Wind energy 'cheap and clean'

Renewable energy is past the point of no return and will be accessible at a lower cost than traditional sources, an industry expert has said.

"You can't stop it anymore," Hermann Oelsner, president of Africa Wind Energy Association told News24.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a muted Wind Power Africa Conference & Renewable Energy Exhibition in Cape Town, but said that the financial crisis in Europe and the US as well as political upheaval in North Africa deterred some from travelling there.

"It's not less interest; it's just that everybody is pre-occupied. With the recent European Wind Energy Conference, there are also too many conferences as well: Wherever you look there is upheaval."

Wind energy has been touted as the most effective means of accelerating renewable energy investment and even national energy producer Eskom has advertised its Klipheuwel wind energy facility.

Cost

The turbines at Klipheuwel outside Cape Town are capable of producing energy at a low wind speed of 11km/h to 15km/h, the utility says.

The research unit has a total capacity of 3.16MW and Eskom says the turbines can withstand wind speeds of up to 250km/h.

Oelsner said that SA was in desperate need of additional capacity and renewable energy has become government policy for future energy investment.

"We don't really have a choice because we need, desperately, in this country new generation and we need it quickly. Wind is the only one you can put a lot of megawatts down in a very short time.

"Government has realised it and that's why the bid process was introduced and we will be digging foundations by the end of the year, or early next year [2013] and a lot of turbines will go up," he said.

The cost of energy produced by renewable sources has fallen though the capital costs for construction is higher per kilowatt hour than coal fired power stations.

"The new bidders can now sell electricity for 90c per kilowatt hour and if you're a private consumer in Cape Town, you're paying R1.20 and farmers who have laid their own lines and transformers; they're paying in the same region," said Oelsner.

He added that the price declines for wind and solar energy make it a viable alternative, particularly as electricity prices continue to increase.

"Prices have come down tremendously over the last year - about 30% to 40% - it's becoming a proposition that you put some panels on your roof and make your own electricity."

Source:http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Wind-energy-cheap-and-clean-20120528

Solar Power in a Suitcase for Medical Situations

Obstetrician Laura Stachel from Berkeley, CA was on a medical relief mission in Africa when she observed a C-section being performed at night,… by the light of a kerosene lantern. The lantern died during the operation, so the rest of the procedure had to be completed with a flashlight.

She was shocked by the lack of resources available for medical treatment during her visit, so when she returned home she set about trying to come up with solutions.

Her husband works in the solar industry, so he began to experiment with various combinations of solar panels and small lights to invent a portable solar kit that could be used for medical field trips in Africa. Solar power and a small battery system seemed to be the best choice, because villages in rural areas are off-grid but there is abundant sunshine during daylight hours for recharging batteries. Also, small lights could be stored in the same suitcase kit for transportation and protection during trips.

Today, their suitcase solar kits are used in nearly 200 medical clinics in various locations across the planet. Initially, the kit was designed for use in obstetric situations, but now can be employed in any medical emergency or healthcare event.

Key components of the system are solar panels for generating 40 or 80 watts, LED lighting for medical tasks, chargers for batteries and cell phones, and a 12-amp-hour sealed lead acid battery. There are also outlets for 12V DC electronics. This system can also be expanded to accommodate 200 watts of solar panels and a 140-amp-hour sealed battery.

About 15,000 mothers each year are now provided emergency medical care 24 hours a day because of the solar suitcases. Reportedly, over 350,000 mothers die from pregnancy complications each year.

Additionally, these small portable lighting systems don’t generate air pollution by burning kerosene, and don’t have the same potential to start accidental fires.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/1cOBh)

Source:http://cleantechnica.com/2012/05/27/solar-power-suitcase-medical-situations/

Solar Energy In Germany Reaches New Peak

This year solar energy in Germany reaches 20 GW. A nuclear power plant has about 1 GW.

The problem is that solar energy is more fickle, but generally available at the interesting time of midday. During night conventional sources like brown coal and nuclear plants deliver a base load of 32 GW.

Cheap solar panels from China are one explanation.

This capacity expansion has led to switching off solar panels when energy generation was especially plentiful. Government now wants to chop the subsidies to solar energy with 30%, but that demands a 2/3 majority in the Bundesrat (roughly: German senate).

Comments:

1) The RMB dropped 12% from June 2010 to April 2011. Then rose back up 14% April 2012 and ended where they started (depends on which divisor you use). In the same periods oil prices rose (measured in EUR) 73% and dropped back down 15% – respectively.

This is an exceptionally rapid adjustment to varying exchange rates and oil prices – in an area where you normally plan 30 years ahead. Naturally you pick the lower hanging fruits first – and perhaps overshoot the target a bit. We can see that the politicians having a hard time keeping up – but let see if they can’t get a move on, when we are talking real money?

When you get a hefty (relative) discount of 50% – the combination of high oil prices and low RMB – plus the necessary cash some things can be done even if it is a one-time offer. I haven’t even considered the possibility of a large extra discount due to a large order.

2) One of the points I have been trying to make repeatedly is that in energy supply the immediate fascination with oil prices in USD is far from the whole picture – some people are able to think on their feet. Environmental religious icons do have to live with being taken on and off the wall according to a very rapidly changing fashion – the eternal truth may just be dusted off before it is removed back to storage.

3) It does, as the news report states, give management problems for the people that are on watch 24 hours a day in 3 shifts – switching, redirecting and adjusting supply and demand of power (hopefully without blowing to many fuses) – in the most unsexy job: Looking at dials pulling the occasional switch. They might not be spearhead science, but they generally know what they are doing.

With more diverse energy supply competent administration may only save a couple of percentage points off the national energy consumption, but with such huge amounts they more than earn their keep.

4) What does seem called for is a hydroelectric power plant that can pump water back into the reservoir when supply is abundant. This could mean profitability – even if the naked calculated investment in itself doesn’t give a positive return – but it might be profitable still – provided it gives the possibility to exploit other resources better. All different energy sources have their characteristics and the winner will be the one that can play on all the keys on the piano.

5) From the larger political perspective the heyday for solar and wind energy might be over – for now.

