[Year-Round Housing] Fwd: ReVision Energy Newsletter – April
Mlongreene2 at aol.com
Mlongreene2 at aol.com
Wed Apr 1 16:24:41 EDT 2009
In my opinion, you can do more good for your heating needs by simply
building as passively solar as you can. The economics of solar electric are far
too elusive for the high going in cost at this time. MG
____________________________________
From: news at revisionenergy.com
To: mlongreene2 at aol.com
Sent: 4/1/2009 10:01:28 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: ReVision Energy Newsletter – April
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ReVision Energy Newsletter - April
Maine's Solar Potential
Welcome to the ReVision Energy newsletter. As spring is finally here, we
are delighted to see increasing hours of daylight to provide for greater solar
potential! People are always asking, Is there really enough sun in Maine for
solar to offset my energy needs? The answer is absolutely yes! Here's why...
Insolation is the amount of solar energy hitting the earth's surface and is
measured in kW-hr/m2/day. The National Renewable Energy Lab (_www.nrel.gov _
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe27167273610278701776&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d
10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=f
fcf14&t=) ) has assembled worldwide insolation data to learn how much sun
falls in a particular location so that one can draw a reasonably accurate
conclusion as to the amount of solar energy that can be harvested on an annual
basis. Below is an insolation map that has been cropped to show the relationship
between Maine's insolation versus eastern Europe's.
Germany is the world leader when it comes to solar, yet Maine receives more
sun! Maine receives significantly more annual sunshine than Germany, the
world leader in solar energy installations, yet is far behind to implement
available renewable technology. Germany has a powerful government incentive
program that financially rewards people and businesses who invest in renewable
energy. The 'Feed-in Tariff' law requires utilities to pay a premium to any home
or business that generates clean renewable energy. The great news is that
Feed-in Tariff legislation is currently under consideration in Maine. To
support this legislation contact your local representative or senator and say that
you support the Maine Renewable Energy Sources Act. _Learn more about the
Feed-in Tariff legislation._
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe25167273610278701275&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde
315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=)
Although the US is generally far behind Europe in terms of renewable
energy, we are seeing some hopeful signs of momentum building in favor of
sustainable energy sources. Currently, there is a 30% federal tax credit available for
solar hot water and solar electric systems. In some states, like CA, NJ, and
CT, there is also a sizable state rebate to help defray the upfront costs of
a renewable energy investment. We are hopeful that Maine will be able to
jump start its suspended rebate program in the near future with recent stimulus
money.
Please _forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague_
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76603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) who
you feel may find this of interest.
This month's featured articles:
_Featured Installations_ (mip://04ce0d48/default.html#article1)
_Partners in Sustainability Downeast_ (mip://04ce0d48/default.html#article2)
_Get to Know ReVision Energy_ (mip://04ce0d48/default.html#article3)
_Wood Boiler Sale_ (mip://04ce0d48/default.html#article5)
_UpComing Events_ (mip://04ce0d48/default.html#article4)
Featured Installations
Space Heating with Solar Power in Richmond, Maine
Randy Lane, proud owner of a ReVision Energy solar hot water system, is
going to be opening up his home at 8 Abby Lane in Richmond, Maine on Thursday
April 16th from 6-7:30pm. This will be ReVision Energy's first 'sponsored'
Solar House Party event and we hope you consider joining in the fun! Randy, a 30
year veteran of the building trades, designed and built his home with both
active and passive solar applications in mind. The passive solar system is a
solarium / greenhouse designed by Lane to provide supplemental space heating.
The active solar application was designed and installed by ReVision Energy.
There are 90 evacuated tubes installed on the south facing roof, mounted on a
stainless steel racking system at 45 degrees to optimize year round
performance. These collectors heat a 160 gallon, super-insulated dual coil storage
tank. Hot water from the storage tank supplies both domestic use and
supplemental space heating. The system is backed by a high efficiency propane boiler.
Lane has been monitoring the energy his systems produce and reports that his
savings are quite impressive.
Randy has taken the information he has learned from his own experience and
applied it to his building practices. Randy is the founder of _New Earth
Solutions, Inc._
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe21167273610278701378&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747
113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) , a green general contracting company whose goal is to
bring energy efficient solutions to new construction or remodeling clients
at an affordable price.
The open house is a chance for those interested or curious about passive or
active solar design to come and see it for themselves. There will be a
representative from ReVision Energy present to describe how the solar hot water
system works. There will be a tour of the systems and plenty of time for
questions and answers. The event is free and all are welcome. Please plan to meet
at 8 Abby Lane in Richmond by 6pm. If you have questions please contact Jen at
(207) 221-6342 or email _jen at revisionenergy.com_
(mailto:jen at revisionenergy.com) .
____________________________________
NEWAIM Fiber Mill Goes Green in Waldoboro
NEWAIM Fiber Mill in Waldoboro, Maine is a fiber processing mill for
spinning and knitting artists. The owners Nancy Williams and Al Mahoney have been
breeding Alpacas since 1999, and currently hold a herd of 25. They opened
NEWAIM in 2005 and both now work full time in the fiber business. Al runs the farm
and maintains the mill. Nancy, who has been knitting for as long as she
remembers, runs the mill and turns raw fiber into beautiful yarns and rovings.
