Solar mecca
Plans to build three large energy plants on the Carrizo Plain could turn SLO County into a nationwide pioneer — but the proposals aren’t without critics, who say the industrial uses would cause irreparable harm to the area’s environment and wildlife
By David Sneed, sanluisobispo.com
San Luis Obispo County could become the nation’s leader in solar energy if three large-scale commercial solar plants are approved to start operating near the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Two are photovoltaic plants that use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, they would be the two largest photovoltaic systems in the world.
The third would also be the world’s largest of its kind: a solar thermal plant that uses the sun’s heat to drive electrical steam generators.
The plants could be online as early as 2013. Together, they would produce 977 megawatts of power, enough electricity to serve more than 100,000 homes. Not only are the plants large, they are also on track to be some of the first to come online, said Sue Kateley, executive director of the California chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association.
“San Luis Obispo County could be the first to see the actual shovels in the ground,” she said.
Several factors are driving this unprecedented growth of solar power.
One is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ambitious goal of having 33 percent of the state’s power come from renewable sources by 2020. State and federal tax breaks also encourage the quick development of renewable energy sources.
All three plants are still in the planning phase with state and county officials processing construction applications, but little seems to stand in the way of their eventual approval. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has signed contracts to purchase all the power they will produce.
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Siemens Make Major Investment into Solar Energy
From RDMag.com
“Thanks to its intensive sunshine and steadily growing demand for energy, Israel is an ideal location for further developing our solar business.” The equity investment will make it possible to build Israel’s first commercial solar farms – to be located in the region between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. The investment is aimed at constructing the solar fields with a significant proportion of Siemens know-how, delivering technology, e.g. inverter and transformers, ensuring new projects for the group. As Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contractor, Siemens will handle project management including engineering and construction of the photovoltaic plants. Overall, Siemens has concluded a framework agreement to build solar plants with a total output of 40 megawatts (MW).
The first project will be the construction of a plant with an output of up to 4.9 MW at Kibbutz Ketura, in the southern desert of Israel. Additional photovoltaic plants are already being planned for the Negev and Arava deserts and Israel’s aim is to meet around ten percent of its total energy needs with renewable energy plants by 2020.
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California solar energy facilities to power up to 170,000 homes
From Coolerplanet.com
Southern California Edison and First Solar have announced agreements that will result in two new large-scale solar energy projects in the southern part of the state.
An announcement from the California utility says that the planned facilities will be among the largest of their kind, with a combined output of 550 megawatts of solar energy generated by photovoltaic panels. The electricity by these two facilities will be sufficient to power about 170,000 homes, according to SCE.
“Supplying solar power to Southern California Edison and its customers advances our mission of providing clean, affordable and sustainable solar electricity. These projects will help California reach its renewable energy goals, and are powerful examples of large-scale photovoltaic solar generation becoming a reality in the United States,” said John Carrington of First Solar.
Specifically, there will be a 250 megawatt facility near the city of Desert Center, along with a 300 megawatt project in San Bernadino County.
Construction on the facilities is set to begin in 2012 for the Desert Center project and in 2013 for the one in San Bernadino County. The utility noted that during this time, several hundred construction jobs will also be created.
Solar industry to see faster than expected growth
By CHRIS KAHN AP Energy Writer, mercurynews.com
NEW YORK—The solar energy industry will grow faster than expected during the next few years as American utilities invest heavily in large-scale solar farms, analysts with Barclays Capital said Tuesday in a research note.
Barclays analyst Vishal Shah noted that demand for utility-scale solar projects could eventually make up half of the U.S. market. Major utilities could install about 5 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic projects during the next three years, the analyst said.
Solar power is still a tiny player on the American electrical grid, however.
The utility-scale projects currently in operation in the U.S. provide 444 megawatts of energy to the grid according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. That’s enough to power 2.8 million homes, and it’s only a fraction of the power generated by another alternative energy source, the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station near Phoenix.
That amount is expected to jump more than 12-fold in the next few years, however, with dozens of new solar plants under development in California, Arizona, Florida and Hawaii.
Shah said SunPower Corporation, First Solar Inc., Suntech Power Holdings Co. and Yingli Green Energy will be the primary players in utility-scale projects in coming years.
