A Shorewood artist's oil painting that triggered public outcry after being taken down at the governor’s mansion has found a new home in Milwaukee.
“Wishes in the Wind,” by David Lenz, depicts three children of different races playing together along a snowy sidewalk. In early August, it will be relocated to the Milwaukee Public Library's central library, at 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
“I met with the library director and we picked out a really nice spot on the first floor,” said Lenz. “It’s a very high traffic area and they’re going to fix a light for it. It will be open and accessible to the public during regular library hours.”
The painting was removed from its perch above a fireplace mantel and replaced by a painting of the bald eagle Old Abe, a Wisconsin military mascot during the Civil War. Gov. Scott Walker was criticized for the move and it sparked national attention that surprised Lenz.
“Yes, that was pretty wild,” said Lenz. “I guess that’s because it’s associated with Governor Walker and he’s such a national figure now, such a polarizing figure, that it seems that anything that is associated with him is almost certain to become national news.”
Lenz said public support for the painting has been largely split along political party lines.
“It’s kind of interesting the way it’s broken down,” said Lenz. “If you like the image, you don’t support Governor Walker, and if you do support Governor Walker, then somehow you think the painting is bad or it’s cheesy.”
Lenz summed up his whole experience this way.
“Just very disappointing. I tried really hard to make a painting that would appeal to everyone,” Lenz said. “I spent a long time on it and it didn’t work out. Hopefully, some day it can go back.”
2011年7月25日星期一
Recognized as a Top Rated Internet Retailer for Customer Service
"At overstockArt.com we view customer service as a distinct part of our company culture, and we're honored to be recognized for our efforts with the STELLAService seal," said David Sasson, CEO of overstockArt.com. "This recognition illustrates our intense focus on customer satisfaction."
As a part of overstockArt.com's customer service efforts, the company prides itself on consistently providing its customers with high end products for a competitive price, a robust selection of art, free shipping both ways, and excellent customer relations.
"Shoppers traditionally haven't considered the web to be an optimal place to purchase artwork," said John Ernsberger, co-founder of STELLAService. "But with stores like overstockArt.com, shoppers can now expect a fantastic shopping experience."
STELLAService rates thousands of retailers each year across a broad array of criteria including usability and online tools, shipping and returns, and customer support. Top-rated stores are awarded the STELLAService seal. To maintain its independence and objectivity, STELLAService does not inform retailers of the timing of its evaluations and pays for all products it purchases. Retailers cannot pay to be rated nor can they influence the ratings in any way.
"We are honored to join the ranks of online retailers, including Zappos.com, Diapers.com, Zales, and other leaders who have been singled out for outstanding customer service by STELLAService," stated Sasson. "We are thrilled to be able to display the STELLAService seal on our site as a testament to our high quality customer care."
As a part of overstockArt.com's customer service efforts, the company prides itself on consistently providing its customers with high end products for a competitive price, a robust selection of art, free shipping both ways, and excellent customer relations.
"Shoppers traditionally haven't considered the web to be an optimal place to purchase artwork," said John Ernsberger, co-founder of STELLAService. "But with stores like overstockArt.com, shoppers can now expect a fantastic shopping experience."
STELLAService rates thousands of retailers each year across a broad array of criteria including usability and online tools, shipping and returns, and customer support. Top-rated stores are awarded the STELLAService seal. To maintain its independence and objectivity, STELLAService does not inform retailers of the timing of its evaluations and pays for all products it purchases. Retailers cannot pay to be rated nor can they influence the ratings in any way.
"We are honored to join the ranks of online retailers, including Zappos.com, Diapers.com, Zales, and other leaders who have been singled out for outstanding customer service by STELLAService," stated Sasson. "We are thrilled to be able to display the STELLAService seal on our site as a testament to our high quality customer care."
2011年7月20日星期三
Austin companies get $120 million in venture capital in second quarter
Austin startup Spanning Cloud Apps didn't plan to seek venture capital, but the buzz surrounding cloud technology changed founder Charlie Wood's mind.
