Government Incentives Can Help Finance Energy-Efficient Home Improvements Nov 5, 2009
In light of such priorities, tax credits are also available for 30 percent of the cost with no upper limit on the installation of renewable energy equipment at home, such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and. Homeowners won t get the money back when they initially pay for equipment or upgrades, but they can add the credit amount to their overall tax refund, or deduct it from what they owe, when filing their federal income tax forms at the... (Scientific American)
Evergreen shifts work to China Nov 5, 2009
Solar panels won t be assembled at Devens factory. Evergreen Solar, which manufactures at its Devens plant the wafers and cells used in solar panels, will move the final assembly of those panels to a new plant in China ... Little more than a year after cutting the ribbon at a new factory in Devens built with more than $58 million in state aid, said yesterday that it will shift its assembly of solar panels from there to China. (Boston Globe)
Scientists try elevator to space Nov 5, 2009
(AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Photovoltaic panels, which convert laser light into electrical energy similar to solar panels, are seen on the bottom of the LaserMotive entry in the $2 million Space Elevator Games at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Open Forum: Founding fathers disagree Nov 4, 2009
On solar technology, we face stiff competition in solar panels from Europe and Asia. Covering the ground between us and those "millions of new green jobs" will take the best of American ingenuity. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Chemicals Rain On Downtown Houston Nov 4, 2009
Modern parking meters, which appear new one block away, are covered with a heavy white film over the glass-like solar panels on top, while the bottom of the new meters have the appearance of metal that is 30 years old. "It takes me a good 15 to 20 minutes every day before I leave work just to clean my windows so I can see out of it," said Orozco. (Click2Houston, TX)
Big win for Narenco Nov 4, 2009
photo NANCY PIERCE Art Smith, at right, is CEO of Narenco and Mike Dodson is a principal in the company, which will install solar panels atop National Gypsum;s facility. Related News. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Solar cells spring from optical fibers Nov 4, 2009
One problem with conventional solar panels is that incident photons have little chance of energizing electrons in the thin panels before degenerating into heat. By contrast, optical fibers provide photons many more chances to interact with the active layer. (EETimes)
Hopkinton shows off new solar panels Nov 4, 2009
Rebecca Robak, vice chairwoman of Hopkinton's School Committee, surveys the many solar panels now installed on the Hopkinton High roof ... Hopkinton is the first town in Massachusetts to install solar panels on multiple municipal buildings ... Elyse Cherry, CEO of Boston Community Capital, which is becoming one of the biggest owners of solar panels in the state, said the new system is sending an important message to students who will be directly using the energy produced by the new system. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
Judge Who Nixed Interracial Marriage Quits Nov 4, 2009
leaves like solar panels, but not solar, bouncing distant faces and butts from across forever like memories to shop and gift for tomorrows. every grain of sand reflecting too, and all the galaxies as well mirrors. (CBS News)
Key step for shipyard developer Nov 3, 2009
Bonner said Lennar will target a similar audience with a different tack - initially building a small number of homes with environmental amenities that play well with a youthful San Francisco audience - such as solar panels and other energy efficiencies. Bonner said the initial two-block developments are scheduled for completion in January and June 2011, respectively. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Chimney Rock shopping center Nov 3, 2009
Money will also be used to underwrite the cost of solar panels on some of the city s affordable housing units. Authorizing the Odessa Police Department to accept a Texas Division of Emergency Management Homeland Security Grant for $56,983. (Odessa American, TX)
Angelides: Bipartisanship Is Crucial for Producing a Meaningful, Job-Creating Climate Change Bill Nov 3, 2009
In fact, 70 percent of America s clean energy systems and components solar panels, wind turbines, energy efficiency systems and the countless parts that go into them are already manufactured abroad. Worse yet, the jobs we are losing to our European and Asian counterparts are high-quality jobs that pay far more than service-sector jobs and often provide benefits like health insurance and retirement. (Roll Call)
Oregon tries to tap into growing solar power demand Nov 3, 2009
