Solarbration at Park District of Oak Park Recreation Complex
On April 27, 2019 Realgy, Eco Solar, and the Park District of Oak Park hosted Solarbration 2019. The event was a success with representation from over 5 neighboring park districts in attendance. More than 15 other districts requested information regarding the event and solar installation. The note-worthy project contributes to clean energy production and savings for Oak Park. Check out the video of the installation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6SQ05i9V_U
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://realgyenergyservices.com/ridgeland-recreation-complex-completes-addition-to-its-solar-power-project/
‘Land no one else wants’ gets solar as coal, nukes die
What does land contaminated with radioactivity from past nuclear accidents have in common with abandoned coal mines? Typically these lands are unsuitable for nearly any use.
Until solar energy is looked at.
Solar energy installations are turning these liabilities into productive energy and helping offset environmental damage.
A 20 year old contaminated coal site in Kentucky and the Chernobyl nuclear site are both being retrofitted for solar power generation.
Regions long dependent on traditional energy sources for jobs and tax revenues (such as Appalachian coal in Kentucky) are increasingly turning to solar and wind power. U.S. coal produced power continues to shrink (down 6.3 % in 2018), while wind and solar are growing to replace coal, oil, nuclear and natural gas.
Consider beyond the environmental benefits; wind generated electricity is the least costly energy source in the U.S. Reread that last sentence; yes, wind generated electricity costs are lower than any alternative including coal, nuclear and natural gas. This fact will drive its adoption further across the U.S. and the world.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
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Ridgeland Recreation Complex Completes Addition to its Solar Power Project
PRESS RELEASE
Ridgeland Recreation Complex Completes Addition to its Solar Power Project
MARCH 2019 | BY: REALGY, LLC
In 2015, Realgy, LLC announced the installation of a 100.8 kilowatt (kWDC) solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the Park District of Oak Park’s (PDOP) Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex. Home to an indoor ice rink and outdoor pool serving the Oak Park community, the rec center has been reaping the benefits of an average generation of 10,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) monthly.
This year, an additional solar PV system of 260.4 kWDC has been installed. Connected to 200 kW AC of inverter capacity, it will produce over 312,000 kWh annually. Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the PDOP stated: “The Park District of Oak Park is grateful for this valued partnership with Realgy, LLC. Not only are we seeing an annual savings in energy costs but, we are also reducing our carbon footprint with the addition of these solar panels.”
The initial project allowed the center to become a LEED Certified Gold Building, the first of its kind in the Chicago area. Eco Solar Solutions of Morton Grove, Illinois has once again partnered with Realgy to install the new addition. “Eco Solar is proud to be a part of the largest solar array in Chicago’s western suburbs. We are happy to work with the PDOP and Realgy again in this effort to expand the array to 260,400 watts. The Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex site is an ideal location for this large system” said Paul Szczesny, President of Eco Solar.
Realgy, LLC is an alternative energy supplier in Illinois and is the owner of 6 solar PV systems, including our newest at Ridgeland. Realgy is paying for the installation to generate renewable energy locally as part of its sustainable commitment in Illinois. Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy, LLC stated “This, our largest to date solar project highlights the continuation of efforts by the State of Illinois, Eco Solar and the Park District of Oak Park to benefit from bringing environmentally beneficial solar energy at a cost below ComEd. Every year through 2025, we will look back on this project and be able to substantiate for all our children what we did to help our communities.”
With the addition, the Ridgeland PV Solar system now covers 17,240 ft² and plans to generate more than 7.8 million kWh over the next 25 years. That amount of energy could power over 29 average Illinois homes annually. Beyond the economic value are the environmental and health benefits associated with the PV system. Consider this:
- Reduction of 422 tons of coal burned each year to produce an equal amount of electricity. That’s the same as getting 844 pickup trucks of coal off the road.
- Substituting the use of coal means the removal of 182,000 of CO2 into the environment each year. That is the equivalent of planting 16,834 trees.
Terry Black, Director of Project Development for Eco Solar said, “The new Ridgeland Commons array will have a significant environmental impact. The array will offset the release of 182,000 lbs of CO2 by not burning the 703,000 lbs of coal each year to make the equivalent electricity.”
Realgy and the PDOP entered into a long term agreement under which the District pays nothing for the Solar PV system, its installation or maintenance. Ridgeland simply remains a customer of Realgy and pays only the market-based cost of power it uses (averaging 5% below COMED rates). In addition, the Park District will receive a discount of about 10% as a result of having the solar energy displace energy that would otherwise be delivered (and charged) by COMED.
Contacts:
Chris Lindgren
Superintendent of Parks and Planning
218 Madison St
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-725-2050
Eco Solar Solutions, LLC
Paul Szczesny, President
847-220-8786
Realgy Energy Services, LLC
Michael Vrtis, President
675 Oakwood Ave
West Hartford, CT 06110
860-233-2270
Where are the world’s BILLIONAIRES investing?
