How New Financing Models Could Make Solar the Facebook of the Energy Industry

http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2011/12/30/how-new-financing-models-could-make-solar-the-facebook-of-the-energy-industry/

"Much the way community-supported agriculture operates, community solar gardens would enable local residents to pay to be members of the garden. Rather than fresh local produce, those members would receive credit from the local utility for generating solar energy."

"The solar garden idea isn’t just about making everyone feel like they’re a part of the solar energy push, it also makes small-scale solar developments less risky for banks."

Summary/Conclusion - DIY Flat Plate vs. Concentrator Performance

http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/12/conclusions.html

from a fellow blogger

Solar Paint Could Power Your Future Home

http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/solar-paint-could-power-your-future-home-20111226/

Government? Who Needs Government?

http://news.thomasnet.com/green_clean/2011/12/14/government-who-needs-government-private-companies-reach-deal-to-build-solar-panels-for-military-houses/#_normalStart

Solar City and BOA team up

Ikea Adding Solar Panels to 10 More U.S. Locations

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/546072-Ikea_adding_solar_panels_to_10_more_U_S_locations.php

"This investment by Ikea reinforces the company's long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic technology," Ikea said in a release.

Solar Energy Rebates in Jeopardy

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/only_on_fox/solar-energy-rebates-in-jeopardy-12-5-2011

“Incentives were not designed to last forever. They were designed to stimulate the industry which it has.”

“Do you think they really want me out there putting $50 million worth of solar on the roof? Is that good for their business? They are the competition. You have McDonalds managing Weight Watchers here. That’s what you've got,”

He’s got a full time staff of 14, whose primary responsibility is to hound the utility companies for unpaid rebates. Getting reimbursed, he says, can take months and the added cost often gets passed onto the consumer.

China Blasts SolarWorld's Request for Tariffs, Says Cheap Solar Panels Help Economy, Environment

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/china_blasts_solarworlds_reque.html

the ever growing debate...

"SolarWorld's group, the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing, responded Friday to China's statement, calling it misleading, unfounded and absurd. The coalition, whose other six members remain anonymous, went beyond the solar issue to label China the worst violator of global trade laws. It accused China of damaging the environment, manipulating its currency and failing to protect intellectual property rights. "

Solar Power Could Provide 30 Percent of Energy in Next 20 Years

http://solar.coolerplanet.com/News/800624383-solar-power-could-provide-30-percent-of-energy-in-next-20-years.aspx

What the future should look like...

The Dark Side of Solar Energy

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jakezamansky/2011/10/20/the-dark-side-of-solar-energy/

I've heard that headline before...

Forbes' take on it

Solar Firms Seek Duties in China Dumping Case

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204485304576641292005899326.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Solar Ambassador Program

http://www.yumasun.com/news/solar-73765-bacon-power.html

An interesting program where current solar users advise neighbors.

A Dark Cloud Over Solar Power

http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/a-dark-cloud-%E2%80%A8over-solar-power/14665/

A short but sweet editorial re Solyndra and politics

Solyndra's Failure Is No Reason To Abandon Federal Energy Innovation Policy

http://www.forbes.com/sites/energysource/2011/09/02/solyndras-failure-is-no-reason-to-abandon-federal-energy-innovation-policy/
A call to support innovation and ignore conservative naysayers, in Forbes


http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/09/06/06greenwire-solyndra-bankruptcy-reveals-dark-clouds-in-sol-45598.html?pagewanted=2
more perspective from the NY Times despite the confusing title


http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech-mainmenu-30/energy/9119-obama-administration-still-sold-on-solar-power
more sound reasoning

Solar Industry's Boom in N.J. Casts Shadow Over Program That Spurred It

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/08/25/25greenwire-solar-industrys-boom-in-nj-casts-shadow-over-p-52495.html

An in depth look at NJs' booming solar industry.

"A giggling Kyle Bartz used the new rooftop solar panels as a trampoline atop the sprawling Toys R Us distribution center here on a recent sunny summer morning. "  nice opening line, too.

SunPower, Ford Announce Plan to Pair Solar Panels with New Focus EV

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/12/idUS356469568120110812

...Dubbed the "Drive Green for Life" program...

"You're locking in your energy costs for the next several decades," she said. "If I could have done that 30 years ago, I would have."


more coverage:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20110814/NEWS0107/108140321/

Proposed Solar Project Sparks Fear of Desert Tortoise Wipeout

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/11/proposed-solar-project-sparks-fear-desert-tortoise-wipeout/

I'm not one to cite Fox News but I agree with the last quote. Localized solar seems better than huge centralized projects in general.

