Climate change and the deterioration of our oceans - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

THE argument of climate change has been around now for more than 10 years. Whether you believe in it or not, the facts are stacking up that this is a real phenomenon and is becoming a tangible problem for us all.

The Chamorro people of Guam and Micronesia region have a kindred relationship with the ocean. Guam has been inhabited since approximately 2000 B.C. The Chamorro people were excellent sea men and a lot of their diet came primarily from the sea. The ocean has been a major part of the Chamorro culture and today, unfortunately, our oceans are in trouble. Earth is heating up, putting extreme stresses on our oceans.

On Oct. 3, an international panel of marine scientist published disturbing results from the latest International Program on the State of the Oceans report. The report stated, “The ocean is absorbing much of the warming and unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide and warn that the cumulative impact of this with other ocean stressors is far graver than previous estimates.” The decreasing oxygen levels in the ocean are being attributed to the climate change, chemical pollution, overfishing, and many other factors.

There are three major concerns affecting our oceans today. The first is de-oxygenation, which is a decline in dissolved oxygen in the ocean interior. Evidence shows the oxygen levels of the ocean are gradually declining at an alarming rate. Second is acidification, or the unbalanced chemical equilibrium of the ocean, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide. If the current levels of carbon dioxide release continue, we can anticipate extremely serious consequences for ocean life, our food and coastal areas. Third is the climate change, which, in turn, is warming up the ocean. Many of us who dive the oceans have experienced these three factors through observing the bleaching and dying of our coral reefs.

Our glaciers and Artic ice shelves are melting at alarming rates causing the seas to rise. Islands such as Kiribati and Tuvalu in the South Pacific could disappear within our lifetime. NASA’s website, www.nasa.gov, has some concerning pictures that show how detrimental climate warming is. Compare the 1917 picture of the Peterson Glacier in Alaska to the picture taken in 2005 – the glacier has literally disappeared.

I do not understand why we as a civilization continue to harm our planet, especially with all of the renewable energy technology that we have now such as wind, solar and hydro. On Guam, we must find better ways to scale back our use of fossil fuel and eliminate the dangerous emissions our power plants produce. We must join the renewable energy movement so future generations will the have the opportunity to experience this beautiful island and Mother Earth for many, many more generations to come. It truly is in our hands now. Pope Francis said in a biography, “We must be protectors of our Earth that the Lord has entrusted us with.” Powerful words indeed!

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Energy conservation starts at home - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

AS PARENTS, we want to teach our children many things such as good manners, personal hygiene, and the value of a dollar.

Teaching them about living a greener lifestyle should be no different. After all, they are the ones who will be the caretakers of the planet after we are gone.

There are many lessons to be taught about how to make them stewards of Earth.

Recycling

Throughout the world, recycling is becoming more and more a common practice. Not only households, but businesses, schools and government agencies have made strides in creating programs to reduce and reuse waste. Guam has recently rolled out its Curbside Recycling Service, making recycling much easier. Get kids involved, put them in charge of the recycling chores. This is a great way to teach them about household consumables that can be recycled.

Visit a recycling center with your children to show them how the materials they collect are recycled into materials that can be reused. It is important that children learn that the community recycles.

Be creative, go online and look for projects that reuse household containers. I have seen such crafts as flowers from plastic bottles or glass jars turned into candleholders.

Teach kids how to properly dispose of items that cannot be recycled such as motor oils, computers, and cell phones. Although we may not have a place to recycle many of these items, you can go online and look for companies that buy old cellphones, computers, cameras, and even ink cartridges for printers.

Create a compost area using vegetable and fruit scraps that can be used to fertilize gardens. What a great example of recycling, using discarded vegetable and fruits to grow new vegetables and fruits.

When shopping, teach kids how to read the symbols for recycling and to purchase items that can be refilled. Explain how too much waste in our landfills can be dangerous to our environment and to wildlife.

Energy conservation 

Not only does energy conservation at home reflect in your monthly power bills, but it also prepares children – no matter their age – to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Our children utilize much more power than we did as kids, from video games, to computers, to cellphones.

Help kids understand what energy is and where it comes from. Inform them that energy can come from many resources and teach them the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy. Remind them our planet needs their help in conserving energy and that coal and oil can only last so long before it is all gone. Using too much of certain types of energy can also pollute our environment. Inform them that the less energy we use, the less impact we have on the Earth keeping it cleaner and healthier.

Energy is needed to survive to keep our food safe from spoiling, to stay cool, or do our homework. Get kids involved at an early age; the sooner they become energy-conscious, the more energy they will save. Here are some things they can do:

• Unplug their cellphone chargers from the wall when their cellphone is done charging.
• Turn off lights, TVs and other electronics when they are not using them.
• Teach them to put their computers on sleep function or turn them off when not being used.
• Not to block air conditioner vents and keep them free of dust.
• Don’t stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open.
• Open drapes to let natural light in.

Teaching our children about recycling and energy conservation ensures our planet will be healthy and sustainable for generations to come. Our kids learn a lot about recycling and energy conservation from movies, such as The Lorax, school and online. Remember that good habits are not learned but ingrained by example and by practicing them daily. You are your children’s best example; if they see you taking steps to leave the world a better place, they will learn from your actions, which they will pass down for generations to come.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Power to the people - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

I TRULY believe there are a few areas in our lives that need to be governed by our own decisions, and energy is one of them. I do not expect the cost of energy to decrease any time soon. We have been prisoners to foreign oil for many years, especially on Guam. But now we do have the technology to lower our energy bills at a reasonable cost.