The easy pickings have been plucked – the law of diminishing returns to scale is valid here too.
The opening of the Nord Stream and South Stream natural gas lines from Russia – bypassing politically unstable states – solves a part of former supply reliability problem.
If an EU high tension/high capacity grid is build from money in what others call a stimulus packet a greater integration of European energy supply might give its contribution to growth. The importance of an economic stimulus is not the stimulus, but what you stimulate.

Source:http://www.valuewalk.com/2012/05/solar-energy-in-germany-reaches-new-peak/

Student Invents Solar-Powered Lawn Mower

Each weekend, an estimated 54 million Americans mow their lawns, consuming about 800 million gallons of gasoline every year and producing tons of air pollutants.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lawn mowers (like snow blowers, chain saws, leaf blowers and similar gas-powered garden equipment) emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

“They also emit hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone,” states an EPA report. “While ozone occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere and shields the earth from harmful radiation, ozone at ground level is a noxious pollutant. Ground-level ozone impairs lung function, inhibits plant growth and is a key ingredient of smog.”

Samuel Hamill, a senior electrical engineering student from Lawrence, has created a prototype solar-powered push mower to help cut down on air pollution, gas consumption and noise.

“It’s a sustainable, environmentally friendly way of maintaining one’s lawn,” says Hamill, who is scheduled to graduate in May.

His design is part of his capstone project, with Prof. Samson Mil’shtein as faculty adviser. Alan Rux of the Assistive Technology Program supervises all the senior capstone projects.

Hamill’s solar panel generates up to 160 watts, enough to power two small DC motors — one for driving the blades of a regular reel mower to cut grass and the other for turning the solar panel. A pair of photoresistors helps the panel keep track of the sun as the mower moves back and forth across the lawn.

“You don’t need a storage battery to operate the mower,” explains Hamill. “It will run directly off the solar panel. But you can certainly add a battery if you want to mow on a cloudy day. On a sunny day, the panel can run the mower and recharge the battery at the same time.”

Source:http://www.uml.edu/News/stories/2011-12/Solar-Lawn-Mower.aspx

Solar power closer to competitiveness than realised, says report

Solar photovoltaics are much closer to competitiveness with conventional electricity generation sources than policymakers realise, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

A working paper out last week, Reconsidering the Economics of Photovoltaic Power, argues that common perceptions about the lack of competitiveness of solar photovoltaic power are “misleading and out-of-date”.

The analysis by ten experts from Bloomberg, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the University of New South Wales and the International Renewable Energy Agency among other finds that average solar module prices have fallen by nearly 75% over the last three years.

The dramatic price reduction has made the power source competitive daytime retail power prices in a number of countries and should have major implications for policymakers and investors.

But many decision-makers have not caught up with the improved economics of solar photovoltaics, says the report, especially when it comes to technology choices and the design of tariff and other support mechanisms.

“Despite these highly attractive benefits and proven technical feasibility, the high costs of PV in comparison with other electricity generation options have until now prevented widespread commercial deployment,” the authors write.

“Now, with rapid cost reductions, a changing electricity industry context with regard to energy security and climate change concerns, increasing costs for some generation alternatives and a growing appreciation of the appropriate comparative metrics, PV’s competitiveness is changing rapidly.”

The report argues that the price reduction in solar modules is sustainable in the longer term and not just a product of recent overproduction.

The paper also contends that the metrics generally used to benchmark solar power against alternative generating technologies are often inadequate and may introduce bias against it.

Source:http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5125/?cid=4

Dominion Power Embraces Solar

Dominion Virginia Power, the state’s largest electricity company, has just proposed paying a premium price as a way to encourage customers to install solar energy and sell the electricity back to the company.

The company recently asked the State Corporation Commission to allow the purchase of solar-generated electricity from residential and small commercial customers at 15 cents per kWh under a five-year demonstration period. Currently, the average rate residential customers pay is 11 cents per kWh.

Under this program, the customer will buy his power from Dominion and sell all his solar-generated power back to the company.

While the demonstration project would be limited to 3,000 kW, the typical residential solar installation in the company’s Virginia service area is 4 kW, with the average commercial customer having a 22 kW system.

So far, 14,000 Virginians have been buying renewable energy certificates to support the development of clean sources of power through Dominion’s Green Power plan. The subscribers’ contributions will pay for the solar energy program.

According to Dominion’s manager of customer solutions Dianne Corsello, “Nothing in the Green Power program is going to change…we’re just going to use the funds for Virginia solar.”

Source:http://www.greenchipstocks.com/articles/dominion-power-embraces-solar/1884

Largest Photovoltaic Solar Power Project in the World

The Topaz solar energy project is owned by MidAmerican Solar and will be constructed, operated and maintained by First Solar.

Largest Photovoltaic Solar Power Project in the World
Less than two weeks after its official groundbreaking ceremony, MidAmerican Solar and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) marked another milestone at Topaz Solar Farms, located in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. On Wednesday, the first solar panel was installed on what is the largest solar project under construction in the world. When complete, the 550-megawattAC project will include nearly 9 million photovoltaic panels.

To mark this significant event, the first solar panel was installed by Greg Abel, chairman, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, and Walter Scott, Jr., who serves on the boards of directors for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and MidAmerican.

"The installation of this first solar panel is more than symbolic," said Paul Caudill, president of MidAmerican Solar. "It represents nearly five months of hard construction work put in by a dedicated crew of craftspersons and on-site supervision, a large majority of whom live in the local area. They are helping us achieve our goal of safely and reliably delivering energy to our customer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, all while adhering to our core value of respect for the environment."

On May 3, MidAmerican Solar and First Solar held a ceremony at the project site to discuss the project's construction schedule, environmental values and community-centered plans for the future with local and state leaders and landowners.

The Topaz project will create approximately 400 construction jobs during its three-year construction period; will generate nearly $417 million in local economic impact, the majority of which will be generated during construction; and will provide California with renewable electricity. The Topaz project will provide enough energy to power approximately 160,000 average California homes.

"We're very pleased that Topaz has progressed rapidly to the module installation phase," said Jim Lamon, First Solar senior vice president of engineering, procurement and construction, and operations and maintenance. "We're proud to be working with an energy leader like MidAmerican Solar in bringing utility-scale renewable generation to our country's power grid."

