Bullish information about Evergreen Solar Inc (ticker: ESLR), their joint venture EverQ, and the trend toward solar power by individuals, wineries, water treatment municipalities, city halls, schools, states, and countries around the world.

Evergreen Solar
(and some related companies)

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR)

Located in Marlboro, Massachuestts, USA
15 MW plant in Marlboro with part of capacity allocated to R&D.

Produces solar wafers, cells, and modules based on proprietary crystalline silicon String Ribbon technology.

Q-Cells AG

Recently IPO-ed, public trading started Oct. 5, 2005
Located in Thalheim, Germany
75.9 MWp (as of 2004) plant located in Thalheim.

“It is the mission of Q–Cells AG as the world’s largest independent producer of mono– and polycrystalline, silicon–based high–efficiency solar cells focussing on a single field to quickly promote photovoltaics as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and future–oriented technology. Q–Cells produces high–quality solar cells which make it possible to gain energy sustainably through photovoltaics.”

“Q–Cells AG is a high-performing company in the future and growth market of photovoltaics. Our core business is the development, production and sale of mono– and polycrystalline, silicon–based solar cells. Furthermore, Q–Cells is developing additional important technologies through partnerships for the commercialisation of these technologies.”

“In less than five years, the company has developed into one of the leading solar cell manufacturers in Europe and the world. The company’s lead is based on continual technological advances and their rapid implementation.”

Watch a video of Q–cells processing wafers into solar cells here.
(Display the video full-size to see the English captions.)

More recent information about the IPO talking about the strong demand for shares and reminding you that the shares start trading Wednesday.

Renewable Energy Corporation (REC)

Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) is a significant player in the international solar energy industry.
REC has headquarter and technology center at Hövik outside the Norwegian capital of Oslo.
REC operates subsidiaries on three continents.
REC has recently became a third partner in the EverQ venture.

EverQ GmbH

Another EverQ home page.
Located in Thalheim, Germany
30 MW plant under construction at Thalheim.
Initially 30 MW Capacity expandable to 120 MW.

A joint venture between Evergreen Solar, Q–Cells, and Renewable Energy Corporation with a state–of–the–art 30–megawatt manufacturing plant under construction at Thalheim, Germany that will produce solar wafers, cells, and modules based on proprietary crystalline silicon String Ribbon technology.

EverQ is already seeking employees so visit their home page if you would like to apply.

This article covers the German Chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder meeting with Evergreen Solar and Q–Cells.

SunEdison, LLC

Donauer Solartechnik

Evergreen Solar Announces $125 Million Distribution Agreement With Donauer Solartechnik March 15, 2006.
“... announced that it has entered into a multi–year supply contract with Donauer Solartechnik, a German–based solar power distributor. The agreement calls for Evergreen Solar to ship approximately $125 million of photovoltaic modules to Donauer over the next four years, based on current exchange rates.
Donauer has been an outstanding distribution partner for Evergreen Solar for several years, and we look forward to our expanded relationship,” said Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar’s president and chief executive officer. “With more than $100 million in 2005 sales and well over 1,000 customers, Donauer is one of the fastest growing distributors in Europe. They have built an outstanding reputation in the industry, successfully serving the residential and small commercial segments by supporting numerous local installers with products and related support services. Working with Donauer, we plan to continue expanding our presence in Germany as well as emerging markets such as Spain, Portugal and Italy.””

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG

Evergreen Solar Announces $100 Million Sales Agreement with S.A.G. Solarstrom AG February 21, 2006.
“..., today announced that it has entered into a four–year supply contract with S.A.G. Solarstrom AG (S.A.G.), based in Freiburg, Germany. The agreement calls for Evergreen Solar to ship approximately $100 million of photovoltaic modules to S.A.G. over the next four years.”

Global Resource Options (GRO)

Evergreen Solar Announces $88 Million Contract With Global Resource Options February 28, 2006.
"... announced that it has entered into a multi–year supply contract with Global Resource Options, Inc. (GRO), a Vermont–based solar power distributor and system integrator. The agreement calls for Evergreen Solar to ship approximately $88 million of photovoltaic modules to GRO over the next four years."

Powerlight

Evergreen Solar announces $70 Million Sales Agreement with PowerLight Corporation. November 4, 2005.
“Evergreen Solar and PowerLight Corporation have entered into a definitive agreement for a guaranteed contract which calls for Evergreen Solar to ship a minimum of $70 million of photovoltaic (PV) modules to PowerLight over the next four years. There are defined options which could increase the value of the shipments in the contract to approximately $170 million. Shipments to PowerLight are scheduled to commence during the first half of 2006.”

Here is what PowerLight is telling Home Builder/Developers:
http://www.powerlight.com/homes/index.shtml
“Be Competitive. Be Profitable.”
“Be a Market Leader with Zero Energy New Homes.”
“With solar power as a standard or optional feature in your new home developments, you’ll lead the market with a standout differentiator that saves homebuyers money, increases your revenue, and benefits the environment.”
http://www.powerlight.com/homes/content.shtml
“Lead the market. Build with solar.”
“Sell homes faster”
“Communities are welcoming developers who show concern for the environment, making land easements and permits easier to obtain. With solar energy as a feature in your developments, you'll build faster with fewer roadblocks, turn units quicker and realize more immediate revenue.”

Helio Power

During Earnings Conference Call (Q2 2005), Evergreen Solar said it had obtained a second supplier of silicon and has fixed-priced long-term silicon supply contracts with the suppliers for enough silicon to meet the anticipated silicon needs for Evergreen Solar and Q-Cells through 2006. Futhermore, Evergreen Solar noted they had done some prepaying to secure some of the silicon. In case you are unable to (re)listen to the conference call, here is an article that quotes Richard M. Feldt, president and chief executive officer of Evergreen Solar, saying, “We also are pleased to announce that we recently secured contracts for our anticipated silicon needs for both Evergreen and EverQ for the next 18 months.”

