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Solar Power Windows to Replace/Augment Rooftop Solar Panels
Great Solar News from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM about MIT engineers brilliant technology for solar windows to harness energy.
Awesome.
MIT guys say they can be available in 3 years.
Let's use them for the One Earth bottle house design.
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Message from Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.com
Hello, All -- Here is yet another reminder of the many rapid and spectacular advances in solar power technology -- in this case technology that could begin replacing and/or augmenting conventional rooftop solar panels within the next few years.
"Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. MIT engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that."
"Because the system is simple to manufacture, the [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] team believes that it could be implemented within three years — even added onto existing solar-panel systems to increase their efficiency by 50 percent for minimal additional cost. That, in turn, would substantially reduce the cost of solar electricity."
So, I offer this fair warning to all in the business to continue to be ready for -- and participate in -- a future of unlimited possibilities for clean energy solutions to our current dirty energy problems.
-- Bill Brown
Go to link for more
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=5...
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where everyday, always has, and always will be Earth Day.
Love your Mother. Great Solar News from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM about MIT engineers brilliant technology for solar windows to h... more -
Your City Council Could Save the World
TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico sent this good news from green architect and visionary Santa Fean Ed Mazria on how our city councils can help save the earth.
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Greetings, All -- Pertinent Sage West Consultants' work on the Town of Taos, New Mexico High Performance Building Ordinance is the article below indicating how local building codes "...are fast becoming the Titans in the battle against climate change."
To get an idea of the numbers involved in energy use by buildings and sectors, see http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pzrff2j0rl2yXwUi...
As always, please contact Sage West Consultants principals with your questions.
See http://gristmill.grist.org/print/2008/7/8/15370/78756?s... for additional tabular information and guest comments on the article below.
-- Bill Brown for Sage West Consultants
www.nmglobalwarming.com
Read Ed Mazria's essay at link below.
http://gristmill.grist.org/print/2008/7/8/15370/78756?s...
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where everyday, is, and always has been, Earth Day. TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico sent this good news from green architect and visionary Santa Fean Ed Mazria o... more -
Economic future of global energy
Another message on the economics of Global Energy from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM at New Mexico Global Warming.
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Greetings, All -- I call your attention to a new research report from the investment community that looks at the economic growth and growth projections for "alternative" forms of energy to supplant oil and other fossil fuels.
Download the 16-page document from Guinness Atkinson Funds Research Reports at:
http://www.gafunds.com/research_reports.asp
The report begins: “In the 20th century, mankind's massive material and financial progress were only made possible by the exploitation of oil. Oil was a main force in global geopolitics and the driving force behind unprecedented industrialization. Oil has been such a powerful lynch pin that it is hard to believe that its days of prominence may be waning. But as demand for oil steadily increases and reserves are consumed, oil is in the autumn of its life. In its place will increasingly emerge an array of alternative— non-fossil-fuel —energy technologies, both high tech and old tech. This is the dawn of the alternative energy age...”
The report attempts to answer the question, "So, what do alternatives have to offer and at what price and with what technology can they start to add to and replace the world's energy infrastructure?"
The report is directed entirely at economics and investors, and presents a broad array of data and graphs to explain investment positions for energies from solar photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind, hydro, wave and tidal, geothermal, fuel cells, hydrogen, biofuels, coal, natural gas, nuclear, and IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle that turns coal into a gas, and then removes impurities from the coal gas before it is combusted).
The report cautions: "All energy prices are highly sensitive to government policy frameworks and national economic systems. This leads to wide differentials for the same energy technologies in different countries. The range in the above tables produced by
the IEA [International Energy Agency http://www.iea.org/] is also due to the variance of the discount rate from 5% to 10%. They do not include transmission, distribution or greenhouse gas emission costs."
The report is a concise 16 pages based on 65 references and is well worth the read for anyone interested in the economic future of global energy.
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
Go to link above for full report from Guiness Atkinson Funds Research Reports
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Another message on the economics of Global Energy from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM at New Mexico Global Warming. ... more -
Landmark Document from Feds on Climate Change
Our friend Bill Brown in Taos at NMGlobalWarming.org reports on the U.S. federal government's Climate Change Science Program Report.
