Tag Archives: power
Catching up to the German Solar Machine
Germany only gets as much sunlight as Alaska, yet it is the largest solar market in the world. The cost of installing solar is much cheaper in Germany – up to 48% less at $3.08 per watt versus $5.90 per watt in the United States, according to recent data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). [...]
Georgia Power to Triple Solar Capacity
Georgia Power filed a request with the Public Service Commission (PSC) today in order to expand its solar energy capacity between now and 2015. The utility is looking to triple the amount of solar from 61 MW annually to 210 MW over a three-year period. This is an abrupt shift from Georgia Power’s previous position [...]
In Focus: Dupont’s Solar Quality Standards
Solar installations were removed from twenty-four San Diego Unified School District campuses after corrosion was discovered that threatened the possibility of electrical issues that could lead to fires. The 4.3-megawatt installation was built in 2005-06 by Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT). SIT was acquired by Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) (PINK:ENERQ) in 2009. ECD’s Uni-Solar manufactured the [...]
“Stop the War on Coal Act” Passed
The House Republicans recently passed H.R. 3409, the “Stop the War on Coal Act” that supposedly counters the Obama Administration’s hostility to coal jobs. Although it won’t pass the Democratically-controlled Senate, it’s part of their election year messaging, along with Solyndra. Obama has promised to veto the bill if it does get to his desk. The bill would “protect coal [...]
Only in China: The Umet Wooden Electric Car
One of the world’s first all-wooden cars has made its debut at the China Eurasia Expo. Dubbed the Umut, this 4 metre long, 7-seater car is composed completely of wood, made entirely by hand, and is powered by an electric motor. With an expected top speed is 60km/h, it can last about 2.5 hours or [...]
California’s Oldest Winery Goes Solar
The Charles Krug Winery, California’s oldest, has joined a growing number of California wineries turning to the sun for more than just growing grapes. The winery is becoming the latest to add photovoltaics to reduce its grid-supplied electric demand. It’s also taking advantage of the installation to reduce its energy use. The Napa Valley winery [...]
Infographic: Suntech Celebrates 7 GW of Solar Panels Shipped
Recently, Suntech celebrated another first in the industry – a total of 7 gigawatts of panels shipped to more than 1,000 customers in more than 80 countries. That’s a lot of green power. Altogether, deployed Suntech panels generate about 9 terawatt hours of clean electricity per year. What does that look like? Check out this [...]
Why Some Republicans Support Clean Energy
As an organization concerned deeply about climate change, we often heavily criticize the “all of the above” approach to energy development. If we’re truly going to address the problem and lower greenhouse gas emissions, a primary focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation need to be our number one priority. Digging a deeper carbon [...]
Trusting Nuclear Energy after Fukushima
The world’s nuclear industry is still reeling from Japan’s Fukushima accident 18 months ago. With a tarnished reputation and world politicians promising voters they’ll pull out of nuclear energy altogether, the industry is on a PR blitz to save its image. According to Reuters, senior executives say the nuclear industry must redefine itself to regain [...]