NC solar power could yield 28,000 jobs - BusinessWeek

Report: NC solar power could yield 28,000 jobs - BusinessWeek: "An environmental group says North Carolina could generate at least 28,000 jobs in the solar energy field if it shifts electricity production more from traditional sources to solar energy in the next 20 years.
The research arm of Environment North Carolina released a report on Wednesday and held a news conference outside the Legislative Building. The report based findings on raising the percentage of power that comes from solar sources to 14 percent of the state's electricity consumption by 2030. Current law requires less than 1 percent of electric power to originate from the sun by 2018.
Report co-author Elizabeth Ouzts said lawmakers could help the state encourage solar power by approving a tax break to those who build plants for renewable energy manufacturing."

President calls oil crisis a 'wake up' for renewable fuels | News | Breaking News | Feedstuffs

President calls oil crisis a 'wake up' for renewable fuels News Breaking News Feedstuffs: "President Obama called the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a 'wake up call' for action on renewable energy.
During his first press conference in 10 months, the President called on the Senate to advance action on its energy bill to increase U.S. renewable energy production. 'It is time to accelerate efforts,' he said this morning."

Investing In Clean Energy

Investing In Clean Energy Home Editorial: "The United States is taking a big step this month in its efforts to spur private sector investments in clean and renewable energy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced $502 million in the first round of cash awards from a U.S. government program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits."

Moment of Truth for our Leadership

A moment of truth is upon us. The fate of U.S. leadership on clean energy hangs in the balance as Congress takes up debate on the current “tax extenders” bill.
Americans face a stark choice with the BP oil disaster continuing to bleed fossil fuel from the ocean floor, destroying the ecology and the economy of the entire Gulf of Mexico region. Are we going to support some of the most effective policy that has yet been deployed for transitioning American business and industry to a clean energy future and away from the dangers of fossil fuel, or will we walk away from the green shoots of this economic recovery to let other nations lead in the coming low-carbon economy? more on this article: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/05/energy_gamble.html

George W. Bush promotes use of renewable energy at Dallas convention | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News

George W. Bush promotes use of renewable energy at Dallas convention News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas Morning News: "If Texas were a nation, it would be sixth in the world in producing the most wind energy, which is just one of the many reasons George W. Bush said he's glad to be back in the state.
The former president and current Dallas resident spoke this morning at the Windpower 2010 convention in the Dallas Convention Center.
In a speech promoting renewable energy, Bush discussed the importance of using tax breaks to support businesses that invest in new technologies.
'If you're interested in developing industry, keep your taxes low,' he said.
Bush said he believes the U.S. is addicted to oil, and to break that addiction, companies need to look to wind energy."

Bush suggests diversification away from oil at wind energy conference - Environment - MiamiHerald.com

Bush suggests diversification away from oil at wind energy conference - Environment - MiamiHerald.com: "DALLAS — As the U.S. Gulf Coast battled a massive oil spill, former President George W. Bush told the American Wind Energy Association conference here today, 'It's in our economic interests that we diversify away from oil.'
'It's in our environmental interest,' the onetime Midland oilman added. 'And, finally, it's in our national security interest.'
Bush, speaking at the Dallas Convention Center, said he believes that his grandchildren 'will be driving electric cars, powered primarily by renewable sources of energy.'"

President Obama: The future is here' - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency

Obama on solar: 'The future is here' - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency: "President Obama is enroute back to Washington after giving an enthusiastic plug to solar power at a California plant. While there, the Associated Press reports, the president reiterated the grim truth about the attempt BP is making today to plug the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico: 'No guarantees' that it will work.
'It really gives you a sense of what the future of manufacturing looks like,' he said, as he toured the Solyndra solar cell plant in Fremont. 'We're going to keep on building stuff here in America.' The plant is expanding with the help of federal stimulus dollars."

Solar at Home: How home solar arrays can help to stabilize the grid

Solar at Home: How home solar arrays can help to stabilize the grid, part 1 of 2: "Solar arrays can do more than feed energy into the power grid. They might also be able to help the grid cope with a problem many people aren't aware of: the fact that electrical appliances not only consume energy, but also momentarily store and release it. The worst culprits are motors and transformers, whose internal magnetic fields represent a significant cache of energy, giving these devices a type of electrical inertia that causes them to get out of sync with the grid. To describe the problem and a possible solution, I've invited a two-part guest blog from Arnold Mckinley of Xslent Energy Technologies. Here's part one."

