At Airwright Midland, safety comes first. In recognition of our high health and safety standards we are proud to be awarded membership of The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), Safety Management Advisory Services (SMAS) and SafeContractor.
We are accredited with The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) and are Constructionline registered.
All our scaffolding is 100% owned, high-quality stock, maintained and serviced by our fully trained yard staff and erected by our CISRS workforce, who are all directly employed by the business. All equipment is monitored by a qualified management team, with support and guidance from our Health and Safety consultants, Citation PLC.
Our team ensures you get the correct equipment, to the right place, at the right time – and removed off-site too. With a fleet of 100% owned and tracked vehicles, we ensure that our workforce are on-site and have the best materials to support your team, every time.
With over £1 million in equipment we can support multiple projects at any one time. The equipment is regularly serviced in-house – all sporting our trademark blue markings! And with a fleet of Airwright Midland vehicles, you can trust that our materials will be delivered – and removed – on time.
Scaffold Tube – we only use high yield galvanised scaffold tube. The high yield 5355 galvanised scaffold tube is 20% lighter but stronger than traditional 4mm tube, producing stronger and lighter scaffolds whilst reducing the risk of injury to scaffold operatives.
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No job is too complex for Airwright Midland. If you are looking for something unique, give our team a call, and we'll be happy to help.


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Migrants detained onboard rescue ship in Sicily allowed to disembark
By Daniel Bellamy with Reuters •et; last updated: 26/08/2018
Italy's anti-immigrant government has ended a standoff at the Sicilian port of Catania and allowed 150 rescued migrants off the coastguard ship that rescued them and onto Italian soil.
The government had refused to let them off the boat until other EU states agreed to take some of them in.
Albania, which is not a member of the EU, has agreed to accept 20 migrants whilst Ireland was the only EU state to offer to help; it will take in between 20 and 25 migrants.
Italy's Catholic church will take in the remainder.
"The church has opened its heart and opened its wallet," interior minister Matteo Salvini told supporters at a rally in Pinzolo in northern Italy on Saturday evening. He said it would be at "zero cost to the Italian taxpayer."
The migrants are mostly from Eritrea, a country frequently described as the "North Korea of Africa" since its human rights record is so poor. Many are likely to be bona fide refugees.
Rome has repeatedly said Italy will "no longer be Europe's refugee camp" and Salvini was unrepentant about having detained them on board the ship that rescued them for five days.
He is now under investigation by a Sicilian prosecutor for abuse of office, kidnapping and illegal arrest.
In a Facebook post he said: "If you want to question me or maybe arrest me because I defend the borders and security of my country, I am proud of it and waiting for it."
On Saturday, the United Nations had called for reason from all sides after a meeting of envoys from 10 EU states in Brussels a day earlier failed to break the deadlock.
"Frightened people who may be in need of international protection should not be caught in the maelstrom of politics," the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement.
The agency appealed to EU member states to "urgently" offer relocation places to the rescued people, in line with an agreement at an EU summit in June, and in the meantime, urged Italy to allow "the immediate disembarkation of those on board."
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte attacked the EU for not helping resettle the migrants and said Italy may refuse to back the bloc's budget which is currently under discussion.
He said on Facebook that Friday's meeting in Brussels had been "a defeat for Europe", and "a clear violation of the spirit of solidarity" that should be a founding principle of the Union.
Trafficking kingpin or mistaken identity? Verdict expected in Eritrean man's trial
Heroine or criminal? Sea-Watch 3 Captain Carola Rakete divides opinion
Lampedusa divided over migrants

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Department of Mathematics - Cem Yalçin Yildirim received the AMS 2014 "Frank Nelson Cole Prize in Number Theory"
The roots of the current department can be traced back to the days of Robert College in the late 1950s. With the founding of the Yüksek Okul in 1957 and the recognition of a University Status, the need for higher level mathematics courses have become more pressing. In 1959 the College of Sciences and Languages was formed and an independent mathematics department came into existence.
Before 1970, there were few degree granting Mathematics Departments in Turkey. The first was established in İstanbul University in 1933, the second one in Ankara University in 1948 and the third one was in the Middle East Technical University that started in early 1960's. During these early Robert College days Cahit Arf, Ferruh Şemin and Fikret Kortel all taught in the newly formed mathematics department and contributed to a program consisting of 7 required and 9 elective courses in mathematics. They all held full-time positions in İstanbul University as well. Despite this strong faculty, there were only four graduates of the Mathematics department before 1971. In the same period, Chemistry had 52 and Physics had 19 graduates. In 1960s the department mainly functioned as a service department for the engineering students of the college.
In 1965, Cahit Arf has left for Princeton University and concurrently the program of the department was transformed into a more flexible format, consisting of only 3 required calculus courses and an additional 10 mathematics electives. In order to meet the demand of the service courses the department had to rely on part-time faculty members from other universities as well as from other departments in Robert College not all of whom had a PhD degree in Mathematics.
The constant flux of members with relatively short tenure was a common theme in the 60's. The department had usually a handful of faculty members, coming either as a Fullbright scholar or through the support of the AID funds. A partial list of visiting scholars at the time is furnished below. These faculty members worked in the mathematics department serving both the needs of the high school as well as of the University. Although department enjoyed an ever renewing faculty with degrees from the top Universities of USA, their brief tenures did not allow them to have a lasting impact. This impressive list contained graduates of Chicago, UC Berkeley and MIT among others. Joyce Shana'a became the last chairwoman of the Robert College period that ended in 1971.
The vision of a mathematics department mainly serving as a service department was deeply rooted in its formation. Out of the 13 faculty members that were hired before 1970 only 2 remained more than 5 years: Fikret Kortel and Nicholas Alter, the later also headed the first computer center that was formed in the university.
The official change from Robert College to Boğaziçi University in 1972 did not have an immediate effect in the curriculum of the Mathematics Department. The program was still loosely defined in the early 70's. Only few from the graduates in those early years chose an academic career in mathematics such as Ayşe Soysal, Haluk Arıtürk, Semih Koray and Ali Erhan Özlük.
In 1972 Julian Crowell became the chair of the department, the first with a long tenure and managed to attract other mathematicians to the department. Out of the 43 faculty new members hired during 1970's 21 stayed more than 5 years. With the influx of the new faculty members, the department's undergraduate program was further developed and a Masters degree in Applied Mathematics has been instituted. Atilla Aşkar, a graduate of the Civil Engineering Department of Princeton University who joined the department in 1972 was instrumental in developing the program in Applied Mathematics. The first two to receive Masters degree were Peren Semi and Adnan İlerici in 1976. Peren Semi also served as an Instructor in the Department for 25 years teaching the calculus courses mainly for the Business Administration students.
Late 70's witnessed the completion of the first PhD degrees from the department; Mehmet Can (advisor: Atilla Aşkar), Kadir Ahre and Semih Koray (advisor: John Selden). Both Kadir Ahre and Mehmet Can joined the faculty of Istanbul Technical University, Kadir Ahre was also a part time instructor in the department in 1980's. Semih Koray started working in the Mathematics Department of Middle East Technical University (1981-1992).
Out of the 85 students that were registered to the junior college in 1974, only 37 have finally graduated. Successful graduates were given the chance of completing the four year program in mathematics.