Evergreen Solar also said that Q-Cells had their own silicon supply contracts. More recently, Chief Financial Officer Hartmut Schuening said Q–Cells will use some of the money from the Q-Cells initial public offering to secure additional silicon supplies.

More recently on November 25, 2005, the Norwegian Renewable Energy Coportation ASA (REC) based in Hövik, the world’s largest independent manufacturer of silicon and multicrystalline silicon wafers, has join EverQ as a third partner. REC has commited to initially deliver 250 tonnes of solar silicon per year to EverQ which will meet the feedstock needs of the first production plat of EverQ. In addition, REC is bound to offer significant additional feedstock volumes for the period from 2007 through 2015 to EverQ as soon as REC’s own capacity expansion allows this. Thus, the parties have laid the cornerstone for a strong and sustainable growth of EverQ.
References:
Press Release from Q-Cells,
Press Release from Evergreen Solar,
Form 8-K Evergreen Solar filing at the SEC,
Press Release Renewable Energy Corporation ASA,
Another mention in the media.

Also of note, the string ribbon process currently uses about 35% less silicon then traditional methods. Roughly, the string ribbon thin–cell process could double this advantage. Allowing for allowances in the string ribbon thin–cell process and for improvements in traditional methods the advantage could reasonably be expected to be in, say, a range from 50% to 70%. Obviously such an advantage is significate. Also, it is obvious that the sooner the Evergreen Solar plant and the EverQ plant begain using the string ribbon thin–cell process, the longer the current silicon supply contracts will foreful their silicon needs

Form 10—K (For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005) March 16, 2006.
“MEMC confirmed to us its intentions to fulfill its supply obligations under the contracts by the end of January 2006 in October 2005 and again in December 2005. At December 31, 2005 MEMC had approximately 53 MT of silicon remaining to be shipped on the contracts. However, in early January MEMC advised us that it did not intend to fulfill its supply obligations under the contracts and instead intended to return the excess payments.
...
As a replacement to the expected supply of silicon from MEMC, we are sourcing chunk silicon.”

Evergreen going full speed ahead March 22, 2006.
Evergreen Solar Inc. said yesterday it does not anticipate any slowdown in the making of solar modules because of the loss of its granular silicon supply from MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.
Evergreen is obtaining chunk silicon from a Norwegian supplier, Renewable Energy Corp., and having it crushed.

Evergreen Solar Announces First–Quarter 2006 Results April 26, 2006.
Also during the first quarter, Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) accelerated its silicon deliveries to Evergreen. Under its supply contract, REC has committed to provide EverQ and Evergreen Solar with 190 and 60 metric tons, respectively, of solar grade silicon annually over the next seven years. This volume is sufficient for both the Marlboro factory and the initial 30 megawatts of production at EverQ’s Thalheim factory.
“While reliance on chunk silicon, currently supplied by REC, required us to modify our supply chain and some of our manufacturing processes in the near–term, we continue to believe it will not affect our expected results for 2006 or hinder our expansion plans,” said Feldt.

Evergreen Solar Announces Signing of Binding Memorandum of Understanding for Major Polysilicon Supply Agreements for EverQ; Q-Cells and REC to Become Equal Partners with Company in EverQ June 5, 2006.
EverQ to Commence Near–Term Expansion at Thalheim Plant
Total Capacity Expected to Ramp to Approximately 300MW by 2010
The supply agreements are expected to be finalized and become effective early in the third quarter of 2006.
In conjunction with the implementation of the supply agreements the partners in EverQ are to become equal partners.
It is anticipated that Evergreen Solar will continue to market and sell all modules manufactured by EverQ.

Proposed Near–Term Expansion
The binding memorandum of understanding also contemplates that EverQ will sign interim silicon supply guarantees to immediately enable the next phase of expansion of its facility in Thalheim, Germany, prior to 2008. Under the proposed terms of the interim supply agreements, Q–Cells and REC will each provide up to 150 metric tons of polysilicon, at near–term market pricing, to EverQ as required from mid 2007 to mid 2008. With silicon secured, EverQ expects to expand its Thalheim operations with the construction of a second integrated wafer, cell and module factory with a capacity of approximately 50MW. Subject to final approval of investment grants, construction of this facility is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2006. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2007 and reach full capacity by year–end 2007.

Proposed Long–Term Expansion
Under the proposed terms of a long–term supply agreement, Renewable Energy Corporation of Norway (OSEAX: REC.OL) will supply EverQ with a total of 7,400 metric tons of granular polysilicon over seven years beginning in 2008. Shipments of approximately 400 metric tons are expected to begin in the second half of 2008 and increase to 1,200 metric tons annually by 2010, continuing through 2014. This is in addition to the 190 metric tons REC is supplying EverQ annually under an existing arrangement.

Presentation February 2006.
Take a look at page 22.
Notice in the text it says: R&D program for ultra high efficiency 16% to 18% cells.
Recall in the conference call they said something like: significately above 14% using manufacturerable processees.
Now look at the pictures.
Take note of now much wider the ribbons are that are being produced by the quad furnance.
Also, take note of how large the cells are in that module on the left hand side of the advanced modules picture.

