BIOMASS HEATING by CCRES

BIOMASS HEATING

Moving away from fossil fuels, we will need to find alternatives to coal, oil and gas for heating our homes and offices. One obvious solution is biomass - typically in the form of wood.

It is a renewable fuel that truly "grows on trees" and it can be produced locally and sustainably - as long as a new tree is planted for every tree that is cut down. Burning wood biomass emits CO2 through the chimney, but as growing trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere biomass can be a nearly carbon neutral source of fuel as long as trees are replanted.

Batch log boilers and pellet boilers offer more convenient and efficient ways to heat with wood fuel than traditional stoves.

To learn more about this technology, take a look at our blogs

http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/

and

http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Related Questions

Can I heat with pellets without using a hopper store?

It is possible to heat with pellets without having a large hopper store connected to a boiler. There are compact pellet boilers - sometimes referred to as pellet stoves with back boilers - which can be filled manually with bags of pellets.

This can be an advantage where there is no space for a hopper store, or where pellets can only be delivered in bags anyway (e.g. because there is no access for a pellet delivery truck).

Can you burn wood biomass without smoke?

Emissions from wood fuel contain virtually no sulphur dioxide and very low levels of nitrous oxides, so won’t cause acid rain. Burning wood cleanly gives off very low amounts of smoke particulates, and many wood-fired appliances are certified for smokeless zones (Defra publish a list of Smoke Control Zones).

It’s important to burn efficiently; use properly seasoned wood (with low moisture content) and make sure that equipment is used properly. Manually fed stoves can produce lots of pollutants if operated badly.

Logs should be burned fiercely with lots of air input until they are almost charcoal, after which the stove can be ‘damped down’. Reducing the air supply too early creates lots of smoke & tar. The key is good ‘secondary combustion’ of the high-energy volatile gases given off by burning wood. Some stoves are fitted with a ‘Lamda’ sensor, to regulate the amount of oxygen added and so optimise efficiency. Avoid burning treated, painted or glued wood, or non-wood waste, as these will give off toxic and polluting gases.

Building regulations require all fuel burners to have a dedicated vent to avoid production of carbon monoxide. The chimney needs an insulated flue to prevent fumes condensing as tar. With complete combustion, wood burns to a small amount of ash, which (unlike coal ash) is an excellent fertiliser.

How do I store wood biomass?

Delivered wood should be stored for at least one year, preferably two, to air-dry the wood to a moisture content below 25%. Bringing logs inside for the last week or so improves them to room dryness. Stoves might be specified to cope with 50% moisture content, but efficiency will suffer. Compressed wood pellet fuel has only about 8% moisture. Manufacturers specify pellets of a certain size, shape and moisture content to ensure reliable operation. Some pellets are produced for power station co-firing, and are not good enough quality for domestic appliances.

The required storage space depends on how big and how well-insulated your home is. A small cottage is likely to need 8 cubic metres (m3) of logs each year, a 3-bedroom house 12m3, and a large detached house 16m3. Pellets have a higher energy content and so take up less than half as much space. Stoves use 0.5 to 1.5kg of pellets per hour, so a 15kg bag should last a few days.

Larger systems can use chipped wood - this allows more automation than logs and is cheaper than pellets. A wood chip boiler heats several buildings at CAT; seasoned wood is delivered, chipped, and stored until it reaches 15% moisture content. For larger schemes, it’s a good idea to have a supply contract to ensure a reliable supply of wood.

How much will a wood biomass system cost?

A log stove is likely to cost between £500 and £1000, with installation costs probably the same again. Pellet Stoves cost £1,500 to £2,500 plus installation. A log boiler will be roughly £4,000. Together with a water storage tank, flue and installation the total will be about £10,000. Automated pellet boilers are more advanced, and so is the price tag: £6,000 to £8,000 for the boiler; the total perhaps £10,000 to £15,000.

Remember to factor in the ongoing purchase of fuel. Bought in bulk, log fuel should be cheaper than gas, oil or coal. A 15kg bag of pellets will cost £3 to £4, but bulk delivery should be similar to or less than fossil fuel. The Log Pile service (below) lists suppliers around the UK. Also, find out about the support structure in place for the equipment you choose, before going for the cheapest. Will it be easy to get the appliance serviced annually? Are there enough plumbers or engineers with the relevant knowledge?

Which wood biomass fired appliance should I choose?

Before switching to any new heating system it is vital to maximise energy efficiency. Measures such as increasing insulation, lagging pipes and draught-proofing will save money on fuel, and also on equipment - as they’ll allow you to specify a smaller boiler. A combination of wood fuel and solar water heating (for hot water in summer), can give renewably-generated heat all year round.

Open fires are a poor choice, financially and environmentally. Most of the heat goes up the chimney and the rate at which the fire draws in oxygen creates draughts across the room that reduce the benefit from the fire. A simple wood stove is a great improvement; it should need only one-third as much fuel, as the efficiency can reach 70%. Automated pellet stoves are more convenient, and can even have an automatic de-ashing function.

Advanced wood heating systems for larger houses have been common for many years in mainland Europe and the USA, and are as efficient as modern gas boilers - converting well over 80% of the fuel into useful heat.

A ‘batch’ log boiler can be fired up once a day (or less often) and the heat stored in a large water cylinder. Automated pellet boilers make wood fuel almost as convenient as gas. They are more costly, but ease of use is a big plus. For those keen on range cooking there are specially designed wood-fired ranges, with a bigger firebox to accommodate logs. Doing everything from one appliance is not ideal, so the efficiency of these is less than dedicated boilers or stoves, but they would give the satisfaction of a wood-fired sunday roast!

Why burn wood biomass?

Biomass fuels include wood, energy crops such as oilseed rape or miscanthus (‘elephant grass’), animal wastes and other agricultural by-products such as straw and grain husks. When burned, these fuels release only the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that they absorbed whilst growing - unlike the carbon in coal, oil and gas, which was absorbed over millions of years but is being released in the space of a few decades. The energy used to harvest, process and transport the fuel does need to be factored in as well. Very little energy is needed to harvest wood, so when used locally it is a very low-carbon option.

Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide may provide temporary mitigation from climate change, but doesn’t address the fundamental problem. To meet our energy needs in a zero-carbon future we must make sustainable use of trees as fuel, and replant them as we harvest them – creating a continuous carbon cycle. Growing our own fuel also creates jobs and is ideal for strong, local economies.

Free, independent and impartial advice on renewable energy and sustainable living provided by the CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)
Željko Serdar
Head of association

MICRO HYDRO POWER

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

MICRO HYDRO POWER


Hydro electricity can be one of the cheapest methods of providing off-grid renewable electricity, but it is also very site specific. The best sites are on steep hills, with fast flowing water. One advantage is that on a good site you may not need batteries or an inverter (to step from DC to AC voltage), as the turbine will produce 240 volts AC and can just be turned on when needed.

The capital cost of hydro power schemes is quite high, but if you have a suitable site it can be a good investment. As of Spring 2010, ‘feed-in tariffs’ give a good price for electricity generated - a reasonable size scheme can recoup costs in 5 years or so.

To learn more about this technology, take a look at our blogs
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/
and
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Related questions


Do I need permission to install a micro hydro system?

If you are planning to remove or abstract more than 20m2 (20,000 litres or approx. 4,400 gallons) of water per day from a watercourse you will need an abstraction licence, even if the water is later put back into the watercourse. This means that virtually all micro hydro projects will require such a license, as even a flow rate of 1 litre per second amounts to 86m2 per day.

The license must be sought from the Environment Agency, who will assess effects on river ecology and flooding, prior to installation. The Environment Agency recommends that you contact them as early as possible as it can take around 3 months to get the license. For further information, consult the Environment Agency's document "Abstracting water - A guide to getting your licence".


It's also worth discussing details with local planning officials, as the powerhouse ans pipework may require planning permission.

If you don't own the land involved you'll need to seek permission from the landowners.

Can I convert an old watermill to generate electricity?

Old watermill sites are not usually good for generating electricity. A large, slow-moving body of water gives a high torque (turning force) and waterwheels make use of this to operate machinery directly. Low rotational speeds makes it difficult to use them for electricity generation; it’s easier to make electricity with a fast flow of water that can be channelled to hit a turbine at high pressure. Waterwheels are also expensive to construct compared to water turbines and need lots of maintenance. However, some 8,000 mills or mill sites are recorded in Britain, and as a small number may be suitable for generating electricity, it may be worth looking into. A hydro turbine installed at Gants Mill in Somerset generates up to 12kW of electricity and feeds into the local grid.

