Lighthousesolar NEWS
News
Lighting Way to Solar
Mike Sadler, a Laguna native who grew up surfing the Thalia reef, recalls one of the only unpleasantries of spending so much time outdoors as a kid: the pollution.
"I often got smog so deeply imbedded in my lungs, that I had to lie down because it burned so badly," he said. "I don't want that for my children."
Still a resident, and the father of three, Sadler has grown increasingly interested in "green" living and reducing the use of fossil fuels, which he believes will benefit future generations.
As part of that interest, he recently teamed with his brother-in-law, Quentin Keith, who established the seventh franchise of Lighthouse Solar, a Boulder, Colo.-based company that provides solar electric and thermal solutions for residential and commercial customers, such as water and space heating, cooling and industrial process heat.
"Our mission is to facilitate the use of clean, free and renewable solar energy," Sadler said. "We specialize in architecturally sensitive design which is imperative for Laguna Beach and the other coastal communities that rely heavily on their view orientations and design aesthetics.
"We feel the area was underserved and we wanted to bring a level of education in understanding of solar and renewable energy."
Sadler is now making it his priority — and job — to educate the community about the benefits of solar energy.
In the U.S., emissions from electricity generation are the largest contributor to global warming, and are also toxic to health and the environment, he said. By converting energy from the sun, these emissions are eliminated entirely, and relying on a source that is infinitely available allows homeowners to be "energy independent."
Based in Laguna, his team offers energy consultation, design, installation and financing.
Using Lightgage software, they can monitor the solar arrays in production as well as energy demand for the individual property.
"This helps people understand in real time wheat is going on in their world and enables them to curtail some possible energy waste," he said.
The solar technologies used are photovoltaics, or the various concentrating thermal technologies — solar troughs, solar dishes and engines, and solar power towers — which convert the sun's rays into usable energy within the home or business.
"We are committed to long-term growth in the solar and renewable energy sector," Sadler said. "Since we design and build systems to withstand the test of time for decades, we view and treat our customers as long term partners in our company's future and our region's energy future."
Lighthouse Solar was founded in 2005 by Scott Franklin, a professional rock climber who was drawn to the industry from his intense passion for the environment.
He has built a team of committed solar energy professionals to expand the "Lighthouse" way of solar energy installation to the country.
As Oil Industry Fights a Tax, It Reaps Subsidies
When the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform set off the worst oil spill at sea in American history, it was flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. Registering there allowed the rig’s owner to significantly reduce its American taxes.
The owner, Transocean, moved its corporate headquarters from Houston to the Cayman Islands in 1999 and then to Switzerland in 2008, maneuvers that also helped it avoid taxes.
At the same time, BP was reaping sizable tax benefits from leasing the rig. According to a letter sent in June to the Senate Finance Committee, the company used a tax break for the oil industry to write off 70 percent of the rent for Deepwater Horizon — a deduction of more than $225,000 a day since the lease began.
Xcel's New Solar Coal Project
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xcel Energy is now operating a first-of-its-kind demonstration of a hybrid solar-coal approach, using parabolic-trough solar technology integrated with a coal-fired power plant. The project, located at Xcel Energy’s Cameo Generating Station near Grand Junction, Colo., is designed to increase the plant’s efficiency, decrease the use of coal, test the commercial viability of concentrating solar power thermal integration, and lower carbon dioxide emissions. Abengoa Solar developed the parabolic-trough technology, which concentrates solar energy to provide heat for producing supplemental steam for electric power production.
“We are very excited about getting this unique renewable energy project on line,” said Kent Larson, vice president and chief energy supply officer for Xcel Energy. “If this project produces the successful results we expect, this type of solar thermal integration will help move the use of solar energy one step closer to being a potential technology for improving the environmental performance of coal-fired power plants for Xcel Energy and for utilities around the country.”
“We are pleased to work with Xcel Energy on this important innovative clean technology project. We believe that the solar approach being implemented at Cameo will provide a cost-effective way of delivering solar energy,” said Santiago Seage, Abengoa Solar CEO.
