Sep 11

30

Secret Sauce

Posted by Mac on September 30, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Solar • Solmac Solar | Tagged With: Cameron Coleman, claire carlson, InSpec Group, Junki Yoshida, linkedin, megumi marsh, OMSI Science Camp, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, ron mcdowell, SANYO HIT Power, SANYO North America Corporation, Sanyo Solar, Solar Oregon, tomoko renner | No Comments yet, please leave one

Field trips are a common occurrence for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s staff, but they’re usually acting as the host, not the guest. Last month, nineteen 6-8th graders and staff from OSMI’s summer science camp visited Yoshida Foods International for an “Eco Class” and a tour of the Portland sauce factory. These 10-12 year olds also had the opportunity to see first-hand how a business uses solar technology to provide for their energy needs, and I was there with Solar Oregon to participate and share in the experience.

The Yoshida Group is a conglomerate comprised of diverse companies, but is it best known for the teriyaki-style gourmet marinade created in Junki and Linda Yoshida’s kitchen more than 20 years ago.

: Junki Yoshida

Yoshida Chairman, Junki Yoshida, personally greeted the class and invited them to tour the factory to see how his sauces are made. As he handed out his sauce samples, he jokingly cautioned them not to disclose any industry secrets they may discover on their visit. Watching Junki meeting the youngsters at his factory reminded me of a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you know, when Willy Wonka first met the children who’d found the golden ticket and offered them a tour of his factory.*

Cameron Coleman, InSpec Group, greets the students on the roof

The group was escorted to the factory roof so students could see the solar array that covers most of the 70,000 sf roof. Cameron Coleman of InSpec Group, a local engineering and construction (EPC) firm, explained to the class how solar panels generate clean energy and feed electricity back to the grid. I was impressed with Cam’s solar knowledge, but was more impressed by his teaching skills.

He held the attention of pre-teens … on a blazing hot roof … with snowcapped mountains in the background … and airplanes flying past! He certainly earned my respect.

Sanyo partnered with InSpec Group to install these 798 SANYO HIT Power solar panels to generate electrical power for the Yoshida Foods factory.

: It was hot and sunny on that roof!

Seeing hundreds of those Sanyo solar modules answered a question for me. In 2009, when we were installing our residential solar electric system at naturehouse, we couldn’t find a single 210w Sanyo HIT panel anywhere, so we grudgingly stepped down to the Sanyo 205w. Now I see where they all went!

HIT® stands for Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer. [It’s a mouthful, I realize, so just say H-I-T.] These solar cells employ a proprietary technology developed by Sanyo whereby hybrid solar cells composed of single (mono) crystalline silicon wafers are surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. The unique structure minimizes defects and produces highly efficient cells capable of achieving up to 17.8% module efficiency.

Megumi Marsh, Megumi Marsh administers Sanyo’s solar educational program called “Power Our Planet with Sunlight”

Following the rooftop excursion, the students headed to a classroom for an Eco Class hosted by Sanyo’s Megumi Marsh who told the group about the “3Rs – Reuse, Recycle and Reduce.” Megumi held their attention because she tapped into the curious nature of a kid who is in an OMSI summer science camp. She asked great questions, and prodded, until the bolder ones offered up an answer. Megumi was assisted by colleague, Tim Kary, from Sanyo Solar of Salem Oregon, who presented Sanyo’s solar manufacturing process to the group. He brought along wafers, solar cells and a polysilicon ingot that the class really appreciated.

“Touching the actual crystal wafer and feeling how thin it is … was amazing” - OMSI class participant

Megumi Marsh administers Sanyo’s solar educational program called “Power Our Planet with Sunlight” which teaches students about the benefits of solar power. This Sanyo program began in Nevada last year and is now expanding and collaborating with non-profit environmental organizations such as Solar Oregon.

Claire Carlson & Tomoko Renner

That’s one reason Claire Carlson (Solar Oregon Executive Director), Tomoko Renner, (Solar Oregon Volunteer), and myself, were invited along on this field trip.

Thanks to Tomoko for coordinating!

Artwork courtesy of InSpec Group and Wayne Chin

System Specifications Solar Modules: Sanyo HIT 210A

Inverter: (2) PV Powered 75kW
Racking: Sunmoto
Roof Space: 70,000sf
System Capacity: 166.3kW
System Production: 172,000kWh (Annual)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

* Willy Wonka is a major character in the classic Roald Dahl children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He is the founder of the Wonka Candy Company and proves an unparalleled genius in confectionery development, inventing seemingly impossible products that capture the world’s imagination. From his factory, his products are shipped and sold worldwide.

I dunno, sounds like Junki Yoshida to me … without the Oompa Loompa slavery, of course.

Now, where did I put that golden ticket?

