US official: oil spill shows need for green energy - BusinessWeek

US official: oil spill shows need for green energy - BusinessWeek: "A senior American energy official said Tuesday the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico dramatically illustrates the need for investment into renewable sources of energy.
David Sandalow, an assistant energy secretary, spoke during a visit to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, an OPEC member that is pumping some of its vast oil wealth into green technology.
He called the oil spewing from BP's busted well a 'tragic situation' that shows why renewable energy must be a priority in the decades to come.
'It underscores the need for a transition to a clean energy economy,' he said."

Why Italy is Surpassing the U.S. in Solar Power

Why Italy is Surpassing the U.S. in Solar Power: "In 2009, Italy was dubbed the world’s second-largest solar power market in the world, just ahead of the U.S. They installed 250 MW every two months—more than the state of California added in an entire year. The U.S. as a whole installed close to half that amount, but considering the large difference in land mass, Italy’s carbon footprint is nowhere near that of America’s.
So far in 2010, Italy has installed 1500 MW of solar power, mainly on rooftops. In comparison, the U.S. has installed 480 MW, with 250 MW in California alone. With overall size, population and economy similar to that of California, they should, in essence, be neck and neck."

10 Good Reasons to go Solar in 2010

10 good reasons to go solar in 2010!
1. Lock in your electricity rates
2. Increase the value of your home
3. Solar is a Bright Investment and "makes cents"
4. To be a good Stewart with our Natural resources for future Generations
5. Worry Free
6. Solar keeps money and jobs in America
7. Your mini power plant is more efficient than the grid
8. Solar has never been more affordable
9. Help reduce the negative health consequences of coal powered electricity.
10. Be an inspiration

Solar Fusion never spilling a Drop of Sun shine | Solar Fusion Corporation

Solar Fusion never spilling a Drop of Sun shine Solar Fusion Corporation

Solar Fusion & Solar King team up for Earth Day

SPRING HILL — For Earth Day 2010, second-graders and teachers at Challenger K-8 School of Science and Mathematics wanted to take to heart a favorite quote from Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
So, with teacher D.D. Brooks serving as coordinator, the class planned activities and invited guests to explain just what it means to "go green."
"It's Earth Day's 40th anniversary," Brooks said, "and we wanted to celebrate."http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/young-earthlings-learn-all-about-green-living/1091168

Imagine a Day w/o a power bill ...

PALM HARBOR — Imagine a day when power bills are a thing of the past. The image, no doubt, is priceless.
By Terri Bryce Reeves,
Times Correspondent In Print: Thursday, June 24, 2010
But is it possible?
"It's real. It's here. It's possible. And we have the ability to do it today," said Alfonso Castaneira, a film producer from Safety Harbor. Castaneira recently partnered with Marc Rutenberg, president of Marc Rutenberg Homes in Tarpon Springs, to form Zero Energy America.
To prove this point, Mark Rutenberg Homes will build its first Zero Energy America Home inside the upscale Hawks Landing subdivision in Palm Harbor. Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/palm-harbor-event-to-put-focus-on-life-without-power-bills-organizers-say/1104445

Attitude

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude in life. Attitude to me is more important that the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than success, than what other people think… or say… or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our ATTITUDES!”

Deepwater Horizon, BP, Visit Florida, beaches and FFW updates

Florida oil spill news: Deepwater Horizon, BP, Visit Florida, beaches and FFW updates: "It’s been 63 days since the devastating oil rig explosion of the Deepwater Horizon. As oil continues to gush in the Gulf of Mexico, Floridians are battling the crisis and preparing for the worst. Governor Charlie Crist has extended a state of emergency across the state. Here is the latest Florida oil spill news for June 21, 2010."

FPL Receives Highest Honor for Building Nation's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant - MarketWatch

FPL Receives Highest Honor for Building Nation's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant - MarketWatch: "JUNO BEACH, Fla., Jun 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Florida Power & Light Company was recognized by the Southeastern Electric Exchange with its highest honor today for outstanding performance in constructing the largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the United States -- the 25-megawatt DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center. The special Chairman's Award is given annually by the Exchange to the project it deems 'best of the best' among all entrants in its 11 award categories.
'I'm extremely pleased that our development and construction teams have been recognized for their dedication to making the nation's largest solar photovoltaic plant a reality,' said FPL Senior Director of Project Development Buck Martinez. 'This plant is bringing significant economic and environmental benefits to Florida and making the Sunshine State a national leader in solar power.'"

