Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
PV America - Part 2 - Solar Electric Power Assoc President/CEO Julia Hamm
PV America - Part 2 - Solar Electric Power Assoc President/CEO Julia Hamm
From the outset, SEPA recognized that many utilities and their customers lacked exposure or were skeptical about the potential of PV. In response, in 1994, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, SEPA initiated the Technology Experience to Accelerate Markets in Utility Photovoltaics, or TEAM-UP, program. DOE funding for the program totaled almost $15 million, and was matched by industry cost-share of over $60 million. 35 venture teams were part of the program and installed more than 1,100 PV systems, totaling 7.2 megawatts. I’m sure many of you will be surprised to hear that SEPA, through this one program, approximately doubled the installed PV in the U.S. at the time.
From the outset, SEPA recognized that many utilities and their customers lacked exposure or were skeptical about the potential of PV. In response, in 1994, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, SEPA initiated the Technology Experience to Accelerate Markets in Utility Photovoltaics, or TEAM-UP, program. DOE funding for the program totaled almost $15 million, and was matched by industry cost-share of over $60 million. 35 venture teams were part of the program and installed more than 1,100 PV systems, totaling 7.2 megawatts. I’m sure many of you will be surprised to hear that SEPA, through this one program, approximately doubled the installed PV in the U.S. at the time.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
U.S. Reaches Preliminary Decision on Solar Anti-Dumping Tariffs, Chinese Makers Pleasantly Surprised
U.S. Reaches Preliminary Decision on Solar Anti-Dumping Tariffs, Chinese Makers Pleasantly Surprised
1) Status of China’s Solar Industry
According to EnergyTrend, China’s second and third-tier solar panel manufacturers are not adept at taking orders themselves – the majority rely on orders outsourced by major makers. As a precaution against the U.S. AD and CVD lawsuits, Chinese manufacturers began moving production to Taiwan at the end of 2011, negatively affecting China’s second and third-tier makers. As the anti-dumping decision will not be reached until mid-May and the market currently remains in a state of oversupply, EnergyTrend believes major manufacturers will not significantly increase order volume to second and third-tier makers before May, which means the smaller makers will continue to suffer in the short term.
2) China-Taiwan Cooperation
As demand from the North American market is currently strong, it is unlikely Chinese manufacturers will give up on such a lucrative opportunity. According to EnergyTrend research, prior to the the AD ruling in May, Chinese makers will continue to maintain the same amount of outsourcing to Taiwanese manufacturers. Furthermore, the Taiwanese government recently decided to allow Chinese vendors to invest in the Taiwanese solar industry, a move that EnergyTrend believes will deepen cooperative ties between China and Taiwan.
1) Status of China’s Solar Industry
According to EnergyTrend, China’s second and third-tier solar panel manufacturers are not adept at taking orders themselves – the majority rely on orders outsourced by major makers. As a precaution against the U.S. AD and CVD lawsuits, Chinese manufacturers began moving production to Taiwan at the end of 2011, negatively affecting China’s second and third-tier makers. As the anti-dumping decision will not be reached until mid-May and the market currently remains in a state of oversupply, EnergyTrend believes major manufacturers will not significantly increase order volume to second and third-tier makers before May, which means the smaller makers will continue to suffer in the short term.
2) China-Taiwan Cooperation
As demand from the North American market is currently strong, it is unlikely Chinese manufacturers will give up on such a lucrative opportunity. According to EnergyTrend research, prior to the the AD ruling in May, Chinese makers will continue to maintain the same amount of outsourcing to Taiwanese manufacturers. Furthermore, the Taiwanese government recently decided to allow Chinese vendors to invest in the Taiwanese solar industry, a move that EnergyTrend believes will deepen cooperative ties between China and Taiwan.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Pulling Greenhouse Gases From The Air - Can It Be Done?
Pulling Greenhouse Gases From The Air - Can It Be Done?
