February 25, 2010, 1:11 pm — Updated: 1:11 pm -->
A Utility Will Help Homeowners Go Solar
By TODD WOODY
TXU Energy, a Texas utility with two million customers, is making it possible for homeowners in the Dallas area to lease or buy rooftop solar-power systems in one of the first programs of its kind.
The energy provider said Wednesday that it had signed a deal with SolarCity, a Silicon Valley start-up that finances and installs residential rooftop arrays, to manage the initiative.
“Our vision is to supply solar power to millions of homes and businesses,” said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s chief executive. “The only way to achieve this is by partnering with companies that are providing power today. If we can partner with energy providers, adoption will happen much faster.” read full article : http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/a-utility-will-help-homeowners-go-solar/
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Solar Thermal on the MARCH
Climate 22.02.2010
Solar thermal energy on the march
The global market for solar thermal energy has skyrocketed, particularly in China. Despite the boom, what's considered the most important of all solar technologies still has a long way to reach its true potential. Read full article:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5275444,00.html
Solar thermal energy on the march
The global market for solar thermal energy has skyrocketed, particularly in China. Despite the boom, what's considered the most important of all solar technologies still has a long way to reach its true potential. Read full article:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5275444,00.html
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Texas envisioned as solar power leader
Texas envisioned as solar power leader News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Science and Medicine Health: "The sun could rival the wind as a clean power source in Texas' near future, if the state gets serious about tapping the potential of pollution-free solar energy.
JIM MAHONEY/DMN
Homebuilder Jim Sargent's Waxahachie company is building solar-equipped houses that both conserve energy and generate it. Some of the homes end up taking no net energy from the state's electric grid, he said. That's the belief, at least, of some builders, equipment manufacturers and energy experts.
Texas already leads the nation in producing wind power, and given its sunny climate, scientists say it has the capacity to dominate solar, too.
To help make that happen, solar advocates are urging the Texas Public Utility Commission to set solar usage requirements for electric retailers.
'We actually are a perfect environment, economically and thermodynamically, as a raw resource for solar, but it hasn't taken off,' said Michael E. Webber, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas."
JIM MAHONEY/DMN
Homebuilder Jim Sargent's Waxahachie company is building solar-equipped houses that both conserve energy and generate it. Some of the homes end up taking no net energy from the state's electric grid, he said. That's the belief, at least, of some builders, equipment manufacturers and energy experts.
Texas already leads the nation in producing wind power, and given its sunny climate, scientists say it has the capacity to dominate solar, too.
To help make that happen, solar advocates are urging the Texas Public Utility Commission to set solar usage requirements for electric retailers.
'We actually are a perfect environment, economically and thermodynamically, as a raw resource for solar, but it hasn't taken off,' said Michael E. Webber, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas."
The Long Road to an Alternative-Energy Future
The Long Road to an Alternative-Energy Future - WSJ.com: "New energy technologies are coming that will shrink our use of fossil fuels and cut emissions of greenhouse gases.
The Journal Report
See the complete Energy report.Just don't expect them anytime soon.
Why the delay? After all, the computer revolution has shown how rapidly new innovations can be imagined, developed, brought to market and have an impact. But new energy technologies don't work that way—they can take years to gain just a toehold in the market, and 20 to 30 years to push aside existing products or techniques."
The Journal Report
See the complete Energy report.Just don't expect them anytime soon.
Why the delay? After all, the computer revolution has shown how rapidly new innovations can be imagined, developed, brought to market and have an impact. But new energy technologies don't work that way—they can take years to gain just a toehold in the market, and 20 to 30 years to push aside existing products or techniques."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
PSC boosts solar in Georgia Power green energy
PSC gives boost to solar in Georgia Power green energy program ajc.com: "The state Public Service Commission is boosting -- to 50 percent from 10 percent -- the amount of renewable energy that comes from solar sources in the company's Premium Green Energy mix.
The percentage that comes from biomass will decrease to 50 percent from 90 percent.