To understand how energy is generated, delivered and used, the renewable energy industry has come up with the term “energy footprint.” The first and most critical step we need to take along our energy footprint path is energy efficiency. Always remember that the number one rule in saving energy is not conserving energy, but simply not to use it at all.

Educating our family about turning lights and computer monitors off and controlling our air conditioning usage can have a dramatic effect on our utility bills. My customers come to me asking for solutions that are energy efficient that will last for years, which is understandable for the money that is invested. I advise my customers to use a combined technology approach that can lower their footprint and energy bills. I put the “power” in their hands to make their goals attainable.

The renewable energy industry has made strides to provide energy-efficient solutions with a long-term approach to energy independence. These solutions can now put the power in your hands to make an educated decision to install renewable energy. Guam is the perfect location for solar energy. Taking advantage of our most abundant natural resource, the sun, is not only smart but can be very profitable.

Using solar energy for our long-term strategy of energy independence on Guam makes complete sense. Guam has made strides in helping power consumers accomplish net metering. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, “net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity” from renewable energy such as wind or solar power “to feed electricity they do not use back into the grid.” In other words, it is now feasible on Guam to zero your energy costs and obtain a one for one credit for the extra power you create. With the cost of renewable energy systems dropping, you can expect a reasonable payback period before you are enjoying free, clean, efficient and sustainable energy. These new technologies are built to last with some of the newer solar systems constructed to last 50-plus years with limited degradation on your solar energy system.

The acceleration of renewable energy technology along with the economies of scale could not have come at a better time. I believe we have a moral obligation to our planet. Our children and future generations will live on this beautiful planet and we must be as efficient as possible and capitalize on these reliable power resources to help defend it. Our planet is facing the rapid deterioration of our oceans, worldwide destructive climate changes and patterns, and soon a shortage of crude oil. Now is the time to act. We can no longer live as business as usual.

The bottom line is we all win with renewable energy. We save money, help save the environment, and help ourselves to become more energy independent along the way. We now have the power to change our lives. Power to the people!

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

The electric car - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

THE electric vehicle is not a new concept and has been around since the late 1800s. Their first commercial application in the United States was by a fleet of taxicabs in New York City in 1898. One has to ask: If this technology has been around for a while, why are we still driving gasoline-powered vehicles?

Two issues that have overwhelmed this industry in the past have been poor acceleration and its short range distance before having to charge up again. This short-range distance is called range anxiety. In the late 1920s, the major automakers made a dash to get these vehicles into the mainstream. But there were several obstacles that kept electric cars from being massed produced. The first was that Ford was making leaps and bounds with their new combustion engine technologies and offering it to the masses at affordable prices. Secondly, petroleum was so cheap to purchase. These obstacles brought the electric car idea to a screeching halt. The fuel crisis of the late 1970s brought about its resuscitation although it was short-lived as the prices of oil came back down dropping the interest in renewable energy.

Today, the electric car is making a big comeback. I believe that we will soon reach peak oil, a point in time when the total production of crude oil reaches its maximum rate. Production of crude oil will start to decline causing the price to soar and never to come back down.

So what has changed in electric cars making them more appealing? One major reason is batteries are able to hold their charges for longer periods of time. Another reason is the use of a flywheel to store and regulate the car’s energy. A flywheel is wheel attached to the axel and is continuously spinning as long as the vehicle is on. These advancements reduce range anxiety. A light flywheel increases engine revs eliminating sluggish acceleration problems.

There are a number of reputable manufacturers now making electric vehicles – EVs. I was elated to learn that Nissan Guam is selling the LEAF, the only EV on the island. The LEAF is the top-selling electric vehicle in the United States, selling over 83,000 vehicles through this past September. I visited Nissan and took the LEAF for a test drive. It was easy to see this is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven; acceleration was unbelievable and it handled superbly.

The average person on Guam drives about 30 miles a day; the LEAF gets close to 75 miles on one charge. You could easily run this car for two days without range anxiety. The vehicle has 24Kwh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is engineered for years of use. Even with the high prices on Guam for energy per kilowatt hour, the LEAF will save you half of your annual fuel costs. The savings multiply if you utilize a solar energy system. As both solar energy and electric cars become more mainstream, shopping centers, business centers, banks and other work places will install solar electric charging ports for these vehicles. Now that would be a totally green vehicle that has eliminated the use of fossil fuel for power.

On top of fuel cost-saving benefits and saving the environment, some EVs are eligible for a federal tax credit up to $7,500 (www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml). The Nissan LEAF qualifies for the full $7,500 and another $1,000 rebate for the battery charging system. I would like to extend my hats off to the Guam 32nd Legislature for supporting Bill 203-32, which introduces a $7,500 local tax incentive for purchasing a new EV. You truly are the heroes who have Guam’s long-term interest at heart. Thank you.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

The military is going green: Part 1 - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

THE United States military is one of the world’s largest oil guzzlers.

