Some critics still say that deriving significant amounts of power from the sun’s rays is a pipe dream, but a growing body of evidence is proving them wrong.  As an article published in the March 16^th 2011 issue of Scientific American shows, the costs of harvesting solar energy have declined dramatically over the past several decades.  In fact, it appears that high efficiency solar panels are following their own version of Moore’s Law.

For those of you unfamiliar with that term, it stems from a prediction made by Gordon E. Moore, one of the founders of Intel.  In 1965, he predicted that the number of transistors that could be placed on a silicon chip would double every 24 months “for at least 10 years.”  The prophecy was later clarified by Intel executive David House, who said that actual chip performance would double every 18 months.

Moore’s and House’s predictions have proven uncannily correct, so much so that Intel and other chip manufacturers set their research and production goals according to them.  In 1965, computers with the processing power of an arithmetic calculator filled giant rooms.  Today, a single laptop computer can do vastly more work than ones built just a few years ago.  As far as calculators are concerned, today we have ones that not only add and subtract, they also compute complex data using trigonometric and calculus formulas and perform other highly advanced functions – yet they fit in a shirt pocket.

Solar cell prices have followed a Moore’s Law-like trend during their history.  In 1956, it cost $300 to generate a watt of electricity from sunlight.  This figure fell to $50 per watt in the 1970s, then to $10 a watt during the 1990s.  Today it hovers around $1.00 on average, with manufacturing prices as low as 75 cents a watt in some settings.

This amount is still prohibitively high compared to coal-fired power generation, which currently costs a shade under 10 cents per watt.  However, if current trends continue, by 2030, high efficiency solar panels will generate energy at half the cost of methods that use fossil fuels.  Years before then, they will be competitive with coal, oil, and hydroelectric plants on an economic basis.  Additionally, that’s not taking into consideration the environmental and financial benefits of cutting the amount of greenhouse gasses pouring into the atmosphere.

Several factors are driving the reductions in expenses.  The silicon wafers in solar cells can now be made more efficiently, thanks to the use of diamond-tipped industrial blades and other enhancements to the manufacturing process.  Advances in software allow panel farms to track the sun’s path across the sky more precisely.  Sanyo has pioneered the construction of double-sided panels, and developments in thin-film and quantum dot technologies promise a revolution in efficiency.

The potential for harvesting energy from the sun is astounding.  Every day, the amount of power that reaches the earth’s surface from our home star totals 89 petawatts of power.  That’s 89,000,000,000,000,000 watts, more than 6,000 times the energy consumed by all human activities in a year.  By capturing 1/1000^th of that energy, we could supply six times the amount of electricity needed to maintain civilization at its current level and produce virtually no pollutants in exchange.  The potential benefits of pursuing solar energy stagger the imagination.

Becoming part of this revolution requires going through a variety of permit applications and inspections.  Let us help you with that end of things.  We can assist in expediting the permit process, allowing your project to commence faster.  Also, upon completion, we can help with solar panel inspection as well, letting you enjoy the benefits of sustainable power generation sooner.  Contact us today.

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After last year’s tragic tsunami and earthquake in Japan, there was widespread destruction in that country. However, the destruction could have been much worse. Thanks to Japan’s forward thinking local building codes, many structures were insulated from the potential damages that they could have experienced. Because Japanese officials knew that natural disasters were constantly looming in the background, they wrote their building codes accordingly.

However, Japan is not the only place that has the foresight to include building codes that address the threat of natural disasters. Most of the major cities in our own country have local building codes that address their extreme weather patterns as well. These codes have been specially designed to protect the citizens of these cities from natural disasters and to protect the cities themselves from the large public expenditures that become necessary after large-scale destruction.  When a project manager wants to see how these codes affect their project, they can speak with a consultant from Burnham Nationwide who can advise them on the relevant codes.

In most cities, local building codes that address natural threats are as old as the city itself. For instance, a brief look at the history of New York City building codes reveals how their codes have changed over the last three centuries to address changing threats. For instance, codes were written in the 1600s as a response to fire threats just as they have been written in the last fifteen years to address the terrorist and hurricane threats of these decades.

Los Angeles has long been famed for its destructive earthquakes, and the city of San Jose has an average of three more natural disasters per year than the national average. To deal with these issues, the state of California and their respective municipal agencies have implemented a number of local building codes to address these issues. However, building codes are not the only way that officials deal with these problems. There are also state programs and tax credits in place to encourage making structures more resistant to natural disasters. For instance, the California Earthquake Authority, which is the non-profit state provider of earthquake insurance, has funded incentive programs that encourage homeowners to improve how well their homes can withstand damage. The latest program gave interested homeowners a $1,000 grant to help them retrofit their properties. Similar programs have been run to encourage changes in commercial structures as well.