Note: I wrote about Junki Yoshida once before, see my post Honoring a self-made man http://solarflareblog.com/?p=1135

*****

About Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) – OMSI is a scientific, educational, and cultural resource center dedicated to improving the public’s understanding of science and technology. OMSI seeks to inspire wonder by providing engaging science learning experiences through exhibits, programs, and experiences that are presented in an entertaining and participatory fashion. OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue their educational mission, programs, and exhibits. http://www.omsi.edu/home

About InSpec Group – InSpec Group is an innovative multi-disciplinary engineering and construction group providing facility and energy solutions to customers across the nation. In addition to its PV solar integration business, InSpec Group has project expertise throughout the entire supply chain of Energy Solutions industries. For more information, visit http://inspecgroup.com.

About Sanyo – Sanyo North America Corporation, a subsidiary of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. is a global leading company providing solutions for energy, environment and lifestyle applications. The Energy System Solutions Division is headquartered in San Jose, California, and handles sales and services for photovoltaic and Smart Energy Systems. For further information, visit Sanyo’s web site at http://us.SANYO.com.

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Sep 11

28

Are you solar-curious? Take the tour!

Posted by Mac on September 28, 2011
Posted in Solar | Tagged With: American Solar Energy Society, ASES National Solar Tour, ron mcdowell, Solar Ambassador, Solar Oregon | No Comments yet, please leave one

So … let’s say you’re a homeowner interested in solar power and you’ve been reading my blog and doing the research, maybe even getting some quotes, and all that is good. This is a big ticket item (even with the incentives) and it shouldn’t be a rash purchase. The more information you collect, the better, as it will only help you make the best decision possible for your circumstances.

A bit of advice, if I may, before you decide if solar is right for your home … go visit a solarized residence and see this technology in action for yourself. Yeah, a real home, not some manufacturer’s presentation or a model home, I mean a place where people live and use this energy every single day. Ask them what their experience has been and what the value proposition looks like years down the road.

What … not so easy, you say? There isn’t a Solar Ambassador in your area? There isn’t a residential solarize program in your community? Well, then how can this be accomplished, you ask? One can’t just hop over the fence at some stranger’s house with solar panels, or knock on that door and introduce yourself as “curious” – not recommended. (Although I have to admit, I’ve done that.)

Well, lucky for us the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has already provided an answer and they offer it up to anyone for free once a year, every year. For most of the nation, this opportunity presents itself this weekend – Saturday, October 1^st.

The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event in the world. It offers us the opportunity to tour innovative green homes and buildings to see how we can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change. It is estimated that more than 160,000 people will visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S.

Now in its 16th year, this event is coordinated nationally by ASES in collaboration with dozens of outstanding partner organizations, including Solar Oregon. In addition to highlighting solar options available, an increasing focus of the tour is on energy-saving techniques and sustainability through green building design, energy efficient appliances, and use of green materials during remodeling. Tours also provide helpful, real-world examples of costs and how to save money with federal, state, and local incentives.

I’ve heard from others that this tour inspired them to become part of the renewable energy movement.

For most of the U.S. this tour is scheduled for these next two Saturdays, Oct 1 & 8, however Portland (9/24) and Eugene (9/18) Oregon held theirs earlier and I understand there was a great turnout in both cities. There are more Oregon tours scheduled in Hood River, Ashland, Bend, Eagle Point, John Day, Roseburg and Salem. No matter where you live, you can check out the city closest to you that is participating at National Solar Tour. From Alaska to Florida and among 40 states in between, this annual cascade of open house solar tours leaves little doubt that with 100,000 workers, the spirit, economic viability and job-creating prowess of the solar industry is alive and well in America.

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Sep 11

23

Mom always wanted me to be a teacher

Posted by Mac on September 23, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • About • Rants, Raves & Musings | Tagged With: James McKittrick, Jr., linkedin, Pamplin School of Business, ron mcdowell, University of Portland School of Business Administration | 2 Comments

Leadership is a hallmark of the University of Portland *

My mom always wanted me to be a teacher.

I felt like one today. It took decades and thousands of miles of experience, but here I was, a visiting instructor at a major university teaching college business students about sustainability. Teaching is to impart knowledge or skill to someone by instruction or by example and this is exactly what I did for six classes at the University of Portland today. http://www.up.edu/

This experience was different for me. It wasn’t a workshop or a lecture. I wasn’t facilitating, presiding, moderating, or giving a speech – I was teaching. I was invited to impart my particular wisdom upon undergraduate business students taking the Introduction to Leadership Skills course (BUS 100) at the Pamplin School of Business. The subject was ‘sustainable practices in business’ and I touched upon corporate social responsibility, triple bottom line, product life cycle/end of life and other externalities germane to the topic.

In short, I taught the next generation of business leaders how to integrate sustainability into business concepts and practices. Mom would be proud.