Reversal on Rebates Stings Solar Industry

http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_16b120e8-a312-5eda-a95c-739d8fc17284.html


A popular initiative gets squashed

Scientists Use Inkjet Printing to Produce Solar Cells

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13977038

"They say their method is quicker and less expensive than traditional solar cell manufacturing techniques.
It could also reduce raw material waste by 90%, they add."

The World’s First Baseload (24/7) Solar Power Plant

http://blogs.forbes.com/tonyseba/2011/06/21/the-worlds-first-baseload-247-solar-power-plant/

Rooftop Solar Power Could Meet Half of New York City's Peak Energy Needs

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/06/rooftop-solar-power-could-meet-half-new-york-city-peak-energy.php

had to include some treehugger stats for NYC


http://nycsolarmap.com/
"New Yorkers can use the NYC Solar Map to view the solar power potential of their own roof, and the associated costs (as well as rebates and other financial incentives) just by typing in an address. They can also see how much CO2 emissions will be prevented by tapping into that solar power capacity."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/16/science/earth/16solar.html
more on the map from NY Times


http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/easy-install-affordable-solar-panels.php
great idea for city dwellers


New York City Solar Power Installations More Than Doubled in 2010

Solar Panels Will Save AFA $1 Million Annually

http://www.gazette.com/articles/force-119745-air-academy.html

"Gould said the solar panels, which cover 30 acres, represent the academy’s first step toward a goal of getting 100 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020. "

Utility Takes on Solar Challenge with Grid Redesign

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/13/idUS302722257820110613

"Adding more clean power to the grid will require utilities to redesign the network that delivers solar electricity locally. Utility Southern California Edison on laid out plans Monday to make its distribution grid more responsive to the fluctuating infusion of solar electricity throughout the day."

 "California recently mandated that 33 percent of the electricity supply needs to come from clean power by 2020."

Soaking Up the Sun

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Soaking/4929485/story.html

If you live in Canada, solar is proven to be a sound investment.

"It's the best investment we've got," says Shusterman. "Better than my stock portfolio, and the risk is nil."

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Soaking/4929485/story.html#ixzz1P4m0zRXd

Fight for Solar Power Heats Up

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Fight_for_solar_power__heats_up_06-12-2011.html

A thought provoking piece on the the SREC market in PA. Allowing utilities to buy SRECs from out of state has greatly reduced their value.

"Despite this, Igdalsky firmly believes the $18 million solar farm was worth the investment.

“It was a good business move,” he said. “For one it was the right thing to do. We have shown the sports world and fans that solar can be done and done right.” "

Solar Power Ambitions Go Lunar

http://spaceosaur.co.uk/3180/solar-power-ambitions-go-lunar/

controversial is an understatement!

Solar Energy Plans Pit Green vs. Ggreen

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2011-06-01-solar-energy-tortoise_n.htm

bigger isn't always better. DIY is the way to go

UC Davis Plans the Largest Zero-Net Energy Community in the U.S.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/01/idUS257583274620110601

 "We applaud the aspirations of this unique community, and are confident it will serve as a model for similar developments around the world."

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.

How to Use Solar Energy at Night

http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/03/04/sumitomo.battery.90.percent.cheaper.than.li.ion/

molten salt battery to replace lithium ion in a few years!

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-use-solar-energy-at-night

This is old news but still relevant considering all those who downplay solar in the media.
Comparing efficiencies of renewables with fossil fired plants makes no sense when one is clean and limitless and the other is finite and dirty.

In Oakland, A Creative Strategy for Financing the City's Solar Roofs

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/22/idUS255474449820110422

Another interesting community initiative called Solar Mosaic!

Transforming to Solar Power Helped to Reinvent Company

http://www.freep.com/article/20110417/BUSINESS06/104170485/Transforming-solar-power-helped-reinvent-company

"It took us a long time to convince people that solar is a real thing, that it can supply real power," Agrawal said. "Oil and hydrocarbons are ingrained into our culture so much that we always think that is the only way to get energy. But actually there are many other ways to get energy."