Because of the banking meltdown, the expansion depends heavily on the promise of billions of federal stimulus dollars that Congress earmarked for solar in the past year.
Power companies have had trouble raising money for major projects, and they still don’t yet know how they can access federal grants and loan guarantees.
SEIA spokeswoman Monique Hanis said the Treasury Department and the Department of Energy are expected provide more information this summer.
“The sooner we can get some guidance, the sooner we can get moving on these projects,” Hanis said.
Taiwan green energy industry set to boom after new law enacted
By Deborah Kuo, eTaiwanNews.com
Taiwan’s green energy industy is poised to boom after a statute aimed at promoting renewable energy development cleared the legislative floor last week, a Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) official said Saturday.
Yeh Hui-ching, director of the MOEA Bureau of Energy, said passage of the Renewable Energy Development Act has formally ushered into Taiwan the era of alternative energy development and related applications.
“It means that in the future, the development and application of renewable, pollution-free sources of energy that produce low amounts of carbon-dioxide emissions will be given priority in terms of low-carbon energy development in the country, ” Yeh said during a ceremony marking the establishment of the Taipei-based Chinese Alternative Energy Association.
The enactment of the statute represents the beginning of a linkage between energy and environmental conservation, he said.
The act provides a legal framework that will encourage investment in renewable energy production and offer incentives to local consumers to install renewable energy equipment.
Under the law, the government will provide incentives such as equipment purchase subsidies and low-interest loans to increase renewable energy generating capacity in Taiwan to between 6.5 million kilowatts and 10 million kilowatts.
Yeh said it is hoped that these and other incentives will boost the development of local solar, wind, biomass and other green sectors.
In line with the spirit of the new statute, he said, the Executive Yuan has also instructed that 10 percent of the funding for public construction projects under the government’s public works stimulus package will be set aside for the development of renewable energy or energy-saving efforts.
“These plans will in turn form the foundation of green business in the country,” he added.
In addition to permitting state-run Taiwan Power Co. to buy electricity generated by private renewable energy investors, the statute also allows the government to offer other incentives to speed up the development of renewable energy technologies.
The statute stipulates that the development of solar photovoltalic energy, solar thermal energy, wind power generation, biomass energy and nuclear power generation will be given priority in terms of energy development.
Of these sectors, the solar energy sector will hopefully become the country’s next NT$1 trillion industrial sector and result in Taiwan becoming a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltalic energy equipment in the world, said National Taiwan University President Lee Si-chen, who is the convener of a national energy development project authorized by the National Science Council.
“The government’s target is quite clear now that the installation capacity of renewable energy will account for 15 percent of the entire power installation capacity in the country by 2025, with its power generation capacity projected to increase to 8 percent of the total power supply in Taiwan,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, Tsai Chin-yao, chairman of the Solar Photovoltalic Energy Development Committee under the non-profit Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Taiwan, forecast that the enactment of the statute will spark investment of NT$30 billion in Taiwan’s renewable energy sector within one year.
The investment could create up to 10,000 jobs and generate NT$100 billion in revenues within one to two years, he forecast.
Facts on Energy: Solar
By Institute for Energy Research, CanadaFreePress.com
Statistics
In 2008, solar represented 0.09 percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. [1] and 0.02 percent of all electricity generated in the U.S.[2]
* In 2008, solar generating capacity in the U.S. totaled 514 megawatts and generated 843 million kilowatt hours.[3] Solar turbines generated only a percentage of their theoretical maximum output due to their intermittency (the sun does not always shine).
