New Electric Scooters are Replacing Their Gas-Powered Predecessors

The new Vespa Elettrica

In October, Vespa announced it was throwing their hat in with the mass of other companies increasingly offering electric modes of transportation with their Elettrica.

The famous brand is known for their universally recognizable design and styling of their scooters. In production since the 40’s and still selling strong, their decision was made easier by increasing bans and restrictions across Europe of gas powered scooters – including in Genoa, Italy: birthplace of Enrico Piaggio (founder of Piaggio – who manufactures Vespa).  

A classic Vespa Smallframe

The new vehicle is not only 100% electric but is also much quieter than its gas-powered competitors. Instead of a gas tank under the seat, the Elettrica houses helmet storage, a batter, and charging cable. Other features include smartphone connectivity, a specialized app that can be used hands-free, and a “maintenance free” engine.

The change to electric, however, does not come cheap. Starting prices are $7,000.

As vehicles increasingly trend towards electric and scooters seem to be following the same trend, Honda has also announced that it will be offering its Super Cub as an electric alternative.

Honda’s long-awaited EV Cub

First entering the market in the 50’s, the Super Cub is the world’s most-produced motor vehicle in history. It is particularly popular in Asia as a main form of transportation.

The EV Cub, first introduced in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, continues to be elusive. Last seen and mentioned in 2016 at the Bangkok Motor Show with the promise of imminent availability to follow in Japan, and then the rest of the world, it still seems to be in production.

Differing from the Vespa Elettrica, the Honda EV Cub will have removable batteries that can be charged within the home. It also boasts a quiet engine but also a sleeker and lighter design that stays true to the Cubs of old.

A classic Honda Cub, showcasing the similarities in the design

At the time of this article, we were unable to find pricings for the EV Cub. However, if the Vespa Elettrica is anything to go on (and the overall trend of electric vehicles being more expensive) it will likely also have a hefty price tag.

For those who are seeking to invest in electric transportation, or those living in areas who are making it a necessity, big names in the scooter world are now making their offerings as well. As the world shifts to electric options, more options continue to become available to consumers.

Economists Agree, the Strongest Investment isn’t the Stock Market, it’s Energy Efficiency

Real estate can be a tricky market, and one that has surely seen its share of ups and downs in recent years. For buildings large and small, it’s hard to think of an investment that pays back in 4 years or less, but energy efficiency is just that. In a 2012 study, Deutsche Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation found $1 trillion dollars could be saved over a decade by retrofitting buildings. Furthermore, this investment in energy efficiency creates jobs, and leads to more consumers, and a stronger economy overall.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.

-Benjamin Franklin

So why don’t more institutions and builders go all in on energy efficiency? There are a wide range of answers, but the main answer is that many take a cynical approach when weighing the value of energy efficiency investments, believing that if it seems too good to be true, it must not be. But this is increasingly becoming an outmoded way of thought. As Benjamin Franklin said “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.

Research by American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a widely respected authority on energy efficiency in the US points clearly to a strong return on investments in energy efficiency. Quoting their findings, “States increased investments in energy efficiency in the utility sector. They spent nearly $8.0 billion last year, up from $7.6 billion in 2016. The result was a 7.3% increase in electricity savings (nearly 26.5 million megawatt-hours) — enough to power about 2.5 million US homes per year.”

A 2018 Energy Information Administration (EIA) Energy Investment Report that found energy efficiency saw a higher percentage of growth in investment than any other industry. What’s great about this investment aside from better, more efficient and comfortable buildings? Well, it pays dividends for the job market too. The group E2 found that energy efficiency jobs were the number one growth industry sector for clean energy jobs, seeing 3.4% growth from the previous year. For the economy at large this is good news, because higher employment numbers equal more consumer dollars.

The benefits are many to both homeowners and the economy at large when making your home more energy efficient. If cost is a barrier, PosiGen offers affordable packages that bundle energy efficiency upgrades with solar leasing, leading to sizable savings on utility bills including monthly payments. We’ve had extensive experience in energy efficiency and solar energy since 2011, helping homeowners make their homes energy efficient and resilient in New Orleans, LA. Since then we’ve increased our reach and effort to bring energy savings to homes across the US. If you are a homeowner in Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey, reach out to our renewable energy and energy efficiency experts today and find out how we can help you save on monthly

ALICE And The “Energy Burden” of Louisiana.

ALICE is an individual known by many, even if they do not realize it. They go to work, pay their bills, raise families, etc. They are productive members of society, but are different in a few ways. But who is ALICE? ALICE, is an acronym that describes a certain type of household: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed household.

ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed

ALICE is a threshold of sorts. A threshold that is above the Federal Poverty Level, but below a basic survival threshold. ALICE households are working households, composed of men and women; young and old; urban, suburban, and rural; all races and ethnicities; and they live in every parish of Louisiana. They work hard for their earnings, but still do not earn enough to afford the five basic household necessities of housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. In Louisiana, there are 368,682 ALICE households, while another 327,037 households live below the poverty level. In total, 40 percent of Louisiana households earn below the ALICE threshold.

Alice households are working households, composed of men and women; young and old; urban, suburban, and rural; all races and ethnicities; and they live in every parish of Louisiana.

Factors such as housing affordability, better employment opportunities, and public transportation infrastructure (to name only a few) all contribute to a homeowner’s classification within the ALICE threshold. Combine this with the energy burden of many households in Louisiana, and we start to see a serious problem.

The ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy) defines “Energy Burden” as the percentage of a households income that goes toward energy costs, specifically the monthly utility bill. In the city of New Orleans, a quarter of low-income households in New Orleans experienced and energy burden of greater than 19 percent.

This burden is not at the fault of the homeowners, but it is where the burden rests. Many factors such as a depleting job infrastructure, inefficient housing conditions, and rising energy rates all contribute to the energy burden that many homeowners face today.

A significant portion of many low-income household’s earning are spent on energy utilities, and not just in New Orleans. Take Memphis for example: the median income for low-income households in Memphis is around $19,000, and they can spend upwards of $2,500 to $4,700 a year on utilities. Families like these households, who devote higher proportions of their income to utility bills, may have to make trade-offs between heating and cooling their homes and affording other important necessities, such as food, medicine, and childcare.

In New Orleans, low-income families spend on average almost 10 percent of their income on energy bills. This puts New Orleans in 4th place in the nation when it comes to the percent of income spent on utilities.

These findings help supercharge PosiGen’s mission of providing solar energy and energy efficiency to homeowners that need it most. PosiGen’s comprehensive solar energy package can be the help that homeowners need to ease the energy burden on their households.

When making your home more efficient, it starts with a desire to save on monthly energy bills. If cost is a barrier, PosiGen offers affordable packages that bundle energy efficiency upgrades with solar leasing, leading to sizable savings on utility bills, including monthly payments. We’ve had extensive experience in energy efficiency and solar energy since 2011, helping homeowners make their homes energy efficient and resilient in New Orleans, LA. Since then we’ve increased our reach and effort to bring energy savings to homes across the US. If you are a homeowner in Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey, reach out to our renewable energy and energy efficiency experts today and find out how we can help you save on monthly bills!

More information on the ALICE threshold here.

More information on the energy burden here.

Profiles in Energy Efficiency – Geothermal Energy for Homeowners with Dandelion Energy

Geothermal energy is often misunderstood. Many people hear ‘geothermal’ and they are reminded of Yellowstone and geysers that spew hot water hundreds of feet into the air because of geothermal processes. Or perhaps they think of the geothermal energy that generates electricity by using geothermal vents that come from deep below the earth’s crust. Either one would present a problem for anyone looking to heat or cool their home using geothermal. Safety aside, there would be limited opportunities to take part in geothermal energy because of geography. Thankfully, that’s not the case.

Home geothermal, also known as ‘ground source heat pump’ is much more convenient for homeowners and are a highly efficient way to heat and cool homes. How efficient? Dandelion energy, a company from Google’s subsidiary Alphabet claims that homeowners can save up to 50% on their heating and cooling bills. That’s a pretty hefty margin, and savings like these can add up over time.

So how does it work? Well it’s based on a unique truth about the temperature below and above ground that geothermal heat pumps take advantage of. When the weather above ground causes temperatures to fluctuate, around 10 feet below ground, the temperature stays a constant 55 degrees regardless of the time of year. Those homeowners with basements that stay a consistent 55 degree temperature in the winter or summer may have recognized this phenomenon.

It was only a matter of time before geothermal systems were created that took advantage of this effect, and because of advances in technology, the upfront costs and efficiency has made geothermal systems much more economical for homeowners. Dandelion Energy even offers a payment plan for customers that cannot pay upfront costs, ensuring customers start saving from day one!

When making your home more efficient, it starts with a desire to save on monthly energy bills. If cost is a barrier, PosiGen offers affordable packages that bundle energy efficiency upgrades with solar leasing, leading to sizable savings on utility bills, including monthly payments. We’ve had extensive experience in energy efficiency and solar energy since 2011, helping homeowners make their homes energy efficient and resilient in New Orleans, LA. Since then we’ve increased our reach and effort to bring energy savings to homes across the US. If you are a homeowner in Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey, reach out to our renewable energy and energy efficiency experts today and find out how we can help you save on monthly bills!

