October 5, 2024
"Field Trip - Bill Byrom's Energy Efficient Home in Irving (in conjunction with the National Solar Home Tour)"
Host: Bill Byrom, Homeowner
Presenters:

• Bill Byrom, Homeowner. Discussion on performance of the solar power system in the first year of operation, rainwater collection system overview, electric vehicle ("EV") charging, Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV overview, and general information about his house.
• Tony Robinson, Axis Design-Build. Overview of the house design and materials.
• Sol-Ark - System inverter manufacturer and performance monitoring software.
• Fortress Power - Battery Energy Storage System ("ESS". Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO₄ battery used in the house.
• Wallbox - EV charger installed in the garage of Bill's house.

 "Bill Byrom, Homeowner"

 "Tony Robinson, Axis Design-Build."

 "Sol-Ark, System inverter manufacturer"

 "Fortress Power - Battery Energy Storage System"

 "Wallbox - EV charger"

September 14, 2024
"Citizens Climate Lobby Progress Report"
Presenter: Larry Howe, Citizens' Climate Lobby
 
 "Citizen's Climate Lobby Progress Report" (Large file! 656.4 MB)
 "Citizen's Climate Lobby Progress Report Presentation" (7.2 MB)
 "2024-09-14 Meeting Chat" (65.5 kB)
 

August 10, 2024
Two Presentations:
1: Optimal Thermoregulation Strategies For Building Roofs
2: Resource Economics & the Language of Business
Presenter #1: Ananya Chakravarthi, Contestant/Finalist, Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Presenter #2: Tony Robinson, President, Axis Design Build, Inc.
 
 "August 10, 2024 NTREG Meeting (Both Presenters)" (299.8 MB)
 "Presentation 1: Optimal Thermoregulation Strategies For Building Roofs" (2.4 MB)
 "Presentation 2: 2024-08-10 Resource Economics & the Language of Business-Anthony Robinson" (374.7 kB)
 "2024-08-10 Meeting Chat" (68.8 kB)

July 13, 2024
"How to Pay for It-Texas PACE Program"
Presenter: Dub Taylor, COO, Texas Pace Authority
 
 "How to Pay for It-Texas PACE Program" (Large file! 490.8 MB)
 "How to Pay for It-Texas PACE Program" (2.2 MB)
No Meeting Chat this Session
 

June 8, 2024
"Texas Climate Assessment and Climate Effects on Energy Use & Generation"
Presenter: John Nielsen-Gammon, Ph.D., Texas State Climatologist
 
 "2024-06-08-Texas Climate Assessment and Climate Effects on Energy Use & Generation-John Nielsen-Gammon" (Large file! 706.6 MB)
 "2024-06-08-Texas Climate Assessment and Climate Effects on Energy Use & Generation-John Nielsen-Gammon" (5.9 MB)
 "2024-06-08 Meeting Chat" (50.8 kB)
 

May 11, 2024
"Field Trip to Wallbox Electric Vehicle Chargers, Arlington, Texas"
Presenter: AlanAlan Dowden, Regional Sales Director for Wallbox Electric Vehicle Chargers
 
 "2024-05-11 Meeting - Field Trip-Wallbox.mp4" (343.8 MB)
 "2024-05-11 Field Trip to Wallbox EV Chargers" (9.1 MB)
No meeting chat this date.
 
Note: Although we had a handheld wireless microphone, and we thought it was set up correctly for use on Wallbox's computer, the audio level is low and there's considerable background noise. We also didn't have our usual cameras, and the camera that was available to us wasn't rotated to view the presenter and attendees until late in the presentation. We apologize for the poor quality of our May 11, 2024 recording.

April 13, 2024
"An Overview of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - A Discussion on Residential Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Vehicles and Home Improvements."
Presenter: Riley Adams, Certified Public Accountant, CEO of WealthUp
 
 "2024-04-13 Inflation Reduction Act's Energy Tax Credits & Deductions-Riley Adams" (219.3 MB)
 "2024-04-13 Inflation Reduction Act's Energy Tax Credits & Deductions-Riley Adams" (1.1 MB)
 "2024-04-13 Meeting Chat" (69.3 kB)
 

March 9, 2024
"What Energy Efficiency Looks Like in Today's Homes"
Presenter: Randy Plumlee, Energy Code Program Manager at SPEER
 
 "2024-03-09-What Energy Efficiency Looks Like in Today's Homes-Randy Plumlee.mp4" (483.0 MB)
 "What Energy Efficiency Looks Like in Today's Homes-Randy Plumlee" (23.7 MB)
 "2024-03-09 Meeting Chat" (73.6 kB)
 

February 10, 2024
"Infinite Power: Take your Share of the Texas Sun"
Presenter: Patrice "Pete" Parsons, Executive Director, Texas Solar Energy Society
 
 "Infinite Power-Take your Share of the Texas Sun" ( 365.4 MB)
 "TXSES Statewide Campaign" (1.3 MB)
 "2024-02-10 Meeting Chat" (59.8 kB)
 

January 13, 2024
"Putting the Pieces Together for a Reliable Affordable and Sustainable Grid"
Presenter: Doug Lewin, Nationally Recognized Energy Expert
 
 "2024-01-13-Putting the Pieces Together for a Reliable Affordable & Sustainable Grid-Doug_Lewin.mp4" (361.8 MB)
 "2023-09-09-Putting the Pieces Together for a Reliable Affordable and Sustainable Grid" (PENDING)
 "2024-01-13 Meeting Chat" (74.2 kB)
 

September 9, 2023
"New Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Irving South Library"
Presenter: Melissa Baker, Project Manager for the City of Irving, Texas
 
 "2023-09-09-New Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Irving South Library.mp4" (VERY Large video file: 1.6 GB)
 "2023-09-09-New Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Irving South Library" (1.1 MB)
 "2023-09-09 Meeting Chat" (43.2 kb)
 

August 12, 2023
"NCTCOG Environmental Initiatives-Old Friends in New Places"
Presenter: Susan Alvarez, P.E.
 
