Whether German feed-in tariffs or U.S. tax incentives, opponents of solar rail at its perceived high cost. But a story making rounds recetly, “Why power generators are terrified of solar,” presents a powerful image that may flip this conventional wisdom on its head. Building lots of solar power can … [continued]
A new report shows that, as of the second quarter of 2012, the number of microgrids either planned, proposed or currently operating has continued to increase, representing a 54 percent increase over planned and operating capacity identified in the fourth quarter of 2011. “Microgrids are rapidly moving beyond pilot … [continued]
A new report from the prominent global consulting firm McKinsey shows why solar photovoltaics have hit a tipping point. As the economics of solar PV continue to improve steadily and dramatically, McKinsey analysts conclude that the total “economic potential” of solar PV deployment could reach 600-1,000 gigawatts (1 million megawatts) … [continued]
Sales of smart meters declined last year in this country compared to 2011, the peak year, according to a new report on the matter. According to Boulder, CO-based Pike Research, smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure have helped transform the electricity metering market into a high-tech, high-growth juggernaut. In 2008, less … [continued]
In 2011, 2.7 million people across Southern California, Arizona, and Baja California were left without power when a single transmission line in Arizona was lost, which led to a cascading series of failures. Now, a report which was initiated in an effort to determine the cause of the blackout … [continued]
Europe’s renewable energy drive is opening up substantial new opportunities for innovative US companies such as Chicago-based smart grid systems provider S&C Electric, which is doubling the size of its factory in Milwaukee as a result of its growing European and overseas business portfolio.
Solar energy as cheap as grid-supplied electricity could be just a few years away, at least for large commercial facilities with flat rooftops or some acreage to spare. Six years ago the Department of Energy awarded a $42 million grant to a company called Nanosolar for the development of … [continued]
Manitoba is set to create a New Energy Jobs Fund, to compliment Manitoba’s clean cheap energy from Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said in a press release recently. “Manitoba is a leader in renewable energy, with major investments in hydro, wind, geothermal heating and bio-energy,” Selinger said. The … [continued]
US small business owners support government clean energy investment, EPA CO2 emissions regulations and ending oil-and-gas industry subsidies, but who’s listening on Capitol Hill?
It seems that every day I’m reading (or even writing) about solar and wind energy’s prices and potential without government subsidies — but it is really ridiculous that dropping government subsidies should even be on the table. Amongst the political right (especially politicians and media), there’s a common argument … [continued]
