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Any energy resource that is naturally regenerated over a short time scale and derived directly from the sun (such as thermal, photochemical, and photoelectric), indirectly from the sun (such as wind, hydropower, and photosynthetic energy stored in biomass), or from other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment (such as geothermal and tidal energy). Renewable energy does not include energy resources derived from fossil fuels, waste products from fossil sources, or waste products from inorganic sources
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Technological Relic or the Future of Solar Power? |
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Written by Igor Makasyuk
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The Arizona-based Stirling Energy Systems (SES) is about to deploy the 1.5 megawatt demonstration site, known as Maricopa Solar; it is set to begin operations early January 2010. The solar module - the SunCatcher - looks like a well-known concentrator but includes a Sterling engine as the power producing unit. Introduced in 1816, the Sterling engine has efficiency theoretically approaching that of the most efficient Carnot cycle. However, such features as the external source of heat and many moving parts have made it notoriously unpractical. Can these features make it one of the most attractive candidates for "green" power generation? Read "Are Engines the Future of Solar Power?" by Cynthia Graber in Scientific American (December 30, 2009).
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Solar PV Market: Sustainable Recovery or Short-Term Blip? |
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Written by Igor Makasyuk
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Jim Hines of Gartner, Inc.spoke at Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Society (SVPVS) on December 16, 2009.
The three topics covered in the presentation:
- Trends and forecasts for the global PV solar market
- How will the US solar market change?
- Opportunities for semiconductors
1. In the “Trends and Forecasts” part:
- In the PV industry foundations need solid investments. Year 2009 was difficult (although not as difficult as one might have expected); the situation is improving.
- PV Solar is the focus for utilities for their renewable energy initiatives.
- PV market drivers:
- By 2030 the global electricity demand will double. More than 2000 new power plants will have to be built
- Government initiatives are still needed to offset risk/expense of PV solar.
- Cost barriers to adoption:
- low efficiency
- short lifetime of inverters
- labor intense installation
- monitoring and diagnostics of the installed equipment
- PV market inhibitors:
- Projects remain hostage to conservative financiers
- The bifurcation in global PV market is centralized (solar farms, large commercial) versus distributed (roof-top) generation.
PV industry is expanding
China and US will be the growth markets for the next five years
Germany will continue to grow, although comparatively slower
Government incentives will continue to be a core driver
Spain is not expected to be a top five market by 2013
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Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 21:31 |
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PG&E to build Manzana Wind Farm |
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Written by Henry Perez
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PG&E to build Manzana Wind Farm
PG&E announced a contract to purchase and run a 246MW wind farm in Kern County. This is in addition to the February announcement to develop and own 250 MW of solar photovoltaic power. As a point of reference, the Diablo Canyon power plant produces 2,200 MW.
PG&E's pursuit of renewable energy stems largely from state rules that over the years have required utilities to use increasing amounts of renewable energy. California utilities currently face a mandate to use renewables for a third of the power they sell by 2020. The mandate is part of the state's 2006 plan to combat climate change.
The total capital cost of the Manzana project will be just over US $900 million, which includes payments to Iberdrola Renewables to develop and build the facility. The average residential customer, who consumes 550 kilowatt-hours per month, would pay $0.25 more per month to fund the project.
Refer to the PG&E press release for more details.
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Last Updated on Monday, 07 December 2009 14:17 |
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Solyndra_Alwitra Agreement |
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Written by Henry Perez
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Solyndra-Alwitra Agreement
Alwitra, a flat roofing materials specialist, has entered into a long-term framework agreement with CIGS thin film supplier, Solyndra of Fremont. Alwitra’s innovative reflective ‘Evalon’ roofing membrane market and its use of flexible thin film substrates for flat roof applications make them an ideal partner for Solyndra. Solar panel manufacturer Solyndra takes a 360-degree approach to its solar modules. The company manufactures photovoltaic solar panels made of tube-shaped modules, rather than the traditional flat modules. Solyndra's solar panels, which are designed for commercial rooftop mounting. For more details see PV-TECH.
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Last Updated on Monday, 07 December 2009 14:18 |
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California Gets Smart-Grid Funds to Bottle Wind |
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Written by Henry Perez
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California Gets Smart-Grid Funds to Bottle Wind
Written by Henry Perez
The Department of Energy continues to award American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds projects aimed at increasing the amount of renewable energy available to the grid. PG&E just received a $25 million award to fund initial feasibility work for storing excess night time wind generated power.
PG&E’s Jonathan Marshall said, “There have been times that wind turbines at Tehachapi have actually had to be turned off at night, because power going into the grid causes damage if it’s not used.” According to EPRI, underground compressed-air is the cheapest option to use with renewable energy.
PG&E’s plan is to force compressed air into the subterranean rock formations in the Kern County area during periods of excess power generation and then release the compressed air to drive turbine when the grid needs the power. This peak leveling strategy averts the need for building new fossil fuel power plants to meet the peak demands.
If the tests of the geological formations prove positive, PG&E plans to build a 300MW storage facility that is estimated to cost $365 million. Estimates are that California needs to build as much as 4 GW of storage to meet the 2020 goal of 33% renewable energy.
For further details, refer to the article by Susan Kraemer.
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Last Updated on Monday, 07 December 2009 14:19 |
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Written by Henry Perez
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The world must embrace a new, greener lifestyle. One bright idea can make a big difference.
The 2009 Green Challenge
To encourage and aid the invention of great new green products and services, the Dutch Postcode Lottery sponsored Green Challenge 2009. The entrant with the best idea for a greenhouse-gas-reducing product or service received €500,000, expert coaching and a starting list of customers!
Power Collective Limited will produce and market the RidgeBlade MicroGeneration system. This low-cost rooftop turbine captures wind power in low-wind conditions.
"With €500,000 we will continue with the development and certification of pre-production prototypes, allowing us to test and measure the efficiency of the units in a variety of locations, and conditions. This would enable us to present a 'turnkey' licensing offer, accelerating the deployment of the RidgeBlade in as many countries as possible, as quickly as possible," Dean Gregory says.
For more information on the Green Challenge and the winner Power Collective Limited see:
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 November 2009 20:29 |
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