 "2023-08-12-NCTCOG Environmental Initiatives-Old Friends in New Places" (VERY Large video file: 1.4 GB)
 "2023-08-12-NCTCOG Environmental Initiatives-Old Friends in New Places-SusanAlvarezPE.pdf" (5.9 MB)
 "2023-08-12 Meeting Chat" (51.2 kb)
 

May 08, 2023
"Background and Requirements for Utility Scale Solar Projects in Texas"
Presenter: Sol Bobst, Solar Ranch Development Company
 
 "Background and Requirements for Utility Scale Solar Projects in Texas" (Large video file: 222.9 MB)
 "2023-05-06 Meeting Chat" (45.8 kb)
 

April 1, 2023
"Texas Legislative Activities Related to Energy and Conservation"
Presenter: Cyrus Reed, Ph.D., Conservation Director, Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club
 
 "Texas Legislative Activities Related to Energy and Conservation" (Large video file: 572 MB)
 "Texas Legislative Activities Related to Energy and Conservation" (2.4 MB)
 "2023-04-01 Meeting Chat" (58.2 kb)
 

March 11, 2023
 
Due to Spring Break, Dallas College was closed the weekend of our meeting. Subsequently, our March 11 presentation was online only.
 
"AC vs. DC – Can’t we all just get along?"
Presenter: Philip Timmons, MSEE, Professor at Collin College
 
 "2023-03-11 AC vs DC-Philip Timmons.mp4" (Large video file: 627.2 MB)
 "2023-03-11 AC vs DC-Philip Timmons.pdf" (3.0 MB)
 "2023-03-11 Meeting Chat" (66.9 kb)
 

February 11, 2023
This was our first time meeting at the North Lake campus of Dallas College, our new (and hopefully permanent) meeting location. We had an introduction to the North Lake Dallas College facility by Brandon Morton, Assistant Director of Sustainability Operations. Discussion included the Dallas Area Rapid Transit ("DART") Orange light rail station, DART bus stop, as well as Construction Technology courses at the Dallas College "satellite campus" in Coppell.
 
During the second half of our meeting, NTREG Chair Mark Witte lead a general discussion about the long-term focus of our group.
 
Presenter: Brandon Morton, Assistant Director Of Sustainability Operations
 
 "2023-02-11 Dallas College Introduction-BrandonMorton.mp4" (Large video file: 271 MB)
 "2023-02-11 Dallas College Introduction-BrandonMorton.pdf" (1.9 MB)
 "2023-02-11 Meeting Chat" (53.9 kb)
 

January 14, 2023
"Field Trip to the University of Texas at Dallas Wind Energy Center, Richardson, Texas"
Presenter: Dr. Todd Griffith, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UTD Department of Mechanical Engineering
 
Our January 14, 2023 meeting was a Field Trip to University of Texas at Dallas Wind Energy Center in Richardson, Texas.
Recording was not allowed. Subsequently, no video or presentation files are available for this meeting.
 

December 10, 2022
"Environmental Sustainability: A Strategic & Comprehensive Approach"
Presenter: Duy Vu, Environmental Manager, City of Cedar Hill, Texas
 
 "2022-12-10 Environmental Sustainability-A Strategic and Comprehensive Approach-DuyVu.mp4" (VERY Large video file: 1.1 GB)
 "2022-12-10 Environmental Sustainability-A Strategic and Comprehensive Approach-DuyVu.pdf" (10.2 MB)
 "2022-12-10 Meeting Chat" (47.8 kb)
 

November 12, 2022
"La Fe Guatemala Solar Water Pumping"
Presenter: Larry Bently, BSAE
 
 "2022-11-12 LaFe Solar Water Pumping-LarryBently.mp4" (Large video file: 818.6 MB)
 "2022-11-12 LaFe Solar Water Pumping-LarryBently.pdf" (12.3 MB)
 "2022-11-12 Meeting Chat" (48.3 kb)
 
Our November 12 meeting had a "bonus" presentation by students from Village Tech Schools "Solar Squids" solar race car team.
 
 "2022-11-12 Solar Squids.pdf" (5.5 MB)

October 8, 2022
"Synthetic Geothermal Reservoir - Flexible Geothermal Power Generation Using Geologic Thermal Energy Storage"
Presenter: Joseph Batir, Ph.D., Senior Geothermal Geoscientist, Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University
 
 "2022-10-08 Geothermal Power Generation-Joseph Batir.mp4" (Large video file: 262.1 MB)
 "2022-10-08 Geothermal Power Generation Using Geologic Thermal Energy Storage-Joseph Batir.pdf" (11 MB)
 "2022-10-08 Meeting Chat" (46.1 kb)
 

September 10, 2022
"A Climate Change Journey to Antarctica"
Presenter: Xenia Rangaswami, Director of ActionForce, ClimateForce and Research Assistant, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute
 
 "2022-09-10 A Climate Change Journey to Antarctica-Xenia Rangaswami.mp4" (Large video file: 221.7 MB)
 "2022-09-10 A Climate Change Journey to Antarctica-Xenia Rangaswami.pdf" (11.8 MB)
 "2022-09-10 Meeting Chat" (42.7 kb)
 

August 13, 2022
"Dallas College Facilities Strategic Plan and Energy Initiatives"
Presenter: Garrett Rosser, Dallas College Energy Manager
 
 "2022-08-13 Dallas College Energy Management-Garrett Rosser.mp4" (Large video file: 411.9 MB)
 "2022-08-13 Dallas College Energy Management Discussion-Garrett Rosser.pdf" (1.6 MB)
 "2022-08-13 Meeting Chat" (54.5 kb)
 

July 9, 2022
"Ground Source Heat Pump ('GSHP') Technology."
Presenter: Roy Schar, Excel Geothermal
 
 "2022-07-09 Geothermal Presentation-Roy Schar" (VERY Large video file: 1.8 GB)
 "2022-07-09 Geothermal Presentation-Roy Schar.pdf" (1.9 MB)
 "2022-07-09 Meeting Chat" (54.7 kb)
 

June 11, 2022
"Farmers Branch Sustainability Overview"
Presenter: Alexander Pharmakis, Sustainability Director, City of Farmers Branch, Texas
 
 "2022-06-11-City of Farmers Branch Solar Farm-Alexander Pharmakis.mp4" (Large video file: 187.2 MB)
 "2022-06-11 Farmers Branch Sustainability-Alexander Pharmakis.pdf" (1.9 MB)
 "2022-06-11 Meeting Chat" (45.0 kb)
 

May 14, 2022
"U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2022 Competition by University of North Texas"
Presenter: Hassan Qandil Ph.D., Department of Mechanical & Energy Engineering, UNT
 
 "US Department of Energy UNT 2022 Solar Design Decathlon" (VERY Large video file: 1.7 GB)
 "US Department of Energy UNT 2022 Solar Design Decathlon" (88.8 MB)
 "2022-05-14 Meeting Chat" (51.5 kb)
 

April 9, 2022
"2022-04-09 Challenges and Progress Towards Mass Adoption of Electric Vehicles"
Presenter: Michael Plante, Senior Economist, Advisor & Project Manager, Dallas Federal Energy Survey
 
A very informative presentation from the Federal Energy Survey.
 