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Greetings, All -- The USA federal government's Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) released a new report yesterday on the impacts of climate change on the United States. While providing information on trends and projections for the future, the report also states how climate has already changed throughout the USA because of the impacts of human activity on our planet.
The CCSP reiterates what has long been known to science: The primary reason for climate change is human-generated increases in greenhouse gas concentrations.
The CCSP was authorized by federal legislation known as the Global Change Research Act of 1990. This Act spawned collaborative federal research and later the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), through which the USA has made a total investment of almost $20 billion during the past thirteen years -- the world's largest investment in scientific research in the areas of climate change and global change. "The USGCRP, in collaboration with several other national and international science programs, has documented and characterized several important aspects of the sources, abundances and lifetimes of greenhouse gases; has mounted extensive space-based monitoring systems for global-wide monitoring of climate and ecosystem parameters; has begun to address the complex issues of various aerosol species that may significantly influence climate parameters; has advanced our understanding of the global water and carbon cycles (but with major remaining uncertainties); and has developed several approaches to computer modeling of the global climate."
The Summary of the 271-page document begins:
"Over the past several years, our understanding of global environmental change and our ability to estimate its future effects has improved significantly. In order to summarize the key conclusions of this research, the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) has undertaken a national scale “Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States.” The conclusions in this assessment build on the vast body of observations, modeling, decision-support, and other types of activities conducted under the auspices of CCSP. It draws on findings from previous assessments of the science, including reports and products by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), CCSP, and others. Together with CCSP’s 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products, this is arguably the most comprehensive assessment to date of the effects of global change, and especially climate, on the United States. This fact sheet summarizes the key findings of the Assessment."
To download the Summary and/or the Full Report, or simply to learn about the history, quality and scope of the USA's Climate Change Research Program, see: http://www.climatescience.gov/
The CCSP considers this a landmark document, representing summary work of its almost two decades of research. Please take the time to read the Summary even if you do not wade through the full report.
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where we think each person can make a difference
to help heal our earth.
Photo - "Height of the Land Lake near White Earth, Minnesota, 2006. Our friend Bill Brown in Taos at NMGlobalWarming.org reports on the U.S. federal government's Climate Change Science Program Repo... more -
Albuquerque Impressive Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Earn Award
Albuquerque Earns U.S. EPA Climate Protection Award
Our friend Bill Brown reports great news about Albuquerque, New Mexico's reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
"Since 1990, the City of Albuquerque has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from city operations by 58% and from city landfills by 73%. Albuquerque achieved First Place Honors from the U.S. Conference of Mayors' 2007 Climate Protection Awards. Albuquerque achieved these impressive reductions by increasing energy efficiency, implementing renewable energy projects, capturing landfill methane, and utilizing alternative fuels. 20% of the City's energy is derived from wind power; the City fleet ranks fourth in the nation on SustainLane's 2006 list of the 50 largest US cities whose city fleets use alternative fuels; five city swimming pools are installing solar heating systems; and the city landfill converts landfill gas into energy. Albuquerque established the nation's first municipal capital budget set-a-side specifically dedicated to energy reduction and renewable energy implementation. The City is currently working to reduce emissions even further: The City's new Energy Conservation Code requires new buildings and existing buildings undergoing significant alterations to be at least 30% more energy efficient, and Mayor Chavez recently issued an Executive Order ensuring that all new municipal buildings meet green building standards, and established a special forestry program to combat climate change by reducing the heat island effect, sequestering carbon dioxide, and buffering the effects of rapid climate change. "
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Greetings, All -- Albuquerque, New Mexico receives a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Protection Award for its impressive greenhouse gases emissions reductions. Arlington County, Virginia and Austin & Dallas, Texas also demonstrate leadership in climate protection.
Full details on all the award winners are available at: http://www.epa.gov/cppd/awards/2008winners.html
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com. Albuquerque Earns U.S. EPA Climate Protection Award ... more -
The Climate Project's Teen Taylor Francis tours China
The Climate Project
06/26/08
TCP presenter Taylor Francis, a high school student, recently spent 10 days touring China and speaking to youth groups about climate change. He checks in with a report on his impressions of the world's largest nation and its citizens' view of the climate issue.