Q&A: Evergreen’s Mark Farber Co–founder takes on the challenges of growing market share in a booming market.. July 20, 2006
“Evergreen hopes to capture more than 1 percent of the market this year–an extraordinary feat in a solar market that grew more than 44 percent last year, according to CLSA Asia–Pacific analyst Michael Rogol. As Evergreen”s vice president of strategic planning, co–founder and former CEO Mark Farber has a significant role to play in the company, and in the industry.”

Evergreen Solar Announces First–Quarter 2006 Results April 26, 2006.
During the quarter, Evergreen Solar:
* Completed the conversion of its manufacturing capacity in Marlboro to thin—wafer production in March.
* Commenced the start–up production phase for EverQ on schedule, making its first volume shipments of finished modules to customers this month.
...
“We also made great progress in research and development during the first quarter,” Feldt continued. “Thanks to further advances in our manufacturing technology, our newest factory equipment in Marlboro is now routinely producing solar cells that achieve conversion efficiencies of 14 percent and higher. Our next–generation technology — the Company’s prototype Quad Ribbon platform — continues to generate encouraging results. To date we have received five advanced prototype Quad Ribbon furnaces. Two of these furnaces are now installed at our Marlboro factory, and three are in R&D.” [Expect to receive another three.]

Evergreen Solar Begins Volume Shipments From New Plant in Germany Apr 25, 2006.
“..., today announced that the new EverQ manufacturing plant in Thalheim, Germany, has begun making volume shipments of finished solar modules to the Company’s customers.
The Thalheim plant manufactures Evergreen Solar’s new, more powerful Spruce Line(TM) of photovoltaic panels. The Spruce line includes panels up to 190W.”

Evergreen Solar Introduces Spruce Line of Solar Panels 50% More Powerful Than Its Cedar Line April 21, 2006.
“The Spruce Line includes 170W, 180W and 190W panels. With a sealed junction box, factory–installed electrical connectors and 1000–volt–rated backskin, these panels are ideal for grid–connected or larger off–grid applications.
The 190W model offers 12.7% module efficiency, a substantial increase from Cedar panels. The Spruce Line offers several other improvements that boost power rating and energy performance including higher packing density, anti–reflective–coated glass and higher–efficiency solar cells. The coated glass improves both rating at Standard Test Conditions as well as average field energy performance. As with the Cedar Line, Spruce panels have a white backskin for higher internal reflection and cooler operation.
Just like the Cedar Line, all Spruce panels are tested at Evergreen Solar’s factory to a stringent –2% peak power (Pp) rating at Standard Test Conditions. Spruce products will have the following safety and quality certifications: IEC 61215 Edition 2, UL Class C Fire Rating, TUV Safety Class II and CE.”

“Evergreen Solar will ‘absolutely’ increase capacity as result of this, said Farber.” January 13, 2006. Reference: 1.

Evergreen Solar Introduces Higher-Power Solar Panel January 5, 2006.
The new EC–120 is the latest in Evergreen Solar’s Cedar Line(TM) of photovoltaic panels. With the same physical dimensions as the Company’s current 110–watt and 115–watt panels, the new product delivers increased power from the same area. Through its patented String Ribbon technology, Evergreen Solar produces its panels using significantly less silicon than conventional production methods.
As announced in November 2005, Evergreen Solar tests all Cedar Line panels to a stringent -2% peak power rating at Standard Test Conditions, which ranks among the industry’s best. All Cedar panels have the following safety and quality certifications: IEC 61215, UL Class C, TUV Safety Class II and CE.

U.S. renewable energy firms cash in Dec 30, 2005.
“This led Evergreen to expand into Spain, Portugal and Italy in 2005 and Farber’s forecasts continue to be optimistic.”

“..., Farber anticipates doubling Evergreen’s 2005 sales total with a projected sales count of 200,000 units in 2006.”
[Which of course, leaves bulls who are looking further into the future to speculate their own projection of what the unit sales count will be at that future time.]

Evergreen Solar Added to the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 Indexes June 15, 2005.
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 2005--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost String Ribbon(TM) wafer technology, today announced that the Company is scheduled to join the Russell 2000(R) and Russell 3000(R) indexes. The newly reconstituted Russell indexes will become effective at the close of the U.S. markets on June 24, 2005.

Evergreen Solar Unveils Major Thin Wafer Breakthrough for Its String Ribbon Technology December 7, 2004
Thin Ribbon Technology Will Cut Silicon Requirements to 33% of Industry Norm; Competitive Advantages are Increased by Tightening Supply of Solar–Grade Silicon
...
Feldt said, “There is some concern that the tightening silicon supplies may limit the growth of the photovoltaic industry for the next year or two. Our technology's potential to further reduce silicon requirements is really quite dramatic and holds great promise for our industry. We expect that production of our thin wafers will entail other savings in material costs and the thin wafers will perform at a higher level of efficiency.”
“The yield from the pilot quantities of our thin wafers processed into solar cells and assembled into complete panels has been encouraging. As a result, we will methodically scale our pilot operations and debug our wafer, cell and panel manufacturing processes for thin ribbons. Based on our preliminary work to date, we would expect to be able to achieve production status by the end of 2005. Additionally, we expect this breakthrough should position us even more favorably with potential partners as we proceed with planning for our next commercial expansion,” Feldt concluded.

Watson Residence (fits fine, physically and aestically)
The Watson Solar House (home page) documents a home solar cell project in Boston Massachusetts using 48 Evergreen EC-100 solar panels which went online February 11th, 2004 and has a revised and clarified break-even estimate of just 9.5 years total. There is a graph showing how much energy is presently being feed back into the grid. You can click on the graph to see other data and historical data. When looking at the charts, realize there is a red curve and a green curve with each representing different halves of the system.

