Today's Mailbag Nov 2, 2009
Re: Your editorial Solar power should be above politics, Oct. 27. Though I am no fan of Gov. Crist, I would defend him against your unfair criticism of political cowardice for his failure to greet President Obama at FPLs Arcadia solar facility. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
More renewable energy sources added to Refit Nov 2, 2009
Biomass, biogas and three varieties of solar power technology were on Friday added to the list of renewable energy sources that qualify for feed-in tariffs to be paid by Eskom ... 13 a kilowatt-hour for concentrating solar power trough without storage; R3 ... 31 for concentrating solar power with six hours of storage. (Business Report, South Africa)
Renewable energy gets push from feed-in tariff Nov 2, 2009
During the first two years, the FIT will cover photovoltaic, wind, concentrating solar power and inline hydro. Their respective rates may differ, reflecting differences in development costs and resulting benefits to the overall system. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Restoration agreement two views Nov 1, 2009
We the taxpayers want a say wrote on Oct 31, 2009 11:49 AM:" To Craig T:Most of us do not believe that removal of the Klamath Dams is immediately necessary until AFFORDABLE alternatives for the hydroelectric power are IN PLACE. They are not at this time. Right now the government (that would be us, the taxpayers) are subsidizing wind power at about $24 per kilowat hour and solar power at $40 /Kwh. That is in addition to the very high cost of the actual electricity when billed to the consumers.... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
The Freakonomics duo tackles climate change -- and discovers the limits of cleverness Nov 1, 2009
Among other things, readers are told that solar power contributes to global warming, that the climate models that predict warming have all been doctored to achieve matching results, and that carbon dioxide does not necessarily warm the earth and may have had little to do with recent warming trends - all arguments that the majority of climate scientists reject as wrong. What s more, some of the researchers Dubner and Levitt cite charge them with mischaracterizing their research. (Boston Globe)
Green-building advocates coming to Phoenix Nov 1, 2009
by J. Craig Anderson - Nov. 1, 2009 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic. Thousands of green-building advocates will travel to Phoenix this month for the industry's largest annual conference, featuring seminars, networking events and a consumer expo focused on energy efficiency and conservation. (AZCentral -- Business)
Power sector requires $250bn investment in next 8 yrs: Study Nov 1, 2009
"...government incentives will open up opportunities for solar power projects," it added. The Power Ministry has set a target to add 78,700 MW of electricity generation capacity during the current five year plan. (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
Study on five-fuel policy almost ready Nov 1, 2009
The five-fuel policy, comprising oil, gas, coal, hydro-power and renewable energy like solar power and biomass, was to avoid over-dependence on any one source. We are currently reviewing the country s fuel mix, said Najib. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Mortenson contracts with Tessera Solar Oct 31, 2009
The announcement, made earlier this week at the Solar Power International Convention, will have Mortenson build the dish-shaped SunCatcher systems for Houston-based Tessera. The SunCatcher is a product of Scottsdale, Ariz. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
German Energy Giants Eye a Greener U.S. Oct 31, 2009
SolarWorld AG (), a solar power technology company in Bonn, announced this month that it planned to build a new solar power module manufacturing plant at its Hillsboro site in Oregon that would add an additional 350 megawatts of capacity by 2011. The new factory will boost the number of employees working for Solarworld in the U.S. to over 1000. (BusinessWeek)
Fresno Co. gas storage site approved Oct 31, 2009
California's largest utility plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from homes and businesses. Pacific Gas ric Co. plans to ask state regulators to approve the change. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Corcoran may be home to massive solar farm Oct 30, 2009
Officials with enXco could not be reached for comment, as the Solar Power international expo was being held in Anaheim this week. The company has built several solar projects in California in recent years, including the 247-kilowatt Sun Harvest Solar Project in Fresno and the 1. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
* The summit of low expectations Oct 30, 2009
Moreover, the Chinese have built up wind and solar power so quickly that they have just increased their goal for renewable sources to 15 percent of total power generation by 2020. As a matter of national pride, however, the Chinese refuse to articulate an international commitment under duress and Obama doesnt have much standing in pressing China to compromise, since the US Congress hasnt yet acted on cap-and-trade legislation. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
APS' Brandt named utility CEO of the year Oct 29, 2009
The trade organization recognized Don Brandt for efforts at APS to promote solar electricity, including plans to buy power from a large power plant near Gila Bend, a commitment to invest in solar power plants, and a program to put solar panels on Flagstaff homes. APS also installed solar panels at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center in a deal with the National Park Service. (AZCentral -- Business)
Climate activists stage coal protests in Europe Oct 29, 2009
Vattenfall spokesman Mark Vadaszs said the company was a European leader in developing alternative energy sources, such as wind, hydro and solar power, and has devoted billions on carbon capture technology. The EU sees carbon capture technology as a crucial step to reducing emissions from coal-fired power stations. (MSNBC -- International)
Leaders lose focus while they fatten wallets Oct 29, 2009
