LSEA Renewable Energy & Sustainability Directory

This Directory is aimed at the western Lake Superior region: Duluth, Superior, Northeast Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin, Iron Range, Minnesota North Shore, Wisconsin South Shore.

Link Categories

Local Vendors - Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

Renewable Energy contractors/installers/sale of Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Wood-burning

Conservation Technologies, Duluth, MN (solar PV, solar hot water, ventilation) http://www.conservtech.com/
Great Northern Solar, Port Wing, WI (solar PV) http://www.cheqnet.net/~gosolar/
RREAL, Pine River, MN (solar PV, solar air heat) http://www.rreal.org/
Energy Plus (wood stoves, etc), Duluth, MN http://www.energy-plus.com/
Duluth Stove (wood stoves, etc) Duluth, MN http://www.duluthstove.com
Malley Firewood (wood supplier) Duluth, MN http://www.malleyfirewood.com/
Nordic Firewood (wood supplier) Duluth, MN http://www.nordicfirewood.com/
Northland Geothermal (geothermal) Cloquet,MN http://northlandgeothermal.com/
Summit Mechanical (geothermal) Duluth, MN http://www.summitmech.net
Bluewater Mechanical (geothermal) Duluth, MN http://bluewatermechanical.com/

A note on complexities: Things aren't always clear-cut in "renewables". examples.. - Geothermal: concerns and issues, see geothermal section in our Technologies area - solar panels: A large amount of embodied (energy needed to create) energy in PV panels, and wood stoves for that matter too. How much fossil fuel energy went into making your solar panel? how many years of taking in sun energy would it take to equal the amount of fossil fuel energy original used to make the panel? - wood stoves: some communities have banned wood stoves in new-home-construction because of wood smoke pollution in populated areas. Also concerns about "outdoor wood boiler" emissions. See "Straight Answers to Tough Questions about Wood Heat" in our Suggested Reading area
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Building/house design, weatherization/retrofit, builders/contractors, Examples

Energy Efficiency (E.E.) topics...

E.E. WEATHERIZATION

DEEP webpage, http://duluthenergy.org/
"One-Stop-Shop" with information for household energy improvements

E.E. DESIGN

Wagner-Zaun http://www.wagnerzaun.com/
Carly Coulson http://www.carlycoulson.com/

E.E. BUILDERS or CONTRACTORS

Meteek http://www.meteek.com/ (Duluth)
Dan Coda Construction http://codaconstruction.org/ (Duluth)
Better World Builders http://bwbduluth.com/ (Duluth)
Conservation Technologies http://www.conservtech.com (Duluth)

Technologies - Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

- Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency technologies, methods & terms
and what we recommend for our area

"WHAT R.E. and E.E. IS .. or ISN'T

Solar Photovoltaics (solar electricity / solar panels)
-manufactured cells that convert sun power into electricity.

Solar Hot-water heat

- usually tube system that captures heat from sun and transfers it into house to make hot water. Can also as simple as dark painted containers filled with water, warming it up directly.

Solar air heat

- technology for capturing sun-heated air and putting it into a house to warm it up in cold weather. (see http://rreal.org)

Passive Solar

- capturing solar energy to warm the inside of a house or building, without aid of mechanical or conventional energy. (sun coming through a south window on a winter day)

Wind - small scale

http://www.windustry.org/your-wind-project/home-and-farm-scale-wind/home...

Windustry says: " Home and farm scale wind refers to wind energy systems that are generally less than 100 kW in capacity and produce electrical power for on-site use"

http://www.windustry.org/the-scale-of-modern-wind-turbines (windmill sizes)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=small-scale-wind-power ( Tilting at Windmills: Is Small-Scale Turbine Power Viable--Or Just an Illusion? - Oct. 2008)

"Community Wind" (what does this buzz word mean. )

- "a wind project that is a community-owned asset" (see = http://www.windustry.org/communitywind

- http://www.mnpower.com/powerofone/one_community/wind_project/index.htm (MP's support for community wind, via CIP funding)

Geothermal

In our region, the common use of "Geothermal" is via Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heat_pump (wikipedia)

LSEA note: In terms of efficiency, cost and environmental impact -climate,etc. Geothermal / GSHP is a complex topic. Geothermal / GSHP has many variables. The "P" in GSHP is a pump that needs electricity to run. The cost of electricity is not fixed or guarenteed across time. The climate effect can be differant depending on whether your electricty supplier burns coal or uses wind or hydro or nuclear. ..or you generate your own solar electricity.