Forecast cloudy for solar installers - Jacksonville Business Journal

Forecast cloudy for solar installers - Jacksonville Business Journal: "Jacksonville-based Brite Sky Solar LLC’s sales team has been hustling, but that won’t save the jobs of six of the company’s 14 workers.
The decision by Florida lawmakers to not renew solar incentive funding will hurt business and is forcing the layoffs, said Greta Carter, CEO of the solar system seller and installer.
“The interest level was really high and we have about $8 million worth of proposals out there,” Carter said. “Potentially, a lot are going to draw back because of the loss of the rebates.”"

Renewables need helping hand from gas - SignOnSanDiego.com

Renewables need helping hand from gas - SignOnSanDiego.com: "For all the talk about green energy — solar, wind, geothermal — our way of life is primarily powered by burning stuff we get out of the ground.
Only 14 percent of the electricity San Diego Gas & Electric Co. distributes comes from green sources, and a similar amount comes from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
That means more than two-thirds of our power comes from fossil fuels, and that’s overwhelmingly natural gas."

Experts tout use of energy monitor

Experts tout use of energy monitor:
"by Ryan Randazzo - May. 23, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic Americans would have an easier time conserving energy at home if they had some type of 'speedometer' for their power use, energy experts said last week in Phoenix.
While it may be some time before people are widely able to track their power use by the minute, anything that helps the public understand how much power their activities use and what it costs should encourage efficiency, they said."

Atlantic Marine Corps Communities Installing Solar Thermal

Solar Industry: Content / Projects & Contracts / Atlantic Marine Corps Communities Installing Solar Thermal:
"in News Departments > Projects & Contracts
by SI Staff on Thursday 20 May 2010


Military housing developer and builder Actus Lend Lease, along with FLS Energy, plans to develop a solar thermal project at Atlantic Marine Corps Communities at Camp Lejeune, the public-private partnership between Actus Lend Lease and the Department of the Navy.

Upon completion, it will be the largest producer of solar thermal power among all other residential communities in the continental U.S. and the largest project of its type on a U.S. Marine Corps Base, according to the companies."

Solar Powered Water Heaters

crestonnews.com Savings heat up with solar powered water heaters: "ARA) - More homeowners are deciding solar power is the right thing to do - for the sake of the environment and their wallets. New technologies make it easier than ever to use the sun to heat water in our homes. And Congress is helping make going green a cash-smart move too, by extending the federal solar tax credit another eight years.

Thanks to the tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. 'It's a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs,' says Jim Cika, a solar water heating expert with VELUX America. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, he urges, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be."

American Power Act Contains Little Direct Support for Renewables

American Power Act Contains Little Direct Support for Renewables Renewable Energy World: "Washington, D.C., United States -- On Wednesday, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released the details of their energy and climate change legislation. The bill includes few provisions designed to directly support renewable energy. These provisions include a statement from Congress on the importance of large-scale deployment and accelerated progress in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, direction for how the allowances distributed to states and Indian tribes should be used for the purposes of promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and a statement supporting voluntary renewable energy markets."

Peach State among biggest coal importers

Peach State among biggest coal importers - Atlanta Business Chronicle: "Georgia is the seventh-largest importer of coal in the country, but it spent more than any other state to import the fuel source, according to a new report produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Georgia is among 38 states that import more coal from other states and foreign sources than it produces, according to UCS’ report titled “Burning Coal, Burning Cash.” The group used U.S. Department of Energy data from 2008."

Alternative Energy Bill Passes House | KSBI Thunder TV | News Sports Radar Weather Cams | Oklahoma City | News

Alternative Energy Bill Passes House KSBI Thunder TV News Sports Radar Weather Cams Oklahoma City News: "OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Legislation to boost Oklahoma's use of alternative energy like natural gas and wind has passed the state House.
The bill passed 91-2 Monday and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The measure by House Speaker Chris Benge of Tulsa creates the Oklahoma Energy Security Act. It seeks to reduce dependence on foreign oil and increase domestic energy and renewable energy production in Oklahoma and elsewhere."

Water, solar power work together

Water, solar power work together - SignOnSanDiego.com: "Some of the biggest producers of solar power in San Diego County aren’t power companies, they’re water agencies.
That’s because they have a combination of lots of space — the tops of their huge water tanks -— and high energy usage.
Most of the systems actually are owned by companies that sell the power they produce to the districts at a discount from what they would pay San Diego Gas & Electric Co. The move to add solar is really a money-saving measure, water officials say."

