Energy Systems: Currently energy sources such as water, wind, and solar power are being used as cleaner energy alternatives in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz GreenWharf
Originally built in 1914, the Santa Cruz Wharf, a wood frame structure supported by over 4,528 wood pilings, begins at the shoreline and extends through the intertidal zone into the ocean a half-mile.As the longest timber pile wooden wharf on the US coastline, the Wharf is uniquely situated in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary to act as a base for energy and climate-related projects. The GreenWharf refers to the suite of collaboratively implemented, interrelated projects that together minimize the footprint of Wharf operations on its surrounding environment while enhancing its appeal as a visitor destination.
The project took shape in 2008, when discussions between the City of Santa Cruz and the University led to the idea of making the wharf energy self-sufficient. As a first step, Prof. John Vesecky and the City’s Environmental Coordinator Ross Clark mentored a student project to design and build a pilot sensor and power generation platform. This platform collected wind, solar, and hydro information which assessed how much energy could be generated on the wharf. The student project was a success and won a Dean’s Award in the School of Engineering.
In 2011, the GreenWharf started as a partnership between the City of Santa Cruz and the University of California Santa Cruz to foster the development and incorporation of innovative technology into the structure and operations at the Santa Cruz Wharf. The GreenWharf partnership has gained momentum over the past three years and now involves a number of non-profit organizations, Wharf businesses, private sector entities, students, and interested members of the public.
Projects:
- A renewable energy testbed with solar and the first wind turbine to be permitted by the Coastal Commission off the coast of California. The testbed charges the Wharf Electric Maintenance Vehicle’s batteries and reduces liquid fuel costs.
- A free EcoTour mobile phone app and live docent-led tours on weekends that highlight the Wharf’s environmental protection efforts, ongoing research and certified green businesses.
- A complete street and pedestrian lighting retrofit to LED technology which saves electricity and maintenance costs.
- Installation of the first electric vehicle charging station on the Wharf.
- Installation of cigarette butt and discarded fishing line receptacles for wildlife protection.
- Green certification of seven Wharf businesses and Wharf Headquarters through the “Green Business Challenge.”
- Wharf Centennial paper shopping bag campaign produced in collaboration with Wharf businesses to eliminate the use of plastic bags on the Wharf.
- Academic research on marine wildlife, energy and trash handling.
- Educational events, internships, field trips, and press conferences to highlight the success of the GreenWharf efforts and encourage public participation.
Future Projects in the Works:
- New wind technology
- Tidal energy
- Waste to energy systems
- Increased biking and walking access
- Stormwater pollution reduction system
- Increased interpretive signage
Annual Resources Conserved & Partnership Metrics:
Water saved: 67,800 gallons
Solid waste diverted from landfill: 2,400,000 lbs
Energy saved: 34,000 kWh
Greenhouse gas emissions saved: 258 tons CO2e a year
Number of student internships to date: 39
Number of field trips and special events: ~6-10 per year
Grant Funding to Date: over $150,000
Solar Systems:
Solar systems provide users with the most plentiful alternative energy source from the sun to provide for your energy needs. At the forefront of the green movement is a need to find alternative energy sources that will enable us to change the way we look at fossil fuels. As we continue to deplete the amount of fossil fuels and destroy the environment we are destroying the planet for future generations. By switching over to Santa Cruz solar energy systems not only will you see a deduction in your energy bill but also your carbon footprint.
Original solar panels were only useful during the day time, but technology has became so sophisticated that back up reserves can provide energy all day long. Solar panels made up of photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight to direct current electricity throughout the day. Then the inverter will convert these waves into alternating current electricity. The electrical panel will use this source of electricity to power our product with solar energy. A utility meter will measure your energy and generate more power than necessary to create excess energy for use during night. A utility grid will be connected to utility company for additional energy source. Placement of solar panels is vital to maximizing efficiency potential of panels; the more sun you can get during the day, the more power you can store.
Companies such as Verengo Solar is providing Santa Cruz residential solar power which may be pricey because of equipment and installation cost. To maximize your energy potential return a Santa Cruz residential solar power consultant will help you determine the best placement for the panels on your property. Once the equipment is installed you will begin to see drastic reductions in your utility bills. You may also qualify to receive tax rebate on your switch, with up to thirty percent of your initial investment returned to you.
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About Verengo Solar
Verengo Inc. has changed the way America thinks about solar! Verengo ranked #1 on the Solar Power World list of Top Residential Solar Contractors in the U.S.1, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and consistently maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company markets, sells and installs solar photovoltaic systems, which enable homeowners to save money on their electricity bills and replace dirty electricity with clean, renewable energy. Verengo has grown 700% over the past 4 years and has added 900 new employees over that period. A recent survey found that 92% of Verengo customers would refer the company to their friends and family. The company has earned this recognition and customer satisfaction by making solar easy and affordable for its customers and delivering superior customer service.
1.Source: Solar Power World. Verengo operates exclusively in the residential solar sector.
