WE CAN REACH ‘DRAWDOWN’ BY MID-2040’S

ISSUE 62 • September - November 2020 ☀ Sustainable Farming 2020 ( pages 20-21) ☀ FREE! SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR VT, NH, NY and Beyond R S! EA Y 11

Energy Independence, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living and MORE! www.greenenergytimes.org | 802.439.6675 Taking Major League Baseball Players for the Planet Jessie Haas Farming to Brent Suter, “When I went around asking teammates pitcher for the if they want to do StrikeOutWaste and Net Zero Milwaukee use a reusable water bottle, over 100 George Harvey Brewers, re- guys responded with a resounding yes. Farming stands out as one of the cently endorsed the Energy We saw a pretty big dent in our spring most important contributors to climate training plastic usage, so that was a change. The U.S. Environmental Protec- Innovation and tion Agency lists it as contributing 10% Carbon Divi- pretty cool sign”. – Brent Suter of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dend Act which as of 2020, but this does not tell the is working its Image: brewcrewball.com whole story (https://bit.ly/31eSEzv). way through The European Commission lists the five the U.S. House most consequential causes of rising of Representa- GHG emissions as burning fuel, cutting tives. Fellow down forests, livestock farming, nitro- endorsers Brent gen-based fertilizers, and fluorinated include many Suter gases. (https://bit.ly/3ldtcTd) Please names that will note that two of these are specific to be familiar to Endorses agriculture, and one of the other three New England is largely related to agriculture. readers, includ- Energy Other sources show greater emis- ing former Ver- sions working the land. A story that ap- mont governor Innovation peared in Forbes last December, “Why Howard Dean Agriculture’s Greenhouse Gas Emis- and biathlete Act Susan Dunklee. Over seven hun- Brent Suter, MLB player for the Milwaukee Brewers, speaks out as an athlete’s voice for StrikeOutWaste. Image: big12fantastics.com dred businesses, 116 faith groups, 118 local governments, In brief, the bill Energy Innovation Act carbon adjustment,’ and American com- 187 nonprofits, and six tribal entities also puts a small fee on fossil fuels, which will panies will receive a refund. According support the legislation. The bill has 82 co- increase over time. This is intended to to the website energyinnovationact.org, sponsors including Adam Schiff, Chellie drive down their use. The money gath- “This policy preserves effective current Pingree, Barbara Lee, Seth Moulton, and ered by the carbon fee will be returned regulations, like auto mileage standards, Karen Bass, all Democrats. (There is one to American people; the law is designed but pauses the EPA authority to regulate Republican cosponsor, Francis Rooney of to be revenue-neutral. In order to protect the CO2 and equivalent emissions cov- Florida.) Representatives of all northeast American jobs and industry, imported ered by the fee for the first 10 years after states except Vermont are cosponsors. goods will pay what’s called a ‘border the policy is enacted. If emission targets are not being met after 10 Cont’d on p.38 Fossil Fuels Declining Solectrac electric tractor. Image: Solectrac. IN THIS ISSUE: As Renewables Rise sions Are Almost Always Underesti- EV’s in the Winter p.4 George Harvey mated,” says that farming and land use e-Bikes and Brews p.6 may contribute as much as 20% of all Every month or so, the GHG emissions (https://bit.ly/34seGka). Federal Energy Regulatory Solar Pioneer pp. 12-13 And an article that appeared in Nature, Commission (FERC) publishes “One-third of our greenhouse gas its estimates of short-term Community Gardening p.21 emissions come from agriculture,” has changes in the energy markets. a title that says exactly what it means Among its data is a table show- Radiant Heating p.22 (https://go.nature.com/3gcFqri). ing its expectations of prob- Choosing Insulation p.24 The reasons for the differences lie able infrastructure additions partly in how emissions are calculated. and retirements, organized by Passive House in VT pp.28-29 For example, one of the really signifi- technology. cant causes of emissions has to do with FERC’s projections of prob- The San Juan generating station is closing down. At its peak, it had a No-till Gardening p.33 the soil and how it is handled. Plants able additions include no new capacity of 1,848 MW. (Wikipedia) draw down carbon dioxide from the coal-burning power plants over Managing Food Scraps p.37 atmosphere. Much of what they turn it the next three years, but 20,696 years. into is put underground, in the roots. megawatts (MW) of capacity to be retired. The picture is a bit different for renew- Chemicals in Plastics p.38 So plants are potentially great allies. While 23,415 MW of natural gas plants are able energy. Probable additions of wind But some calculations have ignored expected to come online, 5,935 MW are power come to 26,798 MW, with retire- the fact that tilling the soil can cause expected to retire. FERC projects 4 MW of ments of 239 MW. Probable additions a complex set of changes that release additional oil-burning additions, but 3,986 of solar power are 26,154 MW, with no Please recycle or the carbon back into the atmosphere, MW of oil-fired capacity to be retired. Alto- retirements. FERC projects 2,063 MW of share this publication destroying the great advantage the gether, this means that FERC is projecting hydropower probably added, against plants can provide. a reduction of 7,198 MW of net generating retirements of 7 MW. For other renew- when finished Clearly, farming can capacity powered by fossil fuels over three able energy (geothermal, Cont’d on p.20 Cont’d on p.3

A SolAr G.E.T. IT! Powered Green Energy Times is brought to you, in part, from the generosity of our sponsors: Does Your ComPAny Town Have an Energy Plan? EEN ENERGY T MES nyses.org GR... be energy independent! ™ GREEN ENERGY TIMES (G.E.T.) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road • Bradford, VT 05033 We Remember Bhima Nitta as a t/f: 802.439.6675 • [email protected] NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...... 3 G.E.T.’s COMMUNICATIONS TEAM: Passionate Part of the Solution BUTTONUP VT...... 3 Publisher/Editor/Production ...... Nancy Rae Mallery his staff spent working General Factotum ...... George Harvey The Green Energy BUILDING COMMUNITIES GRANTS...... 3 Times team notes with people on ways Coordinating Director...... Michelle Harrison to lower their energy DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK ...... 3 Copy Editors ...... Ray Brewster, Susanna Lewis with sorrow the pass- ing of Bhima Nitta, needs. Rather than TRANSPORTATION ...... 4-7 Recreational Editor ...... Roger Lohr simply try to sell more founder and owner EVS IN THE WINTER...... 4 A huge special thank you to all of our contributing writers: of Power-Guru Solar solar panels, Bhima Yolanda Baumgartner, Dr. Alan K. Betts, John Bos, Randy Electric Systems on and his team always CARS AS AN ENERGY APPLIANCE...... 5 Bryan, Joanne Coons, David Fried, Katharine Gage, Nate Gusa- August 6th, 2020. began with an en- kov, Jessie Haas, George Harvey, Cassandra Hemenway, Wendy ergy audit where they VT BIKE AND BREW...... 6 Koch, Kevin Lambert, Therese Langer, Russ Lanoie, Roger Lohr, Bhima was 54 years old. would try to LOWER E-BIKE LOVE ...... 6 Catherine Paplin, Andrew Perchlik , Larry Plesent, Joan Rech, the number of panels Emily Roscoe, David Roberts, Mike Stiles, Steve Swanson, Jim Bhima was pas- REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS FROM FREIGHT.. 7 Van Valkenburgh, Barb and Greg Whitchurch sionate about being needed by suggesting other ways of saving EVS AND PHEVS AS BACKUP POWER ...... 7 Ad Design/Layout ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, PJ Fischer a part of the solution to global climate power. For Bhima, SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV)...... 8-13 Printing ...... Concord Monitor, Concord, NH using 100% recycled the ultimate goal was paper and plant-based, environmentally-safe inks. change. TINYSOLAR VT ...... 8 His lifetime of work never his short-term Advertising: focused on clean en- profit, but rather the CONCENTRATING SOLAR GENERATION ...... 9 ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, Bradford, VT 802.439.6675 ergy was more than a job for Bhima, and long-term goal of BADGER GOES 100% SOLAR ...... 10 [email protected] serving the needs of our community and it led him to the founding of Power Guru. SOLARIZE HANOVER PROGRESSES ...... 11 ...... Michelle Harrison, Londonderry, NH 603.437.0167 Bhima believed that the only acceptable planet. [email protected] answer to the existential threat of climate If ever there was a time when the world SOLAR PIONEER ...... 12 ...... Vicki Moore, Danville, VT 802.748.2655 needed people like Bhima, that time is [email protected] change was to be part of the solution, MUNICIPAL SOLAR – MADISON, NH ...... 13 and through his work at Power Guru he now. The choice he made to dedicate his Distribution: Sally Bellew, Larry Chase, Johnny Hinrichs, was directly helping people find solutions life’s work to green energy and saving INCENTIVES ...... 14-15 Hippo Distribution, Manchester, NH, Daniel Hoviss, George the planet are a testament to the kind of Lawton, Rosalyn Moore, our New York Team: Joanne Coons, to their energy needs through renewable RENEWABLE ENERGY ...... 16-18 Steve Ellsworth, Wyldon Fishman, Bob Freeston, Peter Hudi- solar power, and indirectly helping Ver- person Bhima was. burg, David Kupras, Emily Marsh, Joan Rech; Russ Lanoie, mont meet its energy goal and ultimately Power-Guru Solar Electric Systems will SHELBURNE, NH – ENERGY COMMITTEE ..... 16 Sunna Lewis & Geoff Gardner, Drew Gillett, Mark Koprowski, helping the planet. Since his founding of be continuing operation normally during RELION JOINS 1% FOR THE PLANET ...... 16 Alan Phenix, Marty Philbrick, Larry Plesant, George Plumb, Don this time, servicing existing clients, selling Smallwood, Sustainable Hanover: Yolanda Baumgartner; Eric Power Guru in 2008, Bhima’s company has THE PECK COMPANY IN THE NEWS ...... 17 Stevens, David Van Houten, Barb & Greg Whitchurch. installed over 200 solar power systems, and installing new systems, and finishing Hopefully we have not forgotten to mention anyone. It is your and completed a community solar power development of the Bennington Commu- TOP SOLAR CONTRACTORS IN REGION ...... 17 help that paves the way to a sustainable future. farm that provides power to over 50 nity Solar Farm. Learn more about Power WE WORRY ABOUT THE WRONG THINGS ..... 18 Please support our advertisers. They make G.E.T. happen! people and businesses. Guru at power-guru.com. Never far from his passion for devel- Green Energy Times sends our deep-felt GAS PIPELINES IN NH DWINDLE ...... 18 ABOUT G.E.T. oping renewable energy through his condolences to his family and all who BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL ...... 19 Green Energy Times is produced by 100% solar power, off-grid business, was his equal dedication to work at Power-Guru. His depth of knowl- with a 3.8 kW PV system. We live and know that Energy Inde- edge is a huge loss to the world. We will NET-ZERO ECONOMY ...... 19 pendence is indeed possible – with clean, sustainable renew- education about solar power, energy able energy along with reducing your needs. We walk the talk! efficiency, and how a community could miss him but are happy to hear that his CLEANTECH FIRMS RECRUITING ...... 19 company is carrying on his legacy. Watch Our mission is to create Energy Awareness, Understanding lower our carbon footprint and help save FEATURE: SUSTAINABLE FARMING ...... 20-21 and Independence – Socially Responsible Living. our planet. Bhima volunteered his time for just how far they are going to keep his Solar Power works! … anywhere under the sun! to participate in community forums, legacy alive in our November 2020 edi- GREENER GREENHOUSES ...... 20 G.E.T. is published bi-monthly, Jan., Mar., May, Jul., Sept. & Nov., programs, and informational sessions tion of Green Energy Times. COMMUNITY GARDENING ...... 21 by NRM Advertising Company. It is free and available through- Green Energy Times’ coverage of Power out 90% of VT & 80% of NH: the Upper Valley-St J. down to Brat- to educate the public on how they can ENERGY-EFFICIENT BREWERY ...... 21 tleboro, Windsor-Ludlow, Barre-Montpelier-Burlington, Stowe, participate in the “green revolution”. Most Guru and links: Mooretown-Waitsfield, Morrisville, Hardwick, Danville, NEK, recently this past January, Bhima was in- • April 15, 2014: “Getting to Know Your Solar HEATING & COOLING SOLUTIONS ...... 22-23 Grand Isle, Woodstock-Rutland-Bennington; NH: Woodsville- strumental in conceiving, producing, and Installers: Power-Guru”. Go to: www. Hanover-W. Leb.-Plainfield, Enfield-Claremont, Keene-Concord- RADIANT HEATING – RIGHT CHOICE ...... 22 Plymouth-Laconia, Littleton, & towns in between; NY in the participating in the CAT TV show Green greenenergytimes.org/2014/04/15/solar- Hudson Valley from NYC to L. George, the I-88 corridor ... Energy Opportunities, which featured a installers/. WOOD HEAT HELP FOR SM. BUSINESSES ..... 22 If you would like to have G.E.T. available somewhere you have panel discussion with the recently created • December 15, 2014: “100 kW Power Guru HEATING WITH FOREST PRODUCTS ...... 23 not seen it, let us know! Town of Bennington Energy Committee, a G.E.T. is also online at www.greenenergytimes.org. Installation”. Go to:www.greenenergytimes. CASH FOR COAL CLUNKERS ...... 23 We encourage you to patronize our advertisers. We strive to representative of Efficiency Vermont, and org/2014/12/15/100-kw-installation/. Bhima...... 26-27 selectively include trustworthy services & products. G.E.T. can- • April 21, 2017: “Southshire Community CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS not be held responsible for advertising claims. Bhima’s business acumen was read- Solar”. Go to: http://www.greenenergytimes. CLIMATE CHANGE IN FAR NORTH ...... 26 Please support our advertisers. Keep it Local! ily apparent in the effective way he ran org/2017/04/21/southshire-community- To advertise in G.E.T. contact account executives listed above. his business, but perhaps surprising to NE’S CLIMATE REFUGEE CHALLENGE ...... 26 solar/. By advertising in Green Energy Times or sponsoring us, you not some would be how much time he and CLIMATE-POLLUTION TARIFF ...... 27 only help to create energy awareness, understanding and inde- • March 18, 2018: “Even Greener Recycling at pendence for a sustainable future, but also help to support our CAPITALISM, COURAGE, AND JUSTICE ...... 27 efforts to make it all happen! Please call one our advertising TAM Waste and Recycling”. Go to: www. representatives today! greenenergytimes.org/2019/03/18/tam- BUILDING /ENERGY EFFIC. .... 24-25, 28-32 Editorial Policy: Green Energy Times works with a variety of waste-and-recycling/. writers and also publishes community submissions on vari- INSULATION FOR CARBON VALUE ...... 24 ous topics. We aim to publish content that is independently researched, unbiased and relevant to our audience. Submissions BUILDING WITH THE SUN ...... 25 are subject to our guidelines. 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BUTTONUP 2020 GOES VIRTUAL ‘Building Communities’ This year upended Security: Cheaper life for just about all of utility bills are always Grants Available through us, and for many Ver- nice…but they’re sud- monters, it’s been re- denly critical when you ally tough. With all the lose a job, as so many Vermont BGS Department uncertainty we face, Vermonters did this year. why bring weatheriza- Weatherization gives The FY21 Building Communi- Although the award of the grants tion up on your list of Vermonters financial ties Grants through the Vermont is competitive, the application things to make happen flexibility, which can Department of Building and General process has been designed to be in 2020? Well, it’s even mean a lot during a crisis. Services (BGS) is now available for simple and straightforward. Grant more important now And it’s also a key step in applications. The Building Com- applicants will be awarded funding that we’re all spending preventing future crises. munities Grant Program consists as determined by a special commit- more time at home. We can’t meet our state of the Recreational Facilities Grant tee comprised of private citizens, Safety: A profes- climate goals without Program, the Regional Economic legislative branch members, and sional weatherization significant weatheriza- Development Grant Program, and executive branch administrative staff contractor will help you ensure the right tion projects in almost all of our build- the Human Services and Educational appointed by the Governor. Grants amount of fresh air is moving through ings. Progress here is necessary to reduce Facilities Grant Programs. These will be awarded in the fall of 2020. your home to keep you healthy, without the future weather, economic, and yes, grants are intended for construction Hurry to apply! The deadline is losing all that cold or heat you’re pay- pandemic disasters that a warmer climate and capital improvements to sup- Tuesday, September 15, 2020. ing for. This work can reduce mold and could bring. port and strengthen Vermont towns respiratory illness, keeping your family For Button Up 2020, expert advice will and regions. Descriptions and application safer. be offered through online events, virtual Applicants including municipali- criteria for all three of these grant Money: Winter used to be the only home energy visits, and resources on ties, nonprofit agencies, and regional programs are available on the De- season we needed to spend money on the website. And Efficiency Vermont is economic development organiza- partment of Buildings and General to stay comfortable. But more of us are going a step further to help you help your tions, are all encouraged to apply for Services website: www.bgs.vermont. installing AC to make it through the neighbor. Efficiency Vermont has joined these opportunities to fund con- gov/commissioner/building-com- longer heat waves we’re facing. Anytime with the Vermont Community Foundation struction, infrastructure support, and munities-grants. you’re spending money to heat or cool to build the Button Up Vermont Fund, needed projects. your home (or time at the wood pile), paying for weatherization projects for low weatherization is a great investment. income Vermonters. It’s an opportunity The average Vermonter saves $500 a to help your neighbors and double your year and stops those annoying drafts, impact with matching contributions from Fossil Fuels Declining – Cont’d from p.1 which might be worth doing if “date Button Up sponsors. And the point is that renewable energy night” is always at home for the foresee- To learn more call 888-921-5990 or go wasted heat, and biomass), 433 MW are sources are pushing fossil fuels out the able future. to buttonupvermont.org. expected as probable additions and 102 door. MW as expected retirements. All told, One important note is that the old idea FERC projects the net change in renew- of using natural gas as a “bridge fuel” able capacity to be 55,100 MW. seems no longer to be attractive. This is This may seem surprising, especially especially worth examining because the 10th Annual Drive Electric Week considering that current policies of the cost of natural gas is now at a low – low Trump Administration favor fossil fuels enough that many companies extracting and all FERC commissioners are Trump it are going bankrupt – and yet, customers September 26 – October 4, 2020 appointees. Nevertheless, it seems to are not really moving to it. Brianna Brand Monday, September 29 at 7:00p.m., hear confirm changes we have been seeing Another powerful move in recent Driving habits certainly look much insights and tips from EV owners including reported, and they come constantly. months is that utilities, power generators, different than normal as adults and how and where they charge their cars, EV To illustrate this, here are ten headlines and oil companies all seem to be excited children alike transition to virtual work technology, and how they combat range that I saw over the seven day period of to adopt hydrogen as a fuel. While there is and school environments that leave the anxiety. This is as close to behind-the- July 28 to August 3: a “dirty” type of hydrogen, which is derived trusty family automobile in the drive- wheel as possible this year! July 28 – Era of Subsidy-Free Offshore from methane, adoption of hydrogen is way more often than not. Most long for Another webinar on Tuesday September Wind Turbines Has Arrived, Researchers often paired with electrolysis driven by the days when the disruption of daily 28 at 1:00p.m. will discuss the impacts of Say – RenewEconomy green energy. Again, this is a move away life due to the COVID-19 pandemic are the pandemic on the national shift towards July 29 – Solar-for-Coal Energy Swaps from fossil fuels. nothing more than a hazy memory. electric transportation, featuring insights Could Facilitate Utilities’ Renewables Tran- The adoption of renewable energy to re- But during this unprecedented time, from local EV dealers showcasing Toyota, sition, Analysis Shows – Morning Consult place the coal-burning was mandated by many are looking for ways to rebuild our Hyundai, Ford, and Chevrolet models. Learn – (There is no need for natural gas as a a unanimous decision by the New Mexico world stronger than ever, and electrified about future EV models, modified release “bridge fuel” in many places.) Public Regulation Commission. Natural transportation is near the top of the list dates, and more! July 30 – Record EV Sales in Europe – gas is not needed for the change, and it is of priorities. Don’t miss the Thursday October 1 we- CleanTechnica – (Electric vehicles sales are not wanted. Usually at this time of year, residents binar at 1:00p.m., which will cover the cru- increasing, even as fuel vehicles sales are Renewable energy has a number of across the Northeast look forward to cially important topic of EV charging and off badly.) attributes that make it superior to fossil electric vehicle (EV) ride-and-drive the modern utility grid, including advances July 30 – Renewables Set to Replace fuels. To start with, it is less expensive. It events through National Drive Electric in vehicle-grid technology by the Founder Coal-Fired San Juan Generating Station – can be produced locally, in most places Week. While the pandemic has shuttered & CEO of Fermata Energy, David Slutzky, a New Mexico Political Report giving extra benefit to the local economy. in-person events, Clean Energy NH’s former White House and EPA Senior Policy July 30 – Texas Utility CPS Energy Kicks Properly set up, it is more reliable than Drive Electric NH initiative is shifting Advisor. Off Search for More Than 1 GW of Clean the old thermal plants it is replacing. It is Drive Electric Week to a virtual format, To view the full line-up of webinars and Resources – Greentech Media not subject to the whims of the market, offering a series of top-notch webinars to register, visit https://www.driveelec- August 1 – Oil Giants Post Historic major parts of which are unapologetically that delve deep into the latest EV topics. tricnh.org/drive-electric-week. For virtual Losses as Covid-19 Obliterates Demand – controlled by the OPEC cartel. From September 26-October 4, events in other regions, visit https://drive- Huffington Post Major drivers of intentional moves away residents, businesses, and municipalities electricweek.org/. August 2 – Deutsche Bank to Discontin- from fossil fuels are the environment and across the Granite State and beyond are Brianna Brand in the Senior Program Direc- ue Lending to Coal Miners – EconoTimes human health. In an age of Covid-19, it invited to participate in a series of we- tor for Clean Energy NH and manages the August 3 – OPEC Struggles to Manage is worth noting that Americans die from binars on electrified transportation. On organization’s Drive Electric NH initiative. ‘Permanent Demand Destruction’ – Clean- air pollution faster than they do from Technica the pandemic. But also, the damage we August 3 – More Coal Power Generation are doing to the environment is by itself Closed Than Opened Around the World sufficient reason to put an end to our use This Year, Research Finds – The Guardian of fossil fuels. We are not changing fast August 3 – NextEra Energy Sees Hy- enough to address those issues fully. Not drogen as a Zero Emissions Alternative to yet. Natural Gas – CleanTechnica Nevertheless, the change is happening, This was not a particularly extraordinary with new evidence of a profound shift to week. I put the list together for this article renewable fuels every day. Watching this on August 3, choosing the then-most reminds me of a Sonny and Cher song, 2019 Charge Forward EV Relay, hosted by Drive Electric NH. Image: Drive Electric NH and Kate & Keith Photography. recent week’s news to illustrate my point. “The Beat Goes On.” Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 4 Electric Vehicles in the Wintertime David Roberts ing to a Level 2 charger will speed your charg- Many recent car buyers are discovering the ing and can also boost your ability to preheat benefits of getting plug-in electric vehicles while still plugged in to save range. (EV), including: For DC fast charging in winter, some EVs • They have great performance and are fun to may have preconditioning systems that warm drive; up the battery when you approach a fast • They are cleaner than gasoline options - charging stop. For example, if you are on a trip even factoring in upstream emissions of including a stop at one of their Supercharger electric generation; and DC fast chargers, be sure to use the built-in • Federal, state, and utility incentives can bring vehicle navigation system as it will automati- purchase prices down significantly. Over the cally precondition the battery prior to a Super- life of a vehicle, they can save thousands charging session. through lower fuel and maintenance costs. Driving Tips We’re enthusiastic EV advocates at Drive Fortunately, there are some things EV Electric Vermont, but it is important to un- drivers can do to restore some of the range derstand how cold temperatures may reduce lost in colder winter conditions. Best practices battery range to make an informed purchase. include: Below are some tips on picking the right EV • Preheating – getting the vehicle cabin up to model, model options and operating practices temperature while still plugged in means more to maximize cold-weather performance. energy is available for range. This can often be Winter Range EV Purchase Considerations The Ford Fusion performs well on a snowy road in Vermont. Courtesy photo. controlled with smartphone apps or key fobs Cold weather reduces efficiency of all and generally works best on higher powered vehicle types, not just EVs. According to cold-weather package with heated rear seats EV batteries are often placed along the Level 2 chargers. Preheating can also make it FuelEconomy.gov, conventional gasoline and a higher-powered system for preheating underside of the vehicle. This extra weight much easier to remove snow and ice from your vehicles typically have a 20% reduction in while still plugged in. helps keep your wheels on the road, especially vehicle before leaving home. fuel economy at 20° F. However, it is often • BMW i3 has an optional heat pump on the if you have winter tires installed. Studies have • Departure Time Scheduling - Many EV more noticeable with an EV and is especially all-electric model. shown winter tires are the single most impor- models will allow you to schedule a departure time that will finish a charging session just concerning for all-electric vehicle drivers who • Chevrolet Bolt uses a resistance heating tant investment you can make for safe winter before you need to go. This is a great way to need to know they have enough range to system - a heat pump option is not available. driving in any vehicle, and EVs are no excep- get the battery warmed up a bit from charging reach their travel destinations. The base LT trim has an optional “Comfort and tion. Winter tires tend to be less efficient than and, for some models, it will include preheat- Keeping the inside of the vehicle warm Convenience” package that includes heated all-season or summer tires, but in most cases, ing. in winter is usually the biggest drain on EV front seats and steering wheel. The Premier they will not have a major impact on range. range, especially when ambient temperatures trim includes heated steering wheel, front and Most EVs available today have front wheel • Heated Surfaces – Using heated seats and plunge below 15° F. Lithium ion batteries rear seats as standard. drive, which is fine for most winter driving steering wheels if your vehicle has these is used in EVs also do not perform as well in cold usually much more efficient than operating the • Hyundai Ioniq Electric includes a heat pump conditions in the northeast when accom- temperatures, which can lead to further range cabin heat, even if you have a heat pump on the higher “Limited” trim level. The base SE panied by winter tires and modern traction reductions. installed. Some drivers will use a lap blanket or model does not have one. Hyundai Kona does control systems. A growing number of EVs The team at fleet analytics company, continue wearing jackets to avoid operating not currently offer a heat pump for USA have all-wheel drive (AWD), including models Geotab, analyzed thousands of EVs in varying from Toyota, Tesla (“dual motor”), Mitsubishi, heat for longer distance travels. conditions and developed detailed data on models, although one does come as standard equipment in Canadian models. Subaru, Audi, BMW, Mini and Volvo all offer • Tire Pressure – Cold temps increase the expected EV range reductions in cold condi- density of air, which commonly leads to lower • Jaguar I-Pace includes a heat pump as models with AWD. Many more options are due tions. Their general findings are that at -4° F, tire pressures. You can find the recommended standard equipment. A cold weather package to arrive in the next few years. drivers of an average EV might see about half tire pressure on a sticker located on the driver’s is also available with a heated windshield and A few EV models have rear wheel drive of the manufacturer’s estimated range. How- door jamb. Check pressure and add air steering wheel. (RWD) systems, which may be less predictable ever, this varied significantly depending on regularly to increase winter efficiency. • Kia Niro EV includes a heat pump in the Cold in winter road conditions. Many owners have the model, and how it is stored and operated. • Driving Speed – reducing travel speed is one Weather Package, which also includes a heated reported traction-control systems and winter Their online EV temperature tool allows users of the most effective ways to boost range in steering wheel and battery heater. tires make RWD acceptable in northeast con- to check the potential cold-weather perfor- ditions. We recommend researching specific any condition as air resistance increases • Mini Cooper SE all-electric includes a heat mance of specific models. models prior to a purchase to ensure they will significantly with speed. Slowing down 5-10 pump as standard equipment on all models. Getting through the winter in your EV work for your needs. mph can provide an additional 10-20% or more begins with purchasing the right vehicle for • Nissan LEAF comes in S, SV and SL trims and Aerodynamic body parts help EVs maximize of range, depending on the model and your needs. Most new all-electric models the more efficient “hybrid heater system” is not their range, but they do sometimes include conditions. offer more than 200 miles of “official” range, available on the S, is optional on the SV trim pieces which reduce the ground clear- • Eco-Driving – Some vehicles have “eco” or so even with winter reductions, many drivers (included in the all-weather package), and only ance of the vehicle. Some EV models have economy modes that reduce power to the will rarely be inconvenienced by these issues. standard on the top-of-the line SL Plus. adjustable suspension systems that allow motors and do other things to increase On the other hand, older used EV models • Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid plug-in hybrid drivers to increase ride height at the press of a efficiency. Also, following basic eco-driving may offer less than 100 miles of official range includes a heat pump system according to the button. Another option is putting in a “lift kit” principles (accelerating slowly, braking slowly, which can present significant challenges if owner’s manual. that boosts the standard suspension further letting off on the accelerator as you crest a hill, drivers aren’t aware of winter reductions when • Tesla Model Y is the only Tesla currently off the ground. If you regularly drive in deep, and anticipating stoplights and slowing down) purchasing. offered with a heat pump, although other snowy conditions you can inquire with your will help maximize the use of regenerative If you have a long commute or are a winter models include systems that recover waste dealer or manufacturer as there may be other braking systems that put energy back in the road tripper, we recommend longer range heat from electronics to improve the efficiency options to provide more clearance. battery instead of wasting it with mechanical all-electric models or plug-in hybrids that can of heating systems. Charging in Winter brakes. You should also remove any heavy run on gasoline for extended range. For long • Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime plug-in objects, roof racks, snow and ice, etc. from the EVs can charge on Level 1 charging (plug- distance travelers wanting to go all-electric, hybrids come standard with heat pump vehicle when possible to increase efficiency. Tesla’s proprietary fast charging network and systems. ging into a standard 120V home outlet), which typically takes overnight or longer to charge. Most EV owners find these practices be- navigation systems greatly simplify route • Volkswagen e-Golf includes a heat pump on come second nature, and they enjoy running planning. States and automakers are building the higher SEL trim level. The baseline trim SE Faster Level 2 (240V) charging is also available. Some EVs include DC fast charging capability their EVs year-round. That said, if you are in out more non-Tesla fast charging along key model does not have one. a single-car household and don’t relish the routes, but Tesla has a significant lead in this which can provide an 80% charge in 30-60 • Volvo all-electric models will likely include minutes under normal conditions. All three thought of more planning for road trips in effort. heat pumps. Existing PHEV models may not winter, you may be happier with a plug-in We also highly recommend purchasing EVs types of charging may require more time in offer them. Dealers should have additional cold winter conditions, but this is especially hybrid EV model that can run on gasoline equipped with cold weather options offered information on heating system options. when needed. by many automakers, including heated seats true of DC fast charging. Models not included on this list are unlikely If you have a garage or carport for your EV Automakers and battery designers are and steering wheels. These are much more to offer heat pumps, but we recommend working on new battery chemistries that efficient than running cabin heating systems. that will help keep the battery a bit warmer. checking automaker resources to confirm. Some EVs have battery heaters that turn on promise more range and less impacts from Some EV models may also have battery heat- colder temperatures, so hopefully these issues ers that help keep the battery pack at optimal Traction and Clearance in the coldest temperatures (e.g. below 0° F) If you live in a snowbelt or regularly travel to prevent permanent battery damage, so it will continue to diminish as these technolo- temperatures. Several automakers offer more gies are integrated into future EVs. efficient heat pump heating systems that can on rough roads, you may want to consider is often prudent to leave your EV plugged in significantly improve cabin heating efficiency an EV model with higher ground clearance overnight when polar air visits your neighbor- Additional resources are available on GET’s down to about 15° F. The list below details or all-wheel drive. You can filter Drive Electric hood – especially if your vehicle is parked posting of this article. model-specific cold-weather options for many Vermont’s vehicle comparison tool (https:// outside. Check with your EV dealer or owner’s David Roberts is the Drive Electric Vermont current 2019 or 2020 model year vehicles. www.driveelectricvt.com/why-go-electric/ manual for more information on whether this coordinator. He has driven all-electric vehicles • Audi e-tron includes a heat pump as compare-vehicles) to show what’s currently is a consideration for your vehicle. for the past 8 years and says if you have to drive, standard equipment, but also offers a available. If you have an all-electric vehicle, upgrad- drive electric. Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 5 SMART COMMUTING IN NH & VT Cars as an Energy Appliance: Transportation emissions are among the worst offenders that add to the rising CO2 levels in our atmosphere. In recent months we have learned that our efforts have begun T e s l a a s L e a d A ct o r to reduce the detrimental air quality counts (NHDES), but as you may have learned from numerous other reports such as the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), http:// Randy Bryan climatechange2013.org/, global warming is still advancing faster than expected. How do we get our emissions down now? By making new commuting choices! Lots of choices. Smart Commuting is all about knowing your options and planning ahead. There are many choices to get around in New Hampshire and Vermont, The first place to start in Vermont is “Go Vermont” for statewide choices to travel more efficiently. Whether getting around town, commuting to work or school, or planning a day trip, share the driving or ride with someone else to help save our planet and to save approx. $2,000 annually. The statewide VT site also lists services for commuters, tourist, and shop- pers. In New Hampshire you’ll find a similar site at “NH Rideshare” where you can find car- pools, transit routes and schedules, bike and walk trails and links to statewide transporta- tion information. When carpooling, remember to use the local Park n Ride lots to meet your connec- tions. Start your trip planning at connectingcommuters.org or nh.gov/dot/programs/ rideshare/ for statewide choices.Drive Electric IN NEW HAMPSHIREew ampshire UPPER VALLEY RIDESHARE (UVRS)N - Carpool H matching, benefits and support for com- muters in/out of Upper Valley. 802-295-1824 x208. uppervalleyrideshare.com. ADVANCE TRANSIT (AT) – Free weekday bus for Lebanon, Hanover, Enfield, Canaan, NH, and Norwich and Hartford, VT. Dartmouth and DHMC Shuttles. ADA & Travel Training Tesla EV being charged by a Powerwall battery. Image: Tesla Services. 802-295-1824. advancetransit.com CARROLL COUNTY TRANSIT - Services and connections to Belknap County. 888-997-2020 tccap.org/nct.htm Cars based on gasoline and diesel None of the current car companies CITY EXPRESS - Serves Keene. 603-352-8494 hcsservices.org/services/transportation/cityExpress.php technology have been refined for over can offer such benefits to their cus- a hundred years, and their design and tomers. Imagine buying an electric car SCS TRANSPORTATION - Services for Sullivan County.. 603-542-9609. SCSHELPS.ORG costs are projected to stay level or trend at the same price as the equivalent CONCORD AREA TRANSIT (CAT) - Serves Concord 603-225-1989 concordareatransit.org up. But, on the side, there is growing ac- combustion model, with half the fuel and maintenance costs, and in addition, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION COMPANY (CVTC) - serving 34 towns ceptance of global warming issues that in the Monadnock Region, providing “no fee” transportation for people with limiting cir- combustion cars only make worse. getting paid by the electric utility com- cumstances. 877-428-2882 x5. CVTC-nh.org Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered a pany when your car battery is idle. Think what this does to the market for new COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (CART) - Serving revolutionary technology even though the Chester, Derry, Hampstead, Londonderry, Salem and Windham, limited service to cars designed to run on an electric mo- and used combustion cars. Fundamental Plaistow. 603-434-3569 cart-rides.org tor, and the use of batteries are concepts changes to transportation economics are coming faster than most car manu- DARTMOUTH COACH - Services to Boston, Logan Airport and NYC 800-637-0123 dart- that pre-date combustion engines. Now mouthcoach.com that global warming issues make com- facturers planned. Look at the current bustion cars a too-costly luxury, clean percentage of EVs sold by Tesla versus MANCHESTER TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MTA) - Manchester, with links to Nashua and electric technology with ever-expanding all other conventional auto makers, and Concord. 603-623-8801 mtabus.org/services/local-buses innovations in electronic components you begin to see how Tesla’s technology MID-STATE REGIONAL RIDE RESOURCE DIRECTORY - Services elknap-Merrimack and battery improvement (largely lead could play out. Look for Tesla to Counties, excluding Hooksett and the towns of Deering, Hillsborough and Windsor of ignored for a hundred years, compli- continue growing, and more partner- Hillsborough County. 603.225.3295 x1201. midstatercc.org ments of the oil and car industries) ships and mergers among the existing NASHUA TRANSIT SYSTEM (NTS) - Buses and trolleys with bike racks. 603-888-0100 are now coming faster than predicted. manufacturers. RideBigBlue.com This means better cars that cost less, How does this affect New Hampshire? NH RIDESHARE – Your Source for Transportation Alternatives. nh.gov/dot/programs/ride- have lower fuel and maintenance costs Well, thanks to FERC 841, the NH Public share/ (one-half to one third of combustion Utilities Commission has to come up cars) and, now, it may be possible for EV with a more open distributed storage IN VERMONT owners to generate revenue when the plan, and NH companies could partici- UPPER VALLEY TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (Vital Communi- car is idle. pate. Various car companies will intro- ties) - Works with UV employers and communities to promote and improve commuting Tesla is setting the standard to which duce more Vehicle to Grid (V2G) capac- options. 802-291-9100 vitalcommunities.org/transport/index.htm all car makers are now being compared. ity, and we can look for more market Little Tesla. Consider: 1. Tesla is now awareness of using the car for tempo- VERMONT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSIT - Lists transit, ferries and more rary energy - as an energy appliance. at aot.state.vt.us/PublicTransit/providers.htm making a profit on their electric cars, where all the other car makers, still These are not next-month predictions, AMTRAK - Long distance train service. Discounts for AAA members and student advan- manufacturing EVs to meet mandated or maybe not even next year. But, look- tage card. (800) 872-7245 amtrak.com quotas, remain years away from profit- ing at the two- to five -year period time ing on their EVs. 2. Tesla has funded their frame the effect will be quite noticeable. CHITTENDEN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY - Burlington bus service with Will NH benefit from these changes? links to Montpelier, Middlebury and commuter route to Milton. cctaride.org own fast charger network around the country and the world, whereas other Yes, certainly, as every consumer will CONNECTICUT RIVER TRANSIT - Services in Bellows Falls and Springfield. crtransit.org car makers sit on the fence, waiting for from better technology. But, will NH someone else to build this infrastruc- prosper by developing and offering new GO VERMONT - Offers carpool matching and commuter connections in VT 800-685- ture. VW Settlement money is a help, solutions for this new world? And maybe 7433 connectingcommuters.org but not enough. 3. Tesla cars are now exporting these solutions? But, only GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD - Day trips from White River, Champlain Valley, Bellows demonstrating that the lower operat- if NH adopts policies that encourage Falls and Rutland. rails-vt.com ing costs (fuel and maintenance) for an early adoption of the technologies so electric car can deliver better payback new solutions can be envisioned, made, GREEN MOUNTAIN TRANSIT AGENCY - Local service in Barre, Montpelier, Grand Isle, to commercial customers even with and sold from here. The replacement of Stowe and Lamoille. 802-223-7287 gmtaride.org the higher initial cost of the car. 4. Most combustion energy with clean electric GREY HOUND/VERMONT TRANSIT - Long distance bus services. 1-800-231-2222 grey- significant, Tesla is developing their energy will be among the largest and hound.com/ PowerPak, Powerwall and car batteries widest markets in the world this century. as a giant energy buffer to help the utili- Will NH produce solutions, or just con- LAKE CHAMPLAIN FERRIES - Transport between New York and Vermont via Lake Cham- ties better handle power fluctuations. sume? We’ll see. plain. 802-864-9804 ferries.com With the US-FERC order 841 (distributed Randy Bryan is one of the co-founders MARBLE VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT- For Rutland, Killington, rural Manchester, Poult- energy storage mandate) being affirmed of Drive Electric NH. Bryan has been an ney and Rutland to Bellows Falls. City routes Free on Saturday. 802-773-3244 thebus.com/ in Federal court there will be a lot more advocate for electric cars since 2006. His distributed energy storage coming to company, PlugOut Power [formerly Con- RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION (RCT) - Buses, vans, and volunteer drivers. our grids, and soon. Tesla is positioned, Verdant Vehicles], has converted vehicles Routes via The Jay-Lyn, The Highlander (Newport - Derby Line); The US RT2 Commuter through their testing in Australia, (St. J. to Montpelier) and Free routes to rural areas. 802-748-8170 riderct.org to plug-in hybrids and currently develops Vermont and soon in England to share and sells inverters that turn electrified cars STAGE COACH - Commuter buses from Randolph and Fairlee to Dartmouth, Local village revenue captured in this way with their into emergency generators. buses. 800-427-3553 stagecoach-rides.org Tesla car and Powerwall customers 6 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Transportation Solutions VERMONT BIKE & BREW A REAL ‘VERMONT EXPERIENCE’ IN THE UPPER VALLEY G.E.T. Staff ride together at a similar “When out-of-state pace, Cole refers to them as visitors come in search “the great equalizer.” of a ‘Vermont experi- After graduating from ence’ they’re chasing the the University of Puget best maple syrup, maple Sound, Cole spent eight creemes, small-batch craft years taking youth on beer, locally roasted coffee, wilderness expeditions in and fresh produce. And the American Southwest. they want to enjoy it all He spent summers leading with a Green Mountain international trips with backdrop.” That’s how Jonas Overland Summers, and, Cole, owner and founder between trips, he always of Vermont Bike & Brew, Vermont Bike & Brew owner, Jonas found a way to return to A real ‘Vermont Experience’ touring on bikes in the Upper Valley. Photos courtesy of Vermont Bike & Brew. a new Thetford, VT-based Cole, enjoys a brew during a tour. Vermont. This guiding electric bike rental, sales, experience gave him the and tour company thinks. Cole was born background needed to in Vermont and knows which elements understand what groups are looking for on are essential in creating an authentic a bike ride. Last year Cole moved back to Vermont experience. “Many of these the Upper Valley full-time and is running visitors don’t know they can avoid the Vermont Bike & Brew from the garage at many tourists in places like Burlington the house he grew up in. and Stowe. We have all the ingredients for Because the business operates out of an outstanding Vermont adventure right his home, Cole is able to deliver bikes to here in the Upper Valley.” the beginning of a tour route or anywhere The Upper Valley, which is situated a guest wants to ride. The weight of an around Hanover, NH and includes about e-bike is significant and loading it onto a 30 towns on both sides of the Connecti- rack can be a challenge, but he removes cut River, is Cole’s back yard. One of the that challenge by delivering the bikes so silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic, guests can focus on the joy of riding. When greenmountainbikes.com he explains, is that Upper Valley resi- a customer buys a bike from Vermont Bike 800-767-7882 dents are signing up for the tours as well. & Brew, Cole delivers the bike fully as- Lifetime residents are discovering small sembled, charged, and warrantied by the GREEN businesses and back roads they never manufacturer. Vermont Bike & Brew is an knew are right around the corner from authorized dealer of Haibike and iZip elec- MOUNTAIN their own home. tric bikes and will be adding Diamondback Vermont Bike & Brew tours are custom- electric bikes next year. BIKES ized for every group. Locally roasted cof- Cole sees Vermont Bike & Brew as an PUT SOMETHING ELECTRIC fee from Abracadabra Coffee (Woodstock, opportunity he can leverage to benefit the BETWEEN YOUR LEGS! Rochester, VT VT) and cold pints from Jasper Murdock’s local economy. His partner businesses are Alehouse (Norwich, VT) are classic stops. included on self-guided tour routes that But don’t simply find these places on your guests can download on their phones. own; Cole sends you on the scenic route “When a guest visits one of my partner with the maple creemee finale. One Bike businesses,” he explains, “I feel like they are & Brew customer remarked, “We had a completing a cycle. These businesses have been sources of sustenance, libation, and entertainment in the Up- per Valley for years and this is my way of saying thanks and showing my support.” Partner businesses include breweries, farm stands, cafes, scoop shops, B&Bs, and more. And what would a summer bike ride be without jumping in at a Our mission is to offer clean, affordable local swimming hole? For reservations or to and sustainable transportation alternatives. learn more about Ver- mont Bike & Brew call Seacoast Ebikes is an Ebike only store that 802.274.2277 or visit www. Touring on bikes. Photos courtesy of Vermont Bike & Brew. VtBikeAndBrew.com. sells and services Specialized Turbo, Aventon, true tour of Vermont from the farms and Urban Arrow Cargo and Yuba Cargo bikes. scenic landscapes to the ice cream.” For many, steep hills have been a barrier to exploring New England on a E- b i k e L o v e bicycle, but the pedal-assisted electric More people are finding their way motor has changed the situation. Now back to biking thanks to the Upper people are commuting on electric bikes Valley e-Bike Library project. and ditching their cars whenever they E-bikes profoundly expand the * can. As one Vermont Bike & Brew cus- range, carrying capacity (children * tomer wrote, “We simply could not have and cargo), hill-climbing ease, and done the almost 40-mile, extremely hilly comfort of biking. Dave Cohen, ride with regular bikes. You still get a director of V-Bike, says at least 15 good work-out, but the hills are delight- people who tried one of the electric * ful rather than daunting!” The moment bikes on loan through the program you start to pedal, the motor gives you a have contacted him about where to boost, and you can see how fun, practi- buy one. cal, and environmentally-friendly they The Upper Valley e-Bike Library * Equipped with Bosch Mid Drive. are. All over the world e-bikes are gaining moves to Hartland and Windsor in popularity. Europeans have been riding September, 2020. Find out how you 109 Gosling Rd, Newington, NH 03801 • https://seacoastebikes.com e-bikes for years, whereas Americans are can try an e-bike at http://bit.ly/Vital- just catching on. Because e-bikes allow bike or call 802.291.9100! people of different ages and abilities to (603) 294-0370 Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 7