"We wanted to grow the company organically, but we realized it would take us years to do that, and in the meantime the market would pass us by," Wood said. "So we decided to raise money and step on the gas."
Now, thanks to a $2 million investment in April from Foundry Group of Boulder, Colo., 1-year-old Spanning Cloud is hiring engineers, sales people and marketers, with a goal of doubling its 10-person staff by year's end.
"Our little office is going to be really packed," Wood said. "But the timing is right to push forward."
Six Austin companies, including Spanning Cloud, received a total of $13.3 million in first-time funding during the second quarter, according to the National Venture Capital Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers. That compares to three companies that raised a combined $4.1 million in first-time financing during the first quarter.
First-time venture investment is a closely watched measure of Austin's startup community, because the money allows companies to hire more workers, invest in new equipment and accelerate product development and marketing.
Companies receiving venture money for the first time included Nitero Inc., which raised $1.6 million to develop a multi-gigabit Wi-Fi system; Innovari Inc., which received $4 million for its energy consulting business; and FanTrail Inc., which took in $500,000 for social networking services.
On the other end of the spectrum, investors actively backed established companies, with five Austin deals receiving $10 million or more.
The biggest recipient was Spiceworks, which received $25 million from Austin Ventures and other investors. The company, which develops software to help companies manage their information technology networks, said it would using the money to expand its services and add 25 employees to its 90-person workforce.
Also, SolarBridge Technologies, which makes microinverter devices for solar power, raised $19 million, and Illumitex Inc., which develops light-emitting diode optical devices, received $13.5 million.
Overall, 19 area companies received a total of $119.5 million in the quarter. That's a 33 percent increase over the $89.8 million raised in the first quarter, and a 48 percent increase over the $80.5 million in the same quarter a year ago.
Jim French , managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers' Austin office, said the mix of deals "made for an impressive quarter. It's clear that investors are becoming more bullish, and Austin is clearly high on the VC radar screen. If I were an entrepreneur in this market, I would be very encouraged."
For the first half of the year, Austin companies have raised $209 million, up $42 million from the first half of 2010. That puts the region on track to post its strongest year since 2007, the year before the financial crisis began, French said.
Nationwide, venture investment rose 19 percent in the second quarter, with $7.5 billion invested in 966 deals. The software industry received the highest level of funding for all industries with $1.5 billion, and biotechnology came in second with $1.2 billion.
In Austin, software dominated for the seventh quarter in a row, with six deals pulling in $48.4 million. Coming in second was the industrial and energy segment, with two deals receiving $23 million.
For Spanning Cloud, which sells a backup service for Google Calendar, Google Docs and other Google cloud-based applications, raising money was just the first step.
"Now we've got to put it to work by hiring the right people," Wood said. "It's hard to find engineers, but we're going to do what it takes. We signed a one-year lease in May, and when it's up, we'll definitely be moving to a bigger space."
"We wanted to grow the company organically, but we realized it would take us years to do that, and in the meantime the market would pass us by," Wood said. "So we decided to raise money and step on the gas."
Now, thanks to a $2 million investment in April from Foundry Group of Boulder, Colo., 1-year-old Spanning Cloud is hiring engineers, sales people and marketers, with a goal of doubling its 10-person staff by year's end.
"Our little office is going to be really packed," Wood said. "But the timing is right to push forward."
Six Austin companies, including Spanning Cloud, received a total of $13.3 million in first-time funding during the second quarter, according to the National Venture Capital Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers. That compares to three companies that raised a combined $4.1 million in first-time financing during the first quarter.
First-time venture investment is a closely watched measure of Austin's startup community, because the money allows companies to hire more workers, invest in new equipment and accelerate product development and marketing.
Companies receiving venture money for the first time included Nitero Inc., which raised $1.6 million to develop a multi-gigabit Wi-Fi system; Innovari Inc., which received $4 million for its energy consulting business; and FanTrail Inc., which took in $500,000 for social networking services.
On the other end of the spectrum, investors actively backed established companies, with five Austin deals receiving $10 million or more.