Unfortunately, the depletion of AID funds obliged the American professors to seek employment elsewhere in the late 1970's, leaving behind a department with a heavy service load and a budding undergraduate and graduate program. In spite of these conditions the late 70's was a period of growth and consolidation for the department. Fikret Kortel who being the chairman at the time had to find a solution to this challenging problem. As it happened many times in the past, part-time faculty members from other departments and even from other universities came to help. A list of these faculty members is given below.
Late 1970's Ali Ülger came from Hacettepe University and started teaching the undergraduate and graduate analysis courses, as well as Yavuz Nutku and Rahmi Güven who came from Middle East Technical University. These faculty members together with Atilla Aşkar, who all became members of TUBA later on (The Turkish Academy of Sciences), contributed greatly to the worldwide recognition of the department.
In contrast to a small number of graduates between 1933 to 1971 (just 4) as mathematics major, this number has increased to 59 between the years 1971-1981. Moreover, 14 MAs and 3 PhDs have been granted. This period was one of the most active periods of the department's history.
After the formation of the Higher Educational Council (YÖK) that oversees the governance of all the Turkish Universities, the Faculty of Sciences and Languages have transformed into the College of Arts and Sciences that consisted of 8 Departments and the first appointed Dean to the College was Murat Dikmen who replaced Erdal İnönü in 1982. Murat Dikmen taught in the Mathematics department. With the new university bylaws, it was a period of adjustments for the departments. The new Rector and the Dean was appointed from İstanbul Technical University and were not familiar with the traditions that were deeply rooted in the University.
Out of the 18 faculty members that have been hired in this period only 6 stayed more than 5 years. Part-time faculty members from other departments and universities were recruited in order to meet the ever increasing demand for the service courses. Under these unfavorable circumstances, the total number of graduate students dropped to a mere four. Yet the department managed to graduate 103 mathematics majors during this period.
Ahmet Şimşek (1987, advisor : Atilla Aşkar) was the only PhD recipient in 1980's. Among the undergraduates ventured to pursue an academic career in Mathematics were Alp Eden (1981), Mete Soner (1981), Turgay Kaptanoğlu (1982), Murat Tuncalı (1982), Talin Papazyan Budak (1984), Ahmet Bakkaloğlu (1985), Tuna Altınel (1989), Ali Mostafazadeh (1989).
1980's also witnessed the transformation of the MS and PhD degrees in Mathematics without an emphasis on Applied Mathematics and the formation of a new undergraduate concentration (computational mathematics).
With the new amendments to the University Law, the faculty members of Boğaziçi University was able to elect their own Rector in 1992. A period of reconstruction followed. The number of mathematics graduates have increased more than 3-folds in 1990's, also the number of undergraduates that are pursuing an academic career have increased in numbers. A list of these graduate students and the schools that they continued their careers in can be found on the departmental web page. In the same period there were also 44 students getting their masters degrees from the department. Some of those graduates have later joined to the department as faculty members, like Fatih Ecevit (1998) and Özlem Beyarslan (1999).
The recruitment of new faculty members in 1990's resembled the period of 1980's in the sense that out of the 18 faculty members recruited in this period only 5 remained more than 5 years and most of the others worked less than a year. The visitors during the same period also stayed at most one year.


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Who Could Run For President In 2020? Here Are The Top Contenders
By Alana Romain
We might be only one year out from the presidential election that landed President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, but speculation over who might make a run for the White House in 2020 is already in full swing. Who could run for president in 2020? It's still far too early to know exactly who might be serious about throwing their hat into the ring, but there are at least a few names that seem probable.
On Monday, former Vice President Joe Biden reignited the ongoing will-he-won't-he conversation during an interview with The TODAY Show to promote his new book, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose. In his chat with hosts Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer, Biden said he hadn't yet made up his mind about a 2020 presidential run, but added, "I'm not closing the door. I've been around too long."
That might be exciting news for anyone who's been #TeamBiden since he ultimately opted not to run for the Democratic ticket in 2016. At the time, Biden said that his family's grief following the death of his son, Beau, was his top priority, according to CNN, but in January, he admitted that he "[regrets] it every day." As for who he might go up against if he does decide to run? There are a few possibilities.
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was a popular democratic candidate in 2016, with many left-leaning voters proudly chipping in with their infamous $27-average campaign donation in hopes that he would take the DNC ticket. In the end, he lost out to Hillary Clinton, but looking ahead to 2020, it's possible he could end up taking it.
Sanders hasn't yet said that he would be running, but he also hasn't ruled it out. If he does run though, he'll likely be in a pretty good spot: in July, Vox deemed Sanders to be "the Democrats' real 2020 frontrunner," thanks in part to his continued well-received public presence, while a University of New Hampshire poll in October found that Sanders topped a poll of potential Democratic candidates for 2020, with nearly one-third of the vote.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Third in the New Hampshire poll, behind Sanders and Biden, came Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. In 2016, Warren backed Clinton's presidential bid, but in 2020, many are expecting to see her launch her own campaign. Like, Biden and Sanders, Warren is a popular choice — thanks in part to her unapologetic criticism of Wall Street and the "1 percent." She's also been a vocal critic of Trump and the GOP, despite being a regular target of his tweets and racial slurs, according to The Independent. But most recently, many on social media were left unimpressed when she said she thought the Democratic National Committee was "rigged" in favor of Clinton, according to CNN, arguing that it was a betrayal of the former Democratic candidate.
Sen. Kamala Harris
California Sen. Kamala Harris — aka the first African-American attorney general in her state — has definitely seen her political star rise over the past year. She's spoken out against Trump, ruthlessly questioned Attorney General Jeff Sessions about alleged Russian election interference during a Senate intelligence committee hearing, according to The New York Times, and has supported popular Democratic issues like single-payer healthcare, criminal justice reform, and gun safety legislation. Harris hasn't said if she'd be running, and she's not quite on the forefront of the 2020 radar. But if she does run, she'd be in a good place to pick up where Clinton left off in an attempt to be the first female POTUS.
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban might not seem like the type to run for president, but given that Donald Trump is currently the Commander-in-Chief, it's clearly anybody's game at this point. According to CNBC, Cuban has expressed interest in running for president in 2020 as an independent candidate, and in March, Cuban took to his blog to discuss his own ideas for a health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. One highlight? Cuban argued that Americans "should be covered 100 [percent] for chronic physical or mental illness and for any life threatening injury."
Gov. John Kasich
Ohio Gov. John Kasich may have dropped out of the 2016 presidential race as it became clear that Trump was closing in on the Republican ticket, but it certainly sounds like he has plans on challenging the incumbent in 2020. Kasich has made no secret of his disdain for many of Trump's decisions— he called the president's remarks after Charlottesville "pathetic," spoke out against the proposed GOP tax plan, called for a ban against bump stocks, and recently denounced Roy Moore in an interview with CNN, according to The Washington Post, saying he thought "he should step aside" — and he's been unafraid of criticizing the GOP and offer up suggestions for a new direction. It's unclear though, whether Kasich will be able to win over Trump's supporters in 2020, many of whom see him as far too liberal for his platform.
