Renewable Energy Record

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From the president...

Steve Weise, President, TREIA Board of Directors

Steve Wiese

Retreating to Move Forward

Last month I invited 50 of TREIA's past and present leaders and current members representing every renewable energy sector to attend a 1-day leadership retreat in Bastrop. Nearly 40 confirmed and participated in the opportunity to help shape TREIA's future by refining its focus and identifying strategies to increase TREIA's relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing environment. More>

Early Registration Rate Cut-off Near For TREIA PV Workshop

The cut-off date for the early registration discount rate for TREIA's INSTALLING & INSPECTING PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS UNDER THE 2011 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE workshop is September 30. There are still a few seats remaining for the much anticipated workshop featuring James Stallcup, Sr., President of GRAYBOY, Inc. (Code Consultants) from North Richland Hills, Texas.

For the details on the October 7 event sponsored by Austin Energy and being held at Morrison Supply in Austin, go to the TREIA web site Home Page and follow the link, or access them from the Calendar page.

Texas Renewables 2011

South Texas Coastal Bend Renewable Hot Spot

Texas is one big state and TREIA helps businesses expand by holding Texas Renewables Conferences annually in the state's regions of growth and opportunity. The conference brings stake holders and industry leaders together to share insights and developments in renewables.

Take time to register today!

Early Registration ends October 3rd!

More details >

GENERAL INTEREST

Taking Advantage Of The Competitive Electricity Market

by Paul Smolen, Fox, Smolen & Associates, Inc. (FSA)
. .
It's hard to believe that almost 10 years have passed since the Texas electricity market was restructured in 2002. Since that time we have seen many changes, not only in how consumers purchase power in a large part of Texas, but product offerings, contract language, billing, solicitations and overall electricity sales. To take full advantage of the restructured market, most customers still need professional help to navigate its complexities. More>

DOE Funds 41 Offshore Wind R&D Projects - Just Two Are In Texas

On September 7, 2011 the U.S. Department of Energy announced recipients of a total of $43 million to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timeline for deploying offshore wind energy systems. Of the forty-one (41) different projects getting awards, only two of them are in Texas. More>

The full list of award winners is available here.

ERCOT Makes Long-Term Transmission Analysis Interim Report Available

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Interconnection Long-Term Transmission Analysis 2010 - 2030, Interim Report, Volume 1: Project Status Update, and Volume 2: Technical Process Review have been posted on the ERCOT website. More>

LONG_TERM_STUDY__INTERIM_REPORT_Volume_1.pdf

LONG_TERM_STUDY__INTERIM_REPORT_Volume_2.pdfÂ

NABCEP Announces Availability Of Solar Heating Entry Level Exam

September 8, 2011 (Clifton Park, NY) - The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is pleased to announce the official launch of its Solar Heating Entry Level Program. Building on the unprecedented success of the NABCEP Entry Level Photovoltaic Program, NABCEP has developed a similar program for the solar heating industry. More>

Solar Power International 2011

Solar Power International is North America's largest, most comprehensive solar power conference and exposition. The first of its kind in North America, Solar Power International is the premier business-to-business event designed to serve and advance the solar power industry. Interact with more than 23,000 professionals representing 128 countries. Companies with a reputation to establish or maintain in the solar industry know SPI is the must attend event of the year.

TREIA MEMBERS 15% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

PUC To Publish Proposed Rule Implementing SB 943 - Electric Storage

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has begun the process of amending Substantive Rule in order to implement provisions of SB 943 which passed during the 82nd Legislature. The proposed amendments relate to §25.5 (Definitions), and §25.109 (Registration of Power Generation Companies and Self-Generators). They address the registration, interconnection, and operation of electric energy storage equipment and facilities in Texas. The proceeding has been assigned Project Number 39657.

The proposed amendments will be published in the Texas Register on September 23, 2011. Initial comments must be filed by October 7, with reply comments due October 17. The commission staff will conduct a public hearing on this rulemaking if requested within 14 days after publication. More>

Click here to view the Proposal for Publication, including the rule as it will be published.

PUC To Publish Proposed Rule Implementing HB 971 - CCN Criteria For Transmission Not For A CREZ

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has filed a proposal for publication with the following project number and title: Project No. 39537 - Rulemaking Proceeding to Implement HB 971, Relating to Economic Criteria for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for an Electric Transmission Project

The proposal will be published in the Texas Register on September 23, 2011. Comments are due October 13, 2011; reply comments are due October 24, 2011. Language of HB 971 & More>

Click here to view the Proposal for Publication, including the rule as it will be published.

