Solar Carport for Columbus, OH Police Station Might Not be Put Up

As we saw a few weeks ago in a post about solar carports in New Jersey, these structures with photovoltaic panels are being constructed with federal stimulus money. This is also the case for solar carports in Columbus, OH for a police station. While Ohio has plans for 25 alternative energy projects, this current project involving photovoltaic panels on carport-like structures for a police station has been stalled somewhat. The city, presently, has questions about the project, including how it benefits the city overall, and the likelihood of these structures being constructed will be at earliest spring 2010.

The company behind the solar panels, Solar Vision, LLC, received a grant of $335,328 in federal stimulus dollars for building solar carports on the city’s new police station, according to the article. More specifically, the solar-powered structure that will be set up includes four carport structures supporting photovoltaic panels in the police station parking lot. These will, then, generate 122,312 kilowatts of power per year, which would cover 15 to 20 percent of the police station’s power and, over 20 years, would save the station about $75,000 dollars. So, in terms of alternative energy projects, why wouldn’t this be beneficial to the city?

The project costs a large sum of money to create and the amount from it won’t even be made up within 20 years. In fact, the total amount will be made up in electricity reduction in 90 years, at the current pace. Additionally, the project only powers less than a quarter of the police station. While having primarily solar power is one goal of alternative energy, such a project to power a portion of a police station isn’t really rational. Instead, the city of Columbus should be finding ways to incorporate alternative energy sources without such a high price tag.

Tarps Used in Conservation of Oregon Silverspot Butterfly

The Oregon silverspot butterfly species have been put on the threatened list under the Endangered Species Act, and part of their conservancy by the Nature Conservancy in Oregon involves black polyethylene tarps. In the case of the brief article under the link, the non-native blackberry plants reduce the common blue violets that the butterfly larvae use for food. Tarps, then, are applied to the blackberry plants to reduce them and make room for more native plants, such as the common blue violets and other meadow plants.

Meadows are the habitat for these threatened butterflies but, as fires are being prevented in the area, fewer spaces for meadows are available for Oregon silverspot butterflies. Additionally, the current meadows are being filled with non-native plants, such as blackberries and canarygrass, and the plants the butterfly species would feed off of are being reduced. Their habitats, all in coastal areas, once stretched through California, Washington, and Oregon, but, presently, the butterflies are reduced to a few areas in Oregon.

One option for conservancy has been to instigate forest burnings in the late spring, summer, and early fall, as this allows for more meadow plant shoots in the area. Although the meadowland being created is somewhat artificial, it expands areas with native plants for the Oregon silverspot butterflies. Another option involving tarps targets current meadowlands, which are being threatened by species of non-native plants replacing native ones like the common blue violets. In these instances, non-native plants like canarygrass and blackberries are clipped back and covered with black polyethylene tarps. Although this doesn’t eliminate non-native plants, especially canarygrass, it reduces areas for them and allows common blue violets more area. Once such plants are available in current meadow spaces, the Oregon silverspot butterflies can lay their larvae, which will then feed off such plants and expand the butterfly population somewhat.

Are Canvas Tarps a Fire Hazard?

Some tarps are designed to be fire retardant, while others are not. For the latter, canvas tarps aren’t given such treatments, as these are never used as part of an outdoor canopy, in which they should be fire retardant. Instead, these tarps are used to cover objects outdoors or indoors and are often used as camping tarps. On occasion, a canvas tarp may also be used as a truck tarp. But, as these tarps aren’t waterproof, they’re not used outdoors for a long period of time, such as polyethylene ones. At the same time, though, any type of material shouldn’t be placed near a heat source. For a polyethylene or vinyl tarp, this may make the material melt but, for canvas, the material may burn.

As indicated in the news story above, the canvas tarps, when placed near a heat source, caught on fire. More specifically, the canvas tarps were placed on floor heat registers. After a period of time, the tarps overheated and caught on fire. Although no one was injured in the news story, that might not always be the case. So, if you have canvas tarps around your home or business, what should you do?

The main thing is to not keep a canvas tarp near a heat source for too long. A canvas tarp needing to dry off, especially after being kept outside, can be near a heat source until the material dries but past this point, the material should be kept away. Similarly, when these tarps are being stored, they should be kept in a temperate room so that the material won’t expand or contract or, worse, catch fire. Canvas tarps are ideal for painting, as the stiffness keeps the material from moving, but, otherwise, these tarps aren’t treated to be fire retardant and, therefore, shouldn’t be used or stored like polyethylene or vinyl tarps.

Protecting Library Books with Tarps

Tarps have a number of protective uses, and in one recent incident in Ontario, Canada, this includes protecting library books from fire and water. When a fire had formed in a government building, tarps were set out over books to prevent any water or fire from destroying or damaging them. As mentioned in the linked article above, a similar fire 100 years ago had destroyed the building and a significant amount of books in the library. As a fire could set a sprinkler off or firemen could spray in the building, the library wanted their books to be protected from water damage, and tarps were thrown on top of stacks of books just in case.