* In 2006, photovoltaic cell and module shipments totaled 337 megawatts, and were estimated at 430 megawatts in 2007. These include communications, transportation, health, and grid-interactive and remote electric generation applications. [4]
* Due to incentives in the stimulus and to state mandates highlighted below, the Energy Information Administration projects solar thermal and photovoltaic generating capacity in the electric power sector to increase to 0.60 gigawatts by 2010, 1.02 gigawatts by 2020, and 1.24 gigawatts by 2030. End-use photovoltaic capacity is expected to grow to 1.86 gigawatts in 2010, 10.78 gigawatts in 2020, and 12.3 gigawatts in 2030. Together, generation from solar is projected to increase to 4.12 billion kilowatt hours by 2010, 20.11 billion kilowatt hours by 2020, and 23.22 billion kilowatt hours by 2030. This level of projected solar generation in 2030 represents 0.46 percent of total U.S. electricity generation.[5]
* Because solar power is available only when the sun shines and varies with the seasons of the year, statements about how solar units can produce enough electricity to serve a large number of homes are misleading. Since a solar unit cannot supply power continuously, dispatchable generators (usually fossil-fuel) are required to provide back-up power to the system.
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Solar Power for the Farm or Ranch
I’ve been working on a side project for one of the ranches I work with to install some form of renewable energy. Due to the ranch’s location, we have opted to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy production system. The ranch gets lots of sun every year, and less predictable wind.
Many of you with livestock are probably familiar with small scale PV systems that charge the batteries that electrify your cattle/livestock fences. Some of you might also have small solar panels on metering and reporting systems for outlying wells, your RTK systems, or weather stations. In my case, we are looking at a much larger system for the entire ranch including 3 homes and a large implementation and equipment barn.
Why Go to the Hassle?
Its simple; you don’t have to be a big environmentalist for a PV system to make sense on your farm or ranch. All you need is a willingness to making long term investments that improve your operations bottom line. (I’ve never met a farmer that didn’t make long term investments in his/her operation) PV systems eventually lead to “free power” after they pay for themselves and a typical system can last 25 to 30 years. With current incentive programs, PV systems are more affordable than ever which leads to quicker payoffs. This means a short period of time until the system actually starts providing free power to your agribusiness or farm enterprise. In some cases we are talking about 4 to 6 year pay offs.
Depending on the overall cost of your system, due to your needs, and depending on the some interesting incentives programs, PV has become relatively cheap. Part of what contributes to the “cheapness equation” is your local power costs. These have been historically low in the US, but as we know from last year’s fuel prices, the US really isn’t in control of our energy costs. Much of the power generated in the US is created by burning fossil fuels that we buy from foreign nations.
USDA Grants REAP Rewards
If you are contemplating a similar alternative renewable energy system installation for your farm or ranch, you should know that the Rural Development division of the USDA is currently accepting applications for grant money and guaranteed loans under programs called REAP/RES/EEI. (Rural Energy For America Program Grants/Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program) The deadline is July 31 2009, so you’re going to have to get moving on this one.
According to the USDA, “REAP/RES/EEI Grants Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.”
How much are the REAP grants?
The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up to 25% of total eligible project costs. Grants are limited to $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Grant requests as low as $2,500 for renewable energy systems and $1,500 for energy efficiency improvements will be considered. At least 20% of the grant funds awarded must be for grants of $20,000 or less.
Who is eligible?
The program is designed to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses that are able to demonstrate financial need. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50% or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply.
What kinds of projects are eligible?
Most rural projects that reduce energy use and result in savings for the agricultural producer or small business are eligible as energy efficiency projects. These include projects such as retrofitting lighting or insulation, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficiency units. Eligible renewable energy projects include projects that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The projects can produce any form of energy including, heat, electricity, or fuel.
For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible, and must be owned by the applicant.
How does the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program compare to the Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loan and Grant?
How Can I Apply
To apply for funding for the REAP Grant Program, please contact your Rural Development State Office.
Combined Incentives = Big Savings
Combine the REAP program with other existing federal incentives and state programs (state programs vary) and you might just get a system for pennies on the dollar. As a result of the recent stimulus legislation, there is currently a 30% federal incentive which can be taken as a tax credit or in a cash rebate form. The rebate is to be paid by the Treasury within 60 days of the date on which the solar equipment is installed or the date the owner submits an application, whichever is later. Installation must occur prior to 2011. -If you haven’t looked at solar in a while, this is a big new change! There are also interesting equipment depreciation benefits. Also, be sure to check with your state government to see what they are offering. Many states are racing right now to be called the “greenest” and are coming out with some substantial buyer’s incentive programs.
