Military Acts Out Against White House Position on Renewable Energy for National Security

Again, the battle over maintaining #solar within the American power grid resumes its status as the question for the growth of the job market remains without a solid answer. While the president turns toward the need for coal, it appears that our military has proven otherwise. We have military bases in use of renewable #energy of all forms, even when there are troubling weather conditions around the nation.  

With President Trump’s attempt to increase the American coal industry, there have been reduced limitations to environmentally destructive actions like mining and pollution while also trimming the amount of protection for miners. Basically, there is much that has been broadened for the benefit of economic growth while cutting the protection of man in general. However, with the intention of increasing the job market in the mining industry, the intentions have completely been reversed. Utilities have fallen alongside the number of workers that are held in their companies. 

Since the presidential administration is desperate to improve the coal industry it has been significantly connecting national security to the funding of coal. It has been presented by the administration that coal-based power is necessary for grid security because cyber-attacks and natural disasters would not affect this form of energy. However, renewable experts have been able to prove that this is far from true. Therefore, in many cases, the military has taken on renewable energy.  

Renewable Energy and National Security 

With the use of solar power and other renewable sources, the military has taken this step forward in support of national security. It is reported that several military bases are taking steps toward renewable energy to prevent blackouts during events like storms, floods, or cyber-attacks. As any of those pose threats to the existing power grid by basic damage or destruction, there is a greater effective sustainability method for renewable systems. 

We already face potential issues that have proven possible in the past, such as the previous suspected Russia hack into the existing grid or the potential for other rivals like China and North Korea to launch cyber-attacks on the existing infrastructure. Therefore, military bases are building grids that work with wind, solar, and batteries that will continue to generate in the event that the existing power grid is demolished. 

Existing Renewable Power on Military Bases 

Existing military bases where these renewable sources have been put into place include the following:

1. The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MS – A 29,000-panel solar system supports the existing power grid. It is owned by a private company that has installed diesel generators and battery storage on the site in exchange for use of the land. Provides power in case of a blackout. 

2. Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego, CA – Solar, battery, gas generators, and diesel generators support electricity and can power the base for three weeks if needed.

3. The Otis Air National Guard Base, Cape Cod, MA – The first wind-powered micro grid in the military. It includes one wind turbine, one diesel generator, and battery storage, combined for the potential of up to 120 hours of power if needed. Funded by the state, Massachusetts is working to further fund renewable energy on military bases.

With these military bases at the forefront of a national transition to renewable energy, there is much to be said for the progress being made. We have soldiers in the field using batteries and solar power already, cutting the money spent on defense against attacks. Additionally, with the use of solar and renewables, there is a reduction as targets for the enemy. In their attempt to bomb fuel tanks, creating further danger for soldiers traveling through the field of battle. This means the addition of renewables has slowly added safety in the field. For this reason, there has been a great deal of interest for veterans to pursue careers in the industry upon retiring from active duty.  

Therefore, working against what the president and the administration have attempted to present to the nation, the grid has the potential to gain support from solar and other renewable sources. Adding to the strength and life of the grid, there is much to gain from adding solar to national utilities, including the protection from potential disasters and attacks. Luckily, the military is working to prove this, which will likely help to provide growth and development in the long run.

Source:  
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/17/us-military-bases-using-solar-wind-battery-storage-for-energy-security/ 
 

Floating Solar Panels the Best Option for Inclement Weather

This past August, one of the worst floods in decades absolutely devastated Kerala, India and surrounding cities. More than $5 billion in damages were incurred, along with the death of over 480 individuals. Yet, despite such immense loss, a small sliver of hope shown through for India, in the floating #solar panels that remained miraculously unscathed after the flood. Founded on one of the largest reservoirs in the country, floating solar in India is increasingly become more and more utilized in the area and elsewhere, particularly because of the resilience the panels offer during poor weather conditions. For India and other regions that experience inclement and unpredictably extreme weather, floating solar power is becoming more and more widely recognized for its benefits and efficiency.  

Growing Interest in Floating Solar Panels 

For the last couple of years, floating solar #energy panels have increasingly gained popularity.  The benefits of floating solar panels over land-based, traditional solar panels are numerous and more and more countries are considering or actively implementing such technology as clean and renewable becomes more in demand worldwide. The decline in costs overall in the long-run has also contributed to increased interest and implementation of floating solar power.  

Even though floating solar power currently costs nearly 18 percent more compared to traditional solar utility, according to experts, these initial start-up costs are offset by lower costs elsewhere. For example, the excavation, remodeling and construction involved with some land solar power projects are avoided when floating solar panels are used instead. The floating solar panels also help offset initial startup costs in the long run by providing 5 percent more electricity once up and running. 

In India, in particular, interest in sustainable solar energy has increased thanks to continually decreasing costs of solar energy and concerns over the climate. Sustainability energy has been found in this region and others, thanks to floating solar panels.  

Shailesh K. Mishra, director for the Solar Energy Corporation of India, predicts that these floating solar panels are just the beginning for solar energy in India. There are already plans for solar energy to be implemented in the region over the coming years, and the exciting developments surrounding floating solar energy only add to the enthusiasm.  

Floating Solar Gaining More and More Popularity 

Worldwide, India, Europe, Japan, China, and even the United States are turning towards floating solar panels as the latest solution in renewable and solar energy utility. Floating solar power utility offers all of the same perks and benefits as traditional solar power, with the exception of taking up land space. Because space is often an issue when it comes to certain areas being able to erect solar panels, floating solar is a viable and appealing solution for many regions with available bodies of water nearby. 

Concerns over how this new technology might impact existing ecosystems and wildlife are being addressed, particularly when it comes to saltier bodies of water where the panels are more of a challenge to maintain. Due to wildlife and the conditions of the water itself, special care and attention are needed to make sure the floating panels work in harmony with the existing ecosystems. Researchers are confident that the benefits of these floating solar panels will continue to outweigh the benefits. Floating solar panels offer a viable solution for renewable energy for regions that may have adequate sea or ocean space, but lack the necessary land space needed for solar power. It is likely we will see the trend of implementing floating solar panels only increase as larger countries and economies take on this new technology. 

Among the countries currently implementing this latest technology, China currently takes the lead for the most floating solar generating capacity according to the World Bank, with more than 1.1 gigawatts of floating solar utility now installed in the area. 

Resources:

https://www.voanews.com/a/floating-solar-panels-buoy-access-to-clean-energy-in-asia/4647900.html 

https://www.powermag.com/floating-solar-panel-industry-makes-a-splash/ 

 

Van Nuys Airport Set to Construct New Solar Energy Projects

On October 25th of this year, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), along with the support of local officials, announced the #solar #energy projects that will be built at Van Nuys Airport, including rooftop solar panels and solar canopies. The plan for Van Nuys Airport will also include a valley sod farm; a ground-mounted solar power system that will be overseen by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The ground-mounted system will be the largest ground-mount solar system ever built for the department, as well as in the entire territory they service in the Los Angeles region. Other corporations set to be a part of helping support the construction of the solar rooftop panels and canopies at Van Nuys Airport include Clay Lacy Aviation, Western Jet Aviations, The Park VNY, Woodley LLC, Castle & Cooke, and other supporters who are eager to see solar aviation take off not just at Van Nuys Airport, but for California as a whole.  

