How Electrical 'Microgrids' Might Revolutionize Power Transmission

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/29/3660062/the-conversation-how-electrical.html

"SMUD's corporate headquarters is deploying a technology that is actually the antithesis of the "smart grid" being developed by investor-owned utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric. Developed with help from the California Energy Commission and the University of Wisconsin, newly developed software and "smart" switches allow all generation sources and appliances and other "loads" to harmonize like a commune when the grid goes down. Unlike the complexity of sensors and smart meters necessary for the smart grid, this new microgrid software is so simple and dumb that it could allow small solar communities in Africa, South America, the Mideast and Australia to boost reliance upon small solar and wind systems, while accelerating power sharing and collaborative ventures. "

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/29/3660062/the-conversation-how-electrical.html#ixzz1NkuwYqTw

Md. Firm Proposes Solar Farm at State Prison

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NBB1K80.htm

"The company said it hopes to use inmate labor to tend the grounds and keep the thousands of solar panels clean."

Japan 'plans solar panels for all new buildings'

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jUgjd_i3NYcxJC-BfTb_3St7wafg?docId=CNG.2961e630fcbff1b543b086131b6b10f5.b1

A bold plan for Japan

First Large Scale 24/7 Solar Power Plant to be Constructed in U.S

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/05/22/first-large-scale-247-solar-plant-to-be-constructed-in-u-s/

     Sandia National Laboratory - Solar Power Tower. Public domain photo via: 

Wiki Commons (US Federal Government).

                                        

molten salt is finally being used for night time storage in this 110 MW plant !

For First Time, Village Regulates Solar Energy Systems

http://woodridge.patch.com/articles/for-first-time-village-regulates-solar-energy-systems

New zoning regulations seem restrictive

Walnut High Places Sixth in Solar Race

http://walnut.patch.com/articles/walnut-high-places-sixth-in-solar-race

"The race, called the 'Solar Cup,' started Saturday and ended Sunday and included two phases: a 1-mile endurance race when students raced at slow speeds using the sun to power their crafts, and a 200-meter sprint during which students used solar energy they stored in a battery the day before."

Sungevity, Lowe's Cut Deal To Bring Solar To The Masses

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/sungevity-lowes-solar-masses_n_862641.html

"We hope that this deal will make going solar as easy as shopping for light bulbs."

"... 2011 (is) still expected to bring in 1.6 gigawatts of new solar installations, roughly double the 2010 total."


http://greenanswers.com/news/239664/lowe%E2%80%99s-begin-selling-solar-energy-summer
more coverage

TD Bank Opens Net-Zero Branch, Powered 100% by On-Site Solar

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/05/13/td-bank-opens-net-zero-branch-powered-100-by-on-site-solar/

TD Bank opened what it says is the first net-zero energy bank location in the U.S. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida!

U.S. Government Backs Concentrated Photovoltaics

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/37561/?mod=chfeatured

"A relatively new type of solar power called concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology is getting a $90.6 million boost in the form of a conditional loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy..."

Documentary Presents Solar Energy as Solution for Egypt's Energy Crisis

http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/428005

"Heinrich Gartner, a German farmer with a large property, was able to borrow US$5 million from the bank in order to install 10,000 solar panels, which supply power to 1,500 nearby homes. The government cash guarantee provided him with approximately US$500,000 a year, allowing him to pay back the loan in under 20 years. After that the remaining 20 years of the solar panels’ life would be pure, self-generated income."

Solar Panels Now Available for Affordable Housing Developers

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/05/solar_panels_now_available_for.html

" the industry is getting to a point where it's 'capable and able to deploy solar on a large scale, to a larger population.' "

another interesting initiative combining non- profits with affordable housing.

French Oil Giant Total Spends $1.4 Billion To Control SunPower, But Why?

http://www.fastcompany.com/1750664/french-oil-giant-total-spends-14-billion-to-control-sunpower-but-for-what

"Total’s acquisition of a majority stake in SunPower is a significant endorsement for the solar PV industry and demonstrates the growing importance of this industry within the broader energy sector," said Russ Kanjorski, vice president of marketing at Abound Solar, in an e-mailed statement. "With leading multinationals, such as Total and General Electric, making major investments in solar PV manufacturing, the future looks very bright for the industry as a whole."

but watch the cautionary video at the bottom

3D Solar Cell Boosts Efficiency By 80 Percent

http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=1486

The Surge of Solar

http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/146703

An interesting article about the politics of luxury enrgy consumption.

Sussex Country Club Goes Solar

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/04/29


"In general, we've gotten a lot of positive feedback," Hunsberger said, and there is a benefit to the club's members as well. "Whenever we can cut costs, we don't have to raise dues as much."

The gross cost of the project was about $300,000, but with the aid of federal and state grants, Hunsberger said the total cost to Cripple Creek was $116,000.

"Without the federal and state grants, you'd never do it for economic reasons," he said.