Xtra Solar News
Accumulating more solar news in a week this time, instead of 3 months, I’ll supplement the headlines and links with short summaries again, since I know some of you prefer that. Click, read, enjoy.
Solar Projects
How Austin Energy Aims to Reach Solar-Plus-Storage Integration at 14 Cents per Kilowatt-Hour
Back in December, Texas utility Austin Energy won a $4.3 million grant from the Department of Energy’s new SHINES (Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar PV) program. The goal: to test integrated, reliable, almost dispatchable solar PV, backed by batteries, thermal energy storage, and flexible demand-side resources, all at the cost of 14 cents per watt.
South Africa’s Largest Solar PV Project Completed
South Africa’s largest solar power project has now achieved full operational capacity giving a major and yet another boost to the country’s landmark Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme.
Largest Retail Solar Array in Nevada Belongs to IKEA
The new solar array recently installed on the roof of the soon-to-be-open IKEA store in Las Vegas is the largest retail solar array in Nevada. The store is set to open May 18, 2016. The store’s 240,504 square foot solar power system is a 1.14 MW system, built with 3,620 panels.
Historic Dresden Raceway Rents Stable Roofs For 250 Kilowatt Solar Array
The completion of the 250kW system at the historic Dresden Raceway in Belleville, Ontario, has been announced. This solar electricity platform is expected to ensure the long-term economic viability of a great racing tradition through reliable revenue even in times the track is idle.
World’s Largest Solar Glass Envelope To Supply Electricity At Copenhagen International School
Dubai-based Emirates Insolaire will supply about 12,000 solar glass panels to the Copenhagen International School in Denmark, boosting the facility’s production of clean electricity. Emirates Insolaire produces and distributes colored solar glass and colored PV modules using what is called Kromatix technology. This technology allows solar PV to be integrated into the architectural design of all types.
Pre-fab Solar Plan Could Slash Cost Of Solar Farms
A start-up in Australia is experimenting with pre-fabricated solar systems that can be transported to remote locations and set up in a matter of days or even hours. Later, they can be taken down and moved to a new location.
In a boost for clean energy, the US Department of Energy will provide funding for 24 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to deploy clean energy and energy efficiency projects. In today’s press announcement, the DOE outlined plans to invest over $9 million in 16 facility- and community-scale energy projects in 24 tribal communities.
Concentrated Solar Power | About Solar Concentrator Technology
Solar concentrator technology, commonly referred to as concentrated solar power, stands in contrast to static photovoltaic panel electricity generating technologies, because it operates using moving parts, like a turbine, which can then generate electricity.
Other
The Layman’s Guide To The Value Of PV Solar
The PV solar industry is experiencing explosive growth and many homeowners and business owners are being approached by solar companies to buy or lease a solar system. The purpose of this solar guide is to provide consumers with real numbers and objective information so they will be educated on what to expect from installing solar.
How Does Solar Energy Work? How Solar Power Works
If asked how solar energy works, not many can accurately describe solar power fundamentals to friends and associates. So here is a refresher for those wanting to refresh their renewable energy knowledge base. Sun basics It helps understanding how this remarkable source of energy burns.
Arizona Solar Faceoff: Kingman & Lake Havasu City Public Hearings March 31st
As reported by Havasu News, UniSource Energy Services is seeking approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission ACC) to put “mandatory demand charges” on residential electric bills. Public hearings are scheduled March 31st in the Kingman and Lake Havasu City areas.
Fossil Fuel Dinosaurs Need To Adapt To The New Energy Climate Or Go Extinct
The three-year-old fossil-fuel divestment movement, initiated by Bill McKibben and other climate activists, has been fairly successful at getting institutions—foundations, municipalities, universities and pension funds—to divest fossil fuels from their stock portfolios. In fact, 509 divesters have shed fossil-fuel investments worth an estimated $3.4 trillion. The latest example is the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
Colorado Regulators Reject Deal to Address Negative RECs for Community Solar
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission last week voted down a compromise agreement between Xcel Energy and three community solar installers that stakeholders say would have corrected flaws in the state’s stalled community solar program.
Nevada PUC’s Rooftop Solar Scrum Continues
The rooftop solar scrum continues in Nevada courtroom, following news The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) filed suit against the Nevada Public Utilities Commission on Friday last week. According to UtilityDIVE, TASC’s lawsuit seeks to overturn the PUC’s recent decision lowering net metering rates and increasing fixed charges.
Gathering Of Solar Advocates Protests SDG&E Net Metering Challenge
According to the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA), protests were heard from a passionate crowd of local clean energy advocates gathered last Wednesday at San Diego Gas & Electric’s Corporate Campus in Kearny Mesa. In its press announcement, CALSEIA stated the protest was organized in conjunction with two other organizations.
Arizona SB 1417 May Slow Rooftop Solar Growth
Arizona SB 1417, a new bill limiting the Arizona rooftop solar industry and being tagged as anti-business, has arrived on Governor Doug Ducey’s desk. SB 1417, if signed, would increase costs for solar companies and customers, and likely increase the time it takes for consumers to get rooftop solar, writes Rose Law Group Reporter.
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