The project is the first under Xcel Energy’s new Innovative Clean Technology (ICT) Program, an initiative to test promising new technologies with potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions and result in other environmental improvements. Through the ICT Program, the company can pursue the development, commercialization and deployment of new power generation, energy storage and other technologies that support its clean energy strategy. It provides the opportunity to test these technologies and evaluate their cost, reliability and environmental performance at a demonstration scale before determining whether they should be deployed more widely for Colorado customers.
Customers can log on to www.xcelenergy.com where they will find more information and a video of the project. They will also learn more about Xcel Energy’s commitment to the environment by choosing the environment page under the company tab.
The Daily Show on Energy Demand
The last eight presidents have gone on television and promised to move America towards an energy-independent future.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| An Energy-Independent Future | ||||
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Council Approves More Solar
BROOMFIELD - May 16, 2010 Visitors to the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library will be greeted with a new sight this summer, when solar panels are installed on the building`s roof and near the parking lot.
The panels are part of a new building project the City Council approved Tuesday that will add solar electric systems to the library, City and County Building and the Re-use Water Treatment Plant.
The panels will provide electricity to the buildings, which city staff believe they will save Broomfield $454,000 over 20 years.
The City Council unanimously approved the project after questioning staff about its financial benefits and aesthetics.
Four get NABCEP certified at the Boulder office!
BOULDER - April 26, 2010 Congratulations to four of our employees who became NABCEP certified. Thayer Hirsh - Director of Training, Geoff Miller - Technical Sales Engineer, and Alex Stutt - Technical Sales Engineer, are now certified in PV installations. Casey Wilson - Technical Sales Engineer, became certified in Solar Thermal Installations.
At Lighthousesolar, we are continually striving to enhance our skills and be the best in the industry. We are proud of our employees for being so dedicated to our company and our mission.
Lighthouse Solar Signs Franchise Partnership Agreement in Oahu, Hawaii
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2010 - HONOLULU - Lighthouse Solar, a Boulder, Colo. based solar integration company, has recently granted a franchise in Oahu, Hawaii. Lighthouse solar and Mark Kelley, its new franchise partner, see a bright future for solar energy on the island.
Hawaii has set very aggressive goals for meeting a high portion of its energy
demands from renewable energy. Currently, the state derives nearly 90 percent of
its electricity production from fossil fuels. Hawaii does not have these resources on
its islands meaning oil, gas, and coal are shipped in creating higher energy costs and
more of a reason for Hawaii to create its own renewable energy.
Lighthouse Solar developed its franchise program from an integrators perspective.
“Our program was created through years of growing successfully in a competitive
solar energy market,” said Tom DeFrancia, Vice President of Lighthouse Solar. “We
have bottled our business model, added training and support staff, and now offer a
complete business opportunity for those looking to enter the sales, design and
installation of solar energy systems.”
If you would like more information regarding the Lighthouse Solar Franchise
Program, or to schedule an interview with Tom DeFrancia and Lighthouse please
contact Jena Skivington at 303‐638‐4562 or email her at Jena@lighthousesolar.com.
As seen in
News
The Boulder Country Club goes green with a Solar Power Purchase Agreement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2010 - BOULDER - Without putting any money down, the BCC was able to have a solar energy system installed on the south roof of the Tennis Facility by Lighthouse Solar of Boulder, CO.
The 100 kW Photovoltaic array is estimated to offset 25% of the building’s electrical load and start the trend for greening the club’s facilities. The Boulder Country Club entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lighthouse Solar and Lighthouse Finance to install, own, and maintain the system for the BCC. A PPA is a way of financing solar installations by paying for the system through the purchase of the solar electricity generated by the system. Boulder Country Club’s President, Mike Freece commented “This is a great opportunity for the Boulder Country Club to finally take advantage of the large southern roof of the tennis facility, lock in our utility rates and do our part to reduce the Club’s carbon footprint. We would like to do more projects with Lighthouse Solar like this in the future.”
Scott Franklin, President of Clean Energy Solutions that owns Lighthouse Solar and Lighthouse Finance, commented, “This is a very exciting opportunity to set an example of how renewable energy systems can benefit all types of business, even Country Clubs. Non‐profit entities like BCC can really take advantage of these PPA structures which enable them to benefit from clean, renewable energy and take advantage of the tax benefits of the installation through Lighthouse Finance, not to mention locking in their utility rates for the next 20 years!”