In an instance like this, the best tarps to have on hand are fire retardant tarps. While nearly all polyethylene tarps are treated to be waterproof and UV resistant, not all are fire retardant. For a tarp to be considered fire retardant, it needs to meet certain specifications set by California fire codes, which are the strongest in the United States. As many tarps are used outdoors, including as canopies in carnivals and fairs where food is being served, having that additional protection will keep the tarp –as well as those protected by it – from burning or being damaged by fire.

Not all tarp retailers carry these tarps, but others, such as A1 Tarps, offer fire retardant tarps in their selection of products. Essentially, these types of tarps have all the typical properties of polyethylene tarps, including being waterproof, UV resistant, and mildew and rot resistant, and being fire retardant is added to this list of features. A tarp, however, to be fire retardant needs to have a tag or sticker on the side stating that the tarp is certified under the California State Fire Marshall. Otherwise, the tarp will not be as strong in this aspect.

What Counts as a Tarp for Transporting Trash?

One issue in many Southern states is transporting trash from a home to a dump without any of it flying on the road. If this pertained merely to transporting materials in a dump or flatbed truck, the solution would be to use a standard truck tarp made from polyethylene, vinyl, or mesh, depending upon the material being transported. For residents hauling their trash, however, different rules apply. In some areas, a tarp is required to cover any trash being transported in a car, while in others, any material that can cover trash and prevent it from flying out is considered a “tarp.”

In Anderson, South Carolina, whether to use a tarp or another material for transporting trash is somewhat of an issue. Essentially, the town wants to prevent litter when residents transport their trash by car or truck and, in a local law, requires a “tarp” to cover any trash being moved. This includes trash cans that even have a locked lid. In any instance trash could escape, a tarp-like material is required. Residents, on the other hand, think that an actual polyethylene tarp is needed, and the town plans to revise this law to define a tarp as any material that will effectively cover a load of trash. As mentioned in the article, this could include a bed sheet or netting, as long as the material prevents any trash from being blown out.

While using the proper material when transporting trash is an issue, a more prominent issue is how the load, including the “tarp” is being secured. With a traditional dump or flatbed truck, when a tarp isn’t properly secured, the tarp can come loose, thus exposing the load to moisture, or it can experience wind whip, which decreases the lifespan of a tarp. When residents of Anderson or any Southern town with a similar issue plan to use a tarp or similar material, they should secure it, so that the material doesn’t come loose and allow trash to fly out.

Solar Carports at NJ College

As some claim that the economic stimulus package from a year ago did very little to jump start the economy, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey used some of that state allocated money to build their school a solar carport. This particular solar carport is considered the largest in the nation. This particular carport uses 851.8 kilowatts to power buildings on campus, but, over time, it will save 1.2 megawatts. As it was funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the carport was the first structure to be built with state federal economic stimulus funding. As far as students on campus are concerned, this large carport gives them an option for parking in the shade.

This news item and others about solar carports opens up the question, why carports for solar energy? While we have discussed how the structure of a carport is ideal for supporting photovoltaic panels, these solar carports can or will serve an eventual purpose of not only powering buildings – and reducing money spent on electricity over time – but any electric cars will be able to use this energy, as well. In essence, every building will need to use solar power in the future to power itself and save on electricity costs, while reducing its carbon foot print at the same time.

As more buildings, particularly schools and office buildings like we’ve seen so far, expand into efficient energy options, will there be more of a need for carports? In the present, perhaps, as using a carport for photovoltaic panels often has a double use. Workers or students use it to park under, and the photovoltaic panels, supported and angled by the carport, absorb enough of the sun’s energy to power a building or vehicles. Unless another system is developed, the design of a carport seems most ideal for this solar energy option in the present.

More Carport Zoning Laws

One topic discussed last week was zoning laws concerning carports. Although the previous post’s carport zoning laws pertained to a town in Idaho, carport zoning laws are found all over and can vary with each town. A recent story from the Star Local News details how Rowlett, Texas, has revised its carport zoning laws recently. The town, according to the article, thinks that they’re making owning a carport easier, while residents find them more restrictive. Some of the key points include defining what type of structure a carport is classified as. The town has determined that, if a carport is attached to a home, it’s part of the house, while one not attached, such as the various carports and portable garages at Shelters of America, is an “accessory structure.”

Most of the restrictions apply to a carport classified as an “accessory structure.” According to the article, an independent carport is considered less structurally sound and is restricted to 500 square feet or less, as the town requires buildings or structures of 500 square feet or more to have sprinkler systems. Properties, regardless of size, are only limited to one accessory structure, which encompasses carports and sheds.

