Alternative Energy HQ solar power for homes, wind energy, and bio fuel issues

EAGLE LAKE — For decades, Daryl Guentzel has used the sun to produce his harvest. Soon he’ll be harvesting the sun itself. “I don’t have a lot of great intelligence,” the Eagle Lake farmer says, “but I can add.” And by his arithmetic, converting his operation to be exclusively powered by Old Sol is a no-brainer. He says at first …

According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, solar PV market demand has plummeted recently due to the passing of Germany’s new subsidy policy, in addition to news of the Italian government’s plans to shrink solar subsidies also. Furthermore, as the anti-dumping duties imposed on China by the U.S. are lower than generally expected, it is said that Taiwanese module …

Committed to sustainability and preserving the environment, The Cliff House Resort & Spa has installed one of Maine’s largest solar thermal systems. The installation uses 2,100 tubes on 70 collectors. That’s 10 times the size of an average solar project. The solar installation will save an estimated 11,000 gallons of propane annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than …

PV America 2012 West Celebrates The inaugural PV America West conference and trade show concluded on March 21 with more than 160 exhibitors showcasing the products and technologies driving the PV solar energy industry in the western region in 2012. Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)® and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), the show offered an extensive …

I’m sorry but for those of you who think a self driving car is a bad idea you just might need to think again. Watch this video and then tell me you think there is no way this technology can take off. Drivers are the dangerous ones on the road. I will be watching this technology very closely to see …

Many in the solar industry believe that low module pricing is what is driving the industry forward. But American solar manufacturers have stated — and proved — that China isn’t playing by the rules. Experts explain and react to the case. source

PV America coverage continues with this discussion with Renusol America CEO Bart Leusink. Renusol makes low profile, light weight solar panel installation platforms which adhere to the needs of the market for mounting solutions which can withstand harsh weather elements like high winds. Renusol Demo Renusol America is a subsidiary of Renusol GmbH, based in Germany, and brings to the …

“Continuing the conversation” on the North American PV Market. Industry experts explain where the industry grew or remained flat in 2011 and what they expect to see in 2012 and beyond. An in-depth 40-minute conersation including audience questions. source

Carrie Cullen Hitt, VP of State Affairs with SEIA explains to Meg Cichon the conflict between PV owners and utilities over net-metering. Utilities are questioning how useful the practice is for them. Hitt says it isn’t a battle yet, but it could be. source Gas prices

Stage IIIB and Tier 4-friendly Construction Equipment Air pollution is a serious problem these days, and not just in industrial areas where people might believe pollution is higher. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 2.4 million deaths worldwide can be attributed directly to air pollution and the conditions and diseases that it causes in humans. Poor air quality …

Mix of GIS, technical and financing advice helps countries shift from high-carbon imports to low-carbon domestic energy By embracing an integrated mix of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid technologies, countries can put their energy systems on a more sustainable path while developing economically, according to a new report from the Worldwatch Institute. The report, Sustainable Energy Roadmaps: Guiding the …

Our continuing coverage of the PV America show in San Jose CA this past week as we highlight our conversation with AlsoEnergy CEO Robert Schaefer who gives us a breakdown of their solar power monitoring service. This technology helps solar power installations monitor remotely the efficiency of the solar power system output and many other onsite factors so an operator …

According to EnergyTrend, the research division of TrendForce, Germany’s ruling coalition has come to a consensus regarding the nation’s revised photovoltaic subsidy policy. In addition to partial subsidy adjustments, an installation cap is also being implemented. According to EnergyTrend research, the German government has laid out the initial progressive feed-in-tariff (FiT) reduction schedule for 2012-2017. If the number of installations …

Our continuing coverage of the PV America show in San Jose CA this past week as we highlight our conversation with Silevo VP Chris Beitel who gives us a breakdown of the Triex solar cell technology that they are developing. This technology is showing some very strong efficiency rates for converting sunlight to energy. Watch the video below and then …

What’s the key to using alternative energy, like solar and wind? Storage — so we can have power on tap even when the sun’s not out and the wind’s not blowing. In this accessible, inspiring talk, Donald Sadoway takes to the blackboard to show us the future of large-scale batteries that store renewable energy. As he says: “We need to …

Valley of the Sun YMCA to Activate 1.6 Megawatt (MW) Multi-Facility Solar Program Across 16 Arizona Y-Locations ~Local Officials Join Valley of the Sun YMCA, Scout Solar, and Centrosolar America for Ribbon Cutting Dedication in Scottsdale, Arizona~ Today, the Valley of the Sun YMCA, Scout Solar, LLC, Centrosolar America, and the City of Scottsdale celebrated the deployment of 66.55 kilowatts …

Voluntary measures will help wind energy developers minimize impacts on wildlife WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior today released guidelines designed to help wind energy project developers avoid and minimize impacts of land-based wind projects on wildlife and their habitats. The voluntary guidelines will help shape the smart siting, design and operation of the nation’s growing wind energy …

At this weeks PV America show in San Jose CA we caught up with SEPA CEO Julia Hamm for a discussion of the state of the solar power industry and where she thinks things are going in this alternative energy business. While price drops in the last year have certainly sparked a great deal of interest in solar projects there …

March 21, 2012—The U.S. Department of Commerce has reached a preliminary decision regarding anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions against Chinese solar makers. Punitive duties on imports to the U.S. are set below 5%, lower than generally expected – Suntech will face tariffs of 2.9%, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy 4.73%, and all other Chinese manufacturers 3.59%. The U.S.’s anti-dumping …

There are many misconceptions about corn and ethanol in our world. Many see corn as an important addition to the fuel system in our country while others see it as an environmental catastrophe of its own. This interesting article from right in the land of corn production makes for a good starting point in the discussion. Regardless of race, sexual …