Enthusiasm from California Officials 

These solar plans to be set forth at Van Nuys Airport are just the beginning. The Los Angeles City Council has several leaders that are encouraged by the advancements that will soon come to Van Nuys Airport and the implications these solar projects will have for the rest of the state, as well as their goals surrounding the use of solar and renewable energy resources.  

Tony Cárdenas, Congressman who oversees the Van Nuys district, stated that clean energy and solar power must continue to be supported. Cárdenas went on to say in an article by Aviation Pros that these alternatives are helping to address a much larger problem with the global climate. Hopefully, these efforts will redirect the man-made inventions that have contributed to such climate change in the first place. He is confident that the steps Van Nuys Airport is taking will positively contribute to the environment and that other organizations will follow similar solar plans. His hope is that this solar aviation project and others will ultimately perpetuate the trend of solar power implementation across the state and the world at large.  

Nury Martinez, a Los Angeles councilwoman whose district also includes Van Nuys, is focused on the improvements that will come in regard to quality of life in the region, thanks to these solar power improvements. Surrounding areas will see a reduction in CO2 emissions. Additionally, approximately 212,700 pounds of sulfur dioxide and nearly 15,000 pounds of asthma particles will be eliminated from the air every year. Martinez stated that these solar projects are a “huge step forward in making our community green,” and will lead to the further development of even more effective solar energy projects. 

LAWA’s Initiatives and Success 

Los Angeles World Airports, for the third year in a row has been recognized as a leader and champion in reducing carbon emission levels thanks to their solar power initiatives. Chief Executive Officer of LAWA, Deborah Flint, told Aviation Pros in an interview that she is grateful to extend the projects that harness the power of the sun to Van Nuys airport in order to continue to facilitate a greener future and more environmentally friendly, solar-powered way of life for Los Angeles and California as a whole.  

These steps forward for the solar aviation community in Van Nuys have wider implications for not just the state, but for solar power innovation as a whole. Matt Peterson, proponent of the Van Nuys Airport solar projects and CEO and President of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), believes that these solar and green energy initiatives ultimately bring together both private and public partnerships in the most effective ways to solve the crisis of climate change. He stated that since no one person can reverse the effects of climate change, it will be up to partnerships like these in the solar sector to address and solve environmental problems. Moving forward, we will likely see more and more corporations join together in solar based and renewable energy projects for the greater good and ultimate restoration of our planet. 

Resources 

https://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12434505/solar-energy-projects-take-flight-at-van-nuys-airport 

UK Firm Will Develop Four Solar Parks in Southern Spain

#Andalusia’s regional government has granted #Solarcentury, a U.K.-firm, permission to build four #solar parks in a Spanish town called #Alcala de Guadaira. As a point of reference, this is located roughly 17 km southeast of Seville, Spain. Read on for more information on the noteworthy #solar parks being built in southern Spain!

Solarcentury recently made an announcement that the solar projects would have an output of roughly 50 megawatts a piece, and said solar projects would generate enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes – 105,000 homes, to be exact. The expectation is that construction on the solar parks will begin in April 2019 and will last approximately one year. This sounds as though it will be a fairly speedy solar project, anticipated to make a fairly large impact!

What is Solarcentury?

Solarcentury was founded back in the late 1990s and has a presence in Africa, Europe, and Latin America. To date, the remarkable solar-friendly company has planned and built more than 1 gigawatts (GW) of solar, with an additional 2.4 GW of solar in the works. The numbers essentially speak for themselves – this is a company committed to its solar goals and making a difference for the planet.

Solarcentury’s managing director for Iberia, Jose Miguel Ferrer, described seeing these aforementioned four solar projects as a win-win for the region. Ferrer mentioned that in addition to being able to generate clean renewable #energy/solar energy for thousands of homes, no public subsidies will be used and the solar projects will generate employment, to boot. Of course, the impressive solar projects will be environmentally-friendly, too. It has been demonstrated time and time again that using clean/solar energy is not only healthier for the planet, but it saves money and creates jobs – really, it seems as though going solar is a no-brainer. In many places, it is, in fact, becoming a no-brainer.

Across the globe, there are various sizes in existence when it comes to solar power facilities. China’s Tengger Desert Solar Park, for example, has a capacity of more than 1,500 MW. This just demonstrates the ability to work on different scales and still make a positive difference.

A Transition to Clean Energy

When it comes to the Spanish solar sector, the solar projects by Solarcentury represent the latest clean energy developments. Back in September, in Murcia, Spain, Enel Green Power Espana started constructing an 84.7-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility. It should begin operation later in 2019, and it will consist of 248,000 photovoltaic modules.

It is a great thing that Solarcentury has received the green light from Spain’s community of Andalusia for these solar projects. As previously mentioned, each project will have a capacity of roughly 50 MW. The four projects – Cerrado Cabrera, El primo Aleman, Los Gonzalez, and Hazas de los sesenta photovoltaic projects are going to be built in Alcala de Guadaira municipality.

Major Benefits to Come

The ability to provide enough electricity for more than 100,000 homes is huge. Texla (a Seville-based engineering company) is partnering in the development of the four parks, according to Solarcentury. It is also worth noting that Solarcentury received the Environmental Impact Declaration from Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition. This was for a project in Extremadura.

There are so many developments across the globe that are worth paying attention to. Being able to witness the shift to clean, renewable energy such as solar is truly a wonderful thing. Solarcentury is one of the biggest such companies in the world, and has a goal of working to fight climate change. The company strives to make clean energy more attractive and affordable to customers, and so far, it seems to be succeeding. Impressive changes are coming soon to southern Spain, and they are worth paying attention to.

Continue to follow solar news so you can learn about the latest developments taking place across the planet. Think about how the world could look in the next decade thanks to the advancements being made today. We have come a long way as a planet but still have a long way to go – the steps being taken today will make a big difference for tomorrow!

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/21/uk-firm-to-develop-solar-power-in-southern-spain.html

https://renewablesnow.com/news/spains-andalucia-gives-green-light-to-200-mw-of-solarcentury-projects-633968/

Silicon Valley Clean Energy Launches Largest Solar Project in California

The biggest #solar project in #California is about to become a reality, thanks to a new utility. Check out how this solar plan will impact customers & the planet!

#Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a new South Bay utility that launched last year. Now, it is a huge part of what will likely be the largest expansion of solar power and storage in California. Silicon Valley Clean #Energy’s (#SVCE) board of directors signed a deal worth upwards of $337 million last month at a meeting in an effort to draw power from two planned solar facilities in the near future. Read on to learn more about this impactful plan!

What Is SVCE?

Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is redefining the local energy market, according to their website, providing businesses and residents alike with new clean energy options at affordable prices. SVCE is governed by 13 communities in Santa Clara County.

A Solid Plan with Many Benefits

Once the aforementioned #solar projects are finished, they are anticipated to encompass the biggest solar expansion California has ever seen. There will be enough solar capacity to provide power to roughly 39,000 homes. The solar projects will include roughly 47 megawatts of storage capacity, as per a recent article on Mountain View Voice. This would let the utility save power all through peak times for inclement weather.

