February 20 – Baton Rouge - Gulf South Solar Training Center – Baton Rouge, LA
JUST ANNOUNCED – Save the date – 2/20/12 – More details to follow (including registration info).
In the half-day training class in Baton Rouge we will show you how to take advantage of the many innovative features of the Tigo Energy system providing hands-on information you can use on your next PV installation. Tigo Energy will present its Module Maximizer that delivers more energy, active management and enhanced safety for utility, commercial and residential solar arrays.
BATON ROUGE, LA – April 15, 2011 – Gulf South Solar, a distributor and integrator of renewable energy systems for the Gulf South region, announced today the completion of an 18.5 kW grid-interactive residential solar power system in Baton Rouge. This tops the previous record of an 18.0 kW Outback/SolarWorld system Gulf South Solar installed 2 years ago in theLafayettearea.
The installation, the largest of its kind in the southern US, is based on the Outback FLEXpower TWO inverter systems which contain the proven GVFX Series Inverter/Chargers; a true sinewave grid-interactive power solution incorporating a DC to AC sinewave inverter, battery charger and AC transfer switch in a die-cast aluminum chassis. This “six stack” has 21.6 kW of inverter capacity. The roof-mounted residential array incorporates 75 SolarWorld SW-245 SunModules with its performance monitored and enhanced with a TIGO Energy Maximizer system.
“We are pleased to be chosen as the integrator for such a high profile installation,” said Jeff Shaw, President of Gulf South Solar. “Our experience with Outback Power has been wonderful and will continue to integrate their products into our designs.”
“OutBack Power Technologies is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power electronics for renewable energy, back-up power and mobile applications,” said OutBack Vice President of Global Sales President, Glenn Baker. “Our systems have been deployed worldwide and we are glad to be partnering with Gulf South Solar on this important installation.”
About GulfSouthSolar Gulf South Solar is an integrator of renewable energy systems and a distributor of Outback Power, SolarWorld, Tigo Energy and many other quality products. Gulf South Solar completes innovative renewable energy projects that provide reliable electric power for their customers. Gulf South Solar’s staff has extensive design and equipment installation experience and share a passion for leading the industry. Gulf South Solar is located inBaton Rouge,LA. For more information, please visit www.gulfsouthsolar.com.
OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. manufactures innovative power conversion solutions that integrate solar, wind and hydro resources to provide reliable electric power for the renewable energy, mobile and backup power markets. OutBack Power’s engineers have decades of power conversion electronics design and equipment installation experience and share a passion for leading the industry into a new era of performance, ease of use, durability, and standardization. OutBack Power is a member of The Alpha Group.
The Alpha Group represents an alliance of independent companies united by a common goal: the development and manufacture of total power solutions.
With rapidly increasing global module production volumes, managing the environmental footprint of PV module manufacturing has taken on great urgency. Solar energy’s supporters and detractors alike readily acknowledge the potential environmental and public-health risks that manufacturing can pose.
Myths, misinformation and corporate opacity, however, often interfere with honest dialogue about the problem and investigation into possible solutions. In its newly released 2011 Solar Scorecard, nonprofit organization Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) brings concrete data points and rankings into the discussion.
The scorecard rates the world’s major PV module manufacturing players on four “green manufacturing” criteria: product takeback and recycling, worker health and safety issues at PV facilities and in the supply chain, chemical use and lifecycle analysis, and company disclosure statements.
All scores are based on manufacturers’ responses to a survey from SVTC. Although 40 firms were asked to participate, only 15 responded – perhaps a telling survey finding in itself when a primary emphasis is on transparency and accountability.
Overall, Germany-based crystalline PV module manufacturer SolarWorld took the No. 1 spot, with an overall score of 91 out of 100. The company received top marks for product takeback and recycling, as well as for supply chain and green jobs.
In its survey responses, SolarWorld garnered points for such environmentally friendly actions as sending its returned modules to a third-party recycling facility, prohibiting the export of end-of-life modules from developed countries to developing countries, and conducting audits to monitor its supply chain for environmental and health issues. The company also stated that its does not use prison labor for production or recycling.
Sallye Holloway was interviewed recently about her experience on Going Green with solar. You can watch the whole show or just a clip at the link below at the Louisiana Public Broadcasting website. The second video “Background Information” features Sallye.