PSC Chairman Lauren 'Bubba' McDonald Jr. made the motion to amend the program, saying, 'The commission hopes to encourage more participation in the Green Energy program and further advance the development of solar photovoltaic products in Georgia ...'"
The percentage that comes from biomass will decrease to 50 percent from 90 percent.
PSC Chairman Lauren 'Bubba' McDonald Jr. made the motion to amend the program, saying, 'The commission hopes to encourage more participation in the Green Energy program and further advance the development of solar photovoltaic products in Georgia ...'"
Government Clears the Way for Google
Government Clears the Way for Google to Play in Energy Markets : TreeHugger: "Google is now officially in the energy business after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday cleared the way by granted a subsidiary of the search giant the authority to sell electricity on wholesale markets. The move paves the way for Google to operate as a sort of energy broker--buying power from providers and the selling it just like utilities do. Many are left to wonder now just how serious Google is about getting deep into the energy business."
1,200 Solar Panels Installed on The Lakeland Center
More Than 1,200 Solar Panels Installed on The Lakeland Center Home Page Local TheLedger.com:
"The utility and Maryland-based SunEdison are installing 1,232 solar panels on the roof of The Lakeland Center. By 2018, the city plans to have enough solar panels to generate 24 megawatts of power.
The panels cover the size of about an acre. They're navy blue, but turn lighter when the sun hits them.
The project will take eight years to build, but the finished results will generate enough power to supply 7,200 homes, city spokesman Kevin Cook said."
"The utility and Maryland-based SunEdison are installing 1,232 solar panels on the roof of The Lakeland Center. By 2018, the city plans to have enough solar panels to generate 24 megawatts of power.
The panels cover the size of about an acre. They're navy blue, but turn lighter when the sun hits them.
The project will take eight years to build, but the finished results will generate enough power to supply 7,200 homes, city spokesman Kevin Cook said."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Solar Thermal Plant
eSolar: Press Release: "eSolar and Ferrostaal AG Partner to Provide Turnkey Solar Thermal Plants
PASADENA, California and ESSEN, Germany – February 18, 2010 – eSolar, a leading producer of modular, scalable concentrating solar thermal power technology, and Ferrostaal AG, one of the world's largest power plant developers, announced today a partnership to deploy turnkey solar power plants in countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. Under the agreement, eSolar will provide solar field and receiver technology, while Ferrostaal will provide the power block as well as manage the overall realization as general contractor, including financing activities."
PASADENA, California and ESSEN, Germany – February 18, 2010 – eSolar, a leading producer of modular, scalable concentrating solar thermal power technology, and Ferrostaal AG, one of the world's largest power plant developers, announced today a partnership to deploy turnkey solar power plants in countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. Under the agreement, eSolar will provide solar field and receiver technology, while Ferrostaal will provide the power block as well as manage the overall realization as general contractor, including financing activities."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Governor Crist Announces $10 Million for Solar Energy in Schools and Emergency Shelters
Governor Crist Announces $10 Million for Solar Energy in Schools and Emergency Shelters: "GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE PRESS RELEASE:
TALLAHASSEE –
Governor Charlie Crist announced the award of $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) grants to the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa Beach. The grant, known as the SunSmart School and E-Shelters (Emergency Shelters) program, is a portion of the $126 million the state received in State Energy Program funding for energy-related initiatives under the ARRA. The State Energy Program provides opportunities for state agencies, local governments and businesses to deploy renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in economic development and job growth in Florida’s clean technology sector.
“The SunSmart School and E-Shelters program will help protect our environment for future generations,” said Governor Crist. “Educating Floridians and utilizing energy efficient technologies will strengthen our economy by increasing Florida’s energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”"
TALLAHASSEE –
Governor Charlie Crist announced the award of $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) grants to the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa Beach. The grant, known as the SunSmart School and E-Shelters (Emergency Shelters) program, is a portion of the $126 million the state received in State Energy Program funding for energy-related initiatives under the ARRA. The State Energy Program provides opportunities for state agencies, local governments and businesses to deploy renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in economic development and job growth in Florida’s clean technology sector.