Trump has, of course, already spoken publicly about his expectation that he will not only run in 2020, but that he will win. As the incumbent, many GOP strategists are expecting Trump to easily take the 2020 GOP nomination if he wants it, according to CNN, even despite his reported record-breaking low approval ratings. But it's also possible that Trump may not actually run: according to The Independent, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently expressed doubts that Trump would be up for another term. Christie said,
If he runs again I would support him, yes, but I'm not so sure what will happen ... Four years is a long time, and especially for someone who has not spent a lifetime in politics, so I think those years affect him differently. So I'm sure the president will make whatever decision is best for him and his family and the country.
Ultimately, the 2020 election is still a long way away, and so much can happen that would change the game — especially with someone as unpredictable as Trump in office. But it's clear that there are many people who might be up to challenge him for the presidency, so chances are good that the next election cycle is going to bring out some really solid contenders.


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Meeting Notice Board of Elections Supervisor
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About Mayor and City Council Meetings and Work Sessions
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Virtual 595th Planning Commission
8103 Sandy Spring Rd
Board or Committee Meeting
FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FIFTH MEETING - REGULAR
TUESDAY– OCTOBER 18, 2022– 6:00 P.M.
***This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom***
Approval of Minutes from the September 13, 2022 meeting
Final Record Plat of Subdivision (Plats 11-13) Application No. 933 and Resolution No. 22-17-PC, 14415 Greenview Drive, filed by CS Patuxent Greens, LLC.
Public Hearing on Application
Final Action by Planning Commission
Special Exception Application No. 932, 555 Main Street, filed by LaNita Cousin/Kurvaceous Bottles Karnival LLC., for recommendation to the Board of Appeals.
Forest Conservation Plan and Resolution No. 22-16-PC, Laurel Lakes Court, filed by Ken Talati/Golden Realty LLC.
Amended Site & Landscape Plan and Resolution No. 22-15-PC, Laurel Lakes Court, filed by Ken Talati/Golden Realty LLC.
FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FIFTH MEETING
CITY OF LAUREL PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
The meeting convened on a virtual platform through Zoom at 6:00 P.M., with Chairwoman Mitzi Betman presiding. The roll was called with Ward 2 Councilmember Mr. Keith R. Sydnor, Vice Chairman John R. Kish, the Honorable Mr. Rick Wilson, Mr. Bill Wellford and Ms. Krystiana Bonheur. Also present were Mr. Robert Love, Director, Department of Economic & Community Development, Mr. Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, Department of Economic & Community Planning, and Ms. Brooke Quillen, Secretary to the Commission. There were approximately six (6) members of the public in attendance.
Mr. Wilson made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 13, 2022 meeting as written. Ms. Bonheur seconded the motion, Mr. Wellford cast a vote of "Yes", Chairwoman Betman cast a vote of "Yes" and Mr. Kish abstained, as he was not present at the September meeting.
The next agenda item was for Final Record Plat of Subdivision (Res. 22-17-PC) Application for 14415 Greenview Drive Laurel, Maryland 20708, filed by CS Patuxent Greens, LLC., 121 Congressional Lane Rockville, MD 20852. Mr. Love stated the applicant is seeking Final Record Plat of Subdivision approval to create parcels for the development of an additional 61 dwelling units to bring the total for the development to 450 dwelling units on the property known as Patuxent Greens. The property was part of the First 1981 Annexation for the City of Laurel that was enacted on February 2, 1982. Approximately 267 acres of land was annexed and placed into the PUD zone.
Chairwoman Betman opened the public hearing at 6:06 p.m.
Representing the applicant, Mr. William Shipp, O'Malley Miiles Nylen & Gilmore, 7850 Walker Drive #310 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, stated he and his client are in full agreement with the staff report, this is the final step in the approval process, and he is in attendance to answer any questions.
Councilmember Sydnor stated he is looking forward to this project as it was one of the first he voted on, despite the process not being easy he believes this will be good for the City in the long run.
Chairwoman Betman read comments submitted by Wendy Geagan, resident at 14103 Greenview Drive Laurel, Maryland 20708.
Chairwoman Betman closed the public hearing at 6:12 p.m.
Representing the applicant, Mr. William Shipp, O'Malley Miles Nylen & Gilmore 7850 Walker Drive #310 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, added that the notices for this application went out in compliance with the City regulation, the circulation of traffic was reviewed during the preliminary and site plan application, there are no basements in the townhouses which addresses the rain concern and there is no change to the layout to the adjacent neighborhood.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wellford, seconded by Mr. Kish, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to approve the Final Record Plat of Subdivision Plan Application and Resolution No. 22-17-PC for 14415 Greenview Drive Laurel, Maryland 20708, as presented with conditions in the Technical Staff Report.
The next item on the agenda was for Special Exception No. 932 for 555 Main Street, filed by Ms. LaNita Cousin/Kurvaceous Bottles Karnival LLC., for recommendation to the Board of Appeals. Mr. Burrough read the staff report stating the applicant is seeking approval to add rental hall use to existing building. The building was constructed in 1989. The structure is over 6,600 square feet commercial space. The property is located in the Historic District, zoned C-V, Commercial Village.
There was discussion among the applicant, staff and the Commission regarding the maximum amount of people allowed in the building.
The applicant, Ms. LaNita Cousin, 9700 Baltimore Avenue Laurel, Maryland 20707, stated it is estimated that approximately 100-125 people can occupy the building between the first and second floor however that will be confirmed after getting the Use & Occupancy permit which is a later step in this process. Ms. Cousin explained most events will be birthday parties, weddings and baby showers, things of that nature. She added that the 3rd floor will be used as office & storage space and they are looking into installing audio/visual capability to the building. Lastly, she stated that they are looking forward joining the Laurel community and hopefully will be hosting community events.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Ms. Bonheur, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to recommend approval of the Special Exception Application No. 932 to the Board of Appeals.
The next item on the agenda was for Forest Conservation Plan for Laurel Lakes Court filed by Golden Realty LLC. 19785 Crystal Rock Drive Germantown, Maryland 20874. Mr. Burrough read the staff report stating the applicant is seeking approval associated with the proposed development of Laurel Lakes Court, Parcel B-7, Laurel Maryland 20707 into a Candlewood Suites Hotel. The site consists of 2.58 acres and the proposed development on the sit will impact 1.87 acres. The site will be 43 percent green space, which exceeds the minimum 20 percent green space required for I-RTP (Industrial Research Technology Park). No nontidal wetlands, nontidal, wetland buffers, streams, 100-year floodplain, specimen trees or priority trees are located on the property. The Applicant is seeking final site and landscape plan approval simultaneously with this application.
Representing the applicant, Mr. Norman Rivera, Law Offices of Norman D. Rivera LLC., 6000 Merriwether Drive Suite 3063 Columbia, Maryland 21044, stated an overview of the application and that this was approved previously approved by the Planning Commission in 2018 but was never started. This new application has some improvements, which is shown on the site plans. He is in attendance for any questions and agree to the staff report.
Chairwoman Betman stated there will be a joint public hearing for both applications however the votes to approve or deny will be separate.
There was nobody signed up to speak.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Kish, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to approve the Forest Conservation Plan Application and Resolution No. 22-16-PC for Laurel Lakes Drive Laurel, Maryland 20707, as presented with conditions in the Technical Staff Report.