The Topaz solar energy project is owned by MidAmerican Solar and will be constructed, operated and maintained by First Solar. Construction began in late 2011 and is expected to be complete by early 2015. PG&E will purchase the electricity from the Topaz project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, helping California meet its mandate to generate 33 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020.

"PG&E is pleased to mark this project milestone with MidAmerican Solar and First Solar," said John Conway, senior vice president of energy supply for PG&E. "Solar projects such as Topaz will allow us to continue to deliver one of the cleanest energy portfolios in the nation to our customers and help the state meet its green energy goals."

First Solar's advanced thin-film PV modules generate electricity with no emissions, waste or water use and its systems have the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology. Each module is approximately 4 feet by 2 feet and weighs 27.5 pounds.

Electricity generated by the Topaz project will displace approximately 377,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent of taking approximately 73,000 cars off the road. First Solar's pre-funded collection and recycling program provides a responsible end of life for the PV panels. More than 90 percent of the material is re-used.

MidAmerican SolarMidAmerican Solar is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Renewables and is headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. MidAmerican Solar's primary projects include the 550-megawattAC Topaz project in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., and a 49 percent ownership interest in the 290-megawattAC Agua Caliente project in Yuma County, Ariz.

MidAmerican Renewables is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a global provider of energy services. Through its energy-related businesses, MidAmerican provides electric and natural gas service to 7 million customers worldwide. These businesses are Pacific Power, Rocky Mountain Power and PacifiCorp Energy, comprising PacifiCorp; MidAmerican Energy Company; Northern Powergrid Holdings Company; Northern Natural Gas Company; Kern River Gas Transmission Company; MidAmerican Renewables; and CalEnergy Philippines.

First SolarFirst Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic solar systems that use its advanced thin-film modules. The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fueled electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment.

Source:http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=18610

Haryana Raj Bhawan to get power from solar plant

In an initiative to reduce dependency on conventional energy sources, the Raj Bhavan in Haryana has commissioned an exclusive solar power plant in its premises for power supply during the day.

The 45 KW grid interactive solar photo-voltaic power plant commissioned by the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) is likely to supplement about 66,000 units of electricity annually through solar energy.

The plant is set up at a cost of Rs 72 lakh with a complete financial assistance from Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under Special Area Demonstration Programme, a HAREDA release said.

The hybrid system will first feed power to the loads from energy produced through this plant and will draw the remaining power from main supply to meet the load requirements.

Eight solar power plants of 7.8 MW capacity have already been set up in the state under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and power from these plants is being fed to the state's grid, the release said.

HAREDA is also working on solar projects to supply power in district collectorate offices in Ambala, Jind, Kurukshetra, Rewari, Fatehabad, Hisar, Faridabad, Sonepat, Narnaul and Panchkula at a total cost of Rs 1.05 crore, with a Central assistance of 50 per cent, the release said.

Source:http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/haryana-raj-bhawan-to-get-powersolar-plant/10680/

Constitutional Court upholds solar tax

The Czech Constitutional Court has upheld the government’s tax on solar power, introduced retroactively last year in an effort to cool the solar boom in the country. Photovoltaic firms complain the tax damages their business while foreign investors into the business are threatening to initiate international arbitrations against the country. But the court said their interests cannot be superimposed over those of Czech citizens.

The Czech Republic introduced the 26-percent solar tax in January 2011 to put a brake on the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry. Generous state incentives along with falling prices of solar panels and other equipment made the investors’ profits soar – at the expense of the end customers who eventually covered the costs of the support. The tax on the buying price of power applies to solar plants with a capacity higher than 30 kW that were connected to the grid until December 31, 2010.

The tax came under fire from solar plant owners who complained it would damage their investments and in effect ruin those who took out loans to build their plants. A group of senators then filed a petition to the Constitutional Court, asking for the tax to be cancelled as it infringed the investors’ property rights. But the court upheld the tax, arguing it was approved in breach of the constitution. Justice Ivana Janů oversaw the case at the court.

Ivana JanůIvana Janů “Nobody has a right guaranteeing the law cannot change. Law is a set of rules regulating the life of a society, and balancing the interests of the whole and those of the individual. I believe that in this case, those affected have no particular reason to complain.”

But owners of solar plants complain a change of the rules in the middle of the game will seriously affect their businesses. Zuzana Musilová is the head of the Czech Photovoltaic Association.

“Some of the investors have already taken out long-term credit on the basis of the promised incentives guaranteed by the previous government. After the diminution of these incentives, they will not be able to pay for the credit.”

However, the court said the investors were indeed aware that the prices of solar collectors were falling and could therefore expect a change in the state policy of support for solar power. The impact on their investments has not changed and their returnability remains 15 years while the impact on the profits is not relevant. Justice Ivana Janů again.

“We wanted to make sure that none of the entrepreneurs suffer any serious losses, particularly those who took out credit because those who did not have been making nice profits since the very start. We wanted to avoid a direct impact on their investments.”

Source:http://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/constitutional-court-upholds-solar-tax

Largest Solar Power Plant in World?

Now, however, I’m a little confused about a recent MidAmerican Solar and First Solar statement saying that “the largest solar electric power plant in the world,” a 550-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. known as Topaz Solar Farms, was under construction. Why? Well, Mathias noted last month that India just dedicated a 600-MW solar power plant. Maybe I’m missing something?

Nonetheless, the 550-MW project is huge by current solar power standards. The project, which will create about 400 jobs and “generate nearly $417 million in local economic impact” in the three years it will take to be built, will supply enough power for about 160,000 California homes when completed.

“Largest Solar Power Plant in World” Now Under Construction, & Largest Solar PV Plant in North America Now in Operation
May 16, 2012 By Zachary Shahan Leave a Comment
6Share


I know, you’re probably getting tired of all this “largest solar this, largest solar that, largest solar boat” news, but I guess we can just expect “bigger and bigger” solar news as the industry grows in leaps and bounds.

Largest Solar Power Plant in World?