The biggest recipient was Spiceworks, which received $25 million from Austin Ventures and other investors. The company, which develops software to help companies manage their information technology networks, said it would using the money to expand its services and add 25 employees to its 90-person workforce.
Also, SolarBridge Technologies, which makes microinverter devices for solar power, raised $19 million, and Illumitex Inc., which develops light-emitting diode optical devices, received $13.5 million.
Overall, 19 area companies received a total of $119.5 million in the quarter. That's a 33 percent increase over the $89.8 million raised in the first quarter, and a 48 percent increase over the $80.5 million in the same quarter a year ago.
Jim French , managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers' Austin office, said the mix of deals "made for an impressive quarter. It's clear that investors are becoming more bullish, and Austin is clearly high on the VC radar screen. If I were an entrepreneur in this market, I would be very encouraged."
For the first half of the year, Austin companies have raised $209 million, up $42 million from the first half of 2010. That puts the region on track to post its strongest year since 2007, the year before the financial crisis began, French said.
Nationwide, venture investment rose 19 percent in the second quarter, with $7.5 billion invested in 966 deals. The software industry received the highest level of funding for all industries with $1.5 billion, and biotechnology came in second with $1.2 billion.
In Austin, software dominated for the seventh quarter in a row, with six deals pulling in $48.4 million. Coming in second was the industrial and energy segment, with two deals receiving $23 million.
For Spanning Cloud, which sells a backup service for Google Calendar, Google Docs and other Google cloud-based applications, raising money was just the first step.
"Now we've got to put it to work by hiring the right people," Wood said. "It's hard to find engineers, but we're going to do what it takes. We signed a one-year lease in May, and when it's up, we'll definitely be moving to a bigger space."
2011年7月17日星期日
Alexandre Nero reverses roles and her husband will be violent novel
It's only been three years that Alexander Nero starred in soap operas such as love grocer Vanderlei de A Favorita. Now, back to prime time Globo, he experiences pleasure to reverse, literally, the papers in the air. At that time, his character was seen as the savior of abused Catarina, Lilia Cabral, who picked up the alcoholic husband. This time next novel in the 21 hours of the Globe, Fina Estampa, is the time of Nero playing the violent Baltazar, hitting, without any ceremony, his wife Celeste of Dira Paes. "I think the comparisons are inevitable, including the presence of Lilia near the nucleus. But I will be seen from another angle, in a way completely opposite, which would please any actor," says.
Fina Estampa is expected to replace Foolish Heart from August 22. In the story, the villain is a driver Baltazar Tereza Cristina, played by Christiane Torloni, and married to Celeste. The couple have a daughter, the girl Solange, played by Carol Macedo. The actress became known to live in Passione Kelly suffered, the evil sister Clara, Mariana Ximenes. And his character will have struggled again, this time in the hands of his father. "The Baltazar think is right to beat his wife and daughter. It's the way he was raised", explains Alexander, adding that Celeste is one of the friends of Griselda, the protagonist of Fina Estampa, defended by Lilia Cabral.
For a man live so aggressive, Alexandre Nero made a point not to look up any material on the victims of domestic violence. The idea may sound contradictory, but the actor has at his fingertips, his justification. "This would serve to sensitize me to this drama. And, sensitive, he might not do as expected and even influence the direction of this character," he opines, who lived a similar situation in the theater. To interpret a torturer in the film A Novel of 8, Odilon Rocha, was keen not to participate in the workshop with victims of the dictatorship. "I think it would do me good. Not at the beginning of work," he argues.
In the plot, shows traces of Baltazar homophobia. And in the air as a mystery about what is the character who has a romance with gay Chronicles, Marcelo Serrado Nero believes that there is a possibility the driver to be a closeted bisexual. "Hopefully it is. I think I have everything to do with this aggressive behavior," twists. But the actor also risk another guess about the development of Balthazar in the novel. "He could redeem himself. Many men beat their wives out of sheer insecurity, even fear. I want to see him repent of everything in terms of her love for her," theorizes.
