Posted by Mac on July 28, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Solar | Tagged With: linkedin, ron mcdowell, Solar Oregon, SolWest Fair | No Comments yet, please leave one
Well, I’m headed out to the SolWest Fair in John Day, Oregon, for the weekend. Should be a great opportunity to hob-nob with renewable energy experts and enthusiasts. I’m bringing along my brother, John, who is visiting from SoCal. Last year was my first time to attend and I really enjoyed the experience.
Hope to see you there!
Great workshops ... and Solar Oregon will be at SolWest too!
Posted by Mac on July 25, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Electric Vehicles (EV) • Solar | Tagged With: Blink EV Charger, Electric Car, Kim Berhorst, LEAF, linkedin, Nissan LEAF, Richard Mather, ron mcdowell, Solar Ambassador, Solar Oregon | 2 Comments
Solar Ambassador Richard Mather tells his story
I’ve been blogging about Solar Ambassadors for some time and I’m not about to stop now. I met Richard Mather last May in Salem at the solar rally and was inspired by his story. So were others, obviously, because there were several stories published this week about Richard and Pauline Mather. The Mathers were the first residential customers with Salem Electric to install a solar system at their West Salem home, and they are among the first in the entire Willamette Valley to purchase a Nissan LEAF. Salem’s Statesman Journal printed a story about Richard and Pauline Mather entitled “Couple Pioneers Green Lifestyle “ written by CapiLynn >> Click here to view article
Another accolade was written by Solar Oregon member, Kim Berhorst, who was the Mather’s solar consultant. I liked it so much I thought I’d share it with my readers. Geez, I wonder if I’ll have this kind of commitment when I’m in my seventies?!
Solar Oregon Ambassadors Celebrate PV + EV at Home
by Kim Berhorst (Salem, OR)
Pauline and Richard with their 2011 Nissan Leaf and Sharp solar system
The Mathers hosted a Solar Party July 16 at their Salem, OR, home to celebrate the integration of their rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, an in-house electric vehicle (EV) charging station, and their Nissan Leaf, delivered in May after a year’s wait. They were lucky: Because of the recent tsunami in Japan where the Leafs were manufactured, the anticipated delivery date of fall 2010 was delayed by several more months and only a handful of buyers got cars in the first Oregon shipment.
Though the Mathers had their 3.22 kW PV system installed in December 2009, they delayed their party until the Leaf arrived to celebrate both. More importantly, they wanted to show how marrying the two further decreases their use of fossil fuels. “The solar provides electricity for the house and now it charges our car,” said Richard. “It just makes sense.”
When I first met the Mathers for their solar site assessment, I’d no idea how much they valued sustainable living practices, and further, how deeply they connect their everyday activities to the environmental health of the world at large. When their home was built in 1993, they made energy efficiency a priority inside and out, laying gravel beds in place of grass lawns, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants long before it was “trendy.”
Retired and in their seventies, Pauline says they both were raised with a keen awareness of conservation and sustainable living practices. “I’m 100 percent Dutch,” Pauline said. Recycling and reusing everyday items was “just a part of life.” Richard, a former railroad engineer with the State of Oregon, first gained appreciation for solar PV when railroads began powering signals with the help of solar modules. When they purchased an RV a few years ago, they got one with solar modules on the roof.
Now, they have their own solar-powered car. “Getting the solar wasn’t just about how much money we could save or what the monetary payback would be,” Richard said. “It’s about doing something that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and provides clean energy for the next generation.”
Early Adoptors
Not only were the Mathers the first in their neighborhood to get a solar PV system, they also were the first Salem Electric (SE) solar net-metering customers. Their electric utility is a coop serving Salem and Keizer. Their independent advocacy was essential to SE establishing a residential net-metering program, helping smooth the way for other homeowners on the SE grid to go solar. Everyone involved – the SE Board and staff, the Mathers, and contractors – learned something new from each other. It was the Mathers’ kind patience and continued enthusiasm that buoyed everyone through the multiple obstacles to project completion.