The new solar arrays are being constructed through a partnership between Monterey Bay Community Power and Silicon Valley Clean Energy. The utilities will just about split the energy generation once the solar projects are finished.

These solar projects are expected to be built in Kern County and Kings County. Building storage along with solar transforms the sun’s energy into a source that can be utilized on demand, when it could otherwise only be used when the sun is out and shining bright, without the obstruction of clouds. These solar projects are going to combine solar panels with big batteries to store the energy the sun produces during the day, which will mean that during times of high energy use later in the afternoon or at night, more clean energy can be discharged. If this sounds like a win-win, that’s because it most certainly is one!

According to CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Girish Balachandran, there is excitement over helping California to lead the transition to dependable, flexible clean energy, like solar power. These two solar projects are a major investment toward the state’s carbon-free energy goals.

Developed by Recurrent, the RE Slate 1 solar project will be built in Kings County and it represents a 15-year agreement. This agreement includes 150 MW of solar capacity and approximately 45 MW of storage, according to an article released in October 2018 by svcleanenergy.org. The second solar expansion, BigBeau Solar project, is being developed by EDF Renewables North America, and this is the one which is going to be built in Kern County. It represents a two decade agreement and will encompass 128 MW of solar capacity and 40 MW of storage.

If these solar projects sound appealing so far, get ready for some of the other perks which will come out of them. The solar projects are going to support approximately 840 jobs in the construction phase.

Because Silicon Valley Clean Energy signed long-standing power purchase agreements with each developer, customers will be receiving clean power from California renewables for many years.

Why It Is Important to Go Solar

It is important to note the many benefits of switching to clean energy sources. Not only does this reduce electricity bills for customers, which is certainly a benefit, but it has low maintenance costs, diverse applications, and it is a source of energy we cannot run out of. It is truly renewable and available every single day. As time goes on, we will likely see the effectiveness of solar panels increase, too.

How is renewable energy being harnessed in your location? Are you taking steps to live in a way that is healthier for the planet? There are so many small steps we can take, but going solar is a huge one. Continue to follow solar news to stay in the know!

Sources:

https://mv-voice.com/news/2018/11/23/new-utility-launches-states-largest-solar-project

https://www.svcleanenergy.org/news/sv-clean-energy-signs-major-contracts-for-californias-largest-solar-plus-storage-projects/

Solar Will Reduce Decades of Expense for Middlesex Community College

A broader college education is available these days, as buildings like Middlesex Community College expand the use of #solar #energy in their upgrades. A ribbon-cutting event on November 8th presented a complete solar energy system expected to provide an incredible reduction in the school’s use of utility-generated power.  

With president and representative of the Connecticut State College and Universities system in attendance, as well as representatives from Sunlight Solar Energy and officials of the city of Middletown, there was much to be appreciated in this presentation of the benefits of solar power. Considering the fact that the college’s utility power requirements will drop significantly while also cutting the campus’s annual electricity consumption by over eight percent. Overall savings on campus utility costs are expected to be about $11,000 per year during the next 20 years, with the potential for even more savings in the long run. 

Solar Goal of the Colleges and Community Together 

Incredibly enough, there is a combined goal for the school and the community to bring renewable energy such as solar to the table. With the college able to save such a great amount, there will also be savings for the students in the long run as well. With the college working for the benefit of its students in the long run, hopefully the students will also work for the benefit of the community in the future. 

The solar power will come from a ground-mounted system, with construction already started on the Middlesex Community College campus earlier this year. Located behind Founders Hall, the system will contain 355 solar panels. Contracted for installation was Sunlight Solar Energy of New Haven, with recent press releases stating the 120.4kW DC system already energized the first week of November.  

The solar energy system is predicted at over 164,000-kilowatt hours, while also reducing the campus carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42 tons. These reductions are equal to 100,000 fewer miles driven by car, or the amount of carbon isolated by 49.5 acres of our national forests annually.  

Various Action that Solar Energy Provides for the School 

A few years ago, the previous Middlesex Community College president originated an effort for sustainable energy with the college first climate action plan. This plan inspired Connecticut’s first statewide solar energy project. From then the college opened 12 purchase agreements intended to buy completely green, solar energy at a fixed cost. The fixed cost was also provided at a discounted rate for all nine community colleges in the CSCU system. 

Connecticut Green Bank and Onyx Renewables have also partnered with CSCU and Middlesex Community College for this project. Benefits include nothing paid by the college upfront for the system, with the only purchase being for the electricity generated. Because the cost of solar power is lower than utility-generated energy and provided at a fixed rate for the next 20 years, it will definitely provide incredible savings while the rest of the Connecticut power grid increases in cost over time. 

Faculty and staff at Middlesex Community College are extremely energetic about the launch of this solar energy system. It is anticipated to be a benefit to the science department while serving as an educational tool for students to learn about solar power. Several students were in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, already presenting the positive attitude of the entire college regarding the benefit of the system in so many ways. They have already stated their appreciation for what science professors have been taught from water pollution to renewable energy, and the solar panels in this system will provide an on-site educational resource.  

Reference 

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Middlesex-Community-College-unveils-new-solar-13378174.php 

Revolutionizing Solar Panels for Dual-Purposes and Great Efficiency

As we approach the end of 2018 and move into the slower pace of the winter season, #solar #energy innovation shows no signs of slowing down. It seems that on a daily basis the solar energy community is buzzing with news of the latest and most efficient solar energy inventions. Across the world, we hear of brand-new and highly innovative solar and renewable energy inventions being tested, produced, and praised for their radical additions to the solar energy sector every day.  

The latest solar innovation in the field comes out of Stanford University, thanks to a dedicated team of electrical engineers who have been working diligently this year to complete their latest solar energy project. Professor Shanhui Fan, along with postdoctoral scholar Wei Li, has effectively revolutionized rooftop solar panels, creating a more efficient and dual-purpose device that is unlike anything the solar energy community has seen to date. 

Electricity Generation and Building Temperature Regulation 

Professor Fan and his team have created a double-layered solar panel that is able to simultaneously harvest solar energy, while also keeping building temperatures regulated. The double-layered solar panels work by having each layer perform a specific purpose. The top layer works like a traditional solar panel, using semiconductor materials to capture and utilize solar energy. The bottom layer works based on a mechanism known as radiative cooling; a process used to beam heat away from the building outfitted with the double-layered solar panels.  

Traditional solar panels typically just have sun-facing panels, which are able to create electricity by harnessing sunlight. For Professor Fan and his team, however, they envisioned being able to do more with solar panels and increase, not just efficiency, but the capabilities of solar panels in general.  

Harnessing Different Light Properties 

The most fascinating component of Fan’s duel solar power device is that is works to control different properties of light at the same time. His incentive to move forward with a duel solar energy prototype is the idea that their device will be able to make energy and save energy at the same time. By using all possible energy properties through this double paneled solar device, Fan and his team have created a prototype they are confident will be put to practical use and adequately perform both tasks, leading to cut costs and increased efficiency. 

How the Double Paneled Solar Device Works 

What is most special and interesting about his particular device is the bottom layer. Traditional rooftop panels are used in conjunction with these bottom solar panels, which primarily work to cool buildings and regulate temperature. Radiative cooling is a natural process that occurs even in our own bodies, and is the conduit through which the bottom solar panel layer is able to perform its cooling and temperature regulatory functions.  