Samples 1, 4, 5, and 10 of these 12 samples of solar energy systems installed in the Greater Boston area use Evergreen solar panels.

Evergreens Solar’s Applications page shows a number of systems (in a number of counties too).

BJ’s Wholesale Club (Saratoga Springs, NY) [456 EC-110 and 456 EC-115] Press Release: 1, 2, 3.
A permanent in-store display lets shoppers [at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Saratoga, New York] view information about the solar power system.

Solectria Renewables’ Facility has a 12kW grid-tied PV system. The system includes 108 Evergreen Solar 110W PV modules in a 234-foot long array. Read about it again.

Evergreen Solar’s Facility in Marlboro, Massachusetts has a 13.8kW solar system.

Brockton, MA, USA: New Condominium Project Goes Solar May 10, 2006.
“Johnson Square Village will comprise seven residential buildings for a total of 26 townhouses. Each unit will feature an 18–panel, 3.24 kilowatt (kW) solar array that will harness the sun's energy to power appliances, computers, TVs and other electronics. The PV systems are expected to generate 4,212 kilowatt–hours (kWh) per year, based on New England’s climate.”

Here are some places that sometimes list Evergreen Solar jobs.
(If a link goes bad, trying going to the home page of the link and doing a new search.)

List at Evergreen Solar
List at Monster
List at Boston Works
List at Career Builder

You can ask Evergreen Solar where you can purchase their solar modules (ie panels).

If it’s alternative energy related, the odds are pretty good that you can find someone wanting to sell it by going here:
The Source for Renewable Energy

How about comparing the estimated price for your solar system with the estimated average price of $18,000 for a JDAM tail kit?

“When Rusty Schmit landed his first job 25 years ago as an engineer for Motorola Inc., he was given a choice: specialize in weapons or solar power. “I thought about it for a nanosecond and chose solar,” he said, adding that the writings of militant conservationist Edward Abbey -- not dreams of fast cash -- encouraged him to take the environmentally friendly route.” Reference: 1.

As an investor, would you rather risk over a million dollars drilling a dry hole in the ground, or invest the million dollars in a renewable energy project?

As an investor, would you rather risk over a billion dollars on an off–shore oil rig that might sink to the bottom of sea, or invest the billion dollars in a renewable energy project?

Kyoto protocol stronger after Montreal meeting World at last taking threat seriously, despite Bush. December 10, 2005. Article

This report, Renewable electricity policies in Europe, has country fact sheets for 2003 for 16 countries.
Namely: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kindom.

EC takes legal action against eight countries for failing to support renewables April 12, 2006.
“The eight countries are Britain, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia and Poland. Four of the states (Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, UK) have failed to report their progress on the use of green power, while five (Italy, Latvia, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland) have taken insufficient measures to enable an adequate promotion of renewable energies.”

Germany

German Renewable Energy Law (EEG). April 1, 2000
“On 25 February 2000 the German Parliament has adopted the Renewable Energy Law (REL - Law for the priority access of electricity from renewable energy sources). The REL combines the elements of the 1990 Electricity Feed Law and a flexible quota on the electricity supplier level.
The overall objective of the law is to contribute towards doubling the share of renewable energy in the electricity market from 5 to 10% by 2010.“

German Renewable Energy Act (EEG). July 21, 2004.
Also known as the feed-in tariff law, renewable tariff law, or pricing law.

2005 Report by the Federal Republic of Germany on achievement of the indicative target for electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2010.

Outgoing German environment minister Jurgen Trittin played a key role in the country’s decision to shut down all its nuclear reactors by 2020. Read his thoughts.

BERLIN - Germany’s next government aims to maintain the current commitment to renewable energy and will leave existing legislation unchanged until at least 2008, according to a draft plan by the likely next administration. October 31, 2005.
Reference: aims to maintain, 2.

See Spain for information about joint cooperative agreement between Germany and Spain.

Spain

Despite the devastating bomb attacks in Madrid on March 11, Spain’s Council of Ministers met the next day - their last assembly before the March 14 election brought the opposition Socialists to power - and approved a Royal Decree which has resolved all the problems with the country’s flawed PV feed-in tariff (see PI 3/2004, p. 20).

Joint Declaration on the Cooperation between Spain and Germany in the Field of Renewable Energies October 6, 2005
Germany and Spain signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energies. This puts the cooperation already under way on a legal footing. Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin noted: “Both countries are particularly successful in the international arena when it comes to the increased use of renewable energies in the electricity sector. This has only been possible because Germany and Spain provided appropriate framework conditions for this course of action.”
(Visit the link to download pdf files in English or Deutsch.)

Farmers and Bank of Spain Governor Jaime Caruana thinking long-term. November 25, 2005.

Spain: New Plan for Renewable Energy by Jose Gil and Hugo Lucas. November 11, 2005.

Spain to fund Mindanao solar power project Nov. 21, 2003.
“THE SPANISH government will invest 3.37 billion pesos in a solar electrification project that will light up 40 remote communities in Mindanao, Agrarian Reform Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan said.
The Spanish government’s Solar Power Technology Support (Spots) project is expected to benefit directly 20,000 farmers in 15 provinces in Mindanao, he said.”

Afghanistan

ADB to develop solar energy for Afghanistan January 19, 2005.
MANILA, January 20 (Online): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Wednesday it had approved a 750,000–dollar grant to develop solar energy technology for use in isolated rural areas in Afghanistan.

$1 Billion Earmarked for Afghanistan, ADB President Tells London Conference January 31, 2006.
LONDON – ADB plans to provide Afghanistan with US$1 billion in low–interest loans and outright grants over the next five years, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda told an international conference. The assistance will promote economic growth and poverty reduction in support of Afghanistan's new five–year development plan, the Interim Afghanistan National Development Strategy (I–ANDS).