The Mathers’ friends and family weren’t surprised when Richard and Pauline pre-ordered their Leaf about a year ago through the EV Project, a U.S. Dept. of Energy- sponsored program aiming to encourage the deployment of a nationwide EV infrastructure. Nor is it surprising that they also are among the first Oregonians to get a Leaf. Richard and Pauline are known pioneers among their friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances when it comes to adopting new energy-saving “green” technology and sustainable living practices.
“They’re early-adopters for sure, especially when it comes to environmentalism,” said a friend who volunteers with Richard at One Fair World, a Fair Trade goods retail shop in Salem. They were among the first in Oregon to get a Toyota Prius hybrid, which they replaced with a Toyota Camry hybrid, and now they’re among only handful of folks statewide who have their own solar-powered Leaf.
The “goods”
From the street leading to the Mathers’ driveway, guests could view the 3.22 kW roof-mounted system – two unassuming rows of black on black monocrystalline modules on the southern plane. It wasn’t till they walked up the drive (past the genuine railroad signal planted near the street) and to the garage that they got to see (many for the first time), all the “goods.”
The Mathers’ Leaf was parked near their RV that boasted a sign stating “Solar On Roof.” Inside the garage, Nissan Leaf sales representative Jacob Halsey, of McMinnville’s Chuck Colvin Auto Center, was bumming a charge for his demo Leaf. While the north side of the garage held about 30 chairs and a buffet table, it was nearly empty. Most guests were clustered around one of three other places.
At one end, Halsey answered questions standing between the wall-mounted Blink charger (220 V), installed by Salem’s Cherry City Electric, and the Leaf’s open hood, a thick black cord snaking out. At the other end, Richard showed people how to read his Fronius inverter and electric meters. And just outside, Pauline showed guests how their Leaf worked from a driver’s perspective. Between talking sessions, guests got to take test rides in either Leaf, with Richard or Jacob at the wheel.
According to Richard, their Leaf currently uses approximately 4 kWh per mile, and the regenerative braking system “recovers” energy while braking and coasting. The battery, made up of multiple lithium-ion battery cells, allows twice the power at half the weight of previous battery technology and its average range per charge is 100 miles, according to Halsey. Pauline says it’s the perfect car to drive around town for errands, and after driving it for a couple months more, they hope to add additional solar modules to accommodate the extra demand.
Solar Ambassadors like Richard and Pauline are renewable energy advocates who “walk the talk.” Not only have they incorporated solar technology in their own lives, they actively advocate by speaking at events, teaching others, and celebrating the many ways “going solar” has enhanced their quest to reduce their carbon footprint. We thank them for leading by example and inspiring others.
To see their Solar OR Ambassadors profile, click on the Solar Ambassadors link and search “Mather.”
Posted by Mac on July 20, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar | Tagged With: linkedin, PACE, PACE Assessment Protection Act 2011, Property Assessed Clean Energy, ron mcdowell, Vote Solar | 1 Comment
According to PACENOW, today will begin a revival of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for residents living in one of 27 states that have adopted enabling PACE legislation. In the U.S. House of Representatives a bi-partisan effort to restore PACE will be introduced by the Chair of the Financial Services Committee, Nan Hayworth (R-NY), who is the sponsor and principle advocate for the PACE Assessment Protection Act 2011.
This bill is intended to correct the “regulatory overreach” guidance by Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) that has blocked implementation. Along with Fannie Mae & Freddie, the Fed put a complete halt on PACE programs across America which many consider an infringement upon legal and historical precedent that established the right of state and local governments to define policy goals and use assessment districts to finance measures that achieve them. This new legislation will prohibit these groups from discriminating against homeowners and communities participating in PACE programs, and if passed, the bill will allow the states to get back to business reducing energy use, saving homeowners money, and creating local jobs.
This is something I think we should all support, don’t you?