Now, however, I’m a little confused about a recent MidAmerican Solar and First Solar statement saying that “the largest solar electric power plant in the world,” a 550-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. known as Topaz Solar Farms, was under construction. Why? Well, Mathias noted last month that India just dedicated a 600-MW solar power plant. Maybe I’m missing something?

Nonetheless, the 550-MW project is huge by current solar power standards. The project, which will create about 400 jobs and “generate nearly $417 million in local economic impact” in the three years it will take to be built, will supply enough power for about 160,000 California homes when completed. For more information on this project, check the news release linked above.

Largest North American Solar Power Plant in Operation

In addition to Topaz Solar Farms, First Solar, MidAmerican Solar, and NRG Energy also announced that North America’s largest photovoltaic (PV) power plant is now in operation.

The first 100 MW of the 290-MW (AC) Agua Caliente solar project inYuma County, Ariz. are now delivering electricity to the grid.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/1bZww)

Source:http://cleantechnica.com/2012/05/16/largest-solar-power-plant-in-world-now-under-construction-largest-solar-pv-plant-in-north-america-now-in-operation/

Stuart Jet Center Flies Solar

Stuart Jet Center has added solar energy to three of their hangers. The 50 kilowatt system was installed by Peak Solar LLC and is the 5th largest privately owned solar energy system in Florida. The return on investment for the project is estimated to be between 5-7 years with the help of a business rebate from Florida Power and Light along with a 30 percent tax benefit from the federal government.

The solar system features 240 Canadian Solar panels and installation support was provided by Coronado Homes. This is the first solar development at the Stuart Jet Center but additional solar installations are in the works. The Stuart Jet Center said not only did this project make financial sense, but environmental sense as well and hopes other businesses in the community will follow suit and install solar power systems.

This 50kw system will save the equivalent of: 4,835.07 gallons of oil per year; recycle 44,940 pounds of waste; and offset CO2 emissions by 130,333 pounds each year.

Source:http://domesticfuel.com/2012/05/16/stuart-jet-center-flies-solar/

Suntech and Krannich Solar Announce 120MW Sales Agreement

the world's largest producer of solar panels, and Krannich Solar, a leading value added distributor of complete systems, components and pre-packaged systems, announced an agreement for Suntech to supply up to 120 megawatts of solar panels in 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement, Suntech and Krannich Solar will continue to build on their solid relationship, going back to 2007, to provide high quality solar systems for resellers and installers throughout Europe and Australia.

"Over the past few years, we have noticed a clear trend where end-customers are increasingly choosing proven and reliable products to secure their solar investments," said Vedat Guergeli, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Suntech Europe. "We're excited to continue our strong relationship with Krannich Solar as we both share the same dedication to quality and product performance and are focused on building a strong local presence and consumer trust."

Founded in 1995, Krannich Solar is one of the top five PV systems providers in Europe today. Krannich Solar's range of solar products is guided by one key principle: each and every product is put through its paces in terms of testing and quality. Products and components are included only if they are error-free and work perfectly with one another.

"We have always focused on quality – even at the peak of the solar market boom – and this strategy has been successful," said Kurt Krannich, founder of Krannich Solar. "For us, it is of the upmost importance to cooperate with global solar brands, like Suntech, that are renowned for reliability and quality."

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/15/4490340/suntech-and-krannich-solar-announce.html#storylink=cpy

Fed up of rising energy bills? Solar has the answer

As the UK solar industry moves closer towards the announcement of the latest feed-in tariff consultation, many installers are becoming increasingly concerned that consumers have lost interest in the technology. With energy bills continuing on an upwards trend, and the recession going back for another dip, is there hope for UK consumers out there?

Last week UK energy news focussed on price rises. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was warned by its internal research team that there could be a permanent doubling of oil prices in the coming decade with profound implications for global trade, while Centrica warned on Friday that the trend for retail energy costs "remains upwards."

"UK wholesale gas costs are around 15 percent higher for next winter than last, and non-commodity costs - which are also largely outside of our control - are expected to add a further £50 to the cost of supplying the average household this year," Centrica said in a statement.

Also last week it was reported that three-quarters of customers who have signed up to The Big Switch, launched by consumer group Which?, will save a “disappointing” amount on their energy bills.

The Big Switch aimed to use the collective bargaining power of nearly 300,000 consumers to negotiate cheaper energy tariffs by effectively bulk-buying on behalf of the group. However, critics have pointed out that the winning tariff is actually more expensive than the cheapest already available on the market.

Source:http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/feature_fed_up_of_rising_energy_bills_solar_has_the_answer_5478

Clean Energy in India

This comprises of 7,112 MW wind power, 965 MW small hydro power, 1,414 MW bio-power and 940 MW solar power, photovoltaic and concentrating solar power.

Clean Energy in India
Wind power and solar energy in India. This comprises of 7,112 MW wind energy, 965 MW small hydro power, 1,414 MW bio-power and 940 MW solar power, photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal power.

There has been a rapid growth in deployment of clean/ renewable energy projects in the country attracting major investments, domestic as well as foreign.

A total installed capacity of over 10,400 MW has been added from various renewable power generation projects during the last three years viz. 2009-10, 2010-11 & 2011-12. This comprises of 7,112 MW wind power, 965 MW small hydro power, 1,414 MW bio-power and 940 MW solar power, photovoltaic and concentrating solar power.

FDI inflow to the tune of Rs.5826 cr. (USD 1245 million) in 319 renewable energy projects has been reported during the period (2009-2012). The project locations/ sites are either allotted by the State Governments or acquired by the private developers themselves, depending on the renewable energy resources involved.

The renewable energy sectors which have progressed well are wind power, bio-power, small hydro power and solar power. The Government has taken several steps to encourage development of renewable energy sector. These include the following:

* Private sector companies are partnering with government and co-investing in R&D and technology development.

* Fiscal and financial incentives, such as, capital / interest subsidies, accelerated depreciation, nil/ concessional excise and customs duties;

* Preferential tariff for grid interactive renewable power in most potential States following the provisions made under the National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006; Uniform guidelines by CERC for fixation of such preferential tariffs being issued every year;

* Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission launched to facilitate large scale capital investment in solar energy sector; Payment Security Mechanism for grid connected Solar Power Projects under the Mission.

