Guilford Solar Communities Program has undergone a facelift: We have a new name, logo, website, and blog. We are now called Guilford Energy Resources, and we can be found at:
http://guilfordenergyresources.blogspot.com/ and at http://www.guilfordenergyresources.org/.
Entries that ordinarily would appear on this blog will now be found at the new blog site. So reset your bookmark!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Local Energy Series - Biofuels
Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont. Dr. Ghasem Shahbazi, Director of Bioengineering at NC A&T State University, will provide an introduction to the variety of available biofuels. Then Derek Blackburn, also of A&T, will provide an overview of the existing biodiesel and ethanol plants in North Carolina. The featured biofuels business will be Red Birch Energy, which operates an industrial-scale biodiesel refinery in Bassett, VA. Among other things, Red Birch -- twice invited to Washington to present its business model -- will outline its future franchise option, which should be of interest to those looking into biofuels business opportunities. Finally, Burlington Biodiesel, which has operated a biodiesel production co-op for many years, will describe its current operations and make the case for the continuing existence of biodiesel co-ops in general.
What: Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010; 9:30 AM - Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library auditorium, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010; 9:30 AM - Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library auditorium, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Local Energy Series
Guilford Solar is pleased to announce its “local energy” series of presentations, to be offered in 2010. Besides being perhaps the most effective strategy for attaining energy security, the implementation of local energy also advances the objectives of localization movements generally: agricultural and industrial job creation, the local circulation of currency, a heightened sense of community, and local self-reliance.
The series will consist of five presentations, and will focus on the two major sources of energy directly available to the Piedmont Triad region, namely, biomass and solar. The following is a brief introduction.
January 9: "An Introduction to Local Energy." Presenter: Peter Kauber. The presentation will begin with a definition and characterization of "local energy" conceptually. This will be followed by numerous examples of local energy, many drawn from the area surrounding Greensboro, but not limited to our area. This will include examples of biodiesel production, the use of landfill gas as a fuel, various uses of solar (space heating, water heating, electricity production), combined heat and power (CHP), and more general cases of energy recycling.
February 13: "Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont." Dr. Ghasem Shahbazi, Director of Bioengineering at NC A&T University, will provide an introduction to the varieties of biofuels, followed by an assessment, based on research done at NC A&T and elsewhere, of the prospects for biofuels production in the Piedmont. His presentation will finish with an update regarding the activities of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. The featured biofuels business will be Red Birch Energy, which operates an industrial-scale biodiesel refinery in Bassett, Va. Among other things, Red Birch – twice invited to Washington to present its business model – will outline its future franchise option, which should be of interest to those looking into biofuels business opportunities. Finally, Burlington Biodiesel, which has operated a biodiesel production co-op for many years, will describe its current operations and make the case for the continuing existence of biodiesel co-ops in general.
March 13: "Varieties of Solar Energy and Use." Solar is one form of renewable energy that we have in abundance in North Carolina. Phil Strouth, of FLS Energy, will examine the use of solar energy to provide domestic hot water and electric power. Following Phil's presentation, Otto Afanador will discuss the application of solar energy to space heating and cooling. Both presenters will cover the various technologies available for capturing solar energy.
May 8: "The Net-Zero Energy Residence." Presenter: Michiel VanderSommen. From a housing perspective, the net-zero energy residence represents the ultimate in energy localization: local energy sources, local energy production (and conservation), local energy consumption. By definition, a net-zero energy residence produces at least as much energy as it consumes. The concept can be extended to provide energy support for personal transportation, by expanding the energy production capabilities of the residence (or residential community) to provide battery-charging for personal vehicles. Michiel will examine various techniques for meeting the net-zero energy objective, including passive solar design, the use of orientation, construction, and landscaping techniques for maximizing energy efficiency, and the application of energy production technologies that are appropriate for residences and residential communities.
September 11: "Ten Years Off the Grid." A home-owner and self-employed guitar teacher and guitar repair craftsman, Kirby Wilkins will describe what it's like to design and implement a photovoltaic system for powering a residence and a workshop and, equally important, what it's like to live "off the grid" for over a decade. Mr. Wilkins' efforts provide an excellent example of the successful implementation of local energy.
Local Energy Series Logistics
What: Introduction to Local Energy
When: Saturday, January 9, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010; 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Varieties of Solar Energy and Use
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010; 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: The Net-Zero Energy Residence
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Ten Years Off the Grid
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
The series will consist of five presentations, and will focus on the two major sources of energy directly available to the Piedmont Triad region, namely, biomass and solar. The following is a brief introduction.
January 9: "An Introduction to Local Energy." Presenter: Peter Kauber. The presentation will begin with a definition and characterization of "local energy" conceptually. This will be followed by numerous examples of local energy, many drawn from the area surrounding Greensboro, but not limited to our area. This will include examples of biodiesel production, the use of landfill gas as a fuel, various uses of solar (space heating, water heating, electricity production), combined heat and power (CHP), and more general cases of energy recycling.
February 13: "Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont." Dr. Ghasem Shahbazi, Director of Bioengineering at NC A&T University, will provide an introduction to the varieties of biofuels, followed by an assessment, based on research done at NC A&T and elsewhere, of the prospects for biofuels production in the Piedmont. His presentation will finish with an update regarding the activities of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. The featured biofuels business will be Red Birch Energy, which operates an industrial-scale biodiesel refinery in Bassett, Va. Among other things, Red Birch – twice invited to Washington to present its business model – will outline its future franchise option, which should be of interest to those looking into biofuels business opportunities. Finally, Burlington Biodiesel, which has operated a biodiesel production co-op for many years, will describe its current operations and make the case for the continuing existence of biodiesel co-ops in general.