In order to release heat away from the buildings these duel solar panels will be placed on, without the heat becoming trapped once again in the atmosphere, Fan has come up with an incredible way to bypass this problem and ultimately allow the heat to escape the atmosphere and be released into space. According to Fan, the Earth’s atmosphere contains certain areas of weakness, or holes, in which certain wavelengths of infrared light are able to pass through the atmosphere and straight into space. 

Based on the tests Fan and his team have been able to perform, they are optimistic about the results and performance of the dual-layered solar panel. The leader of the primary experiments on the prototype, Zhen Chen, noted several key features from testing that show that the solar-powered device is functioning as intended. By measuring and observing air temperature and the temperature of either of the layers, researchers have adequately been able to determine that the layers are properly working to absorb, but also deflect, sunlight in order to facilitate cooling. 

There are still a few more tests to be performed by Stanford researchers, especially to work to improve the efficiency of the metal liners in the solar panels that help facilitate the radiative cooling process. With their current plans for testing and improving their initial prototype in the works, it will be no surprise if duel-purpose solar panels become more mainstream in the solar energy field in the coming years. 

Resource:

https://news.stanford.edu/2018/11/08/new-device-can-collect-solar-energy-cool-buildings/ 

The Most Effective Way to Encourage Solar Power Usage? Practice What You Preach

When it comes to encouraging others to utilize #solar power in leu of traditional #energy methods, Yale researchers have discovered the key to getting more communities to participate in using solar energy. It turns out that, leading by example, is the most effective method. According to the Yale University study, social networks play a key role in the willingness to implement solar energy for various communities. It is the leaders and proponents of solar energy that must lead by example, or in other words, practice what they preach if they want to see an increase in solar energy utility usage from local residents and businesses.  

Professor Kenneth Gillingham, along with the Yale Department of Psychology, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, found from their research how to better encourage residents and businesses to use solar energy. If community leaders actually install solar panels or other renewable energy resources for their own homes, they are able to encourage nearly 62.8 percent more residents to utilize solar power utility themselves, compared to leaders who do not use solar power.  

This evidence in regard to solar power implementation that Yale researchers have gathered fits their initial hypothesis. Credibility-enhancing displays, or CREDs as they are often referred to, describe the effect one’s actions can have compared to their words. According to this theory, one’s actions are more telling than the words they say or the beliefs they hold. When this theory was tested and observed against solar power implementation, the results were as they expected. 

Leading by Example 

When we observe our peers engaging in the same acts that they are encouraging us to do for ourselves, this sends a clear signal that the individual truly believes the act is beneficial, and therefore their stance is more believable and accepted. Words alone will not be enough to encourage residents and businesses to make the switch to solar power alternatives. Gillingham believes these research findings can help us better understand how to bring solar power utility to the mainstream. 

Additional findings from the University of Alberta have backed up the same results found by Yale researchers. John Parkins, environmental sociologist for the University of Alberta, stated that their initial study was conducted to find out what motivates Canadians to implement solar power utility. Thanks to the 2,065 people surveyed in the study, Alberta researchers were able to get a good sense of what makes solar energy utility desirable or not for residents to use for themselves. They noticed that when technologies were implemented all around residential cities and became more familiar, overall, their introduction into everyday life seems more doable. 

More Work to Be Done 

The findings of the solar power studies from both Yale and Alberta University will need to be considered seriously, particularly for Canada. Currently, only 0.3 percent of total electricity used by the population in Canada comes from solar or renewable energy resources. Perhaps these psychological findings can help raise that number and solar power participation in the region. Parkins believes that solar technology can and will be implemented across the entire country of Canada eventually. By exploring consumer attitudes about and engagement in solar energy, we can better learn how to increase participation and interest.  

These psychological studies and findings most certainly have their place in the realm of solar energy and, perhaps, can help state leaders and solar energy companies make a 100% solar-powered Earth a nearer and very real possibility. Yale researchers, the University of Alberta, and others who are eager to discover what psychological keys are needed to unlock individual desire to utilize solar power utility are on the right track, bringing psychological science into the realm of environmental science. Taking the plunge and making the switch from traditional utility will only be possible for some residents when they see the wide-scale implementation of such solar energy resources and are able to conclude for themselves the value in solar power. City and state leaders should now be paying particular attention to their own usage of solar power and consider that their own, private actions will speak far louder to the community than just mere utterances of the advantages of solar power.  

Resources:

https://phys.org/news/2018-10-nudge-solar-actions-louder-words.html 

https://phys.org/news/2018-09-people-invest-solar-energy-technology.html 

Tesla Cuts Pricing to Make Solar More Affordable

#Tesla is making some changes with regard to #solar costs – and they are quite substantial. The company is cutting prices on solar systems up to 20 percent, which speaks volumes about the progress the company has made in restructuring the solar sales process. The corporation has been able to accomplish this through the integration of Tesla #Energy products into existing high-traffic storefronts. The changes will be quite appealing to customers.

Significant Solar Savings!

Interestingly enough, according to a spokesperson for Tesla, integrating solar products into Tesla’s retail stores and increasing efficiencies (which have been recognized over the last year), combined with closing door-to-door sales, has led to the ability to lower prices for solar power systems. Customers can expect to see savings in the range of $3,000 and $5,000. This significant change is expected to fast-track the transition to solar. There will also be efforts made to lessen the time it takes to install solar after the purchase has been made. It sounds like a win-win all around!

Tesla has a mission to fast-track the transition the world is making to clean, sustainable energy sources, such as solar power. Streamlining the solar sales process supports this mission. The company recognizes the importance of creating progressive products at competitive prices but also challenging the use of fossil fuels. It is important to prove that choosing clean energy, or #solar energy, at home is easy, and quality of life does not have to be sacrificed to make this solar change.

Tesla’s solar products and their new pricing models are going to reveal the overall price tag on bigger solar systems dropping more than 20 percent – the average consumer will see a price reduction in the 10 to 15 percent range. And who doesn’t want to save up to $5,000, on average? Cost savings are just a bonus when it comes to the shift toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

Steps in the Right Direction

Those interested in going solar are going to see Tesla’s competitive pricing system as a huge bonus. The company is still able to generate incremental profits without the addition of real estate expenses or staffing. Clearly, integrating the sale of solar products into merchandising stores is a step in the right direction.

As previously mentioned, in another step in the right direction, Tesla is attempting to lessen the amount of time it takes to install a solar system once the contract has been signed. The efforts the company has made in the direction of simplification will lower the wait time for customer service calls, too, and allow for faster permitting.

Bringing the manufacturing of Tesla’s solar offerings in house will help to streamline the pricing of solar systems. This vertical integration is one of the strengths of Tesla in terms of the auto industry – it looks as though it will be a strength in the solar business, too.

The creation of Tesla’s very own solar panels and other parts gives the company an advantage over competitors such as Vivint and Sunrun. These two companies have to buy the equipment they install from other vendors, which of course adds more to the cost of the contract price for the customer.