With a nod to my mentors from the University of Oregon’s Sustainability Leadership Program, I took the challenge presented to me by Jim McKittrick, Assistant Professor at University of Portland’s Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. School of Business Administration. Jim and his cohorts, Pete Rooks and Ray Becich, invited me, prepared me, and guided me through a rather tiring day of six classes full of teenage learners – certainly not the easiest group of people to teach - especially early in the morning.

THANKS again to James McKittrick, Jr. for this special opportunity to talk to the next generation of business leaders. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The Pamplin School of Business

The Pamplin School of Business Administration offers undergraduate degrees in accounting, economics, finance, entrepreneurship and innovation management, marketing and sustainability, global business and operations and technology management.

Graduate students may pursue an MBA, an executive MBA in nonprofit management, a combined BBA/MBA for accountants, a master of science in finance, a technology entrepreneurship certificate and a post MBA certificate.

*quote from their website http://business.up.edu/

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Sep 11

19

Japan’s Three Mile Island moment

Posted by Mac on September 19, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar | Tagged With: Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan renewable energy, Japan Solar, linkedin, ron mcdowell | No Comments yet, please leave one

A Lack of Faith

As Japan is getting back on its feet after the March 11th disaster, the faster than expected recovery of production levels and the reduction in overall electrical demand hasn’t given the population much confidence, and Japan’s recovery is under harsh scrutiny by its own citizens. Reports are pouring out of Japan about the people’s lack in faith in public officials and concerns about radiation. At public meetings, usually sedate and respectful residents are lashing out at their government and at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) officials. Against Japanese cultural dictates, people are showing their disdain by stating that “The Japanese government is no good” and “I worry that the Japanese government is still not telling the truth.” *

: Image courtesy of Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images

Last month, 2,000 farmers and fishermen from the Fukushima district marched in Tokyo protesting and asking for compensation for their losses. This week, Kyodo News reported that 60,000 Japanese citizens came together in downtown Tokyo (Meiji Park) to protest nuclear power generation and calling for a shutdown of all nuclear power plants. *

A recent Associated Press-GfK poll found that 55 percent of Japanese want to reduce the number of reactors in the country. Six out of 10 respondents to the poll said they had little or no confidence in the safety of Japan’s nuclear plants. Only 5 percent were very confident. Roughly a third said they want to keep the number of nuclear plants about the same, while 3 percent want to eliminate them completely.

That being said, in a society that frowns upon defiance of authority and government, many Japanese are still reluctant to join a protest movement that is often discredited as eccentric, even after the Fukushima disaster. This may allow Japan’s leaders to continue their support of a nuclear power industry that fueled the country’s prosperity for decades. Politicians and citizens alike are saying, “Japan is a resource-poor nation and we need electricity.”

Still … March 11th may prove to be Japan’s Three Mile Island moment.

In America, no new nuclear plants have been approved since the 1979 disaster, and Japan has canceled two new plants already and shelved plans to increase its future reliance on nuclear power from 30 to 50 percent. With a huge percentage of Japanese saying they want to phase out nuclear energy, legislators have passed a bill to subsidize wind and solar power. The measure requires power companies to buy solar and wind energy at inflated prices.

The idea is to make it worthwhile for companies to invest in expensive technology and speed up Japan’s shift toward renewable energy.

Renewables may have a future in Japan afterall

The country’s plan now is to reduce its reliance on nuclear power to zero by 2050. If that happens, it would be a stunning turnaround in a place where nuclear power accounts for 30% percent of Japan’s energy, while solar and wind power make up just 1%.

In the meantime, it seems that Japan’s government is sticking with nuclear power, unlike Germany which accelerated plans to phase out nuclear energy after Fukushima.

Change takes time in Japan regardless of the circumstances.

* See http://www.npr.org/2011/09/06/140219721/after-nuclear-mishap-japan-debates-energy-future

and an anti-nuclear protest in Japan – “Sayonara, nukes, but not yet” http://www.economist.com/node/21530147

To be continued …

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Sep 11

16

Japanese Solar Pioneers

Posted by Mac on September 16, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Solar | Tagged With: Early Adopters, Japan renewable energy, Japan Solar, linkedin, noriko maeda, ron mcdowell, solar hot water, solar pioneers | 1 Comment

Noriko eating dinner with her parents - Yoshi and Yasuko Maeda

My wife, Noriko, is a Japanese citizen and a native of the Kansai Region, which lies in the southern-central region of Honshu Island. On September 11^th, we flew to visit her family and friends and to check out the situation in Japan six months after the March disaster.

Although I’ve been to Noriko’s parent’s home in Takarazuka (Hyogo Prefecture) numerous times, it had never once occurred to me to ask about the source of their hot water. Sure, sometimes when taking a shower I noticed the water oscillated between hot & cold – causing me a jolt – but I figured it was because of water pressure changes or Mama-san turning on the washing machine at an inopportune time. I had no idea the source of their hot water until I asked about it on this visit and was surprised by the answer.

