Solar power protects homeowners from rising energy costs

December 29, 2017
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Although they’re historically the biggest opponents to the expansion of renewable energy sources with net-zero carbon emissions, oil companies are beginning to prepare for a future in which carbon is taxed, which would consequently raise energy prices. According to an article in the New York Times, some of the world’s biggest corporations are factoring a future tax on greenhouse gas emissions into their finances, in the event that lawmakers implement legislation aimed at curbing climate change. “It’s…

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Bay Area solar energy raises the value of your home

December 29, 2017
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Many homeowners are intimidated by the cost of going solar, as they may wonder whether the savings from tax incentives, rebates and renewable energy credits will offset the installation expense of their residential PV system. According to a 2011 study, homeowners can rest assured that, even without taking into account electricity savings, their solar energy system will likely raise the value of their house and pay for itself if they sell.     The report,…

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Ascent Solar brings consumer solar module goods to Wal-Mart website

December 29, 2017
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The integration of solar cells into consumer goods is an often-overlooked way for solar energy to become a bigger part of Americans’ electricity usage. But if customers are able to purchase more items that run off solar modules rather than the electric grid, it could have a substantial impact on carbon emissions and air quality. One company, Ascent Solar, recognizes this nascent trend and has launched a lineup of consumer goods and industrial tools that…

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Almost all new electricity in California to come from solar energy in second half of 2012

December 29, 2017
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There has been a flurry of recent news indicating that solar energy has been gaining popularity at an unprecedented pace throughout the state. However, a recent study conducted by Herman Trabish of Greentech Media found that nearly all new electricity generators set to be built in California during the second half of 2013 are solar panels. This information was compiled by the California Independent Systems Operator (ISO) 2012 Annual Report on Market Issues and Performance, which…

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Affordable housing in Oakland goes solar

December 29, 2017
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A recent piece published on OaklandLocal.com draws attention to a recently rebuilt affordable housing development that has earned praise from environmental and public housing advocates. Tassafronga Village in Oakland was originally built in 1964, but over the years had become a dilapidated housing project that fell into disrepair and posed a public health risk. Some of the structures were cracking and presented a seismic hazard, while the soil had become contaminated with petroleum and pesticides. However, Tassafronga…

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Solar prices decline steady – and impressive

December 29, 2017
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The cost of solar power in 1977 – almost 40 years ago – was slightly higher than approximately $76 per Watt of capacity. While many eco-conscious people of the time hoped to find the next wave of clean energy in solar power, the truth was that the cost was just too prohibitive. Enter modern technology, however, and all that has changed. In 2013, the cost per Watt of capacity is 74 cents, according to The Economist.…

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Solar shades installed at California school district

December 29, 2017
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Many schools across the country are still dealing with the effects of the economic downturn, in the form of massive budget cuts that have resulted in teacher layoffs, shortened academic calendars and delayed improvement of aging facilities. Because of this, it is imperative for school systems to consider switching their electrical production to solar power, as the upfront installation costs would be offset in the long run by lower energy bills. The Clovis Unified School District…

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Southern California celebrates first net-zero-energy, zero-combustion home

December 29, 2017
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Residents of Southern California interested in learning more about sustainable technology such as solar energy solutions may want to consider attending the “Green Idea House” public dedication ceremony in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, April 6. According to a press release from SolarWorld, the purpose of the event – which will include a speech from environmental activist and actor Ed Begley Jr. – is to celebrate the region’s first net-zero-energy, zero-combustion home. Featuring 6.25 kilowatts of…

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Stanford researchers develop ultra-thin material that could be used for solar cells

December 29, 2017
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Researchers at Stanford University have developed an ultra-thin, light-absorbing material that could be used to for a future generation of inexpensive photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. Many times thinner than a piece of paper, the new substance is made from many trillions of small gold dots only nanometers thick, which can absorb up to 99 percent of the light hitting its surface. In a news release, scientists described the discovery as a major step forward in…

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Startup uses robotics to make solar more efficient

December 29, 2017
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Robots are becoming more sophisticated and useful every day, rendering what was once a science fiction concept a reality. The evolution of robotics has significant implications for the Bay Area solar power industry, which has already begun to see several projects that involve robotic technology as a way to reduce costs and make solar panels more efficient. A notable example, recently covered by EnergyRealities.org, is a solar panel array located in a prison in Dublin, California, where the…

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State regulators approve large scale plant in Blythe, California

December 29, 2017
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An enormous new renewable energy project near Blythe, California, has been approved by California regulators after the developers switched from concentrated solar power (CSP) to photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. It’s unclear what the next steps are for NextEra Energy, the company that will build the 485-megawatt (MW) project. Reuters reports that the project was originally slated to be over 1,000 MW and use parabolic troughs to collect sunlight for turbine steam generation. However, NextEra downsized the…

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Storm-stricken cities look to solar power

December 29, 2017
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It’s been just over six months since Hurricane Sandy swept the eastern seaboard, leaving both destruction and devastation in its wake. In the aftermath of this natural disaster, parts of the East Coast – and New York and New Jersey in particular – were left without power for weeks. An extended loss of power, whether caused by a natural disaster or other event, isn’t only inconvenient: it can be potentially life threatening. Many families were…

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