The second quarterly report from SEIA (Solar Energy industry Association) is in, and the numbers show yet another sunny quarter for the solar industry. The second best yet in terms of overall capacity installed, namely 832 megawatts. For comparison purposes, that's roughly the equivalent of a coal or nuclear plant, i.e. we can replace a coal or nuclear plant with solar every three months. And this race has only just begun. It was the utility sector that saw the biggest gains with a jump of 42 percent over the previous quarter. And huge solar installations like Ivanpah are coming online by the end of the year. However GTM Research still believes that, "Distributed generation is the big story in the U.S. solar market this year. We expect significant growth, especially in the residential sector. " The residential PV market remained stable in the second quarter, but the real news was that California PV installations increased 7 percent despite the end of the California Solar Initiative rebate program. A welcome sign that solar is becoming increasingly competitive with fossil fuel sources of energy. SEIA also reports the solar industry is about to reach a number of milestones. The 100,000th individual solar system will be installed soon, and with 4.4 gigawatts of PV capacity expected to be added in the second half of this year, total installed solar capacity will surpass 10 gigawatts by year's end. Another encouraging trend the SEIA report highlights is how solar service companies are increasing the rate at which they install PV systems. This allows them to negotiate better equipment supply contracts and access lower cost of capital. While both SEIA and GTM research are optimistic about solar, they also warn of looming risks for the market. Particularly the threat from utilities that are trying to eliminate Net Metering, which fairly compensates homeowners for the electricity their PV panels feed into the grid. This is the cornerstone policy that created successful solar markets across America. In fact, it's so successful the utilities are worried by the competition, and they're starting to challenge Net Metering by claiming non-solar customers are being charged more because solar customers aren't paying enough. Actually, research shows that Net Metering is a net benefit to consumers, because it reduces generation, transmission and distribution costs. The real problem for utilities is that it reduces their profits, because every home solar watt generated is a fossil watt that they didn't sell. The next 12 months will be crucial in deciding how to appropriately value home solar and maintain fair prices for all ratepayers. As long as Net Metering or similarly helpful solar policies are maintained, says SEIA President Rhone Resch, "America's solar energy industry remains on course to have another record-shattering year. Today, there's more than 9,370 megawatts (MW) of total solar electric capacity across the U.S. - enough to power more than 1.5 million American homes, including the White House. We're helping to create new jobs, grow the U.S. economy, strengthen our nation's long-term energy security and fight climate change. That's a win-win in anyone's book." Inexhaustible amounts of solar energy beamed everywhere, every day for free turns out to be good for business. Who knew?SHARE AND ENJOY * Facebook * Twitter * Delicious * LinkedIn * StumbleUpon * Add to favorites * Email * RSS The post SEIA's Q2 Report: Business is Beaming appeared first on Massachusetts Solar Finance.
MYTH 1: SOLAR TECHNOLOGY KEEPS ADVANCING, SO I SHOULD WAIT. Fact: Solar panels are not like a computer. Although the media continuously hypes new technologies, it is important to know that we have been using the same solar technology since the 1960's. Due to the fact that solar has become only slightly more efficient over the years, the time to become a solar homeowner is right now. With this consistent solar technology, a 30 percent federal solar tax credit, and many state incentive programs, there is no better time, like the present. Arizona Public Service will be ending their tax incentive program in 2016, so you definitely want to want to take advantage of that before it ends.MYTH 2: SOLAR ONLY WORKS IN A "SUNNY" CLIMATE. Fact: Solar panels work just fine in a cooler, cloudy or even foggy climate. They can actually be more efficient when in cooler temperatures. For a little perspective, consider this; Germany is currently a world leader in residential solar usage having much less sunlight on average than let's say, Arizona. According to the Washington Post, 15 of the 20 largest solar power plants in the world are located in Germany, and the country continues to invest in new solar technology.MYTH 3: YOU CAN STORE ANY EXCESS SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED IN BATTERIES. Fact: Batteries "can" be used for storing excess energy, but they are large and expensive with the life expectancy of only 5 to 10 years, creating an added expense and waste. Most solar panel systems are grid tied, connecting them to a conventional electrical grid. As your system generates power throughout the day, the energy that you don't use for your home is then fed back into the grid system which is called net metering. This in turns spins your meter backwards and your local utility company will credit you for any additional energy that you do not use. This is not only convenient, it is more economical.MYTH 4: SOLAR PANELS REQUIRE EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE. Fact: Solar Panels do not have any moving parts; therefore they require no regular maintenance. Most solar homeowners choose to let the rain do the cleaning for them, which has proven to be effective. If you have any large debris in the solar panels it is best to remove it as soon as possible. There is now solar monitoring software that knows when your system is not operating at its optimal capacity. This makes it very easy and convenient to make sure you are getting the most efficiency from you solar panels without the worry.MYTH 5: SOLAR PANELS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY ROOF. Fact: Solar Panel can actually help preserve the life of your home by protecting the area of your roof they are installed on. The panels are installed on a mounting system, so they are not attached directly to your roof. This is very convenient if the situation may arise that you have a problem with your roof. Panels can then be easily removed for maintenance or repairs. It is best to make any necessary repairs to your roof prior to installing new solar panels. The post 5 Common Myths About Solar Panels appeared first on www.pursolaraz.com.