  Due to technical difficulties, our April meeting was not recorded.
 "Challenges and Progress Towards Mass Adoption of Electric Vehicles" (2.6 MB)
 
Additional Information:

• Federal Reserve Electric Vehicle Report
• Federal Reserve Electric Vehicle Battery Report
• Federal Reserve Report: Solar Energy in Texas
• Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Index of Energy Reports

March 12, 2022
"Power Resilience"
Presenter: Mike Renner, Off-grid Homeowner
 
After the major winter storm of 2021 in Texas, many requests for information about how we can improve power resilience have been received. Mike shared suggestions on steps that can be taken to improve our homes in preparation for future events.
 
 "Power Resilience" (Large video file: 416 MB)
 Power Resilience" (24.7 MB)
 "2022-03-12 Meeting Chat" (56.4 kb)
 
Our March 12, 2022 meeting was the first time in two years we held an "in-person" session after meeting exclusively on line due to the pandemic. It was also our first attempt at conducting a "hybrid" session, with a simultaneous on-site and on-line presentation. While the overall meeting went well, we also experienced technical glitches that affected the quality of the video file. Notably, getting our presenters to repeat a question that was asked by on-site attendees so our on-line visitors could hear .. then provide an answer, proved to be a challenge. We'll strive to correct this and other issues at future meetings. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

February 12, 2022
"INSIDE OUT: Why the Building Envelope Controls the Energy Equation"
Presenter: Anthony Robinson, President, Axis Design Build, Inc.
 
This presentation demonstrates why the Building Envelope is critical in reducing energy usage over the entire Life-Cycle-Cost of the building.
 
 "INSIDE OUT: Why the Building Envelope Controls the Energy Equation" (VERY large video file: 1.9 GB)
 "INSIDE OUT: Why the Building Envelope Controls the Energy Equation Technical Paper" (2.8 MB)
 "2022-02-12 Meeting Chat" (69.3 kb)

January 8, 2022
"Power Of, By, and For the People: Building a Clean and Resilient Energy Future in Texas"
Presenter: Doug Lewin, President, Stoic Energy
 
In February, 2021, a winter storm of record proportions caused a near collapse of the Texas power grid. Doug's presentation gave an excellent overview of what happened, why it happened, and where we are with respect to preventative steps one year later. Attendees at this meeting asked so many questions, the video is approximately 30 minutes longer than our usual two-hour meeting time.
 
 "Power Of By and For the People: Building a Clean and Resilient Energy Future in Texas" (654.9 MB)
 "2022-01-08 Power Of By and For the People" (5.1 MB)
 "2022-01-08 Meeting Chat" (76.5 kB)

December 11, 2021
"Message from the 'Mothership' - An Overview of Texas Solar Energy Society Projects, Progress, and a Look Ahead"
Presenter: Patrice "Pete" Parsons, Executive Director, Texas Solar Energy Society
 

 "Message from the 'Mothership' - Overview of TXSES Projects, Progress, and a Look Ahead"
           (EXTREMELY large video file: 3.2 GB)

 "2021-12-11 Meeting Chat

November 13, 2021
"Dallas College Journey to Sustainability"
Presenter: Georgeann Moss, Senior Director, Sustainability, Dallas College
 
 "Dallas College Journey to Sustainability" (VERY large video file: 1.6 GB)
"Dallas College Journey to Sustainability-Georgeann Moss" (2.5 MB)
 "2021-11-13 Meeting Chat" (63.7 kB)

October 9, 2021
"CECAP - Not Another Pretty Plan on the Shelf"
Presenter: Susan Alvarez, P.E., Assistant Director, City of Dallas Texas Environmental Quality & Sustainability
 
 "Not Another Pretty Plan on the Shelf" (VERY large video file: 1.9 GB)
 "CECAP - Not Another Pretty Plan on the Shelf" (Large File: 8.9 MB)
 "2021-10-09 Meeting Chat" (83.0 kB)

September 11, 2021
Two Presentations: 1) 2021 DFW Solar Tour Preview. 2) New Texas Solar Laws Effective September 1, 2021
Presenter #1: Mark Witte, Chair, 2021 DFW Solar Tour Committee
Presenter #2: Rosa Orenstein, J.D, Chair, North Texas Renewable Energy Group
 
 "September 11, 2021 NTREG Meeting (Both Presenters)" (Large video file: 675 MB)
 "New Texas Solar Laws in 2021" (4.4 MB)
 "2021-09-11 Meeting Chat" (60.9 kB)

August 14, 2021
"Power to the People: Mesh Grids for the Last Mile"
Presenter: Afnan Hannan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Okra Solar
 
 "Power to the People: Mesh Grids for the Last Mile" (Large video file: 789.8 MB)
 "Crossing the Great Divide" (Large File! 17.6 MB)
 "2021-08-14 Meeting Chat" (65.2 kB)

July 10, 2021
"Crossing the Great Divide"
The Challenges and Opportunities to Get from Here to a Fossil-free Future.
Presenter: Gary Olp, FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, GGO Architects
 
 "Crossing the Great Divide" (Large video file: 231.5 MB)
 "Crossing the Great Divide" (Large File! 230.3 MB)
 "2021-07-10 Meeting Chat" (62.2 kB)

June 12, 2021
"Disruptive Energy Futures"
Presenter: Amory Lovins, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Rocky Mountain Institute
 
On June 12, 2021, NTREG was honored to host Amory Lovins, one of the most highly respected authority on energy efficiency in the world. Amory's presentation was very timely and covered a wide range of energy-related topics including improving energy efficiency in existing buildings, designing new buildings for extreme energy efficiency, electric vehicles, solar energy, and more. He even discussed the near failure of the Texas power grid during the record-setting winter storm in February, 2021, and how renewable energy systems were NOT the cause of the grid issues.
 
