Despite strong sun and plenty of public support for the idea of energy self-reliance, the American southeast has not traditionally been a hot spot of solar adoption. That looks to be changing. With solar’s low cost now making it a real competitor with traditional fossil power, local citizens are increasingly calling on state leaders to put more of their homegrown sunshine to
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solar energy
One of the big questions about solar power is how to supply sun-driven electricity at times of peak demand. Demand spikes in the early morning, before the sun is high enough to hit solar panels, and in the early evening, when solar panels operate at only at half efficiency in the low light. Cost-effective storage has been a major issue to be solved.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance reports that solar power capacity installed around the world this year will beat wind for the first time driven by stronger policy support in key markets.
“Photovoltaic plants will add about 36.7 gigawatts globally in 2013 and wind farms 35.5 gigawatts, or
With enough solar energy to power almost 12,000 homes and employ 3,200 Texans, deregulation in the state policy since 2002, you might think the Lone Star State is at the forefront of the solar energy industry. However, the sunny state only ranks 13th in the nation for its installed solar capacity, outpaced by even small states New
Colorado Solar Customers Deliver $11 M in Annual Benefits to Xcel Energy Grid
written by The Vote Solar Initiative
Today we released new analysis indicating that customer investment in solar energy systems currently in the Xcel service area deliver as much as $11 million in annual benefits to Colorado ratepayers. Those findings are in stark contrast to the utility’s own cost-benefit analysis that was submitted to regulators at the PUC earlier this
With distributed solar growing at a record pace, states nationwide are assessing the benefits and costs of this dynamic resource. The implications of these studies couldn’t be greater, as cornerstone policies such as net metering are on the line. To help guide those critical efforts, Vote Solar and the Solar Energy Industries Association hosted a webinar exploring the lessons learned and emerging best practices
The U.S solar industry keeps putt-putting along instead of moving full steam ahead. Why? The go-to answer is soft costs. But that doesn’t tell us much.
The term “soft costs” doesn’t even have a universally accepted definition. What does it mean? We can say for sure it doesn’t mean hardware or mounting
For thousands of years, the sun has been revered by many cultures for its enormous power and size. Now, people are admiring the giant star for a very tangible reason: its ability to help lower electric bills. Installing solar panels will save the average person around $1000 a year on their energy bills, notes SolarEnergy.net – not too shabby!
As solar energy installations spring up on rooftops and major power plants across the U.S., the average cost of going solar continues to fall, according to a report released today by the research gurus at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Here’s a good article that analyzes the eco-friendliness of electric transportation that makes a point that I try to emphasize in my discussions on the subject: the EV “selection effect.” The vast majority of EV buyers at this point make their decision based on their interest in protecting and preserving the environment, and are extremely likely to charge their cars with solar
The Global Alliance for 100% Renewable Energy recently called on European leaders to make firmer commitments to make a transition to renewable energy. The statement was made during the inauguration of the Alliance in Munich when member organizations stated that renewable energy has become the key to Europe’s future economic and industrial
Rooftop solar rights recently scored another win! This one from Idaho where the state’s major utility, Idaho Power Company (IPCo) had set out to weaken its net metering program and otherwise penalize solar customers by changing their rates. Well, the verdict came out July 3rd, and the Commission stood strong for Idaho’s rooftop solar customers.
Flexible Glass Solar Cells Could Boost Effectiveness of Solar Shingles
written by Yale Environment 360
U.S. researchers have developed a solar shingle made of flexible glass that could emerge as an alternative to conventional roof shingles and drive down the costs of rooftop solar energy systems.
Unlike conventional solar panels, which are bulky
Give every American a chance to choose solar – sounds straightforward, right? While the basic concept is a no-brainer, the policy details to make it happen can get pretty complicated. That’s where IREC’s new Model Program Rules for Shared Renewable Energy come in.
Released last week, the updated model rules serve as