Santa Maria Kicks Off Solar Project

The South County's largest commercial solar system is scheduled to be completed early next week atop an industrial building in Grover Beach.

Pacific Energy Co. recently installed 90 of the 180 solar panels as part of an energy-efficient “green” system at Deyo, the makers of custom bicycling clothing for Team Voler Apparel, at 21 Saratoga Ave.

They began installing the remaining 90 panels Thursday.

Grover Beach city officials said the solar panel project is the largest in the city's history, based on records dating back to 1997.

According to building officials in Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande, no commercial solar panel system exists in either of the two cities that rivals the scale of the 180-panel Grover Beach project.

The installation cost an estimated $300,000, with rebates expected to reimburse 40 percent of that cost, owner Jim Helsinger said, adding he plans to make up the cost of the system in five years.

The energy created by the panels will power one 18,000-square-foot building, which houses sublimation cylinders and sewing machines...read more

Silicone Valley Natural Spawning Ground For Solar

SAN JOSE, Calif. - As demand for clean energy rises around the world, the nation's high tech hub is finding new ways to squeeze money from silicon.

Silicon Valley, named for the material used to make computer chips, is applying its expertise to design and manufacture silicon solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Advocates hope the region's engineers and entrepreneurs will help make solar competitive with traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas.

"We're in the very early stages of a long build-out in solar technology," predicted Erik Straser, who heads the "cleantech" practice at the Menlo Park venture capital firm Mohr, Davidow Ventures. "The potential is really enormous."...read more

Sharp Plant Reduces CO2 40%

Sharp's Kameyama Plant No 2 in Japan has become fully operational.

The firm claims the Kameyama Plant No 2 is the world's most environmentally-conscious manufacturing facility with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions cut by 40 per cent.

Clean power sources provide a third of the plant's energy and include the world's largest photovoltaic power system and one of Japan's largest fuel cells.

Up to 1,000 KW can be generated by the four molten carbonate fuel cells for use in production processes in the plant and waste heat created by the system is captured and used to generate steam.

It is estimated the fuel cells are capable of reducing CO2 emissions by around 3,000 tons a year.

The photovoltaic power system, covering 47,000 sq m, can generate up to 5,210kW and it will reduce CO2 emissions by 3,400 tons a year.

The waste water recycling system and cogeneration systems also help to reduce the environmental impact of the site.

Furthermore, the plant also takes advantage of 10,000kW superconducting magnetic energy storage system that allows electrical energy to be converted into magnetic energy and stored. The system prevents voltage drops and short power cuts having an effect on production.

Kameyama Plant No 2 will be used to produce LCD screens for large-format, high-definition televisions.

Solar Powered CO2 To Fuel Project

CO2 is the biggest contributor to climate change. Now chemists are hoping to convert carbon dioxide into a useful fuel, with a little help from the sun. If they succeed, it will be possible to recycle the greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels. The work could also lead to a way for future Mars missions to generate fuel for their return journey from carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere.

Chemists have long hoped to find a method of bringing the combustion of fuel full circle by turning CO2 back into useful hydrocarbons. Now researchers at the University of Messina in Italy have developed an electro-catalytic technique they say could do the job. "The conversion of CO2 to fuel is not a dream, but an effective possibility which requires further research," says team leader Gabriele Centi.

The researchers chemically reduced CO2 to produce eight and nine-carbon hydrocarbons using a catalyst of particles of platinum and palladium confined in carbon nanotubes. These hydrocarbons can be made into petrol and diesel...read more

Kyocera Provides Solar For Camden Energy Park

Kyocera Solar dedicated the PPL Renewable Energy Park in which Kyocera supplied over 5,000 solar modules for completion. The 3,800 kilowatt Energy Park located in Camden County, New Jersey is composed of three power generating plants and was built by PPL Energy Services. Two of the three plants feature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera Solar modules. The Energy Park features multiple technologies, including solar and landfill gas-to-energy power generation. Two of the newly constructed power generating plants within the Energy Park will generate energy for Aluminum Shapes, a Pennsauken New Jersey aluminum fabricator.