 "Disruptive Energy Futures" (Large Video File - 408 MB)
 "Disruptive Energy Futures" (Large File! 79.0 MB)
 "2021-06-12 Meeting Chat" (69.9 kB)

May 8, 2021
"Solar Opportunity in Texas"
Presenter: April Christensen, Project Developer, Invenergy
 
 "Solar Opportunity in Texas" (Large video file - 1,031 MB)
 "Solar Opportunity in Texas" (6.1 MB)
 "2021-05-08 Meeting Chat" (61.4 kB)

April 10, 2021
"Small House Design and Construction"
Presenter: Travis Young, AIA, Studio Momentum Architects
 
 "Small House Design and Construction" (Large video file - 914 MB)
 "Small House Design and Construction" (14.2 MB)
 "2021-04-10 Meeting Chat" (52.2 kB)

March 13, 2021
"Grid Down? No Problem! Extreme Weather Residential Resilience."
Presenter 1: Paul Westbrook, Re:Source Design, LLC
Presenter 2: Mike Renner, Past NTREG Chair, Solar homeowner
 
 "2021-03-13 NTREG - Preparing for Extreme Weather" (Large video file - 597.4 MB)
 "2021-03-13-Resilience_Extreme_Weather-Westbrook" (1.7 MB)
 "2021-03-13-Mike Renner Presentation" (3.2 MB)
 "2021-03-13 Meeting Chat" (38.4 kB)

February 13, 2021
"Telling the Solar Story"
Presenter: Efrem Jernigan, Sunnyside Energy Trust
 
 "2021-02-13-Sunnyside Solar Story-Jernigan" (Large video file - 632.9 MB)
 "2021-02-13-Telling The Solar Story-Jernigan" (1.3 MB)
 "2021-02-13-NTREG-Sunnyside Solar Project FAQ-Jernigan.pdf" (452 kB)
 "2021-02-13 Meeting Chat (48.3 kB)

January 9, 2021
"Recycling Electronics ... and More!"
Presenter: Terry Shultz, Account Manager, United Electronics Recycling
 
Our January 9, 2021 meeting was a virtual tour of the United Electronic Recycling facilities. It's impressive the variety of items that get recycled, and just as informative to learn what can't be recycled. Terry covered these and many other issues related to recycling electronic and other items.
 
 "Recycling Electronics ... and More!" (Large video file - 837.8 MB)
 "Recycling Electronics ... and More" (1.9 MB)

December 12, 2020
"Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan Update"
Presenter: Susan Alvarez, P.E., CFM
 
City of Dallas Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan. An overview of the plan as adopted, along with an update on actions and milestones underway as part of the Fiscal Year 20-21 Implementation Work Plan. Additional information on the greenhouse gas inventory and other related projects.
 
 "CECAP Recap" (Large video file - 687.4 MB)
 "Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan Update" (11.0 MB)

November 14, 2020
"All-Electric Utility Vehicles"
Presenters: Larry Brasfield, Maria Brown, Regional Sales Managers, Lion Electric
 
Discussion on Electric Vehicle Technology, and a detailed look at Lion Electric's fleet of all-electric urban utility vehicles. Additional discussion or how these vehicles fit into transportation plans for Texas.
 
 "All-Electric Utility Vehicles" EXTREMELY LARGE FILE! (1.2 GB)
 "All-Electric Utility Vehicles" (2.4 MB)

October 10, 2020
"Leading Texas Toward an Electric Transportation Future"
Presenter: Tom "Smitty" Smith, Executive Director, Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance
 
Presentation and discussion covering electric vehicles today .. and planning for an expanding electric vehicle fleet in the future.
 
 "Leading Texas Toward an Electric Transportation Future" (EXTREMELY LARGE FILE! 1.7 GB)
 "Leading Texas Toward an Electric Transportation Future" (5.5 MB)

September 12, 2020
"Beyond Net Zero"
Presenter: John Spears, Assoc. AIA, CEM, LEED AP, President and Founder, Sustainable Design Group
 
Exceptionally informative presentation covering trends in current technology like healthy homes, passive home construction, solar power and net zero. Direction in trends for homes of the near future was also covered.
 
 "Beyond Net Zero" (Large video file! 409 MB)
 PDF Not Provided

August 8, 2020
Our August 8 meeting had two presentations.
 
"Climate Reality Project Overview"
Presenter: Roger Knudson, Ph.D., DFW Chapter Chair, Climate Reality Project
 
The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change. The Climate Reality Project was formed in July 2011 when the Alliance for Climate Protection and The Climate Project combined to create a single organization.
 
 "Both presentations." (EXTREMELY LARGE FILE! 1.2 GB)
 "Climate Reality Project - An Overview" (12.3 MB)

"Artificial Intelligence & Energy Sustainability in Buildings"
Presenter: Michael Linn, Chairman Emeritus, Inua Partners In Hope
 
Artificial intelligence can radically improve economics of upgrading buildings for higher energy efficiency by managing both the supply and demand sides of energy – but now at the level of a single building. Our August 8 presentation reviewed a case study of an educational building that won the 2014 Global Tech Award for Educational Buildings, and is now the standard of design for geothermal HVAC systems used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on military bases.
 
 "Both presentations." (EXTREMELY LARGE FILE! 1.2 GB)
 "Thermal Energy Presentation" (2.3 MB)
 
Supportive information:
 "Impact of Load Management on PV Self-consumption in the Residential Sector" (1.8 MB)
 "Low Energy Science Building" (2.6 MB)

July 11, 2020
"Energy Trading in the ERCOT Market"
Presenter: Ryan Clements, Energy Trader
 
An informative look at how electricity is "traded", and the impact trading has on the cost of electrial energy. (Note: Our scheduled presenter for July 11 was unable to participate. Ryan Clements graciously stepped in to share this information. It was VERY educational!)
 