Another example is a waterwheel adapted to generate electricity at Pedley Wood in Cheshire.

The most suitable type of waterwheel for conversion to electricity production is the overshot style, as it has the highest head. It often proves worthwhile to increase the head by raising the headrace and/or lowering the tailrace. Some types of waterwheel can operate at a very low fall of only a few metres – you’d then need large flows of water to get reasonable amounts of power out of them.

Generators operate most efficiently at high speeds. Motors or generators that run at very low rpm (revolutions per minute) are large and expensive - a 1000rpm motor is much bigger than a 1500rpm one. Therefore, it may be more practical to gear up to a faster turbine, or consider installing a micro-hydro turbine instead.

How much will a micro hydro system earn?

The feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme for renewable electricity generation can make micro-hydro a very attractive option. Under this scheme, a generator receives a certain payment (19.9 p/kWh for systems installed in 2010/11) for every unit of electricity generated from micro-hydro power, whether you use it yourself (and save on bills) or sell it to the grid (for another 3 p/kWh).

For a 5 kW hydro scheme, this could work out to annual payments of £5,000 to £10,000, guaranteed for 20 years. However, to be eligible for FiT income, the hydro scheme has to be installed by a professional accredited under, and using turbines registered with, the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

How much electricity can a micro hydro system produce?

A good hydro site depends on the 'head' of water (the vertical drop) and the flow rate. To estimate the energy in a water source, multiply the flow (in litres per second) by the head (in metres) by 10 (acceleration due to gravity). Halve the result, to account for losses and inefficiencies, to get an idea of potential power generation (in watts).

Flow x Head x 10 x 0.5 = Potential power generation in Watts

As this equation makes clear, a greater head will provide more power. Also, as a high head turbine will spin very quickly, there may be no need for complex gearboxes or belts.

Most micro-hydro schemes are ‘run-of-river’ - they don’t have a reservoir and only take water from the stream when it is available. You usually need a drop of over 10 metres for a scheme to be viable. Highhead ‘Pelton’ turbines are comparatively cheap, easy to install and work well in fluctuating flow. Crossflow turbines are more suitable for lower heads. Other turbines are available; suitability depends on a combination of the available head and flow of water.

Free, independent and impartial advice on renewable energy and sustainable living provided by the CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Željko Serdar
Head of business association


solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

HEAT PUMPS by SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps use the same technology as fridges or air-conditioning units, but instead of taking heat out of the house, they bring heat in from the outside air or from the ground.

A heat pump will use electricity, so as long as grid electricity is generated by fossil-fuel and nuclear power stations it will not be a completely renewable heat source. It is important to make sure a heat pump operates very efficiently if it is to be a better option than gas or oil fired heating. A recent field trial report on heat pumps revealed that heat pumps installed in the UK in recent years often only reach low levels of efficiency, often offering little or no environmental or financial advantage compared to, say, gas heating. However, it seems that the problem is primarily that many systems were badly installed, or put into buildings that aren't suitable. There is evidence from both continental Europe and the UK that heat pumps can reach high levels of performance if specified and installed correctly.

The key thing is to have a well-insulated home, a correctly-sized heat pump and a low-temperature heating system - ideally underfloor heating running on water heated to only 35 degrees C.

Our information sheet gives more advice on how to evaluate the efficiency of a heat pump, how the different types work, and what the costs are likely to be.

Related Questions


What is a heat pump?

You’ll almost certainly have a heat pump in your home already, as they are used to keep fridges cool - basically by ‘pumping’ heat out. Most air conditioning units are also heat pumps. Both of these are generally airsource systems.

A ground source heat pump will usually be the more efficient option for home heating – giving the lowest running costs. Air-source systems are cheaper to install, but their efficiency will drop as air temperatures drop (when you need heat most). Also, heat transfer from air is more difficult than from other sources. Water-source systems can be very efficient, but they’re not common because you need a water source that will not freeze (such as a spring).


Are air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) noisy?

There will be some noise - check technical literature on manufacturers' websites for figures. Worcester Bosch quote 65 decibels (db) for the noise level at 1 metre from their unit. By comparison, normal conversation may be at a noise level of 50db, a busy office about 60db, and a busy street about 70db. The external part of an ASHP is basically the same as an air conditioning unit, but they do vary a lot - so don't judge all ASHPs by the noisiest air conditioner.

Are heat pumps environmentally friendly?

To be environmentally beneficial, the whole heating system must be properly specified and the house very well insulated (to a level above that specified by current UK Building Regulations). You can vastly improve the efficiency of your existing property with simple energy conservation measures - see our ‘Energy Conservation’ section for advice.

The efficiency of a heat pump is given by its coefficient of performance, or COP. A system operating at COP3 will give out 3 units of heat energy for each unit of electricity used. However, you need to bear in mind that most grid electricity is generated from fossil fuels or nuclear power, at efficiencies of only 30 to 40%, so you’ll need a very good COP to outweigh this. If a system has a poor COP you’d be better off with a gas boiler, which would give off less carbon dioxide and make a smaller contribution to climate change. Electricity generation also causes other forms of pollution: sulphur & nitrogen oxides (that cause acid rain), particulates, mining impacts, and nuclear waste.

An Energy Saving Trust field trial of 83 heat pumps in the UK found a wide variance in performance - only a few reached a COP of 3 or more. The average COP for air source heat pumps was 2.1, while the average for ground source systems was 2.3. Many were early installations, and as installers gain experience, performance should improve. To avoid a low COP, ensure that a home is well-insulated, has a low-temperature heating system and good heating controls, and that the ground loop or air-source unit has been adequately sized. See other questions and our information sheet for advice.

You can sign up for a ‘green tariff’, and have your electricity use allocated to renewable sources such as wind or hydro power. This is an excellent way to help promote the growth of the renewable energy industry, but it’s not a green light to use loads of electricity! Doing so will increase overall electricity demand, and until more renewable energy technologies are ready, this will increase the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

If you have a stream that would be suitable for a micro-hydro system, then a renewably-powered heat pump could be feasible and beneficial. See our Micro-Hydro information sheet for initial advice on this technology.

A heat pump contains about 2 kilos of refrigerant, usually hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These are potent greenhouse gases (about 1600 times more powerful than carbon dioxide) and a leak during or after the system’s life will have a damaging impact. Some suppliers use hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 or R600a (propane & isobutane); these will have a much lower impact if accidentally leaked.

Do I need a lot of land space for ground-source heat pump (GSHP)?

Trenches should be at least two metres deep to harness a consistent year-round heat source. Trenches will need 50-80 metres of pipe per kilowatt (kW), or 10 metres of ‘slinky’ coiled pipe per kW, with at least 5 metre distance between trenches with coils. So a typical 8kW heat pump requires around 400m2 of ground area for slinky coils. Note, however, that this will depend on a number of factors, including ground conditions.More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Boreholes need 20-50 metres of pipe per kW, and will usually be 100-150 metres deep. You may need 2-4 pipes per borehole, or more than one borehole. The Pipe diameter should be 20 to 40mm for best performance: large enough to reduce pumping power but small enough to increase flow velocity and cause ‘turbulent flow’ (giving better heat transfer). Bear in mind that installers trying to reduce costs might skimp on the length or bore of pipe, or the depth of the trenches.

What's the difference between an air-source and a ground-source heat pump?

Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) draw heat from under the ground using either a borehole or a series of pipes laid a few metres below the surface. This
heat is mainly solar energy that has been absorbed by the ground. The ground below a couple of metres down is protected from extremes of heat or cold and stays at about 10°C all year. This is of course not warm enough in itself - the heat pump ‘boosts’ it to the level needed for heating a home.

Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) do the opposite of air-conditioning units. Instead of taking heat out of a building, they take heat from the outside air and uses it to heat a house. See our related questions to see which one is right for you.

How efficient are heat pumps?

