Green Options » solar electricity

10% of U.S. Electricity From Solar by 2025

Sarah Lozanova — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:05:17 +0000

Solar energy currently generates .1% of the electricity used in the U.S. According to a study released today, this will change rapidly as the cost of electricity increases and the cost of solar energy drops.

The Utility Solar Assessment Study produced by Clean Edge and Co-op America finds that solar energy is already reaching cost parity with conventional sources in some areas of the U.S. where electric rates are highest. By 2015, this will be achieved in many more areas, including Boston, San Diego, and New York. By 2025, cost parity will be achieved throughout the U.S.

The implications of this are huge. The U.S. solar photovoltaic market now relies heavily on state incentives to lower the cost of solar energy. Many people utilize solar energy because it is “the right thing to do” or businesses like the positive publicity solar brings.

Solar Thermal Electricity: Can it Replace Coal, Gas, and Oil?

Sarah Lozanova — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:07:32 +0000

One of the most common arguments against large-scale use of renewable energy is that it cannot produce a steady, reliable stream of energy, day and night. Ausra Inc. does not agree. They believe that solar thermal technology can supply over 90% of grid power, while reducing carbon emissions.

“The U.S. could nearly eliminate our dependence on coal, oil and gas for electricity and transportation, drastically slashing global warming pollution without increasing costs for energy,” said David Mills, chief scientific officer and founder of Ausra.

You may be wondering, how will we have electricity at night or during cloudy weather?
Will we use large banks of batteries or burn candles?

The ability to utilize solar thermal technology after the sun sets is made possible by a storage system that is up to 93% efficient, according to Ausra’s executive vice president John O’Donnell.

Playing “Save the Planet”: IBM Launches PowerUp Video Game

Carol Gulyas — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:39:18 +0000

CSR Wire has announced IBM’s launch of “PowerUp,” a video game in which players simulate the saving of Planet Helios. The game is targeted to teenagers, or the teenager in all of us:

“The game is part of IBM’s TryScience initiative and [was] launched at Engineer’s Week 2008 opening on February 16 in Washington, D.C. The game, which can be played alone or together, features a planet in near ecological ruin where three exciting missions for solar, wind and water power must be solved before sandstorms, floods or SmogGobs thwart the rescue.”

Infinia Corporation Announces More Efficient Solar Electricity

Carol Gulyas — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:02:01 +0000

Problems with silicon-based solar electricity (PV)

In the world of solar electricity generation, the price and shortage of silicon have been barriers to wider adaptation of solar photovoltaic (PV), especially as demand continues to rise. Solar PV’s efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity has also been criticized. That’s why non-silicon-based alternatives are especially attractive. I spoke with Gregg Clevenger, CFO of Infinia Corporation, on Monday (February 11) to find out what his company is up to and why renewable energy advocates are all atwitter about it.

According to Gregg, “We set out to address climate change and went back to ground zero with our Stirling engine product, to develop it into a design that is simple enough to be mass-produced widely and to generate solar electricity at 20-30% of the cost of solar PV.”

Think Everyone in this Land of Plenty has Electricity? You’re Wrong!

Max Lindberg — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:46:56 +0000

The people whose land we occupied so many years ago have not been given their fair share of our prosperity. Right now, there are more than 10,000 Native American households in Arizona that have no access to electricity. Shamefully, that’s 7% of all Native American households without electricity in America. Do the math.

Arizona is making an effort to bring electricty to it’s Native American residents through a new program called the Tribal Rural Electrification Program. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano announced the new initiative Wednesday, saying the first phase will bring solar power to at least 100 reservation homes by the end of the year.
It’s not a lot, but it’s certainly a beginning.

The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office will run the program, with the help of Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus’ Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory. Arizona utilities and solar power companies will also partner in the initiative.

What are other states doing?

Source: The Arizona Business Journal

Greening the Golden Years: Solar: Get it Now!

Max Lindberg — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:05:38 +0000

Gary GerberLast week I spoke with Ryan Chao, director of Satellite Housing in Berkeley, CA about a new project that featured solar energy. Today, my guest is Gary Gerber, President and Founder of Sun Light and Power, the company that installed the solar array for Satellite Housing.

Gary founded his company in 1976, and he tells the story of what happened to solar power, and how it’s coming to the forefront once again. Gary serves on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations including a non profit solar industry trade association, the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA). He is also a mamber of ADPSR (Architects, Designers, Planners for Social Responsibility).