RenewableEnergyAccess.com Q & A with Scott Sklar

Scott Sklar is President of The Stella Group in Washington, D.C., a distributed energy marketing and policy firm. Scott, co-author of "A Consumer Guide to Solar Energy", uses solar technologies for heating and power at his home in Virginia.
Have a question? Please contact Scott regarding new products, technologies or experiences for future Q&A columns.


So is Ethanol a Net-Energy Producer or Not?
Q: Controversy surrounds the use of ethanol, because, with certain exceptions, it is not regarded as a net energy producer. Could you please comment? ESB, Irvine, CA
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Should coal be used to create ethanol? Could ethanol itself be used instead?
Q: Rather than burning dirty coal to power ethanol plants, why not use this same ethanol to make more ethanol? Is this a good idea or a bad idea? What are the pro and cons? -- Kenneth M., Rockford, IL
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How Can We Get Solar Components and Assistance in Nigeria?
Q: How best do we get international agencies, organization, manufacturers, vendors, and individuals to be part of our developmental effort through financial assistance or donation of solar components? - Thanks, Ona O., Lagos, Nigeria (The small system I use at home as an alternative energy source is working so well given the fact I am using solar electricity now as there is a power outage. I also head Renewable Energy Development Initiative, a nongovernmental organization based in Nigeria to provide solar electricity to rural communities for lighting, radios, computers and access to the Internet, provision of clean water, refrigeration of vaccine and solar cooking and drying.)
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Will Biodiesel Get a Boost from the New EPA Diesel Mandates?
Q: Will the EPA mandated change to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel next October provide any stimulus for biodiesel in the U.S.? - Thomas S., Boston, MA
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How Can One Push for Renewable Energy in Developing Countries like Tanzania?
Q: How can I convince our country of Tanzania, which is blessed with sunshine almost 365 days a year, to go for renewable energy -- especially solar power? It is shameful to see that we don't use the renewable good energy we have free from God. Nyinisaeli G., Kigoma Tanzania
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Is there a New Case for Non-Conventional Hydropower Technologies?
Q: Sure there's the old hydropower technologies that we're all familiar with but I believe it could be more efficient to use the water power to compress air, using the principle of hydraulic air compression. The compressed air would be used in gas turbines, fired with fossil fuel or biofuel. Solar power might be able to supply some of the heat. In other words, turn the dam into a hydraulic air compressor. George F. Massillon OH
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How Does the US Compare to Europe with Biofuels?
Q: Given the high gas pump prices that have prevailed for years in Europe, have the Europeans gone significantly further than the US in producing alternative fuels (including methanol from coal)? If not, why not? Michael C, New York, NY
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Are Solar Technologies Viable in Northerly, Cooler Climates?
Q: I live in southwest Michigan and am interested in PV solar and solar water heating. But considering the sun only shines practically half of the year in this northerly state, how viable are either option for me as a homeowner. Should I look into wind power instead? Doug S, Battle Creek, MI
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The Karanja Plant for Biomass Purposes?
Q: I wish people would get away from talking PV and wind, or even reforestation and improved stoves. There's room for all those but liquid fuels seem to be most important and in my region of India, karanja was chosen over other oil producing plants as it had an edge over other varieties. The karanja plant is of Indian origin, remains green during summer and also needs no pesticides. What do you think of this renewable resource? R. M., India
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How did the silicon shortage situation catch so many by surprise?
Q: Dear Scott Sklar, I am having a hard time understanding how this so called "shortage" of raw materials used in the production of photovoltaic cells, manifested itself in the PV industry so quickly and with very little warning. It would almost seem suspicious of a marketing ploy to increase investor returns. For years, all I read was how PV module prices were getting better (which the prices stayed relatively the same, it was the technologies in production that produced better quality PV modules and longer warranties that got better) now in the course of one year, 2005, there is a "shortage" of raw materials and PV module prices are going through the roof. Can you shed some light on this for me? Sincerely, Thomas S, Castalia, NC Thomas,
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Solar PV: Buy Now or Wait for a Better Deal Later?
Q: Dear Scott, I'm seriously considering adding PV to my passive solar home. I've heard a rumor that new, more efficient PV technology is on the horizon. Should I wait a few years to get the most effective PV system? Evette H., Chapel Hill, NC
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Federal Solar Tax Credit: Do I Focus on the Credit or the Cap?
Q: I'm struggling to decide whether to focus my solar water heating system marketing with a highlight on the 30% tax credit as opposed to a $2,000 figure. Frankly I would love to charge $6,700 per residential SHW install, but wanted your view. - Compiled from several e-mails
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Is 'Waste-to-Energy' Really a Renewable Energy Process?
Q: I recently saw notice of a trash-to-energy plant being proposed for construction in Ireland. It said this project was eligible for renewable energy credits. Do you believe this to be true? I have never heard trash considered in this category. Jim M. , Windsor CT
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Why can't we get a standard net-metering policy across the entire country?
Q: The Net-Metering standards in every area are very different. It's by Utility here in Arizona. Some only give avoided cost of about 1/3 the real cost. For time of day they want extra for special meters, and some zero out each month, quarter or year end. Why can't we get a standard net-metering policy across the entire country? -- Jim S., Chandler, AZ
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What is the current largest single wind turbine ever built?
Q: What is the current largest single wind turbine ever built? I know of a GE turbine circa 2003 that is rated for 3.6 MW, but I thought there were offshore turbines planned as large as 100 MW for a single turbine? Please let me know. Jim B., Alberta, Canada
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What are some opportunities in renewable energy for small investors like me...
Q: I am a small business owner. I am looking to invest in the renewable energy sector. I would like to know more about the business opportunities for small investors in this sector. Sarah O, Frisco, TX
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How Can Homes and Businesses Cope with Rising Energy Prices?
Q: I am a high school senior in New England. A recent "Current Events" project at school involved reading news articles on the rising costs of home heating oil, gasoline and natural gas. So I was wondering what would you first recommend for a home or small business to deal with these higher energy costs? MJ, Hartford, CT
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House Resale Value Rises with Solar Installations
Q: I have been looking into adding solar panels to my house. I would like to for the environmental benefits, but I know that my wife is concerned about what this will do to the property value of our house. Do you know if there is anywhere that shows concrete evidence as to how solar panels affect the resale value of your home? I am sure that if there is solid evidence that solar panels increase a home's value that this would be a great selling point, not only to my wife, but for anyone. Kyle G - Vancouver, WA
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After Katrina: Rebuild with Solar?
Q: Should the US government make a policy to use solar energy products to re-build Katrina-affected states? --Pradeep M, Chhattisgarh, India
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Could photosynthesis be harnessed for electrical power?
Q: I was wondering if anyone is exploring the possibility of being able to extract electrical energy directly from trees? They do such a great job using photosynthesis, I thought someone might find a way to tap into this for energy. There's all that energy activity going that seems to be under-utilized. JB, Des Plaines, IL
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