• Crystal Cold Propane Refrigerator with Stainless Doors now available! 18 cu. ft. total capacity.
• Outside dimensions: 65.5”H x 28.5W x 34.5D
• Inside freezer dimensions: 14”H x 22”W x 24”D
• Refrigerator interior: 38.5”H x 24”W x 24”D
• 1700 BTU/Hr., using .35 gal. or 1.5 lbs. propane in 24 hours @ 77 degrees F.
• Specify hinged on right or left; offers double crisper with cover
• Two adjustable refrigerator glass shelves plus full freezer shelf
• Battery-operated freezer light and remote wireless digital thermometer
• Brushed satin finish stainless steel doors with black textured cabinet finish
• Mounted on heavy-duty casters for easier moving
• Thermostatically controlled with front push-button igniter and flame indicator gauge.
• Very gas efficient! One year warranty (on cooling unit only) with option to buy three year warranty

We’ve been selling these Crystal Cold Propane Refrigerators for five years now, and we have many happy customers from the south, the Caribbean and Mexico, all the way to British Columbia. These are COLD and work in a variety of climates. This 18 cu.ft. model is the only one that’s available with the stainless doors; there are 12, 15 and 18 cu.ft. models available in white or bisque; there is now also a 17 and 21 cu.ft. white refrigerator-only model (available by special order), as well as a 15 cu.ft. upright freezer. At this writing, the manufacturer is moving the facility, but it will be up and operational by late winter to early spring of 2005. Any questions about freight or availability, email or call us at (406) 777-4309.

The unavailability of big solar modules, steel for appliances and other issues…..

We are still seeing a severe lack of availability of the larger solar modules (over 100 watts), due to the fabulous incentive programs in Europe. Many popular modules may have as much as a four month lead time, and some prices have increased in response to the demand for PV in (notably) Germany, Spain and Italy. If you are considering a project for this spring or summer, you should seriously consider getting in line now! Other system components (inverters, batteries, etc.) have seen fluxuations in availability and pricing too. We have also seen price increases and lack of availability for many of our popular appliances. The world’s demand for steel (particularly in China) is making for increased lead times and higher costs. While we try to keep our web pages up to date, frequent price changes make it difficult to make rapid changes on so many web sites. Our main component pricing page can be seen at www.oasismontana.com/AE_components.html but always feel free to call to check on availability and your current cost.

R.E. News Briefs:

• UM College of Technology Erects Wind Turbine
• U.S. Wind Industry Predicts Record Growth in 2005
• Rocky Mountain Institute Calls for Renewable Energy Action
• National Security to Lead Renewable Energy Deployment

UM College of Technology Erects Wind Turbine

A 10-kilowatt wind turbine was recently installed near the mouth of Hellgate Canyon, Missoula, as part of the University of Montana's renewable energy technology program. The turbine is a gift from Montana Tech and is designed to be lowered and raised easily for inspections and educational presentations. Electricity generated from the turbine will be stored in a mobile laboratory and will power the lab; additionally, some wind power will be used to generate hydrogen, another important part of the College of Technology's alternative energy program. Read more at:
www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/11/12/news/mtregional/znews06.txt.

U.S. Wind Industry Predicts Record Growth in 2005

The growth in U.S. wind energy capacity in 2005 is expected to break all previous records, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). In 2001, a record 1,696 megawatts of new wind power capacity was set, but AWEA says that some industry participants are predicting more than 2,500 megawatts of new wind power in 2005. The surge in new wind power projects is due to the recent extension of the production tax credit, which is allowing many previously stalled projects to move ahead. But with the tax credit now expiring at the end of 2005, developers will rush to put their projects in place before that deadline. Get the scoop at: www.awea.org/news/news041028mkt.html.

Rocky Mountain Institute Calls for Renewable Energy Action

A recent article in the Independent Record highlights a new
publication from the Rocky Mountain Institute titled “Winning the Oil Endgame”. The book theorizes that, by dramatically increasing fuel efficiency in American cars and trucks and using alternative fuels, the United States could be oil independent by mid-century. Amory Lovins, RMI's director, hopes to see greater federal pressure on the auto manufacturers to implement these energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; the auto companies will not revolutionize fast enough on their own. Lovins also practices what he preaches: he drives a hybrid car that gets 64 miles to the gallon. Read the article at:
www.helenair.com/articles/2004/11/16/montana/a06111604_02.txt.

National Security to Lead Renewable Energy Deployment

If one priority could be distilled from the massive support expressed for renewables at an early December’s conference of the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), it's that the time has come to shift the nation's priorities from an era of research and development to one of major deployment. And the one mantra rising above the conference chatter that might create enough political muscle to kick-off that shift can be summed up in two words: National Security. See the article at www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=19841

More RE news on page 4...