Political Vision and Integrated Energy Solutions: Wind Power, Solar Power, and Lighting

Both President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney spoke at their respective political conventions about American Energy Independence. The solution may come in a combination of renewable energy “production” along with clean energy “reduction”. The success of renewable power production largely falls on the shoulder of Wind and Solar technology and the reduction side has the highest likelihood of success with lighting. According to the U.S. Department of Energy and other studies, lighting account for about 30% of commercial and industrial electricity, and technology already exists to cut the cost in half. So, lighting is the “low hanging fruit” of the clean tech industry.

One energy firm recently added lighting to its mix of clean “green” energy offerings. Central Virginia Wind Energy (www.cvawe.com) or CVAWE may serve as a harbinger of things to come: INTEGRATED Energy SOLUTIONS firms or a category of “I.E.S” providers and value added resellers.

Here is a profile on one of the pioneers in the IES space:

CVAWE is dedicated to conserving energy by implementing energy conservation technologies. Once a project is as energy efficient as it can be, CVAWE works with its clients to design renewable energy technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. CVAWE only works with the highest of quality technologies. CVAWE believes that “Renewable technologies are growing fast and you do get what you pay for” - Dan Boyle – President of CVAWE.

Wind:

CVAWE is a factory trained dealer and installer for Bergey Wind Power wind turbines. There are a lot of great wind sites in Virginia, but for the most part, Virginia isn’t a good state for wind energy. “If you have an elevated property, >1000′ MSL, then you may have enough wind to make owning a wind turbine feasible. CVAWE is dedicated to ensuring that Virginians don’t install wind turbines in low wind areas and with low tower heights. Wind energy needs towers 100′ tall or taller. CVAWE understands that any tower lower than 100’ is a waste of time and money” – Dan Boyle

Solar:

CVAWE is a distributor for Solar Panels Plus. Solar Panels Plus is a manufacturer of the only evacuated tube solar thermal hot water heater manufactured in the United States. They also supply photovoltaic technologies, solar troughs and solar air conditioning.

Energy Saving Lighting:

CVAWE believes in solving the root of the problem first, before jumping into a renewable energy project. Most consumers are burning more fossil fuels then needed. President Dan Boyle says, “Don’t put the cart before the horse. You will save more money in the long term if you reduce your demand first. By reducing your demand, you also reduce the necessary size of a renewable energy system.”

CVAWE offers a variety of LED replacement bulbs for commercial and residential buildings. Due to the higher costs of LED lights, it is wise to replace higher wattage bulbs first that run the longest. Commercial buildings are best to start with emergency stairwell lighting, garage lighting and hallway lighting. Without any rebates or incentives, these lighting retrofits will have a return on investment in the vicinity of 2 years.

CVAWE has worked hard to find the best LED retrofit lights on the Market. There is a wide variety of costs and quality associated with LED lighting and we have the answer to your questions. President Boyle, goes on to say, “We strive to supply our customers with the right light at the right price. We will also help with rebates and incentives.”