MORE NEWS, 2-16 (10 LA MAYOR BIDS, 9 AGNST SOLAR BOND B; SMALL WIND GETS BIGGER; BIG NAMES TO ART CENTER SUMMIT; AUSSIE GOV BUYS SOLAR)

10 LA MAYOR BIDS, 9 AGNST SOLAR BOND B
Solar energy: Q & A with L.A. mayoral candidates; Contestants in the March 3 primary describe their stances on Measure B, a solar energy measure that proposes putting photovoltaic cells on roofs and parking lots across Los Angeles.
William Nottingham, February 13, 2009 (LA Times)

"Should the city of Los Angeles…as a March 3 ballot measure [Measure B] proposes…put 400 megawatts' worth of photovoltaic cells on roofs and parking lots across town? … Here are excerpts of [the 10 mayoral candidates] responses."

From Carlos Alvarez: "Our city is choking on traffic and smog. Increasing the use of solar power is central to this. But Measure B takes the unfortunate step of forcing working taxpayers to pay for it, in part, through a bond…Because of this, I do not support it…As mayor, I would vastly expand the use of solar power and renewable energy sources to promote a clean and safe environment. This should be funded by steep taxes and penalties placed on polluting corporations doing business in L.A…."

From James Harris: "My campaign does not support Measure B."

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From David R. Hernandez: "The idea of solar energy is exciting and is already being demonstrated to be worthwhile. LAUSD as well as the Community College District have and are in the process of installing solar panels at their facilities. All without Measure B. Notwithstanding the process in which it reached the ballot, I am opposed to it, as it creates a serious and risk laden charter amendment change giving the City Council and mayor a dubious power over future rate increase abilities. The lack of open bidding on installation creates a serious financial challenge to the residents of Los Angeles."

From Phil Jennerjahn: "Absolutely not. Measure B is almost organized crime by the mayor and the IBEW [International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the union for Department of Water and Power employees who would install the solar panels]. The issuing of a $3.6-billion solar energy contract with no open bidding or free market competition is certain to skyrocket the eventual cost. Measure B is a huge payoff to the IBEW for their votes."

From Walter Moore: "I oppose Measure B. . . . It is little more than a vague plan to come up with a plan. Measure B, moreover, would unjustifiably give the DWP a monopoly or near-monopoly over solar power. I would prefer to see local businesses compete with one another to provide the best possible service and lowest prices to consumers. After all, this particular form of power -- unlike a massive coal or nuclear power plant -- lends itself to decentralized ownership and control. Nor has Villaraigosa shown how much his proposal would cost us, and why we should put all our "eggs" in the solar basket rather than alternatives like wind power, on which Germany relies, or nuclear power, on which France and Japan rely."

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From Craig Rubin: "The measure is flawed because it calls for a contract that is dependent on federal assistance and doesn't have open bidding for different unions… The United States of America currently produces 280 megawatts of solar power. This measure would mandate that the city of Los Angeles produce 400 megawatts…DWP customers pay 2 cents per kilowatt-hour of coal-produced electricity, and this… system will produce electricity…at a cost of 45 cents per kilowatt-hour."

From David "Zuma Dogg" Saltsburg: "Not only do I not support Measure B, if I have one message to get across to voters this election season, it is please vote "No" on Measure B. The measure was rushed onto the ballot…It will drive up the cost of DWP rates…solar energy is good. But this is an extremely risky plan that reports say may cost at least double the initial proposed cost. It's a blank check for an aggressive plan that DWP is not ready to take on. But the worst part is…There was no competitive bid for the program… this is about…helping the mayor secure his reelection…"

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From Antonio Villaraigosa: "Measure B is the first installment of a solar plan that will provide the city of Los Angeles with 400 megawatts of in-basin solar power by 2014. Ultimately this comprehensive plan will provide 1,200 megawatts of solar energy by 2020 -- making Los Angeles the solar capital of the world. Measure B will create thousands of good, middle-class jobs in solar installation and maintenance. It establishes a job-training and outreach academy focusing on job creation in underserved neighborhoods throughout L.A. . . . Measure B also contains strong accountability provisions including annual audits by the city controller and a citizens oversight committee to ensure that this program is developed and implemented in an efficient and transparent manner."