This remains key to the appeal of air capture: Because greenhouse gases are dispersed around the globe, they can be extracted from the air anywhere. Carbon dioxide spewing from a tailpipe in Sao Paulo or a coal plant in China can be captured by a machine in Iceland or the Middle East because the atmosphere functions as a conveyor belt, moving CO2 from its sources to any sink. That’s important because while we can envision a world where most or all of the electricity we use comes from nuclear, solar or wind energy, or from fossil fuels where the CO2 is captured at the power plant, it’s harder to see how emissions from cars, trucks, trains, ships and planes can be eliminated. The beauty of air capture, Lackner and his colleagues explained, is that “one could collect CO2 after the fact and from any source….One would not have to wait for the phasing out of existing infrastructure before addressing the greenhouse gas problem.” Air capture plants, they wrote, could be located atop the best underground reservoirs for storing CO2, which may be in isolated locations. This fact is key to the business plans of all the air-capture startups. In only one regard was Lackner’s paper clearly mistaken — he estimated that the cost of air capture would be “on the order of $10 to $15 per ton,” a target that now looks wildly optimistic.
This remains key to the appeal of air capture: Because greenhouse gases are dispersed around the globe, they can be extracted from the air anywhere. Carbon dioxide spewing from a tailpipe in Sao Paulo or a coal plant in China can be captured by a machine in Iceland or the Middle East because the atmosphere functions as a conveyor belt, moving CO2 from its sources to any sink. That’s important because while we can envision a world where most or all of the electricity we use comes from nuclear, solar or wind energy, or from fossil fuels where the CO2 is captured at the power plant, it’s harder to see how emissions from cars, trucks, trains, ships and planes can be eliminated. The beauty of air capture, Lackner and his colleagues explained, is that “one could collect CO2 after the fact and from any source….One would not have to wait for the phasing out of existing infrastructure before addressing the greenhouse gas problem.” Air capture plants, they wrote, could be located atop the best underground reservoirs for storing CO2, which may be in isolated locations. This fact is key to the business plans of all the air-capture startups. In only one regard was Lackner’s paper clearly mistaken — he estimated that the cost of air capture would be “on the order of $10 to $15 per ton,” a target that now looks wildly optimistic.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
New Efficiency Record For Flexible Solar Panels
New Efficiency Record For Flexible Solar Panels
SoloPower uses innovative manufacturing technology to produce low-cost, high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells. The CIGS cells are then packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules. The modules require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional solar panels.
SoloPower uses innovative manufacturing technology to produce low-cost, high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells. The CIGS cells are then packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules. The modules require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional solar panels.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Unique Solar Trees Installation - Solar Energy
Unique Solar Trees Installation - Solar Energy
As property owners implement solar systems to save on energy costs and benefit the environment, they also appreciate the differentiation solar can provide the property and the city. Craig Merrigan, CEO of Spotlight Solar, the company that designed and manufactured the trees, commented that “the ultimate goal of the project is to make solar more visible and to increase the number of visitors to Discovery Place, where they can learn about renewable energy.”
As property owners implement solar systems to save on energy costs and benefit the environment, they also appreciate the differentiation solar can provide the property and the city. Craig Merrigan, CEO of Spotlight Solar, the company that designed and manufactured the trees, commented that “the ultimate goal of the project is to make solar more visible and to increase the number of visitors to Discovery Place, where they can learn about renewable energy.”
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wind Energy Industry Recovering
Wind Energy Industry Recovering
While global installed wind energy capacity increased dramatically during 2006-2009, the global recession sparked a 13.8% fall in annual additions during 2010, when major wind markets, including the US, Germany and Spain, faced economic struggles as a result of the global recession. These markets are soon expected to recover thanks to a huge order intake by major wind manufacturers across emerging regions. Wind power manufacturers worldwide received a high order intake in 2010, with expected delivery deadlines in 2011 and 2012, contributing to the large total of annual installations expected this year.
According to GlobalData, the value of the global wind repowering market has increased significantly during the last five years. In 2005, wind sites were repowered to an estimated cumulative capacity of 877 megawatts (MW). Since this time, the cumulative installed capacity has risen dramatically to 2,499.4 MW. Still, this explored capacity represents only around 17% of the total global repowering potential, which is estimated to exceed 50,000 MW by 2020.
In 2011, wind farms producing around 182.6 GWh of power were replaced with turbines capable of generating 773.7 GWh of power. In 2020, the repowered wind farms are expected to increase their power generation from 1,523.5 to 8,221.1 GWh due to the higher capacity and efficiency of the new turbines.