That prediction is backed up by a stack of federal, state and local incentives to encourage Americans to install solar panels on their rooftops, and by the growing list of states, including Oregon, requiring utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their power from renewable energy sources, such as solar ... In addition to federal, state and local incentives encouraging U.S. residents to install solar panels, the federal stimulus bill and some states -- including Oregon -- offer subsidies... (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Stimulus jobs are ... where? Nov 3, 2009
And there are billions of dollars to upgrade the electrical grid and encourage alternative energy, an historic investment expected to spur manufacturing of wind turbines, solar panels and clean-running buses. Will the stimulus program by itself turn around the decades-long decline in that sector. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Following the sun Nov 3, 2009
The array of 64 solar panels will be mounted on a single pole that will turn with the sun, increasing the amount of power it can produce. It may be the largest project of its kind in the region, according to Wayne Bishop, systems designer for Intermountain Wind , a Woods Cross-based company that assembled the solar panels for Campbell Scientific ... The work will involve comparing the tracking system s output to stationary solar panels. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Tax breaks cost state more than predicted Nov 3, 2009
Tensions arose over Kulongoski s desire to use federal stimulus money to build a string of solar panels along Interstate 205, a project energy staffers argued didn t qualify under federal guidelines. Only a few weeks after the dustup with Oregon Windfarms, Kulongoski forced Grainey out of his 30-year career in the Energy Department. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
How to: make a difference in your spare time Nov 3, 2009
If you can't go all out and buy solar panels and a Prius, try taking baby steps instead. Switch to energy saving bulbs and unplug your appliances when they are not in use. (University News, MO)
Green tower to rise near blight Nov 3, 2009
Tale 1: A half block up from San Francisco City Hall, a 13-story glass tower, topped by an array of solar panels and wind turbines, will soon begin to arise from what, for years, has been a giant hole in the ground ... Mega-green tower to rise near Mid-Market blight Articles A tale of two cities: Tale 1: A half block up from San Francisco City Hall, a 13-story glass tower, topped by an array of solar panels and wind turbines, will soon begin to arise from what, for years, has been a giant. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Power points Nov 2, 2009
Perhaps its greatest advantage will be its ability to integrate all clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind farms and energy storage devices, as a complement to other clean energy developments. Last week, President Obama announced a $3. (NJ.com -- Times)
Farmers growing electricity along with their crops Nov 2, 2009
The goats are milked with machinery powered by solar panels and a small hydroelectric turbine that runs off a creek ... Besides raising goats for milk that goes into their cheeses, the Caldwell family lives off the grid, using electricity from solar panels and a small hydroelectric turbine and heat from a wood-fired boiler ... The solar panels to the left of the cabin help provide the home-grown electricity that allows the farm to be energy independent. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Battery-powered safari? Nov 2, 2009
"Our future plans are to install solar panels on one of our sheds from which we will be able to charge the batteries and become carbon neutral.". Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the biggest game reserve in the Southern Cape. (iAfrica.com)
Today's Mailbag Nov 2, 2009
Today, we pay higher taxes, invest (give people jobs) and are, in general, prepared for further investments, like solar panels on roofs to help make Florida a little greener. But Floridas answer to all this is simply disappointing. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Hold the tray? Framingham State gets serious about reducing energy use Nov 1, 2009
Federal stimulus money, grants and low-interest financing are also being pursued to place solar panels on the roofs of the College Center, athletic center and O'Connor and Larned residence halls. Other steps were easier to put in place, like creating a central recycling station and using the sleep mode on campus computers, said professor Carl Hakansson, sustainable policy coordinator. (Framingham TAB, MA)
Restoration agreement two views Nov 1, 2009
Old fashioned and happy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 3:33 PM:" To Observer:You sound Marxist or Socialist or Ghia ist ?? Do you believe in :Environmental causes and fish "first" over human needs-Fear too many people believe in enforced population control -Have little or no respect for private property -Believe in Communal "solutions"-Believe in Re-distribution of the wealth-Express Anger at earned wealth-Anger at successful business people-Anger at established judicial methods of problem... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Thinking solar power? It's never been cheaper Nov 1, 2009