Weather Too Hot or Too Cold, Energy Efficiency is the Answer

With Groundhog Day behind us and the first day of Spring fast upon us, we look back on a particularly fierce winter in much of the country this past year. While we survived this year’s polar vortex and winter storms, we will inevitably have to brace for this year’s heatwaves too. On the positive side, we live in the modern world and can flip a switch to make our homes warmer or cooler, but the true challenge is how we can do that without seeing our bills skyrocket.

A majority of the time we find ourselves paying for things that could be an affordable fix in our homes. In the case of energy efficiency, an ounce of prevention is still the best cure, simply because benefits and savings accrue from the moment measures are implemented. For instance, an average household can spend up to 25% on energy they could simply avoid using with energy efficiency. It’s more than just double pane windows and insulating every square inch of wall space, though these measures can certainly lower bills in a big way. There are easy measures one can take that lower bills during these fluctuations in energy costs too. Furthermore, energy efficiency is a much cheaper resource than simply adding more power to the grid. Typically it costs 2 to 3 times less than traditional power sources according to the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy)!

Courtesy of the US Department of Energy

A great example is an effort in the 80’s to retrofit homes to become more energy efficient by the group Alliance to Save Energy and Pacific Power and Light in Hood River, Oregon. 85% of the homes in the community received upgrades including ceiling insulation, storm windows, caulking, door weather-stripping, and outlet gaskets (warm and cool air is often lost through air leaks around electrical outlets). When the region was hit by a cold snap the following winter, Pacific Power and Light found that the strain on the grid was not only greatly reduced in Hood River, but also that energy savings were greater than those at any other time of the year!

This is an important lesson, since it’s often found that most power plants have difficulty operating at full capacity in extreme hot or cold weather. In these cases, energy efficiency is the most resilient resource, helping ease the strain on the electrical grid and lowering otherwise expensive energy bills. The point being, energy efficiency saves money on a large scale by simply adding resilience to the grid and saving utilities and their customers from costly repairs.

Depending on what you do, energy efficiency efforts could save your house at least 5% on bills

The benefits are many and the drawbacks are few when making your home more energy efficient. If cost is a barrier, PosiGen offers affordable packages that bundle energy efficiency upgrades with solar leasing, leading to sizable savings on utility bills, including monthly payments. We’ve had extensive experience in energy efficiency and solar energy since 2011, helping homeowners make their homes energy efficient and resilient in New Orleans, LA. Since then we’ve increased our reach and effort to bring energy savings to homes across the US. If you are a homeowner in Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey, reach out to our renewable energy and energy efficiency experts today and find out how we can help you save on monthly bills!

Profiles in Solar – Abita Springs’ Solar Beer

The taste of a refreshing cold beer on a sunny day is a comfort to be had on a hot day in Louisiana, but if that beer was brewed with the power of the sun, it certainly makes for a warm feeling.  In Abita Springs, LA, just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Abita brewery does just that, working hard to create signature craft brews enjoyed all across the country.  All while a whopping 340 solar panels, kicking out 84 kW of energy on a sunny day sit atop the roof of the idyllic town of Abita Springs, LA.  

The original site of the Abita Brewery in downtown Abita Springs, established in 1986 by Jim Patton and Rush Cumming is now the Abita Brew Pub

Brewed with fresh water from legendary artesian springs which lends a signature taste to their brews unlike any other Abita is a unique brew in a unique American town. With bold and distinct flavors like Wrought Iron IPA, smooth classics like Abita Amber, and TurboDog Ale, which was named “the best beer in America” by Stuff Magazine along with many more. Abita brewery has distinguished itself as a serious craft brewery with broad appeal that also has an eye on sustainability.

This was a conscious choice, but one that has been part of a growing trend in the community as well as breweries nationwide. It’s not just the breweries however, in March of 2017, the Town Council and Mayor of Abita Springs Greg Lemons adopted a resolution to transition the quaint city to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2030. As the mayor sees it “We have lots of sun in Louisiana to put to good use in reducing our energy costs!”

In 2013 Abita increased its brewing output from 150 to 400 bottles of beer a minute, the same year they went solar!