Big Solar Moves

There are major moves being made in the transition of our world to renewable energy sources. As a matter of fact, in the third quarter of 2018 alone, Tesla deployed more than 90 megawatts of solar energy generation systems (93 megawatts, to be exact). Clearly, the company is on a mission – a solar mission. #Sanjay Shah, senior vice president of energy operations at Tesla, stated in an interview with Reuters that the cost reductions should make the firm very competitive. According to Shah, Tesla would like to become the lowest-cost solar provider in America. This is an admirable goal, to be sure.

There are so many moves being made toward a cleaner, healthier planet. Keep reading solar news so you don’t miss out on any progressive new projects coming to light.

Sources:

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/15/tesla-slashes-solar-pricing-10-20-to-make-solar-more-affordable-for-more-people/

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/16/tesla-cuts-prices-on-solar-power-systems.html

 

Salt River Project to Hugely Increase Use of Solar Power

Over the course of the next seven years, by the year 2025, #Salt River Project is going to hugely increase the amount of #solar #energy its utility uses. According to officials, this solar move is going to save money and lessen the dependence on natural gas.

Aggressive Solar Moves

Salt River Project officials intend to add a substantial amount of solar to this system – 1,000 megawatts, to be exact. For a point of reference, today’s numbers for the system sit around 200 megawatts. The amount of solar being added is the maximum amount the Salt River Project can put into service, according to CEO Mike Hummel, without the solar energy impacting the company’s coal-fired power plants and the grid. As per Hummel, the move on renewables is aggressive, but he believes it will work.

If you are not familiar with numbers regarding solar energy, it can become a bit difficult to comprehend the changes being made. But look at it this way – 250 homes could be powered through one megawatt of solar capacity.  This means the addition of solar energy to the system is going to be enough to provide roughly a quarter million homes with power (while the sun is out). The increase for Salt River Project, clearly, is quite substantial.

Customers have installed approximately 180 megawatts of solar on the #SRP system, and this number will likely increase to roughly 300 megawatts, as per Hummel.

Exploring Solar Options

In accordance with Hummel, Salt River Project had started to explore the total amount of solar energy that could be accommodated on the power grid, and this is how the solar increase plan came to light. Power demand peaks at roughly 7,000 megawatts for Salt River Project customers during the hottest hours.

Salt River Project serves a lot of people – roughly one million customers, to be exact. The addition of 1,000 megawatts of solar to their system is being done completely on their own accord, and without spending money on public relations schemes. It is not regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. It is interesting to note that Salt River Project contributed thousands of dollars to the anti-Prop. 127, but otherwise stayed away from the initiative which would have required utility companies to produce half of their power from clean sources (such as wind and solar) by the year 2030. Yet now, SPR is going to massively increase its use of #solar power.

According to Salt River Project spokesman #Scott Harelson, the reason the plan was not presented until now had nothing to do with the defeat of Proposition 127, but was because the plan was not ready. He very specifically stated, “This plan doesn’t have anything to do with Prop. 127.”

Salt River Project does have its own board of directors and the ability to create its own goals. It is not regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission (this commission is requiring many companies to get 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources, such as solar, by the year 2025). Consequently, SRP has been criticized by many for not moving fast to develop renewable energy, but they will be getting 16 percent of their energy supply from clean, renewable sources by 2025. A good portion of this energy supply will come just from solar power.

A Big Impact for the Environment

Basically, Salt River Project has created a flexible system that is able to take on solar generation. SRP has demonstrated the desire to purchase low-cost energy, and solar is becoming less expensive than other power sources. The move toward solar makes total sense. As a matter of fact, according to SRP senior director of corporate strategy, Hank Courtright, the move to solar is going to cut more than five million tons of carbon emissions from coming into the atmosphere through the year 2030. This is comparable to removing one million vehicles from the road for one year.

Continue to follow solar news to stay in the know regarding changes being made. Have you seen any developments in terms of solar and clean energy in your neighborhood? How could you “go green” to improve our planet? There are so many improvements coming to light, and it will be interesting to see where things go in regard to solar power and other renewable energy sources all across the globe.

Sources:

https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/energy/2018/11/15/salt-river-project-solar-power-plan-would-add-1-000-megawatts/2015529002/

https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/elviadiaz/2018/11/16/salt-river-project-outsmarts-aps-brilliant-solar-power-increase/2027716002/

September Trade Creates Production Downfall Against Original Goals of Trump Solar Panel Tariffs

At the beginning of 2018, President Trump initiated his trade war, adding tariffs to #solar panel imports with the intention if increasing solar panel production inside the U.S. The plan was to reduce costs for American production, but several other duties passed by the administration since then have made solar panel production much more expensive. At this point the plan for domestic expansion is now quite limited. 

Tariffs Conflict Original Efforts for the Domestic Solar Industry 

Conflicts that exist within the president’s tariffs place an overall downfall faced by the administration in efforts for economic development. Among these was a levy on imported washing machines intended for the benefit of domestic manufacturers, though it has been undercut by other tariffs on imported metals like steel and aluminum that are needed for production.  

Within the solar industry, the conflicting tariffs that undermine the intended growth of the national industry is even more complex. Because U.S. production of solar panels is only a fraction of the global market, the January tariff sounded positive initially. However, after a positive outlook for the manufacturing industry, cost of purchase and installation for consumers rose significantly. 

While some solar component makers shift production from China to U.S. manufacturers. Some of these are still being made outside of the U.S., such as Enphase #Energy now making microinverters in Mexico, while opposing company SolarEdge will move some production to Romania and Hungary. Basically, this defeats the purpose of the tariff. Reaching the legality of the tariff by avoiding China manufacturing, there is still plenty of production being completed outside U.S. borders. 

With much to be seen in the $17 billion American solar industry, including over 250,000 employees in installation and development. Only about 20% of the national industry includes manufacturing work, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In relation to attempts to increase American solar panel manufacturing, the conflicting challenges of the tariffs put in place this year currently. Hopes exist, as stated by the senior renewable energy specialist of the Commerce Department, that this trouble will slowly fade as trade agreements better develop between the U.S. and China. 

Current Solar Manufacturers Limit Investments in Growth

One solar company, with manufacturing in Fremont, California, admits that this year’s tariffs have raised their U.S. production costs by 30%. Solaria’s Sharma states this is equal to the original solar panel import duty expense, leaving behind the interest that had originally existed in the growth of the California factory. The plan had been to increase to the full 40-megawatt capacity, but because of the tariff costs it kept production consistent.

Sunpower, another major U.S. solar company that manufactures in Oregon, is feeling the strain as a result of the January panel import tariffs. Along with company concerns, as much as they stated openly, tariffs place a damper on the manufacturing expansion that were intended by the original import tariff.   

With several international solar panel manufacturers that also have U.S. factories, including LG of Korea and Heliene of Canada, the new tariffs are still expected to limit their production capabilities. Canadian Silfab Solar also expected elevated production costs at their American factory located in Bellingham, Washington due to the response of the latest tariffs presented by the president. The Asian manufacturer, First Solar, is expanding to an Ohio factory, but now believes higher costs for steel parts and aluminum frames will pose a great production cost increase because of the tariffs on those materials.   

Additionally, the solar and electrical automotive manufacturer Tesla, wrote a letter of complaint in September to the U.S. Trade Representative. This letter stated the potential of the latest tariffs to halter American innovation, business expansion, and creation of national jobs. While Tesla did not comment directly on the effects they faced within U.S. operations as a result of the tariffs, there are apparently already challenges faced that limit increased output.  