“The SunSmart School and E-Shelters program will help protect our environment for future generations,” said Governor Crist. “Educating Floridians and utilizing energy efficient technologies will strengthen our economy by increasing Florida’s energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”"
TEXAS Bill, could heat up solar power in Texas
Bill, funding could heat up solar power use in Texas - Fort Worth Business Press: "BY JOHN-LAURENT TRONCHE
February 15, 2010
Two congressmen unveiled proposed legislation that encourages the installation of 10 million solar systems on the roofs of homes and businesses during the next decade, which could help Texas launch an energy industry that to date has lagged behind others.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., proposed a bill that would mimic rebate programs in California and New Jersey, the No. 1 and No. 2 states, respectively, in installed solar photovoltaic systems, that could cover up to half the cost of a solar photovoltaic system or solar water heating system.
“A dramatic expansion of solar power is a clean and economical way to help break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, improve our geopolitical position, and create good-paying green jobs,” Sanders said in a statement."
February 15, 2010
Two congressmen unveiled proposed legislation that encourages the installation of 10 million solar systems on the roofs of homes and businesses during the next decade, which could help Texas launch an energy industry that to date has lagged behind others.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., proposed a bill that would mimic rebate programs in California and New Jersey, the No. 1 and No. 2 states, respectively, in installed solar photovoltaic systems, that could cover up to half the cost of a solar photovoltaic system or solar water heating system.
“A dramatic expansion of solar power is a clean and economical way to help break our dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, improve our geopolitical position, and create good-paying green jobs,” Sanders said in a statement."
Monday, February 15, 2010
Feed-in Tariffs Legal in US When Certain Conditions Met - Renewable Energy World
A new report charts path through the U.S. regulatory minefield.
by Paul Gipe, Contributor
Washington, D.C. United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued a long-awaited legal analysis of how states could implement feed-in tariffs and still comply with federal law.
The January 2010 report, Renewable Energy Prices in State-Level Feed-in Tariffs: Federal Law Constraints and Possible Solutions, was written principally by Scott Hempling with the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) under contract to NREL.
Hempling treads ground that others have tread before him, including California's Attorney General, Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown. The Attorney General filed comments on who has jurisdiction to set feed-in tariffs with California's Public Utility Commission in August of 2009. Brown concluded that the state could set feed-in tariffs sufficient to pay for renewable energy development while complying with federal law.
NRRI's Hempling, like Brown, concludes that states can offer feed-in tariffs, but the programs creating the feed-in tariffs must be structured in a way that meets federal requirements.
Read entire article:
NREL: Feed-in Tariffs Legal in US When Certain Conditions Met - Renewable Energy World
by Paul Gipe, Contributor
Washington, D.C. United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued a long-awaited legal analysis of how states could implement feed-in tariffs and still comply with federal law.
The January 2010 report, Renewable Energy Prices in State-Level Feed-in Tariffs: Federal Law Constraints and Possible Solutions, was written principally by Scott Hempling with the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) under contract to NREL.
Hempling treads ground that others have tread before him, including California's Attorney General, Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown. The Attorney General filed comments on who has jurisdiction to set feed-in tariffs with California's Public Utility Commission in August of 2009. Brown concluded that the state could set feed-in tariffs sufficient to pay for renewable energy development while complying with federal law.
NRRI's Hempling, like Brown, concludes that states can offer feed-in tariffs, but the programs creating the feed-in tariffs must be structured in a way that meets federal requirements.
Read entire article:
NREL: Feed-in Tariffs Legal in US When Certain Conditions Met - Renewable Energy World
Sunday, February 14, 2010
SEIA - Solar Bill of Rights
Solar Bill of Rights ©
We declare these rights not on behalf of our companies, but on behalf of our customers and our country. We seek no more than the freedom to compete on equal terms and no more than the liberty for consumers to choose the energy source they think best.