A heat pump operates most efficiently when the temperature gap between the heat source and the heat demand is minimised. To reach COP4 you must have a very well insulated house - usually a new-build or an extensive renovation. Heat pumps will not be able to heat water to 75°C for standard radiators, so you’ll need a low temperature system. Large radiators can be run on water at about 50°C, whilst underfloor heating can be run at only 35°C. Underfloor heating can be fitted under solid or suspended timber floors, but thick carpets should not be used – they’ll stop the heat coming through.

So that a heat pump can work at maximum efficiency all year round it is usually sized to meet about 90% of the heating demand. This means some form of backup heating is likely to be needed during very cold spells – for example a wood-fired room heater. Heating domestic hot water to 60°C will further diminish efficiency, so an immersion heater is often used - which means more electricity use and higher costs. Solar water heating is a good alternative for hot water - see our solar water heating section for more advice.

High quality heating controls are needed to run the system as efficiently as possible. Weather compensation controls regulate internal heating according to the outside temperature. For example, in cool weather underfloor heating may need water at only 25°C to provide suitable comfort.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Free, independent and impartial advice on renewable energy and sustainable living provided by the RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

Željko Serdar
Head of business association
www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

CLEAN ENERGY PRINCIPLES - SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR





Clean Energy Principles


We have all the tools and resources we need to solve the climate crisis. Here in the U.S., by using our energy more efficiently, utilizing clean, renewable energy sources, upgrading and expanding our energy infrastructure, and transitioning to low carbon fuel sources in our transportation sector, we will not only reduce global warming, but also save American consumers money and create new jobs and business opportunities.

Energy Efficiency
Millions of dollars and enormous amounts of energy are wasted each year simply because our homes and businesses aren’t as energy-efficient as they could be. To make the most out of the energy we currently produce, America needs a national efficiency upgrade. The result will be more comfortable and valuable homes and buildings, lower utility bills, and tens of thousands of new jobs as we retrofit existing buildings to be more efficient and manufacture more American products that use less energy.

Renewable Energy
America’s power sector relies on fossil fuels and emits pollution that endangers the air we breathe, the water we drink, and heats up our atmosphere. We need to accelerate the ramp-up of clean, renewable electricity sources through policies that support increased private and public investment in clean energy technologies. Renewable energy will deliver clean, reliable power to meet America’s needs, reduce carbon pollution and make real progress toward solving the climate crisis.

Energy Infrastructure
The U.S. electricity transmission and distribution system — or “grid” — is in critical need of an upgrade. Investing in a modern transmission infrastructure will enable clean electricity to power American homes and businesses. Smart grids can enable households to sell excess electricity they may produce from their solar panels, providing a new source of revenue. One day, smart grids may interact with our electric-drive vehicles, enabling renewable energy to be stored in the batteries, and deployed when we need it most. Smart meters can inform users of their energy usage, and enable them to take actions to reduce their electricity consumption during peak hours, saving money. Investing in our energy infrastructure can provide many opportunities to create even more innovative ways of making inroads to repowering America with 100 percent clean energy.

Transportation
U.S. passenger vehicles (cars and trucks) consume about 380 million gallons of gasoline per day and contribute 20% of our global warming pollution. The gasoline for these cars is almost entirely refined from petroleum, nearly 60% of which is imported. We can encourage state and local governments to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for the transportation sector, and make investments in public transit and smart development patterns that can reduce our reliance on personal automobiles and imported oil. Smart transportation systems that provide accessible alternatives to personal vehicles will also make our air cleaner to breathe and make our nation safer by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.More info at
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/

Minimize Your Impact, Save Money

You can take steps to help Repower America each and every day. Make your own switch to energy efficient appliances, power generated by renewable energy, and cleaner sources of personal transportation. With all of us working together, we can build a movement to Repower America.

Change a Light Bulb
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Drive Less
Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often. You’ll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive.

Recycle More
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.

Check Your Tires
Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than three percent. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Use Less Hot Water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of CO2 saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved every year).

Avoid Products With a Lot of Packaging
You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10 percent.

Adjust Your Thermostat
Move your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer. You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.

Plant a Tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR

Željko Serdar
Head of business association

www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We wish to all our dear readers, partners and followers
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!





RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR

Željko Serdar
Head of business association

THE SOLUTION for RENEWABLE ENERGY by SOLAR SERDAR (CCRES)

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Renewable Energy


The Problem

Today’s U.S. power sector emits large quantities of greenhouse gases and relies heavily on carbon-based fuels with volatile and rising prices. The current system is unsustainable, both economically and environmentally. Electricity generation accounts for approximately one-third of America’s global warming pollution. Scientists urgently warn such pollution must be sharply reduced to avert the most serious consequences of climate change. Meanwhile, viable, non-polluting generation alternatives exist to deliver reliable, cost-effective power to meet America’s needs.

The Solution
Generate 100% of U.S. electricity from truly clean carbon-free sources. Renewable energy generation technologies like solar thermal, photovoltaics, wind, geothermal and biomass have been adding clean, reliable power to the grid for more than a decade. This includes solar and geothermal plants in the southwest, biomass in the northeast and southeast, and wind farms through the Midwest corridor. It is now time to dramatically ramp-up the contribution of renewables to the energy mix. And the circumstances are just right:

Technology maturity: The renewable power technologies featured in the Alliance’s Repower America plan are in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation of development and come with the associated reliability and enhancements mature technology offers.
No fuel costs: At a time when fossil fuel prices are volatile and will inevitably rise, shifting to power sources with free and limitless fuel inputs makes sense.
Investor support: During the past few years, clean energy has been among the fastest growing sectors in the venture capital and investment banking worlds: in 2008 global investment in clean energy totaled $155 billion. Even during the global financial crisis, the investment growth in clean energy was 5% over the previous year in 2007. The year before, the increase in investment was a whopping 59%.1
Utility understanding: Virtually every state now has experience in integrating renewable electricity into its energy mix. Twenty-eight states now have renewable energy portfolio standards.
Resource availability: Whether it is solar, wind or geothermal, each of these renewable resource types could on its own theoretically meet all of the nation’s power demands, now and well into the future.
Materials availability: There are no limiting material constraints with any of the renewable generation technologies comprising the Repower America scenarios. Key inputs are steel, concrete and glass. Wind turbine blades also use carbon fiber or fiber glass and PV cells rely on specialized materials, none of which will be limited at the levels and timeframe within the Repower America plan.
Workforce availability: Manufacturing of components and construction of the renewable power plants themselves are skills that can be learned and are easily transferable from other sectors. In Pennsylvania, former steel workers are now building wind turbine components. In Iowa, former appliance manufacturers are doing the same. In California and New Jersey, former construction workers are now installing rooftop solar PV. And clean energy programs are already emerging at colleges and trade schools around the nation.
Growth histories and trajectories: U.S. installed capacities of solar photovoltaic and wind power have been growing rapidly; the U.S. wind energy industry increased the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 50% in 2008, to over 25,300 MW.2 Solar thermal has rapidly expanded in recent years; and the geothermal heat pump industry has seen double digit growth over the past five years. In 2008, total shipments of geothermal heat pumps surged more than 40 percent.3
The Benefits
Existing, proven renewable power technologies rely on fuels that are free and limitless. They emit no CO2. They eliminate the uncertainty of volatile fossil fuel prices. And, they’re a promising engine of job creation: a $100 billion investment in a clean energy economy over two years would create 2 million new jobs with a significant portion of these jobs helping to revive struggling construction and manufacturing sectors.4

How We Get There
Accelerate the ramp-up of clean, renewable electricity sources through new policies and increased private and public investment in technologies that work. These technologies already exist and have been expanding, but effective policies must be implemented to unleash their potential.

Key Sources of Energy in a Repowered America
Wind Power: Our capacity is growing. Last year, wind power provided 42% of all the new generating capacity added in the U.S. For the fourth consecutive year, wind power was the second-largest new resource added to the U.S. electrical grid. The US is the world leader in wind electricity generation, since the end of 2008 when we passed Germany.5

Solar Thermal Power: Concentrated solar thermal power systems, also known as solar thermal power, covering a parcel of land fewer than 100 miles on one side in the Southwest could theoretically supply 100% of America’s electricity needs.6 A proven technology just beginning to scale up in the U.S., solar thermal power already produces enough electricity for about 100,000 homes. Large-scale projects by eight different companies are underway with major utilities to power 10 times that many homes in the next three years. Industry engineers project that plants put into operation after 2013 – and perhaps sooner – will come equipped with 6-8 hours of energy storage, allowing them to continue to provide power after the sun goes down.