Geothermal / GSHP is a complex topic. There are differing opinions depending on your point of view (enthusiasts, doubter or un-informed.). Currently (2010 / 2011 / 2012) there is a ongoing University of Minnesota study of multiple GSHP installations in Minnesota. The goal is to record and analyze energy input, overhead and outputs of these systems. They will be looking at cost, payback and comparing to conventional heating/cooling methods.

GSHP info, faq, (from CERTS) = http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/ technology/geothermal

GSHP FAQ (from gshp industry group) = http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/geothermal/faq.htm

Is a GSHP the same as having a coal stove? = http://www.sun-volt.com/blog/2009/01/03/ground-source-heat-pump-same-as-... (This blogger does some math where he says GSHP *is* better energy-effic. then coal stove. He also adds that GSHP "...are not 500% efficient, as some companies would have you believe, but are greater than 100% efficient if properly designed and installed." )

Building Science

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_science

http://www.buildingscience.com/index_html

SIPS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_insulated_panel

"SIPs, are a composite building material. They consist of an insulating layer of rigid polymer foam sandwiched between two layers of structural board" (wikipedia)

"...a well-built home using SIPs will have a tighter building envelope and the walls will have higher insulating properties, which leads to fewer drafts and a decrease in operating costs" (wikipedia)

Blown-in Insulation
- Fiberglass, - Cellulose, - Foam (spray)

Fiberglass Insulation (rolls)

- a standard way to insulate stud walls

Cellulose & Natural Fiber insulation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_insulation

Use of natural plant fiber as insulation. (loose fill, wet spray, stablilized, low dust)

Double Wall construction

Building two walls to allow for a thick amount of insulation sandwiched between them.

(and)

"These expanded wall systems were developed to accommodate very high levels of insulation, to ensure that the air/vapour barrier would not be penetrated by electrical or plumbing systems and to eliminate the thermal bridging effect of the wood framing.

Double wall framing consists of a load bearing interior wall and a lighter framed exterior wall that supports the exterior finishes" (from - http://www.r2000manitoba.com/above_double.shtml)

http://www.theshifthome.com/wall-construction-icf-sips-or-double-wood-wa... (ICF's, SIP's, or double-wall?)

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/green-building-techn... (Interesting message-board about Double-Wall construction. Veteran builders of double-wall point out importance of proper vapor barrier)

Cement Wall exteriors

http://www.toolbase.org/ Technology-Inventory/walls/fiber-cement-siding ("Fiber Cement Siding ... termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible, and warranted to last 50 years")

http://www.inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Fiber_Cement_Siding.htm (Guide to Fiber Cement siding )

Strawbale Construction

- Some are in love with the idea of Strawbale construction, and there are a sprinkling of strawbale buildings are in northeast MN and northwest WISC (a handful on the southshore). Others caution that they must be built carefully in this climate - i.e.. concern about moisture/rot.

- North House Folk School, Grand Marias, MN - has traditonally scheduled a Strawbale building class ( Mark Morgan) in previous years. = http://www.northhouse.org/courses/courses/course.cfm/cid/113

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw-bale_construction

"Straw-bale construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly wheat, rice, rye and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both. This construction method is commonly used in natural building or "green" construction projects.

Advantages of straw-bale construction over conventional building systems include the renewable nature of straw, cost, easy availability, and high insulation value.^[2]^[3]^[4] Disadvantages include difficulty in designing for high wind, susceptibility to rot, potential danger from flammability and high space requirements for the straw itself.^[5]"(from wikipedia)

What is LEED?

"Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design)

Pro's: building to LEED certifications reduces energy use, as compared to usual building standards.

Con's: standards like Passive House have far deeper energy savings.