While global installed wind energy capacity increased dramatically during 2006-2009, the global recession sparked a 13.8% fall in annual additions during 2010, when major wind markets, including the US, Germany and Spain, faced economic struggles as a result of the global recession. These markets are soon expected to recover thanks to a huge order intake by major wind manufacturers across emerging regions. Wind power manufacturers worldwide received a high order intake in 2010, with expected delivery deadlines in 2011 and 2012, contributing to the large total of annual installations expected this year.
According to GlobalData, the value of the global wind repowering market has increased significantly during the last five years. In 2005, wind sites were repowered to an estimated cumulative capacity of 877 megawatts (MW). Since this time, the cumulative installed capacity has risen dramatically to 2,499.4 MW. Still, this explored capacity represents only around 17% of the total global repowering potential, which is estimated to exceed 50,000 MW by 2020.
In 2011, wind farms producing around 182.6 GWh of power were replaced with turbines capable of generating 773.7 GWh of power. In 2020, the repowered wind farms are expected to increase their power generation from 1,523.5 to 8,221.1 GWh due to the higher capacity and efficiency of the new turbines.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Revolution of Solar Panels in the Home: Benefits Beyond Savings
The Revolution of Solar Panels in the Home: Benefits Beyond Savings
Incentives Galore
Not only are cheaper electricity bills an incentive to use solar panels, but the government rewards homeowners for using them as well with significant rebates, tax credits and other incentive programs. In fact, in some states homeowners can get government assistance to buy the solar panels for installation.
Incentives Galore
Not only are cheaper electricity bills an incentive to use solar panels, but the government rewards homeowners for using them as well with significant rebates, tax credits and other incentive programs. In fact, in some states homeowners can get government assistance to buy the solar panels for installation.
Since solar panels are constantly generating electricity, homeowners that are unable to use all of that energy don’t have to worry about it going to waste. Instead, a homeowner can sell that solar power credit to the electrical companies for utility credits. Though, it is rare for a homeowner to not use their energy, those that travel or leave their homes for a few weeks can store enough energy to sell back, which means turning a profit on a renewable and green purchase.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Zero Energy Homes and Alternative Energy
Zero Energy Homes and Alternative Energy
One of the problems for the industry is that only switched on home buyers are going to be able to appreciate the benefits of a low carbon home. As with many purchases consumers and builders tend to go for the cheapest short term option, consumers worry about costs and builders about profits. Without a clear compromise these beneficial types of home are not going to make a significant enough impact so we will end up building outdated housing stock that is not going to be replaced for decades to come.
One of the problems for the industry is that only switched on home buyers are going to be able to appreciate the benefits of a low carbon home. As with many purchases consumers and builders tend to go for the cheapest short term option, consumers worry about costs and builders about profits. Without a clear compromise these beneficial types of home are not going to make a significant enough impact so we will end up building outdated housing stock that is not going to be replaced for decades to come.
Monday, March 5, 2012
T Bone Pickens Energy Plan For America
T Bone Pickens Energy Plan For America
“The country uses almost 20 million barrels (of oil) a day, and of the 20 million we import 12,” Pickens said. “Some of that oil comes from friendly sources such as Canada and Mexico, but you do have 5 million barrels from OPEC countries. So any fool can see that you’re paying for both sides of a war. And you don’t have to do it. So what is a quick solution to the problem? Get on your own resources. And we have plenty of resources in America. What is missing is leadership in America.”
The Pickens Plan is comprised of several steps that would comprehensively rearrange how America sources its energy needs.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The US Solar Market Looking Bright
The US Solar Market Looking Bright
Anyone installing solar panels, whether it’s on their home or as part of a large solar farm is eligible for a 30% federal grant towards this cost. This is very valuable – a domestic sized system can easily cost $15,000 or more, so it’s a generous move by the government. Critics of the scheme dislike how solar panels are still not an affordable choice for the poorest of families, but in certain states there are further subsidies available.