Solar Photovoltaics: Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar PV can be mounted on rooftops, integrated into roof tiles, or placed in empty fields, and can produce electricity even on cloudy days. Germany is a great testament to PV generation potential under cloudy skies: Germany’s solar resources (see map below) are similar to those of Alaska’s, one of the U.S.’s least desirable solar regions. Yet, Germany currently has more than three times the installed solar capacity of the entire U.S. due to its supportive policy framework. At the end of 2008, Germany had 5,308 MW in cumulative capacity compared to the U.S. at 1,547 MW.7 With vastly better solar resources in the U.S. and continued innovations and price reductions in solar technologies, the domestic photovoltaic industry has already begun to take off. There are currently thousands of companies developing, producing, installing, and maintaining PV systems in the U.S.

Geothermal Power: The United States is already the world leader in geothermal electricity generation, producing enough electricity from geothermal systems to power approximately 1.5 million homes. Industry experts project that geothermal development can expand to provide 15-30 times as much power over the next few decades due to recent advances in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) that can harness heat energy stored up to 10km below the surface. According to an MIT study, 100,000 megawatts of electricity could be installed by 2050 with EGS technology that could power over 70 million homes. In October 2009, the Department of Energy awarded up to $338 million in Recovery Act funding for exploration and development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. The grants will support 123 projects in 39 states.8 These projects tap into the massive amount of recoverable heat energy in America that is equivalent to about 2,000 years worth of 2005 US electricity consumption.9

Other Renewable Generation: Other renewable generation includes biomass power, which can encompass many sources of carbon-free electricity like agricultural or wood residues and municipal waste. Advanced hydropower technologies are also emerging that harness the energy from waves, currents, and tides.

References
United Nations Environment Program. “Why Clean Energy Public Investment Makes Economic Sense – The Evidence Base” July 2009. http://sefi.unep.org/fileadmin/media/sefalliance/docs/specialised_research/Final_Version_Economic_Impact_Report_20090720.pdf
American Wind Energy Association. Factsheet, “2008: Another Record Year for Wind Energy Installations.” 2009. http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/Market_Update_Factsheet.pdf
Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration. “Geothermal Heat Pump Manufacturing Activities 2008.” Oct 2009. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/ghpsurvey/geothermalrpt.pdf
Roger Bezdek. “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Economic Drivers for the 21st Century.” Prepared by Management Information Services for the American Solar Energy Society. 2007. (Note: figure specific to renewable electricity)
Wiser, Ryan and Bolinger, Mark. U.S. Department of Energy – Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “2008 Wind Technologies Market Report.” July 2009. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/pdfs/46026.pdf
Based on CSP resource potential analysis from NREL in ASES, “Tackling Climate Change in the US: Potential Carbon Emissions Reductions from Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030.” 2007. http://www.ases.org/climatechange
Solar Energy Industry Association. “US Solar Industry Year in Review 2008.” http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/2008_Year_in_Review-small.pdf p.11
U.S. Department of Energy “Department of Energy Awards $338 Million to Accelerate Domestic Geothermal Energy” October 29, 2009. http://www.energy.gov/8233.htm
Massachusetts Institute of Technology “The Future of Geothermal Energy” 2006. http://geothermal.inel.gov/publications/future_of_geothermal_energy.pdf p.31

Renewable energy blog
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/


Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)
Željko Serdar
Head of business association

www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT OBAMA SAVE JOBS IN SOLAR INDUSTRY

President Obama, Bipartisan Champions in Congress Save Jobs for Thousands in U.S.
Solar Industry


Successful Treasury Section 1603 Program Extended for One Year


WASHINGTON, DC – Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement today on President Barack Obama signing tax legislation into law that extends the Department of Treasury Section 1603 program for one year:

“It took a year of tireless effort from the entire solar industry and our champions in Congress to get an extension of the 1603 program. President Obama and our bipartisan champions in the Senate and House recognize that the solar industry is one of the fastest growing industries in our country, and this extension will create tens of thousands of new jobs for Americans.

“This is a great day for America’s solar industry. With an extension of the 1603 program now in place, the solar industry can continue its record growth, creating new career opportunities for Americans in all 50 states in 2011."

The program was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Section 1603) to provide commercial solar installations with a cash grant in lieu of the 30 percent solar investment tax credit (ITC). President George W. Bush signed the 8-year ITC into law in 2008, but the economic conditions created by the global recession made it clear that few would be able to utilize the tax credit.

So far, the TGP has helped move forward more than 1,100 solar projects in 42 states and supported $18 billion in investment. The program has been critical in allowing the solar industry to grow by over 100 percent in 2010, create enough new solar capacity to power 200,000 homes and provide work to more than 93,000 Americans.

Background Materials
SEIA policy overview of Treasury Grant Program: http://seia.org/cs/federal_issues/treasury_grant_program
Fact sheet on TGP and job creation: http://www.seia.org/galleries/FactSheets/Factsheet_TGP.pdf
Summary of solar projects awarded a Treasury Grant: http://www.seia.org/galleries/pdf/TGP_Awards.pdf
EuPD Research "Economic Impact of the Extension of the TGP": http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/EuPD_Research_Solar_Report.pdf
The Solar Foundation National Solar Jobs Census 2010: http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/sites/thesolarfoundation.org/files/Final%20TSF%20National%20Solar%20Jobs%20Census%202010%20Web%20Version.pdf
SEIA and GTM Research US Solar Market InsightTM Executive Summary: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/SEIA_Q2_2010_EXEC_SUMMARY.pdf

About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

SEIA President & CEO Rhone Resch is on Twitter. SEIA is on YouTube and Facebook.


Media Contacts:
Jared Blanton, (202) 556-2886, jblanton@seia.org
Brian Mahar, Tigercomm, 703-302-8393, bmahar@tigercomm.us

LETTER OF THANKS FROM SEIA :
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We won, thanks to you.

Željko Serdar,

Just a few short weeks ago when the President announced his agreement with Republican leadership on tax legislation, the situation looked desperate. The critical solar grant program had been part of an earlier tax package, but it was not included in the negotiated compromise.

With your help, we turned that around in 72 hours. You sent thousands of messages and helped us make the case to key members of Congress that the grant program was critical to continuing the growth of solar energy in 2011 and they heard you! Last Friday, the President signed the tax package into law including a one-year extension of the Section 1603 renewable energy grant program.

But what's all this for? How does it help create a clean energy future for our country? This polic creates a critical financing option that supports solar growth in all 50 states.

See for yourself how solar is working for America. Solar energy is springing up all across the country, in places and ways that nobody would have guessed even 3 or 4 years ago. The Solar Generation Road Trip shows how solar is already generating reliable, clean energy and saving customers money today. But now we can reach more communities across the country.

This was a huge win for the solar industry, the economy and the planet. Thanks for making 2010 a great year for solar!

Wishing you a great holiday season,

Scott, Dan, Michael & the rest of the SEIA Government Affairs Team

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We would like to take this opportunity of thanking our partners for their continued patronage and of sending them our best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.


Zeljko Serdar, CCRES
Head of business association


solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

http://solarserdar.blogspot.com
http://solarserdar.wordpress.com

THINKING ABOUT GOING SOLAR ?!

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR


THINKING ABOUT GOING SOLAR ?

Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. And the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources shining across the nation. Today's technology allows us to capture this power in several ways giving the public and commercial entities flexible ways to employ both the heat and light of the sun.

The greatest challenge the U.S. solar market faces is scaling up production and distribution of solar energy technology to drive the price down to be on par with traditional fossil fuel sources.

Solar energy can be produced on a distributed basis, called distributed generation, with equipment located on rooftops or on ground-mounted fixtures close to where the energy is used. Large-scale concentrating solar power systems can also produce energy at a central power plant.

There are four ways we harness solar energy: photovoltaics (converting light to electricity), heating and cooling systems (solar thermal), concentrating solar power (utility scale), and lighting. Active solar energy systems employ devices that convert the sun's heat or light to another form of energy we use. Passive solar refers to special siting, design or building materials that take advantage of the sun's position and availability to provide direct heating or lighting. Passive solar also considers the need for shading devices to protect buildings from excessive heat from the sun.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Thinking about going solar?