nabling rovisions o educe mance metrics and targets. However, only E P T R California could be said to have a strategy for emissions reduction. Without such a Carbon Emissions from Freight strategy, states will squander gains from Therese Langer, ACEEE Senior Fellow, Transportation cleaner trucks on offsetting increasing truck Freight transport is responsible for a large climate. This has consequences at the state miles and may struggle to turn freight sec- and increasing share of U.S. greenhouse level. While states must have approved tor emissions downward. gas emissions. Despite great strides in truck freight plans in place to be eligible for Getting a better freight plan in place efficiency and the potential to transition to federal funding, the plans are not currently should be on the agenda of any state work- electric trucks in many applications, vehicle required to show how states will reduce ing toward climate goals. Fortunately, the improvements are not enough to deliver a freight sector emissions. efficiency improvements that are key to sustainable freight sector. We need a freight These days, many states are setting their greenhouse gas reduction will also produce network that is itself more efficient, with own climate goals, and an efficient freight a freight system that better supports eco- streamlined truck routing and loading, as system will be important to meeting those nomic activity. well as greater use of trains and ships. goals. But for the most part, state climate Federal guidance needed A new ACEEE (American Council for an efforts appear not to extend to freight State and regional governments drive Coming Energy-Efficient Economy) report examines planning. freight policy and planning, with informa- how state-level freight planning can ad- ACEEE reviewed state freight plans tion and views from freight industry and Soon vance efficient freight networks and shows to understand whether and how, in the community stakeholders. But a well-defined how federal transportation law—which absence of clear federal direction, states national freight policy is essential as well, Congress is working to update right now— sought to ensure that their freight projects especially when it comes to sustainability could help. In fact, Congress’s pending and policies would improve efficiency and and the environment. As a major funder of reauthorization of federal transportation reduce emissions. For example, we looked freight projects, the federal government PlugOutPower.com programs may be the best opportunity for for explicit improvement targets as well must ensure that the national interest is several years to help the freight sector chart as indirect approaches such as building a served with those dollars. a new course. modally balanced freight system (essential The House infrastructure bill takes a step The U.S. House passed a transporta- given the high emissions per ton-mile of in that direction by specifying that reduc- tion bill this month as part of a broader trucking), or using mobile computing and tion in greenhouse gas emissions and local infrastructure bill. The bill included several real-time data to minimize underutilized pollution is a goal of national freight policy. helpful provisions for reducing greenhouse capacity in the system. It also raises the cap on the amount of Just assembling the information needed to gas emissions, though it missed some We took a deeper dive into the plans of funding that can go to non-highway freight set a baseline and target would help states opportunities to enable emissions reduc- a few states we suspected, for a variety of projects and provides funding for freight get a handle on the often-elusive data re- tions from the freight sector. The Senate’s reasons, might be well advanced in freight projects emphasizing “operational, techno- quired to understand the impacts of goods transportation bill has only moved through planning. California emerged as the clear logical, and mode shift strategies,” which movement. Other planning requirements, committee, and it largely fails to tackle leader in our review, with a comprehensive should help. These provisions should make from mode-share targets to data-sharing freight planning. draft freight plan that sets a goal of a 20% their way into the final bill. protocols, would also help. These steps to The last two federal transportation bills, reduction in the carbon intensity of goods But beyond those provisions, the bill improve freight system efficiency should MAP-21 and FAST Act, delivered much- movement by 2030. Other states’ plans had should require state freight plans to define be added to the transportation bill as it needed funding opportunities for freight features that could help to advance freight and advance sustainability goals, and it makes its way projects, but fell short of articulating a sustainability: Minnesota’s project plan- should provide tools to help states deliver. through Con- coherent national freight policy, especially ning is highly multimodal, while Nevada’s A performance measure for freight carbon gress. with respect to freight’s impacts on the plan clearly defines a set of freight perfor- dioxide emissions would be a good start. Using Your EV or PHEV as Backup Power Barb and Greg Whitchurch Some of you may remember an amazing We Dare You to look inverter kit from a New Hampshire company called Converdant, which consisted of a 2,500- or under the Hood! 5,000-watt inverter for the Prius. We bought the $ 2,500-watt version, which 1,000 electric vehicle rebate allowed us to use our Prius as a generator for offsite $ power and for powering 300 residential charger rebate our house when the grid was down. Of course, the + off peak charging rates car engine would only run $ when the big “traction” 2,500 commercial charger rebate battery got low, and then it would recharge the battery while still running the at- Old version of Converdant’s Prius inverter in the trunk of the Whitchurch’s tached loads and then shut Prius. Courtesy photo. off again automatically. But then the company owner retired and driven to a charger to be recharged. stopped offering the product. However, Randy Bryan, the owner of Plugout he’s now coming back at www.Plug- Power, manufactured the earlier version outPower.com/ with a new, improved for six years, and while the new product product, which can tap into hybrids or is not out yet, we look forward to getting pure EVs. ours. Early reservations are possible, and This is great news for homeowners, we’ve already reserved two (one for our builders and others who want to use Kia Niro EV, and one for our daughter’s their vehicles for 120-volt to 240-volt Nissan Leaf). Stay tuned and we’ll let you AC applications, such as power tools, know how they work out! DRIVE ELECTRIC! outdoor concerts, home backup, camp- Barb and Greg Whitchurch, having ing, etc. Whereas a couple of Tesla power moved on from gas mobiles and hybrids, walls could get you around 20 kWh of power their Nissan LEAF and Kia Niro EV Rebates and incentives are available for NHEC members only. home backup, the typical EV has a bat- with solar PV from their roof at their passive tery two to three times that size, and house in Middlesex, VT. when necessary after days of use, can be www.nhec.com/drive-electric 8 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics - Vermont

few places at her home that got any TinySolar Vermont: Small, Affordable Solar sunshine, and none of them got it very long. She was able to move a small, por- George Harvey While the one I have been table panel among morning, mid-day, Sometimes things work exactly as I using has no battery, the and afternoon charging stations easily. think they should, and yet I feel a sense others include them. There are other potential uses for of astonishment that they do. This is I should mention that very small PVs. For example, batteries one of those times. the specifications on these lose cranking power in low tempera- Right now, I am typing away on the systems are not written tures, so small PV can also be useful article you see before you, using a in stone. Yoder said that to keep a battery that starts a standby computer that is powered directly from the biggest problem with generator from getting too cold in the a USB port on the side of a 20-watt building such systems is winter. solar photovoltaic (PV) panel. All of the sourcing the small compo- Altogether, I have been through four electricity for the computer, its monitor, nents, and they become power outages that lasted upwards of and the dongles that connect it to its unavailable really easily. a week. From those experiences, I can wireless keyboard and wifi, is supplied His approach is not one of say with absolute certainty that a tiny by that panel. And everything is go- mass producing a product, amount of electricity is a whole lot bet- ing along without any problem. More so having a single source ter than none at all. I think that every- amazingly, perhaps, is that the entire for all products is not the one should have a small PV system like solar PV system is highly portable and issue it would be in a big- those available from TinySolar Vermont, costs only $85.50. ger business. And TinySolar just for emergencies. Truth be told, it was an unfair test. Vermont is a place where Again, the TinySolar Vermont website I could have plugged in a cell phone a custom design is not a is tinysolarvermont.com. or two, and possibly a battery to be difficult problem. charged, and still have run that com- The system I got consists puter without a problem. The computer of a 20-watt panel mount- system, a Raspberry Pi 1 Model B, with ed in a frame, with wiring its seven-inch monitor and the dongles, on the back leading to a 12- Larger TinySolar Vermont systems include solar panel, charge controller, draws only a trifle more than four watts, volt cigarette lighter recep- battery and inverter. Images courtesy of TinySolar Vermont. leaving a lot of power for the panel to tacle. Into this is plugged a apply to other things. Assuming the separate device with a standard USB port. days on weekends. It had all week to be local Wi-Fi works properly I could use Larger systems include batteries, which charged. the computer to check the news, surf are usually sealed or flooded lead-acid One woman lived off-grid for many the internet, or talk to a far-off relative types. years, without any hope of getting any on Skype. You might ask why anyone would electricity because there were only a We have come to a new age for solar want a 20-watt system. There are lots of power, as well as of reasons to have a system tiny, highly useful like this. These systems systems. And to some are light enough to degree, we in Vermont carry, and that means, can thank Joe Yoder, for many people, light the owner of TinySo- enough to use when you lar Vermont, for an go camping. Or when amazingly small but you want to type an ar- • INSTALLATIONS • SALES • SERVICE • DESIGN • truly significant proof ticle in the back yard on of that. a hot day in July. (And Roof Mounts, Yoder became by the way, to be truth- Ground Mounts interested in solar ful, I have moved back power early on, but as indoors because it is just Trackers he got to an age when too hot to work outside grid-tie, off-grid, grid-tie he felt it might not be today.) battery backup solutions best to go up on roofs Some of the reasons to install systems, he to have a system like this New lithium storage/battery 802.522.2381 decided to consider are rather surprising. options for your grid-tie system a different business Yoder talked about one • 30% Federal Tax Credits • model for solar power. person who had a series He started TinySolar Charging a computer directly to a USB port. of automotive batteries www.omearasolar.com • [email protected] Vermont in 2014 in vehicles that go dead Serving Orange County, VT, Grafton County NH, & the surrounding areas with a stated goal of when unused for months designing and selling “very small, very at a time. A single small panel was able to affordable solar electric systems and keep a battery continually topped off. related materials. In another case, he came across one The TinySolar Vermont website, ti- person who had a large storage system nysolarvermont.com, is a place to go to that was charged by a single panel. The buy small solar systems. The PV systems system was used to supply electricity to a range in size from 20 watts to 150 watts. retreat that was only used for one or two

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446787 ComPAny Solar Photovoltaics - Vermont WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 9 Local Solar Co. Developing Unique Approach to Generate Electricity George Harvey The U.S. Department ture to SEGS I and II. Energy Center of the University of Louisi- of Energy (DOE) sup- Now comes the novel ana, Lafayette.” ports some innovative part of the system, the The SunTrap™ system NST is building technologies through reason for getting the will include the concentrating solar col- the Small Business In- grant. Storing and using lector, heat storage, and organic Rankine novation Research and this very hot water at generator. It will be a hybrid-generating Small Business Technol- very low cost is a key station with a matching PV array to pro- ogy Transfer program. Of enabler for the NST/ duce daytime power, allowing a greater special interest here is a SunTrap system. Chal- portion of heat collected to go into stor- grant given to Norwich lenges include dynami- age. Solar Technologies cally separating the hot Under the schedule for the research in (NST) for its unique ap- and cold sides of the Louisiana, the project is to be completed proach to concentrating pressurized water dur- within two years after the contract is solar thermal power for ing operation in order signed. Within that time, the engineer- generating electricity on to achieve the lowest ing and preparations for a respectably a continuous basis, 24 possible costs for bulk large project would have to be finished, hours per day. energy storage. the project built, and several months of Green Energy Times has Water in the troughs testing completed, run numerous articles can be heated very to show how a about the innovative Norwich Solar Technologies’ SunTrap™ concentrating solar system. Images courtesy of NST. hot without boiling, full-scale system technologies from NST. because it is under will work. Most of them have been about solar Both of these systems are sited in deserts pressure. At such high temperature, it can “Our target cus- photovoltaic (PV) systems in the New in California. Both produce power reliably, be used to heat a liquid to boiling, to drive tomers are com- England area. Here, however, we are deal- but it is considerably more expensive than a turbine. This is done in a Rankine system, mercial, industrial, ing with a different technology, which baseload power. And both of the plants are which means that the liquid is in a closed and municipal has been under development for some huge. system, so the gas that turns the turbine is operations, univer- time. NST is developing a concentrating solar all captured and condensed back to liquid sities, schools, and Many people are familiar with concen- system, dubbed SunTrap™, with intended for reuse. In the case of the NST system, hospitals, in the trating solar power. We might think of the capability to produce electricity on a 24-7 the liquid is organic, which means that its sunbelt,” McBride 392-megawatt (MW) Ivanpah plant, in basis, with the hope that its electricity will temperature range is different from that of said. He said the California, with its 173,500 heliostats, fol- be much less expensive, at a much smaller boiling water, and so pressurized water can smallest systems lowing the sun to focus light on three big scale, with much smaller investment, and in be hot enough to drive the system. are about 1 MW towers that glow brightly when the sun wider areas of the country than the deserts “This grant is specifically related to the and would be big is shining. Or we could recall the 354-MW of the Southwest. pressurized water’s thermal storage.” Troy enough to supply Solar Energy Generating System’s (SEGS) The NST SunTrap™ system under devel- McBride, NST’s chief technology officer, the equivalent trough collectors, which use somewhat opment uses pressurized water as the me- told us. “Our goal is the lowest cost electric- of 200 homes different technology to accomplish the dium for transferring and storing energy. ity we can generate. The novel part, which for economies of same end. The first of these systems uses Because it is pressurized, it can be used at requires research funding is the storage. Top: Troy McBride, Chief scale. Technology Officer of NST; molten salt to transfer energy, and the much higher temperatures than the water We just completed the nine-month proof Jonathan Lynch, VP of We will watch later uses special synthetic oil, which is in a tea kettle. It is heated in solar troughs, of concept grant. Now we will build a Research & Development this with anticipa- heated to about 750°F. like the SEGS system, and similar tempera- full-scale system with the Cleco Alternative tion.