Code writers in most areas tend to focus on the weather issues that are most common in that area, and typically, they only write the codes to address an occurrence of one problem at a time. Thus, buildings are often not built to withstand the occurrences of multiple disasters at the same time. For instance, the codes in Denver address the myriad of weather issues that can affect buildings in the mile high city. There are codes that address high winds, massive snow loads, and other issues. In most cases, these local building codes are well written and fairly comprehensive. For instance, project managers working in Denver will need to consult the “Colorado Front Range Gust Map” to ensure that their structures have been designed to adequately withstand the potential wind gusts in their area. These gusts may reach 100 mph for up to three seconds at a time, and thus, the codes have been written to ensure that buildings can withstand that. However, buildings made up to code may not be able to withstand the combination of extreme wind and snow or the less likely but still possible scenario of extreme wind with an earthquake.

The consultants at Burnham are able to advise their clients about weather related local building codes. However, they are also able to advise their clients about how to address the potential combination of extreme weather conditions that are usually not addressed by the local codes. Under the guidance of a Burnham consultant, project managers can be assured that their buildings meet codes, but they can also be assured that their buildings exceed the standards set by those codes as well.

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Obtaining the necessary permits for a building project is not only time-consuming, but can also be cumbersome and expensive. What’s worse, the inherent confusion in adhering to the protocols of a city planning department can actually lead to construction delays—making that project all that much more expensive. As any developer or contractor knows, each minute away from the job site comes at a cost—both in money and productivity.

With that in mind, you might want to consider the services of a permit expediter. An expediter essentially acts as your proxy, devoting the seemingly endless hours it often takes waiting to meet with local or county permitting officials and talking to them on the telephone rather than having to devote all that time to such formalities yourself. A good permit expediter should not be just local-specific but should also understand the different permitting regulations at other nearby municipalities and states, as requirements are prone to differ.

However, beware; many permit expediters are folks merely looking to make a little extra money by capitalizing on past City Hall connections. Some folks who previously served on city councils or city planning departments re-invent themselves as permit expediters, hired by law firms as consultants and charging flat fees or steep hourly rates for their insights and services. There’s nothing wrong with reinventing oneself for a second career in this manner, but one wonders if profit motive is the main objective for such individuals in what has becomes something of a cottage industry.

Before engaging a permit expediter, also note the term could be viewed as a partial misnomer. With the right expertise, expediting a project with a smooth navigation through the permit process is a plausible idea. However, more often than not, the term “expediter” refers more to the idea that a project with, say, an 10-month time frame to completion will take 10 months to complete with the help of services from a reputable permit expediter. So, if you consider keeping on schedule—rather than actually speeding up—on a project as a result of timely permit adherence a form of expediting, then there’s no misnomer. It may be a matter of semantics, but what’s clear is that having a permit expediter on your team is crucial.

At Burnham Nationwide, we have seasoned industry professionals that are experienced and available to act as your permit expediters. Additionally, Burnham Nationwide’s variety of projects in different parts of the country yields a deep familiarity in the permit process that is not specific to one or a handful of cities, but nationwide. Permitting regulations vary from state to state, and without a good permit expediter on your side, unfamiliarity also has the potential to cause project delays.

There are many intangibles to running a business and ensuring projects run on schedule, and one of those is peace of mind.  Burnham Nationwide’s systematic approach yields a streamlined approach that ensures clients’ projects are on track, on time and within budget—whether your projects are specific to a municipality or national in scope. The expertise among our experienced team of permit expediters runs the gamut—whether their services are needed for new construction, interior build outs, national rollouts, retail refresh projects, or even cellular facilities.

Our intimate familiarity with the machinations of the permitting process offers you a partner that appreciates the timing, attention to detail, and follow-through that are so very critical to a project’s success. The services of our permit expediter team are all encompassing, providing guidance throughout the entire cumbersome permitting process.  Our level of expertise is such that our team members also are able to anticipate code violations to ensure building safety. Since its inception, Burnham Nationwide has obtained well over 50,000 permits nationwide after assembling together some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry to assist you with your projects.

While peace of mind is an important intangible for you, at Burnham, an equally important concept further fuels the desire of our permit expediter team to assist you: at Burnham, your project is our project.

If you’re in the Chicago area and want to stop in for a chat about our permit expediter services, feel free to drop in on the fourth floor of 111 W. Washington Street, and we will be happy to accommodate you. Our telephone number is (312) 407-7990. For those outside the area, feel free to call us toll free at 800-407-7990. Of course, we’re also on Facebook, so don’t forget to “like” us there!