 "Energy Trading 101" (VERY large video file! 347 MB)
 "Energy Trading 101" (4.2 MB)

June 13, 2020
"Progress and Prospects of Perovskite Photovoltaics"
Presenter: Tim Siegler, Ph.D.
 
Perovskite is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in solar panel manufacturing that we've seen in many years. It's is a mineral comprised of calcium and titanium oxide. When added to solar cells, the conversion efficiency of light into electrical energy increases from 20% to approximately 30%!
 
 "Progress and Prospects of Perovskite Photovoltaics;" (LARGE video file 188 MB)
 "Progress and Prospects of Perovskite Photovoltaics" (2.7 MB)

May 9, 2020
"Ground Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal Heat Pumps)"
Presenter: Paul Westbrook
 
A look at how a heat pump works, the differences between air-source and ground-source heat pumps ("GHSP"), and an exploration of the components of a heat pump.
 
"Ground-source Heat Pumps" (LARGE Video File 146 MB)
"Ground-source Heat Pumps (Geothermal Heat Pumps)" (Large file! 47.5 MB)

April 11, 2020
"Energy in the United States: How, When, and What We Use to Power Our Lives"
Presenter: Joshua D. Rhodes, Ph.D.
 
A broad overview of the types of energy we use in the United States, plus a focus on electricity and factors that influence what it takes to get electricity from the generators to our wall outlets. A look at the future of solar energy in Texas was also included.
 
"Energy in the United States: How, When, and What We Use to Power Our Lives" (4.6 MB)

March 14, 2020
"Solar Energy in Texas - Pumped Storage Issues and Opportunities"
Presenter: Joseph R. Dancy, Ph.D.
 
An excellent presentation discussing the combination of solar energy and pumping water for storage of "excess" solar energy when more solar energy is being generated than is consumed on a commercial scale. Two files: The first is a video made during the on-line presentation. The PDF contains the Powerpoint slides that accompanied the presentation.
 
"Solar Energy in Texas - Pumped Storage Issues and Opportunities" (LARGE Video File! 106.4 MB)
"Solar Energy in Texas - Pumped Storage Issues and Opportunities" (7.8 MB)

December 14, 2019
"Battery Technologies Compared"
Presenter: Tom Brennan, Engineering Manager of Sol-Ark
 
"Battery Technologies Compared" (2.6 MB)

September 14, 2019
"Update on City of Dallas Energy Initiatives"
Presenter: Susan Alvarez, P.E., Assistant Director, City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
 
"Update on City of Dallas Energy Initiatives" (9.1 MB)

August 10, 2019
"Background and Requirements for Utility Scale Solar Projects in Texas"
Presenter: Sol Bobst, President of Solar Ranch Development Company
 
Background and Requirements for Utility Scale Solar Projects in Texas. (3.9 MB)

July 13, 2019
"Electronics Recycling"
Presenter: Terry Shultz with United Electronic Recycling
 
Electronics Recycling. (Large file! 11.8 MB)

June 8, 2019
"An Introduction to Aquaponics"
Presenter: Adam Cochran
 
Aquaponics - Raising Fish and Growing Food Crops Together. (4.6 MB)

May 11, 2019
"Changes to Texas Solar PV Incentives"
Presenter: Steve Wiese of Frontier Energy
 
Changes to Texas Solar PV Incentives (939 kB)

April 13, 2019
"ERCOT Update"
Presenter: Ron Seidel, RBS Energy Consulting
 
"ERCOT" is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. ERCOT is a regulatory body with oversight of electrical power generation and distribution throughout the state. Among other responsibilities, ERCOT establishes the amount of "reserve margin" generating capacity that must exist. Ron's presentation covered where we are now, and where we may be in 10 years if changes aren't made.
 
ERCOT Update by Ron Seidel (1 MB)

February 9, 2019
"Air Quality Monitoring Projects in the DFW Metroplex"
Presenter: David Lary, Ph.D.
 
Air Quality Monitoring Projects in the DFW Metroplex (Large file! 17.1 MB)

January 12, 2019
"Composting" (four presentations)
 
   * Robert Smouse, Director - City of Fort Worth Solid Waste Services
   * John Darling, Founder - University of Texas at Arlington Composting Program
   * Brandon Castillo, Business Manager - Cowboy Compost
   * Lora Hinchcliff - The Living Earth Company
 
Presentation by City of Fort Worth (1.8 MB)
Presentation by University of Texas at Arlington (8.1 MB)
Presentation by Cowboy Compost (3.1 MB)
Presentation by Living Earth Compost (3.6 MB)

December 8, 2018
"Electric Vehicles from the Ground Up"
Presenter: Adam Lansing
 
Adam's photo essay about converting a 1980 Toyota Celica to all-electric operation. What's so remarkable about this project? Adam started and finished this conversion while he was in high school!
 
"Electric Vehicles from the Ground Up" (Large file! 17.6 MB)

September 15, 2018
"Real-Life Long-term Solar Performance"
Presenters: Bill Neukranz and Larry Howe
 
Bill Neukranz discussed performance differences between "string" and "micro" inverters. (What is an "inverter", "micro-inverter", and "string" inverter? See our Glossary page for definitions.) At what time of year can you obtain maximum solar energy production? Bill answered this and other questions, and discussed his do-it-yourself energy monitoring system.
 
Larry Howe's presentation about his system's performance compared to local solar energy. He discussed his expectations, and compared what his system was predicted to do based on several years of measured performance.
 
Presentation by Bill Neukranz (3.5 MB)
Presentation by Larry Howe (1.8 MB)

June 09, 2018
"The Lean-Living Project"
Presenter: Tony Robinson of NET3 Houses
 
NET3 HOUSES is a company that designs, engineers, and builds new types of houses that are compact, resource-efficient, and low-maintenance. Tony's presentation described how these houses are built, and the reduced energy consumption expected. The entire home is "engineered" elsewhere, then brought to the site for assembly. Their houses have no concrete, no masonry products, and no adhesives. Cabinets and other materials will give off no harmful emissions. On-site solar power generation is a part of the home design and construction.
 