Using Carbon to Fight Carbon

Using Carbon to Fight Carbon Renewable Energy World: "California, United States -- Carbon dioxide seems to be the evil nemesis in a world preoccupied with its contributions to climate change. The less CO2 you emit, it seems, the better citizen you are, and with good reason. But at algae-to-biofuel facilities across the nation, carbon dioxide is not only not the enemy, it's an essential partner to helping achieve a low-carbon future.
CO2 — along with sunlight and water — is needed to grow algae, which can in turn produce oil, otherwise known as “oilgae” or “green crude.” While in its nascent stages, the “oilgae” industry is making strides toward commercial production, all while putting CO2 – designated a pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency last year – to work as a needed, and yes, valuable, feedstock."

73 Percent of Americans Want to Cut Fossil Fuel Dependency

DailyTech - Poll Shows 73 Percent of Americans Want to Cut Fossil Fuel Dependency: "A recent poll by Rasmussen Reports, an American public opinion polling firm, confirmed that 73 percent of Americans believe it's important for the United States to cut its dependency on fossil fuels. Rasmussen Reports conducted the poll on June 16-17 asking 1,000 Americans what their thoughts were on fossil fuel dependency, government policies, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The poll states that 73 percent of American adults believe it's 'at least somewhat important for the country to change it's dependency on fossil fuels' while another 42 percent of adults think it's very important. Only 23 percent say it's not important at all. As far as the government's involvement in fossil fuels goes, 41 percent believe government policies should be enacted to 'discourage use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of alternative energy.'"

PV Powered Announces New Commercial Inverters | PVPowered Inc.

PV Powered Announces New Commercial Inverters PVPowered Inc.: "New 35kW and 50kW inverters deliver leading reliability, efficiency and ease of installation and maintenance
Bend, ORE. – June 14, 2010
PV Powered, an Advanced Energy company, announces the upcoming availability of two new commercial inverters rated at 35kW and 50kW. These sizes enable installers and designers to more easily work within site-specific space limitations and also provide an essential building block to complete larger projects. Like all PV Powered commercial inverters, the PVP35kW and PVP50kW have been designed for 20+ year operating lifetimes, highest efficiencies, and the lowest cost of ownership in their class."

Coalition Calls for Passage of Clean Energy Bill | Renewable Energy World

Coalition Calls for Passage of Clean Energy Bill Renewable Energy World: "Washington, D.C., United States -- On the heels of President Obama's speech this week in response to the BP oil disaster in which he called for clean energy legislation, a new coalition of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and biofuels organizations is pushing for the U.S. Senate to quickly pass comprehensive energy legislation that will create millions of American jobs and decrease U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
The letter, copied below, was sent to all members of the Senate today as a followup to the President’s call to action on energy. The coalition letter urges the Senate to move quickly with legislation promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels.
The coalition said that these policies will add millions of new, American jobs, protect our environment, and make the United States more energy independent and secure."

About time: solar-powered air conditioner

About time: solar-powered air conditioner DVICE: ShareUsing solar power to run an air conditioner is one of those head-slapping ideas that seems so incredibly obvious. After all, sunny hot places are where you need cold air, and that's also where a solar panel can really crank out some power.
The main problem is that air conditioners tend to be real electricity hogs, so you would need a huge number of panels to run the whole thing using the sun alone. But there's no rule that says we need to use an all-or-nothing approach.
Korea's LG has figured that out, and just announced a hybrid central-air unit that gets a small part of its power from a top-mounted photovoltaic solar cell. The panel delivers about 70 watts, which LG claims will take down your carbon footprint by about 450 pounds of emissions over 10 years. Not exactly the kind of savings that are going to save the planet, but I'm sure ConEdison here in NYC would be happy if the summer power grid demand could be lowered a few percent using this type of approach."