There are a lot of reasons why solar makes sense in a sun drenched place like Louisiana, but for a business the average payback on a solar system can be as low as 5 years and can qualify for incentives if tied to agriculture. Additionally, Abita brewery has pledged to be amongst the most energy efficient breweries in the country, and many others are joining this trend. Which means they keep their energy bills down, while keeping production up. Next time you go to the bar and order an Abita Amber (simply called ‘Amber’ in New Orleans), whether in Louisiana or any number of outlets across the US, you can delight in the fact that it was brewed to perfection with the power of the sun!

PosiGen is always excited to see the versatility of solar and energy efficiency in bringing affordable energy solutions businesses and communities in Louisiana. What makes our company most proud is the opportunity to enhance communities by bringing monthly savings on energy bills to homeowners in the regions we serve. If you are a homeowner in Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey call us and see what we can do for you!

4 Energy Efficiency Renovations for the Outside of the House That Will Save You $$$

A comfortable home is a happy home, and when it comes to happiness, saving money on monthly utility bills and having a comfortable indoor climate goes a long way. It’s important to understand though, it’s not always just what’s inside that counts. Sometimes there are energy efficiency upgrades that you can do on the outside that count just as much!

1. Double up your window panes

According to Energy Star, replacing single pane windows with double pane windows can save up to $340. If that’s not an option, weatherstripping your windows to prevent the outdoor breezes from becoming indoor breezes can make heating and cooling cheaper for your household.

2. The roof over your head

Depending on your budget, or your needs, there are many options for making your roof a more efficient structure that helps keep . Insulation helps keep the temperature in your home consistent and comfortable. Additionally, a well insulated roof adds to the durability of your roof and prevents costly repairs!

3. Insulated siding is key

Speaking of insulation, having insulated vinyl siding, which has a foam backing will keep heat in and do it cost efficiently, preventing costly repairs and maintenance. Choice of building material however is just as crucial. Dense materials like brick or wood can add an additional barrier to the building envelope which makes it easier to retain a comfortable indoor climate. Though it may be a stretch for some, structures like those found in the Southwest United States using adobe plaster still maintain some of the tightest building envelopes!

a modern kitchen / modern acoutrements / and classic styling

4. Efficient doors can open up to savings

Weatherstripping can help decrease airflow in and out of your home, making heating and cooling more effiicient, but sometimes you just need to invest in a more efficient door. What makes an energy efficient door? Look for an Energy Star sticker for one thing, but a good rule of thumb is to invest in swinging doors over sliding glass doors. Also, metal doors often require less maintenance than their wood counterparts, saving additional money.

It’s the little things that count

Keeping your indoor space comfortable and energy efficient often requires attention to the outside of the building envelope. These little things add up to a big piece of the pie. Things like planting shade trees to keep out the hot summer sun. Or re-caulking areas that show peeling or cracking caulk. In the end, just car maintenance, energy efficiency is about preventive measures, rather than tackling problems as they arise. Happy savings, and remember, PosiGen is here for energy efficiency and solar leasing if and when you choose to go that route!

Beware of Vampire Load!

It is an often told story. A creature that lives in the shadows of our collective conscious and although we don’t always notice, it preys upon our wallets. A shape shifting terror that has existed as long as we have had AC outlets. I’m speaking of course about ‘vampire load’.

Also known by the names ‘phantom load’ or ‘standby power’, it’s estimated that electricity ratepayers lose roughly $3 Billion (with a B!) a year to
to the electricity that appliances use just by being plugged in when they are turned off!

It may not be much of a strain on the grid to have your electric razor charging, but if you were to zoom out and consider all the other small appliances, as well as televisions and microwaves on standby, the impact is much greater. What’s more, is that up to 25% of energy consumption by a home happens when these gadgets are off.

Perhaps the oldest example of vampire power is television. Back in the late 60’s, televisions were adapted so that certain parts remained on and didn’t have to ‘warm up’. This consequently put an added strain on energy bills, but considering the addition of numerous gadgets in the past 50 years that strain has been multiplied many times over. Take for instance a cell phone AC charger. Regardless of whether or not a phone is charged, some AC adapters can draw up to 50% of the electricity used to charge a phone.

Although this invasion of electricity vampires can be overwhelming, the good news is, you can be a vampire hunter and put a stake through those high energy bills with a few simple tips.

1. Buy a Smart Power Strip. This addition literally makes your energy use smarter by turning off power to devices that are plugged in but not on.
2. When buying appliances, always look for an Energy Star sticker. According to the Energy Star website, since its inception in 1992 “ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped save American families and businesses more than  $450 billion and over 3.5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity while also achieving broad emissions reductions—all through voluntary action.” With a track record like that, flipping your old appliances and investing in Energy Star certified products can go a long way in combatting vampire load.
3. Invest in monitoring hardware like Sense to find out what might be drawing phantom power, and then decide whether or not it needs to be plugged in.

