New Jersey solar energy programs highlighted in Maplewood, New Jersey

Green Domain at Maplewood, NJ Solar Carnival

May 23, 8:43 AMNewark Progressive ExaminerLaura Farrell

Maplewood, NJ hosted a solar carnival yesterday at Memorial Park. The carnival, which included activities for kids, sought to highlight the benefits and tax incentives associated with installing solar panels on residential homes. New Jersey Solar Funding, Green Domain, New Jersey Comfort Partners, Home Depot, and BP Solar all had representatives on hand to answer questions.

New Jersey: the best solar program in the United States
Matt Morra, of New Jersey Solar Funding, said New Jersey has the best combination of federal, state, and utility-company finance incentives for home owners to help them go solar. And residential solar installations in New Jersey have taken off in recent years. In 2008, said Mr. Morra, there were fewer than 50 residential solar permits issued in the state of New Jersey. By 2009, there were 3,400. This year, 10,000 total permits will be issued. This extraordinary growth is the result of a combination of federal and state policies that provide rebates for homeowners, as well as new clean-energy mandates for utility companies.

>>Click here for full article

Keeping Warm, the ins and outs of having a home energy audit

DAVID CHEWEY, owner and CEO of Green Domain in Somerville, explains why considering a home energy audit is a sound investment.

Consider having a home energy audit:

• If your home feels drafty and cold and you're constantly cranking up the temperature.
• If your energy and utility bills are higher then you can afford.
• If you're considering buying or selling a home (an energy audit can point out problems that should be fixed before a sale).
  
• If your home is 12 years old or more (it could be drafty).
• Before you plan any home renovation or addition
• Before installing a solar or renewable energy system.
• If you or family members have health problems related to ventilation.
• If you wish to improve the carbon footprint of the over-all environment.
  

An energy auditor generally will:

• Use special equipment to find where cold air enters your home (winter is the best time for an energy audit because it clearly shows where the cold enters).
• Windows and doors are prime targets; other areas that can cause energy loss include old or inefficient furnaces, vents, seals, appliances, and lighting fixtures.
• Suggest preventive measures to keep healthy and more energy-efficient levels of existing air and new air flow in your home.
  

How to hire a home energy auditor:

• Choose a company that's familiar with rebate programs and financial incentives that New Jersey offers to home owners who invest in energy-saving measures, including rebates on new appliances and fixtures.
• Choose a company that's certified by the Building Performance Institute (www.bpi.org).
• Ask neighbors and friends who may have recently had a home energy audit for suggestions, always check references, and visit The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities website (www.njcleanenergy.com) or call 866-NJSMART for details. 

 Green Domain started as a sustainable landscaping company and subsequently expanded its services to include full-service home energy audits.  It's also available to discuss executing corrective measures, including filing rebate and incentive paperwork.  The company is certified by The Building Performance Institute and is on the list of certified contractors to participate in The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Home Performance Program with Energy Star.  Assessments usually run about $125, but program details are subject to change, so it's important to check with NJBPU for updates.  Green Domain, www.GreenDomainUSA.com, 908-534-6464. 

Article by  Lisa Rackley, New Jersey's Home & Design Magazine, February /March 2010 Issue

EPA Marks 1M Energy Star Homes

SustainableBusiness.com News Exclusive:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday announced a milestone for its Energy Star, marking the 1 millionth Energy Star qualified home.

Since the program began labeling new homes in 1995, Americans have saved $1.2 billion on their energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds, EPA said. This year alone, families living in Energy Star qualified homes will save an estimated $270 million on their utility bills, while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 370,000 vehicles.

“We’re going to keep the number of Energy Star homes growing, because every new Energy Star home is a step towards lower costs, cleaner air, and communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said.

To earn the Energy Star label, a home must meet energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA. Those guidelines include effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances. In addition, an independent home energy rater conducts onsite testing and inspections to verify that the home’s performance meets Energy Star requirements.

There are more than 6,500 builders across the nation building homes that earn the Energy Star label, EPA said.

>>Click here for Full Article

Mars Chocolate Factory just installed an 18 Acre Solar Garden!

M&M's factory in N.J. flips switch on new solar array



Mars Chocolate North America, the makers of M&M's candy, together with PSEG Solar Source, unveil an 18-acre solar garden adjacent to their Hackettstown headquarters. The solar garden is capable of generating 2.2 megawatts per hour of clean energy which is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the plant's peak energy consumption. (Video by John O'Boyle / The Star-Ledger) From the Star Ledger: Posted by John O'Boyle on November 9, 2009 at 04:03 PM

Support of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act:

On Saturday, October 24, people around the world united for 350’s International Day of Climate Action to call on world leaders to take bold steps to address climate change, and made this one for the history books.

The American public overwhelmingly wants a strong clean energy bill, but Big Oil and Dirty Coal are pouring money into their efforts to water down and kill the recently-released Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, a positive first step to kick off the climate debate in the Senate. We need to let each of our Senators know that we want them to support bold climate and energy legislation!

The 1Sky Campaign have made it easy for you to call your Senators – just visit: http://www.1sky.org/call to get some talking points and get connected to your Senators toll-free.