Putting solar on your home or commercial property is a great way to save on your utility bills, guarantee a fixed energy rate, cut harmful pollution and become more energy independent. It's also more efficient to produce energy near where it is used.

First step is to assess whether your property is a good site for solar. You should have a span of open rooftop space or land that is free of shade for at least 5 hours a day. Rooftops work best if facing south, but your installer can likely set your panels at an angle to capture enough sun from other directions.

Like any home or business property improvement, it's a good idea to get at least three solid proposals from experienced contractors. Check references on past projects and ask about credentials, licenses and membership in trade and business groups. SEIA requires members to sign a code of ethics, pledging to deliver high-quality service and fair and honest rates.More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Find a job in solar or start a business

Besides being a great time to go solar, it's a great time to consider a job in solar. The U.S.solar industry is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of more than 50 percent, so there is a need for qualified employees all along the supply-chain from researchers, materials suppliers and manufacturers to project developers, installersand construction workers, as well as support from financing, legal, and marketing.

You may be able to transfer your skills and experience directly to help a solar energy company expand, get training to transition to a new career in solar. There are a variety of government sponsored and industry training and certification programs to choose from.

Contractors and building companies often extend their service offerings to include solar energy installation drawing on their experience in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction and general contacting.More info at www.solar-serdar.com.

The solar industry employs almost 100,000 Americans across all fifty states, and is projected to support over half a million American jobs by 2016. These jobs exist across many sectors of the economy—from manufacturing and engineering, to construction and sales, and across supporting industries.

Unlike other energy sources, solar resources exist throughout the nation, meaning that solar energy can strengthen the economy of every state and region with solid wages and sustainable careers.

Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. And the U.S. has some of the world's richest solar resources. Solar workers help to capture this massive, domestic energy source to power our homes, businesses and vehicles, while strengthening our national security by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
More info at solarserdar@gmail.com.

Solar is an Emerging Economic Engine

A robust solar industry in the U.S. is an economic engine that will help relieve a struggling American economy. With aggressive and effective national policy, solar power will create tens of thousands of jobs across the country and will spur billions of dollars in economic growth and tax revenue. Consider the growth of solar in 2007:

New solar installations nationwide increased by more than 40 percent from 2006 to 2007.
Expansions of solar energy companies resulted in 6,000 new jobs, 265 megawatts of energy and more than $2 billion of investment in the U.S. economy by Wall Street firms such as JP Morgan, Chase and Goldman Sachs.
The first utility-scale solar power plant in the U.S. in 18 years went online.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that an additional thirty gigawatts of solar energy will be deployed as a result of the recent eight year extension of the solar investme. This is enough energy to power more than five million homes! NREL also estimates that the solar market would continue to drive increased deployment even after the tax credits expire.

An expanding solar market creates thousands of new jobs - jobs like electricians, construction workers, plumbers, line workers, roofers, engineers and high-paying manufacturing positions - for a struggling economy. More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Solar Leads the Way in Stabilizing America's Energy Security

Energy security is increasingly finding its way into the national consciousness. Whether in terms of national security or our ability to respond to domestic challenges such as natural disasters, energy is one of the most critical issues facing the U.S. Solar provides crucial energy supplies vital to the function of homes, businesses and the entire economy.

The hurricanes in the fall of 2005 were a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our domestic supplies of oil and natural gas to severe weather and environmental factors. Not only does solar energy provide reliable access to energy where it is used, but it can supplement energy needs in blackouts and disaster recovery for electricity, water pumping and hot water.

With the cost of oil rising to more than $130 per barrel, a gallon of gasoline to more than $4 at the pump and skyrocketing electric bills, Americans are feeling the squeeze. Complicating matters, most of America's energy supply arrives from politically volatile regions of the world. Rapidly growing economies, such as China and India, are staking larger and larger claims to dwindling global energy resources. According to the Energy Information Agency, two-thirds of the petroleum and 20 percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is imported from other countries, and U.S. production of both is dropping while consumption continues to rise.

A fully-developed U.S. solar market will decrease our overdependence on foreign sources of oil and natural gas and meet long term demands for domestically produced clean energy. The U.S. must make a long term investment in a diverse, clean, and renewable energy portfolio - with solar in the lead - if it is to have a secure energy future. More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun to Confront Global Climate Change

As global climate change impacts the way the U.S. addresses environmental policy, conducts business and harnesses energy, the solar energy industry is leading the way with a renewable energy source that creates economic growth and reduces carbon emissions. Solar is an pollution-free source of electricity and hot water that can be immediately deployed to reduce the nation's growing carbon footprint.

As the federal government considers climate change legislation, Congress should create carbon output-based market rules that encourage carbon-free technologies and allow energy sources such as solar to be rewarded for producing.

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

Željko Serdar
Head of business association

www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCTS by SOLAR SERDAR

RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)


SOLAR TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCTS

Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)

Photovoltaic (PV) devices generate electricity directly from sunlight via an electronic process that occurs naturally in certain types of material, called semiconductors. Electrons in these materials are freed by solar energy and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid.

PV devices can be used to power anything from small electronics such as calculators and road signs up to homes and large commercial businesses.

History
The PV effect was observed as early as 1890 by Henri Becquerel, and was the subject of scientific inquiry through the early twentieth century. In 1954, Bell Labs in the U.S. introduced the first solar PV device that produced a useable amount of electricity, and by 1958, solar cells were being used in a variety of small-scale scientific and commercial applications.

The energy crisis of the 1970s saw the beginning of major interest in using solar cells to produce electricity in homes and businesses, but prohibitive prices (nearly 30 times higher than the current price) made large-scale applications impractical.

Industry developments and research in the following years made PV devices more feasible and a cycle of increasing production and decreasing costs began which continues even today.

Present Status
The cost of PV has dropped dramatically as the industry has scaled up manufacturing and incrementally improved the technology with new materials. Installation costs have come down too with more expereinced and trained installers. However, the U.S. still remains behind other nations that have stronger national policies to shift energy use from fossil fuels to solar. Globally, the U.S. is the fourth largest market for PV installations behind world leaders Germany, Japan and Spain.

Most modern solar cells are made from either crystalline silicon or thin-film semiconductor material. Silicon cells are more efficient at converting sunlight to electricity, but generally have higher manufacturing costs. Thin-film materials typically have lower efficiencies, but are simpler and less costly to manufacture. A specialized category of solar cells - called multi-junction or tandem cells - are used in applications requiring very low weight and very high efficiencies, such as satellites and military applications.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Solar Thermal (Heating and Cooling)

Solar heating harnesses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy for solar hot water, solar space heating and cooling and solar pool heaters.

Solar Water Heating

Most solar water heating systems have two parts, a solar collector and a storage tank. The solar collector gathers the sun’s energy, transforms it into heat then transfers the heat to water. The heated water is then stored in the storage tank for later use, with a conventional system providing additional heating as necessary. Solar water heating systems can be either active (relying on electric pumps to circulate water) or passive (relying on gravity and the tendency for water to naturally circulate when heated), but the most common type for use in commercial and residential buildings is active.

Solar Space Heating and Cooling

Active solar space heating systems collect and absorb solar energy and use electric fans or pumps to transfer and distribute the heat. These systems also contain an energy-storage system to provide heat at night or when the sun is not shining.

Passive solar space heating capitalizes on warmth through the sun through design features as well as materials in the walls or floors that absorb heat during the day and release that heat at night.

Perhaps the most interesting new solar thermal technology is the absorption chiller – a closed-loop system that converts solar-heated water into air conditioning. Water heated by the sun through flat-panel collectors or evacuated tubes is subjected to a low-pressure loop with lithium bromide, a phase-change catalysts, which causes the water to reach a cool 44 degrees F. This cooled water runs through copper piping; forced air passing over the coils produces air conditioning.

Solar Pool Heating

Solar pool heating systems use the existing pool filtration system to pump the water through a solar collector and the collected heat is transferred directly to the pool water. Solar pool heating collectors typically operate at a slightly warmer temperature than the surrounding air and normally use unglazed, low-temperature collectors made from polymers.More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are utility-scale generators that produce electricity by using mirrors or lenses to efficiently concentrate the sun's energy. CSP technologies include parabolic trough systems, power towers, compact linear Fresnel and dish systems which concentrate the thermal energy of the sun to drive a conventional steam turbine.