The Government also has a policy to encourage transfer of foreign technologies, including those in renewable energy sector. FDI up to 100% under the automatic route is permitted in Renewable Energy Generation and Distribution projects subject to provisions of Electricity Act, 2003.

This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Source:http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=18504

Saudi Arabia eyes $109bn plan for solar industry

Saudi Arabia sees a greater role for solar thermal, and plans 25 GW of concentrating solar power (solar thermal), as opposed to 16GW of photovoltaic solar energy.

Saudi Arabia eyes $109bn plan for solar industry
Saudi Arabia to consider 41GW solar power capacity target. Of that, 25 GW would come from concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) and 16 GW from photovoltaic solar energy. Wind energy, geothermal energy and nuclear would contribute another 21GW.

Saudi Arabia plans US$109 billion boost for solar power. Saudi Arabia sees a greater role for solar thermal, and plans 25 GW of concentrating solar power (solar thermal), as opposed to 16GW of photovoltaic solar energy.

Saudi Arabia should aim for 41 GW solar energy by 2032. KACARE has concluded the kingdom should try to build nearly 41 GW of solar energy capacity, 16 GW of photovoltaic solar power and 25 GW of concentrating solar thermal power.

Saudi Arabia should install much more solar power over the next 20 years than any country has managed so far while building around 21 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear reactors, the body responsible for planning the Saudi energy mix said on Tuesday.

The King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) - set up to advise on the energy mix - has concluded the kingdom should try to build nearly 41 GW of solar energy capacity, enough to meet a third of expected peak power demand in 2032, while a sixth of installed capacity should come from nuclear and about half from oil and gas.

"I'm confident Saudi Arabia will approve a diversified energy mix this year," Khalid al-Sulaiman, vice president for renewable energy at KACARE, told Reuters after a presentation outlining KACARE's recommendation to the Saudi government.

KACARE said the Kingdom should aim to build 16 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and about 25 GW of concentrated solar power capacity by 2032.

The world's largest oil producer has built a negligible amount of solar power capacity to date, less than 50 megawatts, after saying a few years ago it would become a major solar power but the target of 41,000 MW, if met, would propel it towards the top of the solar power table.

World solar leader Germany installed more than 7,000 MW in both 2010 and 2011, raising its total at the end of last year to 25,000 MW.

Solar power could help meet peak demand for power in a country where electricity surges in summer, in combination with Saudi oil and gas fired power plants.

Under most of the scenarios model led by KA-CARE, nuclear energy emerged as one of the best ways for generating "baseload" electricity, and the 21 GW target implies more reactors being built in the kingdom over the next 20 years than those currently planned by any other country other than China, India, Russia and the United States, according to World Nuclear Association data.

Source:http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=18505

Vote boost for German solar power

Germany's beleaguered solar energy sector saw a ray of hope on Friday that it might avoid the full blow of steep subsidy cuts when the country's regional governments blocked the plans tabled by Berlin in the upper house of parliament.

A majority of states - including some governed by chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union - voted to send the bill to an arbitration conference with the lower house, the Bundestag, arguing that big cuts to electricity price guarantees threatened thousands of the sector's estimated 130,000 employees in Germany.

"We simply can't accept that Berlin says, 'the Chinese are cheaper now, so goodbye,'" said Reiner Haseloff, the Christian Democrat state premier of Saxony-Anhalt, adding there would be "a national outcry" if the car sector were so treated.

Ms Merkel's government wants to cut subsidies for solar-power installations by up to 30% - backdated to April - to reform a support system that has run haywire and left consumers footing a rising bill for evermore sun-powered generation.

That has only added to the woes of a sector, which was the only recent industrial success story of eastern Germany until Chinese solar equipment makers started offering cheaper products. A slew of German companies - including one-time poster-child Q-Cells - have since been forced to seek protection from creditors.

Initial cuts last year did little to discourage investors from taking advantage of price guarantees extending up to 20 years, leading to the installation of 7.5 gigawatts of solar panels, twice the capacity the government had forecast. This pushed up the renewable energy surcharge on consumers, who fund the price guarantees.

Unchecked, Ms Merkel's government argues, that regime would drive electricity prices higher and higher, besmirching the reputation of renewable energy just as Berlin tries to switch the country from nuclear to other energy forms by 2022.

Critics of the current scheme also point out that it saps subsidies from other, more promising renewable-energy sources such as wind power, which Berlin is banking on in its "energy transformation".

Solar energy last year received 60% of price supports, leaving €6bn to be divided among the five other renewable forms.

The chancellor's spokesman on Friday stressed that Ms Merkel continued to believe that price guarantee cuts - of between 20 and 40% depending on the size of the solar plant - were the only way to reform the system.

But her government might have to give ground or promise the sector other types of help.

Source:http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world-news/vote-boost-for-german-solar-power_703680.html

Europeans kick-start solar cell production project

Development of more efficient and cost-effective solar cells is high on the EU agenda. Helping drive this effort is the SCALENANO ('Development and scale-up of nanostructured-based materials and processes for low-cost high-efficiency chalcogenide-based photovoltaics') project, which has clinched more than EUR 7.5 million under the 'Energy' Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to make efficient and cheaper solar cells a reality.

Led by the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research in Spain, the SCALENANO project partners are developing and scaling up new processes based on nanostructured materials to generate high efficiency and cheaper photovoltaic devices and modules that comply with mass production requirements. The SCALENANO team comprises experts from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

By today's standards, the production of solar cells, the 'power generators' inside solar panels, can burn holes in many pockets. However, researchers and industry recognise the significance of making photovoltaic devices, as they can convert light energy from the Sun into electrical energy for personal and corporate use.

Solar energy can also help Europeans mitigate the use of nuclear fuel and oil. Efforts to secure alternative ways to power up the region keep intensifying following recent disasters like the Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan. Germany's decision to start decommissioning nuclear power plants within the next 10 years is also compelling researchers to look for alternative options.

It should be noted that investing in the development of more efficient solar panels could help put Europe at the forefront of this field.

