Sanyo HIT Solar Panels Power Electric Bike Parking Lots

 

Sanyo has announced completion of two Sanyo HIT solar panel powered parking lots for electric bicycles and provision of 100 of its Eneloop hybrid bikes in Setagaya, Tokyo Japan.
  
The bicycle parking lots are operated by the city of Setagaya at Keio Line Sakurajosui Station and Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line Sakurashinmachi Station
  
7.56kW of Sanyo HIT solar panels covering approximately 46m2 are installed on the roof of each lot for the purposes of generating sufficient power to recharge the batteries of a total of 100 “eneloop bike” units and to also illuminate the LED parking lot lights.
  
The Sanyo HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer) solar panel comprises a thin monocrystalline silicon wafer encased in ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. Sanyo states cell efficiency of up to 20.2% and an overall module efficiency of over 17.7%. 
  
The Sanyo HIT solar panel was the first hybrid solar module to be available in a Australia and is a popular choice in home solar power systems; not only for its high efficiency, but small footprint that allows for more solar electricity to be generated from a smaller roof space area.
  
Electricity generated by the parking lot systems is stored in lithium-ion battery battery banks that also feature AC power outlets for powering external equipment during an emergency. 
  
The Eneloop bike is Sanyo's electric hybrid bicycle featuring a regenerative charging function that enables electricity generation and battery charging during riding. The Eneloop bikes will be used as community bicycles by people residing in and outside Setagaya.
  
Sanyo says it is rapidly expanding its energy solution business through offering Smart Energy Systems (SES); combining technologies for energy creation in the form of solar panels, energy storage in deep cycle batteries and electricity savings through energy efficient equipment. The installation of its "Solar Parking Lots" is a part of this SES initiative.
  

Free Home Sustainability Assessments - Still Worth Having Done?

 

Major recent changes to the Australian Green Loans program that stripped away the possibility for interest free financing for solar power systems has left some householders asking whether a home sustainability assessment is still relevant. 
    
The assessments were a required document in order to progress to application stage of government green loans via participating financial institutions. While confusion has reigned since given the entire scheme was lumped under the same banner, the "Green Loans Program", the Home Sustainability Assessment is a stand alone free service funded by the Federal Government and is continuing to be delivered by accredited Home Sustainability Assessors.
     
According to accredited assessor James Gregory, an assessment is still worth getting done.
    
"It's a valuable tool for households to kick start their movement towards lowering utility bills while taking positive steps in reducing their impact on an overstretched environment. The assessment process and subsequent report enables households to access information ranging from the smallest changes related to their own usage patterns, the home environment and appliance settings through to potential product information such as solar systems, rainwater tanks, whitegoods, window shading options, lighting, insulation and ventilation."
    
Mr Gregory says assessors can also provide further information about government rebates and incentives for solar power.
   
"Experienced assessors will also provide an insight into government rebates, both state and federal which are offered for a variety product installations, including solar electricity feed in tariffs applicable to your state and territory. The ability to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while reducing consumption is within everyone’s grasp."
    
Assessments involve the physical inspection of major energy and water systems relating to thermal comfort, water heating, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, water efficiency and outdoor consumption, and waste management. The free assessments usually take around 1.5 hours to complete.
    
Households in the Hastings area (Mid-North Coast of NSW) can book an assessment by James Gregory directly on 0427 022 149 or james@sustainabilityprogram.com.au. Households in other areas throughout Australia can contact the Home Sustainability Assessment booking number on 1800 895 076.
    
While the interest free green loans component via the Government's program are no longer available, national solar power solutions provider Energy Matters has begun listing financial institutions offering low interest loans for solar power on its web site.
  

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