Archive for the ‘Renewable Energy’ Category

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UW Oshkosh is going solar

September 2nd, 2010

The Northwestern

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is installing its first solar energy systems to provide the campus with electricity and hot water. This is the first wave of solar power installations that will soon be commonplace on the campus.

Following carbon-footprint studies conducted by Johnson Controls and university staff, in 2009 the University established one of the nation’s most aggressive Climate Action Plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.

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Posted in Higher Education, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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Safari lodge’s concentrated photovoltaic plant could be precursor to 50-MW project

September 2nd, 2010

Engineering News

South Africa’s first concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar demonstration plant of 60 kW was operational in the Western Cape, and supplying the daytime power requirements for the Aquila safari lodge, near Touws river.

The 60-kW array consists of ten trackers and took about two weeks to install and commission. The technical installation was done by Johnson Controls.

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Posted in Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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Swampscott, MA explores using solar panels at schools

August 3rd, 2010

The Daily Item

The middle and high school could have solar panels installed by the end of the year if all goes according to plan.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said the installation of solar panels was recommended by Johnson Controls, a company that did an energy audit in town last year.

“We’re doing a little more analysis,” he said. “But it’s possible using solar panels on the roof of the middle and high school could save the town $420,000 over a 20-year period.”

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Posted in K-12 Schools, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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MATC keeps current with the sun

August 2nd, 2010

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

People seeking training for careers in renewable energy – especially solar power – will benefit from an ambitious project by Milwaukee Area Technical College and local firms.

The project includes a solar charging station for plug-in vehicles, a solar-powered highway sign demonstration and a training area for solar installers and electricians. They’re all built on portable concrete pads.

Read more in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Submit your comments below.

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Posted in Green Jobs, Higher Education, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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Solar hot water: it’s a slam dunk!

July 28th, 2010

by Tricia Kuse, Johnson Controls

On a warm and muggy July day, nothing cools me off like a swim in a pool. Far too soon, though, the steamy days of summer will give way to fall, and the only pools you’ll catch me diving into will be comfortably heated, thank you! Fortunately, the golden rays of the sun can still be part of this picture.

Solar hot water systems may be one of the most cost-efficient and widely used forms of green energy around. And when it comes to heating swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, using solar hot water makes a lot of sense. » More: Solar hot water: it’s a slam dunk!

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Posted in Commercial Buildings, Energy Efficiency, K-12 Schools, Renewable Energy, Solar Thermal

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Council OKs wind turbine at California wastewater plant

July 22nd, 2010

Desert Dispatch

Another wind turbine may become part of the Barstow landscape, providing an alternate source of power for the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Johnson Controls Inc., hired by the city in March to conduct an energy analysis of its buildings, proposes installing one-megawatt wind turbine at the wastewater treatment plant. Installing the wind turbine would cost about $3 million.

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Posted in Facilities Management, Local Government, Renewable Energy, Wastewater Treatment, wind power

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Wilson County, Tennessee schools launch energy savings program to improve efficiencies, reduce emissions

June 2nd, 2010

Wilson County Schools, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, is embarking on a comprehensive energy savings program to improve operational efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact of 20 facilities across the county. The program will address facility enhancements, including building technology upgrades and energy conservation measures, and is expected to save the district more than $14 million in energy costs over 15 years. » More: Wilson County, Tennessee schools launch energy savings program to improve efficiencies, reduce emissions

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Posted in Energy Efficiency, Facilities Management, Geothermal, Green Buildings, K-12 Schools, Performance Contracting, Renewable Energy, Water Efficiency

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The greening of Greendale

June 2nd, 2010

News Buzz

Greendale High School is the first school in the state to heat both its hot water and pool water with solar power. The changeover should pay for itself and begin saving money in less than four years. It was made possible through assistance from the state’s Focus on Energy program, WE Energies and Johnson Controls. Many other schools and businesses have cut energy costs through these programs.

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Posted in K-12 Schools, Performance Contracting, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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Flexible solar

June 2nd, 2010

Wisconsin Builder

An education may be priceless to some, but downtown Milwaukee real estate comes with a very set cost.

Johnson Controls Inc. and Milwaukee Area Technical College had to weigh the value of both when deciding whether to build a $6.9 million solar education farm in the city. The urban property was convenient for MATC students and created more opportunities, but it required the dedication of downtown property.

Read more in Wisconsin Builder. Submit your comments below.

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Posted in Higher Education, Renewable Energy, Solar Photovoltaic

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Wisconsin expands PACE legislation, becomes second state in the nation to allow PACE financing of water efficiency projects

May 11th, 2010

By Derek Supple, Program Manager, Johnson Controls

By signing SB 624 in Green Bay yesterday as part of a package of economic development bills, Governor Jim Doyle has enhanced the power of local governments in Wisconsin to use property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing as a revenue-neutral tool to create jobs, reduce energy bills, and protect the global climate.

The bill expands Wisconsin’s existing legislation so that municipalities can now make commercial and industrial properties eligible to participate in PACE financing programs, in addition to the residential properties covered by legislation passed in May of last year. » More: Wisconsin expands PACE legislation, becomes second state in the nation to allow PACE financing of water efficiency projects

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Posted in Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, Green Jobs, PACE Financing, Renewable Energy, Water Efficiency

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