Additional help comes in the form of feed in tariff schemes, which pay the owner of solar panels extra money if they are connected to the national grid – the electricity the panels generate but isn’t used can be transferred into the grid for a different house to use. The first President to implement such a scheme was Carter in the 1970s, but it has really become popular for solar energy in more recent years, being introduced in California, Washington, Hawaii and Michigan at varying rates, although in 2010 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deemed it illegal to implement tariffs above the market value of electricity due to the Federal Power Act which prohibits setting wholesale electricity rates. This does mean there is a theoretical cap on tariff rates, although hopefully an exception will be made soon to allow renewable energy to be encouraged on a large scale.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Use These Online Calculators to Lead a More Sustainable Life
Use These Online Calculators to Lead a More Sustainable Life
So you want to go green. But where do you start? Unless your sibling or significant other happens to be a green energy specialist or sustainable living expert, the path to true eco-friendliness and energy efficiency is difficult to take. Often times homeowners will simply spend money on perceived fixes because some TV talking head said so, while failing to address aspects of their lives that result in the most energy waste and ecological abuse. In fact, many people miss the easy fixes altogether due to obsessing over the big stuff.
While they won't replace the advice of a paid expert, free online calculators are great tools for getting you on the right track as far as greener living is concerned. Even just by bookmarking and using the following five calculators, you're sure to increase the likelihood of making changes that will equal real and noticeable results:
Friday, February 24, 2012
Green Homes Project Aims For 100% Solar Power
Green Homes Project Aims For 100% Solar Power
The solar panels SolarCity installs on SheaXero homes will generate clean, renewable energy that saves money and offsets electricity consumption. The homes will feature a suite of 11 energy-saving features, including energy-efficient Trane® HVAC systems, Jenn-Air® Energy Star® appliances, high-performance insulation and dual-pane, low-e windows.
“SheaXero homeowners can save thousands of dollars per year on energy costs,” said Rick Andreen, president of Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities. “Net-zero homes protect owners from the impact of electricity rate increases while safeguarding the environment for the next generation.”
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Can Solar Be Competitive With Coal? New Study Examines
Can Solar Be Competitive With Coal? New Study Examines
The report, from researchers at MIT led by Tonio Buonassisi, a professor of mechanical engineering and manufacturing, identifies early-stage technologies that, if employed together, could reduce the cost of making solar panels to 52 cents per watt. Currently, the cost is over a dollar per watt. At 52 cents per watt, assuming similar cost reductions for installation and equipment such as inverters, solar power would cost six cents per kilowatt-hour in sunny areas of the U.S.—less than the average cost of electricity in the U.S. today. Solar power in sunny areas now costs roughly 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, although the cost can be sharply higher in small installations or in cloudy areas where solar installations generate less electricity.
The report, from researchers at MIT led by Tonio Buonassisi, a professor of mechanical engineering and manufacturing, identifies early-stage technologies that, if employed together, could reduce the cost of making solar panels to 52 cents per watt. Currently, the cost is over a dollar per watt. At 52 cents per watt, assuming similar cost reductions for installation and equipment such as inverters, solar power would cost six cents per kilowatt-hour in sunny areas of the U.S.—less than the average cost of electricity in the U.S. today. Solar power in sunny areas now costs roughly 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, although the cost can be sharply higher in small installations or in cloudy areas where solar installations generate less electricity.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Growth Of Solar Power In Our World - Part 2
The Growth Of Solar Power In Our World - Part 2
Nobody expected the kind of price drops that we saw this year and by some calculations it’s as much as mid 30% drop. When I said exponential drops, I’m talking about somewhere in the 7 to 12, 13% range, but when you start saying numbers like 34%.
Nobody expected the kind of price drops that we saw this year and by some calculations it’s as much as mid 30% drop. When I said exponential drops, I’m talking about somewhere in the 7 to 12, 13% range, but when you start saying numbers like 34%.
What some calculations show, we saw in 2011. It certainly moved the bar forward dramatically and I think for the futurists and the people that really want to think about the impact in the future, consider this. When we get to grid parity – let’s assume it’s worst case 2017. What that means is the cost of solar panels now is such that it can compete with natural gas out on the grid.
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Growth Of Solar Power In Our World
The Growth Of Solar Power In Our World
Let’s face it in earthly terms as well as in business terms the solar energy industry is in its infancy as a maturing market for supplying and allaying the need for other energy such as oil. It is barely walking yet. There are many who would like to belittle its growth and even discount the eventual contribution of solar energy to our needs as a nation and as a world.