The next item on the agenda was for Amended Site & Landscape Plan for Laurel Lakes Court filed by Golden Realty LLC. 19785 Crystal Rock Drive Germantown, Maryland 20874. Mr. Burrough read the staff report stating the applicant is seeking approval to construct a four-story Candlewood Suites Hotel with 100 rooms and a freestanding gazebo on 2.58 acres of an undeveloped parcel. The site will also have 113 parking spaces and a trash enclosure. The site was annexed into the city in 1984 and is zoned I-RTP (Industrial Research Technology Park). In 1997, Laurel Lakes Corporate Center II Limited Partnership (Laurel Lakes Parcel B-7) granted an easement to LL Housing Limited Partnership (Laurel Lakes Senior Apartments) for the construction and maintenance of a walking path on Parcel B-7, to connect to what is now called the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.
There was discussion among the Commission, staff and applicant regarding the buffer request between the hotel and the Gude Mansion. Due to the stormwater management requirements and grading for the development, the applicant stated it is not possible however a fence and native vegetation will be provided along the property line along with the mico-bios along the eastern property line.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Kish, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to approve the Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application and Resolution No. 22-15-PC for Laurel Lakes Drive Laurel, Maryland 20707, with the amendment the Planning Commission concurs with the applicant in regard to the best efforts with the buffer within the constraints of storm water management, and the Technical Staff Report will be updated with this information.
Councilmember Sydnor stated he hopes everything will work out for this project this time around.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Approved: Brooke Quillen Date: 12/13/2022
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Hooper Earns Admissions Professional Award
May. 30, 2018 —
Kate Hooper (BA 2010), a regional admissions counselor for Northern Michigan University, was awarded the Admissions Professional of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Association for College Admissions Counseling. She is based in Madison and works with prospective students in central and southern Wisconsin. Hooper earned her degree in public relations. She has worked for NMU for five years.
The WACAC award honors college/university admission professionals who exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of students in the transition from high school to college.
Read more about Hooper Earns Admissions Professional Award
Students Assist GLCC Tree Planting Effort
NMU students Breanne Wilmot (biology) and Lynnae Branham (environmental studies and sustainability) are assisting the Great Lakes Conservation Corps with a tree-planting project near Harlow Lake off County Road 550. The project is part of a Michigan DNR wildlife habitat project intended primarily for game species like white-tailed deer, with a potential trickle-down benefit for other species. Wilmot and Branham are featured in a "Mining Journal" article on the project.
Read more about Students Assist GLCC Tree Planting Effort
Alumna Rehabilitates Birds of Prey
NMU alumna Francie Krawcke is executive director of the Michigan Avian Experience, a birds of prey rehabilitation center located at her Columbia Township home, which includes more than 20 acres. After earning her bachelor's degree in interpretation and environmental education from NMU, Krawcke was a raptor educator or program director in Minnesota, South Carolina and Ann Arbor. To see an "Outdoor News" feature story on her work at her sanctuary, click here.
Read more about Alumna Rehabilitates Birds of Prey
NMU Grad Active in Sports Video Production
Tyler Schwemin (BA '14) has held a number of video production positions in the professional and college sports arenas since graduating from NMU. For the past year, the Marquette native has worked as a graphics operator and video production technician for Professional Bull Riders Inc. He previously served as production assistant and later director of video production for the Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Schwemin also was a video producer at The Citadel, assisting in video production for a number of Bulldog athletic events. His freelance projects have included directing ESPN3 broadcasts of Citadel basketball, directing College of Charleston basketball games for the Charleston Sports Network and working for PBS's "Charleston After America" documentary
Read more about NMU Grad Active in Sports Video Production
NMU Nursing Collaborates on Middle College Program
NMU's School of Nursing is collaborating with Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College (MATMC) on a new Practical Nursing certificate program. The program was established in response to outreach from local healthcare providers who have expressed a critical need for LPNs.
Read more about NMU Nursing Collaborates on Middle College Program
Leadership Program Thanks Campus Mentors
The NMU Student Leader Fellowship Program expresses its appreciation to the following faculty and staff members who served as mentors for the SLFP. For one academic year, they acted as a role model, adviser and friend for a student fellow by providing guidance and support to the students as they strive to become leaders of their communities through service.
Read more about Leadership Program Thanks Campus Mentors
Sports Hall of Fame Class Announced
The Northern Michigan University Athletics Department has introduced the NMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2018. Inductees this year will be Richard "Dick" Allen, Tim Jones, John LaPointe, Heather (Mizer) Sarnowski, Kim (Storm) Ylitalo and the 1997-98 women's basketball team.
Read more about Sports Hall of Fame Class Announced
Three NMU Buildings Closed Temporarily
Northern Michigan University is closing three campus buildings as a precautionary measure to facilitate additional water testing after inconsistent lead level readings from limited test areas in each facility. The PEIF, Thomas Fine Arts and the Learning Resources Center will remain closed until NMU receives expedited independent laboratory results—potentially over the weekend—and makes a determination of whether additional investigation and testing is required. Employees in the three impacted buildings should contact their supervisors about working arrangements for the remainder of this week. Updated information will be available at www.nmu.edu/watertest.
Read more about Three NMU Buildings Closed Temporarily
U.P Broadband Listening Session May 24
The Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks (MCAN) will hold listening sessions across the state to gather feedback on the best ways to strengthen broadband access and connectivity in the state. MCAN Vice Chair Gavin Leach of Northern Michigan University will host the Upper Peninsula listening session. The event is scheduled from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in 1318 Jamrich Hall at NMU.
Read more about U.P Broadband Listening Session May 24
U.P. Folklife Award Winners Named
May. 7, 2018 —
The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center has announced the 2018 recipients of the Upper Peninsula Folklife Award. The award honors individuals who have worked to preserve and promote folk traditions, as well as organizations and businesses that have helped to promote and preserve the region's culture. The two awardees are French Canadian musician Dave Bezotte and the Trenary Home Bakery.
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NMU Board Approves Tuition and Fees Schedule
The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today demonstrated its support for continued transformation led by a strategic plan that focuses on investment and innovation. Trustees approved a 2018-19 tuition and fees schedule that will generate additional investment dollars while preserving NMU's longtime rank of second-lowest tuition and fees among Michigan's public universities. The combined average cost for full-time resident undergraduates will be $5,280.50 per semester, an increase of $245 per semester from last year's rate.
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NMU Board Presents Student Awards
The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees presented its annual Student Achievement Awards for significant contributions to the quality of life at NMU through extracurricular activities or work in a university department. Recipients were: Meghan Hohenstein of Bloomington, Minn., Outstanding Female Graduating Senior; Adam Kall of Davenport, Iowa, Outstanding Male Graduating Senior; Samantha Black of Caledonia, Mich., Outstanding Student of Any Class; and Joseph Roberts, Outstanding Nontraditional Student. Michelle Gardiner, who will be relocating from Texas to Germany with the U.S. Air Force, received the new Outstanding Global Campus Student award.
