California to Continue to Lead Nation in Solar Power Installations

Share El Segundo, Calif., August 8, 2011Blessed with abundant sunshine and a supportive political structure, California is positioned to add 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of installed power from photovoltaic (PV) sources during the period of 2010 to 2015, further ensuring that the state remains Americas leading light in solar energy , according to new insights from the IHS iSuppli Photovoltaic Service from information and analysis provider IHS (NYSE: IHS). Installed PV capacity in California is projected to reach 967 megawatts (MW) this year, the highest in the country and part of an increasing push by the most populous U.S. state to derive a greater portion of energy from renewable sources , a mix that also would include wind turbines and fuel cells. Next year, power from solar sources will generate some 1.2GW in Californiamore than the PV capacity of the next six-highest states combined. States approaching the land size of California, like New Mexico and Arizona, are projected to have less than a third as much PV capacity by the same time, hovering in the mid-300MW range. And outside of the top 10 states where solar generation will be highest, combined PV capacity from the lowest 40 states will add up to just 395MW, also merely one-third of California capacity, IHS data shows. California is indeed at the forefront of photovoltaic technology, and its commitment to the industry is important for the whole North America region, said Mike Sheppard, analyst for photovoltaics at IHS. Californias drive to attain clean energy gained fresh impetus during a recent two-day conference in late July at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), attended by 200 researchers, academics, business leaders and politicians. There, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown reiterated the push to obtain by 2020 as much as 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, an amount equivalent to 12GWenough to power roughly three million homes. With a series of intensive solar projects under way, as much as 7.5GW in PV capacity could be added to the local power grid by 2015, more than half the states announced goal of achieving 12GW from all renewable sourcesand with five more years to spare before the targeted 2020 deadline. What this shows is the likelihood of PV accounting in the future for a great portion of clean energy in California, Sheppard noted. The figure below shows the cumulative PV capacity for California from 2010 to 2015. Given an installed PV power capacity of 900MW in 2010 that then rises to a forecast level of 8.4GW in 2015, a total of 7.5GW in power will have been added to the state in the span of five years. Californias natural advantage lends itself to busy PV activity within the state In the United States, California has among the highest insolation levels for measuring the rate of solar radiation delivery as measured by NASA. With a score of 5.4 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/(m2/day)), the Los Angeles area ranks second only to the 5.96 kWh/(m2/day) rate of Honolulu, Hawaii. Los Angeles also places higher than perennial hot-weather spots like Phoenix, Ariz. (5.38 kWh/(m2/day)); Las Vegas, Nev. (5.3 kWh/(m2/day)); and Miami, Fla. (5.26 kWh/(m2/day)). Two other areas surveyed in California likewise boast of above-average insolation rates: the Bay area near San Francisco at 5.08 kWh/(m2/day), and San Francisco proper at 4.89 kWh/(m2/day). Aside from an inherent natural resource in plentiful supply, California hosts a number of companies engaged in the solar business, including research and development sites that do not engage in manufacturing. At least 27 firms can be found in the state engaged in solar-related activities including the production of ingots, crystalline silicon cells and modules, and thin-film cells and modulesall components that go into the manufacture of solar panels. Currently the biggest PV project within the state is the Topaz Solar farm, a 550MW power plant being built by Arizona-based First Solar Inc., located in the Carrizo Plain northwest of Los Angeles. Other solar projects under way or slated to begin are the 55MW Niland Project in Imperial County; a five-year program by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) to develop 500MW of power in northern and central California; the Catalina Solar Project in Kern County; and a project by Southern California Edison for distributed power through commercial rooftops, IHS data shows. Political patronage a plus, but state budget woes could be a challenge Adding to Californias built-in advantages for PV power, the state has the good fortune to enjoy the backing of a highly motivated political infrastructure. Having sustained political will toward the achievement of renewable energy is definitely a good thing for California, and a strong political will is an encouraging sign for investors to go ahead and make their bets here in the state, said analyst Sheppard. Californias continuing experience in the PV field also could work to the states benefit, especially if it can find a way to convert its expertise into consultancy projects for other states, similar to what Germanythe worlds foremost photovoltaic market and authorityis doing in Europe. At home, California is ahead of other states in the learning curve for solar-power-generation, and the local state power utilities also have been helpful in setting up programs to help renewable energy efforts. What could stand in the way, however, of the state making even greater progress, Sheppard remarked, could be the states much-belabored budget woes, which if unresolved could lead to a downgrading of the states creditworthiness and make it more expensive for companiesincluding PV firmsto do business here. Another possible area for improvement is the current system of permits in the state to obtain PV power to streamline bureaucracy. For instance, a consumer who discovers that a PV panel supplier has run out of stock would have to restart the application process instead of- simply attaching an amendment, as is the practice in the rationalized German market. Californias PV prospects also could encounter resistance from the local populacean issue underscored by Gov. Brown at the UCLA event. With 58 counties and more than 400 cities in the state, selling the idea of renewable or solar power might run into opposition from residents for any number of reasons, with the potential to slow down planned rollouts or deployments. This is by far one of the best articles we have seen recently. We hope you enjoyed reading it. Each year it seems that somebody comes out with a new take on an old problem, however, this is the most interesting way to look at it that we have found. If you have some tips on solar power installations that you would like to share with our other readers, please leave your comments. We would welcome your input into the discussion.