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1010 September JUNE 15, 2014 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) W.S. Badger Flips the Switch to 100% Solar Energy in NH 1,384 solar panels bring award-winning sunscreen manufacturer closer to its 2030 goal of Net-Zero comes to reducing the impact of how we With a flip of the switch, power for decades. consume and use energy, this is a major W.S. Badger, an award- This project is estimated to save Badger milestone for Badger. We’ve always had winning manufacturer of $1.6 million over the 25-year warranty a forward-thinking approach to sourc- organic personal care prod- period and $3.8 million over the 40-year ing, formulating, and packaging our ucts and a certified B Cor- lifespan of the system. Not only will the products. Everything we do, we strive for poration, will transition to array provide significant cost savings for green. Now we can proudly state that our 100% solar power for all of powering its 23,000 square-foot-facility, but beautiful post and beam facility and the its operations. On Monday, it will also allow the Company to support products we make on-site are powered August 17, at 10 am, Badger the community by sending some of the by the sun.” welcomed several distin- energy produced to its neighbors—a win- guished guests, including win for all. Executive Councilor Andru “As an employee-owned solar company Volinsky, State Senator Jay and fellow B Corporation, ReVision Energy Kahn, and representatives is thrilled to partner with Badger as they of New Hampshire’s Con- become one of the first 100% solar-pow- gressional delegation, to a The 486.7kW rooftop solar array at W.S. Badger is expected to generate ered manufacturers in the region,” said Dan ribbon-cutting ceremony at approximately 600,000 kWh of clean electricity per year which will cover Weeks, ReVision’s Director of Market De- its headquarters in Gilsum, 100% of Badger’s electrical needs. Photo courtesy W.S. Badger. velopment. “Our solar installers have been New Hampshire. using Badger balms for years because they The 486.7-kilowatt array, which consists no capital outlay on our part to make it work and because the company behind of 1,384 solar panels installed by ReVision happen. This is a model that businesses them is a model of social and environmen- Energy, will produce zero carbon emis- can and should seriously consider. We’re tal responsibility. To know that these balms, sions. As one of the largest rooftop and grateful to ReVision Energy and its impact along with Badger’s many other healing ground-mount photovoltaic arrays in the investors, our partners, the community, products, are now being made with power region, it is expected to generate approxi- customers, and employees for it a reality.” from the sun is good news all around.” mately 600,000 kilowatt-hours of clean The project is made possible through a During periods of peak power demand in solar electricity per year, the equivalent of PPA under ReVision Energy Solar Impact the spring and summer months, the system taking 61 cars off the road, planting 338 Partners, with no upfront cost to Badger. will provide up to 100% of the power acres of trees, or removing over 590,805 Under the PPA, the impact investor Blue required for Badger’s manufacturing facility pounds of carbon from the atmosphere. Haven Solar, with the assistance of lending in Gilsum. This will help reduce demand on “Clean, renewable energy is the future, partners NH Community Loan Fund and the local power grid and provide the facility and our future begins now. Switching to NH Charitable Foundation, will own and with a reliable energy source. And when the solar has been a long-held dream. This operate the solar array for a minimum of system generates more power than Badger amazing array is a daily reminder of Bad- five years to take advantage of available may need at any point in time, such as on Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ger’s commitment to reducing its carbon tax incentives. Badger will purchase solar- weekends, that excess is exported back to footprint,” said Rebecca Hamilton, Co-CEO generated electricity at a negotiated rate the grid to benefit local customers. A me- of W.S. Badger Company. “It’s also a smart below the cost of traditional grid electricity. tering system tracks the flow of power and financial decision, especially in these After five years, the Company will have the applies discounted net metering credits for uncertain times, as entering into a solar option to buy the system at a significant power sent to the grid. power purchase agreement (PPA) meant discount and continue generating free solar Hamilton went on to say, “When it We’ve Got Your Back!

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CALL NOW 802 728 3600 www.Catamountsolar.com Solar Photovoltaics (PV) WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 11 Solarize Hanover Continues Amidst Pandemic Yolanda Baumgartner experience. Cost savings, system reliability invited to sign up at www.hanovernh. Solarize Hanover has (“no drama”), fighting climate change, pro- org/solarize to see if 2020 is their year to launched its 2020 cam- tecting the environment, and setting an ex- go solar. Both on-site systems and com- paign with a toolkit of ample for the next generation are some of munity solar shares completed in 2020 online events in place the themes they express. Solarize has also are eligible for the 26% Federal tax credit. of their usual in-person created a Google Earth map (https://www. The credit is scheduled to drop to 22% open house gatherings. google.com/maps/HanoverNH-Solarize) in 2021. Financing is available through This is year two of Sustain- for users to see where 180 solar systems general equity loans or through a custom able Hanover’s three-year are located, quietly producing electricity solar loan such as those from Mascoma campaign to double the throughout the Hanover community. Bank which is tailored to work with the number of residential Solarize Hanover also hosted a webinar tax credit timing. solar systems in town. headlined by Dartmouth climate scientist Yolanda Baumgartner is a co-chair for Community-wide, Hanover Erich Osterberg. Professor Osterberg’s the Sustainable Hanover program. residents, the Town and research includes Dartmouth College have compelling data installed more than three on the impact of Installed Solar sites: Hanover, NH megawatts of solar capac- Waters’ residence in Hanover, NH with both rooftop and ground- climate change ity which would generate mounted tracker systems. Image: Kim Quirk. on our bi-state sufficient electricity on region. Town Man- average to power 570 homes. ager Julia Griffin As expected, the campaign is expe- of the sale to the solar fund for Hanover’s described the riencing a slower response rate than in affordable senior housing apartments on solar systems the prior years because of the enormous Summer Street. Town has installed uncertainties created by the pandemic. New for 2020, Solarize Hanover is for its facilities and As of mid-August, sign-ups averaged offering community solar as an option those currently one per day, fewer than half the number for those who cannot install rooftop or in development from the 2019 campaign. But Sustain- ground-mounted systems where they live. to achieve 100% able Hanover Co-Chair Marjorie Rogalski Norwich Solar Technologies developed the solar-generated notes, “People are still concerned about community solar option based on a new electricity for our climate future, and we’re happy to rule allowing on-bill credits for group net Town operations be here for those who are able to do metering. This project is located in Charles- by 2021. The something about it.” town, NH. recording from The campaign team decided to forego The other installer partners are ReVi- this August 26 we- raffles and prizes for incentives that help sion Energy for rooftop and fixed ground- binar is posted at those facing economic hardship during mounted systems, and Solaflect Energy for www.hanovernh. the pandemic. For every site or commu- sun-tracking ground-mounted models. org/solarize. nity solar evaluation completed, Sustain- Solarize Hanover is reaching out online Solarize 2020 able Hanover is donating a meal to the with a Virtual Open House (https://www. will remain open LISTEN Community Meals Program. For hanovernh.org/2020_open_house.pdf) through Sep- every completed installation, the Solar which presents videos with local solar tember. Hanover Google Map of the current solar installed in Hanover, as they work towards their 100% renew- Hanover partners will donate a portion owners speaking candidly about their solar residents are able goal. [Green: residential; yellow: Dartmouth College; orange: Town; and blue: school]

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solar effort got underway, multiple utili- ties asked us to help them to incorpo- EXTRA-ORDINARY SOLAR rate solar into their plans – including LADWP, TVA, NY Power Authority, Austin City Electric, Seattle City Light, So Cal GeorgeSolar Harvey Pioneer: An Interview with Steven Strong Edison, San Diego G&E, and PG&E – among others. It isn’t very of- interest the Carlisle ten that one gets a house received and, in That’s quite a start. You were chance to talk with 1983, reached out to responsible for a number of other the people who us to design and build solar firsts. Could you tell us about started an important another solar-powered movement. I found residence. The “Impact some of those? the opportunity to 2000 House,” as it With my interest in architecture, we interview Steven became known, was focused on the integration of solar Strong, founder of So- to be representative in buildings. We were responsible for lar Design Associates of how we would be the design of the first solar-powered (SDA), a memorable living 20 years hence. Olympics. That was the 1996 Atlanta experience. In addition to a roof- Summer Games. When complete, the integrated PV and system was the largest solar rooftop in Steven, you founded solar thermal, features the world. SDA in the mid- included passive solar Other notable firsts followed, includ- 1970s. What got you gain, super insulation, ing: internal thermal mass, started so early? air sealing, high-R • 1st energy-positive academic facility I got interested in glazing, ground- (Oberlin College, Environmental Studies electricity early. My coupled heating and Center) - 2001, father was an electri- cooling and earth • 1st solar- and wind-powered campus cian, and he took me sheltering. It became (MA Maritime) - 2006, to work with him. At U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Geneva – America’s first solar-powered embassy. the subject of a na- • 1st Major League Stadium to go solar eight years old, I was tional TV series on PBS. (SF Giants’ AT&T Park) - 2007, helping him rough Subsequently, Rodale • 1st Network TV studio to go solar wire homes. In high Press invited me to (PBS) - 2008, school, I took as many write the book: “The shop courses as I Solar Electric House.” • 1st zero-net energy college academic could, as they were New England laboratory (UMass system) - 2010, and the most interesting. Electric, the utility that • 1st energy-positive multi-story office This included four served central MA, had building (Bullitt Center, Seattle) - 2013. years of electronics as seen all the notice the well as engineering Impact 2000 House I understand you were involved with drawing courses back received and reached some other truly unique projects. when all engineer- out in 1985 asking What are some of those? ing drawings were SDA to help them field created on a drafting the first solar-powered • There were the “Electric Sunflowers,” table. I then chose a neighborhood. Their an early dual-axis tracker field, custom- college engineering research engineers designed for Robin Williams for his place program with a co-op were interested in in Napa, CA in the mid-90’s. work program that studying the impact of • The nation-wide rollout of BP’s solar put ‘book learning’ multiple small genera- powered gas stations from coast-to- into practice. tion sources on their coast, including early electric vehicle This provided me distribution network charging ports - 2001. with a marketable and selected Gardner, • The giant Solar Cube for the Discovery skill set early on, and MA for the project. In Center in Santa Ana, CA - 2002. I landed a ‘to-die-for’ addition to an entire Discovery Center’s Giant Solar Cube. Images courtesy of Steven Strong. • A building-integrated “solar skin” for job as a junior engi- neighborhood of roof- the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in neer on the power top PV, the initiative Geneva - America’s first solar powered systems engineering team supporting ernment lab to power the solar thermal also included solar for the city hall, library, embassy - 2004. the Alaskan pipeline. We were responsi- pumps and controls. Since there were no community college, a furniture retailer ble for powering the remote gate-valve guidelines on interfacing PV with the grid, and the local Burger King. The ‘Gardner • Powering the King Abdullah Univer- equipment stations: essentially two- I suggested that we reach out to the local Project’ was well-publicized drawing inter- sity of Science and Technology in Saudi story-high, automated faucet valves utility for guidance. The project developer est, and tourists, from all over the world. Arabia with solar, the first university that can isolate sections of the pipeline was not interested. After confirming the As we completed Gardner, the Sacra- planned from the ground up to be fully in the event of sabotage or a seismic installation was complete, he threw the mento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) powered by solar - 2012. event. There were 52 stations, each switch starting up the system. Afterward, was persuaded by citizen opposition to Looking back on your career, what requiring stand-alone power systems. he shared this: “Steven, something you shut down their nuclear power plant – a The pipeline experience paid very should learn early in your career: It’s clone of the infamous Three-Mile Island other highlights stand out? well, and I learned a lot. However, go- much easier to ask forgiveness than to ask disaster. The citizens’ campaign promoted President Carter invited me to the ing to the end of the earth to extract permission.” solar power as an alternative. In response, celebratory ribbon cutting of the first the last drop of fossil fuel wasn’t really When the ribbon-cutting event came, SMUD asked SDA to provide technical solar system on the White House. I was where I wanted to be. I read about the developers invited the usual dignitar- support in developing their solar program very discouraged when it was removed advances in photovoltaics (PV) and the ies, the Mayor, Governor, Senator Ken- that included everything from residential by the next administration and prom- vision of a renewable energy future nedy, as well as executives from the utility. rooftop to commercial, industrial, and ised myself, I’d work to get solar back became very compelling. I returned to All speakers, including the utility repre- utility-scale applications. After the SMUD on the White House. It took me two de- Massachusetts with a bit of money and sentatives, went on about how innovative cades to secure a lot of enthusiasm, started SDA, and the project was. The utility folks made no the window of enrolled in architecture school. mention about grid-tying the PV. opportunity. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. DOE was In the end, we How did you get started? What were looking to field the first occupied solar installed three your early projects? residence fully powered by PV. SDA was solar systems I started with solar thermal and retained to design the highly efficient – all in one stand-alone PV applications while also house, integrate the solar systems and week while the designing ultra-efficient residences with work with a builder to construct it. The residents were passive and active solar. Carlisle House – as it became known, away on sum- In 1977, SDA was asked to design received worldwide attention. It differed mer holiday. We a large-scale solar thermal system to from earlier ‘behind the fence’ demon- roof-integrated supply domestic hot water to a 286-unit strations as it was to be built on a private one of the housing complex. The project devel- parcel and sold to a family after initial systems making oper was also keen on trying PV so monitoring. it difficult to we fielded one of the first grid-tied PV Boston Edison, the utility that served remove. First solar-powered neighborhood, Gardner, Massachusetts in 1985. systems beyond the fence of a gov- eastern Massachusetts, noticed all the Cont’d on p.13 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 13 Cont’d from p.12 Another high point was be- Municipal Solar Madison, NH ing appointed This article is adapted from Tom Eastman’s article that by the Clinton appeared in the Conway, NH) Daily Sun in July, 2020 administration to serve as the U.S. The alternative energy vision representative to and community legacy of late the International Madison resident, Ray O’Brien, Energy Agency’s shined bright at dedication Expert Working ceremonies on a hot and Group on Solar – sunny Monday morning on the an appointment town of Madison’s new “Ray’s I held for seven Array” solar electric system years. behind the town-owned Burke I was surprised Ballfield. and honored to Lt: “Electric sunflowers” - an early field of dual-axis trackers custom-designed and built Noreen Downs, of the be named “An En- for Robin Williams by Solar Design Associates; Rt: BPs solar-powered gas stations. Madison Advisory Energy vironmental Hero Committee, chaired Monday of the Planet” by TIME magazine. morning’s dedication held And another was receiving the Abbot behind the town garage, town hall, town fire department, Ribbon-cutting ceremony (July 20, 2020) was held for the munici- Award from the American Solar Energy pal solar in Madison, NH. From the left are members of the Madison Society and, subsequently, being made town maintenance garage and library. All the buildings are energy committee along with selectmen Ray’s O’Brien’s wife, Brenda, a Fellow of ASES. and Brittany Angelo of ReVision Energy. Image: Tom Eastman. Looking back to our humble begin- being supplied power from the nings, I’m pleased that SDA has been 63-kilowatt, 180-photovoltaic able to complete work in Europe, Asia, panel solar array, installed by ReVision mounted solar array. The area chosen the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Energy and which will produce more required no tree removal or grading. It the Caribbean, Canada and across the than 80,000 kilowatt-hours of solar was perfectly suited for solar application. U.S. from Maine to Hawaii. electricity each year. Downs said the Energy Advisory “Back in 2013, Ray O’Brien and I were Committee will track the progress of this What do you see for the future of part of the Citizens for Energy Efficient project in hopes that one day a similar solar power? Communities. We asked selectmen if project can be recommended for the they would be interested in having elementary school, adding that the The industry is rapidly expanding some analysis done on town buildings project is expected to save on the overall integration of energy storage with solar for energy efficiencies. We went before cost of electricity for years to come and wind. The advent of cost-effective the town legislative body in 2014 and while providing a positive impact on the storage is changing everything! they approved the establishment of environment. Much of our work incorporates the energy committee. Ray O’Brien was “What you see here today is the result storage. One of our early projects was the chair. At the end of 2014, we put of that effort. It took us about a year a solar+storage plus generator hybrid together quite a list of timeline projects and a half for the paperwork which was system for a barrier island off the coast and half of them have been completed,” finished in 2019, fortunately before the of Belize in 1994. Another was a solar/ said Downs. pandemic. The installation was com- wind+storage hybrid that powers a pri- At the end of 2018, the committee pleted a few weeks ago and actually vate island in the Caribbean in 2006. We decided to look further into solar and turned on July 2. It is producing quite a powered Cuttyhunk Island off the south did analyses of the energy efficiencies bit of power which can be followed on a coast of MA with a solar+storage plus of Madison Elementary School and website. It is doing a fabulous job,” said generator hybrid system. [See GET’s town buildings. The school was mired Downs. article, “Cuttyhunk Island’s Microgrid,” in at the time in other projects concern- Downs was joined by the Energy June 2018, https://bit.ly/3h9zalu.] We’re ing maintenance, however, and was Committee co-chair, Russ Dowd, former currently powering another Caribbean not in a position to embrace the solar general manager of Pine Tree Power island as well as fielding two industrial project; but, the committee put out a of Madison, a wood-to-energy plant. micro-grids of 10 MWh each – one in request for proposals focusing on town He also praised the vision of O’Brien in Oregon and the other in Mexico. buildings. wanting to lead Madison’s alternative We’re always looking to push the Voters at a town meeting last year ap- energy efforts, noting that as a teacher envelope. Another exciting current proved a warrant article that authorized and community leader, O’Brien’s legacy project is a solar plus storage micro- selectmen to enter into a lease agree- was to plant seeds — the fruits of which grid to power another island off the ment with a third-party investor for townspeople are celebrating today with New England coast. The island’s been renting a piece of town property for the the new array. supplied by an under-sea cable nearly purpose of the installation of a ground- “For me, this project 40 years old that’s had issues and could Cont’d on p.38 fail at any time. We’ll couple this micro- grid with a novel new storage technol- ogy employing super capacitors in lieu of traditional battery technology. Their micro-grid will cost far less than a new cable and their island will be self-reliant. When I started SDA, I hoped to see the day when renewables would be- come the lowest-cost option making a strong and compelling case for a clean energy future. The rapid ascension of storage has now made utility-scale renewables more attractive than all modes of conventional generation in- cluding gas plants. In areas with abun- dant renewable resources, the total capital and operating expenses of new utility-scale renewables is now lower than simply keeping fully depreciated coal plants open. In many applications, storage alone is even deferring or eliminating the need for new genera- tion. Further cost reductions along with continued technical improvements in both renewable generation and energy Top: Popular Science cover featuring the Carlilse storage are making renewables the House; Center: The Impact 2000 house is featured on best choice in the majority of utility- the cover of Strong’s book, The Solar Electric House; scale applications. Bottom: The Bullitt Center, the first energy-positive multi-story office building. 14 Sept. 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG INCENTIVES Lighting Commercial Solar Rebate Program • Special pricing on select ENERGY STAR® Effective March 6, 2020, incentives are limited FEDERAL VERMONT LEDs at Vermont retailers. to 25% of the total project cost or $10,000 if FEDERAL INVESTMENT CLEAN ENERGY • LEDs for indoor growing: $100 back for less than the AC incentive payment otherwise qualifying fixtures calculated, whichever is less. The Program is TAX CREDIT DEVELOPMENT FUND available to non-residential structures with a • The federal investment tax credit (ITC) The Small Scale RE Incentive Program, Weatherization commercial electric meter located in New for most technologies, including solar, administered by Renewable Energy • Comprehensive air sealing and insula- Hampshire. Resource Center (RERC), provides funds to wind, heat pumps, and fuel cells, is 26% of tion projects with an Efficiency Excellence Incentive levels for PV systems are as follows: expenditures. For commercial geothermal help defray the costs of new solar thermal Network contractor: 50% off eligible project • $0.20/watt (lower of AC and DC) for new generating systems, microturbines, and and advanced wood pellet heating systems. costs, up to $2,000. Moderate income solar electric facilities. combined heat and power the ITC is 10% Vermonters get 75% off up to $5,500. Advanced Wood Heating Advanced • Expansions to existing solar systems are not of expenditures. wood pellet heating systems -- $6,000 per • DIY: $100 back for completing eligible eligible. • Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit: pellet boiler/furnace (in partnership with projects, like weatherizing windows and • Incentive levels for solar thermal systems http://bit.ly/energy-gov-R-E-tax-credit Efficiency Vermont). Details at www.rerc-vt. doors, and sealing air leaks in your attic and are as follows: • Electric Vehicles - Tax credit for qualified org or call (877) 888-7372. basement. • $0.12/rated or modeled kBtu/yr for new plug-in electric drive vehicles including • Retails sales of “Advanced Wood Boilers” Appliances (must be ENERGY STAR) solar thermal facilities fifteen collectors in size are exempt from Vermont’s 6% sales tax. or fewer; $0.07/rated or modeled kBtu/yr for passenger vehicles and light trucks. For • Dehumidifiers $25 - $40 rebate http://tax.vt.gov/exemptions, new solar thermal facilities greater than fifteen vehicles acquired after December 31, 2009, • Clothes Dryers - $200-$400 rebate the credit starts at $2,500 and goes up to • Residential Bulk Pellet Bins. Up to $3,000 collectors in size; $7,500 based on the battery specs. rebate. Details at www.rerc-vt. org or call Heating/Cooling/Water Heating • Expansions to existing solar systems not USDA RURAL (877) 888-7372. • Central wood pellet boilers and eligible. • More into at at fpr.vermont.gov/ furnaces: $6,000 rebate (in partnership Contact [email protected] or at DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM woodenergy/rebates with CEDF) (603) 271-2431. USDA Rural Development Program - Rural • Windham County • Advanced pellet or cord wood stove: For C&I solar program details, go to: www. Energy for America (REAP) • For residential low- and moderate- $650 discount at participating retailers, puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/Renew- • Finance the purchase of renewable income residents there is a pellet stove plus $100 for proper removal/disposal of ableEnergyRebates-CI.html. energy systems, and make energy program. Contact the Windham and old stove PACE improvements; energy audits. Funding is Windsor Housing Trust for more informa- • Heat Pumps: The state also has passed PACE (property- awarded on a competitive basis; grant assessed clean energy) enabling legislation tion: Tara Brown at 802-246-2119 • Air-to-Water System: $1,000/ton rebate funding cannot exceed 25% of eligible which will allow towns to use the PACE In Rutland & Bennington County (and • Centrally-Ducted System: $800/ton project costs and combined loan guaran- towns in neighboring counties that mechanism to finance clean energy proj- tees and grants cannot exceed 75% of rebate ects through property taxes. boarder Rutland Co.) contact Melanie • Ductless Heating & Cooling System: eligible project costs. Paskevich [email protected] at Please refer to the Residential PV program. • Applicants include Feasibility studies/ $200-$300 discount at participating NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, (802) distributors Residential Solar/Wind Rebate Program regular REAPs: agricultural producers and 797-8610. • Heat pump water heaters: discounts -Effective January 2, 2018, this program rural small businesses. Energy audits and Pellet Sap Evaporators: renewable energy development assis- up to $300-$600 discount at participat- offers rebates to qualifying NH residents tance: local governments, tribes, land grant Incentives are available for new, high-effi- ing distributors; who install photovoltaic (PV) or wind tur- colleges, rural electric coops, public power ciency wood pellet- or chip-fired evapora- • Moderate-income Vermonters are also bine electrical generation systems. Rebate entities. Grant must be used for Construc- tors utilized as primary evaporators eligible for bonus rebates up to $500 levels are $0.20 per watt of panel rated tion or improvements, purchase and completely replacing oil or cord wood- for heat pumps and heat pump water power up to $1,000, or 30% of the total installation of equipment, energy audits, fired units. $200/sq-ft of evaporator pan. heaters. facility cost, whichever is less. Check for permit fees, professional service fees, Info at RERC-vt.org updates at http://www.puc.state.nh.us/Sus- • Window air conditioners: $200 for select tainable%20Energy/RenewableEnergyRe- business plans, and/or feasibility studies. Other Utilities Heating Offers ENERGY STAR Most Efficient models. Find more at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ bates-SREG.html • Members of Washington Electric Co-op • Smart thermostats: up to $100 back for NH-VTHome.html or call 802-828-6080 in select ENERGY STAR models. Residential Solar Water Heating VT or 603-223-6035 in NH (WEC) can get a $1000 rebate on approved pellet boilers and $500 for pellet furnaces. • Electric utility rebates may also be Rebate Program BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE This can be combined with the CEDF and available. • Program is currently closed: Efficiency Vermont incentives for a total of $1500 - $1900 per system based on PROGRAM Residential New Construction annual system output $7000; $250 for qualifying pellet or wood • Enroll to receive a home energy rating, USDA Rural Development offers oppor- stove installed by a qualified installer. This tunities to producers to develop biofuels expert technical assistance, and incen- Commercial Bulk Fuel-Fed Wood can be added to stove offers from CEDF and tives – Efficiency Vermont Certified™ through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. Efficiency Vermont. C&I Pellet Central Heating Systems The program provides loan guarantees for projects receive up to $4,000 cash back • 40% of the heating appliance(s) and the development, construction, and retrofit- • Members of the Vermont Electric Co-op • Washington Electric Coop and Vermont installation cost, up to a maximum of ting of commercial-scale biorefineries. can get a $150 credit on the purchase of an Gas Systems customers may also receive $65,000. An additional 30% up to a maxi- The Biorefinery Assistance Program was approved pellet stove: www.vec/energy- additional incentives mum $5,000 is available for thermal storage. programs. established to assist in the development Commercial and Institutional Systems must be 2.5 million BTU or less of new and emerging technologies for the • Stowe Electric Customers can get a $150 development of advanced biofuels and rebate with the purchase of a pellet stove. • Buildings over 5000 square feet can get Residential Wood Pellet Boiler/Furnace aims to accomplish the following: a rebate of $1.25/sf up to $50,000 from • 40% of installed system up to $10k • Increase energy independence VT TAX CREDITS Efficiency Vermont, plus an additional • Must meet thermal efficiency and • Promote resource conservation, public • Vermont offers an investment tax credit $3000 from the CEDF. particulate emissions standards health, and the environment for installations of renewable energy Other Opportunities To Save www.puc.nh.gov – Sustainable Energy or • Diversify markets for agricultural, forestry equipment on business properties. The tel. 603-271-2431 for more information credit is equal to 24% of the “Vermont • Advanced Power Strips – special pricing and current program status products and agricultural waste materials starting at $6.95, • Create jobs and enhance economic property portion” of the federal business • Pool Pumps – up to $600 back on select LOCAL INCENTIVES development in rural America energy tax credit from 2011 to 2016. For ENERGY STAR models Some towns provide property tax exemp- • For more information go to solar, small wind, and fuel cells this tions for renewables – visit www.bit.ly/ www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biorefinery constitutes a 7.2% state-level credit for • Home Energy Loan – finance up to NHtownRenewablesTaxBreaks systems and for geothermal electric, $40,000 in energy-related home improve- • These are offered on a town-by-town basis. microturbines, and combined heat and ments with interest rates starting at 0%. • The state also has passed PACE (property- REGIONAL power systems, this constitutes a 2.4% First 6 months of loan payments covered assessed clean energy) enabling legislation state-level tax credit. for a limited time (up to $900). Restric- which will allow towns to use the PACE NEW ENGLAND GRASSROOTS tions apply. Tier III programs mechanism to finance clean energy projects ENVIRONMENTAL FUND through property taxes MODEST GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR • Additional incentive offers may be avail- • Information at www.nh.gov/osi/energy. COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL able through your local utility provider, con- for more information. tact your utility for more information. NEW HAMPSHIRE WORK IN CT,MA,RI,NH,VT,ME NH Electric Cooperative Incentives • Must be volunteer driven or have up to 2 EFFICIENCY VERMONT Renewable Energy Incentives full time paid staff or equiv. Offered Through the NH Public for Electric Vehicles and Electric • have an annual budget up to $100,000 All incentives subject to availability, limits, Car Charging Stations • “Seed” grants of $250-$1,000 and “Grow” and may change at any time. For complete Utilities Commission NH PUC: Get up-to-date information at • NHEC offers a $1,000 incentive on a grants of $1,000-$3,500 details, and participating retailers/ Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), $600 on a • Go to www.grassrootsfund.org/grants/ contractors, call 888-921-5990 or visit https://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20 Energy/RenewableEnergyRebates.htmls Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), or call 802-223-4622 for more info. efficiencyvermont.com/rebates. and $300 on Electric Motorcycles. While we at Green Energy Times try to keep things up to date, incentives are always changing. Be sure to check with the appropriate sources for the latest information. INCENTIVES UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Sept. 2020 15 NHEC offers incentives for Level 2 ENERGY STAR® certified light fixtures (varies Resources (DOER) and MassCEC, will work with Home Energy Waste Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. by retailer, see store associate or rebate form local banks and credit unions to provide For Commercial and Municipal Members for details). Infor: NHSaves.com/lighting. financing to homeowners interested in solar Getting a home energy assessment can – Incentives are up to $2,500 per charging • Rebates are available to residential electric electricity. DOER’s program expands borrowing help you take control of your energy costs, unit. A maximum of two charging units customers of the four NHSaves utilities. options through lower interest rate loans and identify where your house is using the most may be installed off-peak hours at a rate encourage loans for homeowners with lower energy and which improvements would that is lower than the basic residential rate. NHSAVES Online Store income or lower credit scores. have the biggest impact on your bottom line. Heating and cooling costs frequently • Our extensive online store offers • Mass Solar Loan: www.masssolarloan.com. NHEC’s ENERGY STAR Heat Pump discounted pricing for residential electric account for 50% of residential energy bills. incentive structure for 2020 is as The most updated loan principal buy down Identifying your energy waste can lead to customers of the four NHSaves utilities on a rate based on household income can be found follows: large variety of LED light bulbs and fixtures, big savings. Visit: http://bit.ly/ny-nrg-waste. (Must meet or For Residential Members at http://www. Heating and Cooling - as well as offering additional products to exceed the minimum efficiency require- masssolarloan.com/. make your home more efficient, such as RENEWABLE ENERGY/NY-SUN ments - SEER 18/EER 12.5/HSPF 10 ) $500 lighting controls, advanced power strips, • Renewable Thermal Infrastructure Grant http://ny-sun.ny.gov/ per ton thermostats, water saving devices, and Program: www.mass.gov/funding Geothermal - (Must meet or exceed the NY-Sun is structured around custom- various weatherization products. Orders MA SMART INCENTIVE ized Megawatt (MW) Blocks targeted minimum efficiency requirements - EER and product fulfillment are handled by our 16/3 COP ) $500 per ton This info may have been updated. Check to specific regions of the state. To learn vendor, EFI. more, see the Megawatt Block Incentive Cooling only - (Must meet or exceed the website. SMART incentives are only available • Visit www.NHSaves.com/lighting-catalog. Structure. minimum efficiency requirements - SEER for PV systems sized under 25kW. All Ever- 15/EER 12.5/ ) $70 per ton Plymouth Area Renewable Energy source West and Most of National Grid Blocks The Megawatt (MW) Block Dashboard are full for 25kW and larger. There will be a Wi-Fi thermostats - (Must be installed Initiative (PAREI): plymouthenergy.org provides real time infor on the status of with a heat pump also receiving an 400MW review process this spring and sum- block and current incentive levels by sec- incentive ) $100 rebate per T-stat • NH Solar Shares: nhsolarshares.org mer. Details at http://masmartsolar.com and tor and region. Block status is updated as https://www. mass.gov/solar-massachusetts- Weatherization Bonus – (Available for NHSaves: nhsaves.com applications are submitted, so check for members participating in the Home renewabletarget-smart. current status. http://bit.ly/MW-block Performance with ENERGY STAR Program ) Energy Star® Residential Heating, MA STATE INCENTIVE Residential and Small Business $250 per ton Cooling, & Water Heating This info may have been updated. Ck website. • http://bit.ly/ny-sun-Solar-Res-sm-bus Whole House Bonus – (Available for Equipment Rebate MA State Incentives can be found at: www. qualified heat pump applications that masscec.com/get-clean-energy Commercial and Industrial offset 80% or more of the total heat load. • Rebates of up to $500/ton on Air Source • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Com- Two years of fuel use history is required ) and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Rebates of • Incentive updates for air-sourced heat mercial-and-Industrial $250 per ton $500 - $750 on Heat Pump Water Heaters. pumps: https://www.masscec.com/air- Rebates of $100 on WiFi Thermostats source-heat-pumps Commercial Energy Storage ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water • Program details and application at www. • Wood stove Change-out program: https:// NYSERDA is providing $350/kWh of Heater – (Must meet or exceed 2.3 energy energy storage capacity in addition to the NHSaves.com/heating cooling www.masscec.com/commonwealth-wood- factor ) $750 rebate on 50 gallon or greater stove-change-out. current NY-Sun solar incentive. https:// Loan Buy down – NHEC provides interest Other NH Electric Utility Programs HEATING PROGRAMS on.ny.gov/2FvS6L1 subsides through participating banks and See also individual utilities for additional credit unions for the installation of This info may have been updated. Ck website. Community Solar programs and variations. NH electric util- • http://bit.ly/NY-sun-Community qualified heat pump installations. Must get ities may offer low or no interest on-bill • The Commonwealth Woodstove Change- pre-qualified. Loans up to $15,000 after financing for energy efficiency projects. Out program, a partnership between Commercial/Industrial PV Installer rebate. MassCEC, the Massachusetts Department of • Visit www.NHSaves.com/resource/ for • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/For-Local-Govern- Environmental Protection and the Depart- NH Home Performance with individual utility contact information. ment/Local-Government ENERGY STAR ment of Energy Resources offers rebates to Business Programs assist Massachusetts residents in replacing Residential/Small Commercial Sponsored by all NH electric and natural non-EPA-certified wood stoves with cleaner, Solar PV Installer gas utilities in partnership by the U.S. Dept. Includes programs for: small and large busi- ness, new equipment and construction, more efficient EPA-certified wood or pellet • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Find-A- of Energy. Fuel-blind eligibility using the stoves. Woodstove Program Info: http://bit.ly/ Solar-Electric-Installer Home Heating Index (BTUs of heating fuel seminars, lighting incentives, and catalog, and low and no interest financing programs. mass-cec-woodstoves Financing Options / conditioned square feet / heating degree • Heat Loan info: http://bit.ly/mass-save-heat-loan days). Must provide at least 12 months of • Visit www.NHSaves.com/ for informa- • http://bit.ly/NY-Sun-Financing • Insulation Incentives: http://bit.ly/mass- heating fuel history. Once qualified, eli- tion about NH business incentives for Clean Power Estimator gible homes get a $450 value compre- electricity efficiency. saves-home-insulation hensive energy audit for $100 (rebated if ELECTRIC VEHICLES • http://bit.ly/NYSUN-power-estim improvements installed), and 50% instant NH Weatherization Assistance This info may have been updated. Ck websit3: Geothermal rebate for eligible weatherization improve- Income-Eligible Programs https://mor-ev.org/ • rebate of $1500 per ton of installed ca- ments up to a $4,000. Home Energy Assistance and NH commu- pacity for residential/small-scale systems, • Visit www.NHSaves.com/HPWES for nity action Weatherization Assistance Pro- $1,200 per ton for commercial/large-scale more information and an online Home gram. Financial assistance paying fuel bills, systems up to $5000 Heating Index calculator and free weatherization improvements NEW YORK for qualified applicants. Funding from U.S. Electric car NH ENERGY STAR Homes Dept. of Energy, NH utilities. RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES • buyers in New York State can now get • Incentives for new homes which meet Visit https://www.nh.gov/weatherization. OFFERED THROUGH NYSERDA a rebate of up to $2,000 on qualifying EV ENERGY STAR guidelines. Incentives include htm for application criteria, FAQs and local models from participating dealers. See Welcome to the New York solar incentive https://on.ny.gov/2Rd14zL • HERS rating fees paid by the utility, rebates program contacts. and rebate information: 169 programs for ENERGY STAR lighting, appliances –up to and incentives at: http://dsireusa.org (enter • Charge Ready NY: $4,000/installed $4,000 based on the HERS score. your zipcode) Programs and Services from Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging • Visit www.NHSaves.com/newhome for NYSERDA: For the latest NYSERDA solar, stations for public, workplace, and multi- more details. MASSACHUSETTS ground source and air source heat pumps, unit dwelling stations. http://bit.ly/Char- geReadyNY. NHSaves Residential ENERGY STAR ® Commonwealth Solar Hot Water EV residential and commercial incentives.. certified Products Program (SHW) Programs NYSERDA currently has a $1,500 per ton Utility sponsored incentives & tips: incentive on geothermal for residential http://bit.ly/utility_sponsored_incentives • Mail-in/online rebates are available • Visit http://www.masscec.com/shw systems. toward the purchase of the following MassSave Heat Loan SHW Visit NYSERDA’s new website. It is user- ENERGY STAR® certified products: Clothes Clean Energy on Farms Through this loan program, customers may friendly and a one-stop learn-all site: Washers, Clothes Dryers, Room Air Condition- • $19 Million Available to Accelerate borrow at 0% interest the costs of a Solar https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/ ers, Room Air Purifiers, Refrigerators, the Use of Clean Energy Technologies On Domestic Hot Water and/or Thermal Heating PutEnergyToWork/Energy-Program-and- Dehumidifiers, and Pool Pumps. For current Farms. Learn more at: http://bit.ly/NYSER- system. Apply through receiving the Mass- Incentives/ DA-Farm-Clean-Energy. rebate information and forms go to www. Save Energy Audit. . NHSaves.com/appliances. EV Incentive from National Grid National Grid • Refrigerator/freezer recycling is available Energy Efficiency National Grid, in partnership with BMW, is – unit must be in working condition (10 – 30 • Visit www.masssave.com/residential-pro- bringing eligible customers an incentive on • National Grid savings for customers, cubic feet in size), program includes free gram.. Please call 866-527-7283 to schedule a a BMW i3 or BMW i3s EV. Form is at https:// http://bit.ly/Thanks-For-Saving-Energy pickup and $30 rebate. For program free home energy assessment. www.NG-BMWi3. • For more utility rebates google the utility requirements and scheduling information go Mass. Solar loan Program • Energy Rebates: https://NG-energy- name and search for rebates. to www.NHSaves.com/recycle. Mass Solar Loan focuses on connecting rebates • Instant rebates available on certain homeowners who install solar PV systems with Heat Pumps UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs low-interest loans to help finance the projects. $1000 per ton NYSERDA incentive. CAN BE FOUND AT: purchased through participating NH retailers, • The $30 million partnership program NYSEG/RG&E rebate program up to $1050. More WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG and instant or mail-in rebates available on between Massachusetts Department of Energy info at http://bit.ly/NYSEG-Rebates. 16 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Energy Solutions Shelburne, NH’s New Energy Committee Sets Bar High for Energy Projects Emily Roscoe mittee involved educating town residents The Town of Shelburne’s in preparation for the town meeting vote new energy committee is busy in March 2020. Danforth, who has a long leading the way forward on history as an engaged citizen of Shel- clean energy projects. The burne and the Coös County community, northern New Hampshire developed informational leaflets which he town has a population of distributed at the town transfer station. He about 350 people. Two of also hosted educational meetings in his those residents, Ray Dan- home. On Town Meeting Day, the vote in forth and Michael Prange, favor of the solar project was nearly unani- formed the Shelburne Energy mous. As a result of the public outreach Committee last year and are conducted by the Energy Committee, setting a high bar for what residents who were initially hesitant about energy committees can ac- the project ended up being the residents complish for their communi- speaking up at town meetings in favor ties. of the project, answering questions, and Danforth and Prange, work- voicing support. ing closely with the Shelburne Once the financial analysis made clear Select Board and the Budget that solar was a good deal for the town, Committee, are responsible the Select Board worked with a local bank for recent projects both in A 15-kilowatt solar array was installed on the Shelburne town hall. The solar array offsets all of the electricity consumed annually to obtain a loan at less than 3% interest. improving municipal building by the town hall. Courtesy photo. Given current low interest rates, a 15-year energy efficiency and in devel- loan can be paid with the savings that oping a renewable energy project. The energy efficiency and LED lighting the value of the electricity generated by the would otherwise have gone to Eversource Previous energy upgrades helped set upgrades at the Town Hall and fire sta- solar project into the future. The analysis to pay for electricity. This generates posi- the stage for these successful projects. tion paved the way for the next project: a looked at both the value of net-metered tive savings starting in year one. Structur- Earlier in 2019, the Select Board approved 15-kilowatt solar array mounted on the roof electricity, or extra power exported to the ing the project this way means that the an LED lighting project recommended of the Town Hall. The solar array offsets all utility distribution gird, and the value of project is a revenue source rather than an by Danforth and Prange, working in of the electricity consumed annually by the electricity used to power the Town Hall. additional expense to the town. partnership with Melissa Elander, a North Town Hall. These projects will save the town Prange’s “monte carlo” model takes the risk The 15.372 kW AC PV system was Country Energy Circuit Rider with Clean money starting in year one. of forecasting uncertainty into account by installed in July by 603 Solar out of Energy NH. Clean Energy NH staff provide Prange, who has a background in com- projecting a range of possible outcomes. Stratham, NH. The LED lighting projects technical assistance to towns and schools puter coding, designed a financial model The Energy Committee drafted a warrant were completed by Energy Management in implementing energy upgrades in for the solar array to understand the savings article to install a solar array on the roof of Consultants, Inc. Ray and Michael reflect Coös County. With Eversource (the elec- over time. The 25-year forecast of electricity the Town Hall to offset 100% of the build- that an important part of their success was tric utility) covering 34% of the cost of expenses projects that the town will save ing’s energy use. An important aspect of keeping the town residents, committees, the $4,300 project lighting upgrade, the over $700 in the first year and over $4,000 in the warrant article gave the Select Board and especially the Select Board informed resulting electricity savings will reduce year 25. flexibility to obtain financing and approve and engaged throughout the process. the town’s electric bill by over $1,000 Prange’s analysis drew upon his back- the system only if it made financial sense for Emily Roscoe works for Clean Energy NH each year, and are expected to pay for the ground and used data from Danforth’s the town. as the North Country Weatherize Coordina- project in four years. existing solar array to confidently project A big part of the work of the Energy Com- tor for Coös County. RELiON Battery Joins 1% for the Planet 1% of annual sales to be donated to environmental causes On July 30, 2020, RELiON Battery for the Planet. announced that they have become a RELiON’s membership with 1% for member of the international non-profit the Planet is only the start of a long- organization, 1% for the Planet, (http:// term mission for positive environmental bit.ly/1pct4planet) pledging to donate impact. RELiON calls this quest “Limit- 1% of annual sales to fund eco-friendly, less Blue” – blue battery, blue sky, blue earth-conscious causes and organizations ocean – because action has no limits. around the globe. “Limitless Blue is about reducing our “We are thrilled to be a member and impact on the planet and using our support a forward-thinking organization business for a force of good moving like 1% for the Planet. This partnership is forward. We face a long list of environ- a natural fit for our core values. We, along mental challenges around the world. It with our customers, live and breathe is in all of our interests to work towards adventure and relish the opportunities creating a healthier planet and we that our planet provides. Our tagline, Chal- believe business has a responsibility to lenge Your Limits, reflects our philosophy give back,” explained Hecimovich. to push yourself to greatness. So, it’s only RELiON’s lithium iron phosphate logical to give back and support orga- batteries offer several advantages nizations making a real difference,” said over other technologies in terms of RELiON CEO Paul Hecimovich. resource consumption and safety, and Members of 1% for the Planet contrib- have great potential to help reduce ute one percent of annual sales directly carbon emissions when used in wind to any of the approved nonprofit envi- and solar power systems. Most impor- ronmental organizations in the network. tant, LiFePO4 batteries are inherently Nonprofits are approved based on refer- stable and non-combustible, and free rals, track record and environmental focus. from dangerous and messy outgassing, Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are fumes and leaks. currently approved. “RELiON customers enjoy being in “Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy nature, living off-the-grid, fishing, sailing goes to the environment and, only 5% of and much more. We feel that given the that comes from businesses. The planet environmental friendliness of lithium needs bigger support than this, and our batteries, it is our duty to do better as growing network of member businesses is a business, making our batteries as doing its valuable part to increase giving sustainable as possible for our custom- and support on the ground outcomes. ers whom enjoy being outdoors,” added We’re excited to welcome RELiON Battery Hecimovich. to our global movement of over 2,700 To learn more about RELiON Battery, businesses,” said Kate Williams, CEO of 1% visit relionbattery.com. Governor Cuomo announces details for 21 large-scale renewable energy projects to provide clean, affordable energy for New Yorkers