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Triplets Graduate from Same Program with 4.0 GPAs
It is not common for triplets to graduate from the same college, but the Rhodes brothers of Memphis, Mich., have ramped up the rarity factor at Northern Michigan University. All three will receive bachelor's degrees on May 5 in the same major—construction management—and all have earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average over their academic careers. They even share the same professional goal of someday running their own construction firm. The trio is composed of Jacob and Phillip, who are identical, and Ryan, who is fraternal.
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NMU Brings Back RAD Course
Northern Michigan University will bring back its one-credit RAD self-defense course for women in the fall. The goal of the RAD approach is to reduce victimization through informed decision-making choices and sensible action. It is a practical blend of threat-avoidance strategies and real-world assault resistance tactics.
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Hiawatha-Donated Trees Planting May 13
In honor of its 40th anniversary, the Hiawatha Music Co-op has donated 40 native trees and shrubs to Northern Michigan University. They will be planted in the Outdoor Learning Areas (OLAs) off Elizabeth Harden Drive between Whitman Hall and New Science. Volunteers are invited to participate at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 13.
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NMU Food Pantry Seeks Continued Support
Organizers of the NMU Food Pantry, which served 119 unique students over 341 visits this semester, extend their gratitude to members of the campus community and beyond who made donations to support its mission. They also encourage continued support over the summer, as food insecurity issues do not go on hiatus and the shelves are in need of restocking. The pantry will be open limited hours, from 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, until the fall semester. It accepts non-perishable food items, along with personal care, hygiene and paper products. Financial donations also can be made through the NMU Foundation; payroll deduction is available.
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NMU Announces Outstanding Graduates
Northern Michigan University has announced its outstanding graduating seniors and graduate students from each academic department. Most honorees will receive their degrees at NMU's spring commencement on May 5.
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Invent@NMU Assists with Posture Plank
Posture Plank, the recent invention of Marquette chiropractor Brian Kulbieda, puts a new spin on an old idea to help improve posture. With 16 years of experience running his own practice, Axis Chiropractic, Kulbieda knows the demands people put on their bodies on a daily basis and the poor posture and injuries that can result from being bent over a desk or standing on one's feet all day.
Read more about Invent@NMU Assists with Posture Plank
Student Commencement Speaker Selected
Alex Camarillo-Lugo of Lake Forest, Calif., will serve as the student speaker at Northern Michigan University's spring commencement on Saturday, May 5. She will receive a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and was named the department's outstanding graduating senior.
Read more about Student Commencement Speaker Selected
Off-Campus Exercise Research Lab Opens
The School of Health and Human Performance held an open house April 30 for the NMU Kinesiology and Exercise Oncology Research Laboratory on Washington Street near the new hospital. Faculty and students will conduct clinical-based research on the value of exercise in helping individuals with a cancer diagnosis recover more efficiently and effectively. Other projects will address concussions, multiple sclerosis (MS), outdoor recreational therapy and athletic training. NMU plans future collaborations with Advanced Orthopedics, UP Rehab and Perform4Life, which are housed in the same building.
Read more about Off-Campus Exercise Research Lab Opens


Set high on a hill, overlooking the jungle-covered contours of Southern Sri Lanka, Satori Villa- Unawatuna is within easy reach of a coastline of stunning beaches and the World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. The Dutch-styled colonial villa offers bedroom suites with four-poster bedrooms of traditional Sri Lankan style, providing a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.
A gentle and inspiring natural environment, Satori offers guests the opportunity to rediscover real peace and relaxation with lush tropical gardens surround the villa, their fruit trees alive with chattering monkeys and birds darting from the branches overhead while a carp-filled pond hugs the terrace with simple tranquility. Relax in the infinity pool, work out the knots with a massage, or just swing gently in a hammock on the verandah, listening to a cricket chorus under a star-clustered sky.


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How to work with your homeowner's association to install solar on your home
Everyone should have the right to go solar on their property. Some states enshrine that right with solar access laws, which prohibit local governments and homeowners' associations (HOAs) from preventing homeowners from going solar. Unfortunately, not every state has these laws; even in some that do, HOAs may still have outdated policies that block homeowners' solar access and propagate solar myths about aesthetics and property values. Our guide can help you overcome HOA objections to your solar installation and to provide practical advice to make your HOA solar-friendly.
Step 1: Know your solar access laws
Twenty-five states have solar access laws on the books. An additional fifteen provide limited protection for solar easements.
Most states offer at least some protection for solar access, but the details can vary widely. Before you get started, research the laws in your state. We recommend starting with Solar Rights & Easements by State from the Community Associations Institute.
Step 2: Learn about your HOA
Your HOA may have a positive solar access policy already, but more than likely it does not. HOAs are private organizations, not governments. This means that members of an HOA do not have the same rights and protections that you would expect from your local government. Nevertheless, as representatives of the residents, the HOA is accountable to the residents, and they can change policies, including those affecting solar installations. Our guide assumes that you will need to find a way to change your HOA's policy regarding solar. This may involve addressing outdated myths about solar on homes, including concerns about aesthetics or the effect of solar energy on property values. The complete guide has a entire section dedicated to addressing those myths.
Step 3: Make your case for solar access
If your HOA has placed unreasonable restrictions on your right to go solar, the next step is to join with your neighbors to convince your HOA Board to reform their policies. We've found that the best way to do this is to make your case directly to your neighbors and convince them to support you. Most HOAs are willing to change their policies if the residents demand it, and we've found that most people will support your right to go solar, even if they don't plan to do so themselves. The complete guide lists everything you'll need.
Step 4: Get your pro-solar neighbors on board
These people are your new best friends. As we mentioned above, HOA boards are not necessarily democratic in the same way your local city council is, but they should be – and generally are – responsive to the concerns of their members. Our experience is that most reasonable people will support your right to go solar if presented in the right way, and the complete guide is designed to help you do just that.
Step 5: Meet with your HOA board
Once you have the support of your neighbors, it's time to make your formal case to your HOA's governing board. The important things here are to make your case compelling, show that other residents support you, and directly ask them to change the policy.
Step 6: Overcome solar access objections
Like some politicians, your HOA board may try to avoid giving you a direct or immediate answer. You may need to continue to talk with your neighbors to show support, or reach out to the local media to rally more support. Your HOA may ask for your solar installation to be reviewed, or they may issue a decision that conflicts with your state's solar access law. The complete guide covers several of the possible outcomes; for the others, you can always become a Solar United Neighbors member to get expert help from our Solar Help Desk.
Step 7: Celebrate your success and go solar!
If your board doesn't raise objections, congratulations! You're free to go solar and – more importantly – you've secured the right of future residents of your HOA to go solar as well. This situation represents one of the potential roadblocks to going solar in the U.S., and those barriers will only fall if we all make knocking them down a priority. We hope you'll consider going solar with Solar United Neighbors, either by joining a solar co-op or as a member.
via Solar United Neighbors
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SUN_HOAActionGuide–7Steps-nologo-768x543.png 543 768 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2019-02-14 11:18:132019-02-14 11:18:13How to work with your homeowner's association to install solar on your home
Go solar in 2019 to take full advantage of the federal solar tax credit
Homeowners and businesses thinking of going solar (as well as adding battery storage) should act in 2019 to take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) before it begins to step down in 2020.