With the most generous renewable rebate program in the nation, Louisiana positions for a solar boom. Solar Today Magazine article quotes GSS founder Jeff Shaw in their article…
“Louisianan Lights The Way” is the title of this months spotlight on an American solar hero. Each month Solar Today magazine features a solar hero and this month it’s GSS owner Jeff Shaw. Read the article here:
Their journey began in London this past May and has taken them through France, China, Iran, Libya, Egypt and now finally America – just to name a few. Susie grinned widely, as she always does, when we asked her about when they would arrive back in London. Cycling an average of 85 miles a day, they plan to reach Miami by February 5th and be back home in London soon after. ”When we get back home we are going to have a huge party!”, Susie said. You might think they’d take a break from riding, but when they return, they plan to ride in a race.
After spending the evening enjoying southern hospitality here in Baton Rouge at the home of Gulf South Solar president, Jeff Shaw and experiencing Cajun food for the first time; Susie and Jamie have set off for their final destination, Miami, FL. Before we said goodbye, we tested their solar equipment, wired in a new thin film Uni-Solar panel to their batteries, filled them up with king cake, coffee, hugs, well wishes and some supplies for the road. We’ll miss them and we wish them a safe journey home. Follow SolarCyclists along their jouney on their blog.
On the last leg of their round-the-world bicycle expedition promoting solar power and cycling, the UK’s SolarCycle team will stop in Baton Rouge
The Louisiana Solar Energy Society (LSES.org) along with Gulf South Solar and Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets (BRASS) invite you to the Gulf South Solar Training Center to meet the SolarCycle team. The team is currently on schedule to arrive in Baton Rouge approximately 4pm on January 13, 2010. The team is in constant contact with Gulf South Solar owner, Jeff Shaw giving him updates on their progress.
Susie Wheeldon, one of the 2 remaining riders of the SolarCycle team is on the final leg of an around the world trip to raise awareness of solar power. Susie is excited about the warm reception planned for her and her fellow cycler Jamie. The team contacted the Louisiana Solar Energy Society and was put in touch with Gulf South Solar for a “solar tune up” for their mobile electronics “solar charging station” that is mounted to their bikes. The solar charger keeps their GPS, cell phones and other electronics charged up while they trek across the globe.
* UPDATE: The SolarCycle Diaries * - Nine month round-the-world cyclıng expedition promoting solar power –
Susie Wheeldon and Jamie Vining, the two remaining members of the SolarCycle team, have begun the final leg of their round the world bicycle expedition. After a Christmas break in Austin, Texas the two are now on their way to Miami to complete their circumnavigation of the globe. At the end of January they will stop at the University of Florida to take part in a ‘SolarCycle’ week to raise awareness of solar power and encourage cycling.
Having crossed France, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, the Lebanon, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China, the solar cyclists have already covered 12,000 miles and are due back in the UK on the 19th February.
Their route has taken them through the Sahara desert, over 4000m mountain passes, through sandstorms, blizzards and gale force winds. They have been blown off the road, chased by dogs, struck by frostbite, stung by bees and even encountered the plague. Often cycling over 100 miles a day, the trip has provided a rather unusual training for the Sebring 12 hour bicycle race they will enter before they return home.
“If there is one time to take up a 12 hour cycling challenge, it has got to be when you have pedaled 13,000 miles in the previous nine months – up hills, carrying everything you own!” said Jamie Vining.
Susie, Jamie and Iain Henderson, along with two support riders, were waved off from City Hall – London’s most prominent solar building – by the Mayor, Boris Johnson as well as sponsors and supporters, Nokia, G24 Innovations, SolarAid and members of the ‘We Support Solar’ petition. Their route has taken them past several solar projects as well as through many of the worlds deserts. They are highlighting the Desertec Concept - to use concentrating solar power to provide the world with a sustainable energy source.
The teams journey has been constantly relayed to followers on the SolarCycle website, courtesy of their solar panelled panniers – custom built by G24 Innovations – the Nokia XpressMusıc 5800 and the Nokia N96. Their progress and Jamie’s heart-rate is also being tracked in real-time using the Nokia Sports Tracker application.
To track the teams progress and follow their weekly blog and daily ‘Tweets’, please visit: www.thesolarcyclediaries.com The SolarCycle Diaries support the Desertec Foundation, the ‘We Support Solar’ petition and Nokia’s Green Explorer. The expedition also aims to raise sponsorship for the UK charity, SolarAid.