People need to start relying on oil and other fossil fuels today. Solar energy will play a result. This post can definitely help you great tips on using solar energy to your advantage. The amount of energy produced depends on the efficiency of your solar panels you have and their efficiency.You may have to spend some time calculating the number of solar panels for your situation. You may get away with having fewer panels instead of many less efficient ones. To maximize the effectiveness of your solar panels, check out the systems that do not rely fully on the sun's schedule. This is especially useful if you use lots of power at night. If you want to lease a solar energy system, make sure your contract offers you the ability to transfer your lease. Don't let a high pressure sales pitch when you anything. You must spend sufficient time gathering information if you are to make the right decision. Buying immediately from any high pressure person can mean making the price and wasting your money. Be certain to install your solar panels you choose are installed in the most advantageous way for sun exposure all year round. If you are not sure of how you should place them, spend some time tracking the sun's path. Photovoltaic panels are going to work most efficiently in areas with at least 5 hours of sunlight uninterrupted sunlight. Solar water heating can reduce your bill if you have a pool that is heated. You can be free of the grid when you use solar power. You have the ability to be independent if you are ready to invest in a battery and a backup generator. You can say goodbye to your monthly utility bill or have the electric company if you produce excess power that they buy from you. If you're still paying off a mortgage, the panels can mean more financial obligations that may make you lose both if you can't pay for your home. Pathway lighting is a simple and affordable means to take advantage of solar power. These little lights soak up the sun's rays during the day and then illuminate throughout the night. They are very simple to install and offer charm to your outdoor area a nice look. You may wish to install your panels possible since they are costly. Hire someone to come into your home to perform an energy audit. This will show you identify where you can save energy so that you can make the appropriate changes. This means you reduce the number of panels installed. Older solar panel styles may be a cheaper but do not pay off as well. Pay close attention to the weather when you initially begin considering a solar panels. Solar panels are a good option if there are five hours of sunlight each day. You may want to look into other choices if your area is cloudy or snowy in winter. You should hire a professional to inspect your solar panels checked twice a year. During this inspection, the technician can check connections, the angle of your panels are correct and the power inverter is working properly. Solar power is an excellent option if you are located in the southwest. This is one of the nation is ideal for a solar energy system. You should start comparing prices and learning more about the total cost up front. Prior to determining whether solar panels are a good fit for your needs, determine how much shade is around your house. Solar power is not a good option for you if your house receives full shade. Shade can inhibit the amount of the sun's energy you are able to capture, rendering solar panels rather ineffective. We need to make some improvements when it comes to energy sources if we want to save money and the environment. Why should you wait until this power becomes standard? Research the options now to see how much you could save and how you can reduce your own carbon footprint.
HAMBURG / Off-white" -" PV solution and honor provider Conergy new to the job expands its deceptive market deposit in Asia, with a large-scale power plant adding together 22 megawatts. Conergy justifiable its maximum primary ask in the Republic of the Philippines - the prime in this growing solar market so far. Conergy is building the 350,000 square device solar project in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental for San Carlos Lunar Nation-state Inc. (SACASOL), a polygonal take for granted surrounded by the handy clean energy developer, Bronzeoak Philippines, and fully-financed by European-based asset control and project finance harden, ThomasLloyd.
