Project: Green - The basics of renewable energy

The challenge. The idea of having lower energy bills and freeing yourself from local power companies appeals mightily to independent retailers. But there are so many different types of alternative energy sources, from the well-known solar and wind to the lesser-known biopower and geothermal. Which one works best? How much does it cost? Does it really save on the bills? The level of research and the number of choices can be overwhelming.

There are many different types of renewable energy sources in the United States. Some systems rely on specific weather conditions, like a reliable number of sunny days for solar power and a predictable level of wind for windmills. Others, like geothermal, rely less on location, but are lesser known so local expertise and equipment may not be easily available.

Keep in mind that the best option for your site may be using multiple energy sources. For example, in many northern regions, solar power is most reliable in summer, while wind is most reliable in winter.

To get you started, here’s an introduction to alternative power sources.

Solar. Solar power technology has strong promise. After all, sunlight is not a finite commodity like fossil fuels. And photovoltaic cells, which is what converts sunlight to energy, are steadily being improved to increase their efficiency.

One of the more promising technologies for garden centers with greenhouses is photovoltaic film. Unlike solar panels, photovoltaic film allows light to pass through and collects sunlight as it does so. The efficiency for the film is much lower than for panels, but it is designed to cover more space. The film has been used in some green skyscrapers. The film is less expensive than traditional solar cells, but its durability is not as long. It’s definitely a technology worth watching.

Another possibility is limited-use solar panels. Homeowners have long used solar panels for only the water heater. One new car on the market, the Aptera, uses a solar panel on its roof to run just the air conditioning. If you choose to use a panel for a specific use in your store, make sure it’s a large-enough drain on your overall energy use to justify the cost of buying and installing a solar panel. Solar energy costs $10 to $12 per watt, installed, according to online magazine The Solar Guide (www.thesolarguide.com). Most experts say panels should pay for themselves within five to 10 years.

Wind. Old-fashioned windmills mechanically drove a wheel, which powered a simple engine, like a water pump for a well or to turn a millstone. Modern windmills are capable of generating enough electricity to power a store. Despite the increase in efficiency, windmills still operate on age-old mechanics. The wind turns the turbine, which in turn supplies power to the generator.

The size of modern windmills can be startling, so you will need to investigate local ordinances. Also, to capture wind consistently, windmills need to be sited on an elevated part of the land, making them even more visually prominent.

Another factor in wind energy is the amount of wind your region experiences. Some parts of the country are much better suited for wind energy than others. Many windmill companies have wind maps on their Web sites so you can see if you are well-situated.

One developing technology to keep an eye on is micro wind turbines, which developers hope can be used in urban areas. Micro turbines are installed in groups, and the array would collectively generate power.

Micro-hydro. Like wind power, hydro power uses movement to mechanically turn a turbine. The main requirements that determine if you can use micro-hydro power is a steady supply of water, and that water falling several feet. It is perhaps the most cost-effective renewable power source. There are two main types of turbines, from simple open systems (think modern water wheels) to encased housings that increase water pressure. Encased systems are better suited to lower flows, like those found in stream waterfalls.

Geothermal. Geothermal systems are best known as the energy source in Iceland. Iceland can use this energy because of the number and consistency of volcanic and other types of geothermal activity.

Newer technology allows for tapping into energy sources only 15-20 feet below ground, anywhere in the world. The temperatures that far below ground are consistent, ranging from 45°F to 58°F. Pipes filled with fluid go underground and are heated or cooled to that temperature, then come back to the aboveground system. It’s a simple system and may be best used to moderate cooling and heating in your store.

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Biopower. Bio-based power sources encompass a very wide range, from campfires to ethanol. The power sources that are best suited for individual locations rely on burning plant waste, which creates steam, which in turn drives turbines to create electricity. Modern generators that allow you to burn dead plant material can be tough to track down and will require more research time than other systems. If you are a grower/retailer with a ready supply of plant material, this system may be the one for you.