Building on Success January 31, 2006.
“Looking forward to the five–year period covered by the Afghanistan Compact — signed here today — I am pleased to announce ADB’s intention to provide Afghanistan with up to $200 million per year over the coming five–year period for a total of $1 billion, subject to progress in the implementation of the Compact and the I–ANDS, as well as the outcome of future Asian Development Fund negotiations and the overall availability of ADF funding. ADB will continue to provide at least half of its support to Afghanistan on a full–grant basis, and over the medium term will consider ways to increase the overall proportion of its grant assistance. ADB also pledges to continue to provide Afghanistan with significant amounts of grant–financed technical assistance, as well as to mobilize additional private sector financing to further catalyze the country’s private sector–led economic growth.”
“Building on the success of the past four years, ADB is confident that together we can help secure a better future for Afghanistan and its people.”

Alberta

Oil–Rich Alberta Embraces Solar Power June 30, 2006.
“Solar electric panels will be installed on 20 municipal buildings across the oil–producing province of Alberta, city and federal government officials announced on Thursday.”

Armenia

Armenia: Receives Grant, Credit To Support Renewable Energy Project March 29, 2006.
“The World Bank today approved a Renewable Energy Project for Armenia. The total amount of the project is US$25.050 million, including a US$5 million International Development Association (IDA) credit, and a US$3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project will also be supported by co-financing of US$7 million from EBRD, US$3 million from the Cafesjian Family Foundation, and US$7.050 million from the government and local financial institutions.
This project will assist the government to increase privately owned and operated power generation utilizing renewable energy and to reduce greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) emissions by overcoming barriers to the development of renewable energy.
Following the energy crisis Armenia has achieved remarkable results in reforming the power sector and improving its financial performance. The key remaining challenge for the sector is to ensure sustainable and reliable power supply by: (a) shifting reliance from costly and polluting sources of energy to lower cost and environmentally friendly alternatives; (b) increasing the energy diversification and achieving a higher degree of energy security through the utilization of the indigenous renewable energy resources.”

Australia

“The government yesterday announced the central Victorian proposal was one of 11 it would consider as it looks to spend $75 million to improve energy efficiency in Australia.” December 6, 2005.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh signs deal with Germany on Solar Homes System Project
Under the agreement, the Bangladesh government will receive an amount of Euro 16.5 million equivalent to Taka 132 crore as a grant from the government of Germany.
The project is aimed at providing electricity through utilizing renewable energy facilities/Solar Homes Systems to the people of remote off-grid areas of Bangladesh which will ultimately increase the productivity and economic opportunities of rural population, an official handout said.

50,000 households brings under solar power system
Executive Director of IDCOL, a company under the ministry of finance, Dr. M. Fouzul Kabir, on Thursday told BSS that the project which started in January 2003 has been completed nearly three years ahead of schedule. More than 50,000 rural houses have been connected with the solar power under the project.
“We are contemplating bringing another 20,000 rural houses under the solar energy system soon”, he said adding, “we have also initiated a process to install solar power connection to 140,000 houses across the country in the near future”.

Executed a 6-year agreement with IDA on July 16, 2002 to administer a second project, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development Project (REREDP). Under this $20 million project, IDCOL’s original mission expanded to include the promotion of solar home systems (SHSs) and other renewable energy projects such as mini-hydro, wind and biomass. To support the program, joint financing is provided thereto by IDA and Global Environment Facility (GEF).

IDCOL’s Renewable Energy Programme
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Programme (REREDP) of IDCOL has the mission of fulfilling basic electricity requirements in the rural areas of Bangladesh and hence, supplementing the government’s vision of electrifying the whole of Bangladesh by 2020. IDCOL, with support from IDA and Global Environmental Facility (GEF), is channeling both grant and refinancing to renewable energy projects in rural areas under this programme.

Barbados

The government of Barbados would like to have renewable energy contribute 40% of the island’s primary energy by 2010.

Botswana

Massive solar project targets 88 villages March 8, 2006.
A massive solar–based rural electrification of at least 88 villages is expected to be rolled out countrywide mid this year. Finance Minister Baledzi Gaolathe announced the P34 million National Rural Photovoltaic Electrification Programme during the 2005–2006 budget. He noted that the aim of the project is to improve access to energy services in rural areas and promote the use of renewable energy.
The five–year programme is intended to help households to acquire solar power systems on affordable terms. It is jointly sponsored by the government (P19 million) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (P15 million).

Brazil

Solar power and satellite Internet access introduced to remote settlement in Brazillian rainforest to improve health, education, and economic opportunity for Caboclo Indians, and to strengthen scientific research. March 13, 2002.

Canada

Spot A Solar Project and Win June 21, 2006.
“The Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Solar Nova Scotia, and the Ecology Action Centre, launched a contest and campaign today, June 21, to get Nova Scotians to identify solar energy projects across the province.”
Solar Nova Scotia

Sun shines on solar industry Jun. 5, 2006.
“There’s a community movement emerging in Toronto, one that’s poised to spread across the country as more citizens take control of their own electricity needs and do their part to tackle urban smog.”

Landmark power plant smokestacks demolished June 12 2006.
“The four smokestacks at the defunct coal–fired power plant in the suburb of Mississauga, Ont., just west of Toronto, were purposely demolished because they were labelled a heavy polluter by the Ontario government.
The towering smokestacks that reached nearly 500 feet high and 40 feet wide were collapsed in a slow–motion–like series of timed explosions set seconds apart.”