Earlier this month I traveled to Shanghai and Beijing to speak to Chinese audiences about climate change. This effort was born out of a prior trip to China with a school group in 2007. As the community service part of that trip, we conducted classes with fifth-graders in a small town called Jiangyin; my classes were about global warming. And I was stunned by how receptive these fifth-grade students were to what I was discussing.
I had heard from myriad articles and studies how important China was to solving climate change; many believe it has now passed the United States as the world’s largest CO2 emitter. My positive experiences in Jiangyin led me to believe that the youth of China were a source of possibility and hope in working together to combat climate change. So I spent the following year making contacts and connections to set up my speaking tour in the beginning of June.
It was an incredible trip. Over the course of 28 events and five days, I spoke to thousands of students at six high schools and two universities in Shanghai and Beijing. I also met with teachers, student leaders, NGO leaders, businessmen, and government officials. I spoke about how this is a shared problem for our two countries that necessitates cooperation. We emit the most CO2, and we will both suffer the consequences of inaction. I also tried to emphasize that economic growth and protecting the planet are not mutually exclusive. Steps like energy efficiency will save China billions of dollars, and new green technologies and industries can provide millions of new jobs. ...
See more at link above.
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com The Climate Project 06/26/08 ... more -
"The Climate Project presenter Bill Brown remains busy in retirement" - ...
Here's an interview on theclimateproject.org with our friend Bill Brown up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warming.
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06/03/08
Bill Brown, a former earth scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey, figured he'd spend his retirement relaxing in New Mexico with his wife, Lisa. Then he became a volunteer presenter for The Climate Project. Brown recently discussed his experience as a presenter with TCP Communications Manager Alex Carey.
To request a presentation by Brown or another of TCP's 1,000 dedicated and knowledgeable presenters, click here.
Alex Carey: What led you to become interested in the issues surrounding climate change and, more generally, in the environment?
Bill Brown: I have worked professionally on environmental impacts of human activities since the 1960s. The focus of our work in the ‘60s and ‘70s was cleaning up this nation’s waters at a time when many of our major rivers were no more than open sewers. By the early ‘90s, I was working in the emerging science of Industrial Ecology – the science of sustainability – and discovering then that carbon management would be the principal issue of the 21st century.
AC: You're now retired. What did you do before you entered retirement?
BB: I was an earth scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey for 36 years. I led projects throughout the U.S. – primarily in the American West – and in seven other countries. In the later part of my career I worked as a research team manager, researcher on global minerals and energy, budget analyst for the Department of the Interior, and researcher on the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
AC: How did you find out about The Climate Project?
BB: I was the science advisor for a high-profile campaign to protect New Mexico’s spectacular Valle Vidal from being turned into a natural gas factory. Our ultimate and stunning success in gaining an Act of Congress to protect our Valle Vidal was a powerful statement on the deficiencies of U.S. energy policy. The Valle Vidal work prompted people in my community to recommend that I apply to represent our region in The Climate Project....
Click link above to read rest of interview with our friend Bill Brown.
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Here's an interview on theclimateproject.org with our friend Bill Brown up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warming. ... more -
The Climate Project
The Climate Project consists of 1,000 dedicated volunteers from throughout the United States, trained to educate the public about climate change. Our hope is that by raising the awareness of our fellow citizens about this crisis and informing them about potential solutions, all of us, together, can preserve the climate balance on which our planet depends.
Read more about Presenters of The Climate Project at link above.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com The Climate Project consists of 1,000 dedicated volunteers from throughout the United States, trained to educate the public about clim... more -
"Global Limits of Biomass Energy" Reports Science Daily
Current environmental energy news from scientist Bill Brown, TouchArt's friend up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warming and The Climate Change Project.
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Greetings, All -- Below are a couple of briefs containing tightly summarized information and data on biomass power potential and a current vision of solar power potential.
Carnegie Institution of Science researchers make the reasonable case that sustainable biomass energy production on suitable land (primarily abandoned cropland and pastureland) could provide about five percent of human demands for primary energy. However, biomass development in excess of this amount -- particularly using land and water needed to grow food or converting existing ecosystems to biomass production -- could threaten food security and exacerbate climate change.