Planes, ships, vehicles, helicopters, and even shore-based operations must have electricity to keep the military operational. Many presidents have realized that our military is “addicted” to foreign oil. Within the past 10 years or so, the military has set goals of reducing its fossil fuel dependency and its “boot-print” on Earth. Going green is not new to the military, but with the lofty goal set by former President George W. Bush that 25 percent of the military’s energy must come from renewable resources by 2025, the U.S. military is now becoming one of the largest investors in green energy.

There are many reasons the military is going greener. There is a direct relationship between energy consumption and the military – the more energy consumed the more vulnerable it becomes to the enemy. Our military deploy to all corners of the world, to areas with many different climates. Most areas that they deploy to require fuel to be flown, shipped, or driven to make shift bases; this is a weakness as the supplies can be ambushed causing the loss of life of those that protect it. It is also pricey to have fuel delivered in this manner – it can cost as much as $400 per gallon to be delivered to a remote forward operating base.

According to an article I found on greentechmedia.com, “Seventy-five percent of the renewable energy procured or produced in FY 2012 actually came from the department’s 679 renewable energy products (15 percent was purchased and 10 percent came from renewable energy credits).” The same article broke down the types of renewable energy produced by the Department of Defense: over half comes from geothermal sources, municipal solid waste accounts for 16 percent; 9 percent comes from ground-source heat pumps; 8 percent from biomass and biogas; and another 8 percent from solar photovoltaic systems. 

Each DOD branch is doing its part to reach the lofty goals set before them. Their dependency on petroleum degrades the strategic position of the country and its tactical forces. The global supply of oil is finite and is becoming harder to find and retrieve which is causing the cost of fuel to continue soaring. Here are a few goals each branch has set:

• The Navy and the Marine Corps will reduce petroleum usage by 50 percent for their commercial fleet making it a greener fleet by 2016. They will produce at least 50 percent of the energy used by ashore bases using alternative sources by 2020. Also by 2020, they would like 50 percent of their shore-based commands to be net-zero, which means producing as much energy as it uses. Lastly 50 percent of all energy consumed will come from alternative sources. (http://www.navy.mil/features/Navy_EnergySecurity.pdf)
• The Army is pressed to generate 25 percent of its energy requirements by 2025 using renewable energy. They also have set five major incentives – eliminate energy waste, increase energy-efficiency in all new and renovated buildings, reduce their dependency of fossil fuels, conserve water, and improve energy security – the ability to obtain affordable uninterrupted energy sources. (http://army-energy.hqda.pentagon.mil/docs/strategy.pdf)
• The Air Force’s priorities are to improve resiliency, reduce demand, assure supply and foster an energy aware culture. They plan to by improve energy-efficiency by 10 percent and reduce total facility energy consumption by 2020. Another goal is to increase use of aviation fuel blends by 2025. (http://www.safie.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130325-132.pdf)

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Energy-saving tips: Part II - www.micronesiarewableenergy.com

WE ARE all feeling the crunch of power rates.

Let’s face it – rates are not ever going to be what they were five years ago. This month is Energy Action Month on Guam and here are a few actions you may want to consider to get that dreadful power bill under control.

Standby power or phantom loads is power that is used by an appliance or device when it is turned off. Some phantom users include VCRs, televisions, clock radios, stereos, computers, battery charges, cell phone chargers and coffee makers. To avoid phantom usage, plug these items into a power strip and turn off the power strips between uses. Phantom loads can account for about 10 percent of your energy bill.

Curtains or blinds can cover windows to keep you cooler on hot days.

• Tinting windows reduce the radiant heat while allowing you to see through them.
• Use weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors to keep the cool air from escaping.

Replace your major appliances or air-conditioners that are more than 10 years old with modern appliances that conform to the Energy Star standards. Energy Star appliances are more efficient and are 10 to 20 percent cheaper to operate. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a new air-conditioner that has an energy efficiency rating, or EER, of 10 can cut a room’s cooling costs to 50 percent, compared to a unit that has an EER of 5.

Refrigerators, freezers

• Keep them full. Food acts as insulation and lessens the amount of work to stay cool.
• Dirty condenser coils adds up to more expensive power bills. Because the appliance works harder, it will shorten its life expectancy. Vacuum the coils to remove dust.
• Most refrigerators have a drain hole and drip pan to remove condensation. Keep these clean of any food particles to ensure the appliance running efficiently.
• A gasket on the door seals in cool air and keeps warm air out and is imperative to the efficiency of your appliance. Ensure the seal is tight and check the gaskets for cracks or other damages. Replace them if necessary.
• Is your appliance is on level ground? If the ground is not level, the doors may not close or seal tightly.
• Electric water heaters are the second most expensive item reflected in your energy usage.
• Use a timer on your hot water heater and set it to come on for the times you need it most, and to go off when you need it the least. Most heaters are big enough and have sufficient insulation to maintain adequate hot water throughout the day without being switched on.
• Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. High-efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models.
• How much you actually save with high-efficiency water heaters depends on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.

Solar water heaters are more expensive than standard models, but certainly offer more cost-saving features. Harnessing the sun’s energy can reduce operating costs by a whopping 90 percent. Even on Guam the sun takes a break, so I advise to keep a conventional water heater as a backup.

We are all working to achieve the goal of lowering our energy bills and protecting the environment. By changing to more energy-efficient practices and products, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Energy-saving tips - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

GUAM’S Energy Action Month is the perfect time to focus on energy-savings ideas and tips that a homeowner can use daily.