Parabolic trough systems use parabolic curved, trough shaped reflectors to focus the sun's energy onto a receiver pipe running at the focus of the reflector. Because of their parabolic shape, troughs can focus the sun at 30 to 60 times its normal intensity on the receiver pipe. The concentrated energy heats a heat transfer fluid in the pipe which is then used to generate steam to power a turbine which drives an electric generator.

Power tower systems use a field of computer-controlled flat mirrors (called Heliostats) to focus solar heat on a central collector tower. The high energy at this point can then be used to heat water to produce steam (and run a central generator) or it can be transferred to a heat transfer material (typically liquid sodium) which can then store the heat for later use.

The Compact Linear Fresnel Reflectors use flat reflectors moving on a single axis while using a Fresnel lens to concentrate the solar thermal energy into collectors. The flat mirrors used in this system allow for a greater density of reflectors in the array, increasing the efficiency of land use.

Dish systems use a large concave dish to track the sun and focus the energy onto a high-efficiency power conversion unit, which generates electricity directly. Dish systems typically produce upwards of 25KW.More info at www.solar-serdar.com.

Passive Solar

Architects and builders use special siting, design and materials to absorb and distribute the sun's heat and take advantage of sunlight to brighten interior spaces. Passive solar also refers to positioning shading devices to protect buildings from excessive heat. Passive solar does not have mechanical or special equipment like active solar. Instead, design is adapted to the local climate.

There are several ways to use passive solar to achieve direct gain, indirect gain, and insolated gain. Elements used are: absorber material (dark tile); thermal mass that retains heat during the day, then releases it during cooler evening and nights (trombe wall); aperture (south-facing glazed windows); distribution (allows air flow); and control (overhanging roof or deciduous trees to protect from heavy sun in summer, allowing more light in winter when sun is lower and leaves have fallen).

Passive lighting is another important way to reduce the need for electricity and cut costs. North-facing clerestory windows or a sawtooth roof along with south-facing windows add natural light. Flexible light tubes or skylights allow one to brighten interior spaces with limited or no windows.More info at solarserdar@gmail.com.

Solar Ovens

Solar ovens are a low-tech, low-cost option to heating and cooking food. Similar to a crock pot, a solar oven is essentially a well-insulated portable box that captures and holds the sun's heat. There are a number of commercially available models and many do-it-yourself designs.

Solar ovens, once a quaint idea for an elementary science project, are making a comeback as a staple for emergency preparedness supplies and as an affordable convenience for low-income people in developing countries.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com/.

Emerging Technology

Research and development by companies and research labs are continually discovering new techniques and materials that improve efficiencies and cut the cost of capturing solar energy. The industry seeks to commercialize the most promising technology to improve delivery of solar power generation for homes, business and government. Examples include applying different materials for thin-film PV applications, solar cooling systems, incorporating PV into building materials for roofing, windows and even painted surfaces.

Other areas being aggressively pursued are storage systems (thermal and electrical); solar hybrid lighting; improved manufacturing techniques; nanotechnology; low-cost semiconductor alternatives to polysilicon; and improving concentrating solar power systems.More info at http://solarserdar.wordpress.com/.

CROATIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY CENTER SOLAR SERDAR (CRECSS)

Željko Serdar
Head of business association

www.solar-serdar.com
solarserdar@gmail.com
solarserdar@yahoo.com

SAUDI ARABIA RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ( CCRES )

promote

SAUDI ARABIA RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES

National Batteries Company

National Batteries Company (NBC) enjoys the privilege of being the first Automotive Battery Manufacturer in Saudi Arabia. The ultra-modern manufacturing facility, built by the giants in the world of batteries, Varta Batterie AG, Germany, was commissioned in the year 1997. NBC's commitment to quality has been acknowledged with the award of the ISO-9001:2000 Certified in the year 2001
Business type: manufacturer, exporter
Product types: batteries automotive starting.
Address: P. O. Box 177, Industrial Area Phase II, Riyadh, Central Region Saudi Arabia 11383
Telephone: 00966 1 2650019
FAX: 00966 1 2650057
Web Site: http://www.battariat.com/

Fortune CP Ltd

We design, manufacture, supply and install renewable energy solutions. Through our network of branches and distributors we reach Europe, America, Africa and Asia. Products and systems include Solar photovoltaic panels, solar PV systems, solar DC fridges, Solar Vaccine fridges, solar air conditioners, solar coldrooms, deep cycle batteries, charge controllers, emergency power back-up systems, solar wind generator hybrid systems, hybrid systems for telecom BTS stations, inverters, energy saver bulbs, LED floodlights and downlights, LED fluorescent tubes, solar street lights, solar traffic lights, solar water heating, solar water pumps, solar billboards, wind turbines, industrial/commercial projects, solar pool heating, solar off-grid systems, ...
Business type: manufacturer, wholesale supplier, exporter
Product types: Solar photovoltaic panels, solar PV systems, solar DC fridges, Solar Vaccine fridges, solar air conditioners, solar coldrooms, deep cycle batteries, charge controllers, emergency power back-up systems, solar wind generator hybrid systems, hybrid systems for telecom BTS stations, inverters, energy saver bulbs, LED floodlights and downlights, LED fluorescent tubes, solar street lights, solar traffic lights, solar water heating, solar water pumps, solar billboards, wind turbines, industrial/commercial projects, solar pool heating, solar off-grid systems, solar grid-tie systems, solar garden lights, solar cathodic protection systems, eco-friendly buildings, rural electrification, solar charging stations, residential solar, electric car batteries, electric outboard, hydrogen/fuel cell. .
Service types: Project and system design, installation and commissioning, energy audit, project financing
Telephone: 44 1322303070
FAX: 44 1322303072

Sun and Life

Sun & Life is the Solar arm of the Saudi Arabian private leader in Power and Water Generation, Acwa Holding (portfolio of more than 6, 485 MW of power and 2. 32 million cubic meter per day of desalinated water). Sun & Life, a solar energy pioneer in Saudi Arabia, have developed its expertise, focusing on the most appropriate technology to be deployed in harsh environment, and on producing the highest yield at the lowest cost. We are Solar EPC contractor, providing Turnkey solution for: - Solar Power plants - Commercial/residential buildings (and rooftops) - Offgrid Solutions
Business type: System Integrator (Solar EPC)
Product types: photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic systems, solar electric power systems, photovoltaic systems commercial.
Service types: consulting, installation, engineering, contractor services
Address: P. O. Box 321, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11411
Telephone: +966535223366
FAX: +96614780230
Web Site: http://www.sunandlife.com/

Freih Bin Owaidha Al-Qahtani Sons Co. Ltd. (FOQSCO)

Business type: distributor
Product types: backup power systems, waste treatment systems, water pumps.
Service types: installation, contractor services, maintenance and repair services
Address: Safwa X 20th Bayouneyah, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: +966 3 8677552
FAX: +966 3 8677499
Web Site: http://www.alfreih.com.sa/

Industrial Supplies FZE

We provide reliable and cost effective solar solutions for road, airport, marine, industrial (oil and gas, telecommunication), commercial, government, military, rural development, residential and customised applications. We offer products like Steca, Phocos, Sharp etc that are proven to work under rugged weather environments and meet the highest industry standards. All sales orders are processed / executed within 24 -48 hours.
Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: photovoltaic systems residential, batteries deep cycle, batteries lead acid flooded, batteries lead acid sealed AGM, batteries lead acid sealed gelled, batteries telecommunication, solar charge controllers, solar garden lights, Solar water heating systems, solar air port and helipad lights, solar billboard blights, soilar inflourscent lights, solar water pumping systems, Solar telecommunication power systems, remote fuel monitoring system, Genset management systems, LVD Induction lights, Energy conservation solutions, Telecom solar solutions, remote fuel monitoring, wind power systems, solar water heaters, solar central heating systems, solar car wash, solar-Gas heating hybrid systems, Energy conservation solutions.
Service types: consulting, design, installation, engineering, project development services, education and training services, research services, site survey and assessment services
Address: Al-Dossary building, King Khalid street, Dammam, Eastern Province Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: +966- 3 828 2217, 8288114
FAX: +966-3 8060384
Web Site: http://www.indfze-sa.com/

Power Telecom & Technologies

WE STAND FOR UNMATCHED QUALITY, PROMPT DELIVERY & COMPETITIVE PRICE . PRODUCTS DEALT ARE UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY UNITS, BATTERY CHARGER, BATTERIES - VRLA/ Ni-Cd/SMF, SOLAR SYSTEMS, MEDICAL / SCIENTIFIC AND TESTING EQUIPMENTS,
Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: batteries industrial, batteries lead acid, batteries nickel cadmium, telecommunications power systems, batteries nickel cadmium, uninterruptible power supplies UPS.
Service types: consulting, engineering, project development services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services, testing services
Address: King Fahad Road, Riyadh, PO Box 61891 Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 11575
Telephone: +966 1 406 6669
FAX: +966 1 4069691
Web Site: http://www.kfbgroup.com.sa/

A1 Solar Prince (GET)

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, service, importer, exporter
Product types: Solar water heating systems, solar electric power systems and accessories, solar pool heating systems, DC lighting, aerogenerators & wind energy components, Solar Airconditioning units, PV panels & accessories .
Service types: system installation, system design, maintenance and repair
Address: PO Box 6934, Dammam 31452, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +9663 8390369
FAX: +9663 8391521

Abdulla H Al Mutawa Sons Co.