A Solar-powered Super-yacht for the Super Rich

A Solar-powered Super-yacht for the Super Rich : TreeHugger: "It could be a new addition to the Wretched Excess department. Conde Naste Traveller has already awarded it one of their 2010 Innovation & Design Awards for Sustainable Design.
It's a green super yacht called Soliloquy, which uses a combination of solar, wind and hybrid marine power to move through water. It's just a concept at this point but clients from Monaco and Abu Dhabi have already expressed interest in this floating eco-mansion.
So here's the idea. According to the Guardian, the Soliloquy will be an electricity-powered boat covered in photovoltaic film that harnesses the power of the sun. The sails will double as solar panels and be able to produce enough energy to propel the 58-metre-long boat at a cruising speed of eight knots. The hull will be made of sustainable timber instead of the usual more energy-intensive aluminium."

Brazil To Lead Latin America to 46 GW of Wind by 2025 | Renewable Energy World

Brazil To Lead Latin America to 46 GW of Wind by 2025 Renewable Energy World: "Barcelona, Spain -- Led by Brazil, Latin America is expected to reach 46 GW of total installed wind capacity by 2025 with an annual growth rate of 12.6% according to a new market study, Latin America Wind Power Markets and Strategies: 2010-2025, from IHS Emerging Energy Research.
Brazil will lead the region with 31.6 GW installed by 2025, trailed by Mexico with 6.6 GW. Chile will also add significant wind power, boosted by the country's Renewable Portfolio Standard, according to the study."

Are Tax Incentives Enough To Grow the GHP Market? | Renewable Energy World

Are Tax Incentives Enough To Grow the GHP Market? Renewable Energy World:
"by Janneke Pieters, Contributor
Published: April 30, 2010
North Carolina, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] Despite the established benefits of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) including 30- to 50-percent energy savings, minimal environmental impact, comfortable temperatures, quiet operation and a long equipment lifespan, convincing homeowners to fork out twice the cash to install one instead of a conventional heating and cooling system – especially when that system ostensibly performs the same function – hasn't exactly been easy in a down economy."

New Jersey solar rebate program crashes, lawsuit filed | - NJ.com

New Jersey solar rebate program crashes, lawsuit filed - NJ.com: "Last week, New Jersey ran out of four months' worth of solar rebates in a day. Less money was available than originally budgeted for in December because Gov. Chris Christie took $158 million from the Clean Energy Fund to help close an $11 billion state budget gap.
More than 1,000 people, including some contractors who camped out the night before, claimed $6 million in residential and $1.5 million in non-residential one-time payments when the Office of Clean Energy opened May 3. The Board of Public Utilities closed the normally four-month distribution period until the next scheduled disbursement Sept. 1"

Gulf Coast Oil Disaster: A Game Changer for Alternative Energy? - FOXBusiness.com

Gulf Coast Oil Disaster: A Game Changer for Alternative Energy? - FOXBusiness.com: "As oil giant BP (BP: 48.47, 0, 0%) continues its so-far-futile attempts to stem the flow of crude oil pouring into the Gulf Mexico, the result of the sinking of a deepwater drilling platform that exploded and sank last month, the chorus of support for alternative energy programs to take the place of oil has grown to a near fever pitch.
Supporters of alternative energy programs and opponents of deepwater wells like the one now leaking into the Gulf say the disaster playing out for the world to see is the best illustration yet why the U.S. needs to find another way."

Solar Industry: U.S. Climate Bill To Be Introduced This Week

Solar Industry: Content / Policy Watch / U.S. Climate Bill To Be Introduced This Week: "in News Departments > Policy Watch
by SI Staff on Monday 10 May 2010


Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., have announced plans to roll out comprehensive energy and climate-change legislation on Wednesday without Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

The senators expressed their appreciation for Graham's commitment to passing comprehensive energy independence legislation, stating that he has made significant contribution to the bill.

'We are more encouraged today that we can secure the necessary votes to pass this legislation this year in part because the last weeks have given everyone with a stake in this issue a heightened understanding that as a nation, we can no longer wait to solve this problem, which threatens our economy, our security and our environment,' the senators said in a statement."

Preparing for the Coming Wave of Electric Cars | Renewable Energy World

Preparing for the Coming Wave of Electric Cars Renewable Energy World: "New York, United States-- Electric vehicles are here. With almost every major car company developing a plug-in hybrid or all-electric model for the U.S. this year, the market looks poised for solid growth. But will utilities and consumers be able to handle the new challenges that electric vehicles pose to the grid?"

Clean up Florida's energy act | HeraldTribune.com

Clean up Florida's energy act HeraldTribune.com:
"Published: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, May 10, 2010 at 6:42 p.m.
Floridians have a responsibility to protect the state's seas, shores and estuaries. These assets are too beautiful, too economically important and far too environmentally valuable to sacrifice to near-shore drilling.