Renewable Energy Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 17 VT-based ‘The Peck Company’ is in the News Again George Harvey Chief Executive Officer of Peck, comment- extend our presence to the west coast The Peck Company ed, “This is a transformational combination, and broaden our offerings to agriculture formerly Peck Electric) leveraging the respective strengths of the and public works. The transaction solidi- has been of special two organizations and creating a national fies our three-pronged growth strategy interest here at Green leader in the fast-growing and resilient that we announced a year ago when Energy Times (GET) for a solar energy industry. It provides Peck we listed on Nasdaq through a SPAC long while. It has been expansion, scale, an enhanced financial merger. Since we have been public, we one of our supporters, profile and a stronger platform from which (1) delivered organic growth of revenue but it has also been the we can continue to build more solar proj- from $16 million to $28 million in the source of some fairly ects. Our integration with Sunworks will impressive news. For Cont’d on p.38 instance, GET reported “Peck Electric: In the News Again” in May A Vermont Contractor With Over 45 Years of 2019 (https://bit. ly/3hzbkjm). of Providing Quality Solutions to Customers Peck Electric was Jeff Peck rings the opening bell on the day The Peck Company (S. Burlington, founded as a family-run VT) went public. Photo: The NASDAQ Stock Market. business in 1972. For Building almost fifty years, it has prospered, growing from a small com- The combination of the two companies Vermont's pany servicing the area around South makes a good deal of sense. Where Peck Burlington, Vermont, to having an impor- is based in Vermont, Sunworks is based in Energy tant presence well beyond the local re- California. Combined, they have a coast-to- gion. As a leading installer of commercial coast presence. Peck is known for leader- Future Now! solar photovoltaic systems, it grew to the ship in commercial solar engineering, pro- point where it was listed on the NASDAQ curement, and construction; and Sunworks The Peck Company exchange under the symbol, “PECK,” in has expertise in agricultural, commercial, 2019. That same year, General Contractors and industrial applications, along with PV Installation Magazine named Peck Electric “The Best public works and residential installations. Professional

Residential Contractor” in Vermont. This gives the combined company a broad Nationally Ranked Solar Power World Top 100 Installer Frederick Mvrick 110112·100 The Peck Company has grown to have base of expertise. wide geographic importance. Impres- While the new Peck Company will be sively, it was rated by Solar Power World greater than it had been, serving a national as number 59 in the nation for the total market with increased abilities, it will do amount of solar capacity installed in this with a great savings in costs. Speak- 2019 (https://bit.ly/3b259lj). ing of mergers and acquisitions, people Now, The Peck Company is back in make reference to synergies. Cost syner- :'Ill the news again. It has entered into an gies make it possible for the combined Residential I Commercial I Industrial I Solar, Energy Storage & EV Charging agreement under which it will acquire company to avoid expenditures that would Sunworks, Inc. Under the terms of the have been duplicated. In the case of the 802-658-33781 [email protected] I www.PeckSolar.com I S. Burlington, VT agreement, shareholders of Sunworks Peck Company and Sunworks, the avoided will receive stock in The Peck Company costs come to about $6 million per year. Holdings, Inc. Jeffrey Peck, Chairman of the Board and

Congratulations to the Top Solar Contractors in our Region George Harvey The REV list is divided into two parts. Every year, Solar Power World (SPW), one The first lists the top solar contractors in of the top web sites and print publications Vermont, providing their ranks both for the for news relating to the solar power indus- state and nationally. This list is ordered by try, publishes a list of the top contractors rank in Vermont. in the United States (https://bit.ly/3b259lj). • Peck Company – South Burlington, The list is based on the number of kilo- Vermont – #1 Vermont; #59 nationally watts (DC) the contractors installed in this • Green Lantern Solar – Waterbury, Vermont country. The list is very large – this year – #2 Vermont; #102 nationally there are 407 companies listed, but it is • Norwich Solar Technologies – Norwich, drawn from data on over 10,000 com- Vermont – #3 Vermont; #118 nationally panies, which are spread across all fifty • Aegis Renewable Energy – Waitsfield, states. Vermont – #4 Vermont; #190 nationally Looking at the list, we can see contrac- • ReVision Energy – Enfield, New Hampshire, tors in all of the states within Green Energy and South Portland, Maine – #7 Vermont; Times’ primary readership area. There #88 nationally are companies based in Maine, Massa- With changes in solar power technology, chusetts, New York, and Vermont. While SPW has had to add more data, creating no company is listed as based in New other lists as needed. One of these focuses Hampshire, there is at least one company, on the solar plus storage market in a man- ReVision Energy, which has multiple of- ner similar to the treatment of solar contrac- fices there. tors (https://bit.ly/2EvGtpG). There are 137 The SPW list is impressively long. It is companies in SPW’s list of installers of solar also multidimensional, because it can be plus storage. And again, REV has given us a viewed in numerous ways. We hope to list of its contractors that appear on that list. touch on this in greater depth in the next • Green Lantern – #8 nationally issue. • ReVision – #20 nationally Commercial Scale Solar Systems In the meantime, Renewable Energy We offer our congratulations to all these Design / Engineering / Installation Vermont (REV) has simplified the task of companies. We also wish to thenk Renew- sorting this out by producing a list of its able Energy Vermont and the state of own members that are mentioned by Vermont itself for being the home of such www.aegis-re.com SPW. It has extracted out of the SPW data inspiring companies. a list of its own member companies it has And while we are at it, congratulations to represented in it. We might mention that our friends at Apex Solar, which appears as Call 802-496-5155 while REV members all do business in #194 on the SPW list of top solar contractors Vermont, not all REV members are based in the U.S. Apex Solar is based in Queens- Serving New England Since 2011 in the state. bury, New York and not on the REV lists. 2020 Top Solar Contractor Ecological Sustainability as the New Gold For Ecological Transformation

18 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Energy Solutions

WeJoanne Coons Worry About the Wrong Things It was a special day. I got to go to Bos- Dr Richard Perez, SUNY Albany profes- ton to attend the NESEA Green Building sor has researched solar energy all of his Conference in March 2017, with two of my career and has developed a road map for favorite people and husband. The bonus a safe, clean energy future. He spells out was they just purchased a Tesla S his solution in a 26-minute YouTube video and we drove out together in it. http://bit.ly/Perez-video. Or you can read Before returning back to the Albany his research paper at http://bit.ly/Perez- capital region, we stopped at a paper restaurant on the Boston waterfront Let us pause and reflect on how our ac- and more good luck was with us as tions can have unintended consequences. we snagged a table overlooking the What we choose to do today might solve harbor. During dinner we suddenly an immediate problem, but it could cre- saw many police boats, fire boats, ate bigger ones down the road. and coast guard boats enter the Some resources that describe the harbor. I had never seen anything dangers of LNG transport: http://bit. like it. Was it a drill? Was there a ly/LNG-danger-1 ; http://bit.ly/LNG- problem? It certainly was unsettling danger-2 to see such a response so close to where we were. And then, like a Joanne Coons is an adjunct professor giant mountain range, appeared the at Hudson Valley Community College, biggest ship I ever saw. It rose above The LNG Tanker Berge Boston . Inset: a close-up of Coast Guard Seaman Darcy TEC-SMART facility teaching PV Theory and silhouetted our horizontal view- McGrail mans an M-240-B machine gun during a security escort of the liquid and Design. She is a member of NYSES scape. It was a delivery of liquefied natural gas tanker Berge Boston in Boston Harbor in January. A congressional (New York Solar Energy Society), NY GEO, natural gas. This event was one of study questions how prepared the government is to handle a terrorist attack on HeatSmart Capital Region and the Town the most ominous and scary memo- an LNG facility. Images: Luke Pinneo, U.S. Coast Guard. of Clifton Park GREEN Committee. ries I have, and I will not forget it. The “what if” question is even scarier. We had just been to Halifax, Nova Sco- tia the year before and learned about the 1917 boat explosion that killed 2000 and injured 9000 which connected Boston and Halifax in a special way. The Boston Red Cross responded immediately to assist the injured and, to this day, Halifax provides Boston with a Christmas tree as a sign of appreciation. It is beyond me why anyone would site something so dangerous in such a highly populated and important place. I feel almost as much fear when a gas tanker passes me on a highway or a “bomb train” goes by on the railroad. I feel strongly that we need to electrify everything, heating, cooling, cooking, and get away from fossil fuels. They aren’t good for the health of our planet which includes us. The sun delivers free, non-combustible energy which is both healthy and safe. It’s a truism that the sun doesn’t shine at night, by tamping down our night energy usage and supplement- ing with other renewables, we can supply what we need. We have adjusted our lives and schedules during Covid-19; we can Cont’d from p.9 adjust our energy usage to accommodate our supply. Gas Pipelines in New Hampshire: ‘Another One Gone and Another One Bites the Dust’ George Harvey pressure, and they often We should make one thing clear. Whether it is court spring leaks. Wikipedia Whether it is for heating, cooking, or decisions, potential has a couple of good transportation, natural gas is neither customers fading from articles explaining more effective nor less expensive than view, or just mysteri- this, one is its article, electricity. It has no major advantages ous decision making, “Gas explosion,” where except to feed obsolescent equipment. companies developing the reader can find an It is a horrible contributor to climate natural gas pipelines impressive list of major change. And it is unsafe. have been giving up on explosions (bit.ly/WP- We at Green Energy Times believe we them. A pipeline in Leb- gas-explosions). do not need natural gas. We believe, in anon, New Hampshire, Leaks are far more fact, its use should be stopped. We urge gave up on developing common than most all readers to scrutinize the positions it and let permits lapse, people understand. In of all in office and vote in November without much explana- 2012, a study locating for people who have taken strong tion. The Granite State leaks by use of sen- environmental stands that include pipeline, which would sors on all the streets positions ending new pipelines. We have replaced older in Boston found 3,300 could note that the Sierra Club, the infrastructure, was also leaks in that city. When Sunrise Movement, and Bernie Sanders abandoned after its de- the Conservation Law have endorsed Andru Volinsky, who veloper found it would Foundation duplicated is a candidate in the New Hampshire lose a large customer the study to verify the Democratic gubernatorial primary race and the upgrade was result, it found that for the upcoming election, which takes not needed. House destroyed by a gas explosion in the Merrimack Valley, 2018. This was one of 40 buildings dam- there were 4,000 leaks place on September 8, 2020. In some Natural gas pipelines aged or destroyed by explosions or fires resulting from a pressure surge. Photo: National Transporta- (https://bit.ly/WP-gas- cases, they explicitly cite Volinsky’s are often under high tion Safety Board. leak-studies). position against new pipelines. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 19 climbing out of the crisis: a Net-Zero Economy George Harvey easy, but it will also not The German Institute for be all that difficult. Report Economic Research, usu- calculations are that it will ally called the DIW Berlin cost about €3,000 billion from its name in German, ($3,530 billion), a figure that is a non-profit economic is not all that far from the research institution funded amount used to address the by the country’s federal COVID-19 pandemic. On government. In early July, the other hand, the switch it published a report, “Eu- to renewable energy would ropean Green Deal: Using save the cost of the fuels it Ambitious Climate Targets replaces, which is calculated and Renewable Energy to at about €2,000 billion. Climb Out of the Economic A switch to renewable Crisis,” which argues that energy and storage would the changeover to renew- have effects aside from ables had to move much pollution, climate change, faster than it is to achieve and costs. It will make the a net-zero economy in EU more energy secure, and Europe by 2050. have positive effects on the Two goals of special Wind Lift I, a jack-up ship for installing offshore wind turbines. Photo: kaʁstn, Wikimedia economies. importance are mentioned Commons (https://bit.ly/30TU3v8). One of the authors made to show how much the an interesting observa- changeover needs to be sped up. The solutions, based on available time and re- tion. Bearing in mind that Germany is to first is that the European Union (EU) sources. It recommends that the EU move have the Presidency of the Council of the needs to change its renewable energy away from nuclear reactors, because European Council for the next six months, target for 2030 from 40% to 65%. The they take a long time to build and are Christian von Hirschhausen, the research second is that it must set a target of not economically as effective for dealing director of International Infrastructure, achieving 100% renewable energy by with climate change as renewables and Policy and Industrial Economics at DIW NH Rural Renewables 2040. storage. Berlin, said, “The German EU Council A reader might wonder why it could The DIW Berlin report does address the Presidency could kill two birds with one Solar, wood and energy be necessary to have 100% renew- cost and difficulty of getting to the goals stone: economic recovery and climate efficiency technical able energy in 2040, if they are to have it recommends. It shows that the EU can change mitigation. To that end, they must net-zero emissions by 2050. The answer achieve the goals, as can each country ensure that the expansive economic assistance for NH’s rural is that direct uses of energy, includ- within it. Two countries in particular are packages that were implemented in re- small businesses ing electric generation, heating, and mentioned as illustrations. France gets sponse to the coronavirus pandemic are transportation, are not the only sources about three quarters of its electricity from used for investments in renewable energy www.lrcc.edu/nhrr of emissions. Others that are important nuclear reactors, and they will eventually and energy efficiency in the context of include emissions from industry, land have to be taken offline. Poland is heavily the European Green Deal.” Expert • No-cost • Vendor-neutral use, and agriculture. If we are to use dependent on coal, and its coal plants will The EU can achieve its climate goals steel and eat meat, we need to have have to be shut down. The report shows with actions that also address the pan- some way to draw down the emissions that both of these countries can achieve demic. It is a comforting thought. associated with those things. the goals it recommends. What may be more comforting to us, is The report looks at the most effective Paying for the changeover will not be that we can do the same.