Ontario Renewable Energy Policy Breakthrough Hailed March 21, 2006.
The Ontario government today unveiled a vast, new renewable energy incentive program experts predict will accelerate the use of renewable energy in the province and create a regional market with implications for the global renewable energy industries. The plan is based on a long–term Standard Offer Contract, or feed–in–laws, as they are commonly called in Europe. It’s essentially the same landmark policy platform that has made European countries like Germany and Spain beacons for renewable energy use.
...
Ontario’s Standard Offer program will offer $0.11/kWh (kilowatt–hour) to producers of wind, biomass and small hydro energy. It will offer $0.42/kWh for solar photovoltaic energy. The term of the contracts will be 20 years, and there will be an inflation adjustment.

Ontario Power Authority Recommends Generation Supply Mix March 15, 2006.
Note the conclusion starts with, “The OPA should be commended for producing a well thought out document in a very short time span.” Also note, figure 5 shows flat lines for generation capacity from water, natural gas & oil (quick rough estimates?). Furthermore note, figure 5 shows a peak in generation capacity in 2012 and shows generation capacity falling significately short of requirements by 2015. Although any particular specifics might not ought to be take seriously, one can make an overall conclusion that ought to be taken seriously: It is time to get serious about how much energy everyone is going to want to use in the future and how that energy is going to supplied.

Canadian Solar Energy Industries Association (CanSIA) released its report entitled Valuing Solar Electricity - Priming the Market in Ontario. The trade group is recommending the adoption of a feed-in tariff rate of CAD $0.42 per kWh (USD $.33 cents) for residential solar PV systems under 3 kW that are connected to Ontario’s power grid. May 31, 2005. Here is the CanSIA May 25, 2005 news release.

Caribbean

Solar power the answer July 12, 2006.
“Speaking at the opening of the Seminar on Solar Water Heating in the Caribbean Hotel Sector at Divi Southwinds yesterday, she [Elizabeth Thompson, Minister of Energy and the Environment] reiterated the commitment made by Prime Minister Owen Arthur in the Economic and Financial Statement in January of this year to “pursue a fossil fuel and renewable energy mix of 70/30 by 2012”. This would help the island to accomplish sustainable development and to decrease our ecological mark, she said.”

Czech

Czech Renewable Energy law marks important step ahead - Further improvements required to tap the country’s wind and other renewable energy potentials Prague/Bonn/Brussels - The Czech Parliament has adopted a new feed-in law for renewable energy at the end of March which was published at the beginning of May. The new legislation includes a shift towards a feed-in tariff scheme which has been the main driver in the internationally leading wind markets.

Fiji

Helping Promote Renewable Energy in Fiji Islands March 6, 2006.
The Fiji Government envisions a resource–efficient, cost–effective, and environmentally sustainable energy sector. To achieve this, FEA has embarked on a strategy to diversify its generation sources and promote clean and renewable energy. The financing needs for FEA’s plans over the next five years are estimated at $300 million.
“This will reduce the exposure of FEA, and ultimately the consumers, to foreign exchange risks and global fuel price hikes. In addition, it is consistent with the need to adapt to climate change and variability, to which countries in the Pacific, including Fiji Islands, are vulnerable,” Litwin said.

France

Gujarat

Haryana

Solar energy gets a big push in Haryana June 29, 2006.
“THE Haryana Government has earmarked Rs 3.90 crore during the current financial year to promote the renewal energy and energy conserving devices under the Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP) in the state by involving panchayats.
Disclosing this here, Deputy CM Chander Mohan said that IREP was being implemented vigorously in the state to encourage people residing in the rural areas to adopt renewable energy technologies to meet their day to day requirement of cooking, heating, lighting and irrigation energy needs.”

India

India eyes renewables for rural power June 13, 2006.
NEW DELHI, India (UPI) — One of the few countries in the world with a Ministry of Non–Conventional Energy Sources, India is using its natural resources and making strides toward developing advanced technologies for the energy sector.
‘Currently India has an institutional capacity of 125,000 megawatts — including thermal, hydropower, nuclear power and renewable energies,’ said U.N. Panjiar, additional secretary to the Indian Ministry of Power.
The country faces an average energy shortage of about 8 percent — and a peak shortage of about 12 percent.

Iran

CHRONOLOGY – Iran’s Nuclear Programme April 18, 2006
[Rather then just crying about Iran developing nuclear power, how about helping Iran develop alternative ways of meeting their energy needs such as solar power?]

Ireland

Ireland Raises Bar for Electricity from Renewable Energy July 25, 2006.
“Noel Dempsey, Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, just increased Ireland's target for renewable energy generated electricity from 13.2% to 15% by 2010 in mid–June — a target that David Taylor, Chief Executive for SEI, finds “realistic and achievable.””

Italy

Italy sees the sun in its energy future August 25, 2005.
Consumers, businesses get subsidized price to sell solar power to grid
...
Under the incentive system, approved last month, surplus energy produced by photovoltaic panels can be sold at triple the average rate set by electricity giants like Enel and Edison or by local energy distributors.
...
Italy’s new solar program envisions incentives for installation of panels for a total output of 100 megawatts over the next few years, a goal described as modest by utilities and environmental groups. Enel noted that the 100 megawatt goal represents only 25 percent of what will be installed in Germany this year alone.

Italian Trains with Solar-Power Boost October 22, 2005.
ANSA. Italy has unveiled Europe’s first solar-power-assisted train. The solar panels on the train’s roof do not drive it but provide energy for its air conditioning, illumination and safety systems.

Italy Backs Olympic Solar Power Project November 21, 2005.
Italy will help Beijing build a solar energy system for the city’s Olympic Village, supplying hot water and electricity for the Games in 2008 and beyond.