Mama-san told me they’ve had a solar hot water system on their roof for the past 17 years! Huh?! [Hearing this I looked at my wife and she too looked surprised, not because she didn’t know the answer, but because she realized she’d never mentioned this to me before.] Gomennasai!

The Maeda home has had a solar system for 17 years now!

Panel on the roof while the rest of the system is tucked away behind the house

I realized at that moment that Noriko’s parents, Yoshi and Yasuko Maeda, are Japanese solar pioneers. Who knew?! I asked them to tell me their story because it is rare in these parts to find residential housing with solar systems on the rooftop.

One day, seventeen years ago, a salesman came to their door selling SHW systems. He told them that for the cost of installation they’d get full pay-back in ten years time. He also told them that they’d receive a $1000 (USD) rebate for any neighbor referral that resulted in a purchase. Mama-san saw $$ signs and jumped at the opportunity, unfortunately she had over-estimated her selling skills and wasn’t able to convince her neighbors to follow her lead.

In the end, nobody they knew put a solar thermal panel on their residence. [Although I did see some solar PV in their residential neighborhood - mostly Mitsubishi panels.]

Papa-san, always the cynic, doubted the salesman’s claim from the beginning, but he looked at his monthly water heating bill and saw the pay-back as a 50/50 proposition and a hedge against inflated energy costs. Years later, he did the math and sees that purchase as “a good thing” especially as energy prices have increased.

Master switch moves SHW source between solar and natural gas

In the aftermath of the March 11^th earthquake, with Japan looking to cut nuclear energy production by a big percentage, and with alternative sources still needing to be developed, Papa-san thinks energy costs will only increase in the future. Who can argue with that logic?!

Japanese bathroom uses solar hot water system most of the year

I asked Noriko’s parents what motivated them to make this purchase at a time when nobody in Japan knew anything about residential solar power. Mama-san did mention something about a concern for environmental impact and carbon reduction, but they assured me this decison wasn’t based on environmental concerns, it was simple economics and it made sense at the time. They have a south-facing roofline and a great solar resource much of the year. Keep in mind that these are the same people that recently updated their heating systems and installed floor radiant heating in the most-used part of their home. They are energy efficient!

: Kitchen is the center of the Maeda household – where all the action is – Noriko, daughter-in-law Mie-san, and grandson Narihiro, with Mama-san and Papa-san

I’m told the average monthly electricity bill of a common household is about 8,000 yen (approx $105 USD by today’s exchange rate.) I didn’t see their electric bill, but Papa-san told me their natural gas cost in the winter is approx $130 (USD) per month on average. This covers the cost for the majority of hot water heating and for floor and wall heaters. [He said they do get some SHW from their solar panel even during the winter.] For six months their monthly bill is reduced by 80%, this is because of the solar, he explained.

We did notice more solar electric (PV) systems on Takarazuka rooftops

Looking throughout their neighborhood, along the silver-gray rooflines that are uniquely Japanese, I didn’t see another solar thermal panel in that affluent neighborhood. We did see a couple during our travels to Kobe, but nothing like what I witnessed in China or even in Southern California.

When asked if they’d make that same decision today, Papa-san laughed and said, “No, not at our age … we’d never get the payback on our investment in our lifetime.” [Papa is 77 years old!] Mama-san told me later, when nobody else was around, that she wouldmake the same decision again because of her experience and because she feels it is the right thing to do.

: We experienced 2 typhoons while in Japan this time

Hey, I gotta stop writing and get this posted as Mama-san just told me that a major typhoon is coming our way. Later on!

To be continued …

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Sep 11

13

Japan – A thing to behold

Posted by Mac on September 13, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar | Tagged With: Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan renewable energy, Japan Solar, linkedin, ron mcdowell | No Comments yet, please leave one

Tokyo Japan 2011

It has been six months since I was last in Japan. I left on March 7^th just four days before the worst disaster in Japan’s modern history and this is the first time I’ve been back. I was curious about what has happened to society and Japan’s energy policy as a result of this event. The damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has become the world’s worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl in the Ukraine (1986) and people are scared of the vast amounts of radioactive material that escaped from the Fukushima plant. Things are different now.

Fear and (mis)information about radiation and its effects has spread not only throughout the nation, but overseas as well. Avoiding Japanese products is seen not only with fish, meat, vegetables and other foods, but with industrial goods also. Tourism is at an all time low and I witnessed this for myself when I was in Kyoto. Taxi drivers and service workers told us that business is terrible and this situation has added to the negative impact this event has had on Japan’s economy. Commuter trains are often dark inside, hotter and more packed than usual because of reduced schedules. Neon lights have disappeared from urban landscapes and messages flash on electronic billboards ominously warning about electricity use versus supply.