By Order of the Bankruptcy Court: 26.90± Acre Compound Wed., September 30 @ 11AM Despite COVID-19, More Than Half of Register & Inspect at 10AM 480 Pekin Brook Rd., Calais, VT Cleantech Firms Planning to Recruit in 2020 Open House: Friday, Hyperion Executive Search Surveyed Impact of COVID-19 on Cleantech September 11 from 1-3PM Results from nomic recovery a recent sur- will be led by a vey conducted green revolu- by Hyperion tion utilizing Executive cleantech, Search, a renewables global talent and e-mobility acquisition as drivers of company that growth. works exclusively with clean energy have no doubt that the cleantech sector “The survey responses were consistent and e-mobility, found that despite CO- is ready, willing and able to lead the eco- with what CEOs and founders have shared VID-19, most cleantech companies plan nomic recovery.” with me in discussions for the Leaders in to expand in 2020. Sixty one percent More than 60 CEOs and founders in Cleantech podcast,” said Hunt (https://bit. 26.9± acre mostly wooded property, of the cleantech firms surveyed report the cleantech industry were surveyed by ly/3btc6w4). As both a cleantech CEO and features a central “command post” that revenues will still be as expected Hyperion Executive Search. Fifty-six per- an executive recruiter, I am encouraged with solar controls and batteries, cent of the surveyed companies expect to or better and 75% still expect to see by the overall optimism of the survey water system, and gas-fired heating growth this year. grow their teams and recruit in the next responses and I believe that the future for “Despite the six months and only five percent expect the cleantech industry will continue to be system for the compound. Wired for challenges and to reduce employee numbers. prosperous post-pandemic.” a generator and has solar panels. Walkout foundation w/ full bathroom, losses in revenue Most respondents stated that there had LATE-BREAKING ENERGY NEWS: this year, it’s been only a minor practical impact on small open building w/ loft and half hugely encour- their business by incorporating working Just as Green Energy Times (G.E.T.)is bath, open shed w/ upstairs storage. aging to see that from home and other logistical changes. going to press, we received an update report Drilled well and onsite septic. Ready regarding the most recent news for electric cleantech CEOs Cleantech leaders did indicate that for your growing dreams! and founders investor confidence has been impacted generation for the United States. It came are continuing by COVID-19, with 86% responding that from the SUN DAY Campaign. The study Green houses and equipment to be to drive forward investor confidence has reduced overall, reported that solar and wind capacity in sold following the real estate auction David Hunt their businesses, but they remain optimistic about the the U.S.A. grew in the first half of 2020 and at 12PM. adapting plans and pushing ahead with long-term future. Eighty-five percent of produced 16% more than in the first half of building their teams,” said Hyperion respondents stated that they are ‘very 2019. Doing so, renewables produced more Thomas Hirchak Company Executive Search CEO David Hunt. “I confident’ that the post-COVID-19 eco- than coal or nuclear power. THCAuction.com  800-634-7653

Trouble Ahead for Natural Gas? Cont’d from p.3 20 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Sustainable Farming & Agriculture Coming Attractions in Greenhouse Energy Efficiency Mike Stiles Ph.D. motorized rollers, these curtains provide Lighting: Efficient LED grow lights have Hello, greetings from the front lines of an extra thermal barrier over crops and been the subject of much publicity so Green Greenhouses. By way of introduc- are also useful for solar control in the it isn’t difficult to get information about

tion, I’ve consulted with the electric and summer. Although they are not a new them. When placed under thermal curtain % Area of Crops Selected % Area of $/Pound natural gas utility National Grid in up- Crops Selected % AreaGreenhouse of $/Pound technology, they haven’t been adopted canopies, they synergistically contribute Crops Selected Greenhouse$/Pound Greenhouse state New York for the last several years. very widely in the Northeast. They are to heating the crops. Heirloom tomatoes 50% $4 Heirloom tomatoes 50% $4 HeirloomPortuguese tomatoes eggplant 50% 35% $4 $6 I’ve developed methods for quantify- prevalent in other parts of the country like Controls, Controls, Controls: Automa- Portuguese eggplant 35% $6 PortugueseWooly eggplant Bully (cannabis) 35% 15% $6 $6,400 Wooly Bully (cannabis) 15% $6,400 ing the energy impacts of greenhouse California and Oregon where utility com- tion and data logging are becoming Wooly Bully (cannabis) 15% $6,400 efficiency measures for National Grid’s pany incentives are already available. increasingly important for integrating and Greenhouse $/sq E $100 Greenhouse $/sq E $100 incentive programs. In cold climates, thermal curtains save running advanced greenhouse systems. GreenhouseGreenhouse $/sq AreaE (sq E) $100 1,500 Greenhouse Area (sq E) 1,500 This article covers very recent devel- heating energy by about 10 to 30% an- Data records from electronic manage- Greenhouse Area (sq E) 1,500 Fuel Propane opments in energy-efficiency green- nually, depending on the crop’s heating ment systems are also becoming increas- Fuel Propane Fuel Cost $/gallon Propane$2.35 Fuel Cost $/gallon $2.35 house design here in the Northeast U.S. requirements. Paybacks are on the order ingly useful for documenting energy per- Fuel Cost $/gallon $2.35 But before we begin, I have to lay out of 10 years and will shorten as utility com- formance for utility incentive programs. some ground rules. pany incentives become available locally. Hemp and Cannabis: They have been My work with National Grid is covered Key words: Greenhouse thermal curtains; the focus of a boutique market that blew by confidentiality agreements, so I can’t Energy Trust of Oregon; SoCalGas heat a bubble. Emphasis has been on large name names or divulge proprietary curtains; PG&E thermal curtains. scale indoor industrial operations that do Passive Temperature Response details with which I’ve become familiar. Greenhouse Foundations: Building not take advantage of natural resources This article is also vendor-neutral, and your greenhouse with an insulated con- like sunlight. Some states have already I’m not here to promote any specific crete block foundation will reduce your experienced market saturation under products. I can however introduce up- heating requirements by about 10%. Ad- these conditions – how much weed can and-coming greenhouse technologies ditionally, it establishes a “thermal bubble” people smoke, for crying out loud? The and provide key words to get you start- that keeps soil temperatures above 50oF commercial future of these plants is in ed on your own research. For starters, year-round. This is an important use of the energy-efficient small-scale community 1 do a web search on “large- scale winter soil as a thermal storage medium during greenhouses, depending, of course, on greenhouses New York State.” the long winter months when the sun the chaotic legal and regulatory environ-

That said, here are some technologies hardly shines in the Northeast. ments we’re experiencing. Key words: ANNUAL EXPENSES AND INCOME and developments that may interest There is a related technology that Evan Mills cannabis you if you’re looking to grow crops year- pumps warm, moist air from the peak of a The Future of Greenhouse Design: HOOP SELECTION round while minimizing your energy greenhouse into the soil enclosed by the You’re sitting at your computer sipping a Mortgage ($) $4,500 $6,750 and carbon footprint: foundation via a network of ducts. It saves cup of locally grown Maghrebi mint tea. Annual Fuel Cost ($) $12,350 $2,967 Income ($) $55,000 $55,000 Thermal Curtains: These are made an additional 10% on annual heating. Key After entering your information into an Net ($) $38,150 $45,283 from specialized textile materials for the words: Greenhouse foundations; climate app, you get a screen something like the greenhouse environment. Mounted on battery. one shown in the graphic. PROFIT INCREASE, SELECTION VS HOOP:

Cont’d on p.35 $7,133 M. R. Stiles Graphics:

Net Zero Farming – Cont’d from p.1 1 be a problem. And just as there are many ways to bring this about. bon footprint. There are clear answers to clearly, when it is under- One recently appearing example is the use this problem, and the agricultural robots stood, farming can be one of agricultural robots. CleanTechnica ran are certainly one of them. Another is of our most important an article on these recently, “Swarm Of Tiny electric farm tractors. tools for reducing emis- Robots Could Help Eliminate Pesticides” John Deere has been working on farm sions. In fact, farming can (https://bit.ly/3gi3mcV). Small robots that tractors, but probably not what most be carbon negative. can talk with each other do certain farm people would picture when they think To get a really good chores that make many pesticides unnec- of that term. It announced develop- understanding of how essary. Typically, one robot goes through a ment last year of driverless electric farm important this is, we could field identifying needs, and it alerts other tractors, one of which gets its electric start with something robots that are set up to perform specific power from a cable instead of a battery. that recently happened actions. Weeds and insect pests are zapped The control computer is quite capable in Australia. Much of the one by one, as the robots patiently do their of keeping track of the cable so it can be impact with farming has on John Deere autonomous electric tractor. Image uploaded to YouTube.com work. These robots can do many other jobs reeled out and in. The autonomous trac- climate change is through by John Deere UK IE. that could have been done by hand by hu- tors detect where they are and where 1 methane that escapes from man beings, if only human beings were as they should be going. 1 1 burping cows and sheep. And much of down to practically nothing – or actually patient and as uninterested in pay scales A number of smaller manufacturers Australia’s agriculture revolves around nothing at all. For example, mycologist as a robot. are going into the business of electric cows and sheep. According to a report Paul Stamets, author of Mycelium Running, Water seems always to be an issue for farm tractors. Rigitrac, based in Switzer- from an Australian publication called has shown that in healthy soil, the crops farmers. Over the past 40 years, Peter An- land, sells its products in Europe, and “Beef Central,” the country’s largest have a complex relationship with soil fungi drews, an Australian farmer, has developed there are other companies in other parts agricultural association, the National that is destroyed by tilling. With no-till what is called “Natural of the world. Solectrac Farmer’s Federation, just voted to put its farming, that relationship can be restored. Sequence Farming.” This is a rather new com- weight behind an industry-wide move to And, interestingly, so can natural soil fertil- technique uses nature, pany based in Califor- net-zero emissions by 2050. ity, which means that we can avoid the with a little human help, nia, which sells more This is not to say that the farmers in nitrogen-based fertilizers the European to improve soil and raise conventional looking Australia will give up raising cattle or Commission showed as a problem. ground water levels by farm tractors that are sheep. What it means is that they are There are many other ways to reduce preventing rapid runoff. fully electric. pushing to offset any emissions that farming emissions with different no-till For example, willows, While electric cars, come from raising cattle and sheep, techniques. Wikipedia has an interesting which are very thirsty trucks, and buses along with other agricultural practices beginning article on the subject, “No-till trees and have no use in have been in the news that emit GHGs, with actions that draw farming” (https://bit.ly/31h8rhh). It says the area, were encour- constantly, with new down carbon. that one of several reasons to use the aged to grow along a models coming often, Part of the solution, perhaps more im- technique is that it is often more profitable stream on Andrews’ farm tractors seem to portant, is to reduce directly the amount for the farmers. farm. Farmers nearby Rigitrac XKE-50. Image: Rigitrac. appear rather slowly. of methane the livestock produce when Another new technology, which prom- opposed the practice for The advantages to the digesting feed. Green Energy Times ises to convert deserts into productive a long time, believing they would lose ac- farmer, including freedom from pollu- ran an article on this in June of 2017, farmland, was reported by CNN (https:// cess to the water the trees took up, but the tion and far lower operating costs, sug- “Research on Bovine Flatulence” (https:// cnn.it/2CO7JyA). It combines two ingre- practice was soon recognized as beneficial gest that a great deal of progress might bit.ly/2YoQmfn). It turns out that much dients, water and clay, in a slurry so fine to all, because it raised ground water levels be coming soon. of the gas can be reduced by adding very it can be sprayed. When it is used to wet in the entire area by slowing the stream. This article barely scratches the sur- 1 small amounts of a common seaweed to sand, clay binds with sand particles and Similar practices can be used elsewhere face of what we can use – and what we the diet. But that is just a beginning of the result is better water retention. A test (https://bit.ly/3gd8yi8). can discontinue use of – to reduce farm- the reductions we can see by changing in Dubai shows that it works. One issue that is of clear concern is the ing emissions to net zero. And the only agricultural techniques. Reducing pesticides can also reduce use of petroleum products on the farm. differences the consumer should notice We have a number of approaches to emissions. It also can eliminate some of the Whether gasoline, diesel oil, or some other are better food and better health. farming that reduce the amount of tilling poisons that get into our food. And again, product, these contribute to a farm’s car- – Cont’d from p1

Sustainable Farming & Agriculture WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG September 2020 21 Tasker Hill Community Garden, Madison, NH Here Comes the Sun Russ Lanoie pay a water fee to the town. For over ten Even the cost of pump- years we have ing the water is avoided hosted a small as our 11kWh solar system community provides all of our electricity garden on our free. property here in The first few gardening Madison, NH just seasons the Chamber pro- south of Conway vided a monitor funded by Village in the grant money and bed fees. Mount Washing- The monitor collected the ton Valley (MWV). modest rent fee from the The garden Community garden with rented beds gardeners and also tended The lush summer greens gradually consists of 27 at the right and CSA beds to the left. to a couple of additional yield to yellow and orange. individual raised Inset: A young family picking fresh peas common area raised beds A dazzling display of visual warmth bed plots four from the original “community” portion that those gardeners helped to tide us over until Spring. feet by twelve of the garden. Courtesy photos. tend to raise vegetables feet bordered by two-by-eight or two- had already felled and were for the community at large. Speaking of great Beatles’ songs, by-ten-inches boards. Gardeners come waiting for such a noble purpose. It would When my daughter, Jennie, returned to another one comes to mind. from all parts of the valley for several have been better for them to be hemlock our “compound” (which is what my kids The sunflowers and photo Peter used reasons including a lack of gardening but the pine worked fine for more years have named our growing homestead), for this painting are compliments of space or exposure to the sun where they than I would have expected. (I now have she also started gardening and expanded his neighbor, Chris Edmunds. either own or rent. my own sawmill and am scoping out the common beds of the community Peter remarked, “I get by with a little The garden originally came about some hemlocks standing nearby that may garden area. Her farming operation now help from my friends”. when members of the MWV garden club soon find themselves part of the garden.) offers CSA membership (Community Sup- asked me to look at a plot near our local We filled the beds first with a layer of ported Agriculture) to a couple of dozen Painting from A Day in Vermont, May, dog park. It looked to me like it would leftover newsprint from our local Conway local citizens. She has taken over monitor- 2020. A Day in Vermont is a weekly e-mail be a lot of work making a go of this Daily Sun and then a few inches of fresh ing the garden and puts much of the bed featuring a new painting each week by particular location. So instead, I offered leaves topped with leaf compost that I rental money back into improvements to local artist, Peter Huntoon. the members a quarter acre spot on my make every year when local landscapers the garden. Enjoy more of his artwork and sub- own property where I knew I could pro- and homeowners haul me their “used” After more than ten years we still have scribe to receive weekly paintings to your vide water and rich soil and also keep an leaves that I turn into a very rich compost. many of the original gardeners. There are inbox at peterhuntoon.com. eye on the garden. (See photo.) We soon learned that the thirteen gardeners, several having more So, working from a grant through the layer of newsprint was not necessary as than one plot. Many are religious in their MWV Chamber of Commerce we kicked the bottom layer of leaves in the beds attention to their plots while some start post to the gardeners which amounts off preparing the site, building the beds, seemed to stifle the field grasses under- with enthusiasm and then lose interest only a tiny part of the hundred or so putting up a deer fence and getting neath quite adequately. or are called away to other things. A few yards of compost I make each year. This water to the site. Fortunately, a friend I initially ran a water line from our town have been able to start their own home is something I recommend to anyone volunteered his portable sawmill that water supply to the garden but have since gardens now that they have had a taste of thinking of starting a community gar- he set up on my property and milled dug a well very capable of supplying the gardening. den as “used” leaves are free and readily out a pile of two-by-eight inches lumber Community Garden and all of our other Jennie makes sure that everyone fol- available and best kept out of landfills. (for bed edging) from pine trees that I outdoor water needs without having to lows organic practices. I still donate com- Leaf compost provides a Cont’d on p.33 New Vermont Brewery Celebrates Opening Features Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Reprinted with permission from Efficiency Vermont’s July 15, 2020 blog Chris Kesler and the Black Flannel The team reached out to Efficiency Ver- cooling system. Brewing Company team are commit- mont to understand how they could meet Finally, to keep the ted to starting a business that lives their sustainability goals. team informed and the team’s sustainable values. The team Good beer needs a good chiller accountable, they opened the brewery-distillery-brewpub In high quality beer making, the wort installed meters, at The Essex Experience in early July (the mix that will eventually turn into deli- which allow seeing 2020. They wanted to minimize the im- cious beer) must be cooled from boiling the electricity use and pact on the planet and commit to sus- before it can be fermented. One of the efficiency of the chiller tainability from day one. But economic biggest energy users -- and operating system. This will help sustainability is equally important. They expenses -- for a brewery is the chiller. them identify mainte- wanted to create a business that can Brewery chillers are cooling units that nance issues quickly become a fixture of the community. utilize glycol to extract excess heat from and share their find- Chief brewer Dan Sartwell watched a brewing process and dissipate it in a ings with others in the his former employer, 14th Star Brew- heat exchanger or refrigeration system. brewing industry. Cellar view with serving tanks on the left and ing, save thousands of dollars each year Typically, a chiller runs all day, every day, All told, the new fermentation tanks on the right. through efficiency investments. “Brew- to keep the brewing process going. Many system is estimated Image on rt: Disco Montage - flagship New ing is an energy- and water-intensive brewers use oversized, inefficient chiller to save Black Flannel England IPA. Courtesy images. process. If we commit to economic and systems that are based on rough sizing $11,243 per year in environmental sustainability, we have to estimates to provide the cooling neces- energy costs. with motion look at the energy we are using to make sary. Efficiency from the bottom up sensors have our beer.” Efficiency Vermont referred them to Black Flannel’s business design has been installed a few Vermont-based suppliers of high efficiency baked in. A distillery requires a throughout the efficiency chiller systems, and they lot of the same equipment and process facility. These chose a system designed by Huntington as a brewery, for grain-based alcohols. turn on only VT-based Dodge Engineering & Controls By basing both out of the same business, when needed (DEI). The model uses high-efficiency Black Flannel only needed one system to and provide components and innovative controls to create the mashes for the brewery and welcoming efficiently cool the beer. DEI’s detailed the distillery. This cuts their energy use for light with LEDs that have a much longer analysis revealed that Black Flannel could the processes in half. lifespan than other lighting types. be served by a smaller system than they’d In fact, there’s not much about the Even the location supports the mis- originally thought. The smaller chiller can equipment and processes the Black sion. Peter Edelman owns The Essex even handle the brewery’s three walk-in Flannel team invested in that isn’t effi- Experience. In 2018, he worked with En- coolers. Dick Soule Refrigeration, from cient. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) on core Renewable Energy to make the Brewers Chris Kesler (left) and Dan Sartwell (right). Enosburg, integrated the chiller with the their pumps will allow them to run only complex 100% solar- coolers to complete the highly efficient as much as needed. Dimmable LED lights powered. He’s eager to Cont’d on p.33 22 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 RENEWABLE HEATING & COOLING Five Reasons Radiant Heating Is the Right Choice for Healthful Homes Steve Swanson not circulate odors throughout a home, and efficiency of the system. And there Providing superior indoor adding to improved air quality. With radi- are many different installation options to environmental quality (IEQ) is ant, a home can be free of dust, allergens, meet any application, including staple top-of-mind for consumers, odors and other nuisances that can be part down, wood panels, aluminum joist who understand health starts of the air system. plates, knobbed mats and more. in the home. As an added bonus, since radiant sys- There’s so much to benefit from com- While hydronic radiant tems don’t require ductwork, it also offers fort, efficiency, and IEQ standpoints with heating has been around greater design freedom from bulkheads radiant heating. It makes sense to seek since the Roman times and and vents in the floor. out how radiant can improve the homes has been the main form of 4. Peace and Quiet you build. heating homes throughout Anyone with a traditional HVAC system To learn more about the benefits of Europe for decades, the Unit- knows the sound a furnace makes when it radiant floor heating systems as well as ed States has lagged behind kicks on as well as the sound the air makes the various installation methods, see Up- in adopting this technology. as it’s rushing through the ductwork (not onor’s radiant heating solutions (https:// Currently, only about 4% of to mention the expansion and contraction bit.ly/3iksrVS) or visit these industry homes are heated using hy- noise of the ductwork as it heats and cools websites: Radiant Professionals Alliance dronic radiant systems while back down). (radiantprofessionalsalliance.org/), Heat- the majority use forced-air Underfloor heating pipes. Wikimedia Commons/A. Raab With radiant floor heating, that’s not an ing Help (heatinghelp.com/), or Healthy HVAC. issue. Radiant is a quiet system. The vari- Heating (healthyheating.com/). However, with the need and solar, making the system even more ous parts, including manifolds, actuators, Steve Swanson is the national trainer for for more energy-efficient solutions, energy-efficient. pumps and boilers, all silently work as they Uponor North America, providing training more homeowners and home builders 2. Comfort bring comfort throughout a home. In ad- at the factory and around the nation to are looking to radiant not only for its ef- Anyone who has ever experienced dition, as an added bonus, radiant systems contractors and installers on radiant heat- ficiency but also for its extreme comfort radiant floor heating will say it is the most don’t require the type of maintenance (air ing and cooling, hydronics and commercial and superior IEQ benefits. comfortable form of heat imaginable. filter replacement, furnace tune-ups, etc.) plumbing. He has 47 years of experience in 1. Energy Efficiency Think about stepping out of a shower onto required with traditional HVAC systems. hydronic heating and plumbing. Swanson Here’s an interesting fact: Water has a warm floor instead of cold, hard tiles, or 5. Various Installation Options is on the Board of Advisors for the Radiant the capacity to transport energy 3,500 imagine lying on a warm basement floor Finally, one of the best features of radi- Professionals Alliance (RPA) and an times greater than air. With heating and instead of cool carpet in the winter. The ant is its ability to be installed in zones. ASSE-certified hydronics trainer. Kim Bliss electricity generation accounting for reason radiant is so comfortable is because That means a home can have just one or contributed to this article. nearly 25 percent of all greenhouse gas it most closely aligns with the ideal heat- two rooms done with radiant (such as a This article is re-printed with permission. emissions, radiant helps manage energy ing curve for the human body. master bathroom or basement), or the It originally appeared at https://www. usage with a system that uses water to Forced-air HVAC systems, on the other entire house can have radiant. greenbuildermedia.com/blog/five-reasons- transport energy instead of air. hand, are the most divergent from the With zoning, each room has its own tem- radiant-heating-is-the-right-choice-for- In a hydronic radiant-floor heating ideal heating curve for the human body. perature control, adding to the comfort healthy-homes. system, warm water circulates through So, it’s no wonder homes with forced-air flexible PEX pipe embedded in the heating systems always have a blanket on concrete slab or under the floor between the couch. the joists. As the warmth radiates up In addition, because radiant systems INRS Leading ‘NH Rural Renewables’ from the floor, it warms both people and provide an even heat that reaches every objects in a room. area of the floor, there are no hot or cold Modern Wood Heat Assistance for Small Businesses This is a much more efficient form of spots like with forced-air systems. With creating comfort because the heat stays radiant, there is a consistent, even comfort NH Rural Renewables is a team of reduce greenhouse gas emissions and near the floor where people are located, that stays near the floor at all times. energy professionals who provide no- support jobs and good forestry here in cost, vendor-neutral technical assistance not up in the ceiling (since hot air rises). 3. Air Quality the Granite State. INRS can also help the to rural NH small businesses for solar PV, business identify potential grants, re- In addition, most people are more Since hydronic radiant heating systems comfortable with radiant at a lower energy efficiency and modern wood heat. bates or other funding sources to reduce use pumps to move water instead of fans NHRR is a program of Lakes Region Com- capital and operating costs. including thermostat setting, such as 68°F, than or blowers to push air, the system does not with forced-air at a higher thermostat munity College. USDA REAP grants, which cover 25% of circulate dust and allergens throughout INRS is serving as technical assistance the capital cost. Grants up to $20,000 setting, such as 72°F. That several-degree a home. In fact, many people with severe adjustment can make a big difference in expert for small businesses and agricul- have their next deadline on October 31, allergies install hardwood or laminate tural enterprises that want to consider 2020. energy use. floors, not carpet, along with radiant floor Best of all, radiant floor heating modern wood heating options. At no cost, For more information about this FREE heating systems to minimize the allergens INRS will provide a detailed assessment of service, contact INRS partner Charlie systems work really well with sustain- in their homes. able heat sources, such as geothermal the economics and feasibility of replacing Niebling at 603.965.5434 or niebling@ In addition, radiant floor heating does an old oil or propane boiler with modern inrsllc.com. wood heat – wood pellets or wood chips. INRS will help the business connect with experienced, reputable vendors who sell, Many install and service modern wood heating thanks Are you ready to make comfort a priority? systems. to our Modern wood heat can save the busi- Install ENERGY STAR Certified heat pumps! ness heating costs through locally and sponsor: Take control of your comfort and stop worrying about your winter energy bills. sustainably sourced wood fuels that help

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Benefits to the Planet Heating with Forest Products SIMPLE SOLUTIONS AND HOW IT IS DONE SUSTAINABLY TO A COMPLEX Jim Van Valkenburgh You have probably fuel source and land-use talked to people with change (forest to farm- CLIMATE PROBLEM opposing views on ing). Around 1900, as Climate is too important for using trees for energy. we expanded our use of One says it is sustain- fossil fuels, levels began easy assumptions. Heating able and another says to rise. When oil and gas clean doesn’t have to be it is not. (“It’s worse use skyrocketed in the than coal!”) I propose 1940s and 50s, atmo- complicated but it’s probably that both can be right spheric CO2 has risen not what you think. This depending on where precipitously. they are in the U.S. or What should we free eBook is chock-full of the world. Sustainability surmise from all this? the surprising data points largely depends on the Forests, if harvested availability and man- and maintained sustain- and insights we all need to agement practices of ably, will account for a make climate-smart heating the forest resource in a steady cycle of carbon given region. out and back in again. decisions. (15 minute read.) A quick lesson on the It is our intensifying

natural carbon cycle: 2019 Project Global Carbon Graph: use of fossil fuels that is Trees grow and absorb causing increasing CO2 CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. Our and then release it over rural forests have been time in different ways. If left undis- goal in doing this is to sell the cut trees so sustainably managed during the past 40- turbed, limbs and trees fall and decay, they can pay their forest management plus years, which means we can use trees releasing methane to the atmosphere expenses and property taxes. Typically, to offset the use of fossil fuels for heating- as the remaining trees keep growing. 30% of the trees are valuable while 70% -without regret. Our forests function The Little Book of A mature forest has a general stability are useful only as fuel. within the natural carbon cycle. So, relax. of incoming and outgoing of carbon. 3. The paper and lumber companies If you heat your New England house with Sustainable Heating Should a forest fire occur, a tremendous which own the huge stands (250+ acres) cordwood or your local school with wood amount of carbon is released into the use foresters and best practices that will chips or pellets, you are doing your part Climate-Smart Heating atmosphere, but after that, an increased enable them to keep their forests produc- to cut back on fossil fuel use and reduce Made Easy rate of carbon absorption occurs due to tive and profitable for centuries. CO2 in the atmosphere. new, rapidly growing trees taking root. A few million years ago fossil fuels were Jim Van Valkenburgh is the Vice President Generally, carbon is fairly balanced, in once trees and plants. When we burn of Marketing at Froling Energy. and out. them today, there is no natural cycle that Get your free eBook at People often think of unharvested returns them back to the ground. Some sustainableheating.org/ forests as sequestering more carbon say, “Let our forests eat up all that carbon!” than harvested forests. Yes, when trees In recent decades, more wood has grown littlebook are removed there is an instant reduc- each year in New England than has been tion in the sequestered carbon of that harvested, specifically in VT and NH, but stand, but over time, the forests respond consider how to a more open canopy, more sunlight much oil, gas and resources, to grow into a healthier, and coal is stronger and more vibrant and resilient being burned forest. So, you can achieve more carbon each year. For- storage in a managed regime. This is ests can only part of silviculture. make a small Most forest owners have the same dent. goal: Keeping their forests as forests. In For 10,000 Heat Your Building with the Northeastern U.S., forest owners can years, atmo- be put into three groups: spheric CO2 Sustainable Biomass 1. Small owners (1-50 acres) will cull out levels were the dead and dying trees, using it for very stable at cord wood for themselves and others to 270ppm. This heat their homes. chart shows The new steam boiler at Mill River Union High School in North Clarendon, VT uses dried 2. Owners of larger stands (50-250 acres) the last 140 will hire a professional forester and wood chips. The silo holds over 40 tons of chips, with energy equal to that of 4000 gallons of years of CO2 heating oil. Photo credit: Froling Energy. logging company to manage that. Their emissions by

Mill River Union High School CASH FOR COAL CLUNKERS - NEW VT $ INCENTIVES The Clean Energy Development Fund part of our effort to transform the State’s partment that houses the CEDF. (CEDF) announces a new program heating sector to be cleaner and more Commercial customers can receive up to help homeowners and businesses supportive of Vermont’s local economy.” to $30,000 for changing a coal heating convert from old coal to new wood A homeowner that changes-out a coal system to an eligible pellet system. pellet heating. Beginning today the stove or boiler with an eligible pellet stove For information on this incentive go to CEDF offers up to $10,000 to Vermont- or central heating system can receive up http://www.rerc-vt.org/coal-change-out. ers still heating with coal. The new Coal to 50% of the cost (or $10,000, whichever For information on other incentives Change-out Incentive Adder is designed is less) paid for by the CEDF, including available from the CEDF, visit www.rerc-vt. to encourage the few home and busi- disposal costs for old coal systems. New org or https://publicservice.vermont.gov/ ness owners in Vermont still using coal pellet heating systems are also eligible for content/funding-opportunities-projects. PDC Dried for heating to switch to local renewable incentives and financing through Effi- For a complete list of all wood heat Wood Chips wood pellet heating. ciency Vermont. related incentives and rebates available Save $ Andrew Perchlik, Director of the CEDF, “Our Clean Energy Development Fund in Vermont, visit http://fpr.vermont.gov/ said, “We know there are still coal heat- continues to develop innovative programs incentives. Call us today to discuss ing systems in Vermont, and that some to grow Vermont’s local wood heating For more information, please contact: a dry wood chip conversion of these owners are interested in replac- sector, which is critical as we seek to lower Vermont Public Service Department, Clean ing these old polluting systems. We want heating costs while increasing our use Energy Development Fund, Tel: 802-828- to help them afford to get these old of renewable energy,” said June Tierney, 4017, Email: Andrew.Perchlik@vermont. 603-924-1001 systems out of their basements. This is Commissioner at the Public Service De- gov. FrolingEnergy.com

High-efficiency Air Conditioners ACEEE Program administrators can stay ahead of the curve with high-efficiency air conditioners Cont’d on p.25