Business type: retail sales, importer
Product types: gas turbine electric generators, steam turbine electric generators.
Address: King Faisl Street, Dammam, Eastern Province Saudi Arabia 31413
Telephone: + 966 3 8561169
FAX: + 966 3 8502557

Al-Afandi Solar Wafers and Cells Factory

Business type: manufacturer, exporter of multi-crystaline solar wafers 4 and 5 inch wafers
Product types: High quality 4, 5 and 6 inches solar wafer for sale. Efficiency after conversion to solar cells 15% Resistivity 1-3 ohm cm. Thickness 270-300 micron or 330-370 micron .
Address: P.O.Box 452, Jeddah, 21411, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 966-2-6634442
FAX: 966-2-6657597

Al-Ziadi for Trading & Contracting

Business type: manufacturer
Product types: cathodic protection systems.
Address: Sidqi Street, Makkah, Makkah Saudi Arabia 6269
Telephone: 966-2-5502007

Alafaq for Solar Equipment

Business type: wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: solar water pumping systems, solar water heating systems, remote home power systems, solar garden lights.
Address: 1 Saba Masajid Street, Madina, Madina Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 966 59286339

Alesayi For Electrical Materials & Solar Systems

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: DC lighting, batteries lead acid sealed, DC to AC power inverters, photovoltaic modules, solar charge controllers, solar lighting systems.
Address: Alesayi Plaza, Madina Road, Jeddah, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 17841
Telephone: 00966 2 604000 exit 1828
FAX: 00966 2 6457085

Alsaktawi E. Engineering Consultancy Office

Product types: wind energy systems (large), solar electric power systems, energy efficient homes and buildings, packaged power systems, solar thermal energy, water cooling systems.
Service types: consulting, design, engineering, project development services, site survey and assessment services, financial services, architectural design services
Address: 3107 Hosain Ba Salamah - Al Hamra, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21232-7386
Telephone: +966505909078
FAX: +96626614543

Alwahah Cooler Factory

Business type: manufacturer, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: air cooling system components, air cooling systems, water heating systems, refrigerators and freezers, water cooling systems, appliances.
Address: Al Karj Roda, P.O.Box.2956, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: 96614951882
FAX: 96614953806

Building Lighting Est.

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter
Address: Al Hasse St., Riyadh, Riyadh Saudi Arabia P.O.Box 7541 Riyadh 11472
Telephone: +9661-4785102
FAX: +966-1-4760229

Business Engineering Corp.

Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: photovoltaic modules, photovoltaic systems, solar roofing systems, solar water heating systems, packaged power systems.
Service types: installation, project development services
Address: PO Box 6645, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11452
Telephone: +966505483968
FAX: +96612933585

CODE Technical Services Corp.

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: fuel powered electric generators, gas turbine electric generators, telecommunications power systems.
Service types: consulting, installation, project development services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services, testing services
Address: Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh, Riyadh Saudi Arabia 11526
Telephone: 966-1-488-4117
FAX: 966-1-482-6756

Commercial Services Center (CSC) Saudi Turbines

Business type: wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: We sale , buy gas & steam turbines hot gas path components - and combustion components, include: complete turbine bladed rotors for (MW501G) MW(301G) and blades (W191) (TG16) etc ,1st, 2nd and 3rd 4th stage buckets; 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage blades; 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage nozzles; combustion liners; transition pieces; cross fire tubes for the following gas turbines, MW501G, MW301G, W501D, W251, W191, TG16, TG20Bs , GE,FR 7, 5 , 3 etc , all parts in hands ready for shipment. .
Service types: Gas, steam turbine spare parts seller, buyer
Address: King Khakid St Al-jomaih BlgSweet (402) Dammam, EP. K.S.A, Dammam , EP Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 31422
Telephone: 966-3832-6154 + 966-3834-2690
FAX: 966-3834-4276

EGPHIL general contracting & renewable energy

Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, importer, distributor, installer
Product types: Solar water heating; Solar pool heating; Solar day lighting; Solar water pumps; Photovoltaic systems; Street lights; Garden lights; Energy efficient appliances; Solar Cooker; DC lighting and many more. . . .
Service types: consulting, design, installation, construction, engineering, project development services, site survey and assessment services, architectural design services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services
Address: 3rd Floor Bakhsh Building Al-Hamra District, P. O. Box 4485, Jeddah 21491, Jeddah Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 21514
Telephone: +966 2 6682777 / +966 500 86 0101
FAX: +966 2 6689883

Elkhereiji Trading and Electronics

Product types: backup power systems, batteries lead acid, batteries flywheel, Uninterruptible Power Supply, UPS.
Address: P. O. Box 1748, Riyadh Saudi Arabia 11411
Telephone: +966 55 576 3368
FAX: +966 1 477 9351

Gulf Chain Trading Est

Business type: wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: gas turbine electric generators, backup power systems, defense,industrial plants ,equipments and spares.
Address: Ali Bin Abi Talib Road/ P.O.Box 41056, Riyadh, Central Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 11521
Telephone: 00966 1 4461533

Hitec Modeco

Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter
Product types: battery chargers, lead acid batteries, DC lighting, nickel cadmium batteries, uninterruptible power supplies UPS, telecommunications power systems.
Service types: consulting, design, installation, construction, project development services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services
Address: Pobox 93711, Riyadh, 11683 Saudi Arabia 11683
Telephone: +9661-419-6425
FAX: +9661-419-6417

Innovative Technology Est.

Business type: Retail Sales, Wholesale Supplier, Exporter, Importer
Product types: Compect Energy VRLA Batteries Mx Volta VRLA Batteries Coopower VRLA Batteries And Ajax Automotive Batteries.
Service types: Genral Trading
Address: King Fahad Street Cross No 02, Al Khobar 31952, Estran Provenc Saudi Arabia 79349
Telephone: 00966-3-8995826 3-8984600
FAX: 00966-3-867 0163 - 3 8936927

International Telecommunication System Operation

Product types: flooded lead acid batteries, dc powered appliances, uninterruptible power supplies ups, flooded lead acid batteries.
Address: Industrial Area III, PO Box 88522, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11672
Telephone: 009661-2179011
FAX: 009661-2179022

Kevin Power Solutions Ltd.