A 2,800 kW landill gas-to-energy power generator located at the Pennsauken Sanitary Landfill and a 500 kW solar energy system located on site at Aluminum Shapes provide power to the Pennsauken fabricator.

The 500 kW solar energy system is made up of 2,674 Kyocera KC187 modules with an estimated annual production of 600,000 kilowatt hours. The third power generating plant in the Energy Park, a 500 kW solar energy system also located at the Pennsauken Sanitary Landfill, will provide power to run the 2,800 kW landfill gas-to-energy power generator at the landfill, which in turn provides energy back to the Aluminum Shapes facility.

Solar Cells Utilizing Infrared Could Reduce Cost 95%

Mark Peplow/San Francisco, US

A dye molecule that efficiently harvests the energy of near infrared light could boost the output from the next generation of solar cells.

The dye, a zinc phthalocyanine compound, has been developed by Michael Grätzel of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne.

‘This is a breakthrough in the design of infrared sensitisers,’ said Grätzel. Since about half the Sun’s energy arrives at near infrared frequencies, the dye will increase the amount of sunlight that can be harvested by panels mounted on the roofs of houses.

Grätzel was instrumental in developing the dye-sensitised solar cell (DSC) some fifteen years ago. Whereas conventional silicon-based photovoltaics use the same material to harvest light and turn it into an electrical current, DSCs rely on two different compounds for these tasks, just like photosynthetic plants.

While ruthenium-based dye molecules are responsible for capturing visible light, a thin layer of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide produces the electrical current. Titanium dioxide is a common mineral found in paints, toothpaste and sunscreen.

This makes the DSCs relatively cheap, and Grätzel believes that panels built using this technology should be able to pay for themselves in less than a year – a sharp contrast with silicon photovoltaic panels that sometimes take 20 years to become financially worthwhile for homeowners...read more

Northwest Wisconsin Solar Energy Forum Set For Sept. 22

(Solar Energy News) The Northwest Wisconsin Solar Energy Forum will be held Friday, Sept. 22, at Turtle Lake High School, 205 Oak Street, in Turtle Lake. Barron and Polk County UW-Extension are organizing the 6-8 p.m. event, which will feature speakers from UW-Extension and Focus on Energy.

The program will provide an overview of solar energy options, include solar water heating, solar electric, small-scale technologies for farms, options for schools/local governments, and the site assessment process. Handouts will be provided free of charge.

The Northwest Wisconsin Solar Energy Forum is free and available to the public. Attendees must register, however, by calling the Barron County UW-Extension office at (715) 537-6250. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA. Please call ahead if additional accommodations are needed.

Solar Stocks Plunge on Drop in Oil Price

With oil prices down about 20 percent from the mid-July peak, this hardly seems like the time to be thinking about alternative energy. On the other side of the coin, these stocks may be priced more favorably than they would be if oil were closer to $80 per barrel. Indeed, solar cell makers Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. <STP.N>, SunPower Corp. <SPWR.O>, Energy Conversion Devices Inc. <ENER.O>, and Evergreen Solar Inc. <ESLR.O> are now priced about 40, 35, 43, and 48 percent respectively below their 2006 highs.

For the time being, it would seem that the last thing in the world solar investors need is lower oil prices.

While observers laud the cleanliness and easy availability of sunlight as a power source, producing electricity from this source remains about 10 times as expensive as power generated from fossil fuels. Even solar bulls acknowledge that the industry today depends heavily on the fact that governments in some countries heavily subsidize this otherwise uneconomic energy source...read more

Radio Stations Run on Solar

The recent price climb of gasoline and diesel fuel serves as a constant reminder that energy costs will remain a significant part of the budget for most broadcasters.

In some cases, fuel costs are changing the way stations operate, causing them to consider alternatives that were once too expensive or unconventional. At the same time, advances in technology are reducing the costs for alternatives such as wind hydro and solar power. We talked to engineers who are going off the grid to meet some of or all of their energy requirements.