The system’s production can be viewed online by visiting the system’s Lightgauge website: lg227.d.lightousesolar.com. A time‐lapse video of the installation can be viewed on the Lighthouse Solar website: www.lighthousesolar.com.
If you would like more information regarding the BCC installation or to schedule an interview with Scott Franklin please contact Tom DeFrancia at 303‐638‐4562 or email him at tom@lighthousesolar.com.
Local guys give back
to Hudson Valley.
Two Hudson Valley residents see opening a solar energy business as their way to contribute to sustaining Hudson Valley’s Environment and economy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 11, 2010 – Jordan Mills and Jason Iahn both grew up in the Hudson Valley. They elected to open a solar energy business in order to take advantage of a fast growing industry that allows entrepreneurs to do something good for the environment. “With New York’s astronomical energy prices and strong solar incentive programs along with Hudson Valley’s environmentally conscious residents, we feel that this is a perfect place to start our business.” Says Jason Iahn. Jordan Mills, who grew up climbing in the Shawangunks, sees this as an opportunity to give back to the environment that inspired him. “The Hudson Valley is so beautiful and I see this as a way to keep it like this for my kids.” They have opened their office in New Paltz, and according to them, the future looks bright. “We have had an overwhelming response and look forward to having a very busy 2010.”
Lighthousesolar designs and installs solar electric and solar thermal systems for both residential and commercial clients. New Paltz is the Companies fourth location in the Country, with operations currently in Colorado and Texas.
Is solar right for you?
Get multiple bids and look
at all the angles.
Solar companies enjoying sunny
fourth quarter.
As seen on the front page of the
Daily Camera.
Free Lighthousesolar Workshops
We have done more solar installations than any other company using the ClimateSmart program. Please join us at one of our free workshops to find out why and to learn how we can help you use this innovative Boulder County program. This unique program provides long-term financing for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades for your home.
Where
Lighthousesolar
2438 30th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
When
Wednesday, August 26, 6pm
Saturday, August 29, 6pm
RSVP: Please email info@lighthousesolar.com
or call 303.638.4562
Lighthousesolar is excited to be sponsoring the Colorado Renewable Energy Conference hosted by CRES in Golden Colorado on the weekend of August 29th & 30th. Come stop by our booth, tour the NREL research labs, learn about climate change, and attend the various consumer workshops!
For more information click here.
Xcel won't charge solar-panel fee
August 4, 2009
Xcel Energy today withdrew a plan to charge homes and small businesses with solar panels a "minimum charge" to cover transmission line costs.
The proposal, which Xcel said would have added an additional $23 a year to the average home in Boulder with a 4.5 kilowatt solar array, sparked a storm of protest.
"We made this proposal in good faith," said Karen Hyde, vice president, rates and regulatory affairs for Xcel Energy in Colorado. "However, we appreciate that the proposed rate mechanism has caused significant customer confusion."
Lighthousesolar Referral Rewards Program
August 4, 2009
At Lighthousesolar, our goal is to exceed our client's expectations with every job we do and we are always thrilled to hear from you when we have achieved that goal.
There is no question that referrals from our satisfied customers are the best stimulus for new business. If your experience with Lighthousesolar was as good as we strive for, we would appreciate your letting your friends, family and business associates know about us.
If your referral leads to a solar installation project we would like
to offer you one of the following gifts per successful referral:
Eat great with a $100 Gift Certificate for great food at either The Kitchen, Sushi Zanmai, Jax, The Sunflower or Whole Foods
or
Get fit with a One Month membership to Movement Fitness & Climbing Center
or
Get something done with a $100 Credit for any work done by Lighthousesolar
Second Round of ClimateSmart Loan Program is Launching This Week!
August 4, 2009
The ClimateSmart Loan Program provides a financing option for Boulder County homeowners for the purpose of implementing specified energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Please pre-register to ensure a seat at a homeowner's workshop!
The workshops will cover program requirements, eligible measures, the loan application process, project timelines/deadlines, and other key information related to the program. There will also be time for a question and answer session. Free workshops are mandatory for all potential loan applicants.