In novels, Baltazar is the second villain followed by Alexander. He embodied the ambitious Gilmar Written in the Stars, a novel by Elizabeth Jhin showed that the Globe in 2010. But this is hardly a concern for the actor. Indeed, he did not expect to be so quick to cast another dime. By May, the team was fixed Beating the point of the show, starring Ingrid Guimarães. An experience that left the actor with a will, in future, work in TV comedy. "It was a comedy, but this was not my job. At first it was even difficult. I kept thinking 'will see me and think I'm boring." Ladder to be comedians but is extremely difficult, "values.
In addition to the novel, Alexander still divides his time with three other projects in 2011. The actor, who is also a musician, has already completed the CD Seeing Love in its various forms, sizes and positions and to release it in August and September. And prepares to debut also in August in Rio de Janeiro, the show You Need to Know Me, next to actress Gisele Froes. After that, start rehearsing a monologue written and directed by Fabio Porchat. The full schedule is almost a necessity for Alexander to amend after four papers followed on television. "I will not sell millions of copies or have thousands of people in my play. And I do not want to be an artist 'market'. I live too much in the 'macro'. From time to time have to go back to the 'micro' to my roots" , is philosophical.
Fina Estampa is expected to replace Foolish Heart from August 22. In the story, the villain is a driver Baltazar Tereza Cristina, played by Christiane Torloni, and married to Celeste. The couple have a daughter, the girl Solange, played by Carol Macedo. The actress became known to live in Passione Kelly suffered, the evil sister Clara, Mariana Ximenes. And his character will have struggled again, this time in the hands of his father. "The Baltazar think is right to beat his wife and daughter. It's the way he was raised", explains Alexander, adding that Celeste is one of the friends of Griselda, the protagonist of Fina Estampa, defended by Lilia Cabral.
For a man live so aggressive, Alexandre Nero made a point not to look up any material on the victims of domestic violence. The idea may sound contradictory, but the actor has at his fingertips, his justification. "This would serve to sensitize me to this drama. And, sensitive, he might not do as expected and even influence the direction of this character," he opines, who lived a similar situation in the theater. To interpret a torturer in the film A Novel of 8, Odilon Rocha, was keen not to participate in the workshop with victims of the dictatorship. "I think it would do me good. Not at the beginning of work," he argues.
In the plot, shows traces of Baltazar homophobia. And in the air as a mystery about what is the character who has a romance with gay Chronicles, Marcelo Serrado Nero believes that there is a possibility the driver to be a closeted bisexual. "Hopefully it is. I think I have everything to do with this aggressive behavior," twists. But the actor also risk another guess about the development of Balthazar in the novel. "He could redeem himself. Many men beat their wives out of sheer insecurity, even fear. I want to see him repent of everything in terms of her love for her," theorizes.
In novels, Baltazar is the second villain followed by Alexander. He embodied the ambitious Gilmar Written in the Stars, a novel by Elizabeth Jhin showed that the Globe in 2010. But this is hardly a concern for the actor. Indeed, he did not expect to be so quick to cast another dime. By May, the team was fixed Beating the point of the show, starring Ingrid Guimarães. An experience that left the actor with a will, in future, work in TV comedy. "It was a comedy, but this was not my job. At first it was even difficult. I kept thinking 'will see me and think I'm boring." Ladder to be comedians but is extremely difficult, "values.
In addition to the novel, Alexander still divides his time with three other projects in 2011. The actor, who is also a musician, has already completed the CD Seeing Love in its various forms, sizes and positions and to release it in August and September. And prepares to debut also in August in Rio de Janeiro, the show You Need to Know Me, next to actress Gisele Froes. After that, start rehearsing a monologue written and directed by Fabio Porchat. The full schedule is almost a necessity for Alexander to amend after four papers followed on television. "I will not sell millions of copies or have thousands of people in my play. And I do not want to be an artist 'market'. I live too much in the 'macro'. From time to time have to go back to the 'micro' to my roots" , is philosophical.