Last winter Al & Nancy decided to make energy efficient upgrades to their
operation. They started by sealing air leaks and improving insulation. Next
they decided to tackle their fossil fuel consumption. On energy they say their
"biggest use is the propane used to heat the water required to wash your
fiber." To address this problem, they contracted with ReVision Energy to design
and install a 90 tube solar hot water system that acts to preheat the water
that enters their propane fired water heater.
Solar Hot Water System Operation - Propylene glycol, the heat exchange fluid
in the system, gets hot in the rooftop collectors. Whenever the temperature
of the collector fluid is hotter than the temperature of the water in the
160 gallon solar storage tank, the hot glycol circulates through a closed loop
system from rooftop to heat exchange coil located at the bottom of the tank.
The solar heated water then feeds into the propane water heater. The system
is designed such that if the sun has made the water hot enough, the propane
boiler will not fire.
You can learn more about NEWAIM solar installation as well as the products
they serve by visiting _www.newaimfibermill.com_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe23167273610278701c75&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe66
1575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) .
Partners in Sustainability Downeast
Chris Rhoades, CEO and founder of Rhoades Building Products, is making a
huge commitment to sustainability throughout his company. With five locations:
Holden, Blue Hill, Ellsworth, Milbridge, and Machias, the company is well
positioned to lead the Downeast building industry into the 21st century. "We
believe it is time for the building industry to evolve with a much stronger
emphasis on sustainability and 'green' construction practices," said Rhoades.
Rhoades Building Products recently partnered with ReVision Energy
to bring renewable energy systems to the Downeast Region.
Above is a photo of the 4 kilowatt grid-tied photovoltaic array that
ReVision installed at Rhoades' headquarters in Holden.
ReVision Energy and Rhoades Building Products formed a partnership earlier
this year to offer renewable energy systems to builders, contractors and
homeowners in the Downeast Region. ReVision Energy plans to open an office within
Rhoades' Holden location. The expansion into Downeast Maine is being led by
co-owner Lee Landry. Of the recent partnership Lee says "We are excited by
the opportunity to merge our renewable energy expertise with Rhoades Building
Products to offer the people of Downeast Maine the latest green building
materials and practices. I am confident that our partnership with Rhoades Building
Products will help us in our goal to transition Maine families away from
fossil fuels to clean, efficient, renewable energy sources; to power our lives
and heat our homes."
Get to Know ReVision Energy
Getting to Know Lee Landry
Lee was born in Bristol Connecticut but his family moved soon after to
Northern Aroostook County where he spent most of his childhood. His father
designed and manufactured wood boilers sparking his interest in renewable energy
early on. After graduating from Bangor High School, Lee joined the Marine
Corps, where he served with distinction for eight years earning the Navy
Achievement Medal on two occasions. After returning home Lee worked in the
transportation industry doing everything from driving trucks to managing a trucking
terminal. When he learned that his father was starting his own business, he left
his job in transportation to begin a career in home heating with him. "I
wanted to learn the trade from my Dad, help him get the business off the ground
and help bring us closer together." During the next ten years Lee went from
Apprentice, to Journeyman and finally Master Oil and Solid Fuel Technician
working with his father and others in the home heating trades honing his skills.
In 2006 Lee was approached by Pat Coon of then Energyworks with an
opportunity to join forces and install gasifying wood boilers. Impressed by the
gasifying technology and with the level of organization that the company
displayed, Lee decided to explore his opportunities with ReVision Energy. In January
of 2008 Lee invested in the business to become part owner of ReVision Energy
along side Pat, Bill Behrens, Phil Coupe and Fortunat Mueller.
Lee is currently transitioning from Solid Fuel Projects Supervisor in
Liberty to Operations Manager of the new Downeast Branch to be located in Holden.
Outside of work Lee enjoys hunting with his son and father; snowmobiling with
his wife Barbara, spending time with his family and friends and
motorcycling.
Gasification Wood Boiler Sale
Bioheat is getting ready to run its annual Spring sale! From April 15th
through May 15th you can save $500 on a BioHeat boiler. Or you can save $1,000 by
purchasing a boiler with thermal storage mass.
ReVision Energy currently carries 5 of BioHeat's products. We have the _Solo
Plus_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe22167273610278701d75&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d600074711379
7c&jb=ffcf14&t=) , our most popular boiler option burning at 75-80%
efficiencies. The Solo can be purchased with or without thermal storage, a great
option if thermal storage is not right for you at this time. The _Innova_
(http://clic
k.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe20167273610278701d77&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t
=) has superior heat transfer efficiencies, is easy to light, and has a
smoke extraction passage to keep smoke from entering your home when opening its
door; this boiler requires thermal storage. The _Froling Turbo_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe1e167273610278701d79&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa
1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=)
has unmatched efficiency of over 91%. It has a unique second ash removal door
and ignition port for easy lighting. The Froling Turbo's advanced
gasification technology makes it the most efficient way to burn cord wood; this boiler
requires thermal storage. If you have to replace your boiler, or do not have a
flue readily available the _Excel Multi-Fuel_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2f167273610278731470&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661
575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) may be your option.