What is PACE?
PACE is a local government initiative that allows property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings. Property owners opt‐in to receive financing for improvements that is repaid through an assessment on their property taxes for up to 20 years. PACE financing spreads the cost of energy improvements such as weather sealing, insulation, energy efficient boilers and cooling systems, new windows, and solar installations, over the expected life of the measures and allows for the repayment obligation to transfer automatically to the next property owner if the property is sold.
PACE supporters claim that this program solves two key barriers to increased adoption of energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy:
PACE uses the same kind of land‐secured financing districts that American cities have used for over 100 years to pay for improvements in the public interest. Over 37,000 land-secured districts exist and are a safe and familiar tool of municipal finance for street paving, parks, open space, water and sewer systems, street lighting, and seismic strengthening, among others.
Because basic energy efficiency measures can cut energy costs by up to 35%, annual energy savings will typically exceed the cost of PACE assessments; the upfront cost barrier actually turns into improved cash flow for owners. And, like all property based assessments, PACE assessments stay with a property upon sale, until they are fully repaid by future owners who continue to benefit from the improvement measures.
All this sounds like a win-win solution to me, so why did these programs get stopped by the Fed?
According to Vote Solar and PACENOW, much of the FHFA’s legal arguments against PACE have been founded in the “erroneous assertion the programs administer loans rather than assessments”. A loan is the purview of the FHFA, but an assessment is a 100 year old constitutional right of local government. This Bill correctly defines PACE as an “assessment” rather than a “loan” once and for all. Nobody wants to see Fannie and Freddie at further risk as these mortgage giants are already over $150 billion in debt with taxpayer dollars on the line. This Bill establishes national PACE program standards to further reduce the chance that a participant would default: complete with participant underwriting criteria, consumer protections, qualifying improvements and qualifying contractors.
Take a look at PACENOW’s website for more information and other ways you can get involved if you are so inclined. http://pacenow.org/blog/
I embedded the webinar I attended last week presented by Vote Solar and PACENOW so you can watch it for yourself. >>>>>>>
I also sent letters to my local Congressional representatives and I ask that you do the same. Here’s a sample copy for your perusal.
Dear Representative:
As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor the “PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011″, that will be introduced soon by your colleagues Nan Hayworth, Daniel Lungren and Mike Thompson.
This legislation guarantees the right of our community to establish a clean energy financing program, known as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). PACE is a local government and community based solution that helps home and building owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Twenty seven states have passed legislation enabling these programs — but the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) has blocked implementation. This is a clear infringement on over a century of legal and historical precedent that established the right of state and local governments to define policy goals and use assessment districts to finance measures that achieve them. In fact, more than 37,000 districts are in use today to efficiently finance sewers, sidewalks, and other projects that serve similar, yet unchallenged public purposes.
The PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011 addresses potential FHFA concerns by establishing strict underwriting criteria and lender protections. It guarantees that PACE assessments will only be allowed for credit-worthy participants, and that improvements must be revenue positive–that is, the savings must be more than the costs, from day one.
In return, FHFA and other federal agencies simply have to back off, and let the 27 states that have passed enabling legislation for PACE programs get to work reducing energy use, saving homeowners money, and creating jobs. Of the 2,565 homes with PACE assessments currently in place around the country, there have been only 2 reported defaults. That’s much less than the national average default rate.
This Bill requires no federal spending, imposes no mandates, and PACE programs are voluntary – building owners who can benefit opt-in and there is no impact on non-participants’ taxes. The Bill does restore states rights, leverages private capital, and puts America to work saving homeowners money.
I respectfully ask you to co-sponsor the PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2011.
Posted by Mac on July 11, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar | Tagged With: Blaine Bartholomew, Energy Trust of Oregon, GreenStreet Lending, linkedin, ron mcdowell, Solar Oregon, solarize portland, Umpqua Bank | No Comments yet, please leave one
Have you ever heard that old idiom “put your money where your mouth is”?