"The Lean-Living Project" (2.1 MB)

April 14, 2018
"Energy for Off-grid Campers"
Presenter: Mel Hendricks
 
Mel and his wife Liza purchased their "folding" Aliner camper in 2012. Their camper and many energy upgrades allow them extended, comfortable, off-grid camping in National Parks and Forests. Mel's presentation describes the changes and upgrades they made to make their camper extremely energy efficient.
 
"Energy for Off-grid Campers" (2.6 MB)

December 9, 2017
"Residential PV Generation: Impacts (Positive and Negative!) on Transmission & Distribution Networks and Operations"
Presenter: Randy Boys, Oncor Manager of Strategy & Technology
 
An overview of Oncor's experimental microgrid system (in Lancaster, TX), with emphasis on: (a) On-grid site distributed energy generation and load management, and; (b) off-grid, stand-alone ("islanded") operations.
 
Oncor Microgrid Presentation (3.1 MB)

July 8, 2017
"LED Lighting"
Presenter: Bill Neukranz
 
Everything you want to know about LED Lighting, including recent trends, updates in technology, and how they can save you money. Residential do-it-yourself upgrades to "LED" lighting. Bill's presentation will include show-and-tell displays illustrating what should be going into homes today, including fixtures to illustrate manufacturing trends.
 
"LED Lighting" (2.3 MB)

September 10, 2016
"Electric Vehicles"
Presenter: Rachel Linnewiel, North Central Texas Council of Governments
 
A very interesting look into where we are with respect to electric vehicles, and the view by traffic and air quality planners on where we are headed in the future. This is a perspective from our regional governmental planning experts.
 
"NCTCOG Electric Vehicle Update" (3.8 MB)

August 10, 2016
"Renewable Energy in Two Texas Cities"
Presenters:
   Christopher Foster, City of Georgetown, Texas
   Brian Daskam, City of Denton, Texas
 
Two very informative presentations by representatives from Georgetown, Texas, and Denton, Texas. Excellent insight into what two of Texas' most visionary and progressive cities are doing with regard to solar energy. Georgetown is now purchasing 100% renewable energy.
 
City of Georgetown, Texas presentation (2.1 MB)
Georgetown presentation audio file. (11.8 MB)
 Download this file and use it in conjunction with the City of Georgetown presentation slides (above).

City of Denton, Texas presentation. (828 kB)
Denton presentation audio file. (7.2 MB)
 Download this file and use it in conjunction with the City of Denton presentation slides (above).

July 9, 2016
Three-Member Panel Discussion on Batteries and Energy Storage
Presenters: Jay Squyres, Graeme Waitzkins, and Andrew Whitehead
 
In what was the second largest meeting in NTREG history, attendees were treated to a three-person panel discussing the incorporation of batteries into solar energy systems. NTREG member Jay Squyres discussed upgrading existing systems. Graeme Waitzkins, Vice-President of "The Treehouse" (an environmentally-oriented retail firm) talked about the Tesla Powerwall, and Andrew Whitehead of Axium Solar shared information about Sonnen Batteries. These are their presentations.
 
Jay Squyres' Presentation: "Home Energy Storage" (4.1 MB)
Andrew Whitehead's Presentation: "Sonnen Batteries" (3.0 MB)
Graeme Waitzkins' Presentation: "Tesla Batteries" Discussion (Not Received)
 

June 11, 2016
Presenter: Jesse Dillard, P.E., and Certified Energy Manager
 
With a population in excess of 1.3 million people, Dallas is the largest city in the "DFW Metroplex", and often the most influential. Neighboring cities often follow the lead set by Dallas. Under the guidance of Jesse Dillard, P.E. and Certified Energy Manager, Dallas is achieving remarkable success in energy conservation and sustainability projects. The City is setting high standards not just for surrounding communities, but statewide as well. Our June 11, 2016 meeting provided a very informative overview of the award-winning sustainability and efficiency programs implemented by Dallas in recent years.

"City of Dallas Sustainability Programs" (5.4 MB)

May 14, 2016
Presenters: Jon Fripp, Isabel Fripp
 
This meeting was a first for NTREG. We had a presentation by Jon Fripp and his daughter Isabel. They explained how the "Solar Lunchbox" works, and taught NTREG members how to construct a "Solar Lunchbox". We then proceeded to the "hands-on" aspect of the meeting. 17 NTREG members constructed a Solar Lunchbox of their own, while nearly 40 others enjoyed observing, learning, and asking questions. When everyone was finished, we took the Solar Lunchboxes outside and saw the battery voltmeter go up as the solar panel charged the battery. This meeting was so successful, we're considering doing it again in the future!
 
"DIY Solar Lunchbox" (Large file! 18.9 MB)
 
For those who'd like to see what we built at our May 2016 meeting, Jon provided a five-minute video starring his daughter Isabel, who helped design and build the first "Solar Lunchbox". (If you think this may be too complicated .. Isabel is 12 years old (as of this meeting), and SHE did most of the work!)
 
Video File
Video presentation showing highlights and construction of the "Solar Lunchbox" (Large file! 25.5 MB).

April 9, 2016
"Electric Vehicle Update"
Presenter: Ron Swanson, President, North Texas Electric Auto Association
 
A short history of electric vehicles, statistics from today's market .. and where we are going in the future.
 
"The Electric Car 2016" (2.2 MB)

March 12, 2016
"Passive House Design Principles"
Presenter: Roger Taylor
 
Roger Taylor is a Certified Passive House Consultant, Residential Energy Services Network "HERS" Rater, BPI certified by the Building Performance Institute, Energy Star certified, IECC certified through the International Energy Conservation Code Council, and a United States Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home partner.
 
Roger gave an introduction to the "passive house", its origins, and design principles. Discussion also covered financial reasons to use passive design principles, including photographs of recently certified passive houses. This approach makes the use of solar energy extremely effective and more affordable!
 
"Passive House Design Principles" (Large file! 13.2 MB)

February 13, 2016
Presenter: Jeff Reed, Senior Program Manager, Oncor Energy Efficiency
 
Oncor is a "Transmission and Distribution" company, sending electrical energy from where it's generated, to where it's consumed. They offer incentives to all customers in their service area for solar energy equipment. Jeff discussed how the incentive program works, and how customers may participate.
 