Experts Shine A Light On Solar Power Benefits - cbs4.com

Experts Shine A Light On Solar Power Benefits - cbs4.com:
"COCONUT CREEK (CBS4) ― Students at the Junior Achievement of South Florida program appeared eager to ask questions about solar energy and the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

About 50 elementary aJunior Achievement of South Floridand middle school students learned about renewable energy and participated in solar energy activities to kickoff the second annual National Solar Day at an educational center in Coconut Creek.

Students from schools throughout Broward County gathered at the Junior Achievement of South Florida program Friday where they learned about the benefits of solar power and how the United States would benefit by being less dependent on oil.

A solar panel expert was also asked questions that related to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

'How did the oil spill start?' students asked Rob Kornahrens of Advanced Roofing, one of the speakers. Kornahrens runs a company that supplies solar panels throughout the Southeastern United States."

Tampa Electric Co., Petra Solar Launch Pilot Project

Solar Industry: Content / Projects & Contracts / Tampa Electric Co., Petra Solar Launch Pilot Project: "Tampa Electric Co. has launched a pilot project to evaluate smart solar energy systems mounted on utility and streetlight poles. The project is in collaboration with Petra Solar, a South Plainfield, N.J.-based cleantech company whose SunWave solar photovoltaic systems are designed to both generate solar power and enhance smart grid capabilities and electric grid reliability.

Petra Solar's SunWave systems are now installed on poles in a test facility at Tampa Electric, an investor-owned utility based in Tampa. In order to evaluate the Petra Solar system, Tampa Electric installed the SunWave solar systems in its utility test yard. The panels, which weigh 55 to 65 pounds, were mounted to wood and concrete utility poles and aluminum streetlight poles. Tampa Electric apprentice linemen installed the solar panels."

President Obama's Inspiring Words Must Be Followed By Action | Renewable Energy World

President Obama's Inspiring Words Must Be Followed By Action Renewable Energy World: "address was poetic, calm, and focused. The President clearly emphasized all of his major points: all possible actions are being taken by the government to clean up the spill; BP will be held financially accountable for all damages; the moratorium on offshore oil drilling will continue until better safety and environmental regulations are implemented; and the time for embracing clean energy is unequivocally now.
Obama's speech did not present much new information on the situation. However, I don't believe that was its intention.
Tonight was an opportunity for the President to step out into the forefront of this catastrophe and take the lead; an opportunity to tell the American people 'I will take every action possible to guide us out of this debacle and into a better place.' Tonight was an opportunity for President Obama to inspire Americans to believe in a new future -- a clean energy future, not dominated by the fossil fuel industries and their special interests."

Solar Fusion- Never Spilling a drop of Sunshine

Kim Busche
14th June 2010
Millions of gallons of oil are destroying our countries beautiful coast and wildlife. Without taking steps towards a cleaner America, these occurrences will continue to happen for years to come.

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached America’s shores. As they scramble to find ways to repair the damages there must be acceptance that the demands for oil lead to this catastrophic event. By removing our dependency on Big Oil and other fossil fuels we are preserving our nation for generations to come.

Using solar power for hot water saves about 75 gallons of oil per year per household.
533 billion kilowatts is produced from 1.5 million acres of coal mined land and mountains. 10,000 billion kilowatts of solar energy could be produced on an equivalent area using solar panels. The resources that we are currently reliant on will not last forever. The harmful toxins produced from collecting these non-renewable resources are causing permanent damage to our planet. The sun is natural resource that is clean and effective, and it will be available for thousands of years to come.

The United States has 9 of the world’s 13 largest photovoltaic energy projects. With the help of the US Government and American citizens our country can become not only an energy independent country but a clean energy independent country. Every step closer to becoming green reduces our carbon footprint and provides a clean environment for the future.

With a personal drive to preserve our environment and seventeen years of experience in distribution, training customer support and sales, Wolmar and his team are confident in the their ability to provide a green solution worldwide by delivering quality products at truly affordable prices.

Using solar energy products can reduce utility costs to zero. To position ourselves as a leader in this pioneering industry, we have carefully aligned Solar Fusion Corporation with the brightest minds in the clean energy business. We provide customers with a path to zero energy using innovative product designs with high-quality power conversion products.

