I firmly believe that implementing renewable energy systems is the right thing to do for the planet, for our children, for ourselves, and for future generations.  It is  a necessity for a sustainable future for all, around the world.

Sky Factory’s solar array, is a manifestation of a consensus-based company that  represents a unified desire to develop and act on that type of inner knowledge and belief, and make it a reality.

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Sky Factory’s 54kW, 3,500 sq. ft. solar array will generate 104% of their own company’s power needs. It is the largest privately owned solar array in Iowa.
Sky Factory Flips the Switch To Become the First Net-Zero Solar Powered Business in Iowa.

On Thursday, June 7, 2012, The Sky Factory, designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, is a global fine art and technology company based in Fairfield, Iowa.  They will “flip the switch” to become Iowa’s first net-zero solar powered business.   The photovoltaic panel array generates 54 kilowatts of power,  and will be the largest privately owned solar array in Iowa.

You can join with The Sky Factory, to celebrate the launch of this landmark renewable energy system. You’ll hear from Mayor Ed Malloy, as to  why Oprah calls Fairfield, one of the greenest communities in America.  You can also, tour the solar array, and learn about the latest in solar technology from former US Navy SEAL and Ideal Energy owner Troy VanBeek, Founder Bill Witherspoon,  Amy Greenfield, and Sky Factory employee-owners.

Fairfield youth will also present their ideas and share their thoughts on, what it means to serve as an “Eco-conscience” of the future. They will discuss sustainability and pledge to serve as the “eco-conscience” of their family, school, community, and the world.  There you can also witness,  the group signing of the original Eco-Conscience Pledge, and honor Fairfield youth -as our “eco-conscience” of the future.

All of this takes place at The Sky Factory on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
801 N. 18th Street (between Stone and Gear Avenues) in
Fairfield, Iowa 52556

11:00 A.M. – Tours of the Sky Factory, the new solar array, and organic garden featuring greenhouse with rocket stove, composting system, and just arrived baby chicks.

11:30 A.M. – Presentations by Sky Factory founder Bill Witherspoon, and Mayor Ed Malloy. Ideal Energy owners Troy VanBeek,  Amy Greenfield,  and Sky Factory employee-owners will be there.

11:50 A.M. – The celebration will culminate in a collective “flipping the switch” to launch the Sky Factory as a net-zero solar powered company. From that point on, Sky Factory’s Illusions of Nature products, in primary use as stress-relieving technologies in healthcare facilities, will be created with wholesome, solar-made electricity.

12:00 PM – Interview opportunities and continuation of tours.

Sky Factory creates Illusions of Nature with virtual skylights and windows – that transform interior environments and enliven our innate biophilia. Products are designed and manufactured in Fairfield, Iowa, and distributed globally through a network of authorized International Partners. The company founded the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) in 2008.  The mission of its non-profit organization is to initiate and support the development, research and implementation of sustainable systems that are locally and globally relevant.

Sky Factory was inspired by Jack Eastman, long-time Sierra Club leader and Sky Factory’s own eco-conscience.  That inspiration, led the company to  investigate and implement sustainable practices throughout. Their total recycling, new energy conserving building, and implementation of a renewable energy system, all sprang from Jack’s dedication to an eco-centric awareness of life and living.

Furthermore, for the last several decades bio-evolutionary science, has been honing the idea that human beings have an innate love of nature, called biophilia. This instinctive attraction to nature, has been dampened by the way modern life has distanced us from contact and connection with nature.  By enlivening our inherent biophilia , we are drawn closer to our roots in the natural world. It renews our sensitivity to the wonder of nature, and delivers proven benefits for body, mind and spirit.

The Sky Factory’s primary business and goal, is to create illusions of nature that enliven biophilia.  In turn, enlivened biophilia promotes a life deeply rooted with nature. As our instinctive appreciation and love of nature grows, we care for nature with greater enthusiasm and understanding.  Sky Factory has worked toward building  better tomorrows, by bringing nature and healthy illusions together indoors.

Who would have thought that there is a profile on who decides to go solar at home.  The results of a survey are here in this info- graphic by 1Bog. By clicking on the link you will be able to view the graphic full size.

The surprising thing to me on the information presented here, is the fact that most people don’t do go solar for the sake of helping the environment.  The decision is made primarily to help the wallet of the purchaser.  Most purchasers of solar systems are middle of the road income earners, who are liberal conservatives.  They care more about jobs, than they do about the environment, and regard their decision to purchase a solar system, basically as a wise and sound financial investment.

Solar systems can be paid off  in as little as five years. Depending on the cost of electricity in your area, they give you a good return on your investment, especially after they are paid for.

I hope you find this idea as interesting and informative as I did.  Consider solar in your “green” future, while working toward a better tomorrow!

Where We Rank In Solar Power

The blog entitled 1bog, stands for One Block off the Grid.  I wanted to pass along their new infographic: The Top Ten Countries Using Solar. The graphic explores the rapid growth of the solar power market in Europe, and how we here in the U.S., rank and measure up.

To view this graphic as a full page visit this link. Infographic: The Top Ten Countries Using Solar .

Where We Rank in Solar Power- Germany is the leader

According to this graphic, Germany has set the pace in solar power growth since 2010.  They continue to attract investors with remarkable low prices, and a feed-in tariff, that has allowed for price certainty and long term contracts.  They are now in the best position in Europe, to consider self consumption,  making a smooth transition and integration of solar systems into the grid.

Where We Rank- 7th in Solar Power

Here in the U.S. the solar power market is poised for rapid growth. However, we rank seventh on the global scale. The rising cost of electricity, along with a high level of insulation (meaning how much sunshine we get) has consumers looking to the sun for economic answers.  California, dominates the U.S. solar power market, with 60% of all installations. They also boast a very good school, called Boots on the Roof.  In a prior post of mine, Put Your Green Boots on the Roof, I spoke of how the school offers top notch, training and certification in solar installations.

In recent news, a California based company called Wagan Tech, is making available solar power generators available for in home installation, and at great prices.  As for where we rank in solar power, it could be better.  But, we have planned projects, that represent strong future growth, and a consumer market that is looking to green up with solar power.  We are working toward a better tomorrow and a brighter and greener future.