For more information or to register for a workshop click here
Lighthouse Solar Reaches Renewable Energy Summit Through Power Purchase Agreement with World's First Zero-Energy Climbing Gym
June 24, 2009
Boulder, CO
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lighthouse Solar, a premier supplier of renewable energy solutions to residential, commercial and industrial consumers nationwide, announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a new cutting-edge climbing gym. This ground-breaking agreement raises clean energy standards through a financing structure that pays investors while reducing the building owner's energy costs.
When the world's first solar-powered climbing gym, Movement Climbing and Fitness, opens in Boulder in July, its electricity will be produced by a 100-kilowatt photovoltaic array and its water will be heated with a 90-square-foot evacuated tube solar thermal system. The project was financed in part by the PPA, in which Lighthouse Solar owns the system and the building owners purchase the electricity it produces. The building owners benefit from a fixed power cost 10% below the current grid electrical rate, with savings increasing as electrical rates rise. Lighthouse Solar benefits by taking advantage of local, state and federal incentives and tax breaks which, combined with the monthly revenue stream from selling the electricity, provide investors in the PPA with a solid and predictable return on investment.
Scott Franklin, CEO and President of Lighthouse Solar explains, The PPA concept is not new but by serving as both owner and installer Lighthouse Solar has streamlined third party ownership of clean energy systems, maximizing the value for everyone involved by avoiding distributor and subcontractor markups on both materials and labor. The installation utilizes highly efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic panels and evacuated tube solar thermal collectors from Lumos, a division of Lighthouse Solar's parent company Clean Energy Solutions.
Tim Harrington, the gym's general contractor said of the Lighthouse Solar PPA, It is a state-of-the-art deal. Now I want to do it on my office. The biggest problem with commercial real estate is the utility bills - they're enormous.
To most effectively utilize the sun's power, the gym was designed by Jim Logan Architects, a renowned zero-energy design firm. A smart-lighting system senses the ambient light and increases or decreases the interior lighting accordingly. A heat exchanger will utilize outside air to cool or warm the interior. Using Lightgauge, Lighthouse Solar's proprietary web-based data monitoring system, electrical production versus consumption will be prominently displayed on a monitor at the entrance of the building.
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Movement Climbing Gym
May 15, 2009
Boulder, CO
We are excited to announce Lighthousesolar's critical partnership with the Movement Climbing Gym in Boulder. This green, high-efficiency facility will offer full-service fitness equipment, yoga, spin classes, and state-of-the-art rock climbing and bouldering walls. Lighthousesolar is designing and installing a 100 kW Solar Electric system, a Solar Domestic Hot Water system, and performing all plumbing and electrical work for the project.
Lighthousefinance is providing third party ownership of the solar electric system in the form of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Movement has no up-front cost for the system. They pay over time at a fixed-rate for the energy produced by the system. Visit our financing section to learn more.
We are currently installing racking and mounting hardware for the solar electric and solar thermal systems. Panels will be arriving soon! Check back for updates.
Movement's mission is to create a unique, environmentally efficient, climbing and fitness operation in Boulder that offers both state of the art climbing terrain and fitness equipment to those athletes that consider themselves intermediate or better, while also providing introductory and experiential classes to those who would like to become part of a highly motivated and involved community.
Visit Movement Boulder's Blog
FOX News: Solar Gas Station
February 24, 2009
Austin, TX
Solar panels may be a first for gas stations
AUSTIN - If you've driven down South Congress in Austin lately, you may have seen an unusual sight: solar panels at a gas station. 7 On Your Side's Chris Coffey reports, it may be the first such system in Texas. We didn't pick the best day to show off these new solar panels, but then again, maybe a rainy day was the perfect time. "On a [rainy] day like this, it will make power," said Quentin Keith with Austin-based Lighthouse Solar, which installed the system. Riverside Chevron on South Congress is one of the first gas stations in Texas to go solar. "I don't know very many gas stations that have solar panels," said Keith. The pumps, the lights, and the car wash are all partly powered by the sun -- even on cloudy and rainy days, when the sun is in short supply. "This building will save 15 -- 18 hundred dollars a year in energy savings," said gas station owner Ken Slack. That's roughly 10 percent of the monthly power bill. "Everything you can do to lower your monthly expenses is a help in the long run," said Slack. Slack said he's trying to save money, and do the right thing. Reflective roofing and skylights he installed also help the environment. "Every little bit helps." City and federal government money helps too. This 12-kilowatt system cost 95 thousand dollars. City of Austin rebates paid for 55 thousand of that. Add in a 30-percent federal tax credit, and Ken Slack will only pay about 29 thousand dollars. That's a 67 thousand dollar savings. Even with all the rebates, it will still take years for this system to pay for itself. "Probably like 7 to 13 years," said Slack. The indirect benefit could be attracting more environmentally-conscious drivers. "I guess it's pretty cool," said customer Tony Kam. "I don't know, to do more of that stuff I guess, would be nice." The city of Austin actually makes money off these solar rebates. They enable the city to sell carbon offsets to coal-producing power plants on the open market.