The Excel is a wood and either oil or gas boiler combined. When you are
heating with wood the oil or gas will remain off. Only one flue is needed for
this heating system; thermal storage is required. For a pellet boiler option, we
are carrying BioHeat's _Multi-Heat_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2d167273610278731472&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077
f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) boiler. The Multi-Heat burns
at 91% efficiencies and with its integrated hopper it can run for days on a
single load of fuel.
Look online at our _wood boiler_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe28167273610278731477&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7
614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) pages to get more information
about these systems. Please call Bub at (207) 899-6856 to place your wood
boiler order today!
Want more?
You can get a FREE _Termovar Loading Unit_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2e167273610278731570&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe66157
5766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) , a $595 value, just
by paying for your boiler in full! Deliveries must be made by June 15, 2009.
UpComing Events
April 16 - Solar House Party! Join us April 16th from 6-7:30pm for our
first solar house party! The event will be located at 8 Abby Lane in Richmond,
Maine. This home is super insulated, has radiant concrete floors, and is
designed to utilize both active and passive solar techniques. The solar house party
is a chance for people to view the solar designs used in this home and
mingle with the homeowner as well as a ReVision Energy representative to talk
about the feasibility of solar and green design. The event is free and all are
welcome. Call (207) 221-6342 or email _jen at revisionenergy.com_
(mailto:jen at revisionenergy.com) with questions.
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2d167273610278731571&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=
ffcf14&t=)
April 17-18th - Midcoast Sustainable Living Expo - Make sure not to miss
the third annual energy Expo in Damariscotta. This year's Sustainable Living
Expo will be held April 17 and 18 at the Central Lincoln County YMCA. This is
an opportunity for consumers to learn about energy saving and affordable
options for a more environmentally responsible lifestyle. ReVision Energy will be
there both days. We will have a booth set up inside displaying our solar hot
water and solar electric technologies. Outside we will have a wood boiler
displayed with experts on hand to answer all of your questions. To learn more
about this visit _Midcoast Green Collaborative_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2d167273610278731571&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661
575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=)
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2b167273610278731573&ls=fdee1370706c0
57a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=
ffcf14&t=) May 7th - MEBSR Annual Conference Maine Business for Social
Responsibility will be presenting People, Profit, and Planet in the New Economy in
conjunction with the Muskie School of Public Service and the USM school of
Business. The conference is Thursday May 7th from 7:30-3pm at the USM's
Abromson Center. Visit _MEBSR_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe2b167273610278731573&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde3
15757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) to learn more.
May 9th - Smart Energy Expo Maine Partners for Cool Communities is hosting
the Smart Energy Expo at the Kennebunk High School from 12-5pm. The Expo aims
to bring together people who are marketing or designing renewable,
sustainable, efficient energy products and services. The event is free to the public,
food and beverage will be sold. Any funds raised from this event will go into
a 'green' fund that has been created to support sustainability projects at
the Kennebunk High School. Contact Jennifer Niese with questions (207)
294-2961.
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe29167273610278731575&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=fde315757d6000747113797c&jb=
ffcf14&t=) May 9th - Chewonki Sustainable Energy Conference Located on the
Chewonki campus this conference will run from 8:30-4pm and feature experts and
academic leaders in the field of sustainability and renewable energy. Phil
Coupe, co-owner of ReVision Energy, will be leading the workshop on solar hot
water. Visit the _Chewonki_
(http://click.exacttarget.com/?ju=fe29167273610278731575&ls=fdee1370706c057a7d10717d&m=fefa1d71776603&l=fe661575766c077f7614&s=f
de315757d6000747113797c&jb=ffcf14&t=) website to register for this event.
May 9th - Portsmouth Sustainability Fair located at the Portsmouth Middle
School. Portsmouth City Council voted to make its city an "Eco-municipality,"
a community that is committed to being guided by a set of sustainability
objectives for its entire decision making. This fair will be promoting ways to
reduce fossil fuel dependence, reduce use of chemicals and synthetic
substances, reduce our encroachment upon nature, and how to meet human needs fairly and
efficiently. The fair hours are from 10-2pm, there is no charge for the
public. Contact Jeffrey Cooper with questions (603) 436-7945.
Thank You!
Your Friends at ReVision Energy,
_news at revisionenergy.com_ (mailto:news at revisionenergy.com?subject=Newsletter)
Portland Maine Office
142 Presumpscot Street
Portland, Maine 04103
(207) 221-6342
Liberty Maine Office
91 West Main Street Liberty, Maine 04949 (207) 589-4171
This email was sent by: ReVision Energy
142 Presumpscot Street Portland, Maine, 04103, USA
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