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/