24 24 September JUNE 15, 20142020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency Choosing Insulation for Carbon Value — Why More is Not Always Better: Part 2 — Catherine Paplin tional net-zero buildings – rack In Part 1 (see issue #60 of Green up carbon debt, which is com- Energy Times), we discussed XPS pounded if an existing building (extruded polystyrene) board is destroyed to make way for the and closed-cell polyurethane new. To quote Carl Elefante, “The spray foam insulation, which are greenest building is the one that produced with blowing agents is already built.” From an LCA/ (HFC, hydrofluorocarbon-based) embodied carbon point of view, that put more carbon into the air the logical conclusion is that during construction than they conservation and reuse of existing save during building operation. Mineral wool board insulation, blown in mineral wool, and mineral wool batt insulation. Courtesy photos. buildings should be prioritized. If we don’t use these insulations, Older buildings represent an however, what do we use? Mineral fiber (wool), available in board, such as post-consumer cellulose, denim opportunity for carbon savings, especially Insulation Alternatives batt, and sprayable form, is a possibility. and plastic are also in this category. if they are retrofitted to lower their op- The answer in many cases is new mate- These products are fire-resistant, routinely Doing the Math erational carbon. HFC-blown XPS insula- rials. Honeywell developed a new blowing used as part of firestopping assemblies; tion products may be the best solution agent, a hydro-fluoro olefin (HFO), and can achieve the same compressive Lots of options, but without account- because of their unique combination of manufacturers (e.g., Demilec and Carlisle) strength as XPS board; are unaffected by ing for air and water barrier effectiveness, thermal, moisture and air management are coming to market with a closed-cell water; and, can be used in layers to create there is a potential for disaster, primarily in benefits. Not demolishing a building and - polyurethane spray foam that uses this continuous insulation on the exterior of the form of condensation and consequen not building new may actually offset the tial mold growth. Understanding the com- agent. These spray foams have an excel- buildings (beneath cladding or stucco). carbon expenditure of the insulation lent R-value and performance qualities, However, mineral fiber insulations are not plex interaction of materials and systems material. Tools for quantifying embodied as well as air and vapor barrier capability, air or vapor barriers. and the hidden dangers and best options carbon are increasing our understanding conformance to irregularities and pen- Batts, either fiberglass or mineral fiber, for any condition is key. Carbon Footprint of embodied carbon and our decision- etrations, etc. However, they also exhibit are less useful because of their ineffi- Analysis (a sub-set of comprehensive envi- making processes. ronmental, or Life cycle assessment, LCA) downsides – high flammability, potential ciency. For example, in metal framing, batt We Can Do It! garners 40% of its nominal R-value at best. accounts for carbon emissions associated off-gassing post-application, and they are It is easy to become overwhelmed by Moreover, mineral fiber is made from rock with a building or material from cradle petroleum products. the enormity of climate change, but we and fiberglass to grave. Soy-based plastic spray foams (open- should take a moment to recognize how is silica- Building and-closed cell) are lower-carbon, less far we have come, what we have achieved, based – both profession- toxic alternatives. These are water-blown and how much we already have put in are energy- als can take and do not off-gas. However, soy foams place. It is a matter of persistence, heart intensive to advantage are made with urethane, so they are petro- and will – we can do it. leum products. The closed-cell versions do manufacture of computer act as air and vapor barriers, but they have with high em- applica- Catherine Paplin is a Senior Building a lower R-value. To date, these foams are bodied carbon tions, such as Enclosure Consultant for Steven Winter only used in the residential single-family costs. Athena, LCA Associates, Inc. market and there is some controversy over Organic One-click, their long-term dimensional stability. fiber-based Tally, and Several expanded plastic insulations insulations most recently are blown with low- or zero-GWP (global (wood, hemp, straw) have been used in EC3, to assess and compare the carbon warming potential) agents. Foil facing or single-family and smaller commercial value of building materials and processes. vacuum wrapping has been used with buildings. The El Dorado is that with Considering relationships allows us to - these (as well as with mineral and glass responsibly managed forestry or crop make better decisions at design concep tion, inception and throughout design fiber insulation) to provide a vapor barrier. growth and low- or no-fossil fuel burning and construction. So far, nothing replicates HFC-blown XPS processing and transportation, these ma- insulation board, particularly for subgrade terials could be carbon negative (remov- The Greenest Building is the One That’s applications. Will it be possible to develop ing carbon from the atmosphere). This Already Built an HFO-blown version of XPS board? Can is a line of development to be pursued, Whenever we build new, we design mineral or organic fiberboard materials be although organics are not applicable to assemblies and choose from a variety of wrapped or treated to perform as effec- commercial construction. Insulation devel- materials. tively as XPS? oped from recycled and reused materials, Yet, most new buildings – even opera- Retrofit Existing Windows for • Maximum Energy Buildings Efficiency + Beyond • Affordability and Commercial | Residen�al | Municipal Comfort Historic Restora�on | Covered Bridges • High Performance • Quality and Lasting Beauty Old windows and sashes made better s! than new with our innovative system de iso Ep w Ne

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“Why Not Just Build the House Right in The First Place” is an article by Ray Bliss, a very early solar pioneer from the 1940’s who lived in nearby Tamworth, NH. Ray stated BuildingRuss Lanoie with the Sun difficult to find interested buyers. that simply by orienting the long dimen- Like many first- Our house, on the other hand, appears sion of the house East-West and placing the time do-it-yourself much more conventional and visitors hardly majority of the windows to the South, you’d homebuilders, notice anything unusual unless they hap- pick up about 25% of the home’s heat from I made lots of pen to come on a cold but sunny winter day the sun. mistakes when when the house is awash in the warmth of Although not every building site lends designing our solar the sun. While I have no interest in selling itself to capturing the sun, I constantly see saltbox home. Not and hope that the house remains in the local examples where homeowners and enough closets, family after my wife and I pass on, the next builders miss the golden opportunity to family and dining occupant will benefit from the house’s sim- take advantage of the sun’s warming rays. areas not adjacent ple solar design along with the 11kWh, 40 It is disappointing and indeed frustrating to each other, panel solar electric system that now graces to see that some of the worthwhile lessons primary chimney our barn and adds to our self-reliance. of the owner-builder movement follow- in the wrong place The lesson from our building experience ing the energy crises of the seventies have and more. The main been forgotten. For whether thing I did correctly, a house is built on telephone however, was to poles with salvaged lumber and orient the house old storm windows and sliding directly south and glass door panels, or modern maximize windows high tech windows and energy on the south side. House from Northwest: Visitors arriving see nothing to make them efficient building materials, just We built in 1976 aware that this is a passive solar house. Images: Russ Lanoie. facing the windows to the south at the height of can provide much of the heating the “owner-built demand of the house even if the home” movement that followed the oil Window Quilts that are still designer put the family room in shortages of the earlier seventies. Many of used regularly both winter and the wrong place. It’s much easier the owner-built practices involved using summer to keep heat either in to move rooms around inside a recycled materials resulting in houses built or out. house than to change its orienta- on old telephone poles or pilings, recycled Shortly after we built, a local tion to the sun. storm windows for fixed (non-operable) quality home builder con- Russ Lanoie is a long-time solar windows, and wood scavenged from structed a home designed by a proponent in New Hampshire’s wherever possible. While I avoided going to well-known solar design group White Mountains and operated his those extremes and used a poured concrete from southern NH that featured House from Southeast: This view from the southeast shows the solar features of the house including the array of windows and fixed glazing in the basement, the rooftop Alternative Systems business in the foundation and almost all new building a hybrid system of south- fac- hot water system, greenhouse and the clothes dryer. 1970s—80s selling solar hot water materials, I did manage to construct a sub- ing glass and vertical solar systems, composting toilets and stantial house for a $25,000 construction hot-air collectors connected Window Quilts®. He lives in a passive loan. Framing and siding were from local to a rock filled bin that stores heat for dis- is that it only takes a little planning and solar home which has had Daystar solar hot mills and I produced our modified post and tribution when it’s needed. This house was forethought to harness the sun when build- water for forty years and 11kW of PVs on his beam frame right from standing timber on featured on the NBC Today Show during a ing a new home or commercial building. barn since 2015. www.RuralHomeTech.com. our own property. The result of this was an Sun Day observance a few years after it was early example of “building green” that sim- built. ply meant to us that we got pine sap in our After about twenty years the first owners hair as our freshly cut timbers dried out. decided to move out of the area but found The house has a mix of traditional it difficult to sell this unusual structure and, windows and fixed glazing that includes a I’ve heard, finally turned the keys over to solar greenhouse on the south side totaling the bank. I also heard that it was an HVAC 200 square feet, and only two windows on technician who ultimately ended up with the north. One of those original north small the house. While not as off-beat as the double hung windows was replaced with a owner-built homes on telephone poles, the fixed sliding glass door panel after we be- house was too “far out” for an average per- came Window Quilt dealers in the eighties son to be comfortable with its novel solar- so we could have more visibility but keep heating system. Likewise, when owner- DO YOU HAVE... the heat in during the winter nights. Almost builders tried selling those telephone pole all of our other windows now also have perched houses years later they found it Frosty Windows?

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LOEWEN.COM • Passive House - Certified PHIUS+ Verifier LOEWEN.COM• NGBS - Home Innovations National Green Building Standards & Green Verifier LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER Phone: 802.295.6555 of Vermont & New Hampshire LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER PhonePhone:: 802.295.6555800.505.1892 BuildingAlternatives.com of Vermont & New Hampshire Phone:[email protected] 800.505.1892 E-mail [email protected] Phone (603) 823-5100 [email protected] CERTIFIED B THE WAY 26 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 CLIMATE NEWS BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE, RESPONSIB What Climate Change in the Far North Means for the Northeast George Harvey put on residents of the city’s Little Haiti With a changing climate, we are increas- neighborhood to move out. This is happen- ingly seeing extreme weather. A tiny amount ing because wealthy people want to be able of that is extreme cold. Most is hot. Hot, dry to move in and take advantage of the fact weather produces droughts and wildfires. that Little Haiti has an altitude of seven feet Hot, rainy weather produces floods. In all of above sea level (https://bit.ly/2Yr44hL). this, one thing we can be quite sure of is that Nearly every community near an ocean or the world’s glaciers are melting and increas- tidal river is in jeopardy. It is just a beginning ing the rate of climate change. of a trend that could reach overwhelm- When floating ice melts and when glaciers ing proportions in the next two decades, melt, there are different effects. Melting sea because people will start to move out when ice does not cause the sea to rise directly, they understand that a problem is coming because the ice is already floating on the up. And for some, the problem is already water, but its loss is nevertheless part of a starting to get difficult. vicious cycle of warming. Ice is really good at Ports are already having trouble with the reflecting sunlight. Water is not. As floating few inches of sea-level rise. With three feet, ice melts, the ocean is able to absorb more they will have to be rebuilt, as will railroads sunlight that otherwise would have been and highways. New sites for all the waste col- reflected back into space. So, less ice means lected at all the nuclear plants and chemical Iceberg floating away from Greenland. Brocken Inaglory, Wikimedia Commons. https://bit.ly/3aLJgXn. that the ice melts faster. An article from facilities near the coast will have to be found. BBC Focus Magazine reports that the UK’s The list goes on. Meteorological Office (the country’s national age is over conditions during that time – not amount of ice lost in 2019 was 532 billion Here in the Northeast, the future will weather service) now estimates that the Arc- the current rate. metric tons, with 223 billion metric tons lost undoubtedly see large numbers of people tic Ocean will be clear of ice by 2035 (https:// According to a CNN report, a study focus- in July alone (https://cnn.it/2YqgUNl). moving inland from Boston, New York, and bit.ly/2Qfpiuv). ing on more recent data shows a continuing The numbers here indicate that the rate other coastal communities. States like Ver- When glacial ice melts, in addition to the rise in the rate of melting in Greenland to of melting from Greenland may be doubling mont and New Hampshire could see large problem of exposed land being heated by 280 billion metric tons during its study time. every six years. This makes me wonder increases in population. This means people the sun to speed melting, the water runs into The study states the glaciers have gone to whether the projections of a three-foot rise will find it harder to afford rent. There will the ocean, causing sea levels to rise. And we a point where they may never be able to in sea levels during this century might be far be pressure on the land just as farmers are can be sure they are rising. Measurements recover, regardless of what we do to stop cli- too conservative. puzzling over what crops they can grow in of sea level are taken by NASA satellites, mate change . That same study projects that We should reflect on what this means for a changed climate. Energy, road, municipal thousands of times per second. The entire sea-level rise from all sources will come to all of us. Certainly, the U.S. already has inter- infrastructure, and more will need to be ocean is mapped, and the resulting averages three feet by the end of the century. It states nal climate refugees. It has been three years upgraded. are said to be correct to within about a tenth that because most of our big cities are on since the residents of Isle de Jean Charles in These are problems we have no choice of an inch (https://go.nasa.gov/2FGFnHC). ocean water, three feet is enough to displace Louisiana were offered $48 million by the about. The work must be done. There may According to an article published by NASA about 40% of the population of the United federal government to move because of a be good news in this for those of us who in 2019, global warming had increased the States (https://cnn.it/2EvAn83). combination of rising seas and subsiding are young and inclined to be part of the rate of melt from Greenland. In the 1990s, Now comes the really bad news. Accord- land. Refugees are also moving from other solution. Difficult as the future might seem, it it was about 25 billion metric tons per ing to another study reported by CNN, the coastal areas. (https://bit.ly/2Yt0eou) may also be a time of great opportunities to year, but what the article calls the “current” ice on Greenland is melting far faster than Although, three feet might not sound like do great things. average is 234 billion metric tons (https:// any of the earlier studies indicated. This much, even the inches that have already Climate migration was also discussed in go.nasa.gov/3hfJ0SR). Unfortunately, that particular study focused on just the melting happened cause regular flooding in places the October 2018 issue of Green Energy Times study provides an average based on data for the year 2019, meaning it is as close like Miami. Last year, a report from local (http://bit.ly/Climate-Migration-GET%20 collected over a period of years, so the aver- to current as it could be. It states that the radio station WLRN, focused on pressure Oct%202018). NEW ENGLAND’S COMING CLIMATE-REFUGEE CHALLENGE When you turn on will scatter survivors in jarring, uncertain 143 million more climate migrants by 2050. the evening news each ways. In 2017, 68.5 million people were forcibly night, you see various People displaced by extreme weather displaced, more than at any point in human maps of America with events and slower-developing environ- history. While it is difficult to estimate, ap- each state color-coded to mental disasters are often called “climate proximately one-third of these (22.5 million reflect some aspect of the refugees,” a term popularized by journalists to 24 million people) were forced to move response to the COVID-19 and humanitarian advocates over the past by “sudden onset” weather events - flooding, pandemic. One section of decade. What happens when climate change forest fires after droughts, and intensified John Bos the country stands out in causes extreme events to become chronic, storms. The growing climate-refugee move- relief from its neighbors. New England. potentially rendering some communities un- ment will exacerbate many humanitarian New England provides geographic relief viable? This question is fueling a new strand crises and may lead to even more people from population centers where the corona- of global research focused on “climigration.” being on the move. virus is spiking. Wealthy urban dwellers are Climigration is the planned relocation of The Obama administration undertook flocking to their summer homes in Maine, entire communities to new locations farther myriad efforts to update the institutions the Catskills, the Hamptons, Massachusetts from harm. And it has already begun. that can address climate. Several of Presi- to escape the virus. The population shift gathering pace is so dent Obama’s executive orders, particularly As we continue to experience COVID-19, I sprawling that it may rival anything in U.S. Executive Order 13677, which required see the pandemic “refugee crisis” as a harbin- history. “Including all climate impacts, it isn’t incorporating climate resilience into decision ger of a larger refugee crisis looming for New too far-fetched to imagine something twice making on development assistance, took England. Within just a few decades, hundreds as large as the Dustbowl,” said Jesse Keenan, on the climate crisis. For the first time in the of thousands of homes on U.S. coasts will be a climate adaptation expert at Harvard mind to see crowds of climate refugees arriv- Department of Defense’s history, the 2010 chronically flooded. By the end of the cen- University, referencing the 1930s upheaval ing in town and looking for work and food.” Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) recog- tury, six-feet of sea-level rise would redraw in which 2.5 million people moved from the Pilkey’s new book, Sea Level Rise Along nized climate change as a “threat multiplier,” the coastline with familiar parts – such as dusty, drought-ridden plains to California. Americas Shores: The Slow Tsunami, envi- with the potential to exacerbate current southern Florida, chunks of North Carolina This enormous migration will probably sions apocalyptic scenes where millions challenges. and Virginia, much of Boston, all but a sliver take place over a longer period than the of people, largely from south Florida, will Millions of Americans will confront hard of New Orleans – missing. Dustbowl, but its implications are both pro- become “a stream of refugees moving to choices as climate change conjures up brutal Coastal flooding is only one piece of found and opaque. It will plunge the U.S. into higher ground.” New England has a lot of storms, flooding rains, receding coastlines the environmental emergency facing New an utterly alien reality. “It is very difficult to higher ground. and punishing heat. Many are already opting Englanders. Ever hotter summers and lower model human behavior under such extreme The projections are starting to materialize to shift to less perilous areas of the same levels of rainfall in the Midwest and the and historically unprecedented circumstanc- in parts of the U.S. forming the contours of city or to havens in other states. Towns from South are forcing generations of farmers to es,” Keenan admitted. the climate migration to come. At the mo- Alaska to Louisiana are looking to relocate, seek a more fertile climate elsewhere, like “I don’t see the slightest evidence that any- ment, our internal “refugee problem” pales in their entirety, to safer ground. Isle d Jean New England. Warming temperatures will one is seriously thinking about what to do in comparison to the global climate-refugee Charles in Louisiana is the first U.S. communi- fuel gigantic hurricanes – like the devastat- with the future climate-refugee stream,” said crisis. In 2018, the World Bank estimated that ty to undergo federally sanctioned climigra- ing triumvirate of Irma, Maria and Harvey in Orrin Pilkey, professor emeritus of coastal three regions (Latin America, sub-Saharan tion. These options were 2017, followed by Florence this year – that geology at Duke University. “It boggles the Africa, and Southeast Asia) will generate previously considered for Cont’d on p.30 CLIMATE NEWS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG September 2020 27 U.S. On Track to Pay Climate-Pollution Tariff to the EU Katharine Gage When we purchase gas for our cars, carbon price and adopts border carbon food, clothes, and other everyday es- adjustments, we can experience the sentials, we pay the price listed on the same trade benefits that the EU is look- items’ price tags. When deciding among ing forward to. similar items, customers will naturally Although the U.S. does not currently pick the one with the lower price. Cur- have a carbon price, there is a promis- rently, goods and services that were ing bipartisan carbon pricing bill in produced by fossil fuel-based energy the House of Representatives. This bill are cheaper to purchase, so our produc- is called the Energy Innovation and ers and consumers prefer them. Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763). HR 763 It’s nice to buy inexpensive things puts a steadily increasing fee on the now, but the problem with these fossil production of fossil fuels at the source fuel-based goods and services is that that will start at $15 per ton of carbon they are actually very expensive – the and increase by an additional $10 per expense comes later. These expensive ton every year. Second, it will return hidden costs emerge in harm from local The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act uses this three-part approach to reduce climate pollution. all the money collected from the fee air pollution as well as climate pollu- Image: Citizens’ Climate Lobby. equally to all American households as a tion. For example, Lauri Myllyvirta of dividend each month. Third, it will use the Centre for Research on Energy and failure, where a fossil fuel-based product will help ensure that companies do not border adjustments to protect U.S. jobs Clean Air (CREA) found that in 2018, air appears cheap but holds external costs relocate from the EU to other countries and encourage global carbon pricing. pollution from fossil fuels killed 4.5 mil- which get paid by society later, is a carbon where pollution is “free,” then export into This approach was recommended by a lion people, which comes to an average price. The European Union (EU) cur- the EU, because now the carbon price record consensus of more than 3,500 of 12,000 people every day. In terms of rently has a carbon price of $26 per ton of will be applied at the border. In addition economists in the Wall Street Journal, climate impacts, Thomas et. al found carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. It is to protecting EU jobs, this new border because it is the most efficient and eq- that our climate situation has already great that the EU is using a carbon price adjustment will also help enact carbon uitable way to reduce climate pollution. committed 18% of the world’s spe- to reduce its carbon pollution. However, pricing around the world. Please take two minutes to ask your cies to extinction by 2050. It is hard to climate change is a global problem and Starting in 2023, when the U.S. imports congressional representatives to sup- assign an exact monetary value to the requires global carbon pricing to drive to the EU, it will have to pay the EU its car- port HR 763 at cclusa.org/write. Thank death of a human or the loss of an en- down carbon pollution worldwide. The bon price of $26 per ton of carbon. When you! tire species, but these are examples of EU just announced that in 2023, they the U.S. imports from the EU, they will Katharine Gage, age 17, has been the costs from burning fossil fuels that will adopt a border carbon adjustment. take their carbon price out of the export. volunteering with Citizens’ Climate Lobby are encountered down the road, rather This means they will put a tariff on trade This will go on until the U.S. implements for four years. She is also a competitive than when the purchase occurs. with other countries that do not have an a carbon price of at least $26 per ton of nordic skier and loves New Hampshire The solution to this energy-market equivalent price on carbon pollution. This carbon. If the U.S. implements a higher winters.

state should not provide healthcare for Capitalism, Courage and Justice ‘them’. Many have died in our nursing Dr. Alan K. Betts cities, have suffered the most. As minori- homes in this crisis, which were also The re- ties, they have been treated as expend- unprepared. The American Health Care sponse of the able by rich white capitalist society, which Association opposed ‘burdensome United States clings to its racist roots. As murders by regulations’ for emergency prepared- to the confron- police exposed the truth, the rebellion ness for pandemics, for the simple tation with reason that these reduce profits. Again,

Image: mronline.org demanding justice has rightly spread the COVID-19 across America. Yet the president, backed we see this conflict between profit and virus has been by his racist supporters, thinks troops people’s lives in unregulated capitalism. revealing. The strengths and should be sent to gun down protesters, Capitalism cannot prepare for future weaknesses of America’s core and crush free speech protected by the emergencies, whether a pandemic or values of freedom, justice and Constitution. Pathetically, a president climate change, since it places no value courage have been exposed, who lies every day is furious that Twitter on the future. So, building resilience along with the blatant immoral- ket provide.” In coded capitalist language, is now fact-checking his lying tweets that is viewed as simply reducing current ity of capitalism and white racism. Little this means someone should be able to endanger and threaten Americans. profits. And with deregulation, current has changed since the famous “Tale of make a profit out of all these people The other dark side is that America is profit for shareholders is their prime Two Cities” speech by Mario Cuomo in dying. True, I have not been properly the only rich country that refuses to pro- responsibility, not justice for people or 1984 about how the economy leaves so trained in polite euphemisms. But under vide health care for all. We have a health for the Earth itself. many poor and fearful. the cover of COVID-19, the government care system that is the most expensive It will take courage to shake and The continued collapse of our central greedily cancelled as many clean air, clean in the world. However, for much of it the reframe this immoral world, but now is government has been stunning. This cri- water and clean car regulations it possibly key unspoken goal is not to optimize the the time. We all deserve better. sis needed leadership and fast decisive could to encourage corporate polluters to health of the nation, but to maximize Dr. Alan Betts of Atmospheric Research action in Washington; but leadership is send more money for the reelection of the profit for hospitals, drug companies and in Pittsford, VT is a climate scientist. impossible if you cannot face the basic present Administration. In reality hun- insurance companies. The political right Browse alanbetts.com. truths of a pandemic. Lost in angry nar- dreds of thousands will die; but money keeps trying to destroy the cissism, the president tried to hide his trumps everything, and the right-wing limited effort to expand health irresponsibility and incompetence by will not be held responsible for those that coverage with Obamacare, lying and blaming others, from Demo- perish – an echo of the tobacco compa- because providing health- crats to the Chinese to the World Health nies’ playbook. care to the underpaid is not Organization. Meanwhile, the U.S. consumer econ- profitable. Unfortunately, their Simultaneously, the pandemic ex- omy, which was clearly not essential, guiding rule that the poor posed the cruel nature of unregulated collapsed in less than a month. The Earth must work to serve us, even if capitalism, which exploits everyone and breathed a sigh of relief as air pollution they are sick, is a problem in a life on Earth for profit. Nurses, doc- and greenhouse gas emissions plum- pandemic. tors and underpaid essential workers meted with the reduced burning of fossil When COVID-19 struck, hos- showed up with courage to work, but fuel. But tens of millions of people have pitals started losing money the central government, which had become unemployed. They have received when they lost their profitable trashed the virus emergency plans left some payments, and economic incentive elective surgery, and they laid by the previous administration, was money has been sent to many citizens, off nurses, staff and doctors. useless. Hospitals had little personal while more than a trillion dollars has What they could not do with protective gear for the emergency, and flowed to rich corporations to prop up the their surplus capacity was capitalism had outsourced manufactur- stock market. provide critical healthcare for ing to wherever in the world it could be To keep profits high, we have long the hard-working poor, the made more cheaply, and supply chains refused to pay a living wage to all Ameri- unemployed and for minori- had collapsed. To avoid responsibility, cans, so few have savings. Minorities, ties. Right-wing politicians just the government said: “Let the free mar- poorly paid and living in polluted areas of continued to insist that the Image: allegrasloman.com 28 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency

kitchen cabinets (designed and built by Passive House at Maple Corner: Part 1 Eyrich Stauffer of Montpelier), closets, and trim, creates a Scandinavian look. Barb and Greg Whitchurch Compared to more standard construc- In the world of Passive House (PH), it tion, PH calls for increased up-front is often said that a PH can look any way expenses, some of which are offset by you want, from an igloo to a traditional incentives and special “green” loans for New England farmhouse. The important sustainable construction [see Part 2]. elements are mostly not visible after the Increased insulation, air sealing and house is completed: the insulation in the better windows guarantee energy and walls, roof, and around the foundation; maintenance savings down the road. The the moisture and air barriers; the lack of monthly cost of the mortgage plus en- thermal bridging errors; even the details ergy bills is less for a PH right off the bat of the windows. (bit.do/ph-cost, bit.do/ph-worth). Passive House is the most efficient path These small expenses are actually an in- to getting the home you want. It is an vestment, and will provide a huge return extensively researched, decades-old (yet in the form of energy savings and reduced continually updated) process for assur- maintenance costs, typically thousands of ing that you and your architect or builder dollars per year, over the life of the build- understand exactly how to achieve your ing -- not counting the personal benefits goals: a cost-effective, comfortable, low- of increased health, comfort, and home maintenance, energy-efficient home or equity. Next year, the remodel: bit.do/ph-principles Dawkins are investing Off a small dirt road in Maple Corner, in a small solar PV array Vermont, Montpelier Construction has which will completely built yet another beautiful PH. The own- The Dawkins Passive House built by Montpelier Construction. The porch roof offset all of their energy ers, Meg and John Dawkins, hired Matt keeps the summer sun off the windows, but allows winter sun to heat the home. use, as their PH uses Lutz, an Associate Professor of Archi- Photos: Kurt Budliger, for Montpelier Construction. only about one tenth tecture at Norwich University who lives of the total energy of nearby, to help them achieve their vision winter, heat from outgoing air is transferred pale sage sheet- standard construction. of a home that would fit into its rural set- to incoming air at 90% efficiency. It costs rock, and a pale By going the PH ting of woods and hayfields. about $60 per year to run. gray polished route, the Dawkins To fine-tune his design for PH elements The heating and cooling are provided by concrete floor used about 1% of their and prepare the build for PHIUS Passive a Mitsubishi Hyperheat cold climate heat offer a feeling budget to enroll with House certification, Lutz, who is himself pump (MitsubishiComfort.com/). There of spacious- an internationally- a CPHC (Certified PH Consultant) was are three small built-in resistive heaters ness. Skylights recognized building pleased to work side-by-side with Chis in the house just in case of a prolonged in the ceilings of science organization, Miksic, CPHB and lead PHIUS CPHC, and super-cold spell. PH itself guarantees VERY the kitchen and master bathroom add to who assigned a specialist at their national Indigo Ruth-Davis, CPHC and lead Project low heating and cooling needs through the airiness of the south and west-facing headquarters to review the plans and the Coordinator, both partners at Montpe- air-sealing and superinsulating. Remember, windows, which are Klearwall triple-pane progress through the completion of the lier Construction. (Note: VT has perhaps you only need to add heat to offset the heat (R-6.5); the glass is formulated to allow project. A locally-based, certified con- the highest per capita of PH-certified that you let escape (bit.do/ph-lose-heat)! maximum solar heat gain for the winter. The sultant runs the WUFI Passive computer architects, designers and builders in the Inside, you enter a large open kitchen- use of light-colored wood in the butternut program, overseeing the entire project, nation.) dining-living room. The feeling is airy and which is verified by a certified rater who The Dawkins were looking ahead to peaceful. Whitewashed wood paneling, reviews all stages of the construction aging in place, so they decided to build through site visits, photographs and mea- on one level, from the driveway through surements and provides the final certifica- the entire house. The house is built on a tion award at the end of the project. slab, avoiding the considerable cost of a WUFI Passive is a modeling tool that basement. Because a PH requires minimal tracks every aspect of the site’s location: utilities, the heat pump water heater, climate, weather history and soil types, as water softener, well pressure tank and well as building layout and solar orienta- ventilation equipment are grouped in a tion, building materials, mechanicals, small utility room in the attic space. and appliances. The result? The Dawkins Fresh, filtered air is provided by a knew their energy costs before they broke Zehnder ERV (ZehnderAmerica.com/), ground, and they now have certifications which provides continuous, balanced en- from PHIUS, Efficiency VT, and the Ap- ergy recovery ventilation, where outside praisal Institute (bit.do/ai-green-appraisal) intake air is equal to the air exhausted. In which prove the value of their home. In Part 2 (see page 29 of this issue), we will discuss how you could start the pro- cess for the best-case outcome for your remodel or new build. It’s not that hard! Barb and Greg are board members of Kitchen and bathroom of the Dawkins Passive House. VTPH.org and have their own Passive House in Middlesex, VT bit.do/phc-vtbiz. NEW! Note the skylights.