2011年7月14日星期四
SolarBridge Introduces New Pantheon Micro-Inverter
SolarBridge Technologies, a developer of module-integrated micro-inverters, has developed a frame-attached version of its Pantheon micro-inverter.
With this model, SolarBridge's module-manufacturer partners will attach the Pantheon micro-inverter to the corner of the PV module frame in their factories. This solution provides a low field installation cost, as there are no inverters and AC bus cables to install, no DC cables to manage, and no separate ground wires to run, the company says.
Although the initial Pantheon micro-inverter is frame-attached, a future version will feature an integral design that completely eliminates the junction box and all DC wiring on the back of the module.
The frame-attached micro-inverter has achieved UL 1741 certification and is produced by Celestica in Dongguan, China, the company adds.
With this model, SolarBridge's module-manufacturer partners will attach the Pantheon micro-inverter to the corner of the PV module frame in their factories. This solution provides a low field installation cost, as there are no inverters and AC bus cables to install, no DC cables to manage, and no separate ground wires to run, the company says.
Although the initial Pantheon micro-inverter is frame-attached, a future version will feature an integral design that completely eliminates the junction box and all DC wiring on the back of the module.
The frame-attached micro-inverter has achieved UL 1741 certification and is produced by Celestica in Dongguan, China, the company adds.
2011年7月11日星期一
Receives North American Certification for Innovative Solar Microinverter System
SPARQ Systems Inc., an Ontario-based global provider of solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters, is pleased to announce that it has received both U.S. and Canadian certifications for its solar photovoltaic microinverter systems. The certifications qualify SPARQ to sell its products to consumer markets.
SPARQ’s efficient and low-cost microinverter solution produces more alternating current (AC) power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shadowing conditions. The design eliminates unreliable components such as electrolytic capacitors, which increases the lifespan of the microinverters threefold, giving homeowners at least 25 years of worry-free performance.
The company has successfully completed testing to meet Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification standards. These approvals –UL1741, IEEE 1547, CSA C22.2 NO. 107.1 and FCC part 15, class B -- certify that the company’s products meet recognized national standards for safety and performance in North America.
The company will be rolling out its newly approved products at booth 7446 at Intersolar, North America’s largest solar conference and trade show, in San Francisco, July 12-14.
“We are thrilled by this milestone. These approvals are the strongest possible endorsement of the quality of our product,” says Dr. Praveen Jain, President and CEO of SPARQ. “With these certifications in hand we are now fully equipped to address the rapidly expanding North American markets.”
“It’s extremely gratifying to see our technology receive these certifications,” says Randall North, Chief Operations Officer of SPARQ. “Tactically, SPARQ is now well positioned for volume manufacturing.”
The company recently partnered with Sanmina-SCI of San Jose, CA, a leading manufacturer of electronic and mechanical products, to produce microinverters and communications hubs for the consumer market. The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI’s Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, as well as at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities to meet global demand.
SPARQ is actively pursuing certifications for sale of its products outside North America.
SPARQ’s efficient and low-cost microinverter solution produces more alternating current (AC) power from PV panels for longer periods under lower light and partial shadowing conditions. The design eliminates unreliable components such as electrolytic capacitors, which increases the lifespan of the microinverters threefold, giving homeowners at least 25 years of worry-free performance.
The company has successfully completed testing to meet Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification standards. These approvals –UL1741, IEEE 1547, CSA C22.2 NO. 107.1 and FCC part 15, class B -- certify that the company’s products meet recognized national standards for safety and performance in North America.
The company will be rolling out its newly approved products at booth 7446 at Intersolar, North America’s largest solar conference and trade show, in San Francisco, July 12-14.
“We are thrilled by this milestone. These approvals are the strongest possible endorsement of the quality of our product,” says Dr. Praveen Jain, President and CEO of SPARQ. “With these certifications in hand we are now fully equipped to address the rapidly expanding North American markets.”
“It’s extremely gratifying to see our technology receive these certifications,” says Randall North, Chief Operations Officer of SPARQ. “Tactically, SPARQ is now well positioned for volume manufacturing.”