Expect our electric bill to triple over the first few years as wind and solar power push aside cheap hydro, coal or nuclear power. We have already seen how tearing down dams that produce cheap, clean power is the goal of left-wing environmental wackos. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Q&A: 'Energy & trade are areas we want to explore' Oct 28, 2009
We use some solar power you're luckier in that resource than we are. It is my government's intention to move as quickly as we can so that renewables form the bulk of our power generation. (India Times, India)
Hidden Costs Of Energy Production And Use Oct 28, 2009
Life-cycle CO2 emissions from nuclear, wind, biomass, and solar power appear to be negligible when compared with fossil fuels. Damages From Heating. (Science Daily)
Senate Panel Begins Debate on Climate Bill Oct 28, 2009
That includes Biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. We need more infrastructure to handle fuel cell cars, high speed trains, and other forms of transportation that other countries have had for years. (CBS News)
'New energy' push powers ranch battle Oct 28, 2009
The state s leading politicians also are keenly aware of rising concerns over the project and how the rural, agricultural valley might change as large, solar power farms put up acres of mirrors to harvest megawatts of power from the sun s rays. Gov. Bill Ritter, who has touted Colorado s push for renewable and alternative energies and the businesses involved in them was asked point-blank on Oct. 20, at the New Energy Economy conference in Denver, what he wants from the people of the San Luis... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Cleaning Up Polluted Harbors With Greener Ships Oct 28, 2009
The Japanese company NYK Line launched the M/V Auriga Leader in 2008, the world's first cargo ship partly run on solar power. With 328 solar panels covering its upper deck, the ship produces enough electricity to continuously power 10 homes and can be used to transport 6,400 cars at a time. (Time.com)
Xcel seeks to reduce solar rebate payment Oct 28, 2009
on Tuesday proposed cutting its share of the rebate payment for solar power systems by 50 cents per watt in the next month or so and eventually wants to drop its share to 5 cents or less of its Solar*Rewards subsidy for residential and commercial solar power systems in Colorado ... 50 per watt that includes both a $2-per-watt rebate, which is the minimum required by state law, and payments for renewable energy credits (RECs) for a solar power system placed on a residential rooftop or a business... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
‘Smart grid’ grants announced Oct 28, 2009
The grants, ranging in size from $400,000 to $200 million, will be used to develop and install smart grid technology to make electricity transmission more reliable and aid the transmission of energy generated from sources like wind and solar power ... at one of the nation s largest solar power generating facilities. (Boston Globe)
American Electric Technologies goes solar Oct 28, 2009
has entered the solar power market. The Houston power infrastructure company announced the new offering Tuesday at the 2009 Solar Power International in Anaheim, Calif ... As the solar power industry trends toward integrating utility-scale power generation, developers need a proven partner to help them keep up with demand using unique and innovative power distribution solutions, Charles Dauber, chief executive officer of AETI, said in a release. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Western states stress energy cooperation Oct 27, 2009
"The other states potentially have markets for wind power, for solar power, for geothermal power, and in some cases, some natural gas," Randolph said. "So even without coal, a lot of the western states have some resources that I think we could use in the future. "On the flip side, I think we're going to have some resources in the future that we expect to export to other western states as well. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Micro loans bring light to rural poor Oct 27, 2009
Slowly through small loans for solar powered devices, microfinance is bringing light to these rural regions where a lack of electricity has stymied economic development, literacy rates and health ... Solar power will ease some strain on the grids ... With only 40 percent of the country's people having access to electricity, microfinance institutions such as Grameen Bank have made a major push toward expanding the use of solar power. (Scientific American)
TVs are wrong priority Oct 27, 2009
utility wants to buy more solar power. California's largest utility said Monday it plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from residents and businesses as the state pushes for wider use of alternative energy. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Editorial: Solar power should be above politics Oct 27, 2009
President Barack Obama's visit to DeSoto County today marks the opening this week of the nation's largest solar power plant ... Everybody plays lip service to solar power. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
The rise of thin-film solar power: Leaner and cheaper Oct 27, 2009
The rise of thin-film solar power ... The future of solar power is not only bright but also thin ... For the moment, however, the cheapest form of solar power is none of these, but the less glamorous solar-thermal power, which involves heating water with sunlight to make steam. (The Economist)
Wis. nonprofit gets $3.3M grant for solar training Oct 27, 2009
A Wisconsin nonprofit will train solar power instructors throughout the Midwest with a $3. 3 million federal grant. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
SARS spurs China to act on AIDS Oct 27, 2009
Which technology can deliver an ambitious plan to cover a sizeable area of the Sahara desert in solar power plants. 13:15 26 October 2009 16 comments. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Auburnians to vote on spending limit Oct 27, 2009