It is commonly interpreted as to do something rather than to just talk about it, often heard in the context of supporting something one believes in, especially by giving money. Although I believe in this concept, I rarely stop to think or act upon it outside the occasional donation to a worthy cause. Today I am, however, and as a result I’m ending one of the longest relationships of my entire life.
Wells Fargo Bank provided me my first credit card, and later on when I was able to buy a home, they financed my first mortgage too. I’ve been a loyal customer of Wells Fargo for so long that thinking about going to another bank felt a bit like cheating on my spouse. I can’t say it’s been a warm and fulfilling relationship, but it has served a purpose for thirty years and now all that is about to change. You see, my eyes have wandered and I’ve found another, so I am embarking on a new and exciting [and presumably more fulfilling] relationship.
Today I closed my business with WFB and opened a new account at Umpqua Bank.
Calling themselves the world’s greatest bank, Umpqua Bank is a community bank focused on consumer and small business lending at 200 locations in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Although I’ve been aware of Umpqua for some time, there hasn’t been a convenient location until last February when they opened a branch office close to my neighborhood (Multnomah Village – SW Portland). http://www.umpquabank.com/
Over the past two years I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with employees of Umpqua Bank in the residential solar programs I’ve been involved with here in Portland metro area. Umpqua launched the GreenStreet Lending Program in order to invest in our local communities while finding meaningful ways to foster sustainability. GreenStreet Lending began as collaboration between the Energy Trust of Oregon and Umpqua Bank (2008) to encourage renewable energy and efficiency projects for home and small business owners to help cover associated upfront costs.
GreenStreet Lending combines two of Umpqua’s favorite things – local & sustainable – which are values I share and see as important to a healthy community. Given the recent experience we’ve all had with financial institutions this is a big difference and an example of a bank putting their money where their mouth is. At almost every solar event I’ve attended I’ve run into an Umpqua Bank representative, most notably Blaine Bartholomew, who is the store manager for their Pearl location. Blaine participated in Solarize Portland and Solar Beaverton workshops explaining how homeowners can finance renewable energy or energy efficiency projects for their own residence and business.
GreenStreet Lending Program
Umpqua Bank wants to be a catalyst for economic recovery and they decided that the path out of the recession starts locally, therefore they infused a billion dollars into the neighborhoods they serve with their Community Lending Campaign. They figure these loans can spark billions of dollars more in new local business and jobs that will have a lasting impact. I agree and I appreciate that a bank sees the potential to turn ideas and passion of local entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses into prosperity. Umpqua Bank is saying … hey, we’re all in this together, folks.
I received this email from Blaine a few weeks ago…
“Mac, I wanted to thank you again for your feedback at our last Solarize NW meeting. I appreciate you recognizing Umpqua’s efforts in the solar industry, and very much appreciate you wanting to bank with us because of this. I believe you will continue to see even more support from Umpqua as we continue to build our reputation in the industry. Thanks again and please contact me directly if there is ever anything you need (banking related or otherwise).”
So, when’s the last time your banking institution made a commitment like this or treated you in this manner? My guess is … probably never. Umpqua Bank walks the talk!
Today I met a charming member of the Umpqua community, Universal Associate Kalei Augustine, who guided me through the process of setting up my very first account. She took the time to sit down with me and explain the multitude of possibilities this new relationship offers for both personal and business. I felt welcomed and appreciated. This alone was a much different experience than any I’d received from Umpqua’s competitors, including WFB.
We’ve all been told that we shouldn’t get emotional about money, but why is that? I think it is good idea to take a moment to (re)evaluate our actions regarding where we put our money. It should match up with our priorities, the things we care about, and what we wish to achieve. If we’re not doing this then it is time to make a change.
Hey, call me emotional, but today I put my money where my mouth is and I’m a lot happier for it! Try it yourself and see what I mean.