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Solar panel technologies offer the potential to generate enormous amounts of power while being environmentally friendly.  However, they have faced a number of barriers to widespread acceptance, due to efficiency and other limitations.  That’s why recent news from MIT researchers is so exciting.  They have developed a way to use three-dimensional design techniques to increase solar panel output by as much as 20 times that of traditional flat arrays.

Rooftop panels are limited in how much power they collect by the location of the sun.  When it’s directly overhead, they are very effective, but this diminishes in the mornings and evenings.  The collection amount is also reduced in winter and in areas far from the equator.

Aware of this, the MIT researchers set out to determine the ideal shape for panels.  They tested a number of configurations in a variety of latitudes, weather conditions, and seasons of the year, using a computer algorithm.  After that, they settled on three designs, which they built models of and installed on the roof of the MIT lab building.

The solar cell arrays out-performed traditional flat panels, creating anywhere from two to 20 times the amount of electricity.  The power output was also more consistent over time, even after the effects of clouds and shadows were taken into account.

Each of the designs is accordion-shaped and is meant to be vertically mounted on rooftops.  According to Jeffrey Grossman, the study’s senior author, they could also be installed on parking garages to provide power for vehicles that run on electricity.

Solar energy has long been touted as an answer to the world’s energy needs, but several limitations have prevented its widespread adoption.  One of these is the cost of manufacture versus the amount of energy produced by these solar panel technologies.

“Even 10 years ago, this idea wouldn’t have been economically justified because the modules cost so much,” said Grossman in a recent interview.  However, these costs have been falling in recent years, leading him and his colleagues to believe that now is an ideal time to explore new types of panels.

At Burnham Nationwide, we know solar panels and the ins and outs of installation, efficiency, and much more. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!

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The most common NYC building violations usually occur in existing buildings. These violations vary, but the most common ones tend to endanger the health and safety of the occupants of these buildings. To help protect the health and safety of their citizens, the city of New York has provisions in place that give tenants the recourse that they need to report these violations.

Tenants can easily contact local officials about any violations that they notice. The officials will then issue the tenants a brochure about common NYC building violations, and they will also speak to the facility’s owner about fixing these issues. Some issues, however, are considered to be emergency issues. If an emergency violation is reported to the city, the city officials will simply fix it. Then, they will issue a bill to the building’s owners. These bills can be substantially larger than those that would have been incurred if the building’s owner was allowed to fix the issue by themselves.

In many cases, these violations are not an egregious attack on the tenants of the building. In most cases, they are actually oversights by the building’s owner, or they are violations that have developed during the course of the building’s life span. Luckily, when an owner has a building that they are concerned about, they can turn to professionals who can guide them. These professionals will work diligently to ensure that their clients’ buildings meet all of the necessary NYC building codes. These services are provided by companies like Burnham Nationwide, and they can also be useful for landlords who have recently acquired a new property.

If you are worried about whether or not your building meets the required codes, you should contact a professional at Burnham. They can help guide you in the correct direction. They have been working closely with landlords, tenants, and city officials for years. They can conduct a third party inspection, which can reveal whether or not your building has any violations. Finally, your Burnham consultant can provide you with the remedy that can help you fix these NYC building violations and avoid their reoccurrence.

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The degree of solar panel maintenance is directly correlated to the region of the country in which one lives. If you live in an area accustomed to snow, you can pretty much expect a higher degree of maintenance, but short of that, solar panel maintenance requires rather minimal effort.

Why is solar panel maintenance so minimal a task? Three words: No moving parts. The first clue to solar panels’ inherent low maintenance needs lies in the life of their warranties—most coming with 25- to 30-year manufacturers’ performance guarantees. The only moving part involved in a solar array is the pump; so, if anything, that might be the main focus of attention.

Early versions of solar panels had somewhat fragile surfaces, which heightened the need for maintenance. However, today’s versions feature practically indestructible surfaces. Despite this virtual indestructibility, solar panels are not immune to getting dirty. So removal of grime—dirt, soot, pollen, dust, bird droppings, leaves, and the like—represents the biggest single area of solar panel maintenance. In some regions of the country where pollen is prevalent, homeowners and business owners who have outfitted their buildings with a solar panel array report big accumulations when pollen particles start to bond. For this reason, pollen—a fine or coarse powder derived from seed plants—poses a major maintenance menace. Other parts of the country are dustier, and while dust may seem benign, its accumulation can negatively impact energy output.