But defending the marine environment will require more than a constitutional amendment banning oil exploration in the territorial waters of Florida. True protection demands that the state take more significant steps to reduce oil dependence and foster renewable energy."

FL -Special session to ban oil drilling

Special session to ban oil drilling » Naples Daily News: "TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he will call lawmakers in for a special session later this month to consider a constitutional ban on oil drilling in Florida’s coastal waters.
Speaking to reporters before a meeting of the cabinet, Crist said he will call lawmakers back in “a couple weeks” to consider etching an oil ban into the state’s most fundamental governing document. If approved voters would have a chance to address the issue in November.
“It’s important that we go ahead and have a special session,” Crist said. “After my conversation with Senate President (Jeff) Atwater, I’m encouraged that the Legislature is of a mind to do so as well.”"

Gov.Crist closer to calling special session on drilling

Gov. Charlie Crist closer to calling special session on drilling - Political Currents - MiamiHerald.com: "Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday he wants a special legislative session soon -- maybe as early as the week of May 24 -- to deal with two timely issues: a proposed constitutional ban on drilling for oil off Florida's coast and tax incentives for utilities to diversify and explore renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Crist said the special session looks more likely after a phone conversation with Senate President Jeff Atwater.
``I'd like to do it in a couple of weeks,'' Crist told reporters at the governor's mansion. ``Sooner's better than later. People are concerned, so why not now?''
The governor predicted getting at least 72 House members and 24 senators to vote for a drilling ban would be easy. ``Now?'' He said. ``Who's going to vote against that?''"

Cost of Renewable Energy Continues to Fall, NREL Releases Green Power Rankings for Utilities | Before It's News

Cost of Renewable Energy Continues to Fall, NREL Releases Green Power Rankings for Utilities Before It's News: "The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released its annual assessment of leading utility green power programs. Under these voluntary programs, consumers can choose to help support additional electricity production from renewable resources such as wind and solar.

According to the NREL analysis, more than 850 utilities across the United States now offer green power programs. Utility green power sales in 2009 exceeded 6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), and they represent more than 5 percent of total electricity sales for some of the most popular programs. Wind energy represents approximately two-thirds of electricity generated for green energy programs nationwide."

Amish Businesses don't Fail

Why Amish businesses don't fail
By Geoff Williams, contributing writerMay 4, 2010: 10:57 AM ET
(CNNMoney.com) -- Want to find America's most successful entrepreneurs? Skip Silicon Valley and Manhattan; head to the rural Amish enclaves.
Amish businesses have an eye-popping 95% success rate at staying open at least five years, according to author Erik Wesner's new book, Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive. Read more: (They focus on exacuting the basics well)http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/04/smallbusiness/amish_business_success/index.htm?icid=mainhtmlws-sb-wdl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2010%2F05%2F04%2Fsmallbusiness%2Famish_business_success%2Findex.htm

Oil spill resurrects Clean-Energy debate

May 03, 2010
Oil spill resurrects clean-energy debate, Charlie Crist says
Gov. Charlie Crist said that while oil drilling off Florida's coast is dead now, because of the oil spill, the threat to Florida's beaches and tourism energy is more reason to rev up the alternative energy debate.
"This is the resurrection of the clean energy argument without a doubt in my mind,'' Crist told reporters Monday. "You've got to have solar. We've got to move more rapidly to develop wind, nuclear as well. If this does not make the case that we've got to have energy resources that are clean, that don't disrupt our environment, I don't know what is. It's exactly that."

"It hasn't happened in Florida, but it happened in Louisiana and we may suffer as a result of it."
He called the "timeliness of this occurring is extraordinary," and inaccurately noted that lawmakers could have taken it up in the final week of session. (The House had prepared legislation but was waiting until next year to take it up.) read full article:
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/05/oil-spill-is-proof-that-drilling-is-safe-enough-or-clean-for-florida-crist-says.html

Power Failure in the Sunshine State

Power Failure Sunshine State News: "A controversial push by Florida utilities to raise consumer rates to recoup the cost of renewable energy projects suddenly lost power in the final hours of the 2010 Legislature.
The end came when attempts to attach a measure to a House clean energy bill were withdrawn from the Senate floor.

“One more time, we’re going to delay the renewable energy bill,” said Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, champion of the Senate renewable energy measure.

Meanwhile, a House bill that would allow for unregulated rate increases for some of the state’s largest investor-owned utilities never made it to the Senate floor."