Kyoto Japan 2011

Not all news is bad however, in the six months following the March 11^th disaster, less affected areas of the country are to back to normal; industrial plants are back in operation, and transportation and utilities have been restored. Because many of Japan’s (54) nuclear reactors have been shut down and the country depends on nukes for about 30% of its electricity, demand needed to be reduced, and the country’s energy conservation campaign has succeeded in keeping demand below the newly reduced power supply.

As Japanese people often do in a crisis they sacrificed and worked together to dim lights, shift working schedules, reduce air conditioning, unplug toilet seats and change their work attire. [I’m told Japanese even reduced the usage of their electric-powered gadgets, although I never saw any evidence of this!]

These initiatives had good effect because peak electrical usage has been cut by about 20% and Tokyo survived the summer without a single blackout! Impressive … to say the least.

Revolving-door political leadership adds to uncertainty

According to news reports, the public support for Prime Minister Naoto Kan was at 18% before he resigned and turned over the government to Yoshihiko Noda who is the fifth Japanese prime minister in six years. In responding to the nuclear plant incident, Kan pledged to reduce Japan’s reliance on nuclear power and develop solar, wind and other sources. Kan made clear his position on three points: reevaluate the conventional safety standards (on existing nuclear power plants); evaluate (plans for building new plants) from scratch; and pursue safety in nuclear power while working proactively toward clean energy.

: A country full of tradition

However, just prior to his resignation Kan played that down as his personal view and has since been replaced by Yoshihiko Noda, who is expected to be more willing to go along with industry-friendly bureaucrats. In fact, just last week Mr. Noda told the Wall Street Journal that that was impossible for Japan to get by without nuclear power and there will be no quick phase-out. See … http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/09/22/Noda-hopes-to-restart-reactors-by-summer/UPI-32221316697389/

Although Japanese communities are worried about restarting the offline nuke plants, Yoshio Hachiro, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry said he wants to resume reactor operations. Power shortages, coupled with an unusually sweltering weather, have helped business and its backers in government win the argument that Japan can’t afford to shut down its reactors.

The powerful nuclear energy industry is betting the public will forget its fear and return to ‘economic realism.’ Energy analysts predict all of Japan’s reactors will eventually return to service, with the exception of Fukushima and possibly Hamaoka, a plant in central Japan that was shut down after the Fukushima crisis because a probability of a major quake in that area.

No-Tie Zone

It was unusually hot and humid for September and I was sweating more than an impact investor who had put millions into Solyndra!

It took a major natural disaster to do it, but I saw it with my own eyes. For generations, the Japanese salaryman’s uniform du jour has been the suit and tie. Businessmen of my age wouldn’t be caught dead without a tie, no matter the time of year or social situation, but all that has changed. At lunchtime, when the doors opened and people streamed out of the hot, stuffy, hermetically-sealed office buildings to gasp some fresh air, I saw tides of white, short-sleeved shirts. It was a thing to behold.

The salaryman’s sacrifice has been duly noted and it has changed a custom that was ingrained in their culture. Heck, it may even spur a new fashion item for the Japanese working man – colored shirts. In chaos there is opportunity, right?!

To be continued …

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Sep 11

5

Leadership in Sustainable Business

Posted by Mac on September 5, 2011
Posted in Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar | Tagged With: Energy Trust of Oregon, John Patterson, linkedin, mr sun solar, ron mcdowell, Solar Oregon, solarize portland, Sustainability Leadership, Sustainable Business Oregon | No Comments yet, please leave one

Today I submitted a nomination for an annual leadership award sponsored by Sustainable Business Oregon. http://www.sustainablebusinessoregon.com/awards.html

Every year, Sustainable Business Oregon recognizes an individual for their leadership in creating a thriving sustainable business environment in Oregon. They asked our help in finding the leader most worthy of recognition by submitting a nomination for the annual Leadership in Sustainable Business award. Yeah, they honor one individual that has been instrumental in leading the Oregon sustainable economy.

John Patterson speaks at the Oregon State Capital

It should come as no surprise that I nominated Mister Sun himself – John H. Patterson.

The online submission form had two small boxes for answers to two questions. The box read “1000” so I assumed it meant I had 1000 words to make my case and I prepared what is posted below. However, to my chagrin, the box only held 1000 letters! So I had to greatly reduce my input, which is a shame and doesn’t serve Mr. Sun justice.

Who knows, maybe I can convince the award committee to read my full submission, but in the meantime I posted it here for you solarflareblog.com readers. If I made my case, and you support this nomination, I implore you to submit one for John Patterson yourself. [Or for whomever you think is a person that has played a crucial role in moving Oregon towards a sustainable future.] Better hurry ‘cuz they close the nomination on September 11^th.

****************************************************************************************

Mr. Sun Solar has been in the solar business for three decades

Q: How has this person contributed to Oregon sustainability economy?