The Initial Denial of the January Tariff by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) 

The SEIA is the primary trade group representing the solar industry as a whole. Statements have been made that they group initially opposed the January solar panel tariff due to the potential that the expected benefit was most likely an over-expectation, and that it would fail in the end. Without benefiting domestic manufacturing as planned it would not be able to make up for overall damage to the solar industry. And now, on top of the solar panel tariff, the additional import tariffs on materials needed for component manufacturing are slowing down the industry development even more. There had not been incredibly high expectations for domestic solar production, and now things are falling even farther by the wayside.   

Reference:  

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-solar-insight/trumps-latest-tariffs-undercut-his-first-trade-salvo-in-solar-idUSKCN1N714F 

 

 

Community Solar Gardens Coming to Garfield County Towns

New #solar garden projects are coming to #Garfield County, Colorado. There will be three locations in Garfield County along with three in Mesa County. Parachute will be home to a 100-kilowatt solar garden, while a 1-megawatt solar farm will be finished this winter west of Silt.

These two innovative projects are 100 percent subscribed already. Subscriptions could soon exist for two additional community solar projects also to be built (later in 2019) in Garfield County and Grand Junction.

What is a Community Solar Garden?

It is important to explain how a community solar garden works. This type of project is sometimes referred to as a community solar farm, and it is essentially a solar power installation accepting capital from and offering output credit benefits to investors. In some cases, one purchases individual solar panels installed in the garden. In other words, it is a community shared solar array with subscribers connected to the grid. Individuals such as homeowners and even businesses receive a bill credit as though the solar panels are installed on their own rooftop. Community solar is a concept growing in popularity across the United States, as there are 42 states that have at least a single community solar project lined up, in accordance with Solar Energy Industries Association.

Denver-based #Pivot Energy’s Vice president of project development, #Jon Sullivan, stated that the 100-kilowatt solar garden to be completed in Parachute is under construction. The land is owned by the Garfield Housing Authority. #Standard Solar is working with Pivot #Energy on the creation of the other 10.3 MW of #community solar gardens being built along the Western Slope.

According to Sullivan, while the total electricity costs vary for each unit at the senior complex, the electricity being generated is going to offset the individual units and could credit an individual bill for up to $20 each month.

Big Changes Coming In 2019

Two of the solar gardens being built in Garfield County will serve subscribers to #Xcel Energy, and the 100-kilowatt solar garden was a donation to the Garfield Housing Authority. In accordance with Sullivan, the project west of Silt is going to break ground in the beginning of 2019 and should be finished by March – it is already subscribed 100 percent and all subscribers are in Garfield County. These subscribers include the Battlement Mesa Metro District, the town of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork School District. The electricity provided will be equal to roughly 250 houses.

The 2MW solar garden is still in need of subscribers and land, but the Silt and Parachute projects have been confirmed. The hope is for conditional-usage permits to be signed by Garfield County commissioners by the beginning of 2019.

#Erica Sparhawk, with Clean Energy Economy for the Region (#CLEER), discussed the affordability of solar energy and the fact that CLEER is looking to bring more solar energy opportunities to light as the organization advocates for clean energy. Sparhawk believes opportunities will become more abundant as the cost of renewable energy drops. CLEER is in the process of finalizing the location for the 2MW solar garden.

Local Garfield County towns, such as Silt, New Castle and Parachute, are signed up for a solar garden in Palisade.

Community gardens offer solar energy to subscribers who agree to sign up for 20 years – they receive a certain amount of solar panels which generate energy in order to offset a portion of their [subscriber’s] electricity. Cost savings vary.

Back in March, an article was published on Post Independent indicating that Garfield County will spend just about $1.8 million in electric utilities over the course of the next two decades, with the projected total the county could save by switching to solar at roughly over $417,000. Clearly, the cost savings are quite notable.

Using renewable energy is becoming an incredibly popular concept across the globe. Following solar news will continue to reveal unique projects. Think about changes that could be made where you live – the possibilities are truly endless!

Sources:

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/garfield-county-towns-to-benefit-from-community-solar-gardens/

https://www.postindependent.com/news/garfield-county-towns-to-benefit-from-community-solar-gardens/

https://www.postindependent.com/news/commissioners-hear-solar-garden-proposal-for-garfield-county/

https://www.seia.org/initiatives/community-solar

 

Company to Build Solar Panels on Parking Garage in Brattleboro

In #Brattleboro, #Vermont, a #solar #energy company plans to place solar panels over a #parking garage. According to the Brattleboro Reformer, #Green Lantern Solar was approved by the town Select Board to run a storage battery and microgrid system. The system will consist of a solar array over the Transportation Center (located between Eliot and Flat streets), and intends to utilize the power gathered by this parking garage.

The power gathered by this innovative #solar panel-covered parking garage will be used, for instance, for charging vehicles when the electric grid is down. As with essentially any solar project, there will be cost savings for many, too.

The town of Brattleboro is going to have plenty of opportunity to purchase discounted net-metering credits as it is unable to sell or lease the space until the end of 2019, when the agreement expires. The credits can go toward power bills.

A feasibility study is going to be conducted for this solar project by Green Lantern. #Peter Elwell, Town Manager, stated that Green Lantern is going to cover the costs of the study and all permitting. The expectation is to keep all parking spaces, which is a plus and can ease the minds of anyone with concerns regarding the availability of parking.

The lease is going to have a term of two decades along with three succeeding five-year renewal options starting at the end of year number 20.

Benefits of a Solar Parking Garage

Green Lantern’s Director of Development in southern Vermont, Ralph Meima, approached Brattleboro’s Energy Committee regarding the project earlier this year. He brought awareness to the fact that there is the option for response benefits and emergency management during a grid outage along with educational benefits to this ground-breaking solar parking garage.

Recently, the town of Brattleboro signed up for solar net-metering credits through a project at the Windham Solid Waste Management District.

Lease payments, according to Meima’s approximations, could place roughly $1,200 each year into Brattleboro’s parking fund. At this point in time, it is unknown whether or not the solar array would be taxable. This is a small scale solar project but it will provide a good example of feasibility through development and meaningful research in an urban setting in Vermont, according to Town Manager Peter Elwell.

Elwell discussed how the town of Brattleboro would need confidence that the roof, covered in solar panels, would be able to support the array. The solar project owner would also need to have appropriate insurance in order to protect the utilization of the garage. Perhaps this solar project could end up benefitting low-income residents in the area with the net-metering credits, as an added bonus.

There are many potential perks to a solar panel-covered parking garage. For example, placing solar panels over the roof of a parking garage offers excellent usage of already-available space. The solar panels do not have to take up any additional space. Electric car charging stations (which are available to motorists driving electric vehicles) allow for the ability to use solar power to recharge. The installation of this type of solar energy system will help to lower electric bills, of course. Additionally, there will be protection against rising energy costs. Perhaps above all, the impact on the environment is reduced when we use clean energy.

Parking garages are such a prime opportunity for solar installations. Pavement makes up a great deal of surface area in cities, and much of this pavement is, unquestionably, parking lots. Efficiently using space by installing solar panels on an already-existing structure is a wonderful concept. No additional space needs to be utilized so the square footage being used does not need to change.