So, if you’re planning to add a carport to your home and your town has similar zoning laws, how do you get around this? In general, the best option is to go for a larger size carport or portable garage. One of these structures with polyethylene sides can be used as both a carport and a shed. If you’re a large property, such as a farm, one of these larger structures, either a peaked or rounded roof portable garage, can be added to store farm equipment. As long as the structure is less than 500 square feet, a sprinkler system does not need to be installed, and such a structure, such as a 20 foot by 20 foot structure, can hold a few cars, a couple pieces of farming equipment, or other random items needing storage.

Zoning Rules for Carports

Installing a carport might involve consulting with your town about zoning laws, be it a fully metal or metal-and polyethylene structure. Although putting a carport might simply be adding a tent-like structure to your property, once it becomes cemented on the ground, it becomes part of your property the same way a deck or back porch does, and for the latter two types of structures, zoning laws have certain restrictions on how large a structure can be. If the carport or portable garage isn’t cemented into the ground, however, it doesn’t need any type of zoning permit or approval. What kind of carports can be put up is an issue in an area of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Residents are setting up carports and some, not following zoning laws, are being taken to court for not having a building permit.

Although zoning laws vary by town and zoning laws and building permits will vary from Idaho Falls to Queens, NY, one risk, or one thing to keep in mind, when installing a carport, portable garage, or similar structure is whether it will be considered a permanent structure. In the case of the article about Idaho Falls, once the structure is cemented into the ground, it becomes a permanent part of the property. Not all carports need to be cemented, and some can simply be secured in the ground without using cement. In this case, you will need to consult with your local government in regards to what can be put in the ground before it’s considered a permanent structure.

Aside from putting a structure into the ground, some zoning laws specify how large a structure can be. In some areas, for example, a carport designed to protect three cars might be too large, while in others, the dimensions stay within certain limits. Before you run out or go online and purchase a large carport or portable garage, consulting with your local government, again, can give you a better picture of what kind of structures are allowed and even if your area has any restrictions in regards to carports.

Tarps Involved in Green Condo Design

What to do with tarps remains a subject for going green. We’ve seen people reuse tarps in art and fashion and, now, an interior design competition in the Philippines had a second-place winner incorporating tarps into a green condo. In terms of green technology, tarps fall under the category of reused materials, as most tarps cannot be recycled. As long as the material is moderately intact, it can be turned into something else. As we saw in previous posts, fashion designers made polyethylene tarps into bags and canvas tarps into hats, one of which was worn by Woody Harrelson in the film Zombieland. Many materials fall under this category, as they can’t be recycled and can’t decompose.

As mentioned in the article, tarps were used as bedroom wallpaper and to re-style older furniture in the green condo created by the second-place winner, Pauline Joy Cuevas. Although the type of tarps she used weren’t mentioned, you can bet safely that they were polyethylene tarps. The tarps in the bedroom were printed with a pattern, so that, although reused, they don’t resemble old tarps. The article mentions that the Philippines has a large amount of tarps and, as anyone who has used tarps knows, once the tarp becomes torn or worn, the material is no longer usable.

Instead of sitting in landfills or becoming large pieces of litter, tarps can be used in the same way Cuevas incorporated them into her green condo. As green or sustainable home designing is becoming more popular, tarps, and other materials like laminate, can be reused in these homes, instead of merely sitting around. Tarps, in some cases, can provide moderate insulation for a room but, practical purposes aside, a tarp can still be used in the canvas or wallpaper-like fashion used in the condo Cuevas designed.

Covering Pumpkins with Tarps

Since we’re in the middle of fall at the moment, going pumpkin picking is an appropriate activity for children and their parents. But with recent and sudden colder temperatures in the northern part of the country, and some areas experiencing snowfall, some pumpkins, as well as other fall crops, need protection from frost. Frost can decimate a crop, and, for a business dependent on pumpkin picking, protecting the pumpkins and other crops like gourds is important. One way to do this is with a tarp, as mentioned in a recent news item about pumpkin picking in Montana. While the article mentions that the pumpkins were covered with a tarp, other methods were used for protecting the pumpkins from frost or snow, as well.

The first step for protecting pumpkins or any outdoor plants with a tarp is being prepared. If colder temperatures are to be expected, having the appropriate materials on hand is helpful, as when the temperature drops, you’ll be able to cover the plants with a tarp as soon as possible. If a weather report states that your area will be experiencing lower temperatures, such as near or below the freezing point, the plants should be covered with a tarp to protect them from any frost forming on them during the night and early morning.

The tarp or tarps being used should be slightly larger than the area being covered. Having a tarp simply over a patch of vegetables or a garden won’t protect the plants by itself, however, as a tarp can move during the night. Instead, once you have a tarp large enough for the area, you should hold it in place. The most secure way is with stakes, such as garden stakes, and these can be hammered into the grommet spaces on the tarp. If you don’t have stakes and a hammer on hand, the next best thing is to use rocks or other heavy objects to hold down the corners and edges of the tarp.