The vote came after city officials said the current spending cap makes it virtually impossible for the city to undertake large energy initiatives that incorporate solar power, bioenergy, hydropower or wind energy. Initially, members of the council wanted to remove the cap altogether. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Calif. utility wants more solar from customers Oct 27, 2009
California's largest utility plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from homes and businesses ... More than 50,000 homes and businesses in the sunny state generate solar power ... The governor plans to push to end limits on the amount of solar power purchased by utilities from customers. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
President Obama To See How Florida Shines In Solar Power Oct 27, 2009
The DeSoto, Martin and Space Center plants will make Florida the second largest supplier of solar power in the United States, after California ... "I think it would be fine to terminate the Terminator and make Florida No. 1 in solar power.". (W-USA News, DC)
Solar plant means hundreds of Colo. jobs Oct 27, 2009
AG, the world s largest manufacturer of a critical component in solar power generation, said Monday it will invest about $20 million in its first North American manufacturing plant in Denver expected to open in the first half of 2010. SMA, based in Niestetal, Germany, manufacturers inverters for solar power systems the device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, produced by the panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used by electrical equipment and sent onto... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Not in my backyard: Power line for solar tests New Energy resolve Oct 27, 2009
The state s leading politicians also are keenly aware of rising concerns over the project and how the rural, agricultural valley might change as large, solar power farms put up acres of mirrors to harvest megawatts of power from the sun s rays. This article is for Paid Subscribers ONLY.. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Abengoa Solar plans California plant Oct 27, 2009
PG&E said Monday it s buying a total of 500 megawatts of solar power, half from Abengoa and half from NextEra Energy Resources proposed Genesis solar power plant ... The solar power plant is expected to use significantly less water per acre than the farm did, according to Abengoa ... In August 2009, Abengoa Solar announced that Xcel Energy Inc. had chosen the company to build a demonstration concentrating solar power plant at its Cameo coal-based power plant near Grand Junction. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
AGU Journal highlights -- Oct. 26, 2009 Oct 27, 2009
However, they note that there are also many risks, including potential drought in some regions, continued ocean acidification, less sunlight for solar power, possible unexpected consequences, rapid warming if geoengineering were stopped, potential moral hazards, and problems for terrestrial astronomy. Title: Benefits, risks, and costs of stratospheric geoengineering. (EurekAlert!)
Out of work and sitting on the porch: the shape of things to come? Oct 26, 2009
Meanwhile, all those solar power stations that could have been constructed beneath the wide Australian sky. Where did they go. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Merkel Coalition's Solar-Power Stand Is `Positive,' BEE Lobby Group Says Oct 25, 2009
Oct. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Chancellor next government eased threats to slash subsidies for solar power in its final policy program for the next four years, the German Renewable Energy Federation BEE said ... Solar power is an important technology for the future, it says. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Meter fuss leaves PG&E smarting Oct 25, 2009
A 4-square-mile patch of Maui in the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state soon will be home to a new kind of power grid, one that saves energy by turning off household appliances when electricity is expensive and makes better use of wind and solar power. General Electric Co. recently announced it would test its "smart grid" technology in the luxury resort community of Wailea, hoping to reduce peak electricity consumption there by 15 percent by 2012. (Fresno Bee)
Japanese automakers' hydrogen car drive Oct 25, 2009
The goal of carmakers is for hydrogen for cars to be produced by electrolysing water using renewable energy such as solar power. Fuel cells have long been seen as an eco-friendly alternative to petrol, but for now most automakers are focusing their attention on hybrids and plug-in electric cars. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Sunny delight Oct 25, 2009
Besides dramatic views, it s situated to maximize solar power and features radiant heat under the floors, triple-glazed windows with UV coating, solar-heated hot water, 9-inch-thick walls for extra insulation, an enclosed bridge/hallway that joins the house to the garage, and a flock of chickens in their own fenced-in yard. The open kitchen, which has sitting and dining areas at the bottom of the ell, features only minimal overhead cabinets (to make the room feel more spacious), power in the... (Boston Globe)
EcoAid helps Frys.com Open go green Oct 25, 2009
EcoAid also was able to help the golf tournament become more sustainable by getting solar power generators, using soy-based ink and recycled paper for tickets and promoting recycling during the five-day event. We're excited to be teaming with the Frys. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
The big chill Oct 25, 2009
The only way in which it's cost-effective to solar power your home -- or any building for that matter -- is if there's no cap to the amount of government subsidies a country provides ... The only way in which it's cost-effective to solar power your home -- or any building for that matter -- is if there's no cap to the amount of government subsidies a country provides. (New York Post -- News)
Japanese automakers in new push for hydrogen-powered cars Oct 25, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. A fuel-cell car gives you power, distance. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Valley farmers look to solar power Oct 24, 2009