[Carnegie Institution of Science: http://www.ciw.edu/related_links]
In the second article, Ausra CEO Robert Fishman http://ausra.com/] indicates one potential for solar power (solar thermal power as contrasted with solar photovoltaic power) contingent upon policy decisions on clean energy tax credits and carbon taxes. [This corresponds to what I try to tell people about economics: we can make policy decisions that move us toward the kind of energy economy we want.] Fishman's statement re the "crossover point" could be interpreted to say that clean energy will remain competitive with obsolescent fossil fuel energy, whereas it is more likely that new technology clean energy will grow rapidly while old technology energy from inefficient and polluting sources will continue to decline.
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
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From TouchArt.net and One Earth Blog at www.OneEarthBlog.Blogspot.com Current environmental energy news from scientist Bill Brown, TouchArt's friend up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warming and The Cl... more -
Californians are climate trendsetters
More current news on sustainable energy science and policy from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warming and The Climate Change Project.
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Greetings, All -- The article below describes poll results recognizing California's policy innovations and citizen's attitudes about fighting atmospheric pollution and climate change.
The poll "...shows broad public understanding that fixing climate change goes hand in hand with energy stability and economic prosperity."
"Californians understand that clean energy combined with energy efficiency measures, which the state has pioneered for decades, mean their total energy bill will go down..."
Note the reference to California Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act.
According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ab-32], "The Bill (AB 32), authored by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles) and Assembly Member Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), was agreed between Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislators on August 30, 2006. It requires that by 2020 the state's greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels, a roughly 25% reduction under business as usual estimates. The California Air Resources Board, under the California Environmental Protection Agency, is to prepare plans to achieve the objectives stated in the Act."
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
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From TouchArt.net and One Earth Blog at www.OneEarthBlog.Blogspot.com More current news on sustainable energy science and policy from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos at New Mexico Global Warm... more -
Advantages of Solar Electric Power (Part V) - Draft by Bill Brown at NM Global War...
Part V
Advantages of Solar Electric Power – Part 5 (Draft) by Bill Brown at www.nmglobalwarming.org
Caveats re Capital Costs
These prices are illustrative only, indicative of global grid connect markets rather than the markets of a specific country. Prices for individual projects often vary widely according to the location and type of system required.
No solar energy rebate programs have been built into the data. Many Governments and utilities have incentives to reduce the cost of solar electricity, recognizing the broad economic benefits of stimulating a self-sustaining local solar energy market.
Financing cost for Solar Energy Systems is assumed to be 5% per annum. These costs are amortized over a 20 year life. This is a significant factor in the Index as it has a bearing on the economic payback time of a solar photovoltaic system.
Economic Payback
A customer investing in a solar PV system should understand the economic payback on the investment, even if there may be strong non-economic (e.g. environmental) factors driving the purchasing decision.
The initial investment depends on the system size. A convenient factor that takes this into account is the price per peak Watt (Wp) of the system. Hence, a 2000 Watt peak (2kWp) solar energy system costing $16000 in total (i.e. including installation) will correspond to a price of $8/Wp. In some countries, the purchaser may be able to obtain a grant or rebate towards the cost of the system, which will obviously improve the economic payback on the purchase.
Over the last 20 years the cost of Solar Energy Systems has come down seven fold. Many Governments in Europe and also Japan have recognized the wider economic benefits of being first to stimulate a local solar energy market and industry. A main reason that costs will continue their decline is not technology (although that can help), but manufacturing volume. As the market continues to increase, so costs will come down further and so will economic payback. In the meantime, we will continue to investigate presently available solar energy incentive programs. Incentives by some utilities are currently bringing the cost of solar energy down to 10-12 cents per kilowatt hour - which can imply a payback of 5 to 7 years.
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References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Part V Advantages of Solar Electric Power – Part 5 (Draft) by Bill Brown at www.nmglobalwarming.org Caveats re Capital Costs ... more -
Advantages of Solar Electric Power (Part IV) - Draft by Bill Brown at NM Global Wa...
Advantages of Solar Electric Power – Part 4 (Draft) by Bill Brown at www.nmglobalwarming.org
The Economics of a Small Solar Electric System
The economics of the small solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system are determined by both the capital and operating costs. Capital costs include the initial costs of designing and installing a PV system. Operating costs include the costs associated with maintaining and operating the PV system over its useful life.