Considering the latest report on fracking from the NY Times, let's hope more companies start to realize that the time is here to convert to clean energy

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/science/earth/17gas.html?_r=1&hp

Boiling Water with Solar Trough

My first crude video showing how I boiled water with my solar multiplyer design

Scientists Discover Wild Solar Energy Effect, Allows Power Without Cells

http://www.dailytech.com/Scientists+Discover+Wild+Solar+Energy+Effect+Allows+Power+Without+Cells/article21388.htm

This is fascinating though still in its infancy

'Major discovery' from MIT primed to unleash solar revolution

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/oxygen-0731.html

"MIT researchers have developed a new catalyst, consisting of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode. When the catalyst is placed in water and electricity runs through the electrode, oxygen gas is produced. When another catalyst is used to produce hydrogen gas, the oxygen and hydrogen can be combined inside a fuel cell, creating carbon-free electricity to power a house or an electric car, day or night."

Solar Junction claims cell efficiency record

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20053851-54.html

43.5% efficiency on a PV cell is the new record. It uses concentrating mirrors for 400 to 1000 suns.

Nanoparticles Improve Solar Collection Efficiency

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405081910.htm

"It might also be possible to filter out nanoparticles of soot, which have similar absorbing potential, from coal power plants for use in solar systems," he says. "I think that idea is particularly attractive: using a pollutant to harvest clean, green solar energy."

First Polymer Solar-Thermal Device Heats Home, Saves Money

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404111148.htm

Combines PV and solar thermal technolgy

Feds Set to Open Ind. Solar Power Project

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-solarpower-ind,0,5922511.story

6 acres of rooftop solar PV plus solar thermal hot water.

Oregon Cowboy Town Promotes Solar Energy

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13336741&page=1

Community supported financing with 0% interest loans!

Philadelphia Navy Yard to get Solar Storage

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20049262-54.html

"The Energy Innovation Hub will include a live demonstration of a microgrid with a 2,700 square foot net-zero energy home. International Battery will provide Sunverge with an 8.2 kilowatt-hour Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack for use in the residential SIS [Solar Integration System],"

The Solar Shed -- Using Solar Collectors Mounted on an Outbuilding for House Heating

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/SolarShed/solarshed.htm

from Build it Solar! Tanks can also be buried under a house for annualized geo solar!

Yes for Real, We Now Have a Genuine Artificial Solar Leaf

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/03/28/yes-for-real-we-now-have-a-genuine-artificial-solar-leaf/

Combined with a fuel cell, this new invention could make solar much more affordable

Scotch Tape Maker on a Roll with Low Cost Solar “Tape”

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/03/25/scotch-tape-maker-on-a-roll-with-low-cost-solar-tape/

3Ms' solar film could greatly lower the cost of installation of PV

GRID Alternatives helping lower-income residents go solar in CA

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/grid-alternatives-helping-homes-go-solar-in-calif-032211/

fascinating initiative!

Electric Car Owners Prone to Going Solar

http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_8789b5a2-83d2-513c-86c5-9663330e2a4e.html

" 'When a person goes solar and buys an electric car, they essentially have their own gas station on their roof,' said Daniel Sullivan, founder of Sullivan Solar Power in San Diego."

"Many owners also said they'd come out ahead financially, thanks to the way California utilities bill for power."

http://www.timesleader.com/business/Stung_by_oil_prices__U_S___may_warm_to_oil_alternatives_03-20-2011.html
“Our exposure to the vagaries and instability of the world oil market has increased by a factor of 10 since the early 1990s.”

Retractable Mobile Solar Power

`


http://vimeo.com/4686212
Sneak peek of roll up solar devices
including solar cafe umbrella idea!

Solar Use Growing in Transportation Sector

http://www.getsolar.com/News/Solar-Energy-Facts/General/Solar-Use-Growing-in-Transportation-Sector-800466666

Beautiful Earth Group is charging EVs in Brooklyn with solar

Wilsonville Sonic Drive-In Becomes First in Northwest to use Solar Panels

http://www.oregonlive.com/wilsonville/index.ssf/2011/03/wilsonville_sonic_drive-in_sol.html

"Contrary to the belief that solar panels are most effective in sun-drenched areas, Cameron said they work well in Oregon because they are designed to capture ambient light, which is common in this climate. In fact, he said the panels need more upkeep, such as frequent washing, in places that have less precipitation and more smog."

Builder Uses Solar to Heat Fairbanks Home in Winter

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/builder-uses-solar-power-to-heat-fairbanks-home-in-the/article_0e6654f8-6226-576b-a004-2870890894cb.html

Wow!! It can store 8 million BTUs of energy, enough to last for two months!