Clearly, there are many benefits to building solar panels on top of parking garages, so the town of Brattleboro certainly knows what it is doing. Have you seen the benefits of going solar in your location? How are you lessening your carbon footprint on the planet? There are small steps all of us can take on a daily basis, but it is wonderful to come together as a small town or even as a big city to make impactful changes together. Keep reading solar news to stay in the know – it is fun to read what is happening all across the planet!

Sources:

https://www.heraldcourier.com/news/company-seeks-to-build-solar-panels-on-town-parking-garage/article_1af6868b-0819-5dfb-87e4-19a42923be3b.html

https://www.reformer.com/stories/brattleboro-parking-garage-could-host-innovative-solar-array,555824

 

First Solar Partners with Facebook to Provide Data Center with 100% Renewable Utility

Facebook’s Prineville, Oregon data support center will now be home to a brand-new, and innovative #solar project. This particular solar project is just one component of a greater solar #energy plan that will eventually allow the facility to run on 100% renewable energy. Partnerships among multiple companies such as this, coming together to bring solar power projects to life, is nothing new. In fact, we are seeing more and more leaders from worldwide corporations and solar energy companies come together like never before to meet economic, energy, and environmental goals. 

First Solar’s Vice Presidents of Markets, Origination, and Government Affairs, Eran Mahrer, expressed to Solar Power World Online late last month his enthusiasm and excitement about the current collaborations. He mentioned that their cooperative solar projects, in particular, highlight the benefits of partnering with other businesses in order to make solar power and other renewable utility most effective for all parties involved. Facebook Energy Strategy Manager, Peter Freed, shares the same vision. He appreciates First Solar and their efforts to ultimately bring renewable solar energy to their data center.  

Leading the Trends for Corporate Solar Power 

Senior Director of First Solar, Karl Brutsaert, mentioned to Solar Power World Online that solar energy has become, “one of the cheapest sources of new energy generation available in the United States,” and that he is proud to be a part of helping companies such as Facebook bring their vision for solar power utility into reality. Brutsaert also stressed the importance of integrating solar utility into business for not just economic reasons, but also for environmental reasons, as well. This focus on making wise economic decisions, along with upholding the highest environmental protection standards, is why First Solar is the perfect partner for Facebook’s solar projects.   

Brutsaert continued on to explain that First Solar is equipped to work with corporations worldwide in order to help them reach their solar energy goals, thanks to First Solar keeping up with the latest trends in solar power. Generating reliable and efficient solar utility for large, corporate facilities has been one of their primary objectives as a whole as they continue to make a name for themselves in the solar power realm. Their business models, which integrate various goals with the intent of meeting many broad purposes, have given them the reputation they hold today.  

More Benefits for Prineville 

The Cove Mountain Solar Project will not just benefit the Prineville Facebook Data Center in terms of day-to-day utility usage, but construction alone is expected to add a minimum of 200 new jobs to the area. Those numbers could more than double during the peak construction periods for the solar powered data center, with nearly 500 jobs predicted between construction, maintenance, and operation of the facility. This is great news for surrounding residents and the economy in Prineville as a whole.  

First Solar is one of the world’s leading solar power developers, having financed, developed, and engineered many of the largest PV power plants that exist worldwide. Their focus on sustainability, as well as using the latest and most innovative technology, has put First Solar at the top of list for many companies that desire to make the transition to more renewable utility. This exciting opportunity for the Prineville Facebook Data Center in Oregon to work with First Solar will surely elevate their business model as a whole and introduce a new and more efficient functionality to the day-to-day functioning of the facility. 

Construction on the Cove Mountain Solar Project for Facebook’s data center in Prineville, Oregon is set to begin in late 2019. Official commissioning of the project is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2020. 

Resources:

http://www.firstsolar.com/en/About-Us/Overview 

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/10/facebook-plans-solar-project-for-oregon-data-center/ 

Navajo Nations Set to Proceed with Solar Powered Alternatives

If one is to observe a map of the southwestern portion of the United States, there is a pattern emerging when it comes to #solar power usage and utility. States like Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, that are home to many Navajo Nation regions, are noticeably falling behind compared to the rest of the United States in implementation of solar power. A new report from the Institute for #Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has outlined a movement to change this trend and incorporate solar power utility and renewable energy resources in those regions. The solar energy goals of the report from the IEEFA outline three primary focuses, along with an emphasis on working with Navajo Nation central government, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), and other officials in various chapters of the Navajo Nation across the southwestern region of the United States. In order to implement solar utility in a way that is congruent with the goals of all parties involved, it is stressed throughout the report that the support of the central tribal government is present on everything from infrastructure to revenue streams. 

Addressing Primary Concerns 

Research editor and author of the report released by the IEEFA, Karl Cates, addressed one of the primary concerns and reasons why they are moving forward with solar projects that will impact the Navajo regions. It is likely that the Navajo Generating Station (NGS), a coal-fired utility generator, will close down soon. This will have a great impact on employment in the region, among other consequences. It is the intent of the IEEFA to replace the generator with solar energy utility and increase solar energy usage for this reason. Cates envisions rebuilding a, “new tribal energy economy,” that will not only increase economic benefit for the region, but also allow such regions to maintain independence. They can only do so by communicating effectively with Navajo leaders and officials. The report effectively lays out some positive pathways to be taken in order to do just that. 

Integration Done the Right Way 

Solar power is currently minimal in tribal lands in the United States and tribes are often propositioned by solar power leaders to move forward on solar energy projects. With solar and renewable utility developments appearing across the country at a rapid rate, it is becoming more apparent that Navajo and other tribal regions are falling behind. However, it takes delicacy, respect and a willingness to communicate with various Navajo organizations to ensure the longevity of solar energy projects in the region and maintaining positive relationships among tribal and state officials. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis has appeared to have taken great care in their endeavor to bring solar energy to these regions. 

Three Primary Goals 

The first component of the solar utility plan proposed by the IEEFA to bring more solar-powered resources to Navajo tribe regions in the United States is to help evolve tribal solar utility policy. They have already seen success on this front with the Kayenta Solar Facility, which was built back in 2017. The facility also serves to help train those in solar power construction and installation, so the resources necessary to educate tribal regions would be made available as solar power continues to develop as part of the IEEFA’s plan.  

The second goal includes ensuring the support of the central tribal government and making sure that solar power revenue streams are shared with local land owners and tribes. A brand-new department, the Office of Energy Resources and Development, has been created to help navigate solar power revenue. 

Lastly, the IEEFA hopes that this campaign to bring solar power to their regions will enhance the Navajo Nation and local chapters in positive ways. They hope to continue to increase opportunity and benefit for the Navajo nations involved and are determined to maintain open and flexible communication with Navajo leaders as the solar energy projects are continually planned, evolved, and constructed. 

Optimizing Potential 

The rich potential of the southwestern portions of the United States to harness the power of solar energy must first be expressed and approved by current leaders and land owners. The report continually brings the focus back to using solar power to benefit the Navajo nation and local chapters, providing an optimistic and encouraging glimpse into the future of solar power and its integration into tribal life. 