The latest home GSS installed for the Make it Right foundation was a particularly challenging installation. After the breach of the industrial canal, the original home was left uninhabitable after the storm and was the only one still standing after the flood waters rushed in. Miraculously, the tree prevented the rushing water from washing away their home. While the residents of 1708 had evacuated before the storm, four of their neighbors were left scrambling for higher ground as the flood waters began to rise. They climbed the tree to escape the rising flood waters and were able to jump to the rooftop of the only nearby home still standing. This oak tree stands today, next to the new, energy efficient home as a daily reminder of the determination and resilience of this community. The tree that means so much to the community also shades much of the rooftop. When the Make It Right Foundation started working on plans for 1708 Tennessee, the residents insisted that this tree be left intact.
The only space on the roof that was not shaded by the tree was a small area towards the front of the home. Gulf South Solar chose to go with the most efficient system available for this small space. In order to maximize the systems output, Gulf South Solar selected SolarWorld 175 watt modules and enphase inverters. When we told our manufacturer about this project, SolarWorld immediately responded by offering to donated all of the modules for this project.
The engineering team at GSS designed a non-penetrating mounting solution to secure the modules to the standing seam metal roof. This system securely attaches to the raised seam of the roof creating a framework that not only allowed the mounting of modules – It also supports the micro inverters. The micro inverters were selected for this project for their superior ability to maximize the power production for each individual module.
The homeowners love their new home and solar power system. Before the storm, their utility bill was running over $400 a month. Now, in their new energy efficient, solar powered home, their bills are about $30 a month.
Date: December 11, 2009 Cost: $125 TIME: 9am-1:30pm LOCATION: GSS Training Center, Baton Rouge
Course Description: Instructors will guide their class through a simple case study progressing to more complex ones. Lunch will be provided.
Who Should Attend? This class is ideal for installers, dealers and electrical or building contractors looking to get into the solar business. A basic knowledge of solar power systems and installation is recommended.
INV301: Advanced Outback Power Systems Inverter Training
Date: December 18, 2009 Cost: $199 TIME: 9am-4pm LOCATION: GSS Training Center, Baton Rouge
Course Description: Upon completion of this 7 hour workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the capacity and capability of Outback Power Systems inverters. Lunch will be provided.
Who Should Attend? This class is ideal for installers, dealers and electrical or building contractors looking to get into the solar business. A basic knowledge of solar power systems and installation is recommended.
Check our Solar Training courses often for the latest in solar workshops for homeowners and advanced courses for dealers. Register for any of these classes by emailing us at training@gulfsouthsolar.com
On October 25th, community members from around New Orleans came together to make a statement that we need action against climate change. Much like the Step It Up events in the past, the 350 event focused on the need to reduce the carbon in our atmosphere to 350 parts-per-million. Citizens gathered at Congo Square in Armstrong Park while marching bands from Sophie B. Wright School, Marcia Behrman Charter School and O. Perry Walker High School kept the crowd moving during the two-hour rally Sunday. Local trumpeter Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown invited anyone with an instrument to join in “When the Saints Go Marching In,” drawing cheers from the crowd before he led a second-line to Frenchman Street to watch the Saints win their sixth game in a row. This event highlighted that doing nothing is not an option, and we need to act now to protect our environment to protect the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren.
Gulf South Solar, a corporate sponsor of the event, provided power for the 350 event’s PA System with one of their solar powered trailers. Have a non-profit event coming up? Call us to see if your organization qualifies for a free 1 day solar trailer rental. http://www.gulfsouthsolar.com/products/solar-trailer/
Registration for the PV101 Solar Basics course schedule for Friday, November 6th closes on Wednesday at 5pm. There are only a few slots left – don’t miss this opportunity! Check our Solar Training courses often for the latest in solar workshops for homeowners and advanced courses for dealers.
Date: Friday, November 6th Time: 11am – 2pm Cost: $75 (includes lunch) Location: GSS Training Facility, Baton Rouge, LA
The Baton Rouge Green Crawl was designed to introduce Baton Rouge residents to our green businesses and resources in a fun relaxed atmosphere. Even with threatening thunderstorms looming all day before the event, we had a huge turnout and fantastic weather! The Baton Rouge Green Crawl’s founders are Jeff Shaw and Ann Shaneyfelt of Gulf South Solar and Amy Strother of the Green Building Shop.
Mark your calendars for the next Baton Rouge Green Crawl – St. Patrick’s Day / Spring of 2010!
Registration for the PV101 Solar Basics course schedule for Friday, November 6th closes on Wednesday at 5pm. There are only a few slots left – don’t miss this opportunity! Check our Solar Training courses often for the latest in solar workshops for homeowners and advanced courses for dealers.
4836 Revere Ave. Suite F, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