Still, she couldn't pass up a chance to install a carpet of solar panels atop her co-op in Queens ... Solar technology is advancing quickly -- like laptops and cell phones a decade ago -- and homeowners can expect to see more powerful solar panels in the near future ... Once large and boxy, solar panels are also being designed to blend in better with a rooftop. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
China tackles its carbon emissions Nov 1, 2009
Outside, half a dozen brands of solar panels are being matched for performance against the company s own. Next door, large blocks of earth have been trucked in to test for new methods of gasifying coal underground. (Boston Globe)
Cleaning dirty air risks costlier Arizona water Nov 1, 2009
Cover the canal with solar panels, for example, and connect them to the transmission lines that already supply the pumping stations along the route. Covering the canal also would help reduce evaporation from the channel. (AZCentral)
Still living in the dark on baseload power Oct 31, 2009
Even without any subsidy in the form of a feed-in tariff, the BlueGen unit is a commercial propositionas long as utilities will connect them to the grid, and take the electricity they generate, as they must do with home solar panels. Meanwhile, the grid continues to roll out, whether the public wants it or not. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Fresno Co. gas storage site approved Oct 31, 2009
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the move should encourage more homeowners to install rooftop solar panels. Tulare Co. may get biogas power plant. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
S'pore to bear fair share of collective global effort to cut CO2 emissions Oct 31, 2009
And steps have already been taken, such as installing solar panels to convert the sun's rays into electricity for housing blocks. Singapore is no stranger to green initiatives, having started its green journey more than 40 years ago. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Nippon Oil, Nippon Mining Sign Agreement to Merge in April to Cut Costs Oct 31, 2009
The merger will help the companies shift resources from the refining business to growth areas such as fuel cells and solar panels, Nippon Oil Chairman said in an interview in July. Fuel cells extract hydrogen from liquid petroleum gas to heat water and generate electricity at homes, producing less pollution. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
APNewsBreak: ND Air Force base commander fired Oct 31, 2009
The new solar panels on rooftops at the California Air National Guard base in Fresno are a first for any air guard base nationwide, but they won't be the last ... A solar company recently finished installing 3,819 solar panels at the Fresno air guard base, home to the 144th Fighter Wing. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
First Japanese Cargo Ship Leaves Space Station Oct 31, 2009
The gleaming HTV-1 is a gold-colored cylinder about 33 feet long, 14 feet wide and covered in solar panels attached to its curved hull. It is capable of hauling up to 6 tons of cargo to the space station, but HTV-1 carried about 4 1/2 tons of supplies on its maiden flight, NASA officials have said. (Fox News)
Innovation task force unveils new Web site on physical sciences and engineering Oct 30, 2009
From the internet, to magnetic resonance imaging, to solar panels, basic research has proven to be one of America's best investments. The task force website is unique in its focus on federal policy in the physical sciences. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Medford resident Kevin Rings green vision now a reality Oct 30, 2009
The solar panels on the roof, rather than harvesting energy, heat a large tank of water in an underground engine room throughout the year. The Gyp-Crete floors, made from a plaster-based concrete, have water lines running through them to provide additional heating during winter months. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Hunters Point plan unveiled Oct 30, 2009
Roofs sport solar panels, garages are mostly in back to make sidewalks feel pedestrian friendly and maximize street parking. Fifteen percent of the units are affordable homes. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
APS' Brandt named utility CEO of the year Oct 29, 2009
The trade organization recognized Don Brandt for efforts at APS to promote solar electricity, including plans to buy power from a large power plant near Gila Bend, a commitment to invest in solar power plants, and a program to put solar panels on Flagstaff homes. APS also installed solar panels at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center in a deal with the National Park Service. (AZCentral -- Business)
First Solar shares drop in 3Q Oct 29, 2009
First Solar has been leading the industry in reducing the cost of solar electricity, and was able to build solar panels for an average cost of 85 cents per watt during the quarter, officials said. "Strong demand is going to cause us to sell all that we produce this year," Ahearn said. (AZCentral -- Business)