The factors that affect both capital and operating costs include:
System components
System size
Whether a system is grid-connected or stands alone (off-grid)
Solar resource at your location (amount of sunlight)
Electricity Consumption
Before selecting system components and sizing a PV system for an existing application, the purchaser must evaluate energy consumption patterns. Purchaser will need to perform a load analysis, which includes these tasks:
Looking at utility bills over the past year
Calculating energy consumption
Recognizing consumption trends
By understanding "energy habits" and becoming more energy efficient, the purchaser can reduce the size of the PV system needed, lowering both capital and operating costs.
Solar PV Cost Considerations
A solar PV provider can estimate how much electricity a new PV system will produce per year (measured in kilowatt-hours) and compare that number to estimated annual electricity usage (called demand) to get an idea of cost savings. As a rule, the cost per kilowatt-hour goes down as the purchaser increases the size of the system.
The purchaser should also compare the purchase price of utility-generated electricity to the higher costs of smaller PV systems. PV-generated electricity traditionally has been more expensive than conventional, utility-supplied electricity. However, these costs vary by geographic location, and are decreasing rapidly with technological improvements and mass production of solar PV panels.
Solar rebate programs, subsidies, and other incentives can help make PV more affordable. Tax incentives may include a sales tax exemption on the PV system purchase, a property tax exemption, or state personal income tax credits, all of which provide an economic benefit to consumers by lowering high capital costs. Some solar rebate programs are capped at a certain dollar amount. Therefore, a solar electric system that matches this cap maximizes the benefit of the solar rebate.
Solar Electricity Global Benchmark Price Indices -- May 2008 Survey Results
[See: http://www.solarbuzz.com/SolarIndices.htm]
Capital Costs
A 50 kilowatt ground mounted commercial solar PV system, which is connected to the electricity grid, provides distributed energy and excludes any back up power. The Price Index includes full system integration and installation costs.
Installed commercial system cost = $341,046; rate = 27.33 cents per kWh (kilowatt hour).
A 500 kilowatt flat roof mounted solar PV system, suitable on large buildings, is connected to the electricity grid and excludes back up power. The Price Index includes full system integration and installation costs.
Installed industrial system cost = $2,471,260; rate = 21.32 cents per kWh (kilowatt hour).
Continued at Part V posted on current.com
Search current.com for "Advantages in Solar Electric Power" for Parts I, II, III, and V.
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References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Advantages of Solar Electric Power – Part 4 (Draft) by Bill Brown at www.nmglobalwarming.org ... more -
Advantages of Solar Electric Power - Part III - draft by Bill Brown
"Small solar photovoltaic arrays are versatile in terms of their potential to be located in a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings where they can be easily tied into existing grids.
Solar photovoltaic arrays can use the existing electrical infrastructure so no new, specialized infrastructure is required. For converting DC battery power into AC as required for many appliances, or for feeding excess power into a commercial power grid, the arrays require an inverter or grid-interactive inverter. An inverter is an electronic circuit that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverters are used in a wide range of applications, from small switching power supplies in computers, to large electric utility applications that transport bulk power.
[A grid-tie inverter is an electrical device that allows solar power users to complement their grid power with solar power. It works by regulating the amount of voltage and current that is received from the direct current solar panels (or other D.C. energy source) and converting this into alternating current. The main difference between an electrical inverter and a grid-tie inverter is that the latter also ensures that the power supplied will be in phase with the grid power. This allows individuals with surplus power (wind, solar, etc) to sell the power back to the utility. This is sometimes called "spinning the meter backwards" as that is what literally happens.]
There is a great deal of design flexibility for placing solar electric arrays. Solar panel arrays can be placed on nearly any otherwise unused surface such as open ground, rooftops of structures, highway, pipeline, or power transmission line right-of-ways, and many other locations.
Solar electric arrays can begin producing power quickly. A community-sized or even much larger solar photovoltaic power plant can be up and running within a year or less, compared with a time to operation of 10 to 15 years for new power production from fossil fuel, nuclear, and other types of power plants.