 "Oncor Solar Energy Incentive Program" (1.8 MB)

December 12, 2015
Presenter: Mike Renner

Mike Renner's presentation and information about a "Portable Solar Cart You Can Build". Four files are enclosed in the ZIP file. A program for opening and extracting ZIP files will be required on your computer.
 
 "Solar Cart Files (ZIP Format)" (Large file! 17.6 MB)
 
Here are the individual files:
       "Solar Cart File 1 of 4.pdf" - Presentation - (Large file! 17.5 MB)
       "Solar Cart File 2 of 4.pdf" - Electrical Formulas - (543 kB)
       "Solar Cart File 3 of 4.pdf" - Wire Size Table - (64.4 kB)
       "Solar Cart File 4 of 4.pdf" - Solar Cart Wiring Diagram - (100 kB)

August 8, 2015
Presenter: Charlie Hemmeline, Executive Director, Texas Solar Power Association.
 
A review of the 2015 State of Texas Legislative Session, and how renewable energy fared in gains, losses, and other aspects of new laws and legislation. Also an overview of anticipated action in the next legislative session.
 
"2015 State of Texas Legislative Session Review" (2.2 MB)

April 11, 2015
Presenter: Ramsey Kweik, Southern Methodist University Geothermal Research Laboratory
 
A fascinating report showing how depleted oil wells are becoming a source of geothermal energy that can be used for generating electrical power using nothing more than the heat from the Earth's crust.
 
"Renewable Energy from Depleted Oil Wells." (3.7 MB)

February 14, 2015
Presenter: Bill Muston. ONCOR Manager for Research & Technology Development
 
ONCOR, Texas' largest regulated utility, stepped forward in 2014 with a bold plan to invest $5.2 Billion for installing 5,000 MW of batteries on the Texas utility grid. If this project goes through, it will be the largest project of its kind in the world.
 
"Electric Grid Battery Backup: Who gets to lead the next revolution in energy?" (1.3 MB)

January 10, 2015
"Steps to Take Before "Going Solar".
Presenter: Jim Phillips, P.E.
 
Jim Phillips is a Licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Auditor, and Green Building Engineer. He has spent years showing people what should be done BEFORE installing solar energy systems to make the solar energy equipment more beneficial, with a faster return on investment.
 
Jim Phillips' Presentation - "Saving Energy in Your Home" (1.2 MB)

July 12, 2014
"Vision North Texas 2050"
Presenter: Kevin Shepherd, Verdunity, Inc.
 
Kevin Shepherd is a Principal and co-founder of Verdunity, Inc., a Dallas/Fort Worth-based consulting firm specializing in planning and design of sustainable communities and infrastructure. His presentation for our July 2014 meeting (the full title of which is "How Local Communities and Businesses Can Position North Texas for a Fiscally and Environmentally Sustainable Future"), summarized the results and findings of the multi-year planning and visioning effort that culminated in the release of the award-winning Vision North Texas 2050 Plan.
 
"Vision North Texas 2050" (5.2 MB)

May 10, 2014
"Improving Vehicle Mileage & Efficiency"
Presenter: Phil Knox
 
Phil Knox is a nationally recognized vehicle efficiency expert. He provided a lot of information about vehicle efficiency, including some eye-opening facts about changing the shape of the REAR of our cars as possibly more important than changing the front!
 
"Improving Vehicle Mileage & Efficiency" (File #1 of 2. 6.8 MB)
"Improving Vehicle Mileage & Efficiency" (File #2 of 2. 341 kB)

February 8, 2014
"Green Homes are Better for People, Pocketbook, and Planet"
Presenter: Beth Johnson, Realtor
 
Beth Johnson, a "green-credentialed, Quadruple Crown" Realtor, gave an extensive presentation at our February 8 meeting. She discussed how the valuation of our homes would be affected by energy efficiency steps, and the addition of solar energy equipment to our homes. This is a large file, with more than 120 slides.
 
"Green Homes are Better for People, Pocketbook, and Planet" (4.3 MB)

January 11, 2014
"Solarize Plano" - A Community Group-Solar-Purchase Plan
Presenters: Larry Howe & Robert Litwins of "Solarize Plano"
 
January 11, 2014 presentation by Larry Howe and Bob Litwins of "Solarize Plano", teaching others how to form "solarize your neighborhood" groups for everyone in the Metroplex and surrounding communities.
 
"Solarize Your Neighborhood Networking Event" (1.3 MB)

December 14, 2013
"North Central Texas Council of Governments Initiatives on Electric Vehicles and Solar Energy"
Presenter: Lori Clark
 
"NCTCOG Initiatives on Electric Vehicles and Solar Energy" (1.4 MB)

October 12, 2013
"What Cities Are Doing to Support Sustainability"
Presenter: Fran Witte, City of Irving, Texas
 
Presentation by Fran Witte, Sr. Community Outreach Coordinator, Office of Environmental Stewardship, City of Irving, Texas.
 
"What Cities Are Doing to Support Sustainability" (3.1 MB)

September 14, 2013
"Solarize Plano"
Presenters: Larry Howe & Robert Litwins of "Solarize Plano"
 
Presentation by Larry Howe and Bob Litwins of "Plano Solar Advocates ". Plano Solar Advocates is a volunteer grass-roots group with a mission to increase awareness and use of solar energy for electricity generation in Plano and surrounding communities.
 
"Solarize Plano" (1.6 MB)

July 13, 2013
"State of the Recycling Industry"
Presenter: Jeremy Starritt
 
Presentation about the present status of regional recycling by Jeremy Starritt, City of Frisco, Texas Environmental Services Manager.
 
"Cycle and Recycle - What's Going on With Recycling??". (2.6 MB)

April 13, 2013
"Solar Cars for All Ages"
Presenter: Gary Vliet, Ph.D, UT Austin
 
Discussion and presentation about solar cars of all sizes. Contains considerable history for the past 20 years of various solar car races held in America, and around the world.
 