Solar power outshining Colorado's gas industry ... For the Shaw brothers, who converted the downtown arts building and community center into a miniature solar power plant two years ago, each reverse rotation subtracts from their monthly electric bill ... Outlook sunny for solar power in Valley. (Fresno Bee)
Seeks a middle ground Oct 24, 2009
The politicians lack the moral courage to do what's right: Stop the war, impeach Bush, mandate electric vehicles and solar power with 100% changeover in five years, putting the needs of Earth ahead of the needs of Halliburton and Exxon, stopping the failed war on drugs. I often think about what Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and crew who gave us our freedom would think if they could see us now. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Solar power has never been cheaper Oct 24, 2009
Government incentives have made solar power more affordable ... Solar power has been getting cheaper for years. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Tower of Power Oct 24, 2009
"This major commitment to solar power is a direct result of the progressive energy policies being adopted in China to create a sustainable, long-term market for solar and a low-carbon future for China," First Solar CEO Mike Ahearn said in a statement. China, the world's leading producer of greenhouse gases, is taking an aggressive path to develop alternative sources of energy. (Time.com)
EPA estimates Senate climate bill costs modest Oct 24, 2009
Solar power outshining Colorado's gas industry ... For the Shaw brothers, who converted the downtown arts building and community center into a miniature solar power plant two years ago, each reverse rotation subtracts from their monthly electric bill. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Duke Energy to build solar projects with Chinas ENN Group Oct 24, 2009
Duke Energy and ENN seek to not only accelerate the development of solar power in the United Staes, but help achieve economies of scale and drive down the cost of renewable energy. Rogers has previously said one advantage for the Chinese companies would be to gain access to the U.S. market. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Energy watch Oct 24, 2009
Some of the major manufacturers at the Japanese technology fair Ceatec suggest that alternative energy sources like wind and solar power could become commonplace as wind turbines and solar panels become cheaper. But short of pulling the plug and switching off our creature comforts, reducing the amount of energy we use seems to be the goal of the big players. (BBC News)
PRC examiner supports 3rd party power Oct 24, 2009
The issue arose after the city of Santa Fe contracted with Maryland-based to install photovoltaic systems on government buildings in return for payment by the city for all solar power generated. The arrangement would allow the city to produce and consume clean energy while avoiding the high cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining a solar system. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Microsoft, Capital One, Broadcom Are Big Movers Oct 24, 2009
Constrained credit markets remain a problem for the solar power products maker, and it cut its profit outlook for the year. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (ABC News -- Wire)
Tallying the Real Environmental Cost of Biofuels Oct 23, 2009
"Carbon capture and storage, solar power, electric batteries all of these alternatives have serious costs," says Searchinger. "But if you can just use up the world's carbon in forests to meet your cap, that turns out to be pretty cheap.". (Time.com)
US town's oil boom Oct 23, 2009
Wind and solar power, he says, won't be big enough to supply America for years. Oil is right here, right now. (BBC News -- Americas)
VIDEO EXTRA: Brockton mayoral candidates clash over budget, economi... Oct 23, 2009
After Harrington said Balzotti took too much credit for bringing a solar power project to the city in 2006, Balzotti said she attended numerous meetings on the project and that Harrington was always missing. I never saw you there, she said, to applause from supporters in the crowd of 150. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Thinking solar power? It's never been cheaper Oct 22, 2009
Thinking solar power ... Thinking solar power ... Solar power has been getting cheaper for years. (AZCentral -- Business)
CEOs urge greenhouse gas reduction Oct 22, 2009
That is the case, Morris said, because renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power cannot be brought online quickly enough to meet the country s energy needs. His comments came during a teleconference with reporters that Morris hosted with Business Roundtable President John Castellani. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Technology boost for power Oct 22, 2009
And the Centre reportedly plans to have an ambitious 20,000 mw of solar power capacity or about a fifth of todays conventional generation capacity by 2020. Whats needed is concrete policy action and follow through, to actualise the plans. (India Times)
Economic impact report on Teanaway Solar Reserve released Oct 22, 2009
He knows many still question the cost of producing solar power but says many of the figures cited are based on old data. Reader comments Current Rating: 0. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Solar power units costs down 30% since '98 Oct 22, 2009
Solar power system costs down 30% since 1998 - Denver Business Journal ... Solar power system costs down 30% since 1998 ... High demand for solar power systems in the three years before that kept prices of modules high. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
County FFA participates in statewide career event Oct 22, 2009
Energy Systems: Mechanic power, electrical power, chemical power, wind power, and solar power. Structural Systems: Storage, handling, disposal, concrete, plumbing, structural material selection, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
New Flagler bridge Oct 22, 2009
As far as lighting, solar power with aesthetically designed panels on the catilever design. It's not rocket science. (The Palm Beach Post)