Lighting is the fastest and easiest way to save on your energy bills. If you're the last person to leave the room, make sure you turn the lights off. Install dimmer switches to monitor the amount of light needed. Install timers or motion sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights remain on.

Replace your light bulbs with LED bulbs. Studies show that changing one light bulb to a LED bulb will save you about $35 a year and provide you with 60,000 hours of usage.

Installing ceiling fans keep air circulating which means your air-conditioner does not work as hard.

Hanging clothes outside to dry as an alternative to running the dryer.

Insulating your home

Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss or heat gain. It is cost-effective and makes your home more energy-efficient, saving up to 40 percent in cooling bills. In addition, insulation reduces condensation and provides health benefits by reducing mold and dampness.

Air-conditioners

Air-conditioners can account for more than half your energy bill. Make sure your systems are running at their highest efficiency by having regular cleanings and maintenance performed.

Changing the filters in your air conditioner keeps the air flowing and clean, which is good for the lungs and will help maintain peak performance.

Consider raising the temperature on your air-conditioner when you are at work. This will reduce the amount of times your air conditioner’s compressor comes on. Programmable house thermostats or timers for your window units allow you to control the air conditioners when you are not home. Raising the temperature on your air-conditioner can save you about $100 a year.

Size matters. If the unit is too small, it will not cool a room. If a unit is too large you may experience uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. Either way will result in reduced efficiency and higher electric bills. You also run the risk of excessive wear and tear on your air-conditioner, causing you to replace the unit much sooner than expected.

Roof coating

Reflective roof coating can help reflect more sunlight from the surface of your roof, thus reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the structure.

Coating your roof can make a huge difference, saving you money on your energy costs and usage. It will make your indoor temperature more comfortable. Coating your roof also protects your roof from the elements therefore prolonging the life of the roof and roofing material.

The benefits will vary depending on the shape and size of your home, the coating you choose, how energy-efficient your home is, and how often you use your air-conditioners. Living in the tropics like we do where we experience warm temperatures and sunny days almost all year round can save you up to 70 percent in energy savings.

Landscaping

Landscaping with shade trees and shrubs can help reduce the direct heat on your house lowering your air-conditioning costs.

There are many ways to cut your energy usage, some more expensive than others. No matter how big or inexpensive your actions are, in the end, your wallet will be grateful and so will the Earth. So go ahead, Guam. Start taking action.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at inf[at]@micronesiarenewableenergy.com

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

What is peak oil? - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

THE world’s population is expected to increase by another 2 billion in less than 17 years. Most of the undeveloped countries moving into the 21st century are experiencing rapid growth especially in the transportation sector. If peak oil occurs, this will be a major dilemma for countries using fossil fuel for energy. What is peak oil?

Peak oil as defined by Investopedia as “a hypothetical date referring to the world's peak crude oil production, whereby following this day, production rates will begin to diminish.” Geophysicist Marion King Hubbert created the peak theory, which states that oil production follows a bell-shaped curve. In simple words, because oil does not renew or replenish itself, there is a limit to how much that can be pumped out of the ground. Peak oil will be the day that oil production reaches its maximum production, and from then on, production will decline until we deplete all the crude oil.

Peak oil is a little more complicated than just drying out oil wells. Most oil fields have three layers, the primary of which is on top, the secondary which is the middle layer, and the last layer is the tertiary. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the primary level accounts for about 10 percent of the reservoir, the secondary level accounts for 20 to 40 percent, and lastly the tertiary level account for about 50 percent. It is relatively easy to pump out the primary level, since at times this is sitting right at ground level. The secondary level is a bit more difficult.

There are usually two reasons why an oil field or well is abandoned. The first reason is during the drilling of the secondary level. Water or gas is injected into the reservoir to pressurize the oil. The process to extract the water or gas from the oil is expensive and adds on to the price of the oil. There comes a point in which it costs more to produce the oil, than what the oil is worth. When that happens, the oil field is abandoned. The second reason is when the primary and secondary oil layers are depleted and drilling to the tertiary level is too difficult and very costly.

Once we abandon the easy, cost-effective fields, drillers start looking elsewhere. There is a large untapped oil reservoir in the Artic, but the weather conditions and accessibility are very extreme and will most certainly raise prices of oil. Besides, do we really want to start drilling in one of the world’s most pristine areas?

Scientists are not sure exactly when the oil will run “dry.” It took millions of years and a whole lot of pressure to create fossil fuels and we have managed to burn approximately half of the oil reserves in a brief 125 years. So now is the time to start looking at renewable resources that the Earth provides. The sun, the wind, and the ocean tides are infinite and non-polluting and will be around for a long time to come. This to me is not a debate on climate change – just plain old common sense.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Renewable energy: The next 50 years - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

LAST week’s article took a peek at the last 50 years of wind and solar energy. Let’s see what the next 50 years may look like for these renewable energy sources.

The last 50 years have been an incredible ride in the renewable energy industry with the last 20 years making a major jump in the industry. In the last 10 years, this new and exciting industry has pushed into the renewable energy mainstream where almost everyone can now afford to decrease their energy costs with sustainable energy systems.

