Small-scale Solar's Big Potential Goes Untapped

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar-future-20121229,0,4926686.story?page=1&track=lat-email-topofthetimes

I totally agree that decentralization is key

Solar Panels Efficiency Bolstered by Green Roofs

http://www.tgdaily.com/sustainability-features/67943-solar-panels-efficiency-bolstered-by-green-roofs

featuring the "Green Roof Integrated Photovoltaic Canopy experiment "

Solar Companies Seek Ways to Build an Oasis of Electricity

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/20/business/energy-environment/solar-power-as-solution-for-storm-darkened-homes.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&adxnnlx=1353420289-RnBMzVuTFUByqtocIt3AFw

thnking forward to the next super storm...

Solar Power When the Sun has Set

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/19/opinion/sadoway-battery-solar-wind/index.html

"let's invent to the price point of the electricity market"

...watch the Ted Talks video which is linked from here

Energy Department Announces Funding to Develop “Plug-and-Play” Solar Energy Systems for Homeowners

http://energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-funding-develop-plug-and-play-solar-energy-systems-homeowners

another strong initiative!

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=17701

the original Sun Shot initiative

Solar Trucks Provide Electricity in Sandy’s Wake

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/futureoftech/solar-trucks-provide-electricity-sandys-wake-1C7121955

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/solar-power-watt-rockaways-article-1.1209817?localLinksEnabled=false

an  update from the Daily News

Effective Solar Energy Storage System Developed

http://cleantechnica.com/2012/11/12/effective-solar-energy-storage-system-developed/

"The new method from the University of Arkansas researchers is a structured thermocline system in which there are parallel plates of concrete with steel pipes running through them. The steel pipes transfer heat absorbed by solar panels into the concrete, which stores it until it is needed to boil water and produce steam (which is usually the case), or supply heat to other heat-powered generators such as Stirling engines or thermoelectric modules."

 

Farmers Grow Profits with a New Crop: Solar Panels

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/11/2478266/farmers-grow-profits-with-a-new.html


“It is guaranteed money,” said Hunt, 63, a Marine Corps veteran. “Farming is a risky business. If you can take some of the risk out and the liability, you are ahead of the ball game. If I die, my wife will have income because she couldn’t farm the land anymore.”

While Solar Booms, a Trade Row Intensifies

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2012/1110/While-solar-booms-a-trade-row-intensifies


"..Despite this reduction in government aid, solar power production in Germany jumped by more than half this year over the first nine months of 2011, according to BDEW, the German utilities' industry association. "



http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/08/us-eu-china-solar-idUSBRE8A70AF20121108

more on trade wars from Reuters




http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/solar-energy-in-germany-continues-to-gain-momentum/856753/

more on growth in Germany

(Almost) Everyone Loves Solar

http://business.time.com/2012/10/25/almost-everyone-loves-solar/

Time Magazine explores the poliitcs of solar. Guess which candidate (still) supports it.


Solar Energy Is Ready. The U.S. Isn't
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-25/solar-energy-is-ready-dot-the-u-dot-s-dot-isnt#p2

a closer look at state and local politics



http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/bronx-solar-energy-company-article-1.1192464

NY is definitely ready!

"...If you show the client or any building owner what they can save over time, it becomes almost impossible for them to say no. They can buy their electricity for less money, but not only that, they can make all they spend on any installation back in less than six years. Whether it’s a big or small system, the savings are real. If you can but don’t do it, you’re throwing money away.”

Glut of Solar Panels Poses a New Threat to China

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/05/business/global/glut-of-solar-panels-is-a-new-test-for-china.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

China is now putting itself out of business??

10 Significant State Policies for Distributed Solar Energy

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/24150

I don't think we should underestimate the value of solar thermal, especially in a state like New Hampshire.

Walmart, Costco Among Top Solar-using Companies

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2012/1005/Walmart-Costco-among-top-solar-using-companies

"A number of major US companies are taking energy into their own hands, harnessing solar power to cut costs and improve the bottom line."   emphasis added

"A recent report published by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows that 42 companies have installed upwards of 320 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity at more than 750 locations across the US. The top 20 companies account for almost 280,000 kilowatts of solar-electricity generating capacity, which is about the capacity of a mid-sized natural gas power plant. This also translates into the generation of over $47 million in electricity every year and hundreds of millions in utility bill reductions for those businesses. Their capacity can power almost 50,000 average homes. The top 20 have installed more than 1.2 million solar panels."