Leaders lose focus while they fatten wallets Oct 29, 2009
Tell that to potential buyers of solar panels who can purchase a comparable one from China at one-eighth the price. Left-wing environmental wackos won t be happy until they turn everything west of the Mississippi into a national park at our expense. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
4,400 miles sailing Rising Tide from Cohasset Oct 29, 2009
When not running the engine, solar panels keep the batteries topped-up. There was no need for a car for the 8-1/2 months and the dinghy that s used to get back and forth to shore from Rising Tide only used 10 gallons of gasoline or less each month. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Forget pool boys! Moss keeps Minn. pools clean Oct 29, 2009
There are many options up for consideration as renewable energy besides windmills and solar panels. And these ideas are so wacky they just might work. (MSNBC -- Technology)
First Solar posts revenue, income gains Oct 29, 2009
The Tempe-based manufacturer of thin-film solar panels saw its net income hit $153 million, or $1. 79 per share, for the quarter. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Residents share eco-friendly ideas at 'Greening Lincoln' forum Oct 29, 2009
She achieved this by planting trees and adding solar panels on the roof, exceeding the Massachusetts Energy Code for insulation, buying all ENERGY STAR windows and appliances, and retaining water from runoff from the roof and the use of a well. Another resident got involved in the Safe Routes to School walk-to-school initiative stemming from International Walk to School Day. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
2 Fresno Co. growers to be honored Oct 29, 2009
A few miles down Little Panoche Road, across the San Benito County line, Solargen has proposed an even larger project in the Panoche Valley, where solar panels could occupy as much as 10,000 acres and generate up to 1,000 megawatts of power. Fred Machado came to the U.S. as an immigrant 60 years ago and, through hard work and perseverance, has become one of Fresno County's most respected farmers. (Fresno Bee)
Cleaning Up Polluted Harbors With Greener Ships Oct 28, 2009
With 328 solar panels covering its upper deck, the ship produces enough electricity to continuously power 10 homes and can be used to transport 6,400 cars at a time. Though the ship still primarily relies on bunker fuel, it's a step toward the company's goal of zero emissions by 2050. (Time.com)
New Reader publisher is ex-Trib editor Oct 28, 2009
If I bought into much conventional wisdom concerning high-quality print journalism, Id be entering the fields of clean energy solar panels or medical robots. But I dont, Mr. Warren said in a statement. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Editorial: In growth-averse Davis, 'yes' on P Oct 28, 2009
Every housing unit, including the apartments, will have solar panels and other energy efficiency features. None of this satisfies opponents. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
* TSMC announces management reshuffle Oct 28, 2009
In mid-June, Tsai was -transferred to the chipmakers New Business Development Organization unit, which explores new business opportunities in the green energy sector such as solar panels. TSMC said in a statement that it had established an Operations Organization unit and a Business Development Organization unit for facilitating TSMCs manufacturing efficiency and customer partnership. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Obama presses climate accord Oct 28, 2009
As he spoke to Florida Power employees, the sun was glinting off acres of the utility's solar panels behind him. The visit coincided with an announcement by the Obama administration that it will invest $3. (AZCentral -- News)
Car maker develops its own flower species Oct 28, 2009
The plant at Tsutsumi has solar panels on its roof to generate electricity and special photocatalytic paint on its exterior walls to absorb harmful airborne gases including NOx and sulfur oxides (SOx). Inside the plant, some of the light is provided by reflective solar tubes which beam reflected sunlight into rooms, replacing electric light globes, while motion-sensitive lights in the toilet turn off when they are unoccupied. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The Future of Climate Policy Could Be Found in Copenhagen Oct 28, 2009
Not all subsidies do that; in the U.S., a requirement that each state obtain a certain fraction of its energy from renewable sources, or a nationally mandated price for renewable power, could encourage builders to put up wind turbines in windless valleys and solar panels in sunless climes. A better approach would be a national renewable portfolio standard and state-by-state incentives to encourage renewables where they would be most productive, such as wind in North Dakota and solar in Arizona. (Scientific American)
City Council in 60 seconds Oct 28, 2009