But the energy industry will be facing some multifaceted challenges. Some of these challenges arise from geopolitical unrests and economic downturns. Another challenge for the industry is the growth of the world’s population. Our society has become very reliant upon electricity – from cell phones to computers and even some of our smart cars. The challenge is that as the world’s population grows, it is predicted that the supplies of conventional oil are expected to decline in the not-so distant future. How do we keep up with the demand?

New technologies in the wind power industry are being developed. Engineers are creating new blade designs and more efficient turbines. Because the wind blows stronger offshore, designers are looking into large 10-megawatt turbines that are moored to the ocean’s floor. New technology is being designed for a wind power system that will work in low-wind areas. As the manufacturing and demand rise, it is expected that the cost of wind power systems will start to decrease. In the U.S., more wind farms are expected to be built to add to the current power grid. As more wind power is created, it is expected that current power transmission systems will have to be upgraded. One possible challenge the wind power industry can face may have to do with Mother Nature. As more wind farms are created, the safety of wildlife – especially birds and bats – will have to be taken into consideration.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar power could be responsible for over a third of our energy supply by the year 2060. Because the sun shines more than the wind blows in many places, solar power may become the renewable energy leader. Solar energy systems have also become more affordable that most people can afford a personal home system. The future is bright for solar technology. Some of the upcoming technology for solar energy is more efficient solar panels and clear or pliable panels that can be attached anywhere. Another advancement being researched is the ability to store the energy created to be used during the times the sun is not shining. Currently, solar panels require a large amount of land to generate a sufficient amount of energy. Designers are researching on making smaller and more efficient panels.

Other renewable energy technologies, besides wind and solar, are also expected to help reduce the world’s carbon footprint and the dependence on foreign oil. These technologies are wave and hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to take the lead in transportation over the next 50 years, especially in the airline industry.

With all of the renewable energy systems becoming more affordable and more advanced in their technology, grid parity now looks reachable in most areas of the world by 2020. Grid parity, as explained by the Renewable Energy Advisors, is a term that “is meant to describe the point in time, at which a developing technology will produce electricity for the same cost to ratepayers as traditional technologies. That is, when the new technology can produce electricity as inexpensively as the electricity currently available on a utility’s transmission and distribution grid.”

In areas like Guam and the north Pacific, where energy is so expensive, parity can be a reality by 2017.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Renewable energy: The last 50 years - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

ACCORDING to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the global consumption of commercial energy has risen more than fourfold, far beating the growth of the world’s population. In other words, our population continues to increase and our demand for power is growing faster than we can produce it. No matter the type of resource we use to create energy, it all comes from natural resources. Even nuclear power derives from the natural element uranium.

As we move closer to a point where our dependency on fossil fuel will be halted, we are looking more toward renewable resources to move us into the future. But to understand where we are going, we need to understand how our technology has evolved. Since our region is best suited for solar and wind power, I will concentrate on these two forms of renewable energy.

The wind has been harvested for power as far back as 500 A.D. The wind energy was used to grind grains. Eventually, windmills were used to mill timber or pump water. Over the last 50 years, we started to use wind to generate electricity. Since then, wind energy has made a substantial contribution to renewable energy throughout the world. Within the last 30 years, wind turbines have grown four times in size. The blades have evolved into sleek long propeller-looking blades, some of which have a diameter that are longer than a football field.

Wind turbines in the 1980s could produce about 50 kilowatts of power. Today’s wind turbines can produce about 3 megawatts. A 1-megawatt wind turbine can provide power to run 350 average U.S. households for a year. In 2012, wind energy contributed to 43 percent off all new electricity added to the national power grid. The American Wind Energy Association stated that the wind turbines across the U.S. currently produce enough clean energy to meet the electrical needs of nearly 13 million homes. Utility-scale wind farms can now be found in 39 states.

Solar energy has had an amazing evolution over the last 50 years. The world is waking up to the fact that solar energy is truly God’s gift. Once installed, solar power systems require little to no maintenance. After the initial capital to purchase and install the system is repaid, it is absolutely free. Unlike wind power, the solar power that we know today came to fruition about 50 years ago. Scientists at Bell Laboratories used a semiconductor made of silicone to convert light into electricity. Since then, great strides have been made to make solar energy available to the masses at a reasonable price.

Over the last 20 years, the cost of solar energy systems has come down sevenfold. This decrease in price is due to the advancement in technology, increase in demand and manufacturing, and economical installation methods. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar energy was responsible for 50 percent of all newly added electricity capacity on the U.S. grid in 2012. Today, the solar power in the U.S. exceeds 8,500 megawatts. That is enough energy to power more than 1.3 million homes.

Thomas Edison envisioned a day when the world would be fueled by the sun. I do believe he was on to something.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

The natural evolution of energy (Part II) - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

EARLY man relied heavily on the natural energy. As the circle of life continues, we are now looking back to the Earth’s renewable resources to provide us with the energy that we need.

The United States still heavily depends on fossil fuels, most of which is imported from overseas. In 2011, the United States imported $420 billion of oil – making it the largest oil importer. Many factors indicate that fossil fuels now are insufficient for the world’s needs, necessitating the discovery of new sources of energy. Rising oil prices, foreign wars, instability of the nation, and terrorist attacks have also caused a demand for alternate sources of energy.

To modify the energy supply challenges mentioned above, the U.S. is actively pushing for advances in energy technology. The U.S. is also encouraging the increased usage of sustainable energy generated from sources such as solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, geothermal, solid waste, or hydroelectric generation.