More information about Solar Fusion and clean energy solutions contact:
Ken Boyle
813-367-2986 x117
www.solarfusioncorp.com

Photo's of our Gulf ......time to consider other options

Photos of the tragic oil spill, we need balance and we need to take a serious look at all of our other American resources now.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-oil-spill-html,0,6610369.htmlstory

Gulf oil spill helps revive all-but-dead energy legislation - latimes.com

Gulf oil spill helps revive all-but-dead energy legislation - latimes.com: "Reporting from Washington — Passing a major energy bill seemed virtually impossible a few weeks ago, but Democrats, bolstered by public anger over the gulf oil spill, are pushing for legislation with renewed hope of success.

A new energy bill could be shorn of its most controversial feature — the costly and complex 'cap-and-trade' system, which would set a declining limit on emissions from power plants and factories and force emitters to buy permits for the release of heat-trapping gases.

But even without cap and trade, the measure contemplated by Senate Democratic leaders could bring far-reaching change, including new renewable energy requirements, tougher liability caps on oil companies and stronger energy-efficiency measures."

History To Solar Power Energy

Viral Socialite » History To Solar Power Energy: "“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun’s energy… If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago.” These are words of Sir George Porter (December 1920 – August 2002), Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, which today is a reality. The energy which is derived from the sun and responsible for practically all life on earth is today harnessed for generating heat, light, power and electricity for meeting global needs for alternate energy resources. Yet the concept and use of solar energy is not new. Early Greeks, Native Americans and Chinese have used it to their benefit by orienting their home and hearth toward the sun for centuries. The term solar power has today become synonymous with solar energy which is obtained by converting sunlight to electricity.

While the application span of solar energy now encompasses the domestic (including cooking and heating), commercial, industrial, farming, aviation and surface transport sectors, there are several technologies which are in place to generate this type of natural energy. In fact, solar energy has now found its place in every day use items like cars and calculators."

Gulf oil spill helps revive all-but-dead energy legislation - latimes.com

Gulf oil spill helps revive all-but-dead energy legislation - latimes.com: "President Obama visits Grand Isle, La., a vulnerable barrier island, during a trip to the gulf this month. The oil spill may boost his hopes for a climate and energy bill, and he has pledged to find the votes. (Win McNamee, Getty Images / June 5, 2010)"

Time right for clean tech, renewable energy

Time right for clean tech, renewable energy - Investment News: "History, we have come to learn, is a wonderful guide. Pay attention to past errors, and the likelihood that they will be repeated is dramatically reduced.
Advertisment

Although some say that the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico proves that we desperately need more oversight of our natural resources, many others say that we still don't need any standards at all."

FLA legislature has failed to "Renew" solar program

Bob Balch; Owner; The Green Home Store
Florida's Legislature has failed us in not renewing the Solar Rebate Program. The past 3 years have been successful in achieving "a highly successful Program" according to the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and Florida's Department of Energy, yet the legislative response has gone from $4/watt as an incentive to installed systems to $0. Businesses that sprang up in response to Florida's presumed desire to seek energy independence, are now dead in the water without the incentive program. The fact that most every other state in the US has a long range energy plan which includes a solar incentive plan, makes us - the Sunshine State, look pitiful. We, of all states should be setting the bar. New jersey has a better incentive plan than any other state in the US, when their latitude doesn't even come close to being as productive as ours. Why is this? Could it be that FPL's CEO sits on Florida's Sustainability board, and Energy independence is not in his stockholders best interest? Is not the Gulf debacle any kind of clue to not only the damage dependence on oil can do, but the fact that we are depending on a dangerous finite resource mean anything?! Are we as Floridians so short sighted that we would rather continue to send FPL our $ every month rather than invest that same amount in ourselves and cut FPL out of the picture? It is all just too much to bear.

Residential Wind Power Systems

High energy prices coupled with a desire to use more green energy resources has fueled an increasing interest in wind energy. Unstable energy supplies and an ever growing uncertainty among homeowners has caused a tremendous amount of desire to explore developing residential wind power generation systems.Power from the wind is now being touted as a highly efficient alternative energy source by many leading energy experts. The fragile dependence we have on an ever dwindling supply of fossil fuels will ultimately demand we make better use of wind power. Producing power from the wind has many upsides. Wind generated power is clean, renewable, and produces no harmful emissions. http://viralsocialite.com/residential-wind-power-systems/1942/

Duke Energy Commercial Project Secures Financing

Solar Industry: Content / Projects & Contracts / Duke Energy Commercial Project Secures Financing: "Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy Commercial Businesses unit that owns and develops renewable power assets, has raised approximately $45 million by leveraging its ownership of the 14 MW Blue Wing Solar Project, which is currently under construction in San Antonio.