>>>Read the entire story on myfoxaustin.com
President Obama Signs Economic Stimulus Bill, Makes Solar the Face of Economic Recovery
February 18, 2009
Denver, CO
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed the Senate last Friday with 60 votes and President Obama signed it at a museum with a 100 kw rooftop PV system in Denver yesterday. President Obama was introduced by the Colorado solar entrepreneur who installed the PV system and expects to add 20 jobs over the next two years now that the stimulus bill is law. This bill was a major victory for the solar industry. See how 19 solar provisions included in this bill affect the solar industry. Watch for updates from SEIA on agency guidance implementing several provisions in the next 30 to 60 days.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Renewable Energy Grants - 
The most immediate impact of the stimulus package is the creation of renewable energy grants through the Department of Treasury for 30% of the cost of solar property placed in service during 2009 and 2010. This replaces the investment tax credits with cash. Homeowners and businesses will submit applications to the Department of Treasury following the completion of the solar installation, and checks will be issued within 60 days of installing systems.
Renewable Energy Loans - Establishes a temporary DOE loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects, renewable energy manufacturing facilities and electric power transmission projects. Appropriates $6 billion to pay the credit subsidy costs, which should support $60 billion worth of loan guarantees.
Remove Limits on Solar Water Heating - The 30 percent ITC has a monetary cap of $2,000. This provision removes the $2,000 cap, providing a full 30 percent credit for qualified solar water heating property.
Gainesville Regional Utilities Approves Solar Feed-In Tariff
February 6, 2009
Gainesville, FL
Gainesville Regional Utilities announced that its board of directors, the Gainesville City Commission, gave unanimous approval last night to adopt a solar photovoltaic feed-in-tariff” the first of its kind in the nation. Based on highly successful models in Europe, it offers GRU electric customers a chance to invest in solar photovoltaic systems and sell electricity directly to GRU.
>>>Read the entire story on solarbuzz.com
Learn if Solar Hot Water is Right for Your Home
CRC Hosts a FREE Workshop for Homeowners to Learn about the New Solar Hot Water Rebate.
Heating water for bathing, laundry, and dishwashing accounts for up to 30% of household fuel consumption. Learn how solar thermal systems harness energy from the sun and can help you save money on heating your home's hot water from NREL Senior Scientist, Jay Burch. In addition, CRC staff will outline the details of the new solar thermal rebate to be offered by the Governor's Energy Office in partnership with Boulder County, the City of Boulder and the CRC.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce Street, Boulder
To attend: RSVP to dfox@conservationcenter.org or call 303-999-3820 x 213.
Lighthousesolar installs Solarscape awning for City of Boulder
June 16, 2008
Boulder, Colorado
Lighthousesolar wins City of Boulder RFP for the installation of an innovative 10kW Solarscape awning on the City's Park Central Building.
Park Central Building Solarscape Awning Design Concept
Can Solar Save the Day?
Lighthousesolar President Scott Franklin is interviewed on Elephunt Magazine's Elevision Blog.
Save a tree, Save a buck
Investment advice from the energy experts
renew Magazine
by Casey Cisneros
Renew WNTR 08 Solar Energy Article
Solarscapes
A New Face for PV
Homepower Magazine
By Topher Donahue
Lighthousesolar Solarscapes featured in the Dec '07/Jan '08 issue of Home Power magazine. The Lumos Two Car PowerPort is a complete solar solution that can be delivered anywhere in the world and setup in less than a day.