Small Charity Largest Supplier of Solar Lights in Africa

Photo courtesy: © Solar-Aid

Solar lights save lives in Africa. They improve school performance. They reduce respiratory diseases. And they provide a scalable model for micro-enterprises and economic stimulus.

But who's the biggest seller of solar electric lights on the continent? Until recently, perhaps surprisingly, it was the French oil giant Total — which was selling portable lights through its gas station forecourts and other channels. That leadership position has now been overtaken by TreeHugger regulars Solar-Aid. In a blogpost over at Sunshine Is Free, Solar Aid CEO reveals how a tiny, recently launched charity has become the biggest seller of solar lights in Africa:

At SolarAid and SunnyMoney, we have huge respect for the work Total are doing – and will do all that we can to encourage and support it – but it’s hard not to be a bit competitive! So we smiled when we learnt that they have sold 111,000 solar lights in the last three years. Here are our latest figures:

- Sold in the last three years: 203,000
- Sold in the last seven months: 137,500
- Sold in October 2012: 35,000

We believe this makes us the biggest last mile seller of solar lights in Africa; probably by a big margin if you look at our current run rate.

This isn't just a story about how small social enterprises can have a massive global impact. It's also pretty neat to note that fossil fuel giants are getting in on the action too, and not - we suspect - just to boost their corporate image. Solar power offers huge opportunities in the emerging markets of poor countries. It's neat to see how different players are jockeying to meet that demand.

Tapping Multi-Family Dwellings For Solar Power

Multi-family rooftop solar for low-income housing as multi-problem solution. Photos courtesy: R Cruger via TreeHugger.

Unfortunately, it isn't often that you hear of a city trying to make environmental changes in a big way. Los Angeles, California, is doing just that. Their plan to use solar panels on multi-family, affordable housing is the type of commitment we need from more politicians. Read on to find out lots more about this marvelous initiative.

At a Sustainability Summit in Los Angeles, CA, a group of academic, business and political leaders gathered to unveil plans for "Integrating our Energy Housing and Community Needs." Henry Cisneros, the former head of the Housing and Urban Development for the Clinton Administration spoke on a panel along with Mercedes Marquez from the current department to discuss plans for green HUD projects and a proposal for rooftop solar on low-income housing in Los Angeles. The Mayor stopped by and everyone praised his support of the Solar Feed-in Tariff program which the City Council is expected to vote "yes" on. Will it work?

University of Southern California's Dr. Manuel Pastor and J.R. DeShazo of the Luskin Center for Innovation presented compelling details of their collaboration with HUD and the LA Business Council to determine the advantages of a solar energy program to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city. Among many issues the USC/UCLA study points out, including the production of jobs, is the case for renewable energy from apartment building roofs (as opposed to industry or deserts), as a equitable solution that benefits residents.

LA's City Council President Jan Perry, chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, announced she'd bring a motion to implement a pilot program of 75 megawatts for a Solar Feed-In-Tariff project. "This will provide benefits to the environment, to low income residents and to non-profits that can apply energy savings to social service programs."

The LA proposal, the largest solar feed-in tariff program in the US, would develop 500 megawatts of solar-generated electricity over the next decade -- about 3% of the city's power needs - and hopes to directly reduce energy costs for consumers. With 100,000 multifamily rental apartment buildings in the city accounting for about one-half of the residents, there's a tremendous untapped resource for capturing the sun.

>Cisneros and Marquez of past and current HUD department weigh in on sustainable housing. Photo courtesy: TreeHugger.

"The program will create jobs and enable low-income residents in participating buildings to benefit from rebates or reduced utility costs," said Kelly Boyer with HUD. "And that's before you talk about clean air benefits." Besides the department's green took kit, HUD is greening 157,000 units nationwide and 2,500 in LA.

The successful feed-in tariff solar project in Gainsville, Florida met its goal for first-year participation within a week. Many are anxious to access the Federal tax credits available through 2016, providing up to $300 million to Los Angeles property owners to install solar power. A rate agreement offered by the Department of Water and Power is another incentive for investors.