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar traditionally have been the option of last resort for broadcasters. Mike Bergey, president of Bergey Wind Power Company, notes that in the past, demand has come from customers at remote sites far from the power grid.

"When someone gets an estimate from the electric company that it will cost between a quarter of a million and a million dollars to extend the grid to their site, the capital costs of alternatives like wind or solar become attractive." He adds that companies that have to fly diesel fuel in to remote sites may also be candidates for alternative energy.

Bergey notes that there are more wind-powered sites in the West, where the penetration of the power grid is less extensive than on the East coast. That may start to change. "The rise in diesel fuel costs is causing more people to look at the alternatives. We've been getting a lot more calls and inquiries lately."...read more

Open Energy Releases FY06 Results

Open Energy Corp. (OTC BB: OEGY), a renewable energy company focused on the design and manufacturing of solar energy products, announced today financial results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 and provided guidance for fiscal 2007.

FY 2006 Business Highlights
• Discontinued oil and gas operations and shifted focus to the renewable energy industry;
• Signed international licensing agreement for SunCone™ CSP and successfully completed initial testing of the first prototype;
• Closed the acquisitions of Solar Roofing Systems, Inc. and Connect Renewable Energy, Inc. thereby establishing a diversified portfolio of building integrated photovoltaic products including roofing membranes, PV tiles and architectural glass
• Assembled experienced Board of Directors and management team;
• Achieved CSA listing, UL 1703 certification, and Class A fire rating for SolarSave® SP 480 Membranes.
• Secured $15.75 million financing with a commitment for an additional $3.5 million due upon effectiveness of Company’s SB-2 Registration Statement.
• Completed the installation of SolarSave® Roofing Tiles at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Science at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, NV, and at the Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center in Glenview, IL;
• The Company also reported that its projected sales pipeline currently includes a variety of residential, commercial and industrial projects with a total potential sales value of $10.3 million.
• Expects to generate revenue in the range of $22 to $24 million in fiscal 2007, with gross margins of approximately 20%;

"We achieved many goals in Fiscal 2006 and created infrastructure to dramatically increase sales in Fiscal 2007," commented David Saltman, President and CEO of Open Energy. "By the end of fiscal 2006, we successfully completed two acquisitions and transformed into an integrated company designing, manufacturing and selling high-quality renewable energy products for residential and commercial markets.

“To properly position our company for long-term growth in the solar industry, we are building strategic alliances with existing solar integrators, builders, roofers and contractors,” Mr. Saltman continued. “We believe we are well positioned to add many additional alliances in the near future as more builders and solar integrators nationwide recognize our superior product offerings which recently received CSA listing, UL 1703 certification and Class A fire rating.”

For the year ended May 31, 2006, Open Energy reported revenues of $152,532, which were generated primarily from the sale of SolarSave® Roofing Tiles. Net loss for the year totaled $12.2 million, or $0.22 per share. The net loss was attributable to expenses related to the company’s acquisitions and built-out of its infrastructure, a loss from discontinued operations for the oil and gas assets, and research and development expenditures. The company expects to achieve revenue in the range of $22 to $24 million for its fiscal year ended May 31, 2007, gross margin of 20% for the year and positive cash flow from operations by the fourth quarter ended May 31, 2007.

“Based on the strong industry fundamentals and robust sales backlog, we are very excited about our future. We look forward to introducing our SolarSave® PV products to new markets, commercializing Sun Cone™ CSP in 2007, and pursuing new strategic acquisitions to expand portfolio of our renewable energy technologies. We believe we have raised sufficient financial resources to fully capitalize on solar energy opportunities and to achieve strong revenue growth and profitability, and create long-term shareholder value,” concluded Mr. Saltman.

About Open Energy
Open Energy Corporation (OTC BB: OEGY) focuses on the development and commercialization of renewable energy products and technologies for a wide range of applications including electrical and thermal power production and water desalination. The Company pursues these objectives through technology innovation, acquisitions, strategic partnerships and other business strategies. The company's mission is to enhance life by harnessing the power of the sun.

Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements

Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. We base these statements on particular assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience, the stage of product and market development as well as our perception of historical trends, current market conditions, current economic data, expected future developments and other factors that we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the performance of our management team, market acceptance of our products, our ability to consummate the sales in our pipeline which includes projects in various points in the sales cycle, entry of competitors, the possibility our intellectual property protections will not prevent others from marketing products similar to or competitive with our products, potential technical or manufacturing difficulties that could delay product deliveries or increase costs, and other risks identified and discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on information and management's expectations as of the date hereof. Future results may differ materially from our current expectations. For more information regarding other potential risks and uncertainties, see the "Risk Factors" section of the company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended May 31, 2006. Open Energy Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update those forward-looking statements, except as otherwise specifically stated.

CONTACT:
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc.
John Mills (Investor Relations)
(800) 250-2610
jmills@icrinc.com

James McCusker (Media)
203-682-8245
jmccusker@icrinc.com

New Book: SOLAR REVOLUTION: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry

(CSRwire) Cambridge, MA. As the energy crisis escalates -and the price of gas and electricity with it- a new book predicts that in the next two decades, solar will become the cheapest energy source for most applications, and will be widely adopted by consumers in both the developed and developing worlds. The book's author, Travis Bradford, President and Founder of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development- www.prometheus.org - will be visiting a number of U.S. cities in September and October, 2006 to discuss the book and meet with businesses, energy industry representatives, policy makers and renewable energy advocates.

SOLAR REVOLUTION: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry (MIT Press) goes beyond moral and altruistic arguments for solar energy to show how today's dramatically changing market forces point to solar as the inevitable energy source of tomorrow's self-interested consumers. The book is available through the MIT Press in individual or bulk order by calling 1-800-405-1619 in the US and Canada or by visiting http://mitpress.mit.edu.

In SOLAR REVOLUTION, Bradford predicts an inevitable shift to solar energy that will transform everyday life as radically as did the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies. Bradford considers the pros and cons of other renewable energy sources including nuclear, hydroelectricity, wind, geothermal, and biomass but predicts that solar energy will become the cheapest for two reasons. First, solar energy already cost-effectively supplies a portion of utilities¡¦ needs for daytime electricity, and its competitiveness is growing rapidly. And secondly, photovoltaics, distributed on a small scale instead of on today's industrial-size electricity grids, will begin to unravel the economies of scale that Edison¡¦s electricity transmission created over the last century.

What Others Are Saying About SOLAR REVOLUTION:

"Solar Revolution is an essential read because it analyzes the transformation of the global energy economy... a positive vision of a sensible, practical, sustainable energy future."
~Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and former US Secretary of Energy

"Everyone who wants to understand the permanent energy answer that can reverse climate change, eliminate oil shocks, and avoid future Chernobyls should read this book. Bradford builds a compelling business case that solar energy is the most disruptive technology in history."
~ Denis Hayes, Former Director, U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory

"[Solar Revolution] is a timely and much-needed book. With a business perspective and a wealth of knowledge about the solar industry and the wider energy economy, Travis Bradford provides an excellent account of solar energy today."
~ Dan Kammen, Founding Director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley

Anyone with a professional or personal interest in energy issues is cordially invited to join Travis Bradford and the Prometheus Institute at events scheduled in the following U.S. cities: San Francisco; Santa Fe; New York; Burlington, VT; Tuscon; and Seattle;. Call Kate Cell at the Prometheus Institute to request an invitation: 617-868-0337 x 106, or e-mail solarrev@prometheus.org.

ECD Ovonics Announces Expansion Plans

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sept. 8, 2006 — Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (NASDAQ:ENER) announced today that it is expanding its thin-film solar module manufacturing capacity by another 60MW per annum by adding a second facility at its Greenville, Michigan site. This second facility is expected to begin operation in mid-2008.

This expansion represents the next phase in the company’s announced intention of expanding its solar module manufacturing capacity to an expected annual capacity exceeding 300MW by 2010. The company is presently constructing its first 60MW per annum facility at its Greenville site, which is expected to begin operation in late 2007. A new 30MW per annum facility (Auburn Hills II) is anticipated to begin operation in Fall 2006. ECD Ovonics' existing solar module manufacturing plant (Auburn Hills I) is presently at 28MW per annum and continues to advance manufacturing production to its expected capacity of 30MW per annum. ECD Ovonics operates its solar module business through its wholly owned United Solar Ovonic subsidiary.

