Solar energy

August 13, 2008 -- Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity. This is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date.

The inverted metamorphic triple-junction solar cell was designed, fabricated and independently measured at NREL. The 40.8 percent efficiency was measured under concentrated light of 326 suns. One sun is about the amount of light that typically hits Earth on a sunny day. The new cell is a natural candidate for the space satellite market and for terrestrial concentrated photovoltaic arrays, which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the solar cells.    » read more »

August 8, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced a program to help low- and moderate-income residents cut their electricity expenses and build on the state’s commitment to renewable energy.

The Connecticut Solar Lease Program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a new initiative designed to eliminate the high initial costs associated with the purchase and installation of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a combination of rebates and tax credits can be used to lower the cost of leasing solar systems, helping more residents obtain clean, renewable solar energy.    » read more »

Highlights Conference Theme of "Building Green Economies"

August 13, 2008 -- Continuing his pledge to cooperate on increasing environmental protection, fighting climate change and building commerce in the U.S.-Mexico border region, California Gov. Schwarzenegger today opened the XXVI Annual Border Governors Conference (BGC) at Universal Studios Hollywood. The XXVI Annual BGC, chaired by Governor Schwarzenegger, will highlight the benefits of building green economies throughout the border region.    » read more »

Twelve Industry Teams Partner with DOE to Advance Integration of Solar Energy Systems into Electrical Grid

August 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy John Mizroch announced today that DOE will invest up to $24 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond—subject to the availability of funds—to develop solar energy products to significantly accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.    » read more »

Award-winning Brewery to Host ‘A Celebration of Sol’ Event on July 8 to Unveil 312 kW System that will Supply up to 43 Percent of Stone’s Energy Needs and Save More than $3 Million in Energy Costs over its Lifetime

El Cajon, Calif., July 1, 2008 — Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-connected solar electric power systems, and Bank of America today announced that Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, Calif., one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated breweries in the U.S., has installed a 312 kW solar electric system at its brewing facility in the Escondido Research & Technology Center (ERTC).    » read more »

U.S. Senate Hearing Will Focus For First Time on Renewable Energy
and Transmission

June 17, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will today hold its first-ever hearing focused exclusively on renewable energy and transmission, inviting renewable industry, utility, and government leaders to discuss ways to invest in new transmission that will tap the nation’s vast – but currently stranded –renewable energy resources.    » read more »

Introduction of Solar Power System to Ray Brook Adirondack Park Agency Headquarters will Provide 30 Percent of the Agency’s Annual Energy Needs, Cutting Cost and Pollution

June 16, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today praised the work of State agencies that are cutting their energy needs and announced the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will install photovoltaic solar equipment at its Ray Brook Headquarters. The solar panels will provide one third of the agency’s energy needs, a major reduction of its outside power consumption.    » read more »

Touts Positive Environmental, Economic Impact of Alternative Energy Sources

Jun. 02, 2008 -- HOUSTON – Texas Governor Rick Perry today spoke at the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Power 2008 Conference and the grand opening of the nation’s largest biodiesel refinery at GreenHunter Energy’s Renewable Fuels Campus in Houston.

The governor touted the positive environmental and economic impact of renewable energy sources and the state’s ongoing effort to further diversify its energy portfolio to include wind, biofuels, solar and nuclear.    » read more »

May 30, 2008 -- ST. PETERSBURG – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today joined Jeff Lyash, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida, and community leaders to explore possibilities for diversifying technology in Florida’s energy future.

They unveiled plans for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery Systems (SEEDS), innovative renewable energy technology that will be evaluated at two St. Petersburg sites including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Albert Whitted Park. The sites will serve as research hubs for unique technology that could be used as energy storage for future “Smart Grid” power systems.    » read more »

05/20/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined with business and environmental leaders to unveil the Environmental Defense Fund's (EDF) inaugural "Innovations Review: Making Green the New Business as Usual" report, which is the result of a nationwide review of products and practices that increase environmental efficiency and provide savings to businesses.

California Governor Schwarzenegger showcases green business: Governor Schwarzenegger joined business and environmental leaders to unveil the Environmental Defense Fund’s inaugural “Innovations Review: Making Green the New Business as Usual” report.    » read more »

Washington, D.C. - Global production of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells increased 51 percent in 2007, to 3,733 megawatts, according to the latest Vital Signs Update from the Worldwatch Institute, produced in collaboration with the Prometheus Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Solar energy tree, Milan: Photo by Jonathan Igharas (CC)

More than 2,935 megawatts (MW) of solar modules were installed in 2007, according to early estimates, bringing cumulative global installations of PVs since 1996 to more than 9,740 MW-enough to meet the annual electricity demand of more than 3 million homes in Europe.    » read more »

May 7, 2008 -- “FPL’s proposal to modernize its power plants would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by millions of tons and help address the serious challenge of global climate change. This move continues FPL’s strong leadership role on the environment.

“FPL already has the lowest emissions profile of any utility in the state, and one of the lowest nationwide. Their leading position in wind and solar power is well known. I look forward to the state of Florida continuing its partnership with FPL to secure an even better environmental future for our children.”

Source: Florida Governor

120 New Affordable Apartments in LEED Certified Building on 116th Street

April 22, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the completion of the Kalahari, a 249-unit mixed-income development on 116th Street in Harlem designed and built to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification standards, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance 'green' buildings.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg tours the Kalahari condominiums: Photo courtesy New York City Governor's office    » read more »

LIPA Solar Project Would Provide Enough Power to Sustain 6,500 Households And Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 20,000 Tons

April 22, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced a major alternative energy project that would create the state’s largest source of solar power to help meet the challenge of developing comprehensive renewable energy alternatives and address the growing demand for energy on Long Island and throughout the state.    » read more »

April 21, 2008 -- The newest research center of the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory aims to find ways to directly convert the sun's energy to low-cost electricity and fuels.

The Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion (CRSP), announced today by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and the Collaboratory at the state Capitol in Denver, will be dedicated to basic and applied research at the Collaboratory's four member institutions, the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Colorado State University (CSU) and the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU-Boulder).    » read more »