The savings in utilities also greatly benefits seniors. David Grunwald of Affordable Living for the Aging admitted he wasn't a believer a few years ago, fearing it was too expensive. But after saving up to $14,000 in utilities annually, he said, "I'm a poster child for sustainability. It's an ideal blending of social, economic and environmental goals." Mary Silverstein Director of the LA Housing Partnership's 7 Maple Senior Housing Development said, "This allows us to funnel those savings into our resident programs."

At another panel moderated by Mary Nichols of the California Air Resources Board, representatives from local utilities addressed the changes to California's now renewable energy mandate and listed the retrofitting goals they've already accomplished. Some admitted rebates are slow in coming, which was confirmed by a disgruntled owner of a solar installation firm I spoke with at the break, who said his contractor has been waiting for hundreds of thousands of dollars in rebates for months. "The suits can all pat themselves on the back, but ironically, this makes my business unsustainable."

Via TreeHugger

Solar Cemetery

Photo: Courtesy Associated Press

The destruction man has wrought upon the planet is starting to demand some creative measures to overcome and/or compensate for the damage done. It is going to require that people open their minds to solutions that may not be quite to everyone’s liking; but, minds will have to rethink traditional concepts if we are to have any chance of salvaging our planet.

And so, a small Spanish town outside Barcelona has found a unique way to make the best of a land-poor situation. They lack a sufficient amount of flat, sun-soaked available land on which to implement their renewable energy program. What to do?

Santa Coloma de Gramenet, a working-class town of 124,000, is crowded into only 1.5 sq. mi. (4 sq. km.). City officials had exhausted all options in their search to find viable spaces to set up more solar panels in an effort to continue expanding their solar energy program. The town already has four smaller solar installations on top of local buildings; so, they are already used to utilizing non-traditional spaces.

Some might say the spot finally chosen might have been just too non-traditional for some. The city officials decided to set up the solar panels in the city cemetery.

Of course, some eyebrows were raised; and, Antoni Fogue, a key city council member behind the plan says, “Let’s say we heard things like, ‘they’re crazy. Who do they think they are? What a lack of respect!’” However, Fogue continues, "There has not been any problem whatsoever; because, people who go to the cemetery see that nothing has changed. This installation is compatible with respect for the deceased and for the families of the deceased."

A subsequent municipal public-awareness campaign showed the town how the solar panels could be a win-win situation. The low-angled installation would be unobtrusive and not cause any disharmony to the landscape of the area. The town would not only benefit now in the value of the solar energy reaped; but, this is a long-term project that will help the town far into the future. While the panels cover a mere 5% of the cemetery’s land area, they offset an estimated 62 tons of carbon emissions and there is still room for expansion if desired.

Now connected to the local energy grid, the 462 solar panels power 60 homes. Town council hopes to install more panels in the future to triple the output. Currently, the panels are located on top of dense rows of mausoleums, populated five layers deep.

"The best tribute we can pay to our ancestors, whatever your religion may be, is to generate clean energy for new generations. That is our leitmotif," says Esteve Serret, director of Conste-Live Energy, the renewable energy company that runs the solar cemetery in Santa Coloma.

Solar Energy

Is it any wonder that the world is looking at alternate energy with world conditions the way they are today? We are already beginning a recession due to the continually rising prices of gasoline and other petroleum products.

A world food crisis is beginning due to the cost of shipping food worldwide. Added to that are the problems with the world rice harvest. Already people living in the third world are dying of starvation. Rice is a staple food for more than three billion people world wide. The increased rice prices are causing wide-spread starvation in some countries. But the problem doesn't there.

While the financial pinch we are feeling due to the rising cost of gasoline used to transport foodstuffs, petroleum produces more than gasoline. The Rankin Energy Corportation (www.ranken-energy.com/UsefulInfo.html) provides a partial list of products made from petroleum. This list represents only 144 of 6000 items made from oil.