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Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 29 Passive House at Maple Corner: Part 2 HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN PASSIVE HOUSE OR REMODEL Barbara and Greg Whitchurch thousands of dollars, and considering that In this article, we’ll describe how you your electric car can serve as grid backup might go about building your own Pas- for your house, they cover electric vehicles sive House (PH) or remodel. (EVs), cooking, heating and cooling, hot First: Get a certified PH professional. water, fridges, weatherization upgrades, Try Vermont Passive House (bit.do/vtph- bikes, lawn mowers, etc. Your certified PH mem) or Efficiency Vermont (bit.do/een- consultant (CPHC) should be aware of all evt) to find people who are certified to these opportunities. (E.g., bit.do/evt-hphp, build to the PH standard. There are many in MA there’s a special incentive for PHs of these builders and architects in New phmass.org/masssave/.) England. (More: bit.do/phius-cphc and bit. Third: Your mortgage. Be sure your bank do/phi–cphc.) employs a Certified Green Appraiser who Your project’s lead consultant will run uses the green addendum (bit.do/ai-green- the WUFI Passive or the PHPP program. appraisal). More info: bit.do/vbra-appraisal. (Matt Lutz says that every high-perfor- In VT: bit.do/evt-loans, bit.do/vsecu-vgreen. mance home project should have such a Fourth: Some excuses and myths. (bit. person on board.) If you want an archi- do/ph-excuses, bit.do/ph-myths) tect, but your builder is the lead consul- PH is too expensive: Two of Vermont’s Award-winning PH built by Central VT Habitat for Humanity, Bruce Landry of 5 Star Energy Tech, volunteers, the tant, then the architect doesn’t need the homeowners, and Chris Miksic of Montpelier Construction. designation. PHs are Habitat for Humanity homes. We [The Dawkins (see Part 1 on page 28 of know of folks who are not well-to-do who this issue) had Chris Miksic and we had have PHs (including us). If your builder specific ways. Airtightness is of Indigo Ruth-Davis (both of Montpelier claims PH is not worth the effort, ask them paramount concern in any mod- Construction) as our lead PH consultants. about the certified PH they built that disap- ern building. Blower door testing We built our PH in 2014 without an archi- pointed them or their clients. should be run on any new house tect or designer. Greg drew diagrams of Net Zero is good enough. The Dawkins multiple times during construc- what we wanted. It was the first PH effort (soon), our, and many other PHs are net tion. PH guarantees all of this. for any of those involved. But, since the zero - no big deal. With enough money and Some old-fashioned ideas and PH process guides builders in such detail, solar panels you can net zero a stone castle. baggage to be rethought for we were nonetheless assured a great PH requires very few solar panels to net any modern home: basements, performing building. It was the team’s zero, saving money, space, and resources. steeply-pitched roofs, wood very first–award-winning!– PH effort here: Also, net zero does not address comfort, stoves, attics, and more. bit.do/phc-vtbiz] health, or maintenance, while PH does. E.g., basements no longer need Second: Line up your incentives. These A house needs to breathe. If you hear to serve as foundations, root veg- are your own tax and utility dollars being this from a builder, they’re actually saying etable storage, or housing for your targeted right back at you to encourage that their construction method depends messy furnace or boiler, hot water more responsible choices for everyone’s on air leaks to keep the walls from rotting. heater, water pump, pressure sakes. These incentives add up to many A house needs to be sealed and vented in tank, and fuel storage. All of these functions are minimal in a PH and can be housed in a large closet Charlotte, VT Habitat for Humanity PH. Modules built at Preferred anywhere. The Dawkins’ house has Building Systems of NH (bit.do/ph-pbs). Image: PHIUS. a pull-down ceiling ladder to a tiny TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP. mechanicals room in the attic space. A simple concrete slab THE LATEST IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY. or pier system often serves as the foun- dation of modern PASSIVE HOUSE DESIGN/BUILD. CUSTOM CABINETRY & TILE. homes. And heated floors are absolutely unnecessary. A flat-ish roof will save lots of lumber and keep the snow off your shrubs, sidewalks and en- tryways, while using that snow as a very effective insulating blanket. Do you still think of windows as views and light sources only? PH nudges Whitchurch Passive House Cottage, Middlesex, VT. Courtesy image. you to consider their energy costs and benefits, too. Proper solar consideration can the long run, while more investment gets make huge differences in your energy use you relatively little extra performance. By and comfort throughout the year. staying focused on the outcomes of your Remember: You can always finish or up- choices, PH allows you to make informed grade countertops, lighting, cabinets, bath choices based on proven engineering fixtures and floors later on with your energy science. savings to avoid overburdening your origi- All of the considerations and met- nal mortgage. But you only get this one rics involved in PH also exist in every chance to correctly design the continuous other type of home --- the performance MONTPELIER CONSTRUCTION insulation, air sealing and non-thermal- characteristics of the lumber, insulation, BUILDERS AND FINE WOODWORKERS bridging of the walls, roof and foundation windows, and appliances for ANY build- assemblies. ing are available from the manufacturers. Conclusion: Keep in mind that PH is But PH actually uses this information not the end of a continuum - one can get effectively, instead of relying on advertis- MONTPELIERCONSTRUCTION.COM much more careful about sustainability, ing, store sales, contractor markups, and 802-229-6575 environmental impacts, and energy use. PH the builder’s feelings about how things is designed to hit the sweet spot where a should be done. smaller investment costs you a lot more in 30 AugustSeptember 15, 2014 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency Just A Bunch of B.S.* (*Building Science, of course) THE WINDOW IN WINTER: A COOL LITTLE MICROCLIMATE Nate Gusakov as we like to call them) and also sinks. Another answer is to install the thin “We really need Voila, we have a convection loop! When plastic film that you tighten with a hair new windows. you sit down on your couch on a cold dryer. If you do it carefully, it makes an There’s always winter night just below the living room excellent ‘third window pane’ on the a draft coming windows and feel an annoying cool draft inside of your window. The thin plastic through them!” on the back of your neck, it’s probably not won’t radiate heat the way a glass pane I hear this a lot a leaky window—it’s probably the con- does and will again present a much from clients vection loop of cooled air from the win- warmer surface area to the inside of the who are look- dow’s microclimate washing over you. So, house. ing to improve what’s to be done about this? Ultra-high efficiency triple-paned windows certainly PROS: the comfort and • Very inexpensive efficiency of their can help, as the innermost pane is a good home. In certain deal warmer than the second pane (which • Still lets light in cases, this is prob- would now be in the middle of an argon • You don’t have to remember to pull ably true (e.g. old gas sandwich). These windows are expen- the blinds single-pane ‘barn sive, however, and replacing windows is a • If sealed well, prevents humidity from sash’ windows or significant undertaking. reaching cold glass window pane (more malfunctioning Thermal blinds are a great answer– they on this next issue) windows that usually cost $75-$150 per window. If won’t shut and diligently pulled at night and on cold dark CONS: lock anymore). Of Side-by-side office windows. Window on right has thermal shade drawn, window on days, they will serve to block the convec- • Can be punctured easily left is uncovered. Photo: Zone 6 Energy. course, it is always tion loop from developing, presenting a • Hard to seal on certain window types important to be much warmer surface area to the inside of the house. • No access to the window through the reaching for more efficient comfort; to the outdoors than the walls around winter however, I rarely end up recommending them. In addition (and more important, PROS: If you think you need new windows new windows as a top priority. for this particular article), the surface but just can’t afford them or aren’t sure Even a modern, Energy Star-approved • Aesthetically pleasing (design choices temperature of the inside pane of glass is yet, try one of these methods this win- window won’t have an insulating value available) going to be much colder than the surface ter. You just might find that the drafty any better than about R-5. While R-5 is • Retain access to windows temperature of the wall around it. old windows are suddenly performing good for a transparent window (and The result is that this rectangle of very • Can be left installed year-round and much better than you thought they better than the R-2 to R-3 of older cold glass acts as a little refrigerator for offer light and privacy control could. double-pane windows), it still falls short the air that is directly next to it. This air of the R-25+ insulation that will likely be loses its heat through the cold glass, be- CONS: Nate Gusakov is a BPI-Certified auditor, found in the walls of a modern house. comes denser than the air around it, and • A little expensive home performance contractor, and This means that whenever the outside sinks. More warm air comes from above to • Often forgotten energy consultant for Zone 6 Energy in New Haven, VT. temperatures are cold, these windows replace it and is subsequently cooled by • Still allow interior humidity to reach are radiating exponentially more heat the glass chilling plate (or window pane, cold glass window pane (more on this in the next issue)

CLIMATE REFUGEE – Cont’d from p.26 and $12 billion, which researchers concluded the village of Newtok, Alaska. Climate- was economically unfeasible. Then there’s induced coastal erosion has threatened its Houston, Miami and New Orleans which has livability for many years. In 2003, its resi- yet to recover from the impacts of Hurricane dents voted to relocate to higher ground Katrina 20 years ago! Next comes Atlanta, but that relocation looks like it will not be Charleston, Virginia Beach and finally the big (802) 458-2386 completed until 2023. one, New York City, where Michael Bloom- Though it’s possible for coastal cities berg proposed a $19 billion sea wall around [email protected] to build new infrastructure and artificial Wall Street when he was mayor some 18 barriers to protect themselves from climate years ago. • BPI-Certified Home Energy Audits change, time is running out. Here are All of this leads to my question about how the eight cities in the US most likely to New England, as an ideal target territory • Residential & Commercial Blower- disappear underwater by 2100. In Boston, for resettlement by American and foreign where many neighborhoods have been climate refugees, is prepared to welcome and Door Testing built and recently expanded in low-lying assimilate a growing population base in an • areas, an estimated $2.4 billion will be eco-friendly way? Expert Building Envelope Diagnostics & Consulting needed over the next several decades to John Bos is a contributing writer to Green protect the city from flooding according Energy Times. He has written about his growing We install: to one study. That report came as the city concerns of an endangered environment for the abandoned plans to build a harbor barrier past ten years. Your comments and questions that would have cost between $6 billion are invited at [email protected].

& Proudly working to provide energy efficiency incentives to New Hampshire Businesses (603) 226-1009 www.ResilientBuildingsGroup.com New Record Levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 31 4. Efficiency Vermont’s EEN Contractor Spotlight: Alliance Mechanical of Essex Junction, VT Interview with Tim Campbell, Energy Solutions Manager 4. What in your field of specialty is most tive incentives Green Energy Times Staff valuable for our readers to know? put up specific Our specialty is diagnosing poorly financial sup- 1. What is your area of port for specific expertise? designed, poorly installed, or poorly maintained systems. We can provide field units. Alliance Mechani- analysis on all HVAC equipment, includ- In some cal’s expertise is in ing electrical control systems, chill water circumstances, proactive maintenance, systems, boiler systems, cooling systems, there is a need HVAC system repair and and more. We can also provide steam to work with replacement, building trap testing, refrigeration leakage testing, the utility and Efficiency Vermont or automation, and boiler and compressed air leak testing. We have NHSaves to engineer a customized services, all for commer- the ability to repair or replace any system energy saving program. Customized cial customers. Building we identify as needing energy upgrades, incentives apply to custom engineering automation includes the while providing the best cost effective and based on field analysis, that justifies the latest energy manage- energy efficient solution. investment with the intended payback, when correctly implemented. They are ment for the entire 5. Why should people use an Efficiency building, thermostats, awarded on an individual basis. They humidistats, time clocks, Excellence Network (EEN) contractor over help the customer get the project done and related matters. The Alliance Mechanical Team of Essex Junction, Vermont. Courtesy photo. someone else? by providing financial support for the People should use an EEN member project to reduce energy use in specific 2. What projects do people because of the quality resources that are buildings. try to do themselves that really should provided. EEN members are committed Our business tends to do more of the be done professionally? footprint or improve efficiency, what would customized incentives because of our it be and why? to providing good services to save energy Some people attempt to do proactive in the interest of the environment, so the commercial work. To choose one type of project, it would maintenance without training. Typically, customer gets the benefit of a great set 7. What are some questions you have to be to replace the temperature they change filters and belts. When they of resources available from a wide range recommend customers ask when controls of a building with the latest have done this, they often consider of partners. The membership also ensures building automation system. With good selecting someone to do work to meet their work done, but some issues they that the contractor is a professional who design, programming, and commissioning, energy efficiency goals? might miss are maintaining settings; works in the best interest of the customer. a new system can operate efficiently and How long has the contractor been checking motor actuators, sensors, do such things as customized scheduling 6. What are the best ways to finance in business, and how experienced are damper actuators, valve actuators, fan and calculating set points and trending. projects (or what incentives are available) they? Has the contractor ever worked motors, condensers, and contactors. A very common set point is a boiler loop for residential or commercial projects? on a similar project? Can the contractor Also, sequences need to be checked. where temperatures may be adjusted as For commercial customers, such as ours, provide references? Do they have the Lack of good maintenance is a big the building and outside temperatures we recommend that a professional con- resources to complete the project in a energy waste and eventually costs a fair change. A calculated set point makes it tractor help decide which of two possible timely manner? How much of the work amount. possible to adjust heating and cooling to routes, prescriptive or customized incen- will be performed by the contractor 3. If you could only choose one type satisfy requirements of the space while tives, to take. There are times that a pre- – will any portion need to be subcon- of project o reduce someone’s carbon saving energy. scriptive incentive can be helpful. Prescrip- tracted. 32 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency Appears Prominently in New Climate Plans Wendy Koch, ACEEE Senior Director, Marketing and Communications lish ambitious on carbon sequestration, Republicans Energy efficiency appears prominently air rather than reduc- fuel economy have included energy efficiency measures in recent proposals to address climate ing energy waste or standards; pro- in several bills. For example, the pending change, underscoring its ability to deliver promoting zero-carbon vide consumer bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial dramatic cuts in greenhouse gas emis- energy sources. It seeks rebates to Competitiveness Act by Sens. Rob Portman sions. to plant a trillion trees, swap old, less (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would Nationwide building retrofits, net-zero which President Trump fuel-efficient promote better building energy codes construction, fuel efficiency, electric has endorsed, and vehicles for and mortgage lending that recognizes the vehicles, and industrial decarbonization expand a tax break, more efficient value of efficiency in homes. An ACEEE — cornerstones of the nonprofit American which Trump signed ones; buy analysis shows it would cut energy bills Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s in 2018, to capture clean vehicles by $51 billion, save 32 quadrillion BTUs of (ACEEE) new Call to Action — are features and sequester carbon for federal, energy, and avoid 1.3 billion tons of carbon of several sweeping proposals. Research dioxide before it leaves state, tribal, dioxide emissions cumulatively for mea- shows that energy efficiency could halve smokestacks. It would postal, and lo- sures achieved through 2050. U.S. energy use and emissions by 2050. also increase federal R&D funding for carbon cal fleets; promote electric vehicles and their Conservatives for Responsible Energy This week, former Vice President Joe capture at natural gas plants. charging facilities; and convert all 500,000 Solutions (CRES), a nonprofit that engages Biden unveiled a climate plan that con- In contrast, the Biden plan has multiple U.S. school buses to zero emissions. GOP policymakers, has endorsed the solidates several Democratic proposals. By efficiency provisions. It calls for energy- The plan also mentions the need to Portman-Shaheen bill and other bipartisan spending $2 trillion over four years, it aims efficient retrofits of four million commercial decarbonize industry. It calls for creating ones. Such bills include the New Home to slash emissions, revive the economy, re- buildings and weatherization of two million an Advanced Research Projects Agency on Energy Efficiency Act to extend and up- duce racial inequities, and by 2035, derive homes over four years, which it estimates Climate, a cross-agency ARPA-C, to develop date the home energy efficiency tax credit all electricity from carbon-free sources. will create at least one million “good-paying” technologies that would decarbonize indus- through 2022 and the Streamlining Energy It sees energy efficiency as a key way to jobs. It proposes building performance trial heat needed to make steel, concrete, Efficiency for Schools Act to help schools cut emissions and make energy more af- standards, strict building codes, and cash and chemicals and reimagine carbon-neutral make efficiency retrofits. fordable for low-income households and rebates and low-cost financing to upgrade construction materials. What happens to any of these propos- communities of color, which have been and electrify home appliances and install Biden’s new plan has similarities to the als or pending bills remains to be seen. disproportionately affected by COVID-19 more efficient windows. It suggests a House Select Committee on Climate Crisis’ Congressional approval could be difficult if and climate change. technology-neutral Energy Efficiency and recent majority report, and incorporates Congress remains largely deadlocked. Yet Earlier this year, a group of House Clean Electricity Standard (EECES) for utilities many of the recommendations of the Biden- the inclusion of robust energy efficiency Republicans led by House Minority Leader and grid operators. Sanders Unity Task Force, which was measures highlights its importance in the Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., introduced In the transportation sector, Biden pro- co-crafted with supporters of Sen. Bernie fight against climate change. its own climate plan. This plan focuses poses increased spending on public transit, Sanders, I-Vt. This was originally posted at https://bit.ly/ on removing carbon dioxide from the walkways, and bike lanes. He seeks to estab- While Rep. McCarthy’s climate plan focuses EnergyEfficiency-NewClimatePlans-ACEEE.

NEW DOE RULE FOR EVALUATING ENERGY CONSERVATION OF APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT Effective : Oct. 19, 2020. saved $63 other performance attributes. display the label meet Energy Star specifica- The U.S. Department billion on their • Issues regulations for appliance and tions. of Energy (DOE) has pub- utility bills in equipment standards and test procedures, • Collaborates with Natural Resources of lished a Final Rule amend- 2015 alone. By and for implementation, certification, and Canada through the Regulatory Coopera- ing its decision-making 2030, cumula- enforcement. tion Council. process for selecting tive operating • Issues waivers for appliance and equip- • Provides information on its history and energy-conservation cost savings ment test procedures. impacts, statutory authorities, regulatory standards by specify- from all stan- • Provides further guidance to aid in the processes, plans and schedules, and ing that it will conduct dards in effect implementation of certain regulations. program reports and publications. a comparative analysis since 1987 will • Announces all public meetings and For more information related to Appli- of the relative benefits reach nearly comment deadlines, provides information on ance and Equipment Standards Program, and burdens of potential $2 trillion. how to participate, and explains how to email ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ Appliance and equipment standards are saving consum- Products access rulemaking dockets and documents. ee.doe.gov. energy-conservation ers and businesses billions of dollars. Image: energy.gov. standard levels in deter- covered by • Supports the voluntary ENERGY STAR® Links available at greenenergytimes.org mining whether a specific standards program by working with the Environmental under the individual articles for the Sept. energy- conservation standard level is represent about 90% of home energy use, Protection Agency to ensure products that 2020 edition of Green Energy Times. economically justified. 60% of commercial building use, and 30% of industrial energy use. Appliance & Equipment Standards The program provides a resource to help Program consumers make informed decisions when The Building Technologies Office (BTO) selecting products in order to save energy implements minimum energy conserva- and money. eeCompass has easy-to-use tion standards for more than 60 categories tools that allow consumers to research, of appliances and equipment. As a result evaluate and compare covered products by of these standards, American consumers brand and model, along with a number of

603.359.1912 / geobarns.com Sustainable Agriculture WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 33 No-Till Gardening: Good for Crops and the Environment Jessie Haas Most people don’t realize that we the 2021 season, and to prevent the garden are living through two carbon crises has experimented from looking too messy. (plus a pandemic, plus mass political with planting directly Another good resource, craziness. I know, right?) We have too into a crimped and geared to the market much carbon in the atmosphere and solarized cover crop. gardener, is The Organic not enough in the soil, and there’s a The bed looks as No-Till Farming Revolu- connection: between 50 and 70% of if it’s already been tion, by Andrew Mefferd the carbon in world farmland soils has mulched. To test the (New Society Publishers been off-gassed due to tillage. Plow- theory that no-till 2019). There are multiple ing, cultivating, and harrowing has helps soils retain mois- resources for large-scale sent 792 billion tons of carbon into the ture, the Cedar Circle farming; one of the most atmosphere in the past 250 years. team has installed a inspiring is Dirt Into Soil Tillage also introduces excess soil moisture reader in by Gabe Brown (Chelsea oxygen into soils; that temporarily the experimental bed Green, 2019). provides abundant growth, but it also and another in the tra- If gardening is not increases the decomposition of soil ditionally planted bed your thing, you can still organic matter (SOM). Tillage is mining a few rows over. It will ask at the farmers’ mar- the soil of carbon, putting it where it be interesting to hear ket if the produce you doesn’t belong and heating the planet. about the results. are buying is grown by It’s also depleting soil fertility and re- No-till scales in Image: rootsimple.com no-till methods. If farm- ducing the nutritional value of crops. both directions; many ers hear that customers These twin problems, though, are dairy farmers drill seed directly into killed helps soil aggregate, creating structure are interested in buying no-till crops, actually a huge opportunity, and one cover crops, and home gardeners can use that lets it store more air and water. It they will start thinking about grow- that Cedar Circle Farm and Educa- the techniques as well. It’s not too late to builds an absorbant soil sponge that is ing them. Any moves in that direction tion Center in East Thetford has been get started; cover crops are an important resilient to both drought and excess rain- help solve both climate crises and exploring. For the past five years, the part of building soil carbon, and many fall. And it can be a key to farm profitabil- the what’s-for-dinner crisis in one fell farm and education center has been cover crops, such as buckwheat, oats, ity. Many market gardeners who switch swoop. experimenting with various forms of and annual rye grass, can still be planted. to no-till find they no longer need a trac- Source links: no-till vegetables growing on crops They may not reach maturity before frost, tor. This helps lower the costs of getting https://cedarcirclefarm.org/blog/ such as broccoli and kale. They have but that’s okay. They will still feed soil mi- into farming. It can also allow a marginal seed-starting used rollers to crimp and kill cover croorganisms with their living roots, and piece of land to be made productive; https://www.storey.com/books/grow- crops (without using Roundup, one build SOM once they’ve died and fallen, many no-till market gardeners build their your-soil/ of the drawbacks of mainstream no- contributing their incorporated carbon. soil literally from the ground up with https://newsociety.ca/books/no-till- till), and also the extremely low-tech SOM is 58% carbon, and that carbon manure, compost, and cover crops. farming methods of solarizing and occultation. is what allows the microbial soil network No-till is a climate solution that anyone https://www.chelseagreen.com/ Solarizing is covering a piece of ground to digest minerals and trade them with can participate in. Grow Your Soil!, by dirt-to-soil/ with clear plastic for a short period, plant roots. Without adequate carbon, Diane Miessler (Storey 2020) is a cheer- usually just a day or two in warm, sun- plants lack nutritional value. SOM also ful, practical resource for home garden- Jessie Haas has written 40 books, ny weather. This ers who wants to mainly for children, and has lived in an kills weeds, weed draw down carbon off-grid cabin in VT. seeds, and slug in their own front eggs and leaves a yards. Miessler hap- bare seedbed for pily accepts weeds planting. Occulta- as cover crops and tion is the same details methods Tasker Hill Community Garden process done for ‘chop and drop’ Cont’d from p. 21 much more slowly weeding, where using tarps put on you simply cut or well-balanced source of nutrients as it is black side up. pull the weeds and nature’s own way of producing rich soil. Cedar Circle has leave them where On the side: Although having a sepa- put in its straw- they are, covering rate “common area” for plot owners to berry plants for No-till field of peas and oil radishes, after harvest. Image: them with mulch help maintain is a noble idea, in reality it No-till vegetable garden. Image: Flickr/Jackie Caserta Volker Prasuhn, Wikimedia Commons. https://bit.ly/3blLvB4 is unlikely that they will be maintained by anyone other than the garden moni- tor. Having a garden monitor be a part of the overall community garden with VT Brewery –Cont’d from p. 21 growing space adjacent to the rented help his tenants reduce their carbon beds seems to be a key to the overall footprint, including helping Black Flan- success of both. nel weatherize the business before they Since much of the initial grant moved in. through the Chamber of Commerce was “Black Flannel will be one of the used to provide a porta-potty that we most energy-efficient brewers and thought would be necessary but found restaurants in the state,” said Pat Haller, in time that gardeners were seldom at Senior Energy Consultant at Efficiency their gardens long enough to require Vermont. “That wouldn’t have hap- such a facility, we have not had one pened without their engagement from since that first year. day one and their willingness to work When laying out the wood-sided in collaboration to find innovative solu- raised beds be sure to space them far tions at every level of their business.” “There are some really good enough apart to allow the lawn mower In all, these improvements will help breweries in Vermont. We plan that will be used for keeping grass under Black Flannel save almost $24,000 each to be among some of the best,” control to fit between them. We origi- year on energy costs. Kesler shared with a modest nally covered the aisles with wood chips chuckle. “But we’re also aiming but it did not take long for the grass Ready for business to create a unique experience for to overtake every uncultivated space. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on our customers to help them learn The neatly mowed grass actually looks restaurants, Black Flannel’s opening in more about beer and the process better than wood chips with clumps of July wasn’t exactly what they initially of making it. I’m excited about grass sprouting here and there. planned. They have more seating out- sharing our passion and our love doors and space for social distancing. Russ Lanoie is a long-time solar for brewing and tasting beer with proponent in New Hampshire’s White Their kitchen is focusing on take-out. other people.” They’ve also decided to can more beer Mountains and operated his Alternative Sartwell echoed the sentiment. Systems business in the 1970s and 80s sell- than they had originally planned to. “It’s going to be a really cool place But Kesler, Sartwell, and the rest of ing solar hot water systems, composting to hang out and have a beer. I toilets and Window Quilts®. He has lived in the team are excited to turn the ef- can’t wait to sit at the bar with all ficient machines on and put them to Food and beer pairings At Black Flannel Brewery. Courtesy images a passive solar home for forty years. www. of our guests and enjoy talking RuralHomeTech.com. their intended use. beer with them.” 34 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Elmore Roots’ Permaculture Know-How will be around the next bend. Pathways While I lay out the straight rows David Fried of grape vines and blueberries for easy mowing and mulching, In a hectic world, I like to be each of these groves are con- surrounded by plants as I walk nected by meandering paths. along, tasting, breathing it all in. The whole farm is like this. It Like a bee visiting flowers, I feels good. We walk along the walk the pathways between the edge of the elderberries, cross plants. the brook and see the tall sea- When I walk around the farm, berries with their bright orange and a hundred dancing chipmunks, all one path takes me from the blue- juicy fruit on one side of the going about their day. berries to the grapes. Another path. Across the path goose- The old timers say, “The best fertil- path leads around the pond to berries grow, shorter, more izer is a gardener’s footsteps.” It’s about the paw paw patch. If I go the compact with light purple baby caring, nurturing, being sensitive to other way, I happen upon the beach ball fruit. what is around us, plant or animal or haskaps. We want to walk down smooth stone. Somewhat like the old If I were a bear, I would think paths together as a family, as a player piano that has a lever to crank that I had stumbled into bear people, as a country, as a part around and around so music will flow heaven. There is so much fruit to Artwork courtesy of Joyce Dutka. of a wondrous world. We want for a while, the winding pathways get eat. All I have to do is turn this to walk down paths that are me where I need to be. way or that way, and a new path need to make use of all the space. Curves interesting, inspiring, that give David Fried, Elmore, Vermont , August will bring me to the farmhouse black- and rambling paths take away precious life. As a member of the North American 2020. berries. When I ramble through the time and make us do more maintenance Fruit Explorers, I am always looking for birch tree opening along a short forest than we need to. My grandfather, Papa that new volunteer promising berry plant path, I enter the hidden meadow, full of Ben, taught me “the shortest route be- growing, seeded by birds and never exist- ripe raspberries, asparagus and plums. tween two points is a straight line.” He was ing before in the history of the world. Or “Lord well I was born a rambling man, right, of course, but it also meant that we the easy to crack and delicious and nutri- trying to make a livin’ and doing the had to sit through a lot of traffic lights and tious nut planted by squirrels. I wake up best I can...” The Allman brothers sang noise and boring store signs, because the in the morning and start out on my path. this in the mid-70s. I took it to heart. I shortest way is not always the quickest or Tasting. Observing. Listening. am motivated to plant new fruit groves the most interesting. A friend told me when he came to visit, here and there on the farm, and I al- For years now I actually work the curves he saw me walking up one of these path- ways connect them with winding paths. into the layout plan. If I am on a forest or ways and right behind me was a skunk Many a farm manager has told me I mountain hike and the trail is straight for following behind at about the same pace. am ridiculous. Farms have to be run a while, this is the boring part of the hike. So many enjoy this nonlinear experience. efficiently with rows in straight lines. We I like to keep exploring, not knowing what Soft field grass pressed by moose, deer,