In the case I am working on, the Fed is providing for 30%, the state is providing 35% and IF the REAP incentives are granted (questionable in our case) the rancher will receive an additional 25% incentive which combines to a total of 90% off the purchase and installation price. Wow!
• For more information on the REAP program, contact your local Energy Coordinator
• For more information on State Programs visit http://www.dsireusa.org
• For more information on Federal Programs visit http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
Flexible Solar Power Shingles Transform Roofs From Wasted Space To Energy Source
From ScienceDaily.com
A transparent thin film barrier used to protect flat panel TVs from moisture could become the basis for flexible solar panels that would be installed on roofs like shingles.
The flexible rooftop solar panels – called building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPVs – could replace today’s boxy solar panels that are made with rigid glass or silicon and mounted on thick metal frames. The flexible solar shingles would be less expensive to install than current panels and made to last 25 years.
“There’s a lot of wasted space on rooftops that could actually be used to generate power,” said Mark Gross, a senior scientist at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. “Flexible solar panels could easily become integrated into the architecture of commercial buildings and homes. Solar panels have had limited success because they’ve been difficult and expensive to install.”
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Obama Announces $467 Million For Energy Programs
From CleanTechBrief.com
U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced the availability of $467 million in stimulus program funding for two alternative energy programs.
Money from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will fund the development and deployment of solar energy and geothermal energy technologies across the country. The president made the announcement at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, exactly 100 days after the signing of the stimulus package.
The base is home to America’s largest solar photovoltaic array, with over 72,000 solar panels providing 25% of its power.
“The program we’re announcing … is something that we expect will create more jobs, it will create more businesses, and more affordable electricity for the American people,” said Obama.
“We’ve got a choice, we can remain the world’s leading importing of oil sending our money and our wealth away or we can become a world’s leading exporter of clean energy.”
The Recovery Act allots $350 million for new investment in geothermal technologies, which breaks down as follows:
* $140 million for geothermal demonstration projects
* $80 million for enhanced geothermal systems technology research and development
* $100 million for innovative exploration techniques
* $30 million for the National Geothermal Data System, Resource Assessment, and Classification System
Another $117.6 million has been earmarked for solar energy technologies, as follows:
* $51.5 million for photovoltaic technology development
* $40.5 million for solar energy deployment
* $25.6 million for concentrating solar power research and development
The funding will be managed through the Department of Energy.
“These technologies represent two pieces of a broad energy portfolio that will help us aggressively fight climate change and renew our position as a global leader in clean energy jobs,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.
Korean scientists develop efficient plastic-based solar cell
From Hindu.com
In a major breakthrough that can speed up commercial use of solar energy, South Korean scientists on Monday announced the development of a highly efficient plastic-based power cell that can mimic the photo-photovoltaic activities of plants.
The team led by Lee Kwang-hee at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), said the solar cells developed by them reached an unprecedented energy efficiency rate of 6.2 per cent.
“This is the highest number reached by any single-layer plastic, organic photo-voltaic solar cell created in the world to date and should greatly help commercial use of power generation using sunlight,” Lee, a material science professor at the state-run laboratory, said.
The scientists said they used a new material that have “open circuit voltage” properties and titanium oxide to bring about high efficiency.
If fully developed the solar cells, which can easily bend, could be attached to coats, bags, various electronic appliances and building windows, Yonhap news agency reported.
The breakthrough has been confirmed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and published in the latest on- line edition of international journal of Nature Photonics.
Lee said that under so-called green light conditions, the energy efficiency of the new plastic power cells reached 17 per cent, which is more than enough to start commercial power generation.
Experts said an efficiency rate of 7 per cent must be reached for plastic solar cells to become commercially viable.
Energy efficiency indicates the percentage of sunshine that solar cells turn into electricity.
Conventional inorganic silicon-based solar cells used in homes have an efficiency rate of 7 to 8 per cent, while very expensive panels placed on satellites have numbers reaching 15 per cent.
The technology, developed jointly with U.S. researchers led by Alan Heeger of the University of California, Santa Barbara, is an extension of cutting edge research carried out in the past.
The Lee-Heeger team announced in 2007 that they had built a stacked or double-layered organic photo-voltaic that had a power efficiency of 6.5 per cent.