Solvents, Diesel, Motor Oil, Bearing Grease, Ink, Floor Wax, Ballpoint Pens, Football Cleats, Upholstery, Sweaters, Boats, Insecticides, Bicycle Tires, Sports, Car Bodies, Nail Polish, Fishing Lures, Dresses, Tires, Golf Bags, Perfumes, Cassettes, Dishwasher, Tool Boxes, Shoe Polish, Motorcycle Helmet, Caulking, Petroleum Jelly, Transparent Tape, CD Player, Faucet Washers, Antiseptics, Clothesline, Curtains, Food Preservatives, Basketballs, Soap, Vitamin Capsules,
Antihistamines, Purses, Shoes, Dashboards, Cortisone, Deodorant, Footballs, Putty, Dyes, Panty Hose, Refrigerant, Percolators, Life Jackets, Rubbing Alcohol, Linings, Skis, TV Cabinets, Shag Rugs, Electrician's Tape, Tool Racks, Car Battery Cases, Epoxy, Paint, Mops, Slacks, Insect Repellent, Oil Filters, Umbrellas, Yarn, Fertilizers, Hair Coloring, Roofing, Toilet Seats, Fishing Rods, Lipstick, Denture Adhesive, Linoleum, Ice Cube Trays, Synthetic Rubber, Speakers, Plastic Wood, Electric Blankets, Glycerin, Tennis Rackets, Rubber Cement, Fishing Boots, Dice, Nylon Rope, Candles, Trash Bags, House Paint, Water Pipes, Hand Lotion, Roller Skates, Surf Boards, Shampoo, Wheels, Paint Rollers, Shower Curtains, Guitar Strings, Luggage, Aspirin, Safety Glasses, Antifreeze, Football Helmets, Awnings, Eyeglasses, Clothes, Toothbrushes, Ice Chests, Footballs, Combs, CD's, Paint Brushes, Detergents, Vaporizers, Balloons, Sun Glasses, Tents, Heart Valves, Crayons, Parachutes, Telephones, Enamel,
Pillows, Dishes, Cameras, Anesthetics, Artificial Turf, Artificial limbs, Bandages, Dentures, Model Cars, Folding Doors, Hair Curlers, Cold Cream, Movie Film, Soft Contact Lenses, Drinking Cups, Fan Belts, Car Enamel, Shaving Cream, Ammonia, Refrigerators, Golf Balls, Toothpaste, Gasoline

Americans consume petroleum products at a rate of three-and-a-half gallons of oil and more than 250 cubic feet of natural gas per day each! But, as shown here petroleum is not just used for fuel.

If the price of petroleum continues to rise, we could be in for a world-wide recession.

So…what can we do? Is there a way to make changes now and avert disaster? Several new technologies are being investigated as replacement sources of energy. Probably the one most talked about is solar energy.

Shi Zhengrong, the world’s first solar billionaire, predicts solar power will rival oil and coal before the end of the next decade.

Even though solar energy remains more expensive than nearly any other form of energy, it is being investigated now due to concerns about climate change. However, carbon is becoming more expensive and improved technology combined with increased capacity has driven down the manufacturing cost of photovoltaic cells (directly convert light into electricity at the atomic level) to reduce the price gap between solar and other energies.

Two examples of how the use of and interest in solar power is taking off.
· Last year in China, the National Development and Reform Commission, announced that solar projects would be initiated in ten provinces
· Florida started a solar rebate program that proved to be overwhelmingly successful. If residents of Florida purchased and installed a new solar energy system into their homes between July 1, 2006 & June 30, 2010, the state would rebate a portion of the purchase price

An excellent website which discusses ALL aspects of solar energy is: www.facts-about-solar-energy.com
They compiled the following list describing the pros and cons of solar energy.

Solar Energy Advantages

Saves you money

• After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
• The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
  Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost. (visit www.dsireusa.org to find out about incentives available in the state you live in!).
• If your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This nifty little scheme is called "net-metering".
• It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
  Solar energy does not require any fuel.
• It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
• The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
  The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.

Environmentally friendly

• Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
• It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generation does.
• Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
• It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
• It's generated where it is needed.
• By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.

Independent/ semi-independent

• Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption.
• It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
• A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
• The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
• Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.

Low/ no maintenance

• Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
• Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
• They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
• More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

• The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
• The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
• Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
• The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
• The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
• Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
• As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.