SMALL WIND GETS BIGGER
Bringing Wind Turbines to Ordinary Rooftops
Anne Eisenberg, February 14, 2009 (NY Times)

"Wind turbines typically spin from tall towers on hills and plains. But in these green times, some companies hope smaller turbines will soon rise above a more domestic spot: homes and garages.

"The rooftop turbines send the electricity they generate straight on to the home’s circuit box. Then owners in a suitably wind-swept location can watch the needle on their electricity meter turn backward…reducing their utility bills while using a renewable resource."

The Swift turbine (click to enlarge)

"One new model, the Swift Wind Turbine, is designed to do its job quietly…The turbine costs $10,000 to $12,000 including installation…When the wind is blowing briskly at 30 miles an hour or more, it will generate 1.5 kilowatts of electrical power…Enough, for instance, to run fifteen 100-watt light bulbs…

"Residents may measure wind speed with an anemometer…The Swift turbine starts contributing electricity when the wind blows at eight miles an hour; as the wind speed increases, so does turbine output…Over a year, the energy output in windy locations should be roughly 2,000 kilowatt hours…electricity costs would be reduced by about 18 percent.

"Turbines must be placed well above the roof to benefit from wind energy…For a two-story building, for instance, the turbine should be at least 15 feet above the roof…"

The Energy Ball (click to enlarge)

"The American Wind Energy Association, a trade group in Washington, recommends placing the turbine at least 30 feet above anything in a 500-foot radius, said Ron Stimmel, a specialist in small wind turbines…

"State and federal incentives will whittle down the price tag for many…about half the states have some sort of incentive…

"Another small wind turbine for residences is the Energy Ball…The Energy Ball is shaped like an eggbeater placed sideways, so that its blades turn around a horizontal axis. One model, the V100, will cost $10,000 to $11,000 installed…and will provide a maximum of 500 watts. One way to mount it might be on a cupola…"


BIG NAMES TO ART CENTER SUMMIT
The Art Center Summit 2009: Expanding the Vision of Sustainable Mobility
February 18-19, 2009 (Art Center College of Design)

"Keynote Event Announced…Wednesday, February 18, 2009…Pasadena Convention Center, East Pavilion 7-9 p.m.

"Urgency: A Vision for Energy Security…R. James Woolsey, former director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency AND The Future of U.S. Energy and Transporation…Andy Karsner, former assistant secretary, Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy"

An Art Center design of a future environment (click to enlarge)

"The Evening will conclude with a round table discussion hosted by Jack Hidary of the Freedom Prize Foundation…joined by Andy Karsner, James Woolsey and Mobility Legend Amory Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute.

"Attendance is free and open to the general public, however, seats must be reserved in advance. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, contact Betsy Edmunds at 626-396-2473 or email your name and contact information to artcentersummit@summit.edu."

An Art Center design of future mobility (click to enlarge)

"Leadership Summit Opening Address: Edward Markey, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming

"Join a select international group of influential thinkers, industry executives, government leaders and entrepreneurs for the third installment of The Art Center Summit: Expanding the Vision of Sustainable Mobility. In addition to a cross-section of mobility-related experts, the 2009 Summit will host visionary leaders from a variety of fields who will offer their ideas and strategies for moving goods and people around the planet in environmentally-friendly ways…"


AUSSIE GOV BUYS SOLAR
Canberra gives solar cell factory thumbs up
Brendan Nicholson, February 9, 2009 (The Age)

"As pressure increases to boost renewable energy sources in the face of global warming, the Federal Government has declared that a company that wants to manufacture solar cells is of "strategic importance" to Australia.

"Considerable home-grown expertise on renewables has been lost to Australia in recent years, with local innovators unable to win financial backing…Now a company called Spark Solar Australia has been awarded "major project facilitation status" by the Federal Government for its planned $60 million high-tech solar cell factory."

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"Spark Solar's photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity and are being used increasingly to provide safe and low-cost power…The company is the first to be given such status by the government…the factory would produce more than 10 million solar cells each year, generating an estimated $135 million in annual export revenue.

"No decision has been made on where the factory will be built…The company plans to start building late this year and produce the first cells in late 2010…There is no funding tied to the major-product status…10 million solar cells would produce 40 megawatts of electricity…That could soon expand to 30 million cells producing more than 120 megawatts."