What is PASSIVEHOUSE?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_House

"Its refers to the rigorous, voluntary, Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint.^[1] It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling "

http://passivehouse.ca/ Canadian Passive House institute

http://www.passivehouse.us Passive House Institute U.S.

What is R-Value?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-value_%28insulation%29

The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance ^[1] used in the building and construction industry (How much heating .. or cooling...is retained in a building due to the insulation)

What is a blower door test?

A blower doore test mounts a fan on your front door to pull air out of your house (generally on a cold day in northern / cold climates) and then with an infrrared camera (still or video), one can detect cold air leaking in.

What about Wood Pellet Stoves?

Wood Pellet stoves burn "pelletized" wood, often from sawdust, that is said to burn at 90+% effciency. The convenience and ease makes it attractive and likely for more urban users to heat with this type of "wood". At the wikipedia page below, there is a detailed info and also *concerns* about climate effect & sustainability

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_pellet

Some concerns with wood pellet: Instead of taking straight from a forest, pellets add on (another?) middle-man / middle-factory as well as all the energy that processing / bagging / delivery. Why pellet industry often speak of best-practices and sustainably harvested wood, depends on which pellets you get. Also, with possible ramp-up of *more* pellet factories, there is an assumption that there are lots more forests to cut in Minnesota/Wisconsin and beyond. Are there really lots more forests to cut? are they being cut sustainably?

Also, there are complex climate concerns. On the one hand, Pellet-stove advocates say pellets can be using "wood that would have been wasted" and wasted / "un-used" wood would decay and cause climate gases anyway. On the other hand, Read the "pellet" wikipedia page above to see complexities of carbon-dioxide (burn it) versus methane (let it lay there).

What about Outdoor Wood Boilers?

* Outdoor Wood Boilers (OWB) regulated in Vermont = http://www.vtwoodsmoke.org/ (Vermont state goverment)

From vtwoodsmoke.org = "Old style OWBs cause dense smoke and many are equipped with very short smoke stacks so the smoke does not disperse well. This smoke endangers the health of you, your family and neighbors as well as the environment. The newer certified "Phase II" OWBs are a great improvement.

The claims from some OWB manufacturers about old style OWBs did not prove to be accurate with time and testing. "

* newer generation outdoor wood boilers (Phase II) are said to be more efficient and less polluting

* Q & A about Outdoor Wood Boilers (woodheat.org) = http://www.woodheat.org/qa-boilers.html

What about "regular" indoor wood stoves? (wood heat)

"regular" wood stoves are common-place in our region, but certainly get no where near the use that fossil fuels get for providing heat in the cold-weather months.

Wood is certainly our most obvious and local source of fuel and heat in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, our forests are finite and regrowth take years and decades. Sustainable harvesting & burning methods need to be used. Other "local" fuel discussion includes harvesting wood via Coppicing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppicing ), long practiced in Europe. This is cutting wood carefully while preserving the base. Depending on types, Wood can regrow from the base in shorter rotation (brush) or longer rotation (poles, wood) for fuel or other use. Obvious re-growers in our region include Alder and Aspen, while others can grow slower.

- seeking links on burning wood intelligently (burn seasoned - dry, etc,etc, clean chimney)

- seeking links on types of wood, btu's, which creasote chimney's more..and which dont

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/firewood.html (btu's, calif.)

- also see our "Straight Answers to Tough Questions About Wood Heat" link in our SUGGESTED READING section = http://www.lakesuperiorenergy.org/directory#reading

What about "rocket" stoves?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_stove

includes definition as well as links to buy or build your own.

example: http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/eco-rocket-stove.htm

critique / efficiency of Rocket stoves...->

Compare heating sources (price) http://www.stcroixstoves.com/compare.php

Rebates / Credits - Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

U.S. Federal Tax Credits (rewewables & energy saving)
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re...
(and)
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

U.S. Federal tax credit renewables extended through 2016
   30% tax credit
   - no limits on tax-credit for Solar PV and Solar water heat
   - limits on tax-credit for Geothermal, Fuel Cell on property, Small Wind

