In an effort to achieve higher energy efficiency and lower overhead costs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine contracted ReVision Energy to develop a strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at their South Portland Clubhouse location.

Pat Coon, one of ReVision’s founders and a leading efficiency expert, performed an evaluation of the facility’s mechanical systems and found that thousands of gallons of fuel oil were being wasted each year because the inefficient oil boiler was over-sized for the required job.

Pat recommended that the Boys & Girls Clubs replace their existing oil boiler with a high efficiency gas boiler, and install a solar hot water system.

By replacing the existing high mass oil boiler with the 95% efficient low mass gas boiler, and by integrating the solar hot water system, it is estimated that the Boys & Girl Clubs will save over 4,500 gallons of oil annually, as well as prevent over 100,000 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering our atmosphere each year.

By investing in energy efficiency for their buildings, the Boys & Girls Clubs, a non-profit organization focused on creating positive places for kids, intends to use the funds once spent on heating oil for their valuable youth programs.

From our Schools and Nonprofits Solar Photo Gallery:

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See more installations in our Solar Projects Map

In the first half of 2008, as the price of oil started to rise without any sign of relief, energy consumption became part of our everyday consciousness

From driving to work to heating our homes to the cost of food, Americans across the country realized just how vulnerable we were to fluctuating energy costs. Long-term energy solutions were pushed to the forefront as we all re-evaluated our relationship with energy consumption.

Now, even though the price of fossil fuels has dropped, there are still numerous important reasons to consider renewable energy systems, including lower utility bills, a reduced carbon footprint, energy independence and control, a first-hand understanding of energy, how it is produced, and ownership over that process.

ReVision Energy is pleased to assist our clients as they move towards renewable energy, and we appreciate the various reasons why people do so. We also appreciate the feedback we receive from clients after an installation and were happy to receive the below from Terry McIlveen of East Waterboro.

In an effort to move away from oil dependency when prices reached record highs, Terry decided to install a solar hot water space heating system at his home.

Many thanks to Terry for sharing his story with us!

Tour this home during the Green Buildings Open House held October 3rd from 10am-4pm.

Cynthia Lao has taken a giant step away from fossil fuel energy dependence by converting almost every inch of her south-facing roof to solar energy collection.

At the peak is a 90-tube Apricus solar hot water collector array, which will produce roughly 25 million BTUs of clean, renewable heat energy annually.

This energy is stored in a 160-gallon solar storage tank with three inches of rigid foam insulation to prevent overnight heat loss. In fact, ReVision has tested the tank and found that heat loss is less than .5 degree F per hour, which works out to less than 6 degrees from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

When the sun is shining, the system will easily produce 100% of domestic hot water. Plus, during the early fall and late spring, the system will have excess heat capacity which will be used to heat the radiant floor system.

In the heart of the heating season, when less solar energy is available, the existing boiler will come on for space heat and domestic hot water as necessary to ensure there is a consistent supply of comfortable hot water, and a comfortably heated home.

Also installed is a 4.5 kilowatt grid-tied solar electric array below the solar hot water collectors and above the existing skylights.

The system is comprised of twenty 225-watt SunPower solar electric modules and one SunPower 4000m inverter. This system is expected to produce 6,150 kwhrs of clean, renewable electricity per year, offsetting roughly 8,200 lbs. of CO2 emissions annually.

With no moving parts anywhere in the system, grid-tied PV is the most reliable renewable energy technology.

This is why PV systems come with a 25-year warranty! When you combine the 30% federal tax credit and $2,000 state rebate, grid-tied solar electricity becomes an attractive investment opportunity because you can lock in your electric rate for the next three decades.

More Photos from Our Commercial Solar Photo Gallery:

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For more installations, see our Solar Projects Map

Instead of waiting until tax time, business owners are now able to receive a cash grant for solar energy systems in lieu of the 30% tax credit.

The program is available for solar hot water and solar electric systems placed in service during 2009 or 2010, or after 2010 if construction began on the property during 2009 or 2010.

An online grant application is available at www.treasury.gov/recovery.

Applications can be submitted after the system is placed in service, or the building is under construction. All applications must be received before the statutory deadline of October 1, 2011. The Treasury will review the applications and make payments to qualified applicants within 60 days after the completed application is received.

To learn more go to Treasury Recovery. Please contact your local ReVision Energy office to learn how you can take advantage of this powerful renewable energy incentive and turn your roof space into a revenue stream!

UpComing Events

There’s so much going on; come join in the summertime fun!

August 7 – 9th – Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors in Rockland.
If you love the coast of Maine, you won’t want to miss this show, where Tradition Meets Innovation. Come see Maine’s finest artists, architects, boatbuilders, furniture makers, craftsmen, designers, marine gear vendors, and musicians. There will be a model yacht pond, live music, an area for children, exhibits, fine food, the running of the 7th Annual World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials, some wacky zucchini boat racing, and more! As the only in-water boat show in the state, with more than 70 boats in the water and 150 exhibitors on land, there is something for every member of the family. ReVision Energy will be there as part of the new sustainability tent.

MaineBoats.com

Friday & Saturday: 10-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10-4:00 p.m.

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August 8th – Baystock Festival in Portland
Baystock Music Festival is being held this Saturday at the Maine State Pier in Portland. Reverb, a local non profit organization dedicated to engaging musicians and their fans to take action toward a more sustainable future, will be setting up an Eco-Village. The Eco-Village will feature local environmentally focused organizations and businesses. Doors open at 4 pm, tickets are still on sale.

Learn more at www.baystockmusicfest.org.

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August 13th – Wood Boiler Seminar in Liberty
Did you know that Maine & NH have the highest per capita CO2 emissions of the New England states? If you want to do something about this problem, you might consider switching from oil to a high efficiency gasifying wood or pellet boiler. Learn all about this amazing biomass technology and how you can be part of the energy solution.

Attend our free upcoming seminar Clean, Efficient Wood Heating with Maine’s Abundant Renewable Energy Source. 6-8 pm; 91 W Main St Liberty, ME. Call 589-4171 for more information.

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August 15-16th Saint George Energy Independence Days

Saturday, August 15th – there will be a self guided Sustainable House and Garden Tour run between 1-4 pm. Itineraries can be picked up at the St. George town office after 12 noon, on that day. Eight stops within St. George include private and commercial organic gardens, and a range of houses with renewable energy installations.

Sunday, August 16th, also between 1-4pm an Energy Fair will occupy the Town Hall parking lot rain or shine. There will be on going seminars as well as exhibition information to include: solar energy, insulating techniques, energy audits and alternatively powered vehicles.

Contact Jean Hewitt for more information (207) 372-8114

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August 20th Wood Boiler Seminar in Portland
Did you know that Maine & NH have the highest per capita CO2 emissions of the New England states? If you want to do something about this problem, you might consider switching from oil to a high efficiency gasifying wood or pellet boiler. Learn all about this amazing biomass technology and how you can be part of the energy solution.

Attend our free upcoming seminar Clean, Efficient Wood Heating with Maine’s Abundant Renewable Energy Source. 6-8 pm; 142 Presumpscot St Portland, ME. Call 221-6342 for more information.

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September 19th Wonder of Wood in Portland
With over 90% of Maine’s land covered by trees, the forest defines and directs our daily view of life. This one day expo brings together all those that have an appreciation of our great resource in the ‘Wonder of Wood’ fair. This event combines exhibits, workshops and informative displays and will be free to the public. This event is being held at the Sullivan Gym at USM Saturday September 19th from 10 am – 3 pm.