- Carol Miller

March 2008

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Conduct an energy audit. The first step to adding alternative power sources is to understand your current usage. For a business, this means taking a look at square footage, how many doors and windows you have, hours of operations, how well-insulated you are, how well-maintained your equipment is, lighting, etc. Energy bills are essential so you have a baseline of how many watts your company uses monthly, especially during peak months. Even if you decide to forego alternative energy sources, an energy audit can pinpoint areas where you are operating inefficiently and can save you a great deal of money. Most power companies offer an audit for reasonable charges or even free. For a self-conducted audit, a Google search will lead you to reliable checklists.

Research grants, tax breaks, etc. A good place to start your search for local, state, national and utility incentives for installing and using renewable energy is Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)’s Web site, www.dsireusa.org. The level of financial incentives can vary drastically from community to community. Be sure to question your local contacts carefully. Some offers may not be posted, and some may have unusual setups, like one in Florida where an energy company leases space from a nursery to install a solar energy panel that feeds directly into the company’s grid.

Power sharing with neighbors. If you are near other businesses, consider creating a shared system that each company invests in. Power sharing can take much of the sting out of installment costs. The more groups involved, however, the more complicated it can be.

Grid or no grid?

You will need to decide how independent you want to be from public energy’s grid. Here are the three levels available to you.

Tied to the grid. Your alternative systems are connected to the public energy grid. If you have a surplus, many power companies allow you to sell your excess watts to them so that your system can actually earn you money, not just cut down on your public electric bill. If you connect with the grid, you will likely need to sign an agreement with the power company.

Grid tie-in with battery backup. Most alternative fuel systems you can use onsite do not have the capacity to store energy. Battery backup systems allow you to store excess energy. Also, if the grid goes down, battery backups step into the breach. Installation is higher for battery backup systems due to the extra equipment required.

Off-grid system. Off-grid systems come in two guises: a system that powers the entire site, or a system that powers individual systems, like windmills running well pumps or solar energy going just to water heaters. Off-grid systems tend to pay for themselves more quickly, save for grid tie-ins that truly generate excess energy in communities that allow for selling the excess. It’s a good idea to buy backup generators, however, which will add to the cost.

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SummerWinds has over the last two years begun its research into alternative energy resources, particularly as we renovate existing stores and review potential new stores.

We analyzed the cost-effectiveness of installing solar energy and additional skylights in our existing stores, but have not been able to generate a satisfactory rate of return to move forward with solar.

The total cost for product and labor was approximately $425,000 for our Almaden store in California. It would have provided all of the electricity for our Almaden store. At the time, selling back to the grid was not an option. The project did qualify for an appreciable rebate from the state of California to help offset the investment.

As we build new stores, we will make every effort to be more environmentally friendly and generate energy savings in an effort to improve our bottom line.

Currently, the company has converted its T-12 florescent lighting to T-5 florescent lighting in each store, resulting in brighter display lighting, but with significantly lower energy consumption (reduced energy bill by 16 percent). We anticipate a payback in four years or less.

- Frank Benzing

Frank Benzing is president of SummerWinds, which owns garden centers in California, Arizona and Missouri. SummerWinds is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.

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Sustainable gardeners are very aware of what they’re putting into their gardens to promote growth and eliminate pests. They’re also putting more thought into the equipment they use to keep lawns and gardens in top condition. Below is a sample of some popular equipment that minimizes negative impact on the environment.