Dr Phillip Dale, head of the Electrodeposition Group under the Laboratory of Photovoltaics at the University of Luxembourg, says: 'Our main objective is to develop low-cost and efficient solar cell technology. Increasing the competitiveness of this technology will bring the cost down for everyone, which will eventually allow solar technology to reach the masses.'

The University of Luxembourg's contribution to SCALENANO is the use of sophisticated research tools to specifically examine ways to optimise the process of combining and baking the chemicals, to create the required solar cell materials. A rapid thermal annealing furnace is being used for this. According to the Luxembourg team, cutting the time needed for baking means less energy will be used, and in turn this will decrease the cost of manufacturing solar cells.

SCALENANO got off the ground earlier this year and will end in 2015. 'We are excited to get started and are confident we have the tools and the capacity to significantly contribute,' Dr Dale says. 'We look forward to collaborating well with our research partners.'

The SCALENANO team says the findings of their project will benefit future work making energy sustainable.

Source:http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS_FP7&ACTION=D&DOC=2&CAT=NEWS&QUERY=01373c046220:a112:2853f81e&RCN=34608

Moose Power Purchases Heliene Solar Panels

Moose Power Inc., a leading rooftop solar developer in Ontario, announces that Heliene Inc. has been chosen to supply one megawatt of solar panels for MPI's rooftop solar installations in Ontario.

The investment will strengthen the relationship between Moose Power and Heliene Inc., a manufacturer of ISO:9001 certified photovoltaic solar modules. Heliene's manufacturing operation in Sault Ste. Marie produces high-density PV modules that meet the Ontario Power Authority's domestic content requirements.

The Heliene 60 cell 260Wp monocrystalline modules will be installed on four buildings under Ontario's Feed-In-Tariff Program. These are the first projects in a portfolio of 2.2 MW that has been awarded to FTS Energy Solutions, a joint venture between Wynn Family Properties and Moose Power Inc.

"We are very excited to be working with Heliene, a company dedicated to quality manufacturing and value for their customers," said Andrew Knapp, Managing Director of Moose Power Inc. "They've also been proactive in addressing their Domestic Content compliance through third-party 'CORE' verification and certification."

"We are humbled by Moose Power's decision to work with us and enjoying every minute of it, as their professionalism is second to none," said Martin Pochtaruk, President of Heliene Inc.

Moose Power currently has over 3 MW of grid-connected solar projects and continues to develop a pipeline of opportunities in both contracted and application stages under the Ontario Feed-in-Tariff Program.

Heliene is an International manufacturer of high-density PV modules, producing in Ontario since October 2010. They are CORE (Contributor to Ontario Renewable Energy) Program certified, in reference to the designated activity for solar PV modules of the Ontario Power Authority FIT Contract.

The CORE Program is an industry led, voluntary certification process developed by the Local Content Assurance Bureau (LCAB) to help businesses, developers and individuals respond to the Domestic Content Requirements in the OPA's Feed-in-Tariff Program.

SOURCE: Moose Power Inc.

Source:http://www.marketwatch.com/story/moose-power-purchases-heliene-solar-panels-2012-05-10

BMW ActiveE Drivers To Benefit From Cheaper Solar Power

Yeah, but where does the electricity come from, huh?" comes the oft-sneering question when the subject of electric cars is brought up in polite conversation.

Sneery it may be, but there's an underlying point if your main source of power is something like coal.

However, BMW ActiveE drivers will soon be able to reply "from my discounted solar panels", before enjoying a moment of conversation-stopping silence while said sneery friend thinks of a suitable response.

That's because BMW has done a deal with Real Goods Solar to offer ActiveE drivers a 35 percent reduction in several East and West-coast states.

According to Detroit News, BMW says the scheme is aimed at offering "a holistic approach to sustainability that goes well beyond the automobile itself".

It should entice some ActiveE drivers to join the throngs of other electric car owners who enjoy the benefits of solar-powered motoring, and power their house with the remainder.

The ActiveE is already going down well with BMW's early "electronauts", and after driving the car both in the U.S. and in the U.K, we've found it to be a satisfyingly complete product, both fun to drive and high quality.

Real Goods Solar CEO Bill Yearsley echoed BMW's sentiments, stating "Solar power is a natural fit for electric vehicle owners looking for a more sustainable lifestyle".

With reduced-cost sustainable energy and extra ammo for those awkward dinner party questions, we can see the solar option being quite a popular one...

Source:http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076050_bmw-activee-drivers-to-benefit-from-cheaper-solar-power

1-Italy's solar growth seen slowing sharply in 2012

Growth of solar power capacity in Italy, the world's second-biggest market, is expected to slow to 1,500-2,500 megawatts in 2012 after a 9,300 MW spike in 2011 due to a planned cut in incentives, a senior industry official said on Tuesday.

"It could be between 1,500 and 2,500 megawatts," Gerardo Montanino, director of operating division at GSE, Italy's green energy incentives management agency, told Reuters on the sidelines of a photovoltaic conference in northern Italy.

"It is very difficult to make more precise forecasts when the rules for the sector are changing," Montanino said.

The Italian government has announced a plan to scale back production incentives to the photovoltaic and other renewable energy this year to ease the burden on consumers, who pay for the industry support with their power bills. ? The inflow of requests for incentives, managed by GSE, has slowed considerably so far this year, and various requests have filed and then later cancelled in a sign of uncertainty in the sector, Montanino said.

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) expects Italy to add 3,000 to 6,000 MW this year of new photovoltaic capacity, which turns sunlight into power.

Last year's spike in new installations, spurred by a special decree, made Italy the fastest-growing photovoltaic market for the year. Italy's total installed PV capacity stood at about 12,700 MW at the end of 2011.

A sharp fall in Italy's solar growth is bad news for major solar equipment makers such as Chinese group Suntech Power Holdings, Trina Solar, Yingli Green Energy Holding and U.S. firms First Solar and SunPower Corp.

Andrew Beebe, Suntech Power's chief commercial officer, said it was too early to talk about the impact of planned incentive cuts in Italy on the company's business before the final version is published but said Suntech remained committed to Italy and Germany, which has also cut solar industry support.

"I think both countries will stay firmly committed to solar and we will stay committed to the countries," Beebe told Reuters at the same conference.