Where Tortoises and Solar Power Don't Mix

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-05/where-tortoises-and-solar-power-don-t-mix.html

I feel these projects are just a little too large. Why not have the same process on a smaller
decentralized scale?

Walmart, Costco Among Top Solar-using Companies

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2012/1005/Walmart-Costco-among-top-solar-using-companies

"A number of major US companies are taking energy into their own hands, harnessing solar power to cut costs and improve the bottom line."   emphasis added

"A recent report published by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows that 42 companies have installed upwards of 320 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity at more than 750 locations across the US. The top 20 companies account for almost 280,000 kilowatts of solar-electricity generating capacity, which is about the capacity of a mid-sized natural gas power plant. This also translates into the generation of over $47 million in electricity every year and hundreds of millions in utility bill reductions for those businesses. Their capacity can power almost 50,000 average homes. The top 20 have installed more than 1.2 million solar panels"

China Price War Draining Jobs in Germany’s Solar Valley: Energy

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-06/china-price-war-draining-jobs-in-germany-s-solar-valley-energy.html



and from the NY Times:

Europe Investigates Chinese Solar Panels

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/business/global/eu-investigates-chinese-solar-panels.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Feature: Solar Thermal – Coming Out of the Shade

http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/feature_solar_thermal_coming_out_of_the_shade_5478

this article describes many areas that can benefit from solar thermal

Report: U.S. Solar Power Shines, Will Increase 75 Percent This Year

http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/report-us-solar-power-shines-will-increase-75-percent-this-year.php

New Jersey leads the nation:

“New Jersey has been a leader in solar for years thanks to good state level policy,” Kann explained, “That’s the most important thing.”

Home Solar Power Storage — Another Option

http://cleantechnica.com/2012/06/15/home-solar-power-storage-another-option/

As a follow up to a recent post this article deals with "own consumption" . Using battery storage and smart appliances. Some good comments follow...

Incentives Make Solar Affordable

http://www.telegram.com/article/20120603/NEWS/106039991/-1/NEWS05

For a fluff piece, this article has some interesting points.

And a good list of contact info, especially if you live and/or have a business in Mass.

Solar Power Customer Hot about Treatment

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/watchdog/mc-net-metering-ppl-watchdog-20120602,0,4409329.column

Caveat Emptor

Is it the utitlities responsibility to notify customers of net metering?

Is it unfair to solar customers if they only have one choice?


Since most alternative energy providers don't offer net metering, should
batteries be considered instead? Or more aggressive management, such as
using major appliances only during sunshine.


http://www.power-eng.com/news/2012/06/02/solar-power-to-the-people.html

Here's an article that claims most people don't sell back to the grid... in New Zealand

Scientists to Harness Solar Energy in Space

http://india.nydailynews.com/business/da3612d0563a88bb238b9a6609aebd4d/scientists-to-harness-solar-energy-in-space

Great idea but it sounds expensive!

Union Rips Town’s Plans for Solar Site

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2012/04/26/union_sparks_controversy_over_canton_solar_power_facility/?page=2

"why (would) the union “mail brochures containing misleading and factually untrue statements against a solar project that they expressed a sincere desire to work on.’’ "

Largest Rooftop Solar Power Plant in North America Formally Completed

http://cleantechnica.com/2012/04/07/largest-rooftop-solar-power-plant-in-north-america-formally-completed/

"...includes 27,526 photovoltaic rooftop solar panels, and covers 1.1 million square feet."

A Measured Rebuttal to China Over Solar Panels

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/business/energy-environment/us-to-place-tariffs-on-chinese-solar-panels.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1332601326-5AAEftLb1LlkCIz6PcVleg

"American imports of Chinese solar panels have soared to $2.65 billion last year from $21.3 million in 2005. "

Nanotrees Harvest Solar Energy to Turn Water into Hydrogen Fuel

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/03/08/273754-Nanotrees-harvest-solar-energy-to-turn-water-into-hydrogen-fuel.html

A clean way to generate clean fuel.

"In the long run, what Wang's team is aiming for is even bigger: artificial photosynthesis. "

Solar3D 3-Dimensional Solar Cell Reduces Payback on Solar Power Systems by at Least 40%

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/solar3d-3-dimensional-solar-cell-reduces-payback-on-solar-power-systems-by-at-least-40-2012-03-05?reflink=MW_news_stmp

This new technology is expected to reduce payback time by %40 !

Sunflower Design Brightens Solar Energy Prospects

http://news.discovery.com/tech/sunflower-design-brightens-solar-power-prospects-120113.html