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/