Source:http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/update-1-italys-solar-growth-seen-slowing-sharply-2012

China starts building biomass-solar power plant in Singapore

China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Corporation (CGNPC) held a groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore on Tuesday to establish an integrated biomass-solar power generation plant and its regional headquarters, setting a milestone for the cleantech industry.

The 33.6 million U.S. dollars investment project (Phase I) is fuelled by wood and horticultural waste, as well as solar installation on the rooftop. This 10-megawatt facility will play a significant role as Singapore moves towards being a greener and cleaner city.

This facility is the first overseas project developed and implemented by CGNPC. Being the regional headquarters, the plant affirms Singapore's strategic position as the gateway to the clean energy market in Asia Pacific.

"We are excited that CGNPC, a leading Chinese clean energy corporation, has chosen Singapore for this landmark Cleantech investment and also to internationalize its business. With our multinational business community, highly-skilled workforce, strong focus on innovation and intellectual property protection, Singapore is well-placed to serve as a strategic base for Chinese Cleantech companies to orchestrate their regional and global business activities," Mr. Tan Choon Shian, Acting Managing Director of Singapore Economic Development Board, said.

"We are confident that this would pave the way for many more Asian cleantech enterprises to grow their international footprint in Singapore," he said.

"Singapore is an ideal gateway for companies keen to develop clean energy solutions tailored for Asia, given its robust supply chain capabilities and connections to the region. This facility will aim to meet the energy needs of Singapore as part of our ongoing efforts to provide clean energy for the benefit of humanity," said Mr. Tan Jiansheng, Senior Vice-President of CGNPC.

This plant is expected to be completed by November 2013.

Source:http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=69339

Iron Mountain to Add Solar Panels atop Storage Facilities for First Time

Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM) announced plans today to install solar panels on the roofs of eight of its document storage facilities in Mass., Conn. and N.J. This is the information management company’s first solar panel installation, but not its last. With nearly 1,000 facilities around the world, the company has ample roof space for collecting solar energy, a strategy it sees for fixing long-term utility rates at these locations and meeting its goals for environmental sustainability.

Collectively, the solar systems located at these initial eight facilities will produce more than 5.2 million kilowatt-hours of energy in their first year of operation. That’s enough energy to power more than 450 U.S. homes for one year. Additionally, the company estimates the installations will offset nearly 7 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually, or the equivalent of removing 650 cars from the road every year.

To deploy the photovoltaic systems, Iron Mountain has entered into power purchase agreements with SunEdison. Through these agreements, the solar power services provider will finance, build and maintain the installations at each site, while Iron Mountain will purchase the energy generated from these systems at fixed rates for 20 years.

“This is a win-win for our company and the communities where we do business,” said Iron Mountain CEO and Chairman Richard Reese. “We’re able to lock-in energy rates over the long haul, while our facilities produce clean renewable energy for the communities where we do business. Given our sizeable real estate footprint and the economic model of solar energy, this was a no-brainer. We’re excited to install these solar panels, and we’ll look to identify additional locations.”

This multi-site deployment will involve two facilities in Windsor, Conn., one in Northborough, Mass., three in East Brunswick, N.J., and two in Freehold, N.J. Iron Mountain expects construction will begin this summer at its facilities in N.J. with all installations operational and producing solar energy sometime early next year.

Source:http://www.environmental-expert.com/news/iron-mountain-to-add-solar-panels-atop-storage-facilities-for-first-time-293098

PlanetSolar' Ends World Odyssey – Solar Power System Proved Viable

The case for solar energy as a viable power source for marine propulsion was well made when news came just a few days ago that the world’s largest vessel entirely powered by solar energy, PlanetSolar, had completed its trans-world odyssey, returning to Hercule Harbour, Monaco, where it had set out for the world circumnavigation attempt.

An entry in the ship’s log the day before final arrival recorded the highest day’s energy yield – 661 kW hours – from the 537 square meters of photovoltaic solar panels , the vessel’s sole source of energy, since the voyage began on 27, September 2010.

Constructed of weight-saving carbon fibre, the 31 m (101.7 ft) long PlanetSolar (Swiss registered as Tûranor PlanetSolar or ‘Power of the Sun’ in Tolkien’s fiction) was launched in Spring 2010 from the Knierim Yachtbau shipyard in Kiel, Germany. Construction was to a design by LOMOcean Design (formerly known as Craig Loomes Design Group) for delivery to owners PlanetSolar SA, whose inspirational idea was to send the ship around the world with a view to showing that renewable energy and technology can be applied right now to achieve sustainable transportation.

Key to the success of the venture was the array of photovoltaic panels that predominate the upper deck of the vessel, totally responsible for capturing the energy to drive the four electric motor propulsion system that give Solar Planet a cruising speed of 7.5 knots, or for shorter periods a maximum 14 knots.

DuPont Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film was used as an essential component of the photovoltaic ‘backsheet’ that was key to protecting the PlanetSolar’s panels (also supplied by DuPont) in the harsh weather conditions encountered by ‘Planet Solar’ over the nineteen month long voyage.

“Our planet deserves a better, brighter and cleaner future,” said Raphaël Domjan, initiator and leader of PlanetSolar's expedition who first conceived the idea for the boat in 2004. "I hope our success will motivate engineers and scientists to continue to develop innovative technologies …”

In complete accord with Domjan’s motivational ideals we are reminded that the annual ‘Dong Energy Solar Challenge’ (formerly known as the ‘Frisian Solar Challenge’) kicks off in The Netherlands in July next. Far smaller solar-powered boats than the PlanetSolar compete for six days over a 220 km course through the Frisian waterways with the aim of promoting sustainable energy among young people and students in technical colleges; the organisers have an eye to the part these participants may play in the future commercial development of solar-powered marine propulsion systems.

Source:http://articles.maritimepropulsion.com/article/PlanetSolar-Ends-World-Odyssey-e28093-Solar-Power-System-Proved-Viable-1840.aspx

Solar-Powered PlanetSolar Boat Completes Trip Around the World

The Turanor PlanetSolar is now the first completely solar-powered boat to complete the circumnavigation of the globe. The solar powered catamaran set sail from the port 19 months ago and is the world’s largest solar powered boat. The massive vessel made its way across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, ending its journey with its return to Hercule Harbor in Monaco.