Three of the richest people on the planet (Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Jack Ma) along with other investors are pouring billions into clean-tech energy ventures.
As retirements of existing coal plants continue and funding for gas-fired energy declines, breakthrough technologies that will power the next energy revolution are being built.
Investment in all sorts of energy technology is rapidly advancing and investors are devoting billions to further advancements.
Consider the following:
- Investment in coal and gas-fired power generation has experienced a second year of declines.
- Renewable energy will surpass coal-based energy by 2030.
- More money has been invested in energy transmission and storage technology in the last 5 years than was invested in the previous 30 years.
The current pattern is following the history of Governments requiring divestiture away from fossil fuels if followed by lots of investment in various technologies. This will identify the most promising followed by the largest institutional investments.
The future will certainly bring challenges and technology will attempt to offer solutions.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
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GE’s huge 12-megawatt wind turbine, welcome
Standing over 85 stories high (850 feet above the ground) and generating enough power to supply 15,000 homes; the world’s largest wind turbine is being installed by GE.
Designed for offshore (think a couple miles off the coast in the ocean) installation, this will be the first of its kind. GE is projecting that thousands will be installed within the next 5 years.
GE’s design and engineering prowess should be highlighted and applauded as they bring this machine to market. It has the ability to transform energy supply globally.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a25956533/ge-largest-wind-turbine/
Donald Trump Renews Campaign Against Wind Power With New, Baseless Claim
Realgy’s President, Michael Vrtis has been involved with wind power development since 1982. He was a Project Developer with Kenetech which was the largest wind developer in the US at the time.
To hear the US President make and exaggerate claims that were baseless over 40 years ago is alarming. His statements are based on either his lack of understanding or he seeks to sow seeds of distrust toward an industry and technology that is proven financeable and supported by some of the largest companies and governments in the world.
Wind energy is the fastest growing portion making up the world energy supply.
The US supports wind power development and misrepresentations about the technology will not change the facts.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
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DOE Catalyzes Clean Energy Innovation in All 50 States
A proposal to cut the budget for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has once again been made. Investments by the DOE have fueled advancements within the technological world including energy efficiency and renewable energy. Funds have led to less expensive and cleaner energy through various projects around the entire country. Many studies show that every dollar invested into research and development for clean energy will have a beneficial return. America’s energy innovation is necessary to continue leading the way towards cost efficient clean energy methods. Many groups are pushing towards a budget increase to maintain U.S. clean energy leadership. Congress will ultimately decide the outcome which leaves us to wonder if they’ll follow suit from the past 2 years.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/madhur-boloor/doe-catalyzes-clean-energy-innovation-all-50-states
Illinois 100% clean energy bill
Illinois legislators have proposed 100% renewable energy by 2050. Currently, the goal is 25% by 2025. The scope is ambitious. The savings would be enormous. Today, Illinois generates some 6% of its electricity from renewable energy. The majority is generated from coal, nuclear and natural gas. Illinois is leading the Midwest in low energy costs and employment from renewable energy. This bill will continue and strengthen that lead.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
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So 4 years after the first Polar Vortex…How was the 2019 version?
Last week on January 30th, 2019 Chicago matched a record as the coldest day ever.
Power and gas supplies increased but not as severely as in 2014.
Here is why:
- Businesses and schools closed in anticipation of travel delays. This kept power needs down.
- Generators provided the power expected. This was not the case back in 2014. Changes made to generator contracts provided substantial penalties if power wasn’t delivered. Investments in cold weather operations and many of the power plants certainly prevented power shortages.
- Solar and wind kept operating. This was the first polar vortex with substantial solar and wind resources. They performed very well.
Overall, the markets reacted to past incidents and put into place corrections to continue to improve and safeguard the power grid.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
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Windy days in NIPSCO’s future
How will NIPSCO lower the cost of electricity in the coming years? By switching from coal to wind.
Yes, wind.
NIPSCO recently announced that some 800 MW of coal fired power plants will be replaced with wind turbines. That’s enough power to supply 500,000 people.
NIPSCO is not taking a risk or putting their customers at risk. NIPSCO has selected three experienced wind energy developers that will build, own and operate the plants and sell the power to NIPSCO.
The projects will reduce the current and forecasted price of electricity because wind doesn’t need any fuel other than well….wind. The wind projects are expected to be operating by late 2020.
Perhaps NIPSCO will allow their customers to purchase the power directly as NIPSCO Customer Choice allows their gas customers.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
https://www.thenewsdispatch.com/news/article_e3c1b759-c6c6-5211-b52b-3f66e40b88cb.html