Alternative Clean Energy Roundup: 8 February 2014

Why PV Solar is Better than Thermal Energy for Precious Water Supplies

02/07/14 - Lack of water is a huge problem in vast portions of the United States, where there is hardly enough to go around after the farms, ranches and cities have gotten their fill. So it really makes no sense that we waste massive amounts of water in order to generate thermal power. In fact, running these plants require four times more water than that used by every citizen in the country combined. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had an alternative energy source that is clean, efficient and uses significantly less water? You know, something like photovoltaic solar power?

In 2008, every single day thermal power plants used up 2.8 – 5.9 billions of gallons of water. Between them, the plants actually withdrew 60 to 170 billion gallons, though most of that water is returned to rivers and lakes. The problem with that is that much of the water in the west comes from underground aquifers, some of which are very slow to replenish, if they do at all. read more>>>

Indian microgrids seek to bring millions out of darkness

January 31, 2014 - Bharath Kumar was furious that the lights went out an hour early. His candy-making operation in the village of Tamkuha, in northern India, had been plunged into darkness at mid-batch, forcing him to use a weak, battery-powered lantern to manage his boiling pots.

"If I knew that the power would be shut off an hour earlier, I would not have mixed the sugar in the flour," he fumed. "This is not the first time. I will keep a record of when the power is switched off every night and show this when they come for collections." read more>>>

Solar Energy is Cash and Sunshine in Your Pocket

January 31st, 2014 - Is there money to be made on your roof? With the never-ending availability of sunshine and the evolution of solar technology many are recognizing the benefits of solar. The decision making process though is not for the faint of heart. Recognizing the difficulty in breaking through the process a company called Generaytor out of Tel Aviv has developed a free web-based app to show how much money can be saved and made with rooftop solar panels.

CEO and founder Amit Rosner says it’s incredible to see how long it takes people to go solar due to its complexity especially when one is not familiar with the technology. “Since it is a long-term investment, it is important to make a educated decision,” Rosner says. So, to support the process, Generaytor’s platform connects novice decision makers with solar panel users who are more than pleased to share their experience. read more>>>

New theory may lead to more efficient solar cells

January 29, 2014 - A new theoretical model developed by professors at the University of Houston (UH) and Université de Montréal may hold the key to methods for developing better materials for solar cells.

Eric Bittner, a John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Chemistry and Physics in UH's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Carlos Silva, an associate professor at the Université de Montréal and Canada Research Chair in Organic Semiconductor Materials, say the model could lead to new solar cell materials made from improved blends of semiconducting polymers and fullerenes. read more>>>

Northeast U.S. leading in energy policy, support and investment

February 3, 2014 - The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States are experiencing unprecedented savings in electricity and natural gas use, thanks to a combined commitment to invest more than $2.5 billion dollars in energy efficiency through 2013, according to a report by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). The report examines overall policy trends, provides snapshots on state progress and pitfalls, and gauges states' progress toward capturing cost-effective energy efficiency as the region's first-order resource to help meet energy demand as cleanly and cheaply as possible.

"Over the last year, we saw states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic continue making solid advances by putting more of their energy dollars towards cost-effective efficiency as a first order resource," said Natalie Treat, NEEP policy outreach manager. read more>>>

South Africa emerging as attractive solar PV market

February 3, 2014 - South Africa is becoming the most attractive emerging solar photovoltaic (PV) market globally due to its goal of building 8.4 GW of PV capacity by 2030 and the success of its large-scale tendering process in attracting investment to fulfill that goal, according to analysis by IHS Technology.

In the IHS Emerging PV Markets Attractiveness Index for the fourth quarter of 2013, South Africa scored 66 out of 100 -- 17 points ahead of Thailand, the second most attractive market -- based on attractiveness to investors, developers and manufacturers in macroeconomic climate, potential market size, project profitability and pipeline maturity. read more>>>

Just who is financing some of N.C.'s largest solar projects?

Feb 3, 2014 - There is little doubt that solar energy is clean energy – and a widespread use of such energy is good for the environment.

So, when Chapel Hill-based Strata Solar started this ambitious journey of generating hundreds of megawatts of solar energy across North Carolina, and selling it back to the power companies such as Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), if you are an investor in solar, you are wondering about the ROI. It is a sure shot, right?

Well, not exactly. read more>>>

Duke Energy seeks proposals for solar energy

Duke Energy Indiana announced Monday it would issue a request for proposals for companies interested in supplying the company with solar energy.

According to documents from the energy provider, “The request is for capacity, energy, and renewable energy credits from one or more solar electric generating facilities that could provide up to five megawatts of electric power to customers.”

The requests would allow the energy provider to collect electric energy via solar panels from solar harvesting sites. read more>>>

Khalifa: Green economy forms key factor of strategic thinking

3 February 2014 - The President praises organisers of the National Environment Day for selecting the theme of Green Economy: Innovation and Sustainability.

The Green Economy has offered a new model of economic development to which all nations and peoples aspire, to improve living conditions, provide justice and use resources efficiently, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has affirmed.

Shaikh Khalifa praised the organisers of the National Environment Day for selecting the theme of “Green Economy: Innovation and Sustainability” for the 17th national event. read more>>>

SMART-Induction Lighting Paired With Solar Canopies Provides Boost for California School District

February 03, 2014 - With support from SolarCity, Woodland Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) has implemented solar structures at 10 different parking sites throughout the district. CLTC supported the district's selection of energy-efficient adaptive lighting for the solar-paneled carports at four of the sites. The carports feature 70 watt induction luminaires from EverLast Lighting equipped with motion sensors that adapt light levels to real-time needs, providing full light output when occupants approach and reducing lighting power when areas are vacant. The lighting controls are expected to reduce lighting energy use up to 50 percent.

"This is great news and really an important next step," says Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center and the Rosenfeld Chair in Energy Efficiency at U.C. Davis. The 70 watt EverLast® Bi-Level canopy fixtures are only part of a comprehensive line of advanced induction solutions offered by the manufacturer. "We are seeing a growth in photovoltaic (PV) parking canopy applications throughout California and nationwide," says Professor Siminovitch, "but without adaptive lighting controls integrated into these installations, we are missing a huge opportunity for energy savings." read more>>>