The ITC allows homeowners and businesses to take a 30% percent tax credit for the cost of solar systems on their properties. This is a one-time tax credit that you receive the first year you own your solar system, and there is no cap on the amount.
However, due to recent legislation, 2019 is the last year of the 30% tax credit. Beginning in 2020, the ITC will step down to 26% for projects that begin construction in 2020 and 22% for projects that begin in 2021. After 2021, the residential credit will drop to zero while the commercial and utility credit will drop to a permanent 10%.
Homeowners and businesses must invest in solar systems that commence construction through 2019 in order to qualify for the 30% credit. Earlier this year, the IRS clarified the definition of "commence construction" and explained the requirements that a taxpayer must meet to establish that construction of a qualified solar facility has begun for purposes of claiming the credit. SEIA, the solar trade group explains that taxpayers must show that "physical work of a significant nature" has started, or by "paying or incurring five percent or more of the total cost" of the system.
The process for getting the ITC is simple. Generally, your solar installer will give you a receipt for the total cost of your system after it is installed. You can then give this receipt to your accountant and receive a 30% tax credit off the total cost of your system. If you cannot realize the full value of your credit in the first year, you may be able to roll it forward to reduce your tax burden in subsequent years. (Please consult with a tax expert or your accountant).
The ITC also applies to battery storage. Solar owners who install a battery system at the same time as their solar panels can roll the storage costs into their tax credit but only if the battery is charged entirely from the solar. In March 2018, the IRS indicated that existing solar owners who retrofit their solar array with battery storage are also able to take the full 30% tax credit for the cost of their battery installation.
The ITC is a good example of how a well-planned tax incentive can jump start a key clean energy market, driving economic growth and local jobs while promoting energy choice and independence for millions of Americans. If you are planning on installing solar on your home and/or business, now is the time!
December 21, 2018 /0 Comments/by Alder Energy
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/alder_energy_kion_3.jpg 841 1754 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2018-12-21 11:42:082018-12-21 11:42:42Go solar in 2019 to take full advantage of the federal solar tax credit
Going solar; Why it doesn't pay to wait
If you've been following solar even just a little bit, you know how dramatically the cost of going solar has dropped. In 2007, the cost to install a residential solar array was more than $8 per watt. Since then, solar technology has improved, the market has grown considerably, and costs have continued to fall. According to the most recent data, from 2017, the average cost of going solar for homeowners is less than $2.90 per watt. This cost varies a lot depending on your location. Many installers, when they give you a proposal do not tell you the cost per watt. For some reason they give you the total cost and the total number of panels. Don't worry, you can easily calculate the cost /watt by taking the total cost (that should include the panels, the labor and all of the permits and installation) and divided by the total number of watts or kilowatts listed on the proposal. It may seem logical to wait for an even lower price, but changing policies (e.g. the 30% federal income tax credit) and the opportunity costs of offsetting rising utility costs make now the most compelling time to go solar.
In addition to the money you'll save on your utility bill, your initial investment in solar is eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit. The 30% tax credit is based on the system's gross cost and is only available for a limited time. You can only claim the credit if you purchase the system and pay federal income tax. If you lease your system, the lessor will take the tax credit. The tax credit will be phased out in the coming years, dropping to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and to zero in 2022. 2019 is your last opportunity to take full advantage of the 30% credit.
Beyond the tax benefits to going solar now, you also have to factor in the increasing cost of electricity from your utility. It doesn't pay to wait. The Energy Information Administration, the federal agency responsible for providing data about the energy market, reports that utility costs have increased on average 1.6% per year between 2006 and 2016. The sooner you go solar the sooner you start saving on your electric bill. Plus, you have the added benefit that the money you save with solar isn't taxed. Your earnings are savings. So, if you were to consider the value of investing in solar compared to other investment options, solar becomes even more attractive
You should also consider the value that solar adds to your home. A 2015 study conducted by the Berkeley Lab Group found that solar does increase the value of a home. The study encompassed 22,000 home sales. On average, the systems added $15,000 dollars to the value of the home.
August 21, 2018 /0 Comments/by Alder Energy
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ashes-sitoula-32544.jpg 3159 5616 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2018-08-21 13:29:112018-08-21 13:30:38Going solar; Why it doesn't pay to wait
ALDER ENERGY SYSTEMS RECOGNIZED AS A TOP SOLAR CONTRACTOR IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Charleston based solar firm
Charleston, SC, July 26, 2018 – More than 10,600 megawatts of solar power were installed last year in the United States, and local installer Alder Energy Systems has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry. Alder Energy Systems has been listed as 199 out of 450 solar companies on the magazine's 2018 Top Solar Contractors list.
The Top Solar Contractors list was developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, them Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year. The 2018 list was released on July 24.
"Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors," said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. "Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016's huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year's high. We're happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets."
The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing more than 15,000 MW. Installations in 2017 were 10,608 MW growth over 2015 numbers.
A major highlight of 2017 was the non-residential market growing 28% year-over-year, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar. In 2017, 30% of all new electric generating capacity brought online in the United States came from solar, second only to new natural gas capacity.
The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth over the first quarter of 2017, and Alder Energy Systems will continue to contribute to the wave of increasing solar generation. By 2023, more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually.
About Alder Energy Systems
Founded in 2008, Alder Energy Systems LLC is a locally-owned business specializing in the planning, design, and installation of solar PV energy systems for homes, businesses, and utilities throughout Southeast.
About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better.
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-top-contractors-770x500-770x500.png 500 770 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2018-07-25 17:00:022018-07-25 17:00:02ALDER ENERGY SYSTEMS RECOGNIZED AS A TOP SOLAR CONTRACTOR IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Bi-partisan Congressional coalition forms to support solar
Most of the policy decisions that impact our right to go solar are made at the state and local level. But this does not mean that the federal government can't play a role as well. A new, bi-partisan coalition of members of Congress has joined together to fight for policies that support solar by forming the Congressional Solar Caucus.
The Solar Caucus' co-founders are Illinois Democrat Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and South Carolina Republican Ralph Norman. Krisnamoorthi is the only member of Congress with a professional background in solar energy. He served as president of a solar technology research firm. He was also a co-founder of the research institute, InSPIRE. The organization provides solar training to inner-city students and veterans.
Krishnamoorthi and Norman hope to use the new caucus to maintain a robust R&D budget in the Department of Energy, harmonize regulations that might otherwise keep solar from expanding further, and ensure America's workforce is prepared for the solar jobs of the future.
"Solar energy is an economically viable energy source," Norman said. "It's also a rapidly growing energy sector, providing thousands of new jobs in states like my home in South Carolina. Solar power is an industry with bipartisan support, and the membership of the Congressional Solar Caucus reflects that."
Norman indicated that the caucus was supportive of both large-scale and rooftop solar. "More and more we are seeing consumers choose rooftop solar as a great, green way to cut down on their energy bill," Norman said. "Additionally, large-scale utilities are investing as well, which are providing excellent job opportunities for my constituents in rural areas."
"Nothing changes in Washington, D.C. without heightened engagement across the country, and this is the way it should be," Krishnamoorthi said. "In order to convince legislators that they should focus on the benefits of renewable energy, we need to work with groups like Solar United Neighbors."