It may seem to be a daunting task to combat this scourge on our grid, but if enough households invest in these solutions we can all be a little more energy efficient. To see how PosiGen can help you be more energy efficient, contact a renewable energy representative today, and see how you can save on your electricity bill!

Net Metering Under Attack in Louisiana

Homeowners in Louisiana have seen some big savings by going solar. However, this could soon change if net metering is taken away.

Our customers have enjoyed many years of double benefits – the positive environmental impact of rooftop solar and energy bill savings through net metering programs. However, this may soon change as the Louisiana Public Service Commission is being pressured to end all net metering.

What is net metering and what does this all mean for solar customers? Net metering allows utility customers who are generating electricity from their solar systems to feed unused electricity back to the grid for a credit on their electric bill. Most homeowners produce more electricity during the day than they consume, and this offset balances out the higher usage typically seen in the evenings when solar panels aren’t producing as much. Without net metering, there would be no regulation of what utility companies were obligated to reimburse their customers for energy they feed back to the grid.

There is also potential for utilities to charge additional fees for having rooftop solar. If this sounds outlandish, just take look at our neighboring state: Alabama. In an article published by Green Tech Media it was revealed that not only did Alabama lack net metering, but Alabama Power (the utility responsible for two-thirds of the state’s service area) was charging some of its customers $5 per month for each kilowatt of solar installed on their homes. Over the 30-year life of a 7kW system (our standard size), that would cost $10,800 just to have the system on your roof.

What is there to do? Speak out! Residents of Louisiana, especially those with solar, you need to make your voices heard and let your Commissioner know how you feel! Solar has helped thousands of residents in the state take control of their energy costs and ending net metering could hurt the communities that benefit most from our programs.

Below is a map of the different districts covered by our Commissioners, as it is not parish-specific.

To make it easier, below you’ll find information for the Commissioners for each district. Not sure which district is yours? Visit the Louisiana State Voter Portal and enter your address. The results will include you Public Service Commission District.

District 1 Eric Skrmetta: 504-846-6930

District 2 Craig Greene: 225-765-5031

District 3 Lambert Boissiere III: 504-680-9529

District 4 Mike Francis: 337-514-2000

District 5 Foster Campbell – 318-676-7464

Still can’t figure out which District you belong to? Don’t fret! There is also a contact number for the LPSC Main Office: 225-342-4999 or 800-256-2397

Please join us in asking our Public Service Commissioners to preserve the benefits of solar in the State of Louisiana and let it keep making such a positive impact on families!

Profiles in Energy Efficiency: Net Zero Decker Homes

A holy grail in the field of energy efficient buildings for many years, net zero facilities have long been out of reach. However, now that prices for technologies like solar energy and heat pumps have been decreasing, net zero buildings often have a much shorter payback period than previously. The Michigan company Decker Homes started by entrepreneur Bill Decker has embraced this trend, and his firm has proven that net zero building in colder climates like those in his native North Midwest region are a net profit!

Starting in 1981, Decker Homes’ has decades of experience in energy efficient home design, but due to recent advances in building science, net zero is becoming mainstream. Furthermore, something that Bill Decker long suspected, net zero homes can be built nearly anywhere, even the hottest or coolest climates according to recent study by Rocky Mountain Institute.

The cumulative effect of LED lighting, triple-pane windows, energy efficient appliances, smart thermostats and well insulated and sealed attics lowers the energy demand of occupants. When energy demand is lowered, this demand can be met by rooftop solar and newer innovations like air source heat pumps and residential battery storage.

Of course, factors like the cost of electricity in a given area, and so-called Time of Use rates set by utilities influence the effectiveness of net zero houses to make back the investment on energy efficiency measures, but largely these investments present a net gain in less than 14 years on average. In Detroit, MI, where winters can be harsh, and aging houses can be challenging for occupants to keep warm, the average return on a net zero building investment is roughly 9 years! Additionally, there’s a benefit to the grid when homes require less electricity to power them. For this reason, net zero homes present a net gain for not only homeowners, but also to their surrounding communities!

Net zero homes certainly are a modern marvel in housing, but even with modest energy efficiency upgrades and solar the average household can save on monthly energy bills. If you want help making your home more energy efficient and self reliant with solar power and energy efficiency, and live in the state of Louisiana, Connecticut or New Jersey, reach out to PosiGen today!