“Until we have actual houses out there proving it can be done, nobody believes it.”

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/cutting-edge-techniques-keep-fairbanks-home-toasty-with-almost-no/article_e4d05b0b-e269-56cb-87d2-0cae6c853a3a.html

Here's the other house he built.

Banner Year for Solar: 2010 Saw Major Growth in US Installations

http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/green-tech/solar/banner-year-for-solar-2010-saw-major-growth-in-us-installations

Source: SEIA®, GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight, Mar. 10, 2011

Self Reliance House for Solar Decathlon 2011

http://www.solarfeeds.com/ecofriend/16140-self-reliance-house-for-solar-decathlon-2011-from-middlebury-college
priced at only $250,000.00


http://news.discovery.com/videos/news-solar-decathlon-illuminates-future-homes.html
Discovery Channels coverage of 2009

Solar Panel Insurance

http://www.off-grid.net/2011/02/06/solar-panel-insurance/

Traveler's among others now offer insurance for solar homes and commercial solar farms

FPL Unveils World's First Hybrid Solar Energy Center

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fpl-unveils-worlds-first-hybrid-solar-energy-center-117460008.html
First of its kind- hopefully not the last


5 acres of PV in Georgia:
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/199/article/46889/

Someone please fact check this! 1 MW per year sounds too small and a year should be measured in MWhrs. I think the running capacity should be 1 MW.

Schwarzenegger: Time to change the energy debate

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20037752-54.html?tag=nl.e797

... people should focus on immediate benefits from investing in green technologies, including improved health, economic growth, consumer savings from efficiency, and reduced dependence on foreign oil. He said on health, there are about 100,000 premature deaths a year that can be linked to oil use.

"Think about what it means that in the Central Valley of California, one in six children has to walk around with an inhaler. I know we can change the debate and win the debate," he said. "We can't talk about global warming, because people can't relate to that."

(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET)

Instead of crafting "forward-looking policies" around energy, politicians are debating the science of global warming. "There is a disconnect between what is happening and what is being debated," he said.

Bill Could Limit Residential Solar, Wind Energy

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LMIPF00.htm

Neighborhood politics-

Seems like most of the complaints were about wind rather than solar.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," said Leslie Medeiros, owner of The Solar Store in Carson City. "When our gas is $5 to $7 a gallon, how much more ugly or beautiful will it be?"

Solar for Oil

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/solar-for-oil/

every step counts

Nissan Seeks Approval for Solar-powered Car-charging Station

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110228/WILLIAMSON10/102280302/-1/WEDDINGS/Nissan-seeks-approval-solar-powered-car-charging-station

Toxic Landfill to be Converted to Solar

http://www.getsolar.com/blog/toxic-landfill-to-be-converted-to-solar-farm-in-new-jersey/12334/



more from Discovery News
http://news.discovery.com/tech/a-every-landfill-could-have-solar-lining-110228.html
Every landfill could have a solar lining


http://solarknowledge.blogspot.com/2011/03/solar-power-plant-to-develop-on-closed.html
another conversion in California

Solar Power Helps Schools Slash Energy Spending

http://www.getsolar.com/News/Solar-Energy-Facts/General/Solar-Power-Helps-Schools-Slash-Energy-Spending-800432457
One school district expects to save $25 million over the next 20 years!

http://newworldsolar.blogspot.com/2011/02/lady-bird-johnson-middle-school-to.html
Lady Bird Johnson Middle School to Produce More Energy Than it Uses

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/20/us-chevron-schools-idUSTRE74J79320110520
Silicon Valley schools go solar in Chevron project.

   The 7.1 megawatt project ... should save $43 million over its life, and $3 million next year alone, or enough to fund at least 25 jobs, according to Lan Nguyen, president of the district's board.

   Projects such as this one, which include the deployment of solar panels, allow cash-strapped schools to capture some of the funds set aside for California's clean energy targets.

   "At a time when our district is being forced to absorb painful budget cuts due to the continued economic downturn, this program is a huge reason to celebrate," Nguyen said.

Why is a Solar Electric Home Worth More?