The demand for solar photovoltaic power as a clean energy source continues to increase dramatically. The demand will be heightened for transportation applications with the proliferation of plug-in hybrid vehicles or all-electric vehicles that require electrical charging. [Such vehicles can also provide battery storage of electricity that can be fed back into the grids when the vehicles are not in use.]
Solar photovoltaic power will help meet local, state, and federal requirements for clean energy production and greenhouse gases emissions reductions. At the local level, the clean energy supply can be used in anticipation of state and federal mandates for clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets. The solar PV power supply will aid public utilities in meeting requirements for providing a specified percentage of clean energy. Communities that anticipate such mandates are likely to be financially rewarded via current and expected state and federal incentives.
Economics of Solar Electric (Solar Photovoltaic) Power
Solar photovoltaic panel arrays are simple to install and will provide clean energy regardless of fluctuations in electricity markets.
Solar PV power favors mass production of panels, and systems are less expensive when produced in quantity.
Locally produced solar PV power can dynamically balance the supply and demand for electric power by producing more power during periods of high demand and high grid prices, and less power during periods of low demand and low grid prices. This "hybridized grid" allows both small systems and large power plants to operate with greater energy efficiency and cost effectiveness than either could alone.
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References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.
Search current.com -"Advantages in Solar Electric Power" for Parts I, II, IV, & V.
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TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com "Small solar photovoltaic arrays are versatile in terms of their potential to be located in a variety of urban, suburban and rura... more -
Advantages of Solar Electric Power (Part II) - Draft by Bill Brown at NM Global Wa...
Part II
Advantages of Solar Electric Power
draft by Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
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"Grid-connected solar PV systems require no storage equipment (i.e. batteries). The crucial issue relative to grid-connected PV Systems is the technical aspect of tying into the electricity grid. In these applications, grid-tied inverters must be used that meet the requirements of the utility company. They must not emit "noise" which can interfere with the reception of equipment (e.g. televisions), switch off in the case of a grid failure and retain acceptable levels of harmonic distortion (i.e. quality of voltage and current output waveforms). This type of system tends to be an optimum configuration from an economic viewpoint because all the electricity is utilized by the owner during the day and any surplus is exported to the grid. Meanwhile, the cost of storage to meet night-time needs is avoided, because the owner simply draws on the grid in the usual way. Also, with access to the grid, the system does not need to be sized to meet peak loads.
When grid-connected, solar electric generation can displace the highest cost electricity from other sources during times of peak demand, especially in areas with the greatest amounts of average annual sunlight. [Taos, New Mexico lies within an area of the USA’s highest solar power potential that extends from southern California eastward through southern Nevada, southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas.
When grid-connected, solar electric generation can reduce grid loading and can eliminate the need for local battery power for use in times of darkness and high local demand. Net metering encourages this application, and time-of-use net metering can be highly favorable to small solar photovoltaic systems.
[Net metering is an electricity policy for owners of generally small, clean energy facilities, such as wind or solar power, or those who use vehicle-to-grid systems. "Net", in this context, is used in the sense of meaning "what remains after deductions" -- in this case, the deduction of any energy outflows from metered energy inflows. Under net metering, a system owner receives retail credit for at least a portion of the electricity they generate. The ideal has the owners’ existing electricity meters spinning backwards, effectively banking excess electricity production for future credit.]
Once the initial capital costs of building a solar electric power plant have been spent, operating costs are extremely low compared with nuclear and fossil fuel power technologies.
Compared to fossil fuel and nuclear energy sources, very little research-money has been invested in the development of solar cells, so there is much room for improvement. Nevertheless, experimental high efficiency solar cells already have efficiencies of over 40% and efficiencies are rising rapidly while mass production costs are falling steadily. ______________________
References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Part II Advantages of Solar Electric Power draft by Bill Brown www.nmglobalwarming.org _____________ ... more -
Advantages of Solar Electric Power Part I (draft) by Bill Brown NM Global Warming
Part I from Bill Brown up in Taos
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"As I promised earlier, I include my own DRAFT compilation of advantages and economics of solar electric (solar photovoltaic) power that I am currently researching and polishing for a variety of other purposes. This is only an informational DRAFT that bears considerable scrutiny for errors and omissions. The compilation derives from a broad range of source materials that I am also compiling as a reference list. If you have comments on the draft, please let me know"
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Advantages of Solar Electric Power (Part 1)
Compiled by William M. Brown
Sage West Consultants, May 18, 2008
Solar energy is plentiful. Solar radiation along with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for over 99.9 percent of the available flow of renewable energy on Earth. The flows and stores of solar energy in the environment are vast in comparison to human energy needs. The solar power potential of solar radiation incident upon the 48 contiguous United States is about 10,000 times the USA’s current electricity demand.