Prudential Capital Group provided the 25-year loan. When completed later this year, Blue Wing will consist of 214,500 ground-mounted First Solar thin-film panels, making it the largest photovoltaic project in Texas, according to DEGS.

DEGS purchased the 139-acre project from Boulder, Colo.-based juwi solar in the first quarter of this year. juwi solar is the construction contractor for the project. The acquisition came with a 30-year power purchase agreement to sell all of the output from the solar farm and associated renewable energy certificates to San Antonio-based CPS Energy."

Water district expects to generate savings with solar

Water district expects to generate savings with solar - Ramona Sentinel: "In a special meeting June 1, Ramona Municipal Water District (RMWD) directors agreed to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a private company that will construct two solar projects at the RMWD sewer plants which will cost the district nothing but could provide savings of $2.2 million in energy costs over 20 years.
“I think it’s pretty win-win for us,” said RMWD Board President Jim Robinson, who served on the Solar Ad Hoc Committee with Director George Boggs. “We’re going to save a considerable amount of money over the 20-year life. And it’s clear to us we don’t have to incur any (additional) payroll, any more employees, no more insurance costs, anything. I think it’s a pretty good deal for us.”"

Time for state to consider solar power

Green River Star > Opinion > Editorials > Time for state to consider solar power: "The “spill” in the gulf caused by BP has brought the need for alternative energy to the forefront like just about nothing before. Americans are outraged at pictures of helpless gulls and pelicans, turtles and dolphins trying to escape the oily mess that has become their home. And that’s not to mention the economic impact the disaster is having one those who depend on fishing along the coast for their livelihoods.

It really is time to find other ways of satisfying our energy needs.

Many places -- including parts of Wyoming -- are turning to wind power for electricity. The process of erecting giant turbines through wind-rich states seems to have developed a life of its own. Aside from having to look at those gigantic wind mills and listen to the constant whirring of the blades, wind power is probably a great thing.

But what about solar power?"

A Stimulus Package With No Jobs?

A Stimulus Package With No Jobs? - Green Blog - NYTimes.com: "Is it possible to botch stimulus spending on renewable energy projects? Florida and the federal Department of Energy have found a way, according to the Energy Department’s inspector general.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorized $3.1 billion in grants for the state energy programs, and the Energy Department allocated $126 million for Florida, a vast increase over the average of the previous few years, which was $1.4 million.
There were some rules. The state had to decide where to spend the money by Sept. 30 of this year and actually spend it by April 30 of next year. And the spending was supposed to preserve and create jobs, save energy, and increase renewable energy."

Energy reform good for Montana business

Queen City News - Energy reform good for Montana business: "We still have not seen the full environmental and economic impacts of the Horizon Deepwater oil spill – not only for the Gulf Coast, but on the country as a whole. As this unprecedented disaster unfolds, we need to be vigilant on recovery efforts, but also we need to focus on improving our country’s long-term energy plans. The U.S. must decide if we want to remain reactive and risk exposing ourselves to future environmental disasters or become proactive and end our dependence on fossil fuels.

When put that way, the decision is easy: Congress must pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation, paving the way for large investments and job creation in renewable energy industries. Montanans are ready for the opportunity renewable energy presents. Companies like mine already employ people right here in communities across Montana. In my case, that work is installing solar energy infrastructure, but for others the opportunity exists across the state not only in solar applications but in wind as well."

Duke Energy Commercial Solar Power Project in Texas Secures Financing -- CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Duke Energy Commercial Solar Power Project in Texas Secures Financing -- CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --: "CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For the second time in three weeks, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced the financing of assets in its commercial renewable power portfolio to help fund investments in additional clean energy projects.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO )
Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy Commercial Businesses unit that owns and develops renewable power assets, has raised approximately $45 million by leveraging its ownership of the 14-megawatt (16-megawatt direct current) Blue Wing Solar Project, currently under construction in San Antonio, Texas. Prudential Capital Group provided the 25-year loan."