Let’s face it in earthly terms as well as in business terms the solar energy industry is in its infancy as a maturing market for supplying and allaying the need for other energy such as oil. It is barely walking yet. There are many who would like to belittle its growth and even discount the eventual contribution of solar energy to our needs as a nation and as a world.
Solar Power In Farming
Solar Power In Farming
It is important to choose a reputable solar panel installer if you decide to purchase a system. Ideally they would be a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association, where a member directory is available at SEIA to help you find installers and industry experts.
A trustworthy installer will give you honest advice on whether your farm is suitable for solar power, and the options available to you. An experienced installer will know how to design agricultural installations, and will be able to advise you on the size and cost of the installation required to generate enough electricity for your needs. Many companies will design ground mounted systems instead of roof installations, as farm roofs are likely to be too weak or old to support the weight of solar panels.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
NO MORE SOLYNDRAS: GROUPS CALL ON DOE TO FORCE PUBLIC RELEASE OF DETAILS ON DELAYS AND 12 SECRET COST OVERRUNS AT VOGTLE REACTORS
NO MORE SOLYNDRAS: GROUPS CALL ON DOE TO FORCE PUBLIC RELEASE OF DETAILS ON DELAYS AND 12 SECRET COST OVERRUNS AT VOGTLE REACTORS
Southern Co. has already commenced construction activities at the Vogtle reactor site, with cost overruns already documented in a manner that should give pause to U.S. taxpayers on the hook for Solyndra-style federal loan guarantees. The Vogtle license would allow Southern to commence construction of the containment, reactor cooling systems, spent fuel storage pools, and other major nuclear plant components. The organizations charge that these major structures could change substantially if they are redesigned to take the lessons of the Fukushima accident into account, and therefore continued construction of the new Vogtle reactors could be wasting money and resources.
Southern Co. has already commenced construction activities at the Vogtle reactor site, with cost overruns already documented in a manner that should give pause to U.S. taxpayers on the hook for Solyndra-style federal loan guarantees. The Vogtle license would allow Southern to commence construction of the containment, reactor cooling systems, spent fuel storage pools, and other major nuclear plant components. The organizations charge that these major structures could change substantially if they are redesigned to take the lessons of the Fukushima accident into account, and therefore continued construction of the new Vogtle reactors could be wasting money and resources.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Solar Thermal Energy For Home Water Heating
Solar Thermal Energy For Home Water Heating
“Solar thermal utilizes the sun’s energy to create heat, so the operating price remains steady over time compared to conventional heat sources,” said Nigel Cotton, Solar Water Heating Global Leader of the International Copper Association (ICA) and founder of Solarthermalworld.org, a web portal for solar thermal professionals.
“Solar thermal utilizes the sun’s energy to create heat, so the operating price remains steady over time compared to conventional heat sources,” said Nigel Cotton, Solar Water Heating Global Leader of the International Copper Association (ICA) and founder of Solarthermalworld.org, a web portal for solar thermal professionals.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Own An Electric Vehicle?
Own An Electric Vehicle?
Do you own an (EV) Electric Vehicle? Well if you do then you are one of the leading edge drivers in a growing movement of cars that run only on electricity. Congratulations are in order. I think you should be saluted for it. The move the EV is growing as more and more car companies are rolling out EV models. NO longer confined to Japanese cars. Now we have American cars, German cars and more rolling out onto our highways using only electricity for fuel.
Do you own an (EV) Electric Vehicle? Well if you do then you are one of the leading edge drivers in a growing movement of cars that run only on electricity. Congratulations are in order. I think you should be saluted for it. The move the EV is growing as more and more car companies are rolling out EV models. NO longer confined to Japanese cars. Now we have American cars, German cars and more rolling out onto our highways using only electricity for fuel.
Nuclear Reactor Financing Deal To Raise Bills Before It Is Built?
Nuclear Reactor Financing Deal To Raise Bills Before It Is Built?