Japan

Japan’s new energy strategy January 13, 2006.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) plans to release publicly the outline of the nation’s new energy strategy as early as next month and will ask an advisory panel to Minister Toshihiro Nikai to flesh out the details before formalizing it by June.
...
The new strategy is also expected to call for lowering Japan’s dependence on oil as a primary energy source from the current 50% to 40% or less by 2030 through promotion of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Korea

PowerLight Exports 1 MW Solar Project to Korea July 13, 2006.
“PowerLight Corp. will export equipment and services for the development and deployment of a 1–megawatt (MW) solar power project in Gwangju, Korea, thanks to a 15–year, $7.8 million medium–term loan guarantee from the Export–Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex–Im Bank).”

Moldova

Activates Its Search for Alternative Sources of Energy and the Introduction of Energy-saving Technologies. January 6, 2006.

Namibia

Namibia: Country Urged to Take Lead in Solar Energy Usage Jul4 14, 2006.
“NAMIBIA has the best solar reserves in the world and the country should become an international leader in the field of solar and wind energy use, an academic has said.”

Nepal

"To shed light on the darkness and improve the health of rural villagers in Nepali households, the Center for Renewable Energy (CRE) has introduced a solar-based household lighting (solar tukis) campaign, using the slogan ‘Light for All.’" Reference: 1.

Netherlands

Feed-in tariffs from July 2003 specifies:
“The MEP is paid to producers of electricity from renewable sources who feed in on the national grid, and is guaranteed for a maximum of 10 years. The level of producer support is differentiated for technologies. The highest support level (6.8 ct/kWh) will be granted for wind offshore, PV, small stand-alone biomass installations, hydro, wave and tide energy. For wind onshore the production support is 4.9 ct/kWh for the year 2003. The subsidy is financed by a levy on all connections to the electricity grid in the Netherlands. The MEP producer support exists next to REB exemption for specific RE technologies (see above).”

New Zealand

NZ stamps celebrate renewable energy July 18, 2006.
“The New Zealand Post Office has highlighted the country’s increasing development of its renewable energy resources by releasing a series of commemorative stamps [2006 Scenic Renewable Energy series] earlier this month.”

New Zealand Reevaluates Energy Efficiency Strategy April 6, 2006.
“The world has changed in the last five years. In particular, we need to respond more effectively to the challenges and risks associated with energy security and climate change and environmental sustainability. If we want to take significant steps towards a truly sustainable energy system that fosters economic growth and promotes a healthy society, we need to develop a new strategy that delivers more,” said Mallard.
“The benefits of improved energy choices are still there, waiting to be captured,” said Fitzsimons. “The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will lead development of a new strategy that better enables the whole of New Zealand to realize those benefits. The new strategy will pursue energy efficiency and renewable energy more aggressively and will aim to put New Zealand on a faster course to a sustainable energy system,” she said.

Nigeria

FG to electrify 200 villages with solar energy July 10, 2006.
The Federal Government is to electrify no fewer than 200 villages with solar power energy under the Master Plan Study for the Utilization of Solar Snergy source in Nigeria. ...
Narumuya stressed that the Japanese Government will keep rural electrification a key area of assistance, pointing out that the project will contribute to improve quality of life.

Solar energy, best source of power January 21, 2006.
“But energy experts believe the best energy source for the country is solar energy, especially being in the tropics where there is so much sunshine to convert.”

Overiew of Renewable Energy in Nigeria, Opportunities for Rural Development and Development of a Renewable Energy Master Plan. November 2004.

Nigerians are to be exposed to the use of solar energy by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) which has consequently inaugurated a committee for the purpose. July 05, 2005. Read more.

Energy Commission of Nigeria yesterday said the country is planning to produce about 15903MW of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.
References:
1 November 22, 2005,
2 December 1, 2005.

Northern Ireland

Government proposes compulsory ‘green energy’ July24, 2006.
“The Government has today announced proposals to change Building Regulations which will make the use of renewable energy compulsory in all new buildings from 2008.”

Portugal

“The goal is to increase the share of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in Portugal to 39 percent, as required by the UN Kyoto Protocol, from the roughly 30 percent expected this year.” Reference: 1.

Senegal

“Along with these structural changes, the Ministry of Energy aims to achieve levels of electrification of 60% in 2000, and 70% in 2005 in urban areas; and of 15% in 2000 and 40% in 2005 in rural areas. In this context Senegal has placed some emphasis on the incorporation of renewable energy in its national electricity production, especially solar energy.”
“Power Sector Privatisation: The energy sector as a whole has been undergoing profound changes. ....”
“Promotion of RE Law, May 1993, exempts all solar prowere lighting, water pump, and water heating kits from customs and fiscal taxes and VAT.”
Reference: 1.
“Senegal currently [as of September 2000] has plans to increase power availability by 44% in towns and 95% in rural areas by 2004. Under its Program 3000, SENELEC plans to electrify over 150 rural towns. When the project is completed, all Senegalese villages with a population of 3,000 or more inhabitants will be electrified. Rural health clinics are also being electrified. A project, supported by the World Health Organization, is providing equipment to generate electricity from solar energy at health stations located throughout Senegal.”
Reference: 1.
Photograph of some installed solar panels at Thies, Senegal.

Sweden

Taiwan

Tanzania

Upcoming Project: Solar Energy Improves Lives of People and Chimps in Tanzania. Spring, 2002.