Solar Installers Urging Pennsylvania House of Representatives To Vote For Alternative Energy Legislation, House Bill 2405 - MarketWatch

Solar Installers Urging Pennsylvania House of Representatives To Vote For Alternative Energy Legislation, House Bill 2405 - MarketWatch: "HARRISBURG, Pa., Jun 07, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Companies striving to build a stronger solar energy industry throughout Pennsylvania are converging on Harrisburg to persuade lawmakers to pass House Bill 2405 by sharing personal stories and demonstrating the role that tax incentives and state grants are playing in creating new, sustainable, good-paying jobs and helping homeowners and businesses better control their electricity costs."

Drastic green energy proposal

In drastic green energy proposal, U.S. pays most Reuters: "The report, by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), representing Europe's main renewable energy companies, is one of the most detailed to work out the nuts and bolts of a near-total shift to green energy such as wind or solar power. Such proposals often stop at wishful thinking.
The report said that global investments in energy would need to total $18 trillion by 2030 -- almost five times the entire U.S. federal budget for next year -- to set the world on a path to generating about 95 percent of electricity from non-polluting renewables by mid-century."

Busineses find Solar makes dollars and cents

, solar, yuma, power - Business - YumaSun: "Business owners around Yuma are finding that going solar makes “dollars and cents” for them.

And in the process they not only are benefitting their business, but helping the environment, too.
After all, as Richard Sprague
noted, Yuma has all that sunshine, why not put it to good use?
Sprague, owner of Sprague's Sports, is one of an increasing number of Yuma-area businesses that now have their own mini power plant by tapping in to the sun's rays to generate electricity with solar panels mounted on top of their buildings and covered parking shelters.

On paper it added up, Sprague said. With federal and state tax credits, the rebate offered by Arizona Public Service Co. for renewable energy credits, lower utility bills and depreciation, he figures his investment will be paid off in 4 ½ years. From then through the expected 30-year life of his solar panels, he will be enjoying free electricity."

Obama says he will find votes to pass the US Senate climate bill - Politics - Renewable energy news - Recharge - wind, solar, biofuels, wave/tidal/hydro and geothermal

Obama says he will find votes to pass the US Senate climate bill - Politics - Renewable energy news - Recharge - wind, solar, biofuels, wave/tidal/hydro and geothermal: "“I want you to know, the votes may not be there right now, but I intend to find them in the coming months,” he told an audience at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
“I will continue to make the case for a clean energy future wherever and whenever I can,” he pledged. “I will work with anyone to get this done – and we will get it done.”
Obama’s comments were among the few he has made to rally public support for the bill since it was introduced last month by Senators John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Joe Lieberman, a former Democrat who now represents Connecticut as an independent."

TECO's Big solar plant project killed due to lack of state leadership

"I applaud TECO and Energy 5.0 on this exciting partnership that moves Florida closer to our goal of increasing energy diversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, March 2009, on a joint deal to produce electricity from a proposed solar panel facility in Polk County.
It seemed a marriage made in renewable heaven.
In an energy deal cut last year that promised to inject larger-scale solar power into the Tampa Bay area for the first time, TECO Energy agreed to buy electricity from a proposed Polk County plant for the next 25 years. TECO's partner, Energy 5.0 of West Palm Beach, would build and run the plant, a 25-megawatt solar photovoltaic generating station.
Now the much-anticipated deal is dead, a significant blow to renewable energy in the, ahem, Sunshine State.
The solar deal fell victim to a void in state leadership. The Florida Legislature in 2009, and again in a 2010 session that at best can be called chaotic, failed to deliver on renewable energy legislation. The measure would have required (and, yes, subsidized) major electric utilities to diversify their sources of electricity by using such renewable energy sources as solar.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/lack-of-state-leadership-kills-tecos-big-solar-plant-project/1099525

Congressional Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington

WASHINGTON -- Legislators attending this year's Congressional Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo and Forum in Washington, DC, last week were quick to point out the problems with fossil fuel -- from cave-ins at coal mines to the oil spill in the Gulf.
"We've never been injured by a photon spill," said Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington State, referring to the virtues of solar energy.
The expo featured a roomful of vendors selling technologies based on renewable sources and energy efficiency, as well as a dozen or so members of Congress from both parties and representatives of the executive branch who support these types of alternative energy ventures.
"The road to energy independence begins in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Rep. Bob Inglis, who proudly recited a list of the energy companies in his state. He argued that the “externalities,” the sometimes-overlooked hidden and indirect costs of various energy-production methods, had to be considered in order to let the marketplace operate efficiently and “to deliver us from the bondage of oil.”http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/06/02/alt-energy-tech/