I Like Killing Flies!spray and a squeegee or paper towels. use, start with two ounces of soap per Now you can say goodbye to toxic Third, soap dissolves the exoskeletons Larry Plesent 16-ounce bottle. These will need a direct organophosphate insect sprays and use of many insects. hit to take them out. Adjust the sprayer so organic soap instead! My wife owns a bakery and, as you And fourth, as the soap dries, it coats that it is neither a wide mist nor a single Now that’s a foaming success story! know, flies and restaurants do not mix. and clogs up the spiracle holes disrupting line of fluid. You want to give yourself a Larry Plesent is a writer and natural Hence, the title of this month’s musing respiration. roughly three-inch splat area for coverage. on all things natural and sustainable, “I In many ways soap is the ideal insecti- products formulator living and working in The insect must be completely covered in the Green Mountains of central Vermont. LIKE Killing Flies”. cide. It is completely safe and nontoxic to soap water to be effective. Did you know that all insects mammals, and most plants are unaf- Read more at www.vermontsoap.com/ For house flies, cluster flies, “Japanese” category/blog/. “breathe” through their bellies? Their fected by it at standard concentrations. beetles and larger insects use three ounc- abdomens are coated with an oily While soap usually kills adult insects very es of soap per 16-ounce bottle. Add substance that helps their spiracles or quickly, it does not always destroy the another shot if they seem resistant to air holes to pull oxygen out of the air eggs. And so, it is very common to use the spray. and expel carbon dioxide. Air travels two or three spray-soap-spray treatments A few plants such as tomatoes throughout the insect’s body through over a week to turn the tide on a garden becomes more sensitive to light a tube-like ventilation system to get to insect infestation. damage after being sprayed with the cells. Start with the best 16-ounce spray soap solution. It is a good idea to do a And therein lies their fatal kryptonite bottle you can find. You want a trigger whole tomato plant spray treatment, weakness. Soap washes away oil, and, type sprayer for outside and plate glass and then rinse the leaves off a half thus, it attacks and kills insects four use. You can transfer some into a four- hour later just to be extra safe. Castile ways. ounce bottle with a button sprayer (not a soap will not harm your garden and First, it dissolves and washes away trigger spray) for occasional inside use. improves soil permeability to water in the oils that protect the insect’s Fill your 16-ounce bottle ¾ full with dry conditions. It is potassium based, spiracles, immediately disrupting their warm water and add castile (preferably which is a necessary plant nutrient. respiration. Many high metabolism locally made) liquid soap. The beauty of this system is that if flying insects, like wasps, drop immedi- Screw the sprayer on tightly. Turn you notice your solution is not strong ately upon contact with soapy water at upside down and right-side up several enough for a certain critter, just add the appropriate dilution. times to mix. Then wash off the outside more soap. There is a limit point at Second, liquid soap gets sucked up with soapy water on the bottle for a bet- which your sprayer will not work into the insect’s trachea where it then ter grip. properly. If that happens slowly, add comes into direct contact with various For Mediteranean fruit fly flies, gnats, more water to the bottle and squeeze cells and structures. Once inside the no-see-ums and other soft bodies little in- out some of the foam on top. body of the insect, soap acts on the sects add one ounce of castile liquid soap. Clean up by carrying a cloth or pa- fatty layers of these cell membranes, A shot glass works great for measuring. per towel with you to wipe off excess dissolving them and causing the cells These insects can be taken down while spray soap. You are literally cleaning to spill their contents and die. This is circling with a fine mist sprayed above surfaces as you purge your space of them that filters down onto their bodies. Author is ready to take care of flies with his soap solution. similar to what happens when you the demon invaders. Clean large plate Courtesy photo. wash your hands. For cabbage worms and general garden glass windows with 1/2 shot soap IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG September 2020 35 NatureFest Goes Virtual USDA REAP Grants Awards Joan Rech NatureFest is an enjoyable and edu- suggested links to their “Trailside Talks with Ag Producers cational event sponsored by Friends of ADK,” including “Hiking with Dogs,” “How to for Farmers, Moreau Lake State Park (just north of Pack with a Bear Canister,” “Water Crossing Saratoga Springs, NY). “Friends” is a non- Awareness” and other videos. Sustainable Kevin Lambert & Small Businesses profit group that sponsors activities and Saratoga chimed in with a backyard com- in general supports the park. NatureFest posting video, and Crandall Library (Glens On August 20, is their biggest event. Non-profits and Falls) responded positively. So did the Lyme it was announced government agencies provide informa- Disease Network, NYSERDA, and Wilton Wild- that the United tion on sustainability, renewable energy, life and Preserve, and more responses are States Depart- raptor rehabilitation, coming in each day. ment of Agri- and Lyme disease to But a big part of culture (USDA) name a few topics. NatureFest is animals. has awarded Activities for kids In past years, a rescue $919,474 in include pumpkin group brought live grant funding to painting, birdhouse raptors and released farmers, produc- building, and rope a rehabilitated bird ers and small making. And, of on the beach to the businesses in Foster Farm Botanicals in East Calais, VT will use its grant award to install a74.4kW course, there are excitement of onlook- New Hampshire, ground-mount solar array. Photos courtesy Foster Farm Botanicals. animals - rescue ers. “Friends” members and $772,881 to dogs, the park’s rep- offered to film rescued those in Vermont, under the Rural Energy for America Program • Green Power Farms in Wardsboro, VT, tiles and we hope, animals at the facility. which will use a $131,250 grant to install raptors. With 50 ex- Park staff thought of a (REAP). Funds will be used to improve energy efficiency and create renewable- three 30kW wind turbines estimated to hibitors side-by-side slideshow of animals generate 330,000kWhs annually; and and 1500 to 2000 at- encountered by park energy systems in the two states. tendees, NatureFest rangers, and another USDA Rural Development State Direc- • Patch Forest, LLC, in Lebanon, NH, as usual would not member will record tor, Anthony Linardos, issued a statement recipient of $14,272 to implement a be possible in a pan- nighttime sounds at commending the investment. “Renewable reverse- osmosis system for its maple demic year. Thinking the park. The resident energy and energy efficiency are at the syrup operation, reducing energy needs outside the box (or, reptile specialist is heart of keeping New Hampshire and Ver- by 53%. in this case, beyond hoping to record tur- mont farms and businesses competitive and USDA Rural Development provides the beach) was tles hatching (which productive during the COVID-19 pandemic loans and grants to help expand econom- necessary, and with occurs in September and well into the future,” he said. “Under the ic opportunities and create jobs in rural some trepidation around the time of leadership of President Trump and Agricul- areas. This assistance supports infrastruc- “Friends” decided to NatureFest). Another ture Secretary Perdue, the USDA is focused ture improvements; business develop- attempt an online park ranger does a on helping them succeed, and this invest- ment; housing; community facilities event. Fortunately, popular fish fillet and ment highlights such as schools, one of the members fry (of park-caught that commitment.” public safety is tech-savvy, and fish), and he plans an Positively im- and health care; she quickly claimed online demonstration pacted businesses and high-speed the website name, of the process – not include: internet access NatureFest2020.org. as tasty but more • DCI Furniture in in rural areas. For “Friends” then informative. Grafton, NH, more informa- advised prior-years’ What started as recipient of a tion, visit www. exhibitors about “maybe we can do $250,000 grant to rd.usda.gov. the 2020 plans and this” has grown in size fund the installa- Contact: Kevin. asked if they might and enthusiasm each tion of a 300HP Lambert@usda. submit a video or day. NatureFest2020. combined gov. presentation. Since org will be available heat-and-power 2016, “Friends” has on September 12 (the biomass boiler focused on waste pre-pandemic date system; reduction with the of the live event). • Foster Farm Botanicals in East Calais, VT, goal of making “Friends” invites you to awarded $43,600 to install a 74.4kW NatureFest a zero- NatureFest 2019 showcased the bag monster and visit NatureFest virtu- ground-mounted solar array that provides waste event. In 2019, taught children how to build birdhouses. In 2019, ally this year and we almost all of its electrical load; 72.8% of the total 72.8% of the event’s total waste was diverted from hope all can join us in landfills. Courtesy photos. • Ridgeline Maple Works in Jeffersonville, waste was diverted person in 2021. VT, which received $20,000 to purchase from landfills. NY’s For information, and install high-efficiency maple syrup Department of Environmental Conserva- contact Nancy Dwyer, NatureFest Chair, at production equipment; tion has partnered with the group, and [email protected] or the author at run- their Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle [email protected] • Manning Hill Farm in Winchester, NH, group offered to record a plastics recycling Joan Rech is part of the New York Green beneficiary of an $18,875 grant to install a demonstration and provide links and Energy Times distribution team and enjoys roof-mounted solar array that will generate resources. The Adirondack Mountain Club visiting Canada. 35,080 kWh annually;

Greenhouse Energy Efficiency – Cont’d from p.20 In the upper left corner of the graphic OK, we’re not quite there yet, but you is a visual of your selection and a sum- see where I’m going with this. As soon as mary of its energy performance – the you add a foundation to a greenhouse more efficient it is, the less heating fuel and stock it with efficient heating, ventila- you will need, but the more expensive tion, and lighting equipment, it starts its first cost will be. The graph in the acting much more like a building than a lower left shows your energy savings plastic wrapper out on the field. And we compared to “business as usual” and know from the last 50 years of building is the basis for your utility incentives, science how to design buildings for en- rebates, and so on. ergy efficiency with materials you can buy The upper right corner is a summary commercially. Stay tuned folks! of your crop selections, your projected Mike Stiles is a Senior Energy Engineer at energy rates, and other operational L&S Energy Services Inc. and can be reached metrics. The app has optimized your op- at [email protected]. For additional tions given your growing requirements technical information on advanced green- and geographic location. The bottom house designs visit https://ls-energy.com/ right panel shows your bottom line in a advanced-greenhouse-development/. typical year of growing conditions. 36 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 CLASSIFIEDS GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS RESOURCES ADVERTISE IN GREEN ENERGY TIMES Aegis Solar 17 350-Vermont: General group that coordinates a variety of statewide actions. Call us with your ad info or e-mail ad copy To join this group go to: http://350vermont.org to: [email protected]. Apex Solar 17 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Consumer guide to home energy savings - Up to 50 words: $25. 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Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, Heating, Appliances, Refrigerator Guide, Building Efficiency Vermont 31 Envelope, Driving: http://aceee.org/consumer CELLULAR HEALTH Elco Motors 39 Dept. Public Svc. (CEDF): publicservice.VT.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html Cellular Health from the Outside In Elmore Roots 34 Dsireusa.com: www.dsireusa.com Renewables & Efficiency. Find state, local, utility, & federal incen- ASEA™ www.jazz88.myasealive.com. tives for renewable energy & energy efficiency. Call Peter D. Slaughter, Schenectady, Farmway 39 Efficiency VT: This is a must-go-to site for immeasurable amounts of info. www.efficiencyVT.com NY at 405.816.7114. peter_slaughter@ Fortress Power 10 Energy Efficiency & R/E Clearinghouse (EREC): eetd.lbl.gov/newsletter/CBS_NL/nl6/Sources.html yahoo.com. Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC): eetd.lbl.gov Froling Energy 23 Energy Guide: Unbiased advice about today’s energy choices. Find ways to save, lower your bills & help Geobarns 32 the earth’s environment - www.energyguide.com Green Mountain Bikes 6 Energy Star Federal Tax Credits: www.energystar.gov/tax credits. Weatherization Help Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): www.ferc.gov for NH Residents Green E-Mowers 35 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC): www.ferc.gov Integrity Energy 8 Find Solar: www.findsolar.com EFFICIENT COMFORT LEDdynamics 32 Fossil Fuel Freedom: Group working to make Vermont’s energy plan 100% free of fossil fuels: To join this group go to: groups.google.com/group/fossil-fuel-freedom- Loewen Window Center 25 Greywater Info: www.oasisdesign.net/greywater Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op 37 Home Energy Saver: Interactive site to help you identify & calculate energy savings opportunities in your home. Monadnock Food Co-op 37 A lot of great information! - hes.lbl.gov Home Power Magazine: www.homepower.com Montpelier Construction 29 IREC/ Interstate Renewable Energy Council: RE educational info. www.irecusa.org NH Electric Co-op (NHEC) 7,22 NABCEP/ North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: This organization that tests & NH Rural Renewables 19 certifies PV system installers. Individuals are Certified, companies are not. www.nabcep.org Norwich Solar Technologies 9 NESEA/ Northeast Sustainable Energy Assoc.: www.nesea.org If you missed the August 17 Weatherize National Association of Energy Service Co. (NAESCO): www.naesco.org Webinar with NHSaves, view it at https:// O’meara Solar 8 vitalcommunities.org/energy/weatherize/. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): www.nrel.gov Open Sash 24 National Solar Institute: www.nationalsolarinstitute.com This 45-minute program covers home- energy- efficiency basics, rebates and Peck Solar 17 NeighborWorks® Alliance of Vermont: Low-cost energy loans - www.vthomeownership.org financing, recent rebate changes, and New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Assoc. NHSEA Focused on N.E. US, for consumers & industry- RE COVID-safe weatherization practices. PlugOut Power 7 Weatherization is one of the best ways & clean building info, events. www.nhsea.org Power Guru 2 New York Solar Energy Industries Association/NYSEIA www.nyseia.org for people living in homes to immediately start saving money while experiencing RELiON Batteries 16 New York Solar Energy Society (NYSES): www. nyses.org greater comfort and shrinking their car- NFRC independent rating & labeling system for the windows, doors, skylights www.nfrc.org/ bon footprint. RenewAire 28 NH Office of Energy and Planning: www.nh.gov/oep/programs/energy/RenewableEnergyIn- Resilient Buildings Group 30 centives.htm Renewable Energy World: www.renewableenergyworld.com ReVision Energy 11 Renewable Energy Vermont: www.revermont.org SUBSCRIPTION FORM Seacoast E-Bikes 6 SEIA/ Solar Energy Industries Association: The SEIA Tax Manual to answer your solar related tax ques- Solaflect 11 tions. www.seia.org R1 YR…$30 R2 YRS…$50 R3 YRS…$65 SmartPower: www.smartpower.org Solartech 10 Solar Components: www.solar-components.com name______Steven Winter Associates 24 Solar Jobs: Listed by city, state, and district, SolarStates.org address______Sustainable Heating Organization 23 Solar Living Source Book: realgoods.com/solar-living-sourcebook Solar Power Rocks: Impressive data and info ,including per state. www.solarpowerrocks.com/ Sustainable Wealth Advisor 19 city.state.zip______Solar Store of Greenfield, MA Stock & install a wide variety of solar & environmentally friendly tech- TARM Biomass 40 nologies. SolarStoreofGreenfield.com phone______Thomas Hirchak Company 19 Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP): www.energytaxincentives.org The Energy Grid: www.pvwatts.org Tiny Solar Vermont 8 email______The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE): develops & deploys efficient & clean Upper Valley Co-op 37 energy technologies that meet our nation’s energy needs - www.eere.energy.gov website______VBSR Annual Conference 2 Track the Stimulus Money: www.recovery.gov/Pages/home.aspx Offer good in U.S. only. Canada: $US 34.00. Vermont Bike and Brew 6 Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN): works to start and support town energy Foreign: $US 40.00. committees as a powerful, people-powered response to realizing a clean energy future. www.vecan.net. Gift subscriptions available! Vermont Passive House 28 Vermont Tar Sands Action: Group working to stop the XL Pipeline and any other developments stemming One year = 6 Issues. Vermont Soap Organics 37 from the Alberta Tar Sands. To join this group go to: groups.google.com/group/vt-tar-sands-action Please send check to VPIRG: understand the clean energy resources available to VT - www.vpirg.org/cleanenergyguide 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road, We Clean Heat Pumps 22 VT Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC): nonprofit organization that issues home energy ratings for Bradford, Vermont 05033 Wright Construction Co., Inc. 24 new & existing homes. 800-639-6069 - www.veic.org 802.439.6675 X-C ski resort 39 Weatherization, Energy Star & Refrigerator Guide: www.waptac.org [email protected] www.susdesign.com Online info for solar benefit with house design: overhangs, sun angle & path… www.greenenergytimes.org Zone 6 Energy 30 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG September 2020 37 Tips to Keep Food Scraps Out of Your Trash Cassandra Hemenway up at your home, wood shavings will help The fastest route to stinky keep your materials clean and odor free. trash is through food scraps, Here are some ideas for using them. but there are ways to avoid • Add a layer of wood shavings to the it. If you are already keeping bottom of your kitchen food scrap pail to food scraps out of the trash, absorb moisture. you are part of a growing • Add a layer of wood shavings on top of movement. Currently, four your food scraps pail at the end of each New England states and New day. York lead the nation with laws • If dumping your small kitchen pail into a that ban food scraps from larger bucket that you are storing for a the landfill. The laws vary, drop-off site, add two to three inches of with Vermont’s as the most wood shavings on top of the food scraps comprehensive, but they have every time you add to the bucket. This will in common that they recog- reduce or eliminate smells and flies. nize food scraps as a valuable • If backyard composting, keep wood resource for compost, energy shavings (or other browns like dried leaves, production, or animal food. hay, etc.) in a container next to your bin, so Additionally, they address the every time you add food scraps, you can fact that food scraps decom- add three times as many browns. posing in a landfill release methane, a greenhouse gas at Options for managing food scraps are in place throughout New England and least 30 times more powerful Food scrap drop-off site at the Vermont Compost Company in Montpelier, VT. Photo: Cassandra Hemenway. than carbon dioxide. New York at this point, from backyard It’s simple to manage food composting to curbside pick-up, to an scraps while you get them from your Tip 2: Use a countertop pail. Anything commercial compost facilities will accept array of drop off sites. Check with your kitchen to a backyard bin or a local drop- with a lid will do. Here are a few things to them. If you must use a biodegradable state’s Department of Environmental off site (or, if you’re lucky, to your curbside know about countertop pails: bag, make sure it is BPI-certified (BPI is the Conservation, or your local solid waste compost hauler). Here are some tips for • Filters are not necessary. These are Biodegradable Products Institute). BPI management district to learn more about managing kitchen waste so it doesn’t marketed as eliminating smells or fruit flies. certified bags will break down in backyard your local options. stink or attract pests. However, it’s more effective to empty your compost, but they may not be accepted at Cassandra Hemenway is the outreach Tip 1: Reduce food waste! The average pail frequently. Filters become problematic all food scrap drop off sites. manager and compost educator at the American wastes about $1,500 a year on when washing your container, and aren’t • Try lining your pail with a paper bag or Central Vermont Solid Waste Management purchasing food that will not be eaten. always easy to find when you need a folded newspaper, both of which can go District. She leads compost webinars and Consider using all parts of your food, replacement. Emptying the pail every day directly into a backyard bin and safely has set up five community compost sites in including stems, peels and more. Learn or two is more effective for odor control decompose in the compost. If you drop off central Vermont. new recipes, and tips for buying, storing than a filter. food scraps at a collection point, check and cooking food to minimize waste here: • Skip biodegradable bags if you can. Not with the site manager before using this https://scrapfoodwaste.org/ all “Biobags” are created equal, and not all strategy. • You don’t actually need a liner. Consider simply washing your container with warm soapy water after each food scrap drop off. Tip 3: Keep a supply of wood shav- ings or sawdust available. Most farm and garden stores sell them for less than $6.00 a bale. If you are composting at home, you need three times as many “browns” to “greens” in a backyard bin; so, having a supply on hand is vital to successfully composting. Even if you are dropping off food scraps or have a hauler pick them Shop Co-ops Co-operatives are businesses that are member- owned collectively managed by paid staff and a member-elected board of directors. Values World War I era U.S. government poster still applies include democracy, self-help and a concern for families and the community. today. Wikimedia Commons. https://bit.ly/34X29ph

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ReducingNEW INCENTIVES Climate Pollution FOR and ELECTRIC Saving Money LAWNMOWERS for Vermonters 38 September 2020 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL Brent Suter (Milwaukee Brewers) – Cont’d from p. 1 Avoiding Harmful Chemicals in Plastic Reduce Exposure to Toxic Household Plastics 3 are known to contain phthalates, while those with recycling code 7 contain bisphenols. Plastics labeled with recycling code 6 contain styrene, a probable carcinogen according to the National Institutes of Health. Plastics 3, 6, and 7 are also the least recyclable. humannhealth.com Household Products to Replace 1. Swap out plastic toys. When shopping Everyday plastic items contain many for new toys, choose items made from chemicals, some of which have docu- non-plastic materials like wood or mented negative health impacts. Most silicone. This is especially important for notably, phthalates and bisphenols are infants and toddlers who are likely to put known endocrine disruptors and have toys in their mouths. graphic: below2c.org graphic: health impacts ranging from reproduc- tive development and fertility issues 2. Replace vinyl products. Phthalates are commonly found in vinyl products in years, Congress gives clear direction to with SportTechie Suter said, “I didn’t get to behavioral problems and asthma in children. Exposure to these chemicals is of your home, like placemats, floors and the EPA to regulate those emissions to ribbed that much for my Tupperware shower curtains. Use of these products meet those targets. The pause does not and my bottle at all when I got called up, special concern during fetal development, infancy, and childhood. can release chemicals linked to health have an impact on EPA regulations re- and I haven’t gotten much since, just the issues for adults and children. lated to water quality, air quality, health occasional fun ribbing. The really cool Research still needs to be done to fully or other issues. This policy’s price on response was when I went around asking understand the health impacts of these 3. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum. If you can, pollution will lower carbon emissions teammates if they want to do StrikeOut- additives, but we know that at least some purchase a HEPA-filtered vacuum. These far more than existing and pending EPA Waste and use a reusable water bottle of them are toxic, and all can leach out of can filter out tiny particles, while other regulations.” that we can get them instead of the cups the plastic products we use every day. As vacuums release the chemicals in the air The bill’s tight focus on climate and plastic bottles at the facility. Over the New York Times reported in July, this blown out of the back. change makes it a natural to receive the 100 guys responded with a resounding means we are all touching, eating, drink- Cooking and Storing Without Plastic ing, and breathing toxic chemicals. While support of player Brent Suter. Born in yes. We shipped over 100 out to the guys 1. Do not heat plastics. Stop washing Chicago in 1989, Suter has spoken of and saw a pretty big dent in our spring many of us spend more time at home, here’s how you can reduce your family’s plastic in the dishwasher or heating it in his environmental awakening which re- training plastic usage, so that was a pretty the microwave, and avoid putting already sulted from seeing Al Gore’s film, An In- cool sign that the guys were on-board. exposure to toxic chemicals contained in common household plastics. hot foods into plastic containers. Higher convenient Truth, as a high school stu- I’m looking to increase that number in the temperatures increase the likelihood of dent. The snow-lover recognized that next couple of months and years.” Plastics to Avoid chemicals leaching from the plastic. the normal winters he loved were in Suter isn’t alone in his environmen- 1. Avoid eating foods stored in plas- Changing this small habit will reduce the danger of disappearing. Suter attended tal concern. Major league baseball has tic. When possible, buy and eat food risk that harmful toxics find their way into Harvard, where he played baseball and turned to solar panels and LED lighting in without plastic packaging, including whole your food and drinks. studied environment and public policy. many stadiums. Many franchises have tak- foods or unwrapped items. If this isn’t 2. Ditch the plastic wrap. Plastic wrap is He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brew- en up composting food waste, and some realistic, you can transition your food into known to contain phthalates. So, when ers in 2012 stadiums metal and glass containers when you get it’s time to store your leftovers, and made his have roof home. 1.aluminum foil (with parchment paper major league gardens. between food and foil), just parchment pitching Suter is 2. Swap out plastic containers labeled with paper or natural wax paper can be a debut in 2016. also a mem- codes 3, 6, and 7. It may not always be better option. He is a left- ber of Play- possible to avoid plastic food packaging handed start- ers for the and storage containers. If you cannot avoid Reprinted from U.S. PIRG. Originally ing pitcher Planet and it entirely, certain plastics are worse than posted at https://uspirg.org/feature/usp/ who achieved is involved others. Plastics marked with recycling code how-avoid-harmful-chemicals-plastic. a 3.91 career in local en- ERA before vironmental being side- programs in Municipal Solar Madison, NH social and environmental change. Blue lined for a Milwaukee. Cont’d from p.13 Haven is able to take advantage of a year with an He plans represents Ray’s legacy of a person who 26% Federal Investment Tax Credit and injury. After Dugout Image: Jim Bauer/Flickr to become equipment depreciation write-offs that undergoing an envi- fostered and promoted a learning culture,” said Dowd, who used to host O’Brien’s the municipality cannot take because it Tommy Johns surgery, he spent much ronmental consultant or work in a sports doesn’t pay taxes. of that year working to eliminate plastic league sustainability office when he school classes on field trips to Pine Tree Power where he underscored that Pine The town benefits because it can waste. He founded the Strike Out Waste eventually retires from baseball. He spent purchase the facility in the future at initiative with his cousin. the COVID-19 quarantine growing food Tree wasn’t about creating energy — it was about converting energy, a lesson a reduced cost instead of owning it In doing so, he brought a day-do-day with his family and is currently playing the from day one. At the start of year six, environmental ethic—composting, abbreviated season with the Brewers. that O’Brien explained to his students in terms that would stay with them. the town can purchase the installation turning out lights when leaving a room, Source links available on GET’s website. from Blue Haven at a fair market value, reusing grocery bags, installing solar Chuck Henderson, local representative Jessie Haas has written 40 books, mainly for Senator Jeanne Shaheen, was pres- normally around 60% of the original panels on his house—to the Brew- for children, and has lived in an off-grid cost. After the purchase, the town owns ers’ clubhouse. In a 2018 interview ent at the ceremony, which was attended cabin in Vermont. by about 17 people. Speaking on behalf all the power generated. This project is of Senator Shaheen, Henderson said, estimated to save the Town of Madison “Each successfully completed community almost $370,000 over the 40-year lifes- solar project helps town committees and pan of the system, according to Brittany The Peck Company – Cont’d from p.17 project champions to do the homework, Angelo of Maine and New Hampshire’s first year, (2) partnered with GreenBond energy throughout the U.S. is amplified gain the confidence, build consensus ReVision Energy. In her remarks Angelo Advisors to access capital that pro- and expanded. Peck has demonstrated and go forward with their project. Today, said ReVision Energy “is honored to work vides engineering, procurement, and the ability to grow revenue and main- we honor one such project champion by with the town.” construction (EPC) revenue as well as tain profitability, and we believe that the dedicating the project to Ray O’Brien. Ray Madison is the first community in the asset ownership in the solar projects we combination of our teams, customers, approached the challenges of changing [Mount Washington] valley to build a build for the partnership, and now (3) projects and partners will materially ac- our energy use with boundless curiosity, solar system for its town use, though we are delivering on the third prong of celerate revenue growth and earnings. perpetual excitement and the conviction the North Conway Sewer and Water our strategy with an exciting accretive Peck’s strong partnership with GreenBond that we can make the world a little better district have a large array to power their acquisition. We have been focused on Advisors will allow us to offer financing to by working together to get something wastewater plant. executing these important initiatives for a broader range of customers and increase done.” Madison’s Energy Advisory Commit- our shareholders and expect the acquisi- our addressable market. Additionally, our The project is installed under a Power tee consists of individuals who also sit tion of Sunworks to provide many more expanded scale will enable us to source so- Purchase Agreement (PPA) where an on the Albany, NH solar-powered Tin opportunities for long-term growth and lar panels and equipment through Peck’s investor owns the solar array and sells Mountain Conservation Center’s valley- profitability.” established relationships at lower costs, electricity to the town at a discounted wide Energy Team. Chuck Cargile, Chairman of the benefiting our profit margins. Being part of price over the utility’s rate. For the town For more information, go to madison- Board and Chief Executive Officer of Peck’s platform is exciting, and in the best of Madison, that investor is Blue Haven nh.org. Sunworks, added, “By joining with Peck, interest of Sunworks shareholders, custom- Initiative, an impact investor dedicated Tom Eastman is a reporter for the our vision for spreading clean solar ers, business partners and employees.” to putting wealth to work for positive Conway Daily Sun.

Ten-year old Boy’s Recycling Business Cont’d from p.33 Local Ski Areas Get Green Done Cont’d from p. 1 OOho Pods Cont’d from p. 30

IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 September 2020 39 Craftsbury Sculling Program Enlists Electric Boats Roger Lohr program is sold out with pre-registered Seven years ago, participants. There is usually a wait list, the Craftsbury which has become a “wait and see” list this Outdoor Center’s year as the program has been suspended (COC) sculling pro- until further notice due to the COVID-19 gram director, Troy outbreak. The COC is awaiting governor Howell, received a guidance on opening the program for this mission-oriented summer. directive from the The COC sculling program is an impor- organization to look tant factor to the northeastern Vermont into acquiring and economy as almost all of the 850 camp- using electric boats ers stay at COC where there are 114 beds for the operation. In ranging from shared dorms to private November 2008, Dick cabins. There are three full time coaches Dreissigacker and at COC and about fifty seasonal coaches Judy Geer purchased that lead three to four camps each. the Center that was For more information about the Crafts- established in 1976 in bury Outdoor Center sculling program, www.cobblemountain.com Craftsbury Common and Electric contact www.craftsbury.com. reformed the company as launches are used by coaches Roger Lohr of Lebanon, NH, who owns 100% Solar Powered a non-profit organization for the Crafts- and edits XCSkiResorts.com, has published with a new mission. The bury Outdoor articles and promotional topics on snow mission was to support Center’s sculling sports, sustainability, and trails in regional and promote participation program. Pho- and national media. He is also the Recre- in cross-country skiing, tos courtesy of ational Editor for Green Energy Times. rowing, and running as COC. lifelong sports, using and teaching sustainable practices while protect- Put your feet up and get comfortable ing and managing the surrounding The launches are charged each night environment. and used for two or three sessions in COC fleet manager Erika Sloan stated, the morning (from about 7 AM - 1 PM). “We use the electric launches for two They’re then plugged in to be partially re- main purposes: coaching and safety. charged for one to two afternoon sessions Coaches drive the launches around the (4-7:00 PM), after which they are plugged lake to work with the athletes, includ- in to recharge overnight. They have bat- ing sculling campers, local community teries and a charging station. The electrici- rowers, and resident high-performance ty is sourced by COC’s grid-tied solar array. athletes. For safety, the coaches use the COC does have one gas-powered motor if launches to keep an eye on and assist needed for an emergency. any athletes who may need help during Electric launches were acquired seven a session. For example, if a sculler flips years ago as an affordable option for the their single, the coach can drive over to boat motors. Originally, they acquired them in the electric launch and assist ten horsepower motors from a company them getting back into the boat.” named Torqeedo, which are made in Ger- According to electric motor boat many, but these motors were not easily manufacturer, Elco, there are 13 million serviced. Now COC uses motors produced boats registered in the U.S. today. If only by Elco, a company that has been in the We can fit your feet and your lifestyle. 5% of them repowered with electric electric motor business for 80 years. This Choose from over 20,000 pairs of sandals, motors, there would be motor is built boots and shoes in stock. Always a good sale. one billion pounds of CO2 within the emissions eliminated. housing of a The coaches go out in regular gas two to four launches per outboard class, and there are about motor. It Maintenance free 35 camps per season takes a few with a total of about 850 hours to recycled plastic furniture campers. The COC sculling charge the Made in Canada. program is offered in a full batteries for week program that each the 7-15 HP 16 colors and styles has about 35 participants Elco motors. and 4-day or weekend The COC ON SALE programs that each has 25 summer 286 Waits River Road Bradford, Vermont 800-222-9316 3x10 Elco ad_green news.pdfElectric Launlh1 8/20/20 parked on 12:18 the dock PM and charging. Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Friday night till 8PM. Closed Sundays. participants. sculling NE-332994

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