Posted by Mac on July 8, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • About • Solar | Tagged With: claire carlson, Climate Change, Climate Solutions, EarthShare Oregon, Jan Wilson, linkedin, ron mcdowell, Solar Oregon | 1 Comment
I'm a Treehugger ... no sense in denying it!
There are many shades of Green and if you’ve read this blog you know my focus has been mainly on the energy side, e.g. replacing fossil fuels with renewable and sustainable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. It’s not that I don’t care about other environmental issues, I do, it’s just that there are only so many hours in day and so much money in our piggy bank. I thought if there was some way I could combine or leverage my full agenda with an organization or a program that will have a bigger impact on the environment and the causes I support – it might be worth my time.
Like most, I can’t write enough checks to support the multitude of good causes that exist in our country today; however, I did just donate to Climate Solutions during their recent GiveBig online fundraising campaign. Climate Solutions mission is “to accelerate practical and profitable solutions to global warming by galvanizing leadership, growing investment and bridging divides.” http://climatesolutions.org/ Despite that ambiguous statement, I believe in the work of this group and this is a worthy investment, but no matter their scope, this is still a single organization.
I wondered if an organization exists that acts as a fundraising umbrella for many of the Treehugger groups who provide environmental stewardship. That’s how I found out about EarthShare Oregon and it was right under my nose all the time.
EarthShare Oregon was looking to fill an open Board of Directors position with a member representative and it just so happens that Solar Oregon is a group member. So long story – short … I’m happy to announce that I am now one of 18 people who sit on the EarthShare Oregon Board of Directors!
In 1989 a group of 13 conservation organizations officially launched a small nonprofit called the Environmental Federation of Oregon. The idea was to offer Oregonians an easy way to care for the environment – by giving at their workplaces. In 2000, with 32 local conservation member groups, the Environmental Federation of Oregon decided to take another step forward in supporting the quality of life in Oregon by joining EarthShare and becoming Earth Share of Oregon. With this change, supporters now had the benefit of choosing to fund national and global conservation causes as well as local efforts.
Today, they’re simply called EarthShare Oregon (ESOR) and they’re still Oregon’s only nonprofit environmental federation for workplace fundraising.
EarthShare Oregon is … an independent 501(c)(3) organization working statewide with a 4 person staff, including Executive Director Jan Wilson, and an 18-member volunteer Board of Directors representing 70 environmental groups (including Solar Oregon) and local businesses that govern the organization.
EarthShare Oregon provides a convenient way for Oregonians to support conservation and healthy communities. Through workplace campaigns, conservation groups reach new audiences and supporters in nearly 100 public and private organizations in Oregon. ESOR has raised over $10.5 million and is actively engaging thousands of Oregonians in giving, volunteering, and sharing a responsibility for Oregon’s environmental legacy.
An EarthShare workplace giving campaign helps businesses: it allows them to attract and retain dedicated employees; it helps employees feel respected when their employer honors (or even enhances, through a corporate match) their giving choices, thus resulting in a workforce more dedicated to the employer; and it allows the business to credibly market its commitment to a culture of sustainability.
EarthShare Oregon does more than just facilitate workplace giving for the environment. They provide the connection between the business and the environmental member groups, by organizing volunteer events and “green team” trainings and lectures, as well as disseminating environmental livability tips through our website and other communications.
Solar Oregon has been involved with ESOR practically since inception, but it’s been almost ten years since one of our own sat on the ESOR Board of Directors. That changed when I was elected to the ESOR Board at the June annual meeting attended by myself and staffers Claire Carlson and Imogen Taylor. ESOR bylaws require that 50% plus one of the ESOR Board of Directors be comprised of member group representatives and I am proud to be seated at this table of committed individuals and organizations dedicated to protect the health and quality of life for Oregonians through environmental projects with three important objectives:
This is an important relationship for Solar Oregon – especially for our funding. Workplace Giving is a revenue stream for the member groups and we can work directly with the campaigns to drive more donations towards Solar Oregon as a “designated” donation. Our share is based upon a sophisticated point award system for activities such as: new business development, presentations & campaign support, marketing, and administrative support including meetings.