1. Americans have the right to put solar on their homes or businesses.
Millions of Americans want to put solar on the roof of their home or business, but many are prevented from doing so by local restrictions. Some homeowners associations have prevented residents from going solar through neighborhood covenants, which allow for the association to veto any changes to a property’s aesthetics. Some utilities and municipalities have also made it prohibitively time-consuming and/or expensive to have a system permitted or inspected.
http://www.solarbillofrights.org/
We declare these rights not on behalf of our companies, but on behalf of our customers and our country. We seek no more than the freedom to compete on equal terms and no more than the liberty for consumers to choose the energy source they think best.
1. Americans have the right to put solar on their homes or businesses.
Millions of Americans want to put solar on the roof of their home or business, but many are prevented from doing so by local restrictions. Some homeowners associations have prevented residents from going solar through neighborhood covenants, which allow for the association to veto any changes to a property’s aesthetics. Some utilities and municipalities have also made it prohibitively time-consuming and/or expensive to have a system permitted or inspected.
http://www.solarbillofrights.org/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Solar Power to Lower Bills
The solar energy project which is about to be started in Morris County is without a shadow of a doubt going to be one which helps to save at least 35 % of the total energy consumed by households collectively.
There was an announcement by officials on the 11th of February 2010 that the schools & agencies which signed up for the renewable/solar energy project in Morris County are going to be saving around 35 % on their energy bills in the coming year and this figure is expected to rise to 40 % maximum by the conclusion of this fifteen year program. Stephen Pearlman, the attorney for the improvement authority of Morris County who are working on the project together with the board of freeholders for the county, said, “It is going to cost them around 10.6 cents for every kilowatt hour that they generate from solar power as opposed to the average of 15 cents which is the cost of generating the same amount of energy from traditional sources. This is a great moment. Today, we see an idea become a reality.”
http://www.biofuelswatch.com/solar-power-to-lower-bills/
There was an announcement by officials on the 11th of February 2010 that the schools & agencies which signed up for the renewable/solar energy project in Morris County are going to be saving around 35 % on their energy bills in the coming year and this figure is expected to rise to 40 % maximum by the conclusion of this fifteen year program. Stephen Pearlman, the attorney for the improvement authority of Morris County who are working on the project together with the board of freeholders for the county, said, “It is going to cost them around 10.6 cents for every kilowatt hour that they generate from solar power as opposed to the average of 15 cents which is the cost of generating the same amount of energy from traditional sources. This is a great moment. Today, we see an idea become a reality.”
http://www.biofuelswatch.com/solar-power-to-lower-bills/
Friday, February 12, 2010
ET Solar & USE Reach 31-MW PV Module Deal - Renewable Energy World
ET Solar & USE Reach 31-MW PV Module Deal - Renewable Energy World: "ET Solar Group Corp. this week confirmed that it has reached a 31-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) module sales agreement with Umwelt Sonne Energie GmbH (USE) in Germany. Under the contract, ET Solar will deliver a total of 31 MW solar modules to USE in 2010."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wastewater Plants get $20M
Governor gives $20M contract to 2 companies for solar panels - BostonHerald.com: "Gov. Deval Patrick awarded $20 million in stimulus money so two Massachusetts companies can install solar-energy equipment at 12 public wastewater treatment plants across the state.
The Patrick administration said the move is the state’s “largest-ever contract for installation of solar power.”
The joint contract with Nexamp Inc. of North Andover and Florence Electric of Taunton could create about 100 jobs while helping the environment through expanded use of clean energy, said Ian Bowles, Patrick’s secretary of energy and the environment"
The Patrick administration said the move is the state’s “largest-ever contract for installation of solar power.”