The company recently partnered with Sanmina-SCI of San Jose, CA, a leading manufacturer of electronic and mechanical products, to produce microinverters and communications hubs for the consumer market. The solar inverters will be produced for the Canadian market at Sanmina-SCI’s Ottawa facility, which is certified for Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, as well as at Sanmina-SCI’s worldwide regional facilities to meet global demand.
SPARQ is actively pursuing certifications for sale of its products outside North America.
2011年7月6日星期三
With the Gemini series
Direct Grid announced today the development of a new dual-module 480W micro-inverter product which it will be showcasing at Inter Solar North America at the Moscone Center in San Francisco July 12-14th, booth 7552. The Gemini Series micro-inverter allows photovoltaic design engineers to utilize half the number of micro-inverters in an array, when compared with conventional 1:1 micro-inverter designs, by connecting two modules per Gemini micro-inverter.
Once again, Direct Grid extends its industry lead in total power density by offering a market leading "utility grade" micro-inverter, 240VAC, 60Hz with a maximum output of upwards to 530W. While the Gemini was designed for the ultra-rigorous physical and power level requirements of the utility sector, it is also embraced by the commercial/industrial market, due to the obvious economic advantages of only having to purchase 50% of the micro-inverters for a given design. Initial certifications on the Gemini Series include compliance to UL1741/IEEE1547/CSA for the North American market.
With the Gemini series, the highest power commercial or residential solar modules can be easily connected to the unit in pairs, without any concerns of power limiting. Additional benefits include deployment of fewer modules to achieve desired AC harvest, lower line losses, lower installation costs and higher system reliability - all without significantly detracting from harvest gains associated with individual maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Additionally, unlike most competitive products, the Gemini Series micro-inverter is both frequency flexible and "self tuning" with regard to grid frequency, so it can serve both 50Hz and 60 Hz grid-tied application segments.
"Enabling customers to gain the overwhelming majority of the known advantages of a distributed inverter topology, while cutting the cost in doing so by such a substantial margin, turns Gemini into a disruptive innovation for the market," said Direct Grid Technologies' CEO, Scott Landstrom. "Not only do customers love the idea of using half the micro-inverters to build out the array, but Direct Grid also enables customers to use the higher power modules now available in the industrial market. We have been told that the market is tired of MI solutions that simply "clip" the peak power output of these higher power modules, throwing away valuable energy output that could obviously be utilized. The message from the market is clear that LCOE must continue to decrease, and the new Gemini product is a step-function leap forward in micro-inverter economic competitiveness."
Once again, Direct Grid extends its industry lead in total power density by offering a market leading "utility grade" micro-inverter, 240VAC, 60Hz with a maximum output of upwards to 530W. While the Gemini was designed for the ultra-rigorous physical and power level requirements of the utility sector, it is also embraced by the commercial/industrial market, due to the obvious economic advantages of only having to purchase 50% of the micro-inverters for a given design. Initial certifications on the Gemini Series include compliance to UL1741/IEEE1547/CSA for the North American market.
With the Gemini series, the highest power commercial or residential solar modules can be easily connected to the unit in pairs, without any concerns of power limiting. Additional benefits include deployment of fewer modules to achieve desired AC harvest, lower line losses, lower installation costs and higher system reliability - all without significantly detracting from harvest gains associated with individual maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Additionally, unlike most competitive products, the Gemini Series micro-inverter is both frequency flexible and "self tuning" with regard to grid frequency, so it can serve both 50Hz and 60 Hz grid-tied application segments.
"Enabling customers to gain the overwhelming majority of the known advantages of a distributed inverter topology, while cutting the cost in doing so by such a substantial margin, turns Gemini into a disruptive innovation for the market," said Direct Grid Technologies' CEO, Scott Landstrom. "Not only do customers love the idea of using half the micro-inverters to build out the array, but Direct Grid also enables customers to use the higher power modules now available in the industrial market. We have been told that the market is tired of MI solutions that simply "clip" the peak power output of these higher power modules, throwing away valuable energy output that could obviously be utilized. The message from the market is clear that LCOE must continue to decrease, and the new Gemini product is a step-function leap forward in micro-inverter economic competitiveness."