The ship even traversed the Suez canal and docked at many port locations along the way. The ship was made to be as lightweight and aerodynamic as possible and measures 31 x 15 m. The PlanetSolar was made from carbon fiber and the deck surface has 537 square meters of solar panels. Those panels were able to generate 93.5 kW of power.

The power was stored in a lithium-ion battery system. The power generated and stored was enough to keep the crew of four people cruising on their trip around the globe. The vessel traveled as near the equator as possible to provide the maximum amount of sunlight. Once the ship docks officially, the power left in the batteries will be used for a light show display during the arrival festivities.

Source:http://technabob.com/blog/2012/05/05/solar-turanor-planetsolar-boat/

Fairfield County Solar-Paneled Barn Saves Money

The inside of the barn on Glenn Starkman's property in New Canaan is large enough to house nine cars. But the barn's most important feature is the solar panels on the outside that help him save hundreds of dollars on his home's energy bills.

When Starkman and his wife Susie renovated their New Canaan home about four years ago, he looked into ways to save on energy costs. He talked with New Ridge Builders founder Chip Dunn and business partner Kevin Simmons, who suggested building a barn with 98 photovoltaic solar panels near the house on the family’s 4-acre parcel.

“They said it would be interesting to put a solar panel grid on the property, but we didn’t want to make it look ugly,” Starkman said.

The solar paneling can generate up to 18 kilowatts, Dunn says. The residence doesn’t run solely on solar power, but Starkman said his monthly electric bills in the summer are $600 to $700. Previously, those bills were $1,500 to $1,800. Power bills the rest of the year have been as low as $90 a month, Starkman added. Although the system cost about $90,000 to build, Starkman said state tax credits cut the price in half.

“Few realize that the other side is covered with state-of-the-art solar panels. And rather than storing harvested hay, it harvests energy from the sun,” said Dunn, a New Canaan native who runs the Darien-based business.

Any extra energy generated goes back to the power grid. “It’s savings, but we felt we were doing something good for the environment and trying to reduce our footprint,” Starkman said.

The Starkman project is his showcase, Dunn said. But he’s hoping to build an energy efficient farmhouse in New Canaan or Darien. “I think people are starting to realize that generating their own electricity makes them more independent, and that’s a good thing in the long run,” he said.

Source:http://www.thedailyeaston.com/real-estate/fairfield-county-solar-paneled-barn-saves-money

Canadian Solar and Bank of China Enter Into A C$120 Million Construction Financing Agreement for Solar Power Plant Development in Ontario

Canadian Solar Inc. (the 'Company', or 'Canadian Solar') (NASDAQ: CSIQ),one of the world's largest solar power companies and Bank of China (Canada) and Bank of China, New York Branch ('Bank of China'), one of the world's largest banks, today announced that they have signed a ground breaking financing agreement to provide a C$120 Million construction loan facility for solar power plants in Ontario, Canada. The loan facility will be used to support the construction of solar power projects owned by Canadian Solar and which are expected to be built during 2012, 2013, and into 2014.

'We are delighted to announce this agreement with Bank of China, a long time banking partner to Canadian Solar. Their strength and reputation as a global bank combined with their competitive terms makes them an ideal partner to support the growth of our project business in Ontario. This agreement also represents an important step towards our goal of generating over 40% of our revenue from total solutions in 2013 and beyond,' said Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar's Chairman and CEO.

Canadian Solar continues to source innovative new banking partners to finance its Ontario and its global pipelines and initiatives.

Source:http://www.environmental-expert.com/news/canadian-solar-and-bank-of-china-enter-into-a-c120-million-construction-financing-agreement-for-solar-power-plant-development-in-ontario-292657

Solar Growing as Viable US Energy Source

Solar power is a viable energy source for the nation, and its use is rapidly growing in the U.S. as federal incentives—similar to those that helped other energy markets to develop—are put in place.

That is the message of “Assessment of Incentives and Employment Impacts of Solar Industry Deployment,” a report commissioned by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA).

The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, administered funding for the research and the report. The Baker Center is a nonpartisan institute devoted to education and scholarship concerning public policy and civic engagement.

The report was written by a five-person team that included Susan M. Schexnayder, a senior research associate with UT’s Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries; Alexandra Brewer, a UT graduate student in political science and graduate research assistant at the Baker Center; David P. Vogt of Decision Commerce Group LLC and retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Tom N. Yoder, of Ohio, a partner at Decision Commerce Group LLC and an independent research professional; and Edward J. Lapsa, an independent consultant from Knoxville.

“This report looks at solar in relation to other energy sources and finds that solar is on the path to becoming a mainstream source of energy for our nation,” said Matt Murray, director of the Baker Center. “In addition, the report pulls together data showing the solar industry’s great potential for the US economy—not only in the diversification of our energy supply, but also through job creation and global business opportunities.”

Murray said being involved with the production of this report is in line with the Baker Center’s focus on energy and environmental policy. The Baker Center is also administering the $700,000 SunShot Solar Initiative, a project looking at the regulatory challenges and non-technological barriers to solar adoption.

Source:http://www.utk.edu/tntoday/2012/05/01/solar-growing-viable-energy-source/

Best Buy Leaks Logitech Solar-Powered iPad Case

A new listing at Best Buy has unveiled — perhaps prematurely — a very interesting gadget: A solar-powered iPad case by Logitech.

This confirms a recent rumor that Logitech is working on such a case, though Logitech itself hasn’t officially said a word about it yet.

The Best Buy listing looks very real, however. The iPad case comes with a built-in, solar-powered keyboard, which charges in “direct light” and features 121 keys, with dedicated Internet and multimedia keys.

Unfortunately, the case doesn’t seem to power the iPad, only the keyboard. However, that too is an improvement over most keyboard-bearing tablet cases, whose batteries can run out fairly quickly.

On the compatibility front, Best Buy only lists “the new iPad” — there’s no mention of iPad 1 or 2. The case weighs 15.9 ounces and connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, with the price listed at $129.99.

Source:http://mashable.com/2012/05/01/logitech-solar-ipad-case/