   U.S. Federal tax credit - energy efficiency thru end of 2011
   - 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300 depending on improvement
     (insulation, windows-doors,HVAC,some roofs, biomass stoves,water heater

Minnesota rebates / credits

Minnesota Power's directory of rebates and credits (energy efficiency,renewables,weatherization)
http://mnpower.com/powerofone/one_home/energystar/special_offers/index.php

http://mnpower.com/powerofone/

http://www.mnpower.com/powerofone/renewable_energy/solarsense/

http://www.mnpower.com/powerofone/renewable_energy/solarsense/solar_elec... -->> ** (As of 2011 - MN Power has solar PV rebates available. The solar electric system must be installed on or before December 31, 2011 . A $2,000 per kilowatt rebate, up to maximum of $4,000 from Minnesota Power. Rebates are limited to one per customer, per year, and are subject to availability of funding. Even though MN-state rebate funds are zero'ed out, MP still has you apply thru the MN state rebate form) **

Wisconsin rebates / credits

Renewable incentives (wisc)
http://www.focusonenergy.com/Incentives/Renewable/ (depends on your power suppliers - example: Superior Light & Power, Dahlberg Light & Power, XCEL participate, while Bayfield Electric Coop does not)

http://www.focusonenergy.com/files/Document_Management_System/Renewables... = Early 2011 ... Solar PV residential rebates can range from $300 to $6000 depending on size of system

Residential incentices (wisc) http://www.focusonenergy.com/Incentives/Residential/ (like appliances, assistance programs, heating-cooling, water heaters, home improvements, etc)

Peak Oil, Climate Change, Fiscal downturn

Peak Oil / Peak Energy, Climate Change and Fiscal Downturn
(news, info, blogs)
...info on the gathering storms..fiscal, energy, climate...

http://energybulletin.net = EB is the premier peak-energy, sustainability and transition website. Pure news and artticles, updated all the time!

http://theautomaticearth.blogspot.com = excellent fiscal trouble blog (u.s. / world) ...iLargi & Stoneleigh (Nicole Foss)

http://www.energybulletin.net/primer Peak Oil Primer (energy bulletin)

http://www.chrismartenson.com/ & http://www.chrismartenson.com/crashcourse = Chris Martenson's plain-talk site about energy, economy and environment. Free 21-part "Crash Course" basic online videos explain how finance & money system actually works in U.S. and the world.

http://www.realclimate.org/ = Climate Science from Climate Scientists!

http://carolynbaker.net/ = Carolyn Baker - "Speaking Truth to Power". No speaks the truth quite like Carolyn Baker. Updated blog / newswire. Online video & audio interviews. books = "Navigating the Coming Chaos (inner transition)" & "Sacred Demise".

- Nicole Foss links (text, audio, video/powerpoint)

What Can I Do?

What Can I do? - in the face of energy, climate, fiscal trouble

Sharon Astyk - top 200 things you can do ( *** excellent lists !! *** )

** 100 things to do to prepare for peak oil,etc
http://sharonastyk.com/writings2/100-things-you-can-do-to-get-ready-for-peak-oil2/
Spring Summer Fall Winter 

** the 2nd "100" things to do to prepare for peak oil,etc:

http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=2270
home garden clothing (1-48)

http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=2271
community family transportation (49-100)

- Transition Town

http://www.transitionus.org/transition-101   (Transition Town - U.S.)
This is the U.S. page, with much of similar info to UK,
 perhaps a smaller/easier read. see text below or click main link
 above...

"The Transition Model, as outlined in the Transition Handbook, provides
a framework which includes the following:

Guiding Principles http://transitionus.org/initiatives/7-principles
Guidelines http://transitionus.org/initiatives/guidelines
"12 Ingredients" http://transitionus.org/initiatives/12-steps
"7 Buts" http://transitionus.org/initiatives/7-buts
Scales http://transitionus.org/initiatives/scales

                == or ==

http://www.transitionnetwork.org/resources/transition-primer (Transition Town - UK)

This page has the chapter headlines of the "primer",as well as link to the 51-page PDF of the primer (this is english founded and refers to england alot)

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