John Patterson has been an innovator, influencer and a leader for renewable energy in Oregon for 31 years. Patterson is President of Mr. Sun Solar and for many he’s known simply as “Mister Sun”. For the past three decades, Mr. Sun has shown leadership for renewables and sustainability in the Pacific Northwest. His company has sold, installed, and serviced thousands of solar energy systems of every type and his solar experience is unparalleled in the industry. http://www.mrsunsolar.com/

John Patterson has shown leadership with a focus on sustainable practices since the beginning (1980) including some of these “firsts”:

Mr. Sun became the first net-zero business west of the Cascades.
Mr. Sun was the very first photovoltaic system in the Energy Trust program.
Mr. Sun Solar was selected 3 times for the innovative residential Solarize programs.
Patterson invented and manufactures Sol Reliant™ the most advanced technology in solar hot water heating in the industry.

Patterson is regarded as one of the foremost experts in the world on solar water heating (SHW). He’s presented and lectured in America and now he’s chairing a panel at the invitation of the Chinese for the First Low Carbon Earth Summit, which will be held in October 2011 at World Exposition Center, in Dalian China. This is evidence that his influence is expanding.

Mister Sun, John Patterson, in Shanghai, China

Mr. Sun Solar was selected as the solar contractor for Solarize Northwest and Solarize Southwest Portland programs. These were innovative, volunteer-driven, community efforts to bring affordable solar electricity and weatherization to Portland homes. Part of the reason both selection committees chose Mr. Sun Solar was because of the company’s commitment to sustainability and local economy.

The Solarize Southwest campaign was one the largest neighborhood solar projects in the nation, resulting in revenue generation of $2.8M and 480kW installed PV on 168 Portland rooftops. Much of this revenue stayed in the local community for product and labor because Mr. Sun used local solar manufacturing for modules (SolarWorld-Hillsboro), Inverters (PV Powered – Bend) and electrical components (Platt Electric); plus he hired and trained a number of local employees to support this business growth.

Mr. Sun Solar started as a one-man operation and has now grown to a team of over 25 employees and subcontractors. Patterson uses sustainable business practices and drives a Prius, in fact, most of the company’s full-time employees drive hybrid or biodiesel vehicles, and three of the company’s vans use bio-diesel. Mr. Sun recently celebrated their 31 year anniversary and held an event to commission their new (additional) 10 kW photovoltaic system and give rides for the kids in their electric vehicle (truck) which is 100% powered by the sun!

As one Energy Trust administrator said, “Mr. Sun Solar walks the talk.”

John Patterson’s leadership has left a big imprint on Oregon’s solar policies and on the residential solar market. He served as Chairman and President (3 times!) of the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association and remains actively involved in energy policy legislation in Oregon. He lobbies local policy-makers and legislators in Salem to invest in Oregon’s future by keeping solar tax credits so that individuals and businesses will continue to invest in our employees, our economy, and our environment. He helped to create solar supportive legislation by testifying at state budget committee hearings and the Oregon PUC, is often invited to advocate for solar energy, and is a featured speaker at many public events and rallies.

Q: In what ways does this person help business thrive while embracing sustainability?

John Patterson leads by example. He educates and teaches at every opportunity. He promotes, evangelizes and testifies. He supports public-private partnerships. He is a thought-leader.

Patterson firmly believes that education is key to promoting renewable energy. He shares his own three decade solar story with others and has a direct influence on the local “green” economy. I personally know of three existing solar businesses that were started by ex-Mr. Sun employees, and when a group of solar professionals gather in Portland, it often has the air of Mr. Sun Solar employee re-union.

John has trained thousands over the years

Patterson strives to further solar energy causes and awareness through educational outreach and workshops offered through Portland Community College. He teaches others how to thrive using sustainable practices and is the instructor for the PCC Green Living workshop series entitled, “Solar Thermal & Electric Systems Installer Training Series” This series of workshops provides an overview of existing solar systems and how to build, install, and service them from the individual components to completed projects. Students learn system sizing, orientation, configuration, load analysis, installation and service from basics to the completed project. Indeed, John Patterson has trained more Oregon Limited Renewable Technician (LRT) apprentices than any other contractor in the Portland metro area.

SOLAR OREGON

When Solar Oregon hosted our 4th annual Goal Net Zero Tour in May, Mr. Sun became the tour’s major supporter / sponsor. The tour is an innovative way to educate area homeowners, designers, builders, and real estate professionals that allow a firsthand look at remarkable homes on the path to carbon neutrality. Patterson also has experience working with local architects who design solar into new construction, most notably the Dolph Creek townhomes in Portland in which Sol Reliant water heating systems were part of the blueprints.

Patterson has written and published a number of articles on solar energy topics and recently published a book about the dangers of global warming called, “FOOTPRINT: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Extinction”. His book is about climate change and the need to shift to a renewable energy economy very quickly. It places the responsibility on individuals and shows them exactly what steps to take in order to reduce their carbon footprint and how to influence others in their community to do the same. It is one of the best books written on climate change and has been endorsed by Dr. James Hansen – our nation’s leading climatologist. [See my book review http://solarflareblog.com/?p=828]

About writing the book, Patterson said, “Over the years, my focus has shifted from saving money to saving the planet. As I was researching for the book, I realized that global warming is a clear and present danger to human life. Fossil fuels and rampant consumerism are two things we must give up if we hope to derail the runaway train of global warming and climate change.”

