Another business idea: Green technology?

This one hit me the other day. I was thinking about all this green stuff. Biodiesel, wind farms, solar technology, etc. and I got to thinking, if I were to go about implementing these things to my property, where would I go?

Could you be some sort of contractor that specializes in solar panels? Maybe brew up and sell some biodiesel on the side. I'm just kicking thoughts around, but might it be a profitable venture for someone? Maybe cash in on this whole green movement? I'm sure there's people doing this in more metro places, but what about more rural areas?

Any special equipment needed to install solar panels? Anyone got a guide for brewing biodiesel? Am I crazy?

Well regarding solar, Its the year 2013 and I ask the question if mankind has been able to capture the energy of the sun in a mass produced affordable manner?

BoostedBrandon wrote: Could you be some sort of contractor that specializes in solar panels?

Yes. I'd start looking here: http://energy.gov/articles/solar-wind-hydropower-home-renewable-energy-installations

Maybe brew up and sell some biodiesel on the side. I'm just kicking thoughts around, but might it be a profitable venture for someone?

bad idea. proper disposal of chemicals can be pricy

Any special equipment needed to install solar panels?

I'm sure there's a lot of equipment needed

There are a ton of companies who specialize in solar installations.

That's how they get installed.

In my state, they can be found through the GA Solar Commission. I am a member.

just get companies to pay you to plant trees to allow them to pollute... that seems to be the easiest- and probably the most legitimate- way to profit off this "green" stuff.

BoostedBrandon wrote: Any special equipment needed to install solar panels?

A licensed electrician to start.

Remember that if government subsidies stop, so does most of the green movement that you speak of.

RossD wrote:

BoostedBrandon wrote: Any special equipment needed to install solar panels?

A licensed electrician to star.

^This^

The vast majority of modern solar systems are tied to the grid.

There are lots of hoops to jump through when you want to tie a power generating source to the power company's grid which could risk killing a lineman.

Designs, engineering, licenses, insurances, etc. etc....

It would be a little simpler if you meant to work as a subcontract installer for a solar panel company, but they are still going to have some expectations.

Licenses, insurances, etc. etc.

pinchvalve wrote: Remember that if government subsidies stop, so does most of the green movement that you speak of.

^This too.^

SVreX wrote:

pinchvalve wrote: Remember that if government subsidies stop, so does most of the green movement that you speak of.

^This too.^

Not necessarily. We will continue to use our solar panels at our cabin since the grid will more than likely not come to us.

You may use them, but you won't be installing any more. That makes it a questionable business plan.

My cousin is fairly wealthy, and can afford to do what he wants. He supports technologies he believes in with his money. He went solar, but admitted one of the wisest things I've ever heard a solar owner say..."Even with the subsidies, the upfront cost was significant enough that what I've essentially done is pre-paid my electric bill for the next 20 years, and the system will be obsolete by then".

The subsidies will impact the industry significantly.

Actual installation of solar panels is quite straight forward. No rocket science involved. BUT, a licensed electrician must do the connections and tie in. Too many opportunities to cause major problems if not properly done. A straight 12VDC system is much less complicated, but not as functional. There is a new bank down the street from me that has the biggest solar array I have ever seen, covering hundreds of square feet. Enough to power the entire business, I'm sure. $$$$$$

^Correct.^

But building permits are also required. That means you can get a permit for your own residence, or you will need a contractor's license to get permits to work on other people's property, or commercial property.

Solar is pretty big around here (central NJ) and it's funny how some companies use solar. I work in the Pharma industry and most of our larger clients have solar systems to some extent. Some systems are more street-visible than others. Roof installations are obvously less visible. One client has a huge array installed on their front acreage with a big sign, "Look! We've gone solar!!!"

We were doing a renovation for another client and needed to replace a roof HVAC unit with a larger unit, which would require removing or relocating some existing solar panels. The client literally said, "I don't care about the solar stuff - we've already gotten the credit for them..."

Firguring out what to do with the waste is one reason I've avoided home bio-diesel.

Oh.. and there are many companies around here specializing in solar installation and/or design. Most are really hurting right now.

Such a simple question can lead to years and even decades of study!

What are your goals here? Trying to save a few bucks? Make a few bucks? Hobby? Philosophical crusade?

Biodiesel is becoming big business and harder to do. Once the waste veggie oil was a small thing where a business paid a small price to a restaurant and sold the oil to be turned into cattle food. Now that anyone can power their Dodge Ram with it the rules have changed.

Now the oil is regulated and only approved businesses may handle it. Contracts have been ruthlessly pressed and now the restaurant must pay to have it removed and it is a costly violation to divert it to individuals.

My current study is absorption refrigeration! Cooling with heat!! I'm in!

Bruce

My wife is the sells solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for a local company. As several have pointed out, you have to being a licensed electrical contractor. You have to know lot about roofing as well. She tells people who ask that she works in the construction industry.

Demand for varies by region. In the San Francisco Bay area demand is high. Our combination of nearly ideal weather for PV and lots of technology early adopters keeps her very busy.

egnorant wrote: My current study is absorption refrigeration! Cooling with heat!! I'm in!

That's nothing new and for the most part we've replaced a LOT of absorption chillers with more conventional chilled water systems. It does depend on the facility, though... we have one client with a steam system with excess capacity and since the system needs to run at a certain level to be optimally efficient, we are investigating adding an absorption chiller to their system. But that has been as exception to the trend.

In reply to egnorant:

If comparing both as an artificial source, doesn't the heat require more energy consumption than the cooling?