“Investment in United Solar Ovonic continues to be a focal piece of our strategy to continue accelerating its growth and increasing market share,” said Robert C. Stempel, Chairman and CEO of ECD Ovonics. “Worldwide demand for alternative energy remains strong. Expanding United Solar Ovonic’s capacity will provide us with the opportunity to meet the needs of our existing customers, and to pursue new market opportunities.”

Commenting on the decision by United Solar Ovonic and ECD Ovonics to continue its solar cell manufacturing expansion in Greenville, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said, “We applaud United Solar Ovonic and ECD Ovonics for their decision to continue their expansion and investment in Greenville. Since the day Electrolux announced it would close its doors and leave Greenville, we worked very hard to bring new jobs for Greenville. It’s been rewarding to work with the city’s leadership and its outstanding workforce to make this happen.”

“United Solar Ovonic is helping Greenville lead the way into the new economy, and together they are forming a model for the entire nation to follow. I have great confidence that our continued partnership with United Solar Ovonic will help turn the local economy around, as well as provide the world with clean, renewable energy. Everyone should truly feel good about this announcement; it took a great deal of teamwork and a lot of leadership from ECD Ovonics and United Solar Ovonic, but we are now beginning to reap the rewards,” said U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Michigan).

The solar module equipment for this expansion will be manufactured by ECD Ovonics’ Production Technology and Machine Building Division. This division has designed, developed and manufactured multiple generations of photovoltaic production lines for United Solar Ovonic, and is presently producing the equipment for the Auburn Hills II facility. It is now operating under a continuous-build process to support the solar panel manufacturing expansion, in which it is building equipment using proprietary manufacturing processes. As a result, the division is continuously improving its manufacturing efficiency, which will result in lower costs and shorter manufacturing cycles for each of the Greenville facilities, as well as future expansion projects.

About ECD Ovonics:
ECD Ovonics is the leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of advanced production technology and innovative products. It has invented, pioneered and developed its proprietary, enabling technologies in the fields of energy and information leading to new products and production processes based on amorphous, disordered and related materials. The Company's portfolio of alternative energy solutions includes Ovonic thin-film amorphous solar cells, modules, panels and systems for generating solar electric power; Ovonic NiMH batteries; Ovonic hydride storage materials capable of storing hydrogen in the solid state for use as a feedstock for fuel cells or internal combustion engines or as an enhancement or replacement for any type of hydrocarbon fuel; and Ovonic fuel cell technology. ECD Ovonics' proprietary advanced information technologies include Ovonic phase-change electrical memory, Ovonic phase-change optical memory and the Ovonic Threshold Switch. ECD Ovonics designs and builds manufacturing machinery that incorporates its proprietary production processes, maintains ongoing research and development programs to continually improve its products and develops new applications for its technologies. ECD Ovonics holds the basic patents in its fields. More information on the company is available on www.ovonic.com.

About United Solar Ovonic:
United Solar Ovonic, building on technology invented and pioneered by ECD Ovonics, is the world leader in thin-film amorphous photovoltaics. ECD's United Solar Ovonic high-volume production equipment is the world's largest and most advanced machine for the manufacture of thin-film amorphous-silicon alloy solar cells and related products that are used for a variety of applications. Because of characteristics unique to the United Solar Ovonic solar cell technology, such as lightweight, ruggedness and flexibility, it is ideal as building-integrated photovoltaic roofing systems for residential and industrial customers. ECD Ovonics holds the basic patents covering the continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing of thin-film amorphous-silicon alloy multi-junction solar cells and related products. More information is available at www.uni-solar.com.

###

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which ECD Ovonics, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD Ovonics cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based. The risk factors identified in the ECD Ovonics filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K could impact any forward-looking statements contained in this release.

