What an exciting time! It seems that nearly every day when I open the newspaper, there are more and more advancements with solar energy. The last major news announcement was about the advancement of the solar industry bill, 1403, to attract new solar energy related companies to the state. The passing of this bill has the potential to position Arizona as a hub for companies involved with solar energy. The latest major announcement this week is that Arizona was among ten states to be awarded 50% of an approved $55 million of their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the State Energy Program. A variety of proposed programs will advance energy efficiency and renewable energy in Arizona, including solar energy projects. Among many programs, the grants and loans will help make government buildings more energy efficient; reduce energy consumption in Arizona schools; advance the development of renewable energy systems on high profile buildings and public spaces; and offer further incentives for solar energy users. It is not clear which of these projects will receive immediate attention; however the objective of the ARRA is to stimulate private investment, create jobs, and speed economic recovery. Let’s hope the approval of these funds will not only do just that but also put us on a stronger path to energy independence!

Holly
Public Relations

In an effort to increase Arizona’s competitiveness in the solar manufacturing arena, early this week the State Senate passed a solar industry bill, 1403, to attract new industry to the state. If approved by the House of Representatives, the solar industry bill will give tax incentives to manufacturers of solar energy equipment.

Opponents of the solar industry bill argue that tax breaks should not be limited to one industry, since tax incentives would benefit a variety of industries. While there is definitely truth to this sentiment, given the current financial situation it seems we need to start somewhere. If 13 companies are waiting on the passage of the solar industry bill to determine where they will locate, we cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity. Advances in the solar industry are not a phase; they are the way of the future. Positioning Arizona as a solar industry hub will secure a stake in this growing arena and hopefully expand our state’s playing field for revenue.

Companies that take advantage of the solar industry bill breaks must meet certain criteria, including higher wages and guaranteed healthcare for its employees. Not to mention, if these solar manufacturers chose to set up shop in Arizona, our sluggish construction industry will benefit from the projects. Hopefully the solar industry bill will pass the House so we can benefit from the growth.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

The July/August issue of The Atlantic contains a good feature article on the history of renewable energy in the U.S. since the Carter administration, and the lessons to be drawn as we launch another go at reforming the nation’s energy economy.

In “Better Luck This Time,” senior editor Joshua Green traces the volatile seesaw pattern of renewable American renewables to Congressional ambivalence – but also (and chiefly) to a fundamental mistake by the Carter administration. Carte [...]

It’s very common for people interested in installing solar panels to wonder if they have room or if the solar panels will be unattractive on top of their home or roof. If you have limited space or are concerned about covering your roof, there are options for solar panels that are dual purpose. One such type of panel is a bifacial solar panel. The panels are translucent, allowing filtered sun to shine through them. They can be installed vertically or horizontally, so they make great use as shade for a garden, an awning for a patio, or partitions for a car port. Not only are these solar panels extremely functional, they look great! While they are a little pricier, they are more efficient than traditional solar panels, so the extra cost will pay for itself in the long run. If you want to find out if bifacial solar panels will work for your needs, contact an experienced Phoenix solar installer. They will be able to help you design the perfect solar energy system for your home or business.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

We love distributed power, but like most technology freaks we also love to look at gigantic engineering. At least you have to admire the ambition.

The Scientific American website today posted a slide show of ten huge renewable (or at least carbon-neutral) electric power projects, and it’s great fun. Each site was chosen as the largest of its type in the world. Heading the list, for sheer bulk as well as power production, is China’s Three Gorges Dam — it’s an environmental and cu [...]

Investment in sustainable energy projects rose 5% in 2008 to $155 billion worldwide, according to a report issued today by the United Nations, surpassing investment in new fossil fuel projects for the first time.

However, the credit crisis delayed many North American projects, leading to an 8% drop in sustainable energy investments here. Chinese investment in renewable energy (mostly wind) rose 18%, Indian investment grew 12%, and Brazil increased 76%, mostly in sugar-cane ethanol. Brazil [...]

While I don’t claim to be an economics expert, I’m still interested in the health of the economy, particularly in our own backyard. A recent article in the Arizona Republic, with the headline “Arizona’s Economic Efforts Lagging,” had me concerned. The article talks about the outcome of three Greater Phoenix Economic Council forums recently held. The forums placed a heavy emphasis on solar energy companies, which is undoubtedly the next big thing for fueling the economy. A main point addressed in these forums is that Arizona appears to be behind the curve compared to other states with economic development efforts. The positive side to this story is that Arizona is a prime target for solar energy companies looking for a home. Although Arizona has abundant sunshine, more important to attracting solar energy companies are favorable business and tax incentives. It seems the Greater Phoenix Economic Council is on the right track, creating a document that addresses the changes needed to attract these solar energy companies. What’s not clear to me is where we go from here? A plan does no good if it sits on a shelf. Hopefully this plan will be approved and these programs fast tracked so that Arizona does not miss out on attracting solar energy companies to our state.

Holly
Harmon Solar Public Relations

Most Solar panel systems are normally installed on the roof of either residential or commercial properties. This is not to say you cannot have a Solar System on the ground, it is just typical to have them on the roof. With this being said, when working on a roof there is potential exposure to fall hazards, and to avoid these hazards there must be Fall Protection Equipment and Systems that are to be used and followed according to OSHA’s standard 1926.502. The three most common (primary) methods of Fall Protection are guardrails, safety netting, and personal fall arrest systems.

The OSHA fall protection rule also lists other (secondary) systems and equipment you can use in certain situations. They are safety monitoring, warning lines, positioning devices, and controlled access zones. Here at Harmon Electric, we typically use one of two types of fall protection, and they would be, Personal Fall Arrest, and Safety Monitoring System. Our personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors, harness, and lanyard, it may also include a deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combination of them all. Our safety monitoring system consists of a warning line – a warning line must be erected around all sides of the roof work area, and consists of rope or wire, and supporting stanchion.

Len,
Safety Director

Covered patios provide the perfect place for PV solar panels. We really wanted to go “Net Zero” on our electricity bill by installing solar on our home, but we didn’t have enough roof space. For years we’ve talked about extending our back patio and now we have a great solution for the extra panels we needed that wouldn’t fit on our roof. Our back yard will finally have the extra shade we wanted and we will be able to produce enough energy through our solar PV system to cover 100% of our electricity demand!

Lisa,
Harmon Solar Sales