City Manager Bob Healy is working with school officials to possibly double the amount of solar panels to be installed on the high school. City Manager Bob Healy reported that the Cambridge Housing Authority is looking into the feasibility of reusing and renovating the space at 5 Western Ave. This may result in the resolution of the space issues of the Community Learning Center and the Multi-Service Center, and accommodate the administrative offices of the Cambridge Housing Authority. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Obama Putting $3.4B Into 'Smart' Grid Oct 28, 2009
Employees of SunEdison install photo voltaic solar panels on the roof of a Kohl's Department Store in Hillsborough, New Jersey July 15, 2008. Robert Nickelsberg / Getty. (Time.com)
100 wines to taste brings out young and old palates Oct 28, 2009
New this year, the tasting roster included an eco-friendly table featuring wines, beers and flavored vodkas from wineries and distilleries that use environmentally friendly practices like solar panels and organic grapes. Blanchards customer Sean Connor of Jamaica Plain, who attends the tasting each year, came early and quickly found some new favorites. (Rsolindale Parkway Transcript, MA)
U.S. seeks more clean energy market access in China Oct 28, 2009
China's overcapacity in some sectors, including solar panels, drive low-cost exports that have created friction with trading partners, while Western firms have complained they are cut out of China's most lucrative domestic projects [ID:nSEO174916. "These are the issues we've been raising in a number of discussions that are part of the JCCT. Our objective is to allow American companies to compete," Locke told reporters, in response to a question about market access for U.S. firms. (AlertNet)
Entrepreneurs tough it out Oct 27, 2009
"Companies need to be planning now how to deal with that, those renewable energy solutions they ignored only a short while ago - like solar panels, reusing grey water, larger windows to use more natural light and harnessing wind energy all become very attractive and even necessary solutions now.". The range of challenges saw South Africa disincentivising entrepreneurship which is a necessity for job creation and economic growth, she said. (iAfrica.com)
Singapore's first "Zero Energy Building" launched Oct 27, 2009
com - Singapore's first Zero Energy Building launched. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
The rise of thin-film solar power: Leaner and cheaper Oct 27, 2009
THE modernist box that won this year s Solar Decathlon, a contest for solar-powered houses sponsored by America s Department of Energy, had solar panels of the conventional, crystalline sort on its roof ... Utilities are also keen to use lenses to increase the amount of sunlight hitting solar panels a technique known as concentrating solar power. (The Economist)
Germany-Based Solar Company to Open Plant in Colo. Oct 27, 2009
SMA produces solar inverters, which convert the direct current generated by residential solar panels into alternating current for the electrical grid. Ritter has made Colorado's renewable energy industry a priority of his administration. (ABC News -- Wire)
Editorial: Solar power should be above politics Oct 27, 2009
Their home is powered by solar panels on the roof. (Oct. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Wiring America Up to Green Power Oct 27, 2009
His company is putting solar panels on rooftops and planning to build hundreds of wind turbines in the waters off the New Jersey coast ... Or should investment first be directed toward boosting energy efficiency, thus cutting the need for power, and toward smaller-scale electricity generation by means of rooftop solar panels, offshore wind turbines, and other close-to-home efforts. (BusinessWeek)
Calif. utility wants more solar from customers Oct 27, 2009
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the move should encourage more homeowners to install rooftop solar panels. More than 50,000 homes and businesses in the sunny state generate solar power. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Western states stress energy cooperation Oct 26, 2009
MENDOTA - Construction began here Monday on a 40-acre field of solar panels - a project that within months will yield a 5-megawatt crop of electricity. Joined by city leaders and dignitaries, Cleantech America broke ground for CalRENEW-1. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Santa Clara County tries workers' comp alternative Oct 26, 2009
It authorized $790 million be used for seismically upgraded structures at the center, located at 751 S. Bascom Ave., including a new 1,400-space parking garage topped with solar panels for energy production. Struthers said the job with serving as general contractor will employ as many as 1,500 people over the next two years. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Firm makes solar cells Oct 26, 2009
Suniva s cells are sold to companies that put them together in groups of 60 or 72 to make solar panels. That work is lower tech and lower margin and most of it is done in Asia. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