The joint contract with Nexamp Inc. of North Andover and Florence Electric of Taunton could create about 100 jobs while helping the environment through expanded use of clean energy, said Ian Bowles, Patrick’s secretary of energy and the environment"
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
DOE Releases US $20.5M for Community Renewable Energy Projects - Renewable Energy World
DOE Releases US $20.5M for Community Renewable Energy Projects - Renewable Energy World: "Washington, D.C., United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu this week announced the selection of five projects to receive a combined US $20.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support deployment of community-based renewable energy projects including biomass, wind and solar installations.
DOE estimates that these projects will provide enough clean, renewable energy to displace the emissions of approximately 10,700 homes.
“Smaller, more localized renewable energy systems need to play a role in our comprehensive energy portfolio,' Secretary Chu said. “These projects will help create jobs, expand our clean energy economy, and help us cut carbon pollution at the local level.”"
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu this week announced the selection of five projects to receive a combined US $20.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support deployment of community-based renewable energy projects including biomass, wind and solar installations.
DOE estimates that these projects will provide enough clean, renewable energy to displace the emissions of approximately 10,700 homes.
“Smaller, more localized renewable energy systems need to play a role in our comprehensive energy portfolio,' Secretary Chu said. “These projects will help create jobs, expand our clean energy economy, and help us cut carbon pollution at the local level.”"
Monday, February 8, 2010
Drinking water and Solar ?
Telegram.com - A product of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "Worcester will soon be keeping its drinking water clean and treating its wastewater with power from the sun, with the installation of new solar electricity arrays being paid for with federal stimulus funds.
The projects, to get under way during the summer, are expected to provide a permanent reduction in the high electricity costs at the Worcester water filtration plant in Holden that serves the city and several nearby communities and at the Upper Blackstone regional sewage treatment plant in Millbury.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick said yesterday that $20 million in federal anti-recession funding will be used to put large solar installations at a dozen water and sewer plants around the state, including the Worcester facilities and the MWRA Carroll Water Treatment Plant in Marlboro."
The projects, to get under way during the summer, are expected to provide a permanent reduction in the high electricity costs at the Worcester water filtration plant in Holden that serves the city and several nearby communities and at the Upper Blackstone regional sewage treatment plant in Millbury.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick said yesterday that $20 million in federal anti-recession funding will be used to put large solar installations at a dozen water and sewer plants around the state, including the Worcester facilities and the MWRA Carroll Water Treatment Plant in Marlboro."
Solar power gets city sponsor | BiofuelsWatch.com
Solar power gets city sponsor BiofuelsWatch.com: "A company based in Taunton has partnered with a firm from North Andover and together they have earned a share of $20 million in the form of a contract for installing solar power at twelve public water & wastewater treatment facilitites all around Massachusetts. This is the biggest award ever given for the installation of solar facilities in public. This has been funded by money from federal stimulus and calls for installation of 4.1 MW worth of solar energy & this project is supposed to be complete before July 2010. Florence Electric from Taunton & Nexamp from North Andover have won this contract through competitive solicitation by the resources of the D.O.E."
Friday, February 5, 2010
10 Denver-area Wells Fargo branches install solar-power systems - Denver Business Journal:
10 Denver-area Wells Fargo branches install solar-power systems - Denver Business Journal:: "Ten Denver-area Wells Fargo bank branches have installed solar photovoltaic systems in what the office of Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter called the largest such deployment of PV systems by local bank branches in the nation.
Also, Wells Fargo on Thursday announced a program to provide $1,000 toward the cost of a home solar-power system for customers who finance the system with the bank and who are approved for a home equity loan or line of credit worth $15,000 or more.
San Francisco-based Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) is Colorado’s largest bank by deposits.
Wells Fargo said the 10 Colorado branches in the pilot program were chosen based on roof characteristics, electrical infrastructure, and clearance from trees and other buildings."
Also, Wells Fargo on Thursday announced a program to provide $1,000 toward the cost of a home solar-power system for customers who finance the system with the bank and who are approved for a home equity loan or line of credit worth $15,000 or more.
San Francisco-based Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) is Colorado’s largest bank by deposits.