The Cooper report notes: “In the four states in the Southeast where funds are being collected from ratepayers under new advanced cost recovery for nuclear reactor construction in the Southeast, each individual nuclear reactor project costs $15 to $20 billion. Over $4 billion has already been approved for advanced cost recovery, yet it appears increasingly unlikely that the most of reactors will ever be built. Ratepayers will have paid billions but received nothing for their money. If reactor construction moves forward as proposed, almost $85 billion of construction costs will move into the utility rate-base causing rapid increases in typical consumer bills within a decade. Less costly, more consumer and environment friendly alternatives will be crowded out of the resource mix. “
The Cooper report notes: “In the four states in the Southeast where funds are being collected from ratepayers under new advanced cost recovery for nuclear reactor construction in the Southeast, each individual nuclear reactor project costs $15 to $20 billion. Over $4 billion has already been approved for advanced cost recovery, yet it appears increasingly unlikely that the most of reactors will ever be built. Ratepayers will have paid billions but received nothing for their money. If reactor construction moves forward as proposed, almost $85 billion of construction costs will move into the utility rate-base causing rapid increases in typical consumer bills within a decade. Less costly, more consumer and environment friendly alternatives will be crowded out of the resource mix. “
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wind Turbines In Hurricanes?
Wind Turbines In Hurricanes?
Here is an interesting read from the NY Times about the impact of very high winds can have on wind turbines. As more and more turbines are installed and proposed for windy areas along coastlines where hurricanes and storms hit there is mounting concern that large storms can topple these wind power machines.
Here is an interesting read from the NY Times about the impact of very high winds can have on wind turbines. As more and more turbines are installed and proposed for windy areas along coastlines where hurricanes and storms hit there is mounting concern that large storms can topple these wind power machines.
UCLA Researchers Achieve Higher Solar Cell Perfomance
UCLA Researchers Achieve Higher Solar Cell Perfomance
In the last few years, much work has been done to improve the efficiency with which these devices convert sunlight into power, including the development of new materials, device structures and processing techniques.
In the last few years, much work has been done to improve the efficiency with which these devices convert sunlight into power, including the development of new materials, device structures and processing techniques.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Home Fuel Cells For Power Generation
Home Fuel Cells For Power Generation
Fuel cells and fuel cell technology has been a big buzz now for the last couple years with lots of talk and plans for cars that run on them and so on. But it has seemed to be very much a thing of the future and not of today in terms of consumer use of fuel cells for power generation.
But along comes a company to my attention of late that seems to be proving that wrong. Clear Edge Power is advertising a hydrogen fuel cell power system for home and business use now, not next year or beyond.
Nation’s Oldest Family Mushroom Farm Goes Solar
Nation’s Oldest Family Mushroom Farm Goes Solar
“Keeping mushroom crops in a controlled environment requires a tremendous amount of electricity to maintain optimal growing conditions, and we thought it was a natural step to use solar power to shoulder some of that load,” said Marlboro Mushrooms’ Tom Brosius. “It is great to harvest the sun’s power and take advantage of a renewable resource. We anticipate it will generate 100% of our annual electric needs.”
“Keeping mushroom crops in a controlled environment requires a tremendous amount of electricity to maintain optimal growing conditions, and we thought it was a natural step to use solar power to shoulder some of that load,” said Marlboro Mushrooms’ Tom Brosius. “It is great to harvest the sun’s power and take advantage of a renewable resource. We anticipate it will generate 100% of our annual electric needs.”
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Solar Thermal Tower Completed in NV Desert
Solar Thermal Tower Completed in NV Desert
“Completion of the solar power tower is a significant milestone not only for SolarReserve and our plant, but also for the solar energy industry as a whole. This project is on track to bring American innovation to fruition and is already creating jobs,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of SolarReserve. “Our U.S.-developed technology has the ability to store energy for 10-15 hours and solves the issue of intermittent power generation to the grid, the number one limitation to other solar and wind renewable energy technologies. We can deliver electricity ‘on demand’ the same way a coal, natural gas or nuclear fueled plant does – but without emitting any harmful pollution or hazardous materials – providing a genuine alternative to conventional power generation.”
“Completion of the solar power tower is a significant milestone not only for SolarReserve and our plant, but also for the solar energy industry as a whole. This project is on track to bring American innovation to fruition and is already creating jobs,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of SolarReserve. “Our U.S.-developed technology has the ability to store energy for 10-15 hours and solves the issue of intermittent power generation to the grid, the number one limitation to other solar and wind renewable energy technologies. We can deliver electricity ‘on demand’ the same way a coal, natural gas or nuclear fueled plant does – but without emitting any harmful pollution or hazardous materials – providing a genuine alternative to conventional power generation.”