Bill funding Solar signed into law

Bill funding solar upgrades signed into law - NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida:
"Here's how the PACE program works:
The county you live in pays for the solar upgrade or hurricane protection on your home up front.
Then, you pay annually for up to 20 years the amount back on your property tax. If you sell your home, the amount is tacked onto the next homeowner.
We've done a simple problem to show you the difference between how much you'll spend annually for the upgrade versus how much you'll save on your electric bill:
An average solar water heater will cost you about $4,000. Under the PACE program, you'll pay for it over 20 years, so $200 a year.
And a solar heater should save you $30 bucks a month on electricity. So, that's $360 savings each year.
Of course, you have to factor in interest, but the savings should still be greater than your yearly payment back to the county.
By Sarah Hollenbeck"

Governor Crist signed PACE legislation

Solar Power Rundown for Wednesday, June 2 GetSolar.com Blog: "In Florida solar news, Governor Charlie Crist signed Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation, according to NBC Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples. PACE programs provide loans for the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades. Rather than making monthly payments, property owners repay the loan via an annual property assessment. Gov. Christ also vetoed a proposal for a $5 million alternative energy research center at Florida Gulf Coast University, which made a few people pretty mad, to say the least:"

Yes, In My Front Yard

Yes, In My Front Yard Renewable Energy World:
Urban leadership can speed renewables deployment.
by Ralph Sims, Massey University
Published: June 1, 2010
Palmerston North, New Zealand Local governments have significant power to influence the energy choices of their citizens. They administer and regulate water supply, waste collection, public transport, and infrastructure. They own buildings, land, waste treatment facilities and vehicle fleets and they have close proximity to citizens and businesses.
Many cities and towns have already encouraged energy efficiency measures, but relatively few have enhanced the deployment of renewable energy projects within their boundary. As demand for energy services continues to grow, the energy infrastructure that every city and town depends upon will need to be expanded and upgraded. This provides the opportunity to increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies and distributed energy systems, and hence gain multiple benefits."

Waste Management Opens New Landfill-Gas Facility | Renewable Energy World

Waste Management Opens New Landfill-Gas Facility Renewable Energy World: "Georgia, United States -- Waste Management has opened a landfill-gas-to-energy facility at its Superior Landfill and Recycling Center in Georgia, which uses methane gas to power up to 3,400 homes in the surrounding area. The facility is among the largest of its kind in Georgia and the Southeast, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data.
Methane gas -- created from the natural decomposition of waste -- is taken from the landfill through a series of wells placed around the site. From there, gas is used to power eight large engines to generate electricity, creating approximately 6.4 megawatts of power."

Company's solar system eliminates power costs

Company's solar system eliminates power costs SouthCoastToday.com: "NEW BEDFORD — Beaumont Solar, after helping its customers reduce or eliminate their electricity bills since 2007, finally decided late last year to do something about its own power bills.
'If we're doing this for our customers, we really have to do it for ourselves,' said Phil Cavallo, owner of Beaumont Solar.
The 23-kilowatt, 72-panel solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the company's building at 200 North St. went live on Jan 1. and just five months later, it is generating more than enough electricity to power the entire building, according to Cavallo."

Solar farms are Canada's newest cash crop - 14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-

Solar farms are Canada's newest cash crop - 14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-:
"Posted by Rachel Folz - email
ONTARIO, CANADA (NBC) - There's a new kind of farming sprouting up in Canada.
It's becoming so popular that farmers are getting in line to produce a crop.
Scott Swain is putting in his farm's newest cash crop.
He's one of thousands of Ontario farmers hoping to harvest solar power this year.
In Ontario, farmers can set up small solar energy systems and get a 20 year contract guaranteeing any power produced will be purchased at lucrative rates.
It's part of a provincial initiative to generate more green energy and stimulate the solar industry."