With the cost of utility-scale solar power approaching grid parity in many parts of the United States, a key barrier to growth is cheap, easy access to capital. Yieldcos are poised to play a significant role in this growth over the coming years....
The U.K. Green Investment Bank aims to boost the capital it commits to carbon-cutting projects to 700 million pounds ($1.2 billion) this year as it chases deals in offshore wind, waste and energy efficiency....
The opportunity cost of oil exports is beginning to drive solar expansion in the Mideast Gulf and beyond, according to Mohamad Asad Khan, a senior investment manager at Kuwait’s Enertech. As part of a state organization with access to $300-$400 billion per year, his opinion counts....
The design of an electrical grid for the 21st Century is one of the world’s most exciting challenges, and at SolarCity we are vigorously engaged in assisting the effort. Our vision is of a grid that is cleaner, more efficient, more flexible, more secure, and more affordable than what we currently have today. I’ve recently read speculation about on...
China has taken steps to accelerate the development of its offshore wind power industry in a bid to increase the installed capacity beyond its 428.6 MW installed at the end of 2013....
Fossil fuel-funded front groups repeatedly spread disinformation on renewable energy standard and net metering policies in an effort to overturn pro-clean energy laws in 2013 and 2014....
The field of thermoelectrics might have just taken a notable step forward, especially with regard to “green energy” applications, thanks to new work from the University of Miami. Researchers there recently discovered the “surprising” properties of a metal named lithium purple-bronze (LiPB) — properties that make the metal very well-suited to use in thermoelectric applications,...
A document was leaked to me earlier this week indicating that Verengo Solar was up for sale and Bank of America Merrill Lynch had been retained to facilitate the sale. We haven’t written much about Verengo Solar, admittedly, but it was the #3 residential solar installer in the United States last year. #1 SolarCity and #2 Vivint Verengo Solar, #3 Residential Solar Installer In US, Up...
Originally published on Renew Economy. Australia’s major energy utilities are now united in pushing for an end to rooftop solar subsidies – pitching the incumbent utilities into a major battle with the solar industry and consumer groups over the treatment of household solar. AGL Energy became the last of the major utilities to throw its Solar Industry Battle — Australian Energy Utilities Pushing...
Originally published on Gas2. Can Fisker’s new Chinese owners build a rival to Tesla Motors? Wanxiang Group’s billionaire owner Lu Guanqiu wants to do just that, or go broke trying. That’s a bold statement, but the pieces are all in place to make it happen. It’s China vs. America in the battle of the electric Billionaire Lu Guanqiu Determined To Make Fisker A Competitor With Tesla… Or Go Broke...
Earlier this month, the EPA ratings for the 100% electric BMW i3 were released and US deliveries began. The BMW electric car is now the most efficient car on the US market. It is rated at 124 MPGe (74 MPG/MPGe better than a Toyota Prius) and 81 miles of range on a full charge. However, BMW i3 REx EPA Ratings Leaked was originally published on CleanTechnica . To read more from CleanTechnica, join over...
No, not “reveal your fracking chemicals or go to jail,” but, “if you reveal anyone’s fracking chemicals, you should go to jail.” In a move that reeks of desperation (or perhaps it’s just a show for their owners?), three Republican state senators in North Carolina recently introduced a bill to the state legislature that would North Carolina Republicans: “Reveal...
Originally published on Solar Love. Solar-Powered Tablets Bring Literacy To Children In Ethiopia (via Solar Love) Being a person who likes to tune out from electronics and tune into soil, painting, fresh air, long walks, or literature (through reading a quiet book), I recently found myself trying to keep up again with the younger generations of my children Solar Tablets To Improve...
The Cleantech Open has announced that it will expand into six countries: Armenia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. It intends to support innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste to energy, and water efficiency in those six nations. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are partnering with them...
Originally published on Cost Of Solar. When it comes to integrating solar power into the energy distribution system, the solar PV array that the homeowner or building owner installs is only one part of the equation, because the local electric utility company is a key component of this renewable energy revolution. Without participating utilities, home solar would Top 10 Solar Utilities was originally...
By James Lester Smart windows have been slow to grab a foothold in the construction and energy efficiency industry. The recent development of electrochromic (EC) windows, often called “smart windows”, promise to make a big impact on building heating and cooling costs. They are ‘smart’ because they can be programmed to absorb and reflect a different amount of Smart Windows Startup Using NREL Patents...
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Clean Energy Solutions Center are teaming up in order to help speed up the adoption of renewable energy throughout the world, according to a recent announcement. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two was (relatively) recently established with regard to the collaboration. The jointly led collaboration, to IRENA & Clean Energy Solutions...
Originally published on ABB Conversations. By John Malinowski A new motor rule covering low voltage 1-500 HP NEMA and IEC motors raises levels for almost all motors sold in US to IE3 level starting May 8, 2016 The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a pre-publication Federal Register final rule regarding energy conservation standards for LV electric US DOE Issues Final Rule On Energy Conservation...
Originally published on Gas2. After stopping production due to a lack of profitability, EV truck maker Smith Electric has been granted a $42 million lifeline to keep the fledgling company going. The investor is Chinese battery developer and builder Sinopoly, which under the deal will become Smith’s sole battery supplier. Will this big bet pay off? Smith Electric Gets $42 Million Grant To Keep The...
Kickstarter, move over. The US Department of Energy has just announced a new competition, complete with cash prizes, to help launch cutting edge solar companies that offer solutions to the challenges of today’s solar marketplace. Called SunShot Catalyst, the competitive program will culminate in award packages of up to $100,000 each for five winning startups. Solar Soft Costs Targeted by New...