To date, the caucus has brought members together with solar technology and policy experts. This has helped caucus members learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. "The caucus intends to continue to hold these briefings, as well as develop bipartisan policy solutions to solve problems facing the industry," Norman said.
Currently, the Solar Caucus has 14 members, with seven Democrats and seven Republicans. In addition to Reps. Norman and Krishnamoorthi, they include Republicans Rod Blum (IA-01); Jeff Duncan (SC-03); Carlos Curbelo (FL 26); Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08); John Curtis (UT-3); Mia Love (UT-4), and Democrats Debbie Dingell (MI-12); Matt Cartwright (PA-17); Brendan Boyle (PA-13); Paul Tonko (NY-20); Jacky Rosen (NV-03); Peter Welch (VT). Norman and Krishnamoorthi are eager to grow the caucus.
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ALDER ENERGY SYSTEMS COMPLETES ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION FOR THE WORLD'S LEADING CLOUD SOFTWARE COMPANY IN DANIEL ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Blackbaud Inc. celebrates 115.13 kilowatt roof top solar array on new HQ
Daniel Island, SC, June 18, 2018 – Alder Energy Systems LLC, a trusted South Carolina turnkey solar provider, is pleased to announce the completion of a solar installation at Blackbaud's new 172,000 square foot world headquarters. The installation utilizes 397 solar panels which produce over 154,503 kWH annually of clean renewable energy.
"Working with Blackbaud to provide clean, renewable solar energy on their new world Headquarters has been a great partnership for Alder Energy Systems. Our own energy net-zero office is fewer than three miles away from their new building. We are very proud to help Blackbaud demonstrate its environmental leadership in our own backyard," says Vice President Craig Knowlton.
Blackbaud, the world's 24th largest software company, has operated in Berkeley County, South Carolina since 2000. It is the largest publicly traded software company headquartered in the state. The company was also recently named to the Fortune 56 Companies Changing the World list. Its Eco-friendly world headquarters provides a dynamic and collaborative workplace for nearly half of its rapidly growing workforce, which operates in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
"As a company that embraces sustainability as a priority, Blackbaud not only wanted to build out a collaborative workspace but one that uses resources efficiently," said Jon Olson, Blackbaud's senior vice president and general counsel.
As Blackbaud begins to fully use the new space, the company plans to explore applications and other tools that can enhance the employee experience through its intelligent office environment. Examples from similar office installations have included technology like occupancy sensors that improve the use of meeting rooms and smartphone apps that allow employees to adjust room temperatures.
About Alder Energy Systems LLC
Founded in 2008, Alder Energy Systems LLC is a locally-owned business specializing in the planning, design, and installation of solar PV energy systems for homes, businesses, and utilities throughout South Carolina.
About Blackbaud Inc.
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world's leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, healthcare institutions and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grant making, financial management, payment processing, and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
June 18, 2018 /0 Comments/by Alder Energy
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/blackbaud_alderenergy_2.jpg 960 1724 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2018-06-18 10:08:402018-06-18 10:08:40ALDER ENERGY SYSTEMS COMPLETES ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION FOR THE WORLD'S LEADING CLOUD SOFTWARE COMPANY IN DANIEL ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Understanding panel efficiency, getting the most for what you pay for
Not all solar panels are the same. They can vary by size, color, cost, and efficiency. Efficiency refers to how much electricity the panel creates from the sunlight it captures. The electrical capacity of solar panels is measured in watts (W). The typical solar panel is rated at 250-300 W. The higher the rating, the more electricity a panel produces.
There are several factors that make a panel more or less efficient. These include the type of material that is used in the panel as well as the quality of the panel's construction. Monocrystalline silicon for example, is typically more efficient per square foot than polycrystalline silicon. Monocrystalline cells use a single, purer form of silicon in their cells whereas Polycrystalline cells are composed of several forms of silicon. Both types are commonly available.
External environmental factors also impact a panel's efficiency. Heat and humidity can reduce a panel's electric output and so can the amount of shade that falls on a panel over the course of a year. How susceptible a panel is to local conditions like shading and weather-related factors depends upon the materials used to make the panel, the inverter equipment selected, and other design considerations. Your installer will try to design for the maximum efficiency possible given the local conditions, the space available and your budget.
Having the most efficient panel may not be your best option. You may find it makes more sense to install more panels that are lower efficiency, if you have plenty of space for a large system. High-efficiency panels come at a higher cost and are designed for systems where space is limited. Your installer will estimate how many panels can fit on your roof or in yard given the space available and how shady it is over the course of a year to determine the ideal size of your system.
April 17, 2018 /0 Comments/by Alder Energy
https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pexels-photo-421888.jpeg 819 1280 Alder Energy https://www.alder-energy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/weblogo-v2.png Alder Energy2018-04-17 11:08:402018-04-26 14:39:06Understanding panel efficiency, getting the most for what you pay for


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iPad Mini, iPad 4, iMacs – Everything You Need to Know
Apple's long-anticipated smaller tablet is here and judging from the past experience, the new iPad Mini should give Samsung a run for their money. The battle between Apple and Samsung especially on the copyrights will not end anytime soon hence the whole new battlefield level – mini tablet. The fact that the new pencil-thin (7.2mm) iPad Mini comes a mere half-year after the third-generation iPad (iPad 3) was introduced goes to show that Apple was aggresive in stopping Samsung from making cool money by ripping off its intellectual property, at least that was what the late Steve Jobs thought.
Was Apple worry about Android tablet's market momentum? Of course they are otherwise the company's senior vice president of marketing, Phil Schiller, would not had spent an unusual amount of time talking about them. Schiller said " … others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad, and they've failed … " and tried very hard to convince the audience who attended the launching about the "gigantic difference" between the iPad Mini and Nexus 7. Heck, Schiller's trashing of Google's Nexus may be a little overdone. Nevertheless, Apple just sold its 100 millionth iPad 2-weeks ago, an impressive milestone considering the company just launched the iPad product two and a half years ago, so they've every right to brag and criticise.
{ 1 } iPad Mini Screen
– Compared to its larger (9.7-inches) cousin iPad 3, the Mini has a 7.9-inch screen, measured diagonally.
– While you probably can stash Amazon Kindle and Google Nexus 7, both measuring 7-inch, in your jacket pocket, you may not be able to do so with this wider iPad Mini.
– The new screen has resolution of 1024-px by 768-px at 163ppi (same as outgoing iPad 2), so all the software created for previous iPads will work. However this also means it's not retina display, at least not yet with this first generation Mini. Yes, I know, wait for the second generation.
– As comparison, Google's Nexus 7 comes with 1,280-px by 800-px resolution.
{ 2 } iPad Mini Size, Weight and Color
– At just 7.2 milimeters (0.28 inch), it's pencil thin – 23% thinner than iPad
– The Mini is also super light – Apple claims it's as light as a pad of paper, while figure-wise, it's actually weight 0.68 pound (308 grams, WiFi only), an astonishing 53% lighter than iPad.
– As opposed to Google's Nexus 7 which is made of plastic, this Mini is made of aluminium (what else do you expect?).
– Just like iPhone 5, the new Mini comes in white and slate black.