As a result, it is recommended to clean panels at least twice a year, perhaps in March or April after the end of the rainy season and again in August or September toward summer’s end. Such upkeep is a key consideration, as dirty panels tend to lose up to 15 percent of their output versus those that are kept clean.

You can take the hose to them with a moderate stream, using a gentle brush if needed to clean major grime or dirty accumulation. If you live in an area of hard water on tap, you might consider cleaning solar panel surfaces with bottled water to avoid the residue sometimes associated with some tap water.

It’s not advisable to use strong detergents in cleaning solar panels. It’s best to use soapy water containing a mild solvent that can then be hosed off gently.  Just because panels are all but indestructible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be gentle with them!

As with any technology, malfunctions might also occur with solar panels. It’s a good idea to monitor power output regularly to discern if there are any variations that might alert to malfunction. Check your solar inverter’s display to keep an eye on such variances, monitoring consistently on each month or with an even greater rate of frequency.   In doing so, you arrive at a baseline as it relates to energy provision and can more easily spot any deficiencies.

The only other area of solar panel maintenance revolves more around their surroundings rather than the panels themselves. To avoid pollen accumulation and obstruction from falling leaves, it’s good to always keep an eye on tree limbs that may stretch onto the vicinity of a solar panel array.

In short, solar panel maintenance requires little effort that building owners can easily accomplish themselves with minimal physical exertion. If this still poses a challenge, however, cleaning companies often include solar panel maintenance as part of their services.

As the trend toward sustainability grows, we have detected a growing number of clients intent on environmentally conscious design. As a result of this, Burnham increasingly advises clients on such matters. If you need more information on solar panel maintenance or related matters, feel free to contact us toll free at 800-407-7990. You can also find us on Facebook where we encourage you to hit our “like” button!

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A major carbon dioxide sequestration project is being conducted near Decatur, Illinois.  Begun in November 2011, it has so far injected over 75,000 tons of carbon dioxide into a sandstone reservoir 1.3 miles underground.  Plans are to eventually store 10 times that amount in the same location.  The undertaking, known as the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (BDP), is being led by the University of Illinois.

Carbon dioxide sequestration, also known simply as carbon sequestration, is a simple concept.  Take the greenhouse gases created by industrial activities and store them somewhere out of the way.  This will in turn reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere and help to slow global warming.

The Decatur, Illinois area is ideal for this initiative, since the state has access to the Illinois Basin, which is an 80,000 square mile underground area of sandstone left over from the Paleozoic era.  Several layers of shale sit on top of it, which serve as a cap to keep the carbon in place, preventing it from leeching back into the atmosphere.

The process is being monitored using geophysical surveying tools, such as sending energy pulses into the earth and recording their reflections.  “It’s essentially like taking a sonogram of the earth,” said Sallie Greenberg, an Illinois State Geological Survey representative.  “Using geophysical technology allows us to create a time-lapse view of how the carbon dioxide is distributed in the sandstone reservoir.”

“If you’re going to achieve some of the reductions in emissions by 2050 that have been set forth by international agencies, you can’t come close to those targets without carbon capture and storage being a part of the process,” said project director Robert Finley.  “For us to perfect this in a site that we believe to be safe and effective is very important.  We can create a test case that demonstrates the best practices.”

The presence of layers of shale over the sandstone was an important factor in deciding to go ahead with the project.  Without such a covering, the carbon could eventually leech up through the earth, causing water contamination.  A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology modeled the effects of CO2 release underground.  It led to contamination of aquifers by poisonous elements, creating levels exceeding the maximum amounts set by the EPA.

Such potential hazards are of utmost concern to the researchers.  Illinois is home to the Mahomet Aquifer, a massive underground reservoir that supplies 100,000,000 gallons of water a day to 15 counties, for use in agricultural, industrial, and residential areas.  To minimize the risks, officials are closely monitoring every stage of the project.

“The research we’re doing is very much on the subsurface geologic environment, to make sure that we can do this safely and effectively, and that we can monitor the CO2,” said Finley.  “So we’re using our research dollars to answer these questions about safety and effectiveness, and we don’t have to use our Department of Energy funds to just try to get our flow of CO2.”

Using sandstone for carbon dioxide sequestration is a fairly new development.  The method being used by the University of Illinois researchers will capture an average of 1000 tons of CO2 per day from the Archer Daniels Midland ethanol fermentation plant in Decatur over the next three years.  It will supplement efforts by the oil industry, which traps 30 to 50 million tons of carbon dioxide annually in wells.

Burnham Nationwide is at the forefront of cutting-edge developments in the field of sustainable building and energy creation.  So when you need consultation in those areas, be sure to turn to their expert staff to find the answers you need.  Contact them today.

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