Contacts:
Ghazaleh Koefod, Investor Relations
Dick Thompson, Media Relations
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
248.293.0440

Applied Materials to Enter PV Market & Lower Prices

Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT), the global leader in equipment and services for manufacturing semiconductors and flatpanel displays, today launched its strategy to enter the rapidly growing solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment market. Applied Materials will provide a combination of manufacturing tools, together with technology and process innovations from the flat panel and semiconductor industries, that are expected to enable customers to increase conversion efficiency and yields, helping to lower the overall cost per watt for solar electricity users.

"The solar industry has reached the inflection point that AppliedMaterials has been waiting for, as solar customers seek economies of scale with suppliers who can better meet their needs for global support and who can provide advanced systems that meet technology,throughput, quality and yield goals," said Mike Splinter, president and CEO. "We plan to change the cost equation for solar power through adaptation of our existing technology and new innovation in order to help make solar a more meaningful contributor to the global energy supply."

As worldwide energy demand continues to rise, the overall solar equipment market is expected to grow from approximately $1 billion in 2006 to more than $3 billion in 2010, according to industry estimates that do not include additional opportunities for service-related growth.

"Our solar PV products, together with our roadmap for new technology and services, provide an exciting new growth engine forApplied Materials," said Mark Pinto, senior vice president and chief technology officer. "We have assembled a team of industry veterans who, combined with our global reach and technology leadership in semiconductors and flat panel display equipment, can enable customers to move through the expected transition from small-scale 20MW-40MW factories to sophisticated gigawatt-level facilities."

This week, at the world's largest solar show, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Dresden, Germany, Applied is showcasing several PVD(1) and PECVD(1) products as well as processes, material-handling technologies and services to support solar cell production for both crystalline-silicon and thin-film solar applications. These include Applied Materials' ATON(TM) in-line sputtering system, which is already installed in numerous customer locations around the world and which provides quality deposition, high throughput and lower cost of ownership for both thin-film and multi-or mono-crystalline silicon. Other products highlighted at the show include Applied Materials' New Aristo(TM) in-line PVD/CVD(1) system,PECVD technology and the SmartWeb(TM) PV roll-to-roll coater for flexible solar cell applications.

"We believe that Applied Materials is the right company, at the right time, with the right technologies to lead the next wave of solar industry growth," continued Splinter. "This is an exciting new chapter in Applied Materials' growth story, and we are confident that our experience, products and nanomanufacturing technology solutions can advance the industry and improve people's lives through cleaner, more affordable energy."

Applied Materials will hold its "Applied Materials Going Solar"Event on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00a.m. Pacific Time), and provide information about its exciting step forward into the world of solar energy. A live webcast of the event will be available on Applied Materials' website. If you are unable to join the live webcast, replays and audio/MP3 will be available. Replay start date:Tuesday, September 5 at 5:00 p.m. PT; replay end date: Tuesday,September 19 at 5:00 p.m. PT. More information about Applied Materials and solar technology, including exclusive Harris Consumer Poll data can be found on the company's online media kit.

Applied Materials, Inc. is the global leader in NanomanufacturingTechnology(TM) solutions for the electronics industry with a broadportfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products. AtApplied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improvethe way people live.

Basildon to Heat Pools with Solar Power

Basildon Council has been looking at wind and solar power as possible ways to cut spiralling fuel costs at its leisure centres.

Officials have confirmed they are still investigating the use of solar water heating at centres including Eversley Leisure Centre, in Pitsea.

This follows a pilot schemes at Pitsea swimming pool and at a shower block at the council's Barleylands depot, near Billericay.
continued...

Gloucester Park swimming pool is currently costing the council £11,000 a month to heat - the equivalent of subsidising each swimmer to the tune of £3.60.

It has already ruled out wind turbines at leisure centres as unsightly, expensive to put up and inefficient.

Solar panels are still being looked at, however.

Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "There are two reasons we are doing this. The first is, of course, cost.

"Anything that can reduce these costs will be of benefit to council tax-payers. Of course, with any system there will be an initial outlay to install the equipment, but savings will recoup this in the long run.... read more