Business type: manufacturer, exporter
Product types: backup power systems, DC to AC power Inverters sine wave, Batteries Deep Cycle, SMF Batteries, Solar Water Heating Systems, Solar Lighting Systems, Online UPS, Automatic Lift Backup System, IGBT Based Home UPS, CFL Lights, Cyber H-UPS, Sine Wave Inverter, Sine Wave UPS, DSP Sine Wave H-UPS, DSP Sine Wave Inverter, DSP Sine Wave Online UPS, DSP Sine Wave Static UPS.
Address: D-117, sectror-63,
Telephone: +91-9999909872, 09720002052
FAX: +91-124-4039620

M.A. Raheem Khan

Business type: wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: air filtering and purification system components, water pumps, water filtering and purification systems, air cooling system components, gas turbine electric generators, waste treatment systems.
Address: King Abdul Aziz Street on 10th Cross, Al-Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: +966-3-8651094
FAX: +966-3-8983972

Maar Group

Business type: importer
Product types: gas turbine electric generators, steam turbine electric generators.
Service types: contractor services
Address: King Abdullah Road, P. O BOX-2187, Riyadh, Ruh Saudi Arabia 11451
Telephone: 0096612051999
FAX: 0096612053777

Manas Al-Khaleej Trading & Contracting Co. Ltd

A leading Trading & Contracting Company in Saudi Arabia representing well known Brands of Building Products targeted to Construction Industry.
Business type: wholesale supplier, distributor
Product types: energy efficient homes and buildings, solar air heating systems, solar lighting systems, water storage tanks.
Address: PO Box 33580, Riyadh, Riyadh Saudi Arabia 11458
Telephone: +966 1 473 5333
FAX: +966 1 473 6333

Middle East Battery Company

Business type: manufacturer, exporter
Address: AL Madinah Street, 2nd Industrial City, Dammam, Eastern Privince Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 31493
Telephone: 00966557037593
FAX: 0096638121246

Mohammed A. Al Faddaghi & Partners

Business type: Manufacturer, Wholesale Supplier, Exporter, Importer
Product types: Fuel powered electric generators, backup power systems, MAN, SCANIA GENSETS.
Address: PO Box 26162, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 11486
Telephone: 00966-01-4953000
FAX: 00933-01-4954000

Mohammed S Aboud Al Amoudi Est

Business type: wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: fluorescent light bulbs/ switchs sockets.
Address: Southern Shopping Center Main Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21474
Telephone: 00966 2 6484350

National Solar Systems, LLC

Business type: System Integrators, wholesalers, suppliers
Product types: Power Generation: On-Grid and Off-Grid, Complete integrated systems, CP systems, photovoltaic modules, solar lighting, solar electric power systems, solar water pumping systems, street ighting, wirless systems, traffic and signals.
Service types: consulting, Turn-key solutions
Address: PO Box 76802, Al-khobar, Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: +966 3 845-1300
FAX: +966 3 845-1311

OLAYAN - General Contracting Co

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: fuel powered electric generators, wind turbines (large), wind energy systems (large).
Address: P O Box 1227, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 21431
Telephone: 026931525 & 038820888

PEDCO Ltd.

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer
Service types: installation, engineering, project development services, contractor services, maintenance and repair services, testing services
Address: 30th Street, Sulaimaniyah, Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia 11445
Telephone: +966 1 464 8970
FAX: +966 1 462 8019

Power Technologies Trading Est.

Business type: Retail Sales, Wholesale Supplier, Importer
Product types: Rechargeable Batteries, Solar Electric Power Systems, Solar Outdoor Lighting systems, Automotive Starting Batteries, D/C to A/C Power Inverters, Battery Chargers, Lead Acid Batteries and Nickel Cadmium, Safety and Security System etc. .
Service types: Sapurt Servic & Suplyes
Address: P. O. Box No :79349 King Fiasal Street, Cross - 8 /9, Al-khobar : 31952, Eastern Province Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: 00 966 3 898 4600-3 899 5826
FAX: 00 966 3 867 0163-3 893 6927

Power Technologies Trading Est.

Business type: retail sales, wholesale supplier, importer
Product types: Delars For the folwing Products in SAUDI ARABIA : Coopower CHINA MADE CompactEnergy CHINA MADE Unikor MX-Volta KORIA Yousa UK MADE Lead Acid Rechargebal Batteries & AJAX Automotive BRAZIL MADE Batteries Class ITALEYAN MADE Battery Charger D/C to A/C inventar & convartar UPS Safty & sequrety Syestems etc. .
Service types: Saport Serves And Suplay
Address: King Faisal Street Cross No 8 /9, Al Khobar 31952, Estran Pravenc Saudi Arabia 79349
Telephone: +966 3 898 4600 3 899 5826
FAX: +966 3 8670163

R. H. Al-Marri & Sons Company

Business type: Onshore/Offshore Wind Tower design, Site Survey, Constuction, Commission & Testing, O&M, Retail sales & supplier, importer
Product types: Turnkey Onshore & Offshore Wind parks, Solar Parks and Waste to Energy systems. Online UPS Systems & Remote Power Stations.
Service types: design, installation, construction, engineering, project development services, education and training services, research services, contractor services, testing services
Address: 503, Al-Muhammadia Tower, Al-Khobar, EA Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: +966540450806
FAX: +96638651370

Rowad National Plastic Company Limited

Business type: manufacturer, wholesale supplier, exporter
Product types: battery containers, battery components.
Address: P.O.Box, 29452,, Riyadh 11457, KSA Saudi Arabia 29452
Telephone: +966 1 265 1966
FAX: 00966 1 2651973

SATELLITES TRADING Est

Business type: wholesale supplier
Product types: lead acid batteries, deep cycle batteries, rechargeable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, marine batteries, automotive starting batteries, chargers, automotive parts and water softners..
Address: King Khalid Street , 5/6 Cross, AL-Khobar, Saudi Arabia 31952
Telephone: (966 3) 8941120
FAX: (966 3) 898-2925

Saudi Solar Heaters Factory

Business type: manufacturer, retail sales, wholesale supplier
Product types: solar water heating systems.
Service types: consulting, design, installation, engineering, maintenance and repair services
Address: P.O.Box 68935, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11537
Telephone: +9661-2652031
FAX: +9661-4624620

Shuwayer Electrical Engineering Systems

Business type: manufacturer, retail sales
Product types: energy efficient homes and buildings, home automation, meters and measuring equipment, uninterruptible power supplies UPS, solar electric power systems, solar garden lights, LV/MV Distribution & Control/Relay Panels, Synchronization Panels, Custom Built Panels.
Address: Post Box 11152, Dammam, Saudi Arabia 31453
Telephone: +96638468358
FAX: +96638426514

WALCO

Business type: wholesale supplier, exporter, importer
Product types: home automation-construction-interior design-IT.
Service types: consulting, installation, engineering, project development services, maintenance and repair services
Address: BOX 66381, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11576
Telephone: 4661672/87
FAX: 4661702

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CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ( CCRES )

Due to its regional dominance, Saudi Arabia can play a vital role in the proliferation of solar energy in the entire Middle East. The Kingdom needs to urgently move forward with its renewable energy plans and start the production of solar energy on a large-scale. The current focus is on increasing levels of efficiency, reducing subsidy and slashing government expenditure and on doing things that truly add value. 

Vision 2030 target suggests that the country will grow its renewable energy capacity in increments, taking advantage of future cost declines and efficiency improvements, while also leaving the door open for emerging technologies. Under the new leadership of King Salman, the country is making a concerted effort to develop its renewable energy sector. The reorganization of stakeholders and decision makers on energy policy and renewables, under one umbrella, should accelerate KSA’s renewable energy program. The government restructuring in May 2016 placed necessary administrative functions under the newly-created super-ministry, the Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources which will eventually pave the way for implementation of solar projects.

However, there are several critical areas which Saudi Arabia should tackle for a smooth transition to renewables-focused energy mix. Saudi Arabia should take a consultative approach on its renewable energy policy framework by leaning on capable, credible industry partners to share their expertise which will help the country avoid the steep learning curve that other markets have faced. Lenders and financiers are an integral part of any industry, and they should be properly informed about green financing. It will be particularly important for banks and lenders based in the Kingdom to better understand the solar energy industry, ensuring that they’re comfortable with providing competitive financing for the program.

It is also essential to adapt solar energy systems to meet specific energy-intensive applications. Saudi Arabia could provide long-term solar energy targets for certain, energy-intensive industrial sectors such as cement, steel and petrochemicals.

Lastly, a well-trained and performing workforce is crucial for the development of solar market. Saudi Arabia needs to invest wisely in technical education to overcome the skills mismatch between schools and the labour market and ensure the supply of rightly-trained human resources to the solar industry.

We hope you and all your loved ones are healthy and safe. As a valued readers of CCRES, I wanted to first say thank you: Our newsletter subscriptions and website visits are increasing tremendously on a daily basis, and it’s thanks to you. We appreciate your trust in our journalism and we are working very hard in this time of crisis to keep you informed on all of the important developments. CCRES is supported by a mix of revenue streams including sponsorships, online advertising, funded projects, and policy debates. We know you value our reporting.This information should not be behind a paywall, and we remain committed to making our content widely available and our newsletters free. And we know your support is critical for ensuring this independent and free journalism. 

Željko Serdar
Head of association

solarserdar@gmail.com