2011年7月4日星期一
Chennaiites looking up to solar energy
Rising fuel prices, frequent power cuts and the overall costs that accompany the use of electrical devices have forced many households and institutions in the city to look beyond conventional sources of energy, especially at solar power.
Suppliers point to a nearly-ten per cent-increase in the sale of solar devices in the city in the past one year. According to K. R. Jagadeesh Babu, General Manager, Solkar Solar Industry, the number of players in the solar energy market has increased from 50 to 75 this year with most of them based in Chennai. Solar water heaters, solar streetlights and solar inverters are gaining demand too, he adds.
The State government's proposal to build 1.8 lakh green houses with rooftop solar panels could play a decisive role in altering public perception, says Ajit Kumar Kolar, founder and convener of the IIT-Madras Energy Forum.
While regular solar water heaters cost up to Rs. 20,000, the new tube-shaped ones that absorb solar energy easily in 2-3 hours cost lesser, say users. “Many households on ECR and in Velachery are going for them. The only complaint that we get is of the glass panel getting broken,” says Harish Kumar, a distributor of Tata –BP solar water heaters. Sometimes, panels with low-quality stainless steel are a problem too. “We left it for a year. Without maintenance, it gets eroded,” says S. Raghavan, who has been using solar heater for five years now.
While solar energy utilisation for power generation may not be economic for individual households, it can be ideal for a set of houses, say U. V. Krishna Mohan Rao, a resident of Madipakkam. With solar water heater, natural lighting systems, LEDs and a solar panel, Mr. Rao's household spends just about Rs. 50 on electricity a month. His investment was about Rs 2.5 lakh three years ago. “Pipes that directly harness solar light to offices and houses that remain dark even during daytime is something that can be easily done,” he says.
Though almost 70 per cent of solar appliances are manufactured in the country now, they are only for small-scale usage, and the invertors and cells are still being imported, says Narasimhan Santanam, Director, Energy Association of India. “While solar water heaters have a payback time of 2 years, it takes 10 years to recover the capital cost of solar lighting system. A system of one kilo watt capacity will cost nearly Rs.2.2 lakh,” says Sikkander Amin, managing partner of Solarys Energy Solutions. But, if 1,000 houses instal water heaters, nearly six megawatt of electricity can be saved per year, he adds.
“Solar panels must come up wherever possible - wastelands, open grounds, rooftops. Big apartment complexes must start thinking about an integrated energy conversion system with rooftop photovoltaic cells and micro wind turbines on the rim,” says Mr. Kolar.
“It is true that solar energy is the most expensive at the moment (Rs.23-Rs.25 per unit) and only 10 -20 per cent of generated capacity can be stored for later use. But, wind energy had similar issues initially,” Mr. Kolar adds. The 400-kw solar panel installed recently at L&T, Manapakkam, and steps taken by Anna University, S.S.N. College of Engineering and Satyabhama University to use solar energy are commendable, say experts. With regard to battery costs, Bhoovarahan Thirumailai, CEO, Aspirations Energy, says they are coming down as the anticipated pick-up of electrical vehicles did not work out. “If as predicted, the battery costs come down by one and a half times the existing prices in the next five years, it can work wonders for solar energy users,” he adds.
Energy consultants say that while a well-drafted State policy to buy tapped solar power from residents and distribute the generated electricity from grids can help, implementation is the key.
They add that availing the 30 per cent subsidy of the Central government for solar energy users has been difficult for many. Pointing out that installation of water heaters has been made mandatory in Karnataka, manufacturers say the State government must support such initiatives and purchase electricity generated from the consumer.
“Residents get electricity at highly subsidised rates, so they find it expensive. Commercial users pay higher tariffs for electricity, so solar power works well for them now,” says Mr. Thirumailai.