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California to Continue to Lead Nation in Solar Power Installations

Vermont’s largest solar farm begins generating electricity

The largest solar farm in the state of Vermont has just begun generating electricity. The new solar farm, located near Burlington, VT, was built on a 25 acre meadow and consists of 9,000 solar panels. The panels are mounted on 382 trackers, which tilt the panels to follow the sun and generate more power (about Related posts: California to build ‘world’s largest’ solar farm Construction begins on new Michigan wind power farm Caithness Energy and General Electric to build largest U.S. wind farm in Oregon

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Vermonts largest solar farm begins generating electricity

Large New Solar Project In Sacramento CA

The 12,600-panel array will produce enough power to meet approximately 40% of the annual electricity needs at Depot Park, the former Sacramento Army Depot. The installation is one of the largest ground mounted-tracking solar projects in California and the only one located at a Superfund Site within a redeveloped military facility.

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Large New Solar Project In Sacramento CA

Tesla Roadster Test Drive – Smooth and Stealth

John Addison Unplugs for a Test Drive Its easy to slide behind the steering wheel of this Tesla Roadster because the tops removed for this January day. I dont mind. Its 70 degrees here in Palm Springs, California. A perfect day for a test drive. Tesla gives me the ground rules for the drive

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Tesla Roadster Test Drive Smooth and Stealth

Bacteria Into Butanol Biofuel Factories

Share University of California, Berkeley, chemists have engineered bacteria to churn out a gasoline-like biofuel at about 10 times the rate of competing microbes, a breakthrough that could soon provide an affordable and green transportation fuel. Read more on Bacteria Into Butanol Biofuel Factories…

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Bacteria Into Butanol Biofuel Factories

U.S. Department of Energy announces “SunShot” program to reduce solar cell costs

On Friday, U.S. DoE Secretary Steven Chu provided details of the new SunShot initiative, designed to reduce the cost of solar power by 75% in 10 years. The target of $1 per installed watt will make solar power cost competitive with fossil fuels, and will eliminate the need for expensive subsidies of solar power. The Related posts: Nursery opts for solar power to heat greenhouses, cut costs Kohl’s department stores to go solar in California Solarmer Energy hits 7.9% efficiency with plastic organic photovoltaic solar cell – breaks record

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U.S. Department of Energy announces SunShot program to reduce solar cell costs

