avenue, NW. The meeting is free and open to the public.<br />
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Cesta and Shevel will discuss “Geothermal Systems” in Northeast Ohio. They will provide basic information about geothermal systems installed in our area and what is required to use geothermal for heating and cooling. In addition, the speakers will explain available energy tax credits and other incentives that will reduce the overall costs of geothermal projects. Both speakers have installed geothermal systems from many years. A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, attendees will discuss future meeting topics.<br />
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According to the Web site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, part of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, geothermal heat pumps use the Earth’s temperature to help heat and cool buildings. “The shallow ground, the upper 10 feet of the Earth, maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer.” Using geothermal technology can save heating and cooling costs in our area. Source: <a href="http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/">http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/</a><br />
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Best Furnace is a family-owned company in business for more than 30 years. Best sells and services a wide range of products from various manufacturers for residential and commercial customers. The company is on the Web at http://www.bestfurnacecompany.com/.<br />
Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.<br />
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Green Energy Ohio is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society. GEO promotes renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass and low-impact hydro) statewide by acting as a clearinghouse to inform Ohioans on sustainable energy. The GEO Web site is <a href="http://www.greenenergyohio.org/">http://www.greenenergyohio.org/</a>.Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-78351766131176206632009-12-30T15:56:00.008-05:002010-05-22T16:36:16.632-04:00Snow on panelsMy solar array produces no electricity with about two inches of snow, so my solution has been to purchase a roof rake to push the snow off the panels. Even on cloudy days the panels make a few hundred watts of power, so the effort is worthwhile.<br />
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I removed about two inches on both Monday and Tuesday with items purchased from RoofRake.com. I checked at local big box home centers, but I couldn’t find a tool that extended longer than 16 feet. I wanted a longer tool that I could use without climbing on the roof or needing a ladder to reach all the panels. I located the RoofRake site on the Internet and phoned for further information. I ordered:<br />
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21-foot Dix Roof Rake<br />
5-foot extensions (2)<br />
Snow Pro head<br />
1-foot elbow<br />
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The rake needed no tools to assemble and extends the 30 feet required to remove snow while standing on the ground. The Snow Pro head is made of a hard foam material that screws into the elbow; it is the only component that touches the panels. With a combination of pushing snow off the top of the array and dragging snow down to the ground, I have been able to remove a two-inch accumulation in about 20 minutes. Once the snow is removed, the panels seem to give off enough heat to melt any residual flakes. Checking the inverter after each removal session, I confirmed that the panels were again making electricity.<br />
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The company is located in Michigan, and I placed my order through the Web site. According to the packaging, the components are manufactured in the U.S. The cost for all items and ground shipping was $131.<br />
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Contact information for RoofRake.com<br />
Phone: 734-560-7153<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:rrotole@roofrake.com">rrotole@roofrake.com</a><br />
Web: <a href="http://www.roofrake.com/">http://www.roofrake.com/</a>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-82357503368930446172009-11-25T13:52:00.003-05:002010-05-22T16:37:11.297-04:00Meeting Summary: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, November 24, 2009<em><strong>Energy Efficiency’s Role in Green Building</strong></em><br />
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If you’re not testing, you are guessing.<br />
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That’s the message stressed by representatives of The Green Building Pros to attendees at the Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, November 24. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio. Michael Hein and Jason Clark explained the steps involved in a Home Performance Assessment, often referred to as an Energy Audit.<br />
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Energy efficiency is the start of any good Green Building program, according to Michael and Jason. They claim that the average homeowner can reduce current energy expenditures by 35%. A 15% reduction from baseline energy use is usually gained by the low-cost, high-payback retrofits identified by the audit. As examples, they showed pictures of an exhaust fan that blew attic insulation and can lighting that allowed moist air from the home to condense on colder attic surfaces. Such situations not only waste energy, but they can lead to mold and winter ice dams. Energy efficiency not only reduces the need for costly fuel and the production of harmful greenhouse gasses, they also can lead to more healthy buildings by reducing mold and VOCs (volatile organic compounds found in auto exhaust and paints). Proper ventilation can prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.<br />
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In order to achieve energy savings and a safer and more comfortable home, Michael and Jason explained the components of an energy audit or home performance assessment:<br />
1. Gather information about the building. They observe a home inside and outside and gather data from utility bills and the residents.<br />
2. Blower door test. The allows for air pressure to be slightly lower inside the building, and air infiltration can be identified easily.<br />
3. Infrared photography. A thermal imaging camera can help identify areas where infiltration occurs.<br />
4. Duct testing. Leaky ductwork can waste warm air in winter and conditioned air in summer.<br />
5. Combustion testing helps identify dangerous gasses produced by furnaces and appliances, gasses that may be entering the living space.<br />
6. Energy modeling<br />
7. Reporting, so the customer knows where energy dollars are going<br />
8. Proposal for remediation, with an analysis of those steps that have the best and quickest payback<br />