Advocating greener building designs that can function purely using the limited amount of power that apartment-based renewable sources can generate, Deepa Sathiaram, executive director, En3 sustainability solutions, says the amount of energy used on artificial lighting during day time could be reduced by up to 95 per cent.
Suppliers point to a nearly-ten per cent-increase in the sale of solar devices in the city in the past one year. According to K. R. Jagadeesh Babu, General Manager, Solkar Solar Industry, the number of players in the solar energy market has increased from 50 to 75 this year with most of them based in Chennai. Solar water heaters, solar streetlights and solar inverters are gaining demand too, he adds.
The State government's proposal to build 1.8 lakh green houses with rooftop solar panels could play a decisive role in altering public perception, says Ajit Kumar Kolar, founder and convener of the IIT-Madras Energy Forum.
While regular solar water heaters cost up to Rs. 20,000, the new tube-shaped ones that absorb solar energy easily in 2-3 hours cost lesser, say users. “Many households on ECR and in Velachery are going for them. The only complaint that we get is of the glass panel getting broken,” says Harish Kumar, a distributor of Tata –BP solar water heaters. Sometimes, panels with low-quality stainless steel are a problem too. “We left it for a year. Without maintenance, it gets eroded,” says S. Raghavan, who has been using solar heater for five years now.
While solar energy utilisation for power generation may not be economic for individual households, it can be ideal for a set of houses, say U. V. Krishna Mohan Rao, a resident of Madipakkam. With solar water heater, natural lighting systems, LEDs and a solar panel, Mr. Rao's household spends just about Rs. 50 on electricity a month. His investment was about Rs 2.5 lakh three years ago. “Pipes that directly harness solar light to offices and houses that remain dark even during daytime is something that can be easily done,” he says.
Though almost 70 per cent of solar appliances are manufactured in the country now, they are only for small-scale usage, and the invertors and cells are still being imported, says Narasimhan Santanam, Director, Energy Association of India. “While solar water heaters have a payback time of 2 years, it takes 10 years to recover the capital cost of solar lighting system. A system of one kilo watt capacity will cost nearly Rs.2.2 lakh,” says Sikkander Amin, managing partner of Solarys Energy Solutions. But, if 1,000 houses instal water heaters, nearly six megawatt of electricity can be saved per year, he adds.
“Solar panels must come up wherever possible - wastelands, open grounds, rooftops. Big apartment complexes must start thinking about an integrated energy conversion system with rooftop photovoltaic cells and micro wind turbines on the rim,” says Mr. Kolar.
“It is true that solar energy is the most expensive at the moment (Rs.23-Rs.25 per unit) and only 10 -20 per cent of generated capacity can be stored for later use. But, wind energy had similar issues initially,” Mr. Kolar adds. The 400-kw solar panel installed recently at L&T, Manapakkam, and steps taken by Anna University, S.S.N. College of Engineering and Satyabhama University to use solar energy are commendable, say experts. With regard to battery costs, Bhoovarahan Thirumailai, CEO, Aspirations Energy, says they are coming down as the anticipated pick-up of electrical vehicles did not work out. “If as predicted, the battery costs come down by one and a half times the existing prices in the next five years, it can work wonders for solar energy users,” he adds.
Energy consultants say that while a well-drafted State policy to buy tapped solar power from residents and distribute the generated electricity from grids can help, implementation is the key.
They add that availing the 30 per cent subsidy of the Central government for solar energy users has been difficult for many. Pointing out that installation of water heaters has been made mandatory in Karnataka, manufacturers say the State government must support such initiatives and purchase electricity generated from the consumer.
“Residents get electricity at highly subsidised rates, so they find it expensive. Commercial users pay higher tariffs for electricity, so solar power works well for them now,” says Mr. Thirumailai.
Advocating greener building designs that can function purely using the limited amount of power that apartment-based renewable sources can generate, Deepa Sathiaram, executive director, En3 sustainability solutions, says the amount of energy used on artificial lighting during day time could be reduced by up to 95 per cent.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)