The Electric Car

Stan Gassman asked: A Brief History and What’s Next?? The Beginning At the end of the 19th century, any vehicle not pulled by a horse or mule was considered an alternative power vehicle, powered by steam, electricity or gasoline. But oil was discovered in Texas in 1901 and by 1920, gasoline fueled internal-combustion engine vehicles dominated the marketplace. Electricity and steam powered vehicles became distant also-rans. Oil was cheap, effective, readily available and easily transportable. It was also dirty, noisy and smelly but these characteristics were minor in comparison with its cost and availability. Electric cars were introduced in the first half of the 19th century. At the end of the 20th century, electric vehicles held most world speed and distance records. They were cleaner, quieter, easier to operate and easier to maintain than steam or gasoline fueled cars but had a fatal weakness: battery technology limited the driving range of electric cars to between 40 and 50 miles before needing a 6 to 8 hour charge. Electric vehicles continued to be manufactured in the U.S. through 1939. The ZEV Mandate No electric cars were produced in the U.S. between 1939 and 1996. That changed when General Motors produced the EV1 in response to California’s 1991 zero emission vehicle mandate which required 2% of all new cars sold by major auto manufacturers in California in 1998 to meet ‘zero emission’ standards. The first EV1 autos used lead-acid batteries. Second generation GM EV1 cars had a range of 160 miles using nickel metal hydride batteries. A total of 4-5,000 electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. under the ZEV mandate. In 2001 GM and Daimler Chrysler sued California for regulating fuel economy in violation of U.S. law, after which California relaxed the zero emission vehicle mandate. In late 2003, GM cancelled the EV1 program and other manufacturers soon followed suit. The film “Who Killed the Electric Car?” suggested that GM’s EV1 program was canceled once California relaxed its zero emission vehicle mandate because 1) production was no longer essential; 2) electric cars impacted the oil industry; and 3) sale of electric cars adversely affected GM’s replacement parts after-market. Virtually all EV1 cars, leased to the public, were recalled and destroyed by GM who estimated that they invested $1 billion in development of the EV-1. General Motors recently announced that the electric Chevy Volt (hybrid electric vehicle) will be available for sale in the U.S. in 2010. Enter the 21st Century According to the US Department of Energy, more than 60,000 electric cars are in use in the US with more than 15,000 operational in California. More than 800 vehicles (mainly Toyota RAV4 EVs), produced during California’s zero emission mandate have survived with several logging more than 110,000 miles, proving durability and maintainability. What’s next? Although there is no zero emission mandates in place, the marketplace has spoken. The combination of high gasoline prices, global warming and the absurdity of U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern sources of oil has inspired development and manufacture of electric vehicles. o Five low-speed (neighborhood) model electric vehicles and six expressway capable electric vehicles are currently in production. o In addition to Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, VW and Renault, a dozen or more new auto firms have introduced or plan to introduce electric cars by 2010. o The industry is rapidly moving towards new battery technology. Tesla Motors and Miles Electric Vehicles amongst others are now using Lithium-ion battery technology. Europe and Japan Since the first oil embargo in 1973 Europe has shown a continuous interest in electric vehicles. Today, electric cars are being built across Europe from Norway to Italy. Not to be left out, Mitsubishi and Subaru announced that they would be manufacturing lithium ion-powered cars before 2010. Toyota and Honda and Nissan will also have production models available in the U.S. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles 43 states and Washington D.C. allow operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) that can travel on streets which have a maximum 35 mph speed limit. Local jurisdictions have the right to ban their use or may require licensing and liability insurance. NEVs must have seatbelts, four wheels, windshield safety glass, windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, and turn signals but airbags aren’t required. NEVs cannot legally travel faster than 25 mph. They’re usually equipped with lead acid batteries offering a range of about 30 miles. Prices range from around $6000 to more than $14,000. Freeway Electric Vehicles Aside from Toyota RAV4 EVs, most electric vehicles operating in the U.S. in 2008 are NEVs. Freeway capable vehicles are expected to be readily available by 2010. In addition to Tesla, Chevy (Volt), Mitsubishi, Nissan, Honda (hydrogen fuel cell technology) and Toyota, we can look for electric vehicles from Think (Norway), Smart EV (Mercedes) and Zenn (Toronto). Electric Vehicle Benefits o Pure electric vehicles are true zero emissions vehicles. No greenhouse gases are emitted during vehicle operation. o Gasoline is eliminated, replaced by grid sourced electricity generated from traditional and increasingly renewable sources. Many electric vehicles have factory installed or aftermarket solar panels installed on roofs. o Fuel cost (electricity) per mile is 20-25% of gasoline or flex-fuel cost. o 95% of the energy used to recharge EVs comes from domestic sources. Dependence on foreign oil is reduced. o Very low vehicle operation and maintenance costs. o Self energy generation through regenerative braking. o Simple battery recharging through standard household 110V outlets and recharging stations. o Electric vehicles are in production and available today at prices in a similar range to that of traditional gasoline and hybrid cars. A few models are also available in the luxury price range. Limitations o 250-300 mileage range using Lithium-ion batteries o Battery cost, weight, disposal o Few commercial battery recharging stations o At-home battery charging is not practical for apartment dwellers and those who cannot park near their home Overcoming limitations o EV mileage range will increase as battery technology improves. o Battery footprint, cost and weight will be reduced through new technology. o Battery recharging stations will spread as EV production increases Implications and Consequences o Physical vehicle characteristics and conveniences will change. Vehicles will take on non-traditional appearances o Vehicle reliability and durability will increase o Vehicle operating costs will decline as fuel costs, repair costs and replacement parts costs will all decline o Reduced congestion due to smaller vehicle footprint o More consumer choices o Reduced dependence on fossil fuels, imported oil Stan Gassman, BSC Sustainability Services, Copyright 2008-2009 Solar Power for homes Read more on The Electric Car… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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The Electric Car

Will Yosemite Be Hotter Than Sacramento?

The report includes new local climate projections for 10 national parks in California. With what the California Climate Change Center calls medium-high future emissions of heat-trapping gases, the average of six climate models is for Yosemite National Park to get 7.5 degrees hotter by 2070-2099 than it was in 1961-1990. That would be enough to make the national park 0.3degrees hotter than Sacramento historically has been.

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Will Yosemite Be Hotter Than Sacramento?

California Voters – VOTE NO on Prop 23, the DIRTY ENERGY PROPOSITION

If you live in California and vote, please consider this as you go to vote next month: On November 2nd, the voters of California will be asked to make a choice that may very well determine the future of clean power in the United States. As many of you may be aware, several out of state oil companies have invested millions to put Prop 23 (the Dirty Energy Proposition) on the November ballot in an attempt to suspend AB 32, California’s landmark clean energy legislation . The companies behind this proposition are two of the top 10 polluters in California and are pouring millions into an effort to protect their right to pollute here, and take their profits out of state. Read more on California Voters – VOTE NO on Prop 23, the DIRTY ENERGY PROPOSITION… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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California Voters VOTE NO on Prop 23, the DIRTY ENERGY PROPOSITION

U.S. approves Mojave Desert solar power project

Ken Salazar, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior has just approved the construction of a solar power tower plant to be located in the Mojave Desert. The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System will consist of mirrors (heliostats) that will focus sunlight onto a central tower. The concentrated sunlight will turn water into steam Related posts: California Approves Power Lines for Tehachapi Wind Power Project Australia launches project to bury carbon dioxide MSNBC: Power Company CEO ready for Carbon Diet

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U.S. approves Mojave Desert solar power project

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