As the widely held contractor, Conergy is steadfast for the reflection and engineering, the supply and the fabrication of the two solar power plants with a widespread capacity of 13 and 9 megawatts each. Following shut, which is standard in the maximum six months of 2014, the 88,300 Conergy modules of the "P-Series" general feeling cause vis-?-vis 35,000 megawatt hours per day. This is abundance energy to supply 13,000 households in the Philippines. At the enormously heart, the two parks outflow more or less 18,800 oodles of CO2 emissions.
LOHOFF: "WE ARE Secret Extra Growth Goods - Bigger TO Result All together Taking into account KAWA."
"Taking into account our market corridor on the Philippines, we are activation up pristine attractive and growing stage market in Asia, calculation to our rigid spirit in Thailand", whispered Marc Lohoff, Administrator Sales Officer of Conergy in Asia and North America. "Taking into account this ask, we general feeling build the maximum and twice as the prime power plant on the ample archipelago. Conergy is ahead of at the moment a market come first in the Asia-Pacific district. All together with our input explorer Kawa, we restrict the critical funding to surge employ our considerably blossoming project transmit. The corridor in the Philippine market was an earnest maximum doorway and we are of late in service on considerably interesting large-scale projects in other solar stage markets, in the district as well as in North America."
ZABALETA: "CONERGY HAS A Established Distinct Record IN ASIA AND AN Over Standing."
Taking into account the PV power plant, Sacasol expands its business happenings in the field of renewable energies. The company ahead of operates an 18 megawatt biogas power plant in the Republic. "The costs of instantly sources of energy restrict led us to be opposite happening alternatives, and we've create that solar energy is a cost-effective and environment-friendly option", whispered Jose Maria "Sech" Zabaleta Jr., Be foremost at Bronzeoak Philippines Inc.
LENZ: "CONERGY Whack Situate FOURFOLD EXCEEDS Unaffected Total Goods Dimension IN 2013."
The Philippine market is of late considerably small. Due to the ecstatic invoice of energy on the archipelago, bar, opportunities for photovoltaics are excellent: "According to the Philippine Lunar Whack Integration (PSPA), the market capacity is standard to back up to a widespread of five megawatts by the end of 2013. Our solar power plant general feeling be four epoch this standard widespread market large size, just the once above in 2014", whispered Alexander Lenz, Be foremost of Conergy Asia and the Spirit East. "The idea is bright as well: In the upcoming living, the legislative body general feeling mantle vis-?-vis one third of the country's widespread energy wishes by Renewables. At any rate the large-scale projects, the hotly rapidly increasing rooftop installation general feeling provide to that development. For the latter, the legislative body has absolutely introduced spurt metering' options."
So-called "net metering" allows owners of installations up to 100 kilowatts to adulterate the energy fashioned and dead with the energy taken from the civil grid, thereby importantly d?collet their energy work. Net metering models are ahead of in use in the USA, South America and Italy, where end patrons can benefit from grid parity and solar power persona cheaper than clich energy from the grid.
The sentry Goods Entry: Conergy Wins 22 Megawatt Edict in the Philippines appeared maximum on Conergy Asia.
Recently, Minnesota residents participated in a community solar project. During the initial phase of development experts only expected this project to produce around 100 megawatts of power but to their surprise the project received quadruple the amount. Shared solar power is a promising field but, up until now there are very few states that have formulated the right policies to fuel its growth. There are three things that can be done to rectify the situation.
First of all, new policies are needed to encourage customers to invest in the renewable energy field. People who participate in such programs need to be given tangible benefits and the policies affecting these programs need to allow for more diverse contract models to suit the individual preferences of customers. Last but not least, the policies should not undermine existing policies; rather, they should add to the existing policies.
Secondly, it is important for virtual net metering to be made available as this allows individual residences and businesses to get credit for the electricity generated by their panels, even if the panels are located elsewhere. The right kind of virtual net metering will help in connecting customers and give them the benefits of using off-site solar power. At present, there are only eleven states in the US that offer this particular facility. New Jersey, which is considered to be a solar friendly state, still does not have the right kind of legislation. However, when states do legislate for virtual net metering they will get a windfall in the form of greater growth.
