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