Read the full report here: https://ift.tt/2FcleZs 

Resource 

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/11/report-growing-interest-navajo-utility-scale-solar-industry/ 

Proposition 127 and America’s Sunniest State Battling to Support Solar Energy

Arizona, the brightest state in the country, with the most sun, also has a predicted 30 more hundred-degree days annually throughout the coming decades due to progressing climate change. With costs of #solar #energy technology and battery storage quickly falling, the APS director stated they are now frequently more affordable than fossil fuels and natural gas since 2017. Even with these numbers, Arizona still generates only six per cent of its power from solar, according to supporters of this movement. The state currently requires utilities to generate eight per cent of their power from sources like solar and wind, and requires increasing to fifteen per cent in the next seven years.

Details of Proposition 127

For the past year, Proposition 127, an amendment added to Arizona’s constitution requiring power companies to generate 50% of their electricity from renewable sources over a decade, has faced aggressive opposition from the state’s largest utility, APS. With the vote occurring this year, the battle for further solar energy generation in the sunniest state could progress.

Once Proposition 127 was on the ballot, Arizona’s attorney general had to sign off on its language. While APS had donated $425,000 to the attorney general’s last campaign and a $150,000 to the current effort to get him re-elected, there could be some potential influence as for the veto of Proposition 127 at this point. Perhaps the largest argument placed against Proposition 127 is that it would force the closure of the Palo Verde nuclear plant, largest in the nation. Unlike natural gas systems, which can be quickly ramped up or down depending on customer energy needs, nuclear power generates a standard amount of power at a consistent and unvarying rate.

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS)

While RPS are some of the of the most powerful tools that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions are already about one-third and also expected to continue incredibly through 2025. Proposition 127 and other legislation are expected to cut approximately 620 metric tons of carbon emissions throughout the nation. However, Arizona alone has developed the goal to increase solar energy along with roughly 22 million dollars spent on campaigning toward the pass of Proposition 127.

RPS’s do not automatically reduce greenhouse-gas emissions but must be implemented in connection with other emission-reducing policies, such as tax incentives, net metering, and improved transmission corridors. These move renewable energy from where it is generated to where it’s needed. While there are some rate increases, reports from the Natural Resources Defence Council prove possible rate decreases consistent with experts at Arizona State University showing no connection between clean energy and increased utility rates. In fact, the average rate increases have been 2.7% per year, more than other states with stronger renewable energy standards.

Details of the Arizona Public Service (APS)

However, investors, with motivated protection of shareholder profits, own APS, and many of them do not live in Arizona, Additionally, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), who is required to keep the workings of APS up to par, is supposed to set limits on capital investments, prices, and profit margin.

For APS, a $200 million fuel plant would be more beneficial than a $20 million solar farm because the utility can charge higher rates to recoup its investment costs. Proposition 127 is greatly based on the 2017 data where the APS called for more than five thousand megawatts of natural gas additions and almost no renewable-based utilities. One APS central claim, based on an economic analysis it funded and using data it provided, is that Proposition 127 would cause Arizona’s annual utility bills to increase by an average of roughly $1000 annually per household. However, if this were the true question on the matter, then APS, whose chief concern is shareholder value, would be all for it.

APS has stated that utility-scale solar power, especially when the sun is shining, on top of the current flow of nuclear power, would create an oversupply of energy. It could become too expensive to continue to run the nuclear plant. To meet periods of high demand, like summer evenings, APS would have to build more natural gas, quick start plants. Since that’s half of the clean energy that APS generates, Proposition 127, would force the plant to close, raising the state’s greenhouse-gas emissions. The former ACC commissioner disagreed. APS owns only a quarter of local utilities while six other entities co-own the rest. Energy would still be distributed at a workable cost across the Southwest. Then exists the idea that a greater reliance on renewable energy would put the nuclear plant out of business.

Reference:

https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/the-battle-for-solar-energy-in-the-countrys-sunniest-state

Airport in Africa Goes Solar

You might have heard of a relatively new concept – airports using #solar power. Airports in both India and Hawaii are doing this, and for good reason. Solarcentury, a respected solar business founded back in 1998, recently announced that a contract was signed with the International Civil Aviation Organization. The plan is to commence work at #Moi International Airport, which is located in Mombasa, a seaport city on the coast of Kenya.

Offsetting Carbon Dioxide

According to #Solarcentury, 820,000 kilowatt hours of #energy would be produced each year thanks to this solar system, which would in turn offset more than 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. To be more precise, it would offset 1,300 tons of CO2. Undeniably, it can be difficult to understand numbers when it comes to “weighing” energy. For the record, one ton is the equivalent of one thousand pounds of carbon dioxide. It’s an impressive number, to be sure!

Moi International Airport is East Africa’s first airport to have solar installed. The solar photovoltaic system’s photovoltaic cells will convert light from the sun into electricity. The objective is admirable, to say the least, and things will soon be up and running.

Going Solar by 2019

It is anticipated to take roughly 10 months in terms of construction for the solar system which, by 2019, will produce solar electricity.  The European Union is funding a $7.4 million initiative that this solar project is a part of. It was implemented by the ICAO.

A total of 14 countries are being targeted through this solar initiative and the goal is to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the aviation sector.

Kenya Airports Authority’s managing director, Jonny Andersen, has stated that the combination of a reduction in carbon emissions and savings on electricity would work to contribute toward effectual operations of Moi International Airport – clearly, there are both savings and benefits involved with going solar.

This airport is not the first to go solar, as you might already be aware. Hawaii’s Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is going to see more than 4,200 solar modules installed in the near future – and according to the Department of Transportation, power created by the solar panels is going to cut the electricity bill as a whole by close to half.

#Champion of Earth – Recognizing the Power of Solar

In the state of Kerala, #India’s Cochin International Airport claims to be the first to be completely powered by solar energy. There are more than 46,000 solar panels in its system. Actually, this airport received the highest environmental honors from the United Nations when it was awarded the Champion of Earth Prize. It’s easy to see why – the airport’s solar plant creates up to 60,000 units of electricity on a daily basis to take care of its energy needs.

Clearly, there are many steps being taken toward having a better world with cleaner energy. This new system at Moi International Airport is going to be interconnected to the airport terminal grid. Solarcentury is going to set up airport gate electrification equipment made up of a PCA unit (electric powered pre-conditioned air unit) and a GPU converter (Ground Power Unit). There will also be a large battery storage that is going to be providing power to the GPU and PCA.

Visionaries all across the globe are helping us to reach new heights with regard to environmental sustainability. Perhaps in the future, much of our energy will come from solar power – or at least, from clean energy sources.

Are there solar steps being taken in your area? Have you noticed changes being made, for instance, solar panels going up on rooftops? The solar initiative taking place at this popular #African airport is meant to help with carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation – but the positive impact it could have, in many ways, is sure to be substantial. How could things change by you? If we work together, there are so many ways we can improve the world. Follow solar news to stay in the know! You might just discover something that sparks an idea – and ideas can change the world.

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/01/african-airport-turns-to-solar-power-as-it-aims-to-cut-emissions.html

https://www.esi-africa.com/kenya-moi-international-airport-to-operate-on-solar-power/

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/solar-powered-cochin-airport-gets-uns-highest-environmental-accolade-5278121/