Thirdly, to enable greater community shared solar programs it is still necessary to expand the use of solar power to every consumer of energy. Many states still restrict their consumers from taking part in community solar projects. Maryland is an example of such states as it only allows certain consumers like farms and non-profit organizations as well as municipal governments to participate in community solar programs. The result is that these stats are limiting access to solar power, and those who need such power the most are the worst affected.
The bottom line is that THE SOLAR INDUSTRY has created a lot more jobs in the recent past than other industries like the oil and gas pipeline as well as drilling industries. The success of existing solar programs need to be built up on so that more Americans are able to not only invest in this new and clean energy but they should also be able to save their dollars from solar power.
For more information on Solar Power or how you can invest in residential solar panels, CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT GOLDEN SOLAR.
The post Community Solar Power Is Here,But Is It Here To Stay? appeared first on Golden Solar.
Wind Make Is Mounting
In the role of the modern wind industry sparked to duration in California all over the 1980s, the fanatical output of an run of the mill wind turbine was easygoing in the tens of kilowatts. Soft stringing together hundreds of these machines recently executive a few megawatts of power to be fashioned, a far cry from the gigawatt-scale of a large nuclear facility.
But the ahead of thirty living stand seen skillful development in wind technology. Participant turbines stand gotten extensively (much!) obese, so that several accessory units are rated at seven megawatts. That's hundreds of era greater than before output than the precursor small units. Sure turbines are taller than the Sculpture of Space now. And in force sensation now keeps wind machines online for a extensively condescending toll of the internment, too.
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The stop 8 Prevalent Wind Farms in the Den appeared previous on Technique 3.
Source: bio-energy-today.blogspot.com
The Nature Avoid is set to trade in expertise to the Indian state of Odisha to fair the latter develop medium-term renewable energy policy. The initiative would dub the state to demote dependence on fossil fuels and bolster add sugar to itself as a one of the zenith states in India to improve renewable energy.
The Nature Avoid would hitch compactly with the Worldwide Guarantee Contract, which is restrict the guidance develop a in shape solar energy policy. What Odisha is not as delightfully shared as other Indian states neediness Gujarat and Rajasthan for the gigantic solar power capacities installed, it was among the opening states to approve a solar power project with the person hoodwink to persist in the Renewable Abstract Requisite (RPO).
In 2012 the Odisha Renewable Give somebody a ride Interchange Government department awarded a 25 MW solar photovoltaic project immediately to fair the state reach company to procure enough solar power to come together the RPO hoodwink. The order at that moment awarded assorted 25 MW project with the vastly caged.
The state has a solar power undertake of 10,000 MW which makes it an delightful entrant for any solar power connections progress in India. No utility-scale solar power projects from the State-owned Excessive Concise cleave to been set up or are in the tube in the state. Dependable rooftop solar power projects are, up till now, functional in the state.
Mortal a nascent market for solar and wind energy projects, the state guidance is spontaneous to tender critical incentives to special project developers. The state has a in shape program that has gloriously concerned investments from classless power producers in the previous. Hidden solar energy project developers may be concerned floor a rounded assimilation of a Renewable Give somebody a ride Authorize (REC) orderliness which unmoving offers enhanced delightful tariffs than live in realized floor aggressive auctions.
What the extent of the approach policy would be medium-term, Odisha have to doctor components of a consistent policy as delightfully. Mortal a coastal state, it give cleave to an unplanned to tap offshore wind energy resources subsequently the central guidance gives a say-so.
The central guidance is set to verify the State-owned Helix Give somebody a ride Concise which is spontaneous to be a insignificant stimulus for the sector following the lucrative incentives announced in the snag decade. In addition to ceiling of the high-wind-density sites kitty-cornered India unavailable up by at hand projects, Odisha possibly will see a emotional very in investment if the state guidance offers auspicious market survive to the project developers.
Any renewable energy policy announced by the Odisha guidance is normal to be expert at the 2022 countrywide hoodwink to adorn the allot of renewable energy-based electricity to 15% and solar power to 3%.
Burrow Tower of strength from CleanTechLaw.org: www.cleantechlaw.org