Thailand

The Solar Homes System (SHS) project announced in 2003 is providing 300,000 rural households each with a 120 W PV home electricity system, comprising module, inverter, battery and two fluorescent lights.
One of the primary purposes of powering the nation in this way is to enable rural families to access modern communications, particularly television. The systems should provide sufficient power for light and TV for 4 to 5 hours per day. Cynics might argue that the 7,600 million baht (180 million USD), 36 MW project is a rural vote-buyer, but Thailand.”s broader energy strategy has a strong environmental focus and a view towards energy security through more effective use of domestic energy resources. Renewables are expected to constitute 8% of the country.”s final energy demand – the equivalent of 2400 MW installed capacity – in 2011, compared with just 1% at the end of 2002.

Tibet

Guidelines For International Development Projects And Sustainable Investment In Tibet includes: “Encourage use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.”

“Solar energy has not only helped change local people’s lifestyles, but also improve local environment to some extent.” Reference: 1.

Uganda

Uganda: Pallisa Teachers to Get Solar Power July 2, 2006.
“THE Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) project is to install solar electricity in primary school teachers' houses in Pallisa district, to improve academic performance.
The assistant chief administrative officer in charge of NUSAF projects, Moses Otimong, said this would enable teachers to prepare lessons and mark children's work. He was addressing management committee members of the NUSAF funded projects at Lake Kyoga Hotel.”

Uganda: Solar an Alternative to Hydro Electric Power July 2, 2006.
“People are asking for them all the time,” says Richard Kanyike, the managing director at Solar Energy Uganda Ltd., one of more than 10 local solar energy firms. Inquiries are coming from businesses, banks, embassies and homeowners in Kampala.
Due to the reliability and easy maintenance of solar electricity systems, these customers have decided the solar systems are worth the investment, despite the large upfront cost.

United Kingdom

Blair Government Vows to Go Carbon Neutral by 2012 June 13, 2006.
...
Once carbon neutrality is reached, the government has set an additional target to reduce carbon emissions from government offices by 30 percent by the year 2020.
...
“Making the shift to a more sustainable lifestyle is one of the most important challenges for the 21st century,” said Blair. “The reality of climate change brings home to us the consequences of not facing up to these challenges. I want the public sector to take a lead on doing things sustainably – through the way we run central government and through the way we buy goods and services.”
Stephen Timms, chief secretary to the Treasury, said, “We need to do more to get over the message that being more sustainable also means better value for money for the taxpayer, and we will be working with public sector organizations to ensure that this happens.”

UK government brings sustainability closer to home with new mandatory code March 10, 2006.
“The UK government has announced that the Code for Sustainable homes is to become mandatory for all new homes and possibly all existing homes, setting new energy and water efficiency standards beyond building regulations.”

One Million Sustainable Homes
Through our One Million Sustainable Homes campaign WWF is working with government, industry and consumers to bring sustainable homes from the fringes of the housing sector to the mainstream.

China

Chinese open offer on energy March 20, 2006.
CHINA’S Government has said it is willing to work with the US on future oil, gas and renewable energy projects, as well as on global energy security issues.
“In the field of energy, China and the US are not competitors,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said during a press briefing. “China stands ready to co-operate with the US and other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.”

The Renewable Energy Law for The People’s Republic of China becomes effective on January 1, 2006.
Text of the law in Microsoft Word 2000 format.
Text of the law in HTML format.

China is committed to reducing oil use in the coming years by avoiding wasteful consumption and developing renewable energy as alternatives, according to a message from higher-ranking government officials. December 29, 2005.

BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhuanet)-- Energy experts predicted that the implementation of the Law on Renewable Resources on January 1, 2006 will open up a huge market in China for renewable solar energy.

China raised its 2020 target for reliance on renewable energy to 15% (from 10%) of its national energy supply. November 7, 2005.

China Passes Renewable Energy Law
China’s government imposed a national renewable energy requirement that is expected to boost the use of renewable energy capacity up to 10 percent by the year 2020. March 9, 2005.

The Chinese Renewable Energy Development Project, implemented by the World Bank’s Asia Asia Sustainable and Alternative Energy Programme (ASTAE), is advocating and supporting the adoption of good quality solar home systems, the aim is to provide a reliable, environmentally sound source of electricity to those who have been left without. (See the link for more information and additional links.)

USA - United States of America

Long–Term Solar Tax Credits Introduced in Congress April 27, 2006.
As lawmakers in the nation’s Capitol scramble to confront record energy prices, legislation was introduced in Congress this week that could have a lasting impact on the renewable energy market in the U.S. – particularly for solar energy. The “Securing America’s Energy Independence Act,” calls for extending the solar tax credit for eight years and for changing the credit cap from $2000 per system to $2000 per kilowatt. The credit will apply to solar systems and cells.

Bill Introduced to Extend Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits March 17, 2006.
Tax credits to promote renewable energy got a reassuring boost from lawmakers this week in Congress as a Senate bill was introduced to extend new federal tax credits authorized in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 through 2010.

House of Representatives calling for “an energy project with the magnitude, creativity, and sense of urgency of the ‘Man on the Moon’ project to develop a comprehensive plan to address the challenges presented by Peak Oil.” October 24, 2005.

[Note, after loading the page, you may need to scroll way down to see the article.] This September 26, 2005 article states:
“..., it has become clear that the U.S. Congress must chart a new course of American energy policy.”, and then continues onward to recommend to Congress:

Arizona

Arizona Passes 15 Percent Renewable Energy Standard March 2, 2006.
“On Monday, Commissioners Marc Spitzer, Bill Mundell and Kris Mayes voted to require regulated electric utilities to generate 15 percent of their energy from renewable resources by 2025. For 2006, utilities must generate 1.25 percent of retail energy sold from renewable resources.”