"Solar Cars for All Ages" (5.0 MB)

March 9, 2013
"Solar Advisory Committee Strategic Plan for Local Solar in Austin"
Presenter: Steve Wiese, Principal, Clean Energy Associates
 
(Two files.)
 
A Strategic Plan for Local Solar in Austin - File 1 of 2 (536K)
 
A Strategic Plan for Local Solar in Austin - File 2 of 2 (616K)

February 9, 2013
"Developing Geothermal Energy in O/G Plays"
Presenter: Maria Richards, Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory Coordinator
 
A very informative presentation about generating electricity through the use of geothermal energy in Texas (not a discussion of ground-source heat-pumps or air conditioning). The high temperatures found beneath Texas provide an ideal mix of resources from which to produce electricity from geothermal energy. Although previous investigations into the geothermal resource potential along the Gulf Coast led to a successful demonstration project in 1989-90, the business environment was not yet supportive of renewable energy, and the geothermal energy potential remained untapped. The geothermal energy potential in America is 10 times that of installed coal-fired power plants!
 
What are "O/G Plays?". "O/G" is an abbreviation for "oil/gas", (gas as in natural gas, a byproduct of petroleum drilling). "Play" is a term used by geologists and others to refer to oil and gas fields where wells have been drilled, or are planned for drilling. Put them together and "O/G Plays" means an area of land (typically spanning many square miles) that share geological traits possibly favorable for oil and gas exploration.
 
"Developing Geothermal Energy in O/G Plays" (5.8 MB)

January 12, 2013
"Solar Photovoltaics in the 21st Century"
Presenter: Jim Duncan
 
Discussion about photovoltaics -- past - present - and future. A broad look at the beginnings of solar electricity, where we've been, and where we are today. Includes system installation and related issues.
 
"Solar Photovoltaics in the 21^st Century" (2.8 MB)

July 14, 2012
"Power Grid Capacity Issues in Texas.
Presenter: Ron Seidel, RBS Energy Consulting
 
Presentation on how we arrived where we are with the power grid capacity issues we're facing in Texas.
 
"Power Grid Capacity Issues in Texas" (667K)

May 12, 2012
"Home & Building Design for Energy Efficiency"
Presenter: Paul Westbrook
 
Excellent presentation about home and building design for energy efficiency and comfort. Discussion includes new construction as well as tips for existing homes. Topics range from site selection and building orientation to electricity, water, transportation, recycling, cooling & heating (air conditioning, ground-source heat pumps), water heating, rainwater capture, and more. This is one of the best general presentations on home and business efficiency.
 
"Thinking Outside About the Box" (2.25 MB)  

November 12, 2011
"Oncor PV Incentive Program"
Presenter: Steven Wiese
 
Presentation covered the Oncor PV Incentive Program, trends shaping PV's future in Texas, incentive designs and their applicability in Texas, and Legislation and Regulation. There's a wealth of information contained in Steve's presentation.
 
"Incentives for Solar PV in Texas" (1.7 MB)

September 10, 2011
"Remodel for Comfort, Health, and Energy Efficiency"
Presenter: Robert Ruth, Architect
 
Covered are many "best building design and construction" practices to achieve sustainable living environments that are comfortable, healthy, and eco-friendly. Robert's personal research and experience in passive solar design, solar energy use, residential indoor environmental quality and air quality, building energy and water use, form the foundation for this presentation.
 
"Remodel for Comfort, Health, and Energy Efficiency" (2.1 MB)

August 13, 2011
"Solar Energy Around the World"
Presenter, Dan Lepinski
 
Photos of solar energy taken on five different continents around the world. Images show all forms of solar energy: solar electricity, solar cooking, wind turbines, and solar hot water throughout various countries. Alternate forms of transportation and environmental issues are also highlighted. This was a fascinating meeting with numerous eye-opening slides!
 
"Renewable Energy and the Environment Around the World" (11 MB)

April 9, 2011
"The Blue Wing Energy Project"
Presenter: John Kosub, Project Engineer, CPS Energy of San Antonio
 
John joined CPS Energy in 2001, and is a Project Manager in their Integrated Planning & Research department. At CPS Energy, he's involved in strategic resource planning for fossil, nuclear, renewable, and storage technologies; business case development, technology research & development, and new power plant project development.
 
The Blue Wing solar energy facility was the 5^th largest photovoltaic system in America when it was commissioned on November 5, 2010. John's presentation provided an overview and insight into the work required to get the system installed .. and more importantly .. how well it's operating.
 
"Blue Wing 14 Megawatt Utility-Scale Solar Energy Project" (2.18 MB)

December 11, 2010
"Whole-house Energy Monitoring"
Presenter: Bill Neukranz
 
In this second of two consecutive presentations, Bill shows how keeping track of the energy usage by various appliances around our homes not only saves money, but can also detect pending problems!
 
"Whole House Energy Monitoring" (2.4 MB)

September 11, 2010
"The Halfway Club"
Presenter: Bill Neukranz
 
Bill is Chairman of the City of Plano's Parks and Recreation Planning Board. Bill's "Top 10" list provides steps we all can take to reduce our utility bills by half, while at the same time increasing the comfort level in our homes.
 
"The Half-Way Club" (2 MB)

August 14, 2010
"Attics - A Hot Topic"
Presenter: C.T. Loyd
 
Superb presentation by C.T. Loyd, Technical Director of Texas HERO. Topics include insulation, ventilation, roofing, radiant barrier, and many others. (6 MB)
 
(Two files.)
 
"Attics - A Hot Topic" (6.29 MB)
Attics- A HOT Topic Audio Presentation by CT Loyd (Large! 22.1 MB)
Audio file from C.T. Loyd's presentation at our August 14 meeting.
(Recording courtesy of NTREG member Terry Jensen.)

September 12, 2009
"Xeriscape & Sustainable Landscaping"
Presenter: Geoff Sherman
 
Geoff is the Landscape Horticulturalist for North Richland Hills, Texas Parks & Recreation Department. He's also a Certified Arborist and Licensed Irrigator.
 
"Xeriscape and Sustainable Landscaping" (1.5 MB)

August 2001 to August 2009
Meetings from the date of NTREG's founding in August 2001 through August 2009 preceded our website, and were not recorded or archived.