{ 3 } iPad Mini Processor
– The new iPad Mini is using dual-core A5 chip – that's old processor used in iPad2 in early 2011 – as compared to Nexus 7's quad-core Tegra 3 chip. Somehow I've a feeling that this new iPad Mini will get obsolete pretty fast with it's next generation coming real soon. Just what was Apple thinking throwing in an underpowered tablet to us?
{ 4 } iPad Mini Ultrafast Wireless
– iPad mini features advanced Wi-Fi that's up to twice as fast as any previous-generation iPad. With dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) 802.11n Wi-Fi and support for channel bonding, download speeds can reach up to 150 Mbps.
– With selected carriers, iPad mini supports fast cellular networks around the world including LTE networks. Without LTE, you can still make use of GSM/UMTS networks including HSPA, HSPA+, and DC-HSDPA
{ 5 } iPad Mini Cameras
– It has FaceTime HD and back-facing 5MP iSight cameras, similar to what you get on bigger iPad (and the newly launched iPad 4) but lower than iPhone 5's 8MP camera.
– Due to its Mini's size, taking picture or video with one hand is easier now. Needless to say, you can make video call over WiFi or cellular.
{ 6 } iPad Mini Lightning Connector
– And it has the inevitable Lightning connector, which first debuted on the iPhone 5.
{ 7 } iPad Mini Battery
– Apple says the new smaller iPad has 10-hour battery life, and it retains what is arguably the biggest advantage that Apple claims – the 275,000 apps in the App Store. Let's hope the battery life lasts as long as what Apple claims.
{ 8 } iPad Mini Pricing
– The iPad mini starts at $329 for a 16GB Wi-Fi only model, $429 for a 32 GB model and $529 for a 64 GB model. The Wi-Fi only models will ship on Nov. 2.
– The iPad mini models with Wi-Fi and 4G starts at $459 for 16GB, $559 for 32GB, and $659 for 64GB, and is available on Nov. 16.
{ 9 } iPad Mini Availability
– Pre-order starts: October 26, 2012
– WiFi models shipping – November 2, 2012
– WiFi and 3G models shipping – November 16, 2012
Now, while everyone was waiting for the iPad Mini, very few expect Apple to reveal a new generation of the bigger 9.7-inch iPad but reveal it did – the new iPad 4. This sure will make many 3rd generation (iPad 3 buyers) owners angry, ever since the iPad 3 was launched in Mar this year. The fourth generation iPad features an A6X processor, 5 megapixel iSight camera, expanded LTE chipset, front-facing camera with FaceTime and 720p video capture, faster Wi-Fi, and Lightening connector. The new iPad is priced at $499 for a 16 GB model, $629 for a 16 GB model with 4G LTE.
Fourth generation iPad Wi-Fi only model will be available for pre-order on Friday, Oct. 26, and will hit stores on Nov. 2. OK, now let's look at the differnce between iPad 3 and iPad 4 (named as iPad with Retina display).
{ 1 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Screen
– Both the iPad 3 and the iPad 4 come with Apple's Retina display (*relief*). Although "only" packing 264ppi, unlike the iPhone 5's 326ppi, the iPad's still have market-leading screens.
{ 2 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Processor
– Building upon the iPad 2, the iPad 3 comes with a dual core A5X processor, with a quad core GPU. However, the iPad 4 packs Apple's latest A6X processor, the same chip in the iPhone 5, which Apple claims "doubles the performance of CPU tasks." Hence this is perhaps one of the major reason you should get iPad 4, if you do not already own iPad 3 – another reason for iPad 3 owners to whine and bitch about Apple.
{ 3 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Connectivity
– The other major difference is that the iPad 4 (Wi-Fi + Cellular version) comes LTE enabled. The iPad 3 did come enabled with 4G, however, it couldn't be used in the United Kingdom. However, with the introduction of the iPad 4 they can now enjoy super fast mobile internet.
{ 4 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Camera
– Apple might not have upgraded the screen, but it did upgrade the front-facing camera. The iPad 3 came with a 0.3 MP standard definition offering, whereas the iPad 4 comes with 1.3 MP front-facing camera, making full use of the Retina display for video chatting with a 1.2MP HD camera.
{ 5 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Lightning Connector
– Obviously, the major difference between the two iPad generations lies within their connector options – the new 8-pin Lightning dock, first announced on the iPhone 5. Now, this is 80 percent smaller and more durable than Apple's original 30-pin offering is made standard in iPad 4
{ 6 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Battery
– Similar to iPad 3, the new iPad 4 comes with a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, at least that was what Apple claims. Analysts noted that despite iPad 3's high-resolution retina display, the battery life was " acceptable."
{ 7 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: OS
– Apple's latest operating system, iOS 6, was recently launched alongside the iPhone 5, so naturally it's also featured on the new iPad 4. The iPad 3 launched with iOS 5.1 but is upgradeable to iOS 6.
{ 8 } iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Price
– If you think you can get iPad 3 cheaper with this latest iPad 4 release, you're in for a rude shock. Apple plans to phase out the 3rd generation iPad hence the iPad 4 renamed as "iPad with Retina display" – don't you hate Tim Cook?
– The iPad 4 comes in at the same price of the iPad 3, with the Wi-Fi only tablets coming in at £399 ($US499, AU$539), £479(US$599, AU$649) and £559(US$699, AU$759) for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB respectively. The Wi-Fi + Cellular versions cost a bit more, at £499(US$629, AU$679), £579(US$729, AU$789) and £659(US$829, AU$899) for the three storage options.
Another Apple product that almost miss everybody attention was the new iMacs. It's crazily thin. The new models are 80 percent thinner (just 5mm) and about eight pounds lighter than their predecessors. Apple will offer iMacs in 21.5-inch and 27-inch versions, the latter of which has a resolution of 2560 by 1440. The screen has 75 percent less reflection, and a few other features like an HD camera, dual microphones, and a stereo sound system that's supposed to be much better than the previous generation.
The new iMac machines have quad-core i5 processors (configurable up to i7), up to 32GB of RAM, and as much as 768GB of flash storage. On top of that, there's an SD card, gigabit ethernet, and a now, a fusion drive – that's 128GB of flash storage plus 1 or 3 TB of hard drive combined into one hard drive. For notebook fans, Apple also has officially announced a 13-inch version of its portable workstation, with a 2560 x 1600 Retina Display. That's just a slight drop in resolution from the 15-incher.
The 13-inch Retina Display notebook model comes in two base configurations priced at $1,699 (2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and a 128GB SSD drive) and $1,999 (same spec as $1,699 except a larger 256GB SSD drive). Both models can be further upgraded with a whopping 768GB and a 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor. As usual, each boast 7 hours of battery life, under ideal conditions.
With so many new products being released, you're spoilt for choice but the main attraction is definitely the iPad Mini. So should you buy one? The Mini uses Apple's old A5 dual-core processor, the same one that debuted in the iPad 2 in early 2011. It's missing the special high-resolution Retina display found in the full-sized iPad and the iPhone. And Apple's starting price is $329, a full $130 more than the competition. If you're Apple fans and must buy this brand even with a gun at your head, wait for the second generation of iPad Mini. If size and some extra dollars are not the issues, consider the new iPad 4.
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