In 2012, solar energy in the U.S. reached a capacity of half the added capacity of electricity to the country’s grid. This increase is partly due to the decreased cost of solar technology. These prices have dropped about 75 percent during the past four years.

Wind energy is captured by blowing large blades that spin, turning an internal shaft in a turbine that connects to the generator. The generator creates electricity. How much electricity depends on the size and scale of the turbine. Last year’s total combined investment between solar and wind was more than $280 billion.

Geothermal energy is produced from heat within the earth. There are three primary types of geothermal systems: dry steam, flash, and binary.
*Dry steam takes steam out of cracks in the ground and uses it to directly drive a turbine.
*Flash pulls deep, high-pressure hot water into cooler, low-pressure water creating steam that is used to drive the turbine.
*Binary uses hot water that is passed by a second fluid with a lower boiling point than water, causing the second fluid to vaporize driving the turbine.
Biomass involves fuel, heat or electricity being produced from organic matter such as plants, waste and residues that can be found in nature, landfill gases, urban waste, and wastewater treatment. Biomass comes in various forms and may be heated directly, mixed with fossil fuels, or changed into liquid fuels.

The decomposition of organic waste creates a gas source that is made up of half methane and half carbon dioxide and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds. This methane is collected and burned to generate thermal steam that drives the turbines and produces electricity. This technology is best used at landfills.

Hydropower uses the current of a river to move a waterwheel or flow through dams. Ocean energy uses the movement of the ocean to create mechanical energy to generate power. Mechanical energy can be derived from waves, tides, and currents. This energy can be captured and converted into electricity.

From the discovery of coal to the implementation of solar panels, inventors have led the energy industry to where it is today. Certain trends in energy will continue in the future, as we are more aware of our limits of fossil fuels. Costs for renewable energy are falling, methods of integrating renewable energy into existing structures are improving, and new technologies are emerging. Finding a compromise between our planet’s capabilities and our energy demand will be the key to long-term solutions. With the right education, technology and government policies in place, the world is moving closer to optimizing our renewable energy future.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

The natural evolution of energy, Part I - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

THROUGHOUT history, energy consumption patterns have changed significantly from a non-complex task like burning wood for heat to the enormous power created from nuclear energy. People have found new ways to develop energy sources and use them to their advantages, as they were determined to find the most efficient and economical ways to make their lives easier, safer and cost-effective. Energy will always be a conscientious effort with the increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy independence.

So how did we go from burning wood for heat and light, to drilling for oil, to the development of renewable energy sources?

Let’s take a step back in time.

Around 1 million B.C., man was able to control fire by burning wood, straw, and even dung to cook, stay warm, and to protect themselves from animals. The Chinese refined crude oil to burn in lamps and heat their homes as far back as 2000 B.C. And in 1200 B.C., the Polynesians used the wind to sail the ocean while the Persians built the first windmills in 600 B.C. Water was used to turn large wheels to make energy for small machines in 200 A.D. Europe.

As the 1700s approached, humans began to enjoy the advantages of using fire. Wood, served as the predominate form of energy. Water wheels were built in streams and rivers to capture energy as a power source, along with wood combustion for heating and cooking. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin took that famous kite into the storm to study electricity from lightening.

Large amounts of coal were discovered in North America. This form of energy began to replace other energy sources, such as water and wind, and became the main source of energy around the world. The 1800s brought about the Industrial Revolution which started our need for more energy to run many new machines. During the earlier years of the Industrial Revolution, steam-powered machines used in the manufacturing industry began to replace wood as the dominant source of energy. As more energy was needed, so was the need for coal.

By the 1950s, other efficient sources of energy began to supplement coal. Oil and natural gas were easier to handle and to transport and was a cleaner source of energy. Soon natural gas and oil became the dominant source of energy surpassing the century-old coal dominance. The demand for natural gas and oil continued until the mid-1970s when economic downturns and price manipulation contributed to the shortage of oil and natural gas causing spikes in fuel prices. These spikes still exist in today’s market. The 1970s also brought about a decrease in the production of U.S. oil and an increase in dependence of imported oil.

In the 1970s, the popularity of nuclear energy was growing until disasters like the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Safety concerns of meltdowns and proper disposal of nuclear radioactive waste slowed nuclear energy’s progress.

In the 1990s, concerns for climate change began. Due to pollution and the restricted availability of fossil fuel, thoughts started to shift back towards natural energy or as we call it today renewable energy. Today, solar power has grown 55 percent thanks to the lower costs of solar panel prices. Geothermal energy accounts for 27 percent of the nation’s energy supply and wind accounts for .75 percent. The largest portion of renewable energy still comes from biomass and hydroelectric resources.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

When is the right time to purchase a solar energy system? (Part II) - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

LET’S face it. Prices for fossil fuel are never going to decrease to what they were in 80s or even the early 2000s.

Time is working against us. Installing a solar energy system is more affordable than it’s ever been. When you choose to install solar power, you’re not only making a good choice for the environment, but you’re going to save money on your electric bill.