Don't let polluting corporations decide what our ends up in the Senate bill. We need safe, clean, renewable energy. With your help, we can stand 10,000 calls strong for clean energy!

Call your Senators now.

Analyze Your Use!

Here is a great website that offers an Energy Saver Calculator to help you analyze and compare savings on replacing old appliances, heating and cooling systems and lighting fixtures in your home to be more energy efficient. Check out the list below and see how you can improve your homes’ energy efficiently by calculating your current usage.

Fridge Calc – Calculate what you will save by replacing your old refrigerator with an energy efficient model

Clothes Washer Calc- Calculate what you will save by replacing your old washer with an energy-efficient model.

Dryer Calc- Calculate what you will save by replacing your old dryer with an energy-efficient model.

Water Heater - Calculate what you will save by replacing your water heater with an energy-efficient model.

Thermo Calc- Find out how much you can save by adjusting your thermostat

Lighting Calc – Choose a fixture type and find out how much you can save with energy efficient bulbs: choose from

· Recessed, track and spot lights

· Ceiling, wall and table lamps

· Halogen Torchieres

System Calc- Estimate the size and cost of a new heating and cooling system for your home

Room AC Calc- Find out what size room air conditioner you need with this calculator.

This site also offers great tips on saving money and improving your home’s energy efficiency on the above items if you are unable to replace them. After calculation, click the SAVINGS TIPS button. Check out what Energy Guide recommended for how to save with these Refrigerator Tips...

Refrigerator Saving Tips:

Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances. If you are thinking about purchasing a new refrigerator, look for ENERGY STAR® models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save energy, save money, and help the environment.

Defrost your freezer. For manual defrost freezers, don't let ice build up more than 1/4 in. When this happens, the efficiency of the freezer drops significantly.

Check your freezer temperature. Keep your freezer at a temperature between 0-5 degrees F. Settings below this use more energy and are not necessary.

Keep your freezer away from heat. Try to locate your freezer in a cooler part of the house. Make sure you keep it out of direct sunlight and away from appliances that generate heat like ovens and water heaters.

Close the refrigerator door. Opening the refrigerator door accounts for between $10-$20 of a typical family's electricity bill each year based on 40-60 openings per day.

Inspect refrigerator door seals. Check the door seals on your refrigerator by closing the door on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the dollar out then you would probably benefit by replacing the seal. The right seal for your refrigerator can be difficult to find, but you might try a refrigeration parts store.

Keep your refrigerator cool. Keep your refrigerator out of direct sunlight and in as cool a location as possible. Keep away from oven, stoves, water heaters, etc.

Keep the refrigerator level. If it is not level the door might not close fully.

Keep refrigerator foods covered. Keep foods covered to prevent moisture build-up. Your refrigerator has to work harder if the air inside is humid.

Reduce the load. Refrigerators operate most efficiently when full but not overloaded.

Don't put hot food in the refrigerator. Allow leftovers to cool before putting in the refrigerator.

Give your refrigerator some space. Allow at least one inch of space on each side of the refrigerator for good circulation. Poor circulation can increase energy consumption by 10%.

Turn off moisture control when not needed. If your refrigerator has a moisture control switch ('anti sweat' heater) you can generally safely turn it off on all but the hottest days (and even then if you have central air), and reduce the energy cost of your refrigerator by about 10%.

Replace old refrigerators. A new refrigerator uses a third of the energy of 15-20 year old models. This could mean savings of over $150 per year, making a new refrigerator a very good investment.

Clean the cooling coils. Vacuum behind your refrigerator at least once a year, making sure to remove dirt and dust from the coils. Dust build-up not only increases energy use, but it may cause the unit to break down. (Some refrigerators have the coils inside or underneath where you can't get at them. Most built-in models have them readily accessible on top, typically behind a removable grille).

Turn off spare refrigerators. An older second refrigerator consumes a significant amount of energy. It could be costing you over $200 per year! Perhaps you can get all your food into one refrigerator and turn the other off permanently. Alternatively, if you only need the second unit on during certain occasions, you can pull the plug and then plug it back in only when you need it. This won't hurt the refrigerator and can result in significant savings.

Keep refrigerators in a cool spot. A five degree difference in air temperature can have a 20% impact on the energy consumption of your refrigerator. Keep spare refrigerators in the coolest part of the house.

Organize your freezer. Mark items in your freezer for quick identification so that you do not have to keep the door open while you sort through packages.

Fill your freezer. Freezers operate most efficiently when full, and in the event of a power outage foods will stay frozen longer.

>>Click here to Calculate your Energy Savings!

A Great Video about Energy Efficieny: Kilowatt Ours; A Plan to Re-Energize America

Here is a great glimpse at the award-winning documentary, Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America, to be release for public television this fall. This Documentary provides simple yet practical and affordable solutions to fixing America's Energy Crisis. Jeff Barrie produce this film and won several awards including: Best Documentary Feature – South Dakota Film Festival 2007, and Best Environmental Film – Southern Appalachia International Film Festival 2007.



For more information about Kilowatt Ours Visit www.kilowattours.org