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Michael and Jason explained that a home performance assessment should be driven by facts, not assumptions. The used an example of a recent audit where the homeowner was considering the installation of new windows. The audit found that savings from air sealing and insulating the basement would pay the homeowner back in three years, while new windows would take more than 18 years to pay off the replacement cost. The use of assessment data helps identify the “low hanging fruit” of energy efficiency.<br />
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So what is <em>Green Building</em>? Michael and Jason explained this cannot be defined according to any set standard of criteria. It is a unique activity engaged in by the client and the contractor. It includes:<br />
• Standardized programs such as LEED and Energy Star<br />
• Methods of building including natural (passive solar gain) and high tech (solar, wind)<br />
• Materials that are from sustainable sources and are recyclable when no longer used<br />
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Contact information for The Green Building Pros<br />
Phone: 866-355-7170<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@thegreenbuildingpros.com">info@thegreenbuildingpros.com</a><br />
Web: <a href="http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/">http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/</a>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-69935596404708501482009-11-21T16:29:00.002-05:002010-05-22T16:37:37.827-04:00Meeting Details: Green Energy Ohio Trumbull County, November 24, 2009Michael Hein and Jason Clark of The Green Building Pros are the main speakers for a Clean Energy Network Meeting in Trumbull County on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 117 of the Kent State University Trumbull Campus Technology Building. The meeting is free and open to the public.<br />
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Hein and Clark will discuss “Energy Efficiency’s Role in Green Building” and will deal with topics such as what makes a building “green,” why energy efficiency is important to homeowners and small business owners, and energy audits. To make existing buildings more energy efficient, an energy audit is the place to start. The speakers will explain what is involved in an energy audit and the reports produced to help determine the steps needed to reduce energy use while maintaining a comfortable and healthy building. A question/answer session will follow the presentation. Also, attendees will discuss future meeting topics.<br />
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The Green Building Pros (GBP) is a collaboration of energy efficiency and sustainability experts dedicated to bringing their expertise to the marketplace in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The staff at GBP has decades of experience in the construction industry and hold advanced degrees and certifications in sustainability and green building. This experience and education – coupled with memberships and accreditation by leading organizations in green building and energy efficiency organizations such as the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), and the Building Performance Institute (BPI) – position GBP to be a leader in the growing green building market. GBP is on the Web at <a href="http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/">http://thegreenbuildingpros.com/</a>.<br />
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Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a group dedicated to increasing awareness in sustainability, green building and renewable energy technologies by bringing together like-minded people in the area. The Clean Energy Network in Trumbull County is a regional affiliate of Green Energy Ohio.Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-6114631702622444052009-10-05T21:55:00.004-04:002010-05-22T16:37:57.292-04:00Making Electricity!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Installing solar panels on my roof is just part of the process, of course. The next step was to connect them to the inverter and the electric service panel. This was accomplished on Wednesday, September 30, when technicians from Kozma Electric made the necessary connections. The panels were operational that afternoon, making electricity from the late day sunshine poking through the clouds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The system made even more electricity the next day, when fewer clouds blocked the sun’s rays. For a few minutes the panels were making more electricity than the house was using. I enjoyed seeing the dial on the electric meter turn backwards, indicating I was sending electricity into the grid. The installer’s estimate is my system should make about 60% of my electric consumption each year, so there will be several opportunities to observe the meter turning in my favor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Sunday, October 4, the day I participated in Green Energy Ohio’s Solar Tour, the system had made about 10 kilowatt hours of electricity (10 kWH). A meter installed next to the inverter logs the kWH made over the life of the system. The picture below shows the equipment located near the electric service panel in my basement.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qkdQfDGal4o/SsqiJYVSElI/AAAAAAAAAAU/dRu1EKFgcqQ/s1600-h/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qkdQfDGal4o/SsqiJYVSElI/AAAAAAAAAAU/dRu1EKFgcqQ/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the panels create direct electric current (DC), a device is required to convert DC to AC, the alternating electric current used in homes. The inverter is the large box in the center of the picture that performs this task. The digital display panel indicates the number of watts being generated at any given time. In addition to the meter tracking total kW hours, the electricians installed a data logger to track electricity production on my laptop and on an Internet site. This last component is scheduled to be operational later this week.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than 30 individuals visited my stop on the Ohio Solar Tour on Sunday, getting a chance to see the system and ask questions. Thanks go out to John Flower, a representative from Dovetail Solar and Wind, who spent the day answering questions about solar power and my installation. Special appreciation goes to Cindy Woodward, who has helped in every step of the process.</span></div>Dave Ambrosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10680673826743860131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253632974925657229.post-66025603778222342552009-09-26T11:35:00.005-04:002010-05-22T16:38:22.060-04:00Welcome to Greener Warren!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The PV solar panels are installed on my roof, and the electrical hookup should be completed next week. I plan to use this blog to explain the steps I've taken to get to this point and describe the results of my energy conservation efforts. Watch for more details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Picture caption: The crew from Dovetail Solar and Wind install the 3.2 kW photovoltaic array, 16 Sharp Model 198V PV modules, September 2009.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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