MEMBER NEWS

Austin City Council Approves New South Texas Wind Contracts Adding 200 MW

Austin, TX (Sept. 12, 2011)

The Austin City Council today approved two new wind contracts totaling 291 megawatts (MW) and authorized Austin Energy to negotiate a third wind contract of an additional 200 MW which if approved will bring Austin Energy's renewable energy portfolio to 30% of its generation needs by the end of 2012 - well within reach of its 35% by 2020 goal. More>

Entech Solar Completes Testing For IEC 62108 Certification Of Latest CPV Module

Fort Worth, TX (Aug. 24, 2011) /PRNewswire/

Entech Solar, Inc. (OTC BB: ENSL.OB) (the "Company" or "Entech Solar") today announced that it has received notification from TUV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory that the Company's latest concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) module called SolarVolt™ has met the CPV module testing and construction evaluation requirements of IEC 62108 and the safety requirements as outlined in draft standard IEC 62688. This milestone is a key step in commercializing the SolarVolt product designed to produce electricity for large commercial, industrial, government and utility applications. This new Entech Solar product is protected by several issued and pending patents. More>

ImagineSolar Instructors Receive Key Certifications

Austin, TX (September 9, 2011)

ImagineSolarstaff members Cathy Redson and Jim McElhanon have been awarded ISPQ Affiliated Instructor Certification in June and Richard Stovall achieved ISPQ Master Trainer Certification in July. The ISPQ accreditation and certification programs use international standards to assure high-quality training across a broad range of energy efficiency and renewable energy training programs. IREC, ISPQ credentials send a signal to students, potential employers and other industry stakeholders that a rigorous standard has been met. More>

Hill Country Ecopower Completes Unique PV/ Backup Power System

Weatherford, TX (September 9, 2011)
Hill Country Ecopower

Hill Country Ecopower has commissioned a unique electric system to provide primary and backup power in a very uncommon circumstance - a home with 4 generations of family living in it. The family of 7, including great grand parents, grand parents, a medical doctor, his

Schneider Electric XW Hybrid System

wife and 8 year old daughter, were very excited about the installation of solar photovoltaic panels with battery and generator backup. More>

MEMC/SunEdison Acquires Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV U.S.)

St. Peters, MO, and San Francisco, CA, (August 3, 2011)

MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR) and its solar energy subsidiary, SunEdison, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Inc. ("FRV U.S."), the 100% owned U.S. subsidiary of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures ("FRV"), a leading global developer, operator and owner of solar power plants. More>

ONTILITY Announces Five-Day Solar Energy Training Course In San Antonio

Houston, TX (September 7, 2011)
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Ontility Logo

Nationally recognized solar training company, ONTILITY today announced it will offer its five day Solar Electric Training course October 3-7, at Graybar in San Antonio, Texas. More>

Principal Solar Acquires Talmage Solar "SunGen Step Guys" Solar Facility

Dallas, TX./ Arundel, ME (September 8, 2011)

Principal Solar, Inc (PSI; OTC Pink: PSWW), a publicly traded renewable energy holding company rapidly advancing the worldwide utilization of solar power through a unique roll-up strategy, today announced the acquisition of Talmage Solar Engineering/Solar Market's "SunGen Step Guys" Solar facility, a 110kW roof-mounted facility located in Alfred, ME. Terms were not disclosed. More>

Solar Capital Group Funds 499 Kw PV Project In Arlington - A City Record

Arlington, TX (9/11/11)

Right Choice Industrial Automation (RCIAC) announced it has been awarded a contract for the construction of just under 500 kilowatts of solar photovoltaics on a pair of apartment complexes in Arlington, Texas. This paired project includes a 205 kilowatt solar system at Brandon Oaks Apartments, and a 294 kilowatt system at Spanish Oaks Apartments. The site is near East Park Row & Hwy 360.

More>

Sierra Club To ERCOT - Reliability Concerns Solution Lies In Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewables

Austin, TX (September 1, 2011)

Sierra Club calls on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, ERCOT -- Texas's regional electrical grid operator, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to focus on adopting solutions that strengthen the state's commitment to energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy such as wind and solar power. Today, ERCOT issued a short report noting that Texas's power industry has quickly put compliance plans in place to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and that ERCOT is now taking steps to mitigate any concerns with reliability. More>

Southwest Windpower Introduces Lifetime Warranty - An Industry First

Worlds' leading personal wind turbine manufacturer introduces latest generation of AIR turbines

Flagstaff, AZ (Sept. 8, 2011)

Southwest Windpower, the world's largest designer and producer of personal wind turbines, announced today a new generation of its AIR wind generators with improved reliability and optimized performance. In a move unprecedented in the wind power industry, the company now offers limited lifetime warranty for its AIR 40 and AIR Breeze products and a five year warranty for the AIR 30. More>

Sunrise Solar Installs Solar Pool Heating at The ARC Of San Antonio

San Antonio, TX (August 28, 2011)

Sunrise Solar has announced that it has installed a solar thermal pool heating system at The ARC of San Antonio. The ARC provides direct care programs such as childcare, day habilitation and vocational training for people with developmental disabilities. More>

Texas Tech's University College Announces Bachelor Of Science In Wind Energy

Lubbock, TX (August 5, 2011)

Texas Tech University is proud to announce the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Wind Energy.

In the past, colleges and universities focused primarily on educating engineers and technicians to fill positions within the renewable energy industry. The first degree program of its kind in the nation, the creation of Texas Tech University's Bachelor of Science in Wind Energy recognizes the success of the field does not depend on engineers and technicians alone. More>

DISCLAIMER: Reference to a specific company, product, or service, in TREIA's Renewable Energy Record, does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by TREIA. TREIA is not legally responsible or liable for claims by third parties expressed herein or in links from this publication.

We hope the information in this newsletter was of value and easy to read. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for timely topics!

Sincerely,

Russel Smith, Editor
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association
Debrah Dubay, Layout & Design
Dubay Communications