A good explanation despite the lack of data from the home appraisal industry:

http://howsolarworks.1bog.org/files/2010/03/black_solar_home_value.pdf


an answer column pointing out the challenges to the industry:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Property-Valuation-Appraisals-1657/2010/12/Solar-Panels-Home-Appraisal.htm

Here's a company, SunMath, that claims they can do the math for you:

http://www.sunmath.com/home/why/why.html

The original document that everyone seems to quote, "for every $1 of energy savings,
the value of your home increases by $20" :

http://www.icfi.com/Markets/Community_Development/doc_files/apj1098.pdf

Solar Power Home Resale Value Appraisal links:

http://solar-power.twowik.com/solar-power-home-resale-value-appraisal/


more links specific to a California study:
http://www.green-energy-news.com/arch/nrgs2011/20110037.html
http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/reports/lbnl-4476e.pdf
http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/reports/lbnl-4476e-rs.pdf

Swiss solar boat on a world-wide mission

It can store over 1MW of energy in its lithium battery!

Solar installers, workers descend on Capitol over shrinking solar rebates

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/colorado-solar-industry-marches-on-state-capitol-022511/

cleanenergyauthority.com

Taking it to the streets in Colorado!  People want green jobs-

"...fossil fuels currently get 12 times the subsidies of clean energy."

Solar is Now Cheaper than Nuclear

The Historic Crossover

http://1bog.org/files/2010/08/NCW-SolarReport_final1.pdf

Solar Powered Toyota Prius News Feature

Okay, this isn't exactly breaking news but at 70 MPG it's worth a look.

"If you don't exceed 42 MPH you can run it completely on electricity"

'Morris Model' solar financing shines*

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20035870-54.html

*Only works in states with SRECs.

Solar Hot Water Shower DIY Black Water Hose

Couldn't resist posting this one. Part 2 is better.

New Magnifying Film

http://blogs.forbes.com/eco-nomics/2011/02/14/new-magnifying-film-increases-solar-panel-efficiency-by-up-to-300-percent/
A recent article in Forbes about a film that boosts effeciency by %300 ! (?)

http://www.hypersolar.com/technology.html
HyperSolars' website

Community Net Metering

http://www.newenergychoices.org/uploads/Varnado_Rose_ASES2009.pdf

An in depth look at this exciting new trend

On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Shows Tremendous Growth !

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os_gAC9-wMJ8QY0MDpxBDA09nXw9DFxcXQ-cAA_2CbEdFAEUOjoE!/?contentidonly=true&contentid=2011%2F02%2F0079.xml

The USDA's report shows farmers have the right idea!

Solar financing options

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http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy99osti/26242.pdf

DOE's Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems



http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/05/15/municipal-solar-financing-the-biggest-revolution-that-youve-never-heard-of/

An article on municipal solar financing. Seems to be catchig on!



http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme&subpage=finance

Here is a link to solar financing options. I will be adding a new collection of finance links below coming soon!



http://solarfinancing.1bog.org/

1 Block off the Grid  has state by state group links at bottom

see comments below for more info:

Solar Rainbow to Install 1.3 Megawatt 400,000 sq. ft. Solar System

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/solar-rainbow-to-install-13-megawatt-400000-sq-ft-solar-system-on-jordache-rooftop-in-new-jersey-116661034.html

"The most difficult obstacle to selling a solar system is educating the customer," stated Mr. Bawabeh.  "Once they realize that they can protect the environment while getting a great return on investment, they begin to move forward.  Companies can take advantage of the 100% bonus depreciation of the system cost in the first year, as well as, a 30% Federal Cash Grant.  Additionally, there is also an income stream of SRECS and Electricity savings."

Students Use Car Parts For Solar Power

"We can wait for some high falootin' technology, but why wait when we have a technology that's here, now, made out of easily accessible car parts"

North Carolina Nursing Facility to Save $147k with Solar

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110222005346/en/North-Carolina-Nursing-Facility-save-174k-Solar

a hybrid business model

The Politics of Solar

http://www.cleanenergyauthority.com/solar-energy-news/solar-energy-news-recap-022111/

Famed Futurist: "We Can Meet All Our Energy Needs from Solar in 20 Years"

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/famed-futurist-all-energy-needs-solar-20-years.php

Solar Energy Cheaper than Coal



Looks like a combination of a parabolic dish and a fresnel lens !

Science Channel Video

Breakthrough at MIT to convert solar enregy to hydrogen?

Does Solar Leasing Make Sense?

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/idUS120853708620110513
Here's a reprinted article from Reuters. Homeowners should understand that federal and state incentives, including SRECs,  go to the lease provider and not the homeowner.

It's about time

As a lifelong advocate and enthusiast I'm both encouraged by media coverage and frustrated by the obstacles to implementing solar power and other renewables.