Solar power is pollution free during use. The wastes and emissions related to production of solar power are manageable using existing pollution controls.
Solar photovoltaic power generation requires no water other than minor amounts that might be used in manufacturing components. “Conventional” power generation using coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear resources requires 600 to 800 gallons of water for every megawatt-hour of energy produced. The bulk of the water is for cooling purposes in “conventional” power plants, and the water is wasted to the atmosphere as steam.
Solar power arrays can be built using existing technology. Solar cell technology continues to evolve rapidly towards ever greater efficiency and lower cost, but existing technology is proven and applicable to a wide variety of economic demands.
Solar photovoltaic power facilities can operate with little maintenance or intervention after initial setup.
Solar electric power generation is durable for the very long term. A solar power array will produce power for so long as the Sun continues to shine and the system is maintained. Unlike fossil fuel and nuclear power sources, solar power does not require continuous, worldwide exploration for and development of a diminishing supply of fuel.
Solar photovoltaic power is extremely reliable. Solar PV systems can generate electrical power for many thousands of hours with little or no maintenance.
Grid-connected solar electricity can be used locally, thus reducing power transmission and distribution losses. Solar electric generation is economically superior where grid connection using long, high-voltage transmission lines is costly. Long-distance transmission costs are embedded in payments for all forms of power generated at locations remote from the point of use.
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Part II, III, IV and V also posted on current. Search "Advantages in Solar Electric Power"
References/Source Information to be included with later drafts.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Part I from Bill Brown up in Taos _______________ ... more -
Economics of Solar Power
From our friend Bill Brown at NM Global Warming
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"Greetings, All -- The following brief on a poll of Americans about solar power reveals a non-partisan acceptance of solar power as perhaps a principal engine of our new energy economy.
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from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com From our friend Bill Brown at NM Global Warming ______ ... more -
Yard Work - As Viewed from Heaven from Bill Brown at NM Global Warming
On a lighter note from our friend Bill Brown at New Mexico Global Warming up in Taos, New Mexico.
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"Greetings, All -- For your amusement, a conversation in Heaven about realities on Earth.
-- Bill Brown
YARD WORK - AS VIEWED FROM HEAVEN
(overheard in a conversation between God and St. Francis):
God: Francis, you know all about gardens and nature; what in the
world is going on down there in the U.S.? What happened to the
dandelions, violets, thistles and the stuff I started eons ago?
I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow
in any type of soil, withstand drought, and multiply with
abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts
butterflies, honeybees, and flocks of songbirds. I expected to
see a vast garden of color by now. All I see are patches of
green.
St. Francis: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. They are
called the Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers
"weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them
with grass.
God: Grass? But it is so boring, it's not colorful. It doesn't
attract butterflies, bees or birds, only grubs and sod worms.
It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites
really want grass growing there?
St. Francis: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it has grown a
little, they cut it....sometimes two times a week.
God: They cut it? Do they bale it like hay?
St. Francis: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put
it in bags.
God: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?
St. Francis: No sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it
away.
God: Now let me get this straight...they fertilize it to make it
grow and when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it
away?
St. Francis: Yes, sir.
God: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we
cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows
the growth and saves them a lot of work.
St. Francis: You aren't going to believe this Lord, but when the
grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more
money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get
rid of it.
God: What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees.
That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself.
The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade
in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a
natural blanket to keep the moisture in the soil and protect the
trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves become compost
to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.
St. Francis: You'd better sit down, Lord. As soon as the leaves
fall, the Suburbanites rake them into great piles and pay to
have them hauled away.
God: No way! What do they do to protect the shrubs and tree
roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?