Last week we discussed several reasons to install an energy system today versus tomorrow, and here are a few more reasons:

• Why put off what you can do today? Save cash on your electricity immediately. Think about how much you pay monthly for electricity. Would you like to cut you power bill in half or maybe even eliminate it altogether? Although there is an initial cash outlay up front, you will begin receiving a return on your investment as quickly as the system is turned on.
• Be among the first to beat the increasing electricity prices. The need to upgrade or replace the existing aging infrastructure, the rise in fuel costs, and implementation of new technology all have a cost associated with it which will be passed onto us, the consumer. Buying a system today to meet 100 percent of your electricity needs hypothetically will put more money back in your pocket as prices increase annually.
• Increase the value of your home. The demand for greener homes in real estate market is increasing; most homebuyers will pay more for energy-efficient features. Even if you are not looking to sell in the near future, solar systems have longevity. You can reap the benefits from the system now while giving it the selling edge in the future.
• Helps the economy. Purchasing a system today creates local green jobs, supports local renewable energy companies, and providers.
• The environment needs our help now. With talks of the effects of climate change and its potential danger, if you install a solar system now, you can do your part and substantially reduce your carbon footprint for a cleaner future for you and your children.

If these reasons do not convince you consider this: A typical 8KW solar energy installation avoids 209 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in one year. This installation is equal to planting 63 acres of trees, removing 40 cars off the road, and not driving 505,000 miles annually. Every kilowatt-hour of clean energy produced is one less kilowatt-hour of energy that needs to be generated through coal fired generation

Be the leader in your community. Start the trend and install a solar or renewable energy source today. You will be one of the first to start a clean energy revolution and save money.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Guam Renewable Energy Association to be acknowledged - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

By THOMAS JOHNSON - JOURNAL STAFF

On Sept. 24, Gov. Edward B. Calvo will convene with members of Guam's
alternative energy community at the Guam Energy Office to acknowledge and
approve the Guam Renewable Energy Association as an entity for positive
change on the island.

Eulogio S. "Shawn" Gumataotao, an associate member of GREA, said the
association is composed of local business owners and professionals whose
primary businesses lie within the fields of renewable energy and energy
efficiency. "It was a way to help spread the voice of the industry, as well
as giving the island a big push to begin this effort to go away from fossil
fuels and move toward more renewable sources of energy."

The organization, which is presided over by Micronesian Renewable Energy
Inc. vice president Jeffrey Voacolo, has been meeting unofficially for four
to five months, according to Gumataotao, but only in early August
established itself as an official entity. "It's fully incorporated, and
we've established a board of directors, made up of our private sector
leaders in this industry," Gumataotao said. Voacolo could not be reached
for comment, as he was off-island overseeing an MREI project in Pohnpei.

Alfred K. Lam, president and CEO of Green Energy Solutions Inc. and
vice-president of GREA, said that the group currently boasts about 26
members from various private and public entities, including William Hagen,
director of Pacific Solar & Photovoltaics Inc., and is working alongside
the Guam Energy Office and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to move
the renewable energy industry forward.

In addition to providing the renewable energy industry with a voice,
Gumataotao and Lam agreed that the primary purpose of the organization is
to police the industry and set standards to ensure that all installations
are done right and performed in accordance to proper safety and business
procedures, as well as the rules and regulations established by the Guam
Power Authority.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

When is the right time to purchase a solar energy system? - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

MANY of us want to do our part to help keep our environment clean. Saving money while helping makes it more attractive. That brings up the question of when should you make the switch from fossil fuels to solar energy – now or later?

I was often asked that question followed by “Why should I buy a system now? In another year it will probably be cheaper and the technology will be more efficient.” I respond using an example of a cell phone. If you need a cell phone, buy one now and do not wait till next year when the prices may increase. There are many reasons why now is better than later.

Tax credits, rebates and incentives

Within the next few years, the federal and local governments will start to cut, change and reduce rebates on tax credits and incentives. As the national debt rises, the federal and local governments are going to find ways to save money. By cutting many of the tax credits and incentives, these governments would save millions. Take advantage of these benefits now while they are still available. Timing is everything. Understanding the ins and outs of these breaks in your area will help guide your decision.

Cost of solar technology

The cost of solar panel systems has declined over the years and now is at a plateau. As a matter of fact, they are the lowest they have been in years. The lower costs of the systems make it a more attractive solution to saving money. Since solar energy is becoming more popular, there has been a rise in the number of manufactures of the solar power systems and their components. There is a surplus in supply and the demand is starting to catch up. Based on the simple law of supply and demand, the greater the supply, the lower the cost. Once the demand catches up, prices will most likely start to rise again. This upswing in prices may happen sooner than we think – especially as the cost of fossil fuels climb. There are many reasons that the demand for solar energy can rise.

Depletion of raw materials

For hundreds of years, humans have turned to Mother Earth to supply raw materials that are needed to produce the power we require to run modern day society. As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for power. The Earth has a finite amount of raw material that can be converted into power. Sooner or later, we will deplete these materials and society will have to look elsewhere. I’m not saying the Earth will run out of materials tomorrow, but there will come a time that the companies that supply the natural materials will start conserving what they harvest and place an exuberant price on what they do sell. This will cause a steep rise in power prices that will raise the demand for alternative power sources.