March 13: "Varieties of Solar Energy and Use." Solar is one form of renewable energy that we have in abundance in North Carolina. Phil Strouth, of FLS Energy, will examine the use of solar energy to provide domestic hot water and electric power. Following Phil's presentation, Otto Afanador will discuss the application of solar energy to space heating and cooling. Both presenters will cover the various technologies available for capturing solar energy.
May 8: "The Net-Zero Energy Residence." Presenter: Michiel VanderSommen. From a housing perspective, the net-zero energy residence represents the ultimate in energy localization: local energy sources, local energy production (and conservation), local energy consumption. By definition, a net-zero energy residence produces at least as much energy as it consumes. The concept can be extended to provide energy support for personal transportation, by expanding the energy production capabilities of the residence (or residential community) to provide battery-charging for personal vehicles. Michiel will examine various techniques for meeting the net-zero energy objective, including passive solar design, the use of orientation, construction, and landscaping techniques for maximizing energy efficiency, and the application of energy production technologies that are appropriate for residences and residential communities.
September 11: "Ten Years Off the Grid." A home-owner and self-employed guitar teacher and guitar repair craftsman, Kirby Wilkins will describe what it's like to design and implement a photovoltaic system for powering a residence and a workshop and, equally important, what it's like to live "off the grid" for over a decade. Mr. Wilkins' efforts provide an excellent example of the successful implementation of local energy.
Local Energy Series Logistics
What: Introduction to Local Energy
When: Saturday, January 9, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010; 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Varieties of Solar Energy and Use
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010; 9:30 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: The Net-Zero Energy Residence
When: Saturday, May 8, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
What: Ten Years Off the Grid
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010; 10 AM – 12 Noon
Where: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Rd., Greensboro, NC
Thursday, February 5, 2009
2009 Schedule of Events
For a summary of the 2009 Guilford Solar schedule of events, please visit: http://guilford.ces.ncsu.edu:80/index.php?page=events&event_id=13842
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Learn how to cool effectively and efficiently
Guilford Solar's monthly program for December will feature a presentation on effective and efficient cooling, by Michiel VanderSommen. Specifics are as follows:
What: Guilford Solar's December program
When: Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barn Kitchen Meeting Room of the Guilford County Agricultural Center, 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
Cost: Free
Description:
For our December program, Michiel VanderSommen will offer a presentation on "Cooling Effectively and Efficiently." Cooling is a particular challenge here in the Piedmont Triad, as we lack useful wind and are saddled with high humidity. Michiel will concentrate on "passive" cooling but will also discuss the more conventional AC (and the maintenance thereof). He will consider the purpose of shrubbery, discuss such concepts as albedo and heat island, and cover the importance of shading, among other things. Because the topic of insulation (which is clearly relevant to cooling) was covered in our November Guilford Solar meeting, it will not be emphasized here.
For more information, call 336-375-5876
What: Guilford Solar's December program
When: Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barn Kitchen Meeting Room of the Guilford County Agricultural Center, 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
Cost: Free
Description:
For our December program, Michiel VanderSommen will offer a presentation on "Cooling Effectively and Efficiently." Cooling is a particular challenge here in the Piedmont Triad, as we lack useful wind and are saddled with high humidity. Michiel will concentrate on "passive" cooling but will also discuss the more conventional AC (and the maintenance thereof). He will consider the purpose of shrubbery, discuss such concepts as albedo and heat island, and cover the importance of shading, among other things. Because the topic of insulation (which is clearly relevant to cooling) was covered in our November Guilford Solar meeting, it will not be emphasized here.
For more information, call 336-375-5876
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Learn about insulation
Guilford Solar's monthly program for November will feature a presentation on insulation by John Anderson of Insulation Solutions, Inc. Specifics are as follows:
What: Guilford Solar's November program
When: Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barn Kitchen Meeting Room of the Guilford
County Agricultural Center, 3309 Burlington
Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
Cost: Free
Description:
Mr. Anderson will describe, and discuss the differences among, four types of insulation: fiberglass, cellulose, open-cell foam, and closed-cell foam. He will compare the pros and cons of each type and rate their effectiveness. He will also talk about the effectiveness and importance of the installation process and its impact on energy usage and costs. "You can choose one of the foam insulations at a relatively high cost, but if it isn't installed properly the effect can be hindered".
For more information, call 336-375-5876.
What: Guilford Solar's November program
When: Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Barn Kitchen Meeting Room of the Guilford
County Agricultural Center, 3309 Burlington
Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
Cost: Free
Description:
Mr. Anderson will describe, and discuss the differences among, four types of insulation: fiberglass, cellulose, open-cell foam, and closed-cell foam. He will compare the pros and cons of each type and rate their effectiveness. He will also talk about the effectiveness and importance of the installation process and its impact on energy usage and costs. "You can choose one of the foam insulations at a relatively high cost, but if it isn't installed properly the effect can be hindered".
For more information, call 336-375-5876.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Soaking up the solars
So you think "drill here, drill now" isn't quite the way to go? We don't either. This is part of what you will see and what you will hear about at the October 4 Piedmont Green Gala. Be seen and be green.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)