Solar Oregon, like all EarthShare member groups, has to undergo programmatic and financial scrutiny each year, in order to remain a member. Thus employees can give with confidence that their contributions are going to screened, effective, worthy groups whose work truly benefits the environment.
I’ve been assigned to the ESOR Marketing and Communication Committee, so Solar Oregon should be able to reap the maximum possible points which will amount to thousands of dollars in donations per year. If we participate in initiating campaigns with businesses we work with everyday in the renewable energy space, we can grow our allocation accordingly.
More campaigns = More donors
More donors = More $$$
More corporate match = More $$$ and donors
= More environmental benefit!
Look for an EarthShare Campaign in Your Community
EarthShare Oregon is one of a dozen EarthShare environmental affiliate organizations throughout the country dedicated to supporting environmental nonprofits through workplace giving campaigns. The National EarthShare office is located in Bethesda, MD. www.earthshare.org
Contact the EarthShare Oregon office at 503-223-9015 if you’d like more information about opening a campaign at your place of business.
Posted by Mac on July 4, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • naturehouse • Solar | Tagged With: Grape solar, linkedin, residential solar, ron mcdowell, westinghouse solar | 2 Comments
Whenever someone tells me that they’re “living off the grid”, there is usually a hint of attitude connected with their proclamation, a kind of I know something you don’t smugness. In spite of this, I do admit to a bit of envy. In my book, using renewable power sources [especially solar electric] and not being connected up to the utility grid, is a true symbol of self-reliance and sustainability.
The American Flag is reflected in our new the solar panels
Many off-gridders see this as a constitutional right, while they simultaneously give the middle finger to government and utility companies, which seems uniquely American to me. Since I live in a utility metered world, I figured I’ll never have an opportunity to experience this same feeling myself, but I was wrong.
The Do It Yourself (DIY) spirit in America is going strong, so today, on the day we celebrate our country’s independence, I will get a taste of what this freedom might feel like. Mind you, I’ve never been much of a DIYer myself. Oh, on occasion I’ll build something for the house or yard, but I’m not normally a tinkerer in the classic sense. I don’t look for kits of things to build, mostly because it takes up too much time and too many brain cells.
Isn’t IKEA enough, really?!
That being said, opportunities are ever increasing for us to use clean and renewable solar energy right in our own backyards; and I mean for something other than the ubiquitous solar yard, path and garden lights. Our backyard at naturehouse is about a half acre that includes a greenhouse, a teahouse, and a stone waterfall feature. All of these things require electricity in order to power a small pump, fan and lighting. Last year I considered installing a pole-mounted solar panel [or two] to use DC* power for these gadgets. I had asked a local solar contractor to quote the job, but the price tag was just too much. Then, last week, I stopped by Costco to pick up something for a BBQ and there I found my answer in a big box from Coleman – a company brand I’ve trusted my entire life for outdoor products.
I shouldn’t be surprised as I’ve known this next generation of DIY solar applications was coming and would be distributed via a more mainstream channel. Indeed, companies such as Grape Solar have been selling solar system kits at Costco, Home Depot and Lowe’s for a year in some parts of the country. [See GreenTech Media article “Semi-DIY Solar Systems at Costco or Amazon; Is this a trend or an emergency room visit waiting to happen?”] http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/semi-diy-solar-systems-at-costco-amazon/
Very soon we’ll be able to purchase any number of solar products, including a full-size home solar array kit, at a local big box store like Sears or WalMart. Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Westinghouse Solar, has been telling us this for more than three years now. Westinghouse Solar’s new products will include the world’s first fully integrated AC solar panel. The new 235 watt panels feature an integrated frame as well as other enhancements that increase reliability and ease of installation for solar rooftop installations. They are expected to begin shipping this summer.