Equipment	Pros	Cons
Reel/push mowers	Manual reel mowers have received a lot of attention from the consumer press recently as eco-friendly alternatives to gas-powered mowers. These machines cut down on air pollution because no exhaust is emitted. They’re also hailed as a way to cut back on noise pollution. Some garden gurus claim reel mowers are better for grass since they cut like scissors, unlike gas-powered rotary mowers that have more of a tearing action. Consumers also like the price of reel mowers. Some models retail for $100 or less.	Newer reel mowers are much easier to push than they were in the past, but they still require more effort than walking behind gas-powered models (especially those new self-propelled machines). The physical exertion required to operate push mowers makes them a less-than-ideal choice for homeowners with large lawns. If grass is allowed to grow too tall, the blades of a reel mower will often bind up and become hard to operate.
Electric mowers	Electric mowers also offer a quieter way to cut the grass. The lack of exhaust fumes are another plus. Some models only use around $5 worth of electricity per year.	Corded electric models can present some headaches. Users have to take extra care that the cord doesn’t get in the way of the blades. Cords can also limit reach, making it difficult to mow larger lawns. Cordless mowers are usually more expensive but offer more mobility. These models can take 16-20 recharge.
Composter (outdoor)	Compost bins and tumblers are key elements in an organic gardener’s arsenal. Composters keep food scraps and lawn clippings out of landfills by transforming waste into a rich soil amendment.	Compost bins require gardeners to manually turn the contents so that all elements break down at a similar rate. Compost tumblers help do this dirty work, but they’re often more expensive. Most outdoor composters are large and bulky. Space limitations prevent some gardeners from installing them.
Composter (indoor)	Urban gardeners and other people with space limitations have embraced indoor compost bins. One of the newer models is a 3-quart ceramic crock with a carbon filter. This type of bin fits easily in a kitchen cabinet or on a countertop. It’s a quick convenient way to put kitchen scraps to use.	Some indoor composters are notorious for letting bad odors escape, which attract flies. Most indoor bins are not suited for the lengthy decomposition process. They usually serve as temporary receptacles, giving gardeners more time between trips to the larger outdoor composter.
Rain barrels	Watering restrictions in drought stricken areas have prompted serious gardeners to investigate rainwater collection systems. Barrels are often the first option they look in to because they are compact and offer easy installation. Rain barrels can be placed in side yards or disguised so that they don’t detract from the landscape.	If the water within rain barrels goes stagnant it can attract mosquitoes. Covering openings with netting can help prevent this. Rain barrels that have been improperly built or installed might not release captured water in a steady stream once the faucet is opened.

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Weed block

Easy Gardener Products is distributing EnviroCycle’s Rhimax durable organic paper under the brands WeedBlock Biodegradable Mulch and Landmasters Biodegradable Paper Mulch. EnviroCycle designed a completely green manufacturing process that begins with 100-percent postconsumer, organic waste. The paper is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute.

Organic fertilizer spikes

New Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer Spikes are a fuss-free way to transition to organic gardening. Organic nutrients in the premeasured spikes enrich soil by promoting beneficial microorganisms and providing nutrients to plant roots. The spikes are packaged in waterproof pouches that are ideal for displaying beside live goods.

Mulch from recycled tires

CryoMulch provides safe, heat-resistant, odorless, long-lasting mulch. Dayton Crumb installed computer-controlled CryoVortex, which is a cryogenic scrap tire recycling method that eliminates traditional tire chipping by making germ- and bacteria-free crumb rubber components directly from cryogenically frozen scrap tire components. CryoMulch is delivered free of weed seed and insects.

Compost bins

Alcoa GeoSystems’ new line of compost bins includes standard and deluxe models. Help customers grow beautiful gardens from home-produced compost that provides flowers and vegetables with some of the best nutrients possible.

Soy candles

Beanpod Candles are made from 100-percent stabilized soy wax so you can be sure there won’t be any petroleum-paraffin by-products in the wax. Choose from dozens of beautiful, fragrant candles that are clean and healthy for the environment, made with an all-cotton wick. Candles are created with a patent-pending Tempacure process that gives rich fragrances and colors that last from first light to final flame.

Body wash

Aromafloria’s Lemongrass Foaming Body Wash contains a naturally derived coconut cleanser and is paraben free. The company’s goal is to harvest herbs and botanicals while protecting indigenous cultures and the entire ecosystem.

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