: John stands beside our solar system – His company installed it

On Oregon’s sustainable and economic future, Patterson says, “I see Oregon leading the nation and even the world, into its new clean energy future. Our legislation that promotes non-polluting energy will vault us into the forefront of a growing market, and help steer us away from using fossil fuels. Renewable energy is no longer just an option for the individual; it’s a necessity for the greater society. I feel blessed to be a part of the clean energy revolution, and that solar energy has been the place for me to shine.”

Not only does he do what he sees as necessary to create a sustainable world, both environmentally and economically, John Patterson teaches and influences others to do same.

That’s why I nominated the guy.

John Patterson (L) circa early 1970s

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Sep 11

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SOLARIZE USA: The Paradigm Shift – Part 3

Posted by Mac on September 1, 2011
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Solar • Solmac Solar | Tagged With: 1BOG, Community Environmental Council, Dave Llorens, Energy Trust of Oregon, group energy, Imagine Energy, Jessie Denver, kacia brockman, lee rahr, linkedin, Lizzie Rubado, Megan Birney, mr sun solar, Neighborhood Solar, NW SEED, residential solar, ron mcdowell, Solar Beaverton, Solar Oregon, solarize corbett, solarize eugene, Solarize Guidebook, Solarize North-Northwest Portland, solarize pendelton, solarize portland, solarize salem, Solarize Santa Barbara, solarize seattle, solarize southwest portland, Solarize USA, Tim O'Neal | No Comments yet, please leave one

Solar power and Santa Barbara are a good fit!

Santa Barbara Goes Solar!

The headline read … “The Community Environmental Council counts Solarize Santa Barbara a Success! ”

I’ve been writing about solarizing neighborhoods for awhile now, but with a Pacific Northwest slant because that’s where I live and work. I moved to Portland Oregon twenty years ago after living in Santa Barbara California for nearly half my life. [This is when most people just shake their head at me.] I’ve never looked back, but I still have love for my old hometown. Therefore, I’m quite proud that SB has taken a page out of Portland’s sustainability book and completed their first residential solarize campaign, quite successfully too, I might add.

The Community Environment Council (CEC) of Santa Barbara sponsored this program and it was expertly managed by Megan Birney, who is the renewable energy specialist for the organization.

She told me, “As I’m sure you can tell, we have borrowed quite a bit from the Solarize Portland and Solarize Salem projects. The people in Portland and Salem that we have spoken with have been extremely helpful in getting this program up and running. I honestly don’t know if we could have done it without them.”

Here’s the synopsis …

Solarize Santa Barbara

http://www.cecsb.org/solarize-santa-barbara

Campaign Started: May 2011

Sponsored by: Community Environmental Council (Non-profit)

Coordinator: Megan Birney

Chosen Contractor: REC Solar & Sun Pacific Solar Electric

Participation: 187 sign-ups 75 workshop attendees

Contracts signed: 49

Total or projected installed: 205 kW

(Note: 4 contracts are on hold, if they move forward the total will be 220 kW)

[Note: For your reference, I’ve posted below the results of a number of residential solarize program/projects, many I am personally involved or familiar with so I validated the numbers. Judge for yourself whether or not these programs do as advertised or are worth the effort.]

Imagine Energy was the first solar contractor to engage

Has Solarizing Gone Viral?

The first Portland campaign, Solarize Southeast Portland (2009), was sparked by a homeowner who wanted to install solar power and partnered with Tim O’Neal (SE Uplift) and Lizzie Rubado (Energy Trust of Oregon) to create a neighborhood group purchase program. They borrowed from 1BOG, put a Portland spin on it, and the program received lots of media attention (Solarize SE in USA Today) as it was seen as innovative and a potential market game-changer. Over this past year, many individuals who participated in a Solarize Portland program have traveled to national conferences to present and explain this successful model to others.

Solarizing supports city sustainability goals and helps meet RPS

The Northwest cities that adopted this same model, like Beaverton, Salem, and Seattle all got press and accolades for their own successes too, but my favorite coverage was for Solarize Pendleton which had their story told in an Associated Press article that was picked up and broadly published in the New York Times, CBS News, Huffington Post, and scores of other outlets. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/09/pendleton-oregon-solar-energy_n_847061.html

And, as recently as last week the Huffington Post Green section published an article entitled, “Group Buying the New Thing in Residential Solar – And Beyond?” By Lewis Milford and Anne Margolis of Clean Energy Group http://www.cleanegroup.org/blog/group-buying-the-new-thing-in-residential-solar-and-beyond/. It is a good article on the subject and I’ll leave it up to you to read, but I do want to call attention to this quote:

“The [Solarize Portland] model is potentially replicable by communities across the U.S., and is particularly important to study in light of declining state incentives and challenges to the PACE residential financing program … Since then, several other “Solarize” -type programs have popped up all over the U.S. (and beyond), in cities, states, and utility territories, and, based on their apparent success, these programs may be just the ticket to keep up the solar energy momentum in these times of diminishing state and federal incentives.”