Barry himself says, “Panel prices have declined to the point at which direct and indirect labor expenses are now the largest single component of system costs. With integrated racking, wiring and grounding, Westinghouse Solar Power Systems eliminate 80% of the field assembly components and save 50% of the labor compared to ordinary solar power systems, thereby providing greater margin opportunity to rooftop system installers.”
Huh, this thinking must be why solar system kits are all the rage for solar companies these days. Several of my solar contractor buddies tell me they don’t like this situation because it actually creates waste and costs them more in the end … but industry giants like First Solar, SunEdison, and SolarWorld are all selling solar system kits to anybody who wants them and many electricians, HVAC, roofers, developers, and construction companies are eating ‘em up. It is apparent that soon we’ll be able to pick up a relatively inexpensive, modular, plug-n-play solar system for our home, church or office on a weekend shopping trip.
Ultimately, residential solar will be a treated more as a commodity, like a major appliance, with costs on par with a residential heating system.
In the meantime, I’ve done a little homework and found that most smaller or portable solar products on the market are mostly the cheaply-made, plastic, snap-in variety. There just hasn’t been much available except for briefcase configuration solar products made for RVs, boats, camping/picnics, mostly trickle charge models costing hundreds of dollars for little power. What we require at naturehouse is a generator-size electrical power system that is under $300 (US) and that is what I found.
Called a “Backup Power” solar generator, this Coleman product is promoted as “a solar kit providing solar power anywhere, anytime, as long as the sun shines” – 55 watts an hour power (max) all for $199. Although this system didn’t come with a storage battery, I just couldn’t pass it up. [I’d seen this same kit advertised for close to $400 on a number of websites.] This was something I could use/test immediately without wasting my time or risking big money.
Coleman 55 Watt Solar 12V Power Generator Kit
This Coleman solar kit is actually a product of Sunforce Products Inc. a leading manufacturer and master distributor of renewable energy products headquartered in Montreal West, QC, Canada. I can’t help but believe that Sunforce is a Chinese company doing business with a North American HQ and offices throughout Europe and Asia, but that’s okay with me. I’ve noticed almost everything Coleman makes is from China. Whatz new?! If you want to check out the product description yourself on the Sunforce website visit http://www.sunforceproducts.com/product_details.php?PRODUCT_ID=179
So, what did I get for my money?
The Numbers: Item#: 58050 UPC#: 787769580508
This 55 Watt Solar 12V Power Generator Kit contains three 18w panels generating 55watts of electrical power per hour.
Benefits:
Includes: 
You’ll notice that there aren’t any solar cells evident in these panels. That’s because these are made using an amorphous solar cell which is so named because of their composition at the microscopic scale. Amorphous means “without shape”. When the term is applied to solar cells it means that the silicon material that makes up the cell is not highly structured or crystallized. Amorphous solar cells are usually created by applying doped silicon material to the back of a plate of glass. When produced as a solar panel it will appear to have several thin parallel lines running across its surface. These thin lines are actually breaks in the N and P layers of the silicon substrate and they create the boundaries of individual cells in the panel. The down side is that this type of solar cell is about half as efficient as is one created using crystalline silicon.
Not to worry, we only need these panels in late Spring thru mid-Fall and they should provide enough power to meet our backyard needs and then some. Using the Sunforce 200 Inverter (included) we’ll be able to plug in alternating current (AC) items like a radio, microphone, and even yard tools like hedge clippers. Once we figure out the full utility, I think we’ll ask how ourselves how we ever lived without it! Not only that, but we’ll add this backup power generator to our NET emergency/survival toolbox. If I can get this solar kit built quickly enough, I can use it to power a beer cooler this afternoon for our holiday BBQ.
I’ll be sure to report back on this backyard stand-alone power solution after I’ve had some time to use & test. Just in time for the first real stretch of hot sunny weather in the Willamette Valley in a year.
Ahhhh, life is good.