St Francis: After throwing the leaves away, they go out and buy
something called mulch. They haul it home and spread it around
in place of the leaves.
God: And where do they get this mulch?
St. Francis: They cut down the trees and grind them up to make
mulch.
God: Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore.
Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have
you scheduled for us tonight?
St. Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a really stupid
movie about...
God: Never mind -I think I just heard the whole story from Saint
Francis!"
Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
______________________________
from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com On a lighter note from our friend Bill Brown at New Mexico Global Warming up in Taos, New Mexico. _________________ ... more -
European system for cutting carbon dioxide emissions is working well
Today's good Green News from our friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico at www.nmglobalwarming.org
________________________
"Greetings, All -- New research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management on the European Union carbon dioxide (CO2) cap-and-trade system dispels many fears and myths about its workability, and provides some surprising results about its success.
The MIT report notes that cap-and-trade systems for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides have worked well in the USA for years where "Markets for trading allowances operate smoothly, and—in response to the strong economic incentive—facilities have reduced their emissions significantly."
However, "... the EU ETS [Emissions Trading Scheme] is far larger than either of the US programs. It covers 11,000 installations while the US sulfur dioxide program covers only 3,000, and the value of the allowances is about $80 billion as opposed to $4 billion. Perhaps most striking, the EU ETS operates internationally. Allowances are traded by facilities in 27 independent nations that form a loose federal union and differ widely in per capita income, market experience, institutional background, and other features."
In contrast to the fears of critics, the economic effects of the CO2 cap-and-trade system have not been large. "Changes have occurred in certain industries, but the notion that the carbon price would wreck the overall economy is clearly disproved for the European system, which for a long time had a high price compared to what was expected. Even though reducing emissions was not the primary focus of the three-year trial, carbon reductions were in fact achieved, with minimal macroeconomic impact."
The report also counters the argument of those who believe that "... the EU method of allocating free allowances to polluting facilities is morally wrong. But an emissions-control policy is more likely to succeed if those most affected—the current polluters—are given some assets along with the liabilities they are being asked to assume."
Finally, MIT issues the reminder that "Perhaps the main message for policy makers is that everything does not have to be perfectly in place to start up." This cogent idea seems to be a major stumbling block for politicians, activists, and others who demand perfection in new programs while ignoring the vast imperfections in current systems.
I love the scientific solemnity and unintended humor of the statement, "In 2000, leaders in the EU realized that they would not be able to meet their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, which take effect in 2008, without taking action.""
-- Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.org
follow link above to SCIENCE DAILY article "European System for Cutting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Is Working Well"
________________________________
from TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Today's good Green News from our friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico at www.nmglobalwarming.org ________________________ ... more -
Green New Mexico
New Mexico is becoming a model state for “green” business development and practice.
More green news from Bill Brown at www.nmglobalwarming.org
Via your friends at TouchArt Ltd.
www.touchart.net www.myspace.com/touchartbooks New Mexico is becoming a model state for “green” business development and practice. ... more -
Solar Power Already Cost-Competitive
Alternative energy sources - Solar power
The biggest knocks against solar and wind power are that they can't be done on a massive, city-powering scale, and that the energy they make can't be stored for a cloudy day, the middle of the night or a late-afternoon demand surge.
But turn table salt into hot lava and the problem is solved. Scientists have learned that heated, liquid salt is "basically a thermal coffee carafe for the sun," said NREL's Mark Mehos, an expert in concentrating solar power.
Massive fields of mirrors — NREL helps develop the most reflective surfaces — concentrate the sun on pipes or towers filled with molten salt. The salt heats to 734 degrees and transfers the heat to pipes filled with water. The water turns to steam strong enough to drive utility-size electrical turbines for power generation.
The key is that molten salt can store up to seven hours of sunshine-generated energy for up to a week at a time. The American Southwest and northern New Mexico are some of the best places in the world to locate such power plants, and NREL works on the technology for heat storage and the coatings that make solar panels more efficient. The cost of the power is still higher than everyday electricity, but competitive at "peak load" times of the day.
"Ironically, you're using solar heat to create air conditioning," Mehos said. "Oil at $90 a barrel does a lot of interesting things" to technology. Alternative energy sources - Solar power ... more
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