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Solar Power Homes In Florida
Solar Power Homes In Florida
Over the past few years, the state of Florida has asserted itself as one of the states in the forefront of sustainability. When it comes to alternative energy and homes however, the developers in Florida have been somewhat lacking. Early this year, developer KB Homes moved forward with what is expected to be the first set of new houses in Florida complete with solar energy panels as a regular feature in communities.
Over the past few years, the state of Florida has asserted itself as one of the states in the forefront of sustainability. When it comes to alternative energy and homes however, the developers in Florida have been somewhat lacking. Early this year, developer KB Homes moved forward with what is expected to be the first set of new houses in Florida complete with solar energy panels as a regular feature in communities.
Nation’s Oldest Family Mushroom Farm Goes Solar
Nation’s Oldest Family Mushroom Farm Goes Solar
Mushrooms do not normally need much help from the sun, but nearly 5,000 solar panels have popped up alongside buildings that house white button mushrooms near West Grove, Pennsylvania. Marlboro Mushrooms, the oldest family mushroom farm in the country, has added a 1.13 Megawatt solar array to help offset energy costs.
Mushrooms do not normally need much help from the sun, but nearly 5,000 solar panels have popped up alongside buildings that house white button mushrooms near West Grove, Pennsylvania. Marlboro Mushrooms, the oldest family mushroom farm in the country, has added a 1.13 Megawatt solar array to help offset energy costs.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Ten (10) Questions Before Buying Solar Panels
Ten (10) Questions Before Buying Solar Panels
With the focus on environment and saving energy worldwide, it is not surprising that solar panels are considered the biggest energy generating potential. Solar panels not only save money and the environment but have all the requisite benefits of natural gas and electricity.
With the focus on environment and saving energy worldwide, it is not surprising that solar panels are considered the biggest energy generating potential. Solar panels not only save money and the environment but have all the requisite benefits of natural gas and electricity.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Harvest Rain with Solar Power
Harvest Rain with Solar Power
Collecting rain water is a common sense solution, particularly when you want to use the recycled water for gardening, washing cars or getting some cleaning done in the yard. It is easy to collect a barrel full of rain water but you need to find a way of putting this water to efficient use.
Collecting rain water is a common sense solution, particularly when you want to use the recycled water for gardening, washing cars or getting some cleaning done in the yard. It is easy to collect a barrel full of rain water but you need to find a way of putting this water to efficient use.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
What Are The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy?
What Are The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy?
Thanks to recent advances in solar technology, solar energy is rapidly gaining acceptance across the world. Today’s solar power is cheaper and easier than ever to install, and more efficient at converting the sun’s power into electricity. A careful analysis of both the pros and cons of solar energy shows just how far this technology has come.
Thanks to recent advances in solar technology, solar energy is rapidly gaining acceptance across the world. Today’s solar power is cheaper and easier than ever to install, and more efficient at converting the sun’s power into electricity. A careful analysis of both the pros and cons of solar energy shows just how far this technology has come.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Mega Fuel Cell Deal Announced
Mega Fuel Cell Deal Announced
ClearEdge Power, a manufacturer of scalable, continuous onsite power systems, today announced that Güssing Renewable Energy GmbH, a provider of carbon-neutral energy solutions, has selected ClearEdge systems to achieve its goal of producing 50 megawatts (MW) of clean distributed energy generation from fuel cells in the Republic of Austria by 2020. In the first phase of a multi-phase $500 million agreement, one of the largest ever signed in the stationary fuel cell industry, ClearEdge Power will deliver 8.5 MW of clean energy over the next 36 months.
ClearEdge Power, a manufacturer of scalable, continuous onsite power systems, today announced that Güssing Renewable Energy GmbH, a provider of carbon-neutral energy solutions, has selected ClearEdge systems to achieve its goal of producing 50 megawatts (MW) of clean distributed energy generation from fuel cells in the Republic of Austria by 2020. In the first phase of a multi-phase $500 million agreement, one of the largest ever signed in the stationary fuel cell industry, ClearEdge Power will deliver 8.5 MW of clean energy over the next 36 months.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
New Energy for the New Era
Looking for the best info on developing energy solutions for today's world. Well stay tuned.
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