Solarize campaigns create buzz and bring attention to renewable energy

Then it goes on to ask, “So what is so great about the Solarize model?” and provides the appropriate answers.

Yeah, we get the headlines and deservedly so. I think we’ve proven this model will stimulate and create demand, while promoting awareness and educating residents, but now we’ll see if it is sustainable.

This guidebook was published in January 2011

One tool that will certainly help keep the solarize momentum going is …

The Solarize Guidebook: A community guide to collective purchasing of residential PV systems

Authored by Linda Irvine, Alex Sawyer and Jennifer Grove of NW SEED (Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development ) and sponsored & funded by DOE/NREL’s Solar America Communities program, The Solarize Guidebook describes key elements of the Solarize campaigns in Portland, and offers several program refinements from projects beyond Portland.

Educational workshops are crucial for a successful solarize program

Contributors include: Lee Rahr, Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability; Lizzie Rubado, Energy Trust of Oregon; Ross Swartzendruber, Salem Creative Network; Lee Jorgenson, Solarize Pendleton; Jessie Denver, City of San Jose; and Dave Llorens, 1BOG.

The guidebook provides lessons, considerations, and step-by-step plans for project organizers to replicate the success of solarizing. If you’re considering doing something similar for your community, you owe it to yourself to do the homework and this book is it. [Including reading solarflarebog.com of course !]

Download The Solarize Guidebook (PDF)

The results of solarizing are obvious - a raising tide lifts all boats

Solarizing: Results and Comparisons (These are the campaigns I know about – there are others, no doubt!)

Solarize SE Portland (2 campaigns)

http://www.southeastuplift.org/content/solarize-se

Campaign Started: 1 – 2009 2 – 2010

Sponsored by: SE Uplift & Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association

Coordinator: Tim O’Neal, Jonathan Cohen

Chosen Contractor: Imagine Energy

Participation: 1 – 350 sign-ups 2 – 300

Contracts signed: 1 – 130 2 – 109

Total or projected installed: 1– 350 kW 2 – 358 kW

Solarize NE Portland

http://solarize.necoalition.org/

Campaign Started: January 2010

Sponsored by: Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN)

Coordinators: David Sweet, Kelly Rogers

Chosen Contractor: Solar City

Participation: 1000 sign-ups

Contracts signed: 204

Total or projected installed: 549 kW

The City of Portland was a good partner - this promo was in the Portland Curbsider

We had over 100 people at this Earth Day Solarize SW Portland workshop

Solarize SW Portland

http://www.solarizesouthwestportland.org/

Campaign Started: April 2010

Sponsored by: Southwest Neighborhood Inc.

Coordinators: Todd Farris, Leonard Gard, Ron McDowell

Chosen Contractor: Mr. Sun Solar

Participation: 700 sign-ups 300+ workshops

Contracts signed: 168

Total or projected installed: 480 kW

Solarize North Portland

http://www.nwnw.org/solarizenorthnw/introduction-north/

Campaign Started: January 2011

Sponsored by: North Portland Neighborhood Services and Neighbors West-Northwest

Coordinator: Mary Kelly, Carrie Richards Andrews

Chosen Contractor: Imagine Energy

Participation: 200 sign-ups 150-175 site assessments

Contracts signed: 32 (+15 more possible)

Total or projected installed: Estimate = 100 kW

Solarize NW Portland

http://www.nwnw.org/solarizenorthnw/introduction/

Campaign Started: February 2011

Sponsored by: Neighbors West-Northwest and North Portland Neighborhood Services

Coordinator: Alison Wallisch

Chosen Contractor: Mr. Sun Solar

Participation: 157 sign-ups 110 site assessments

Contracts signed: 26 (plus 1 SHW & 3 solar pool heating)

Total or projected installed: 74.6 kW

Solar Beaverton

http://livelightenergy.com/solarbeaverton/

Campaign Started: March 2011

Sponsored by: City of Beaverton (Community driven)

Project Coordinator: Rebecca Fitzsimmons

Chosen Contractor: Livelight Energy (2009 = SolarCity)

Participation: 580 sign-ups (2009 pilot = 400 sign-ups)

Contracts signed: 75 (2009 pilot = 50)

Total or projected installed: 225 kW (2009 pilot = 150 kW)

Solarize Corbett

http://corbettoregon.com/news/solarize-corbett/

Campaign Started: July 2011

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