Political instability

The United States looks elsewhere to acquire most of its fuel. Many of the nations that supply our nation are countries that are not politically stable. It can happen overnight that one of these nations will decide not to sell to the United States and the price of fossil fuels will skyrocket.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Hiring the right renewable energy company (Part II) - www.micronesiarenewableenergy.com

LAST week’s article covered a few questions to ask when choosing a contractor to install a renewable energy system. Finding a contractor who is knowledgeable and trustworthy is imperative. Not only should you ask questions about your contractor but what your contractor will be offering. Educating yourself will avoid any unwanted experiences. Be sure your contractor takes the time to educate you on your new system.

Know your contract

Read the proposed contract and make sure it reflects what the contractor will do and will not do. The contract should state when the contractor will start, how long it will take for completion, and if the contractor performs a structural analysis. An analysis is pretty basic and does not cost a lot; most solar panels are well under the maximum allowable load for most roofs.

Do you need a building permit? 

The answer is yes. “Yes” will protect you from an inadequate installation. An electrical permit and a structural review are necessary. You will also require a Guam Power Authority interconnection permit. Your contractor should be able to have these drawn up and get the necessary permits for you.

Installation

If solar panels are mounted on your roof, ask how the panel’s supports will be mounted and caulked to prevent leaks. The holes should not be drilled into the roof while the roof is wet. Check your ceiling after installation to verify the panels are bolted into load bearing structures such as the rafters, purlins, or trusses and not bolted into decorative sheathing. Verify the location of the inverters, the mechanism that converts the solar energy to usable power. The inverters should have adequate shade and good air flow to keep the inverter cool. If the inverter is mounted outside on a south-facing wall, a shade structure should be placed over it to reduce the high temperatures from direct sunlight, this will affect the life expectancy and efficiency of the inverter.

Ask for a shading analysis for your solar energy system. Too many times I have seen installations being placed where trees, walls or other buildings block the sun’s light. A qualified solar installer will have a shading analysis tool and give you the reports as part of the proposal.

Maintenance

Verify who will do the maintenance on the system; this should be spelled out in the contract. Typically, the panels should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Warranty

Most solar panels are usually warranted for 25 years or more and the inverters are typically warranted for 10 years. If your contractor offers an extended warranty on the inverts I highly recommend purchasing it; it will be well worth the money. Understand your warranty details and how to apply for a repair or replacement on all equipment. This should also be spelled out in the contract.

Know how much you are saving

Ask what percentage of your total power will your new installation will provide annually; the design of the system is just as important as the installation. ?To get an estimate review your last 12 months of consumption in and compare it to what the solar system will produce. Your contractor should be able to help you with this. If you do your research online, keep in mind that Guam is different than say Arizona or Hawaii due to the amount of sunlight we receive. A monitoring system can be added to monitor your system’s efficiency and output. For a residential system, a basic monitoring system will be able to verify what your system is producing. In a Power Purchasing Agreement, or a larger system, a more detailed revenue grade monitoring system will need to be installed.

Knowing your contractor, his/her past performance and understanding your contract are essential to a hassle free installation and an effective renewable energy system. Take your time and do your research in the end you will be very happy with the money saved and your new greener living.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/. 

Hiring the right renewable energy company: Part I - www.micronesiarewableenergy.com

AN ENERGY system can work well and pay for itself over time. If you plan on installing a renewable energy system for your home or business, it is important to hire the best contractor to properly install the system. There are many factors to consider when choosing a contractor. These tips will pertain mainly to contractors who install solar systems, but the basis can be used for any renewable energy project.

The quality of the workmanship you are seeking is important when selecting a contractor. Here are a few questions to ask to ensure you make the right choice:

Experience

How many years of experience does the contractor have? Make sure a contractor has experience in the type of energy system you are looking to install. A solar contractor who has been in business or in the solar industry for a while will understand how to work with customers and can compete effectively with other firms. They would be very knowledgeable of products as well as the latest codes and permitting issues surrounding the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems use light like the sun to supply energy to be converted to usable electric power.

Certified

Is the contractor properly licensed or certified? Confirm that they have a license. Ask to see a copy of their licenses or contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board at (671) 649-9676. The installer or subcontractor must hold a valid electrical license.

Insurance

Does the contractor have adequate insurance? Contractors maintaining workers compensation insurance will protect the homeowner from possibly paying medical and legal bills of an injured worker during instillation.

Complaints

Does the contractor have any active judgments or complaints? Contact the Guam Contractors Licensing Board for verification of complaints filed against the contractor. Ask what is the nature of the complaints and if the complaint was resolved. An example could be the failure to complete the project on time or inadequate workmanship. Even good contractors may have complaints, but it is more important to know how they are handled.

References

Does the contractor have references? Ask the contractor for contact information or review their online testimonials. A contractor who does quality work will be happy to provide references. Here are some questions to consider asking the references: Were they satisfied with the work performed? Was the workmanship up to par? Was the contractor flexible and easily approachable? Was the contractor professional and businesslike? Was the project completed in a timely manner? Were there any problems to address and how quickly were they handled?

Being clear on the quality you want is critical. The old saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. Ask if the material that will be used is from a manufacturer that has been in business for at least 10 years. This is very important when it comes to PV systems. Ask for the contractor to use only Tier One materials. Tier One materials are from the top 2 percent of solar PV manufacturers. These manufacturers control each stage of the manufacturing process and use the best grade of silicon to produce their solar cells. Solar cells that use a higher grade of silicon perform better and last longer.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/.