Wells Fargo said the 10 Colorado branches in the pilot program were chosen based on roof characteristics, electrical infrastructure, and clearance from trees and other buildings."
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Clean Energy could be on its way Quickly
TALLAHASSEE- Energy & Utilities Policy Committee Chairman Steve Precourt (R-Orlando) and House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) today announced that they are exploring an innovative approach known as PACE - Property Assessed Clean Energy - financing that could be utilized to help consumers and businesses pay for retrofitting their properties with clean energy technology at no cost to taxpayers. The projects generated by these private sector clean energy improvements also hold the promise of significant job creation for Florida’s economy.
"PACE is a no-subsidy, no-mandate, no-cost to taxpayers, consumer opt-in approach that can
http://www.flaseia.org/Documents/Precourt%20Hasner%20PACE%20PR.pdf
"PACE is a no-subsidy, no-mandate, no-cost to taxpayers, consumer opt-in approach that can
http://www.flaseia.org/Documents/Precourt%20Hasner%20PACE%20PR.pdf
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Obama seeks DOE funding hikes for 2011 clean energy - Politics - Renewable energy news - Recharge - wind, solar, biofuels, wave/tidal/hydro and geothermal
Obama seeks DOE funding hikes for 2011 clean energy - Politics - Renewable energy news - Recharge - wind, solar, biofuels, wave/tidal/hydro and geothermal: "President Barack Obama’s proposed 2011 federal budget allocates about one-sixth of $28.4bn for the US Energy Department to invest in clean energy technologies, and a further $1.8bn to discover novel ways to produce, store and use energy."
$302.4Million for Solar
We are happy to report that President Obama's FY2011 budget request released this afternoon includes $302.4 million for the solar energy program, a 22 percent increase from last year’s spending. The DOE Building Technologies budget includes another $7.2 million for solar heating and cooling, also an increase over last year. These increases comes at a time when most of the government received substantial budget reductions. This request demonstrates SEIA’s strong relationship with the DOE and the White House. In addition to the solar program, the President has requested a $5 billion expansion the Section 48C manufacturing tax credit that was passed in the ARRA. We expect to see the expansion of this program pass as part of the Jobs Bill now under development.
Below we've detailed highlights from the announcement. As always, SEIA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to strengthen the U.S. position as a leader in high-tech research and development. SEIA staff will keep you updated on any new developments regarding the budget process in the coming weeks and months.
The breakdown of the DOE Solar Energy Program is as follows:
Total program request: $302.4 million, increased from $225 in current budget
· $152 million for PV, increased from $128.5 million
· $98.2 million for CSP (Including $50 million for new demonstration program), increased from $49.7 million
· $30.7 million for systems integration, increased from $23.3 million
· $21.5 million for market transformation, decreased from $23.5 million
DOE Solar Program Highlights:
· Advanced PV manufacturing
· Reliability (of components) to extend life of PV system
· Thermal storage research to make CSP cost-competitive as baseload power
· New Concentrating Solar Power demonstration program to show that technologies can scale up, provide operational data needed by finance community to invest in a project.
DOE Building Technologies Program:
· $7.3 million for solar heating and cooling
Transmission Highlights:
· Continued support for renewable generators, reliability
· New $6.4 million for "permitting, siting and analysis" to educate states, regional grid operators, federal agencies and help assist in modernizing the electric grid.
Manufacturing Highlights:
· $5 billion for the previously mentioned Advanced Energy Manufacturing tax credit.
FY2011 Department of the Interior Budget Highlights:· Total of $73 million investment in renewable energy.
Below we've detailed highlights from the announcement. As always, SEIA will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to strengthen the U.S. position as a leader in high-tech research and development. SEIA staff will keep you updated on any new developments regarding the budget process in the coming weeks and months.
