October 21st, 2011 | by Andrew
The use of semiconductors, digital and solid state electronics is reshaping the architecture of solar power systems. Along with other innovations, this holds out the promise that solar power systems will soon be performing more efficiently, at higher levels and at further reduced costs. ArrayPower, a Silicon Valley start-up, launched its Sequenced Inverter - the first of its kind - at SPI in Dallas this week. Senior company executives spoke with Clean Technica about their technology and company while at the show
August 23rd, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
This isn't an intro on solar power technology. I'm sure you can find that over on Wikipedia. This is a quick intro on some of the top topics of concern to those who want to see us cruise into a bright future, not stumble and crash into some truly dark days
July 12th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
Some solar energy news from around from the past week or so
June 26th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
I wrote recently on the costs of wind power and how they compare to the costs of traditional forms of power like coal and nuclear when you take externalities and other subsidies into account. I was going to wait until I wrapped up our "comprehensive wind power page" to write on this topic for solar power, but a new report out from the Institute for Local Self Reliance pushed me into the topic a little early.
June 21st, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
On this 2011 summer solstice (the longest day of the year) in the Northern Hemisphere, I thought I'd break out of my normal, obsessive news coverage and commentary tendency to step back and reflect a little more than usual. Here on CleanTechnica, that means reflecting on the clear benefits of solar energy and the clear question I think anyone not yet hooked up to solar could be asking themselves, reflecting on today
June 19th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
I know, solar panel records are set almost everyday these days, it seems. One reason solar power costs have already dropped over 20% this year. But who doesn't love a "new solar panel record set" story
June 17th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
Just a note for all you solar lovers (I think we've got a few on here :D): SolarDay 2011 is tomorrow, June 18 (in Canada, the U.S., and the UK).
You have to love the line from the folks behind this great day: "The world's energy future: 50 years of oil reserves, 200 years of coal reserves and at least 5 billion years of solar energy." That puts things into perspective a bit, eh
June 17th, 2011 | by Guest Contributor
Its funny how a simple thing like a computer virus can make take a step back appreciate your business. This morning a virus shut down my computer and let me have some time to just think about the business I have. (Anyone else notice how useless you are without a computer these days?)
And in thinking about my business I was able to break down what I love about this industry and why
June 17th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
A new report published yesterday by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) and GTM Research, U.S. Solar Market Insight: Q1 2011, indicates that the U.S. solar energy industry is continuing its record-setting growth. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy and is making noteworthy strides in both installed solar power capacity and solar manufacturing
June 16th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
Interested to know which solar panel companies make the most sales in California? Well, the California Solar Initiative (CSI) has compiled and revealed data on just that
June 15th, 2011 | by Reggie Norris
A recent report by the Department of Energy Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) provides the latest and greatest evidence that the addition of solar panels on homes increases the resale value of these homes
June 10th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
Solar power in some markets is already cost-competitive with power from fossil fuels or nuclear energy. It's expected to take over more and more markets in the very near future as its costs continue to decline and the costs of other antiquated energy sources continue to rise
June 9th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
Germany is all the talk lately. And for obvious reasons. It's already a world leader in clean energy and now its decided to close all of its nuclear power plants by 2022 (as I reported a little more than a month ago). This has instigated political controversy, wild claims, clean energy enthusiasm, and a number of new reports. It has also helped to light a fire under other countries slower to react on the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan and slower to implement progressive clean energy policies to tackle catastrophic global climate change.
A number of stories focused on Germany have popped up this week that I thought I'd give a little extra attention to
June 9th, 2011 | by Guest Contributor
The pace of solar installations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is ironically destroying the incentives that make such installations possible
June 8th, 2011 | by Zachary Shahan
I just reported yesterday on a new report out by Ernst & Young showing that China is the most attractive country in the world for renewable energy investors. However, it wasn't ranked as top for solar energy investment (was tied for third with Spain behind the US and India). That may change next time around (the report is released every quarter), as China is preparing to officially up its 2015 solar capacity target from 5 GW to 10 GW!