The breakdown of the DOE Solar Energy Program is as follows:
Total program request: $302.4 million, increased from $225 in current budget
· $152 million for PV, increased from $128.5 million
· $98.2 million for CSP (Including $50 million for new demonstration program), increased from $49.7 million
· $30.7 million for systems integration, increased from $23.3 million
· $21.5 million for market transformation, decreased from $23.5 million
DOE Solar Program Highlights:
· Advanced PV manufacturing
· Reliability (of components) to extend life of PV system
· Thermal storage research to make CSP cost-competitive as baseload power
· New Concentrating Solar Power demonstration program to show that technologies can scale up, provide operational data needed by finance community to invest in a project.
DOE Building Technologies Program:
· $7.3 million for solar heating and cooling
Transmission Highlights:
· Continued support for renewable generators, reliability
· New $6.4 million for "permitting, siting and analysis" to educate states, regional grid operators, federal agencies and help assist in modernizing the electric grid.
Manufacturing Highlights:
· $5 billion for the previously mentioned Advanced Energy Manufacturing tax credit.
FY2011 Department of the Interior Budget Highlights:· Total of $73 million investment in renewable energy.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cheap Hot Water? Just Add Sunshine - WSJ.com
Cheap Hot Water? Just Add Sunshine - WSJ.com: "Bill Banack doesn't fancy himself an environmental 'fanatic,' but his showers, dishwasher and washing machine all use renewable energy these days. The source: three slim solar panels perched atop his 2,200-square foot Hadley, Mass., home. They don't provide electricity—they send him heat for hot water.
'I'm not belittling the green movement, but mostly we wanted to save money,' says Mr. Banack, who now shuts off his gas boiler in the summer except during stretches of cloudy days. Mr. Banack estimates his heating-fuel bills have dropped at least 25% since adding the system, which was made by Germany's Stiebel Eltron GmbH and cost about $6,000 after tax credits. 'This is a form of independence,' he says."
'I'm not belittling the green movement, but mostly we wanted to save money,' says Mr. Banack, who now shuts off his gas boiler in the summer except during stretches of cloudy days. Mr. Banack estimates his heating-fuel bills have dropped at least 25% since adding the system, which was made by Germany's Stiebel Eltron GmbH and cost about $6,000 after tax credits. 'This is a form of independence,' he says."
The Race Is On to Develop Green, Clean Technology
January 30, 2010, 12:08 pm — Updated: 2:32 pm
New York Times
It is shaping up to be the Great Game of the 21st century.
To top officials and business executives here at the World Economic Forum, Topic A this year was the race to develop greener, cleaner technology, which is emerging as one of the critical factors in reshaping the world economy as emerging powers snap at the heels of battered Western economies, The New York Times’s Katrin Bennhold reports.
With the United States and China sizing each other up across the Pacific and Europe seeking to maintain its economic stature, it is a battle for potentially millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in export revenues. The outcome — which pits a venture capital-driven market approach relying on government subsides against a top-down system of state capitalism — has the potential to influence how economic and political systems evolve.
Concern that China may be edging ahead in potentially lucrative growth sectors like renewable energy was palpable here, where senior officials from the United States and Europe warned that the West could not afford to be complacent. Read the rest of the article:
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/the-race-is-on-to-develop-green-clean-technology/
New York Times
It is shaping up to be the Great Game of the 21st century.
To top officials and business executives here at the World Economic Forum, Topic A this year was the race to develop greener, cleaner technology, which is emerging as one of the critical factors in reshaping the world economy as emerging powers snap at the heels of battered Western economies, The New York Times’s Katrin Bennhold reports.
With the United States and China sizing each other up across the Pacific and Europe seeking to maintain its economic stature, it is a battle for potentially millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in export revenues. The outcome — which pits a venture capital-driven market approach relying on government subsides against a top-down system of state capitalism — has the potential to influence how economic and political systems evolve.
Concern that China may be edging ahead in potentially lucrative growth sectors like renewable energy was palpable here, where senior officials from the United States and Europe warned that the West could not afford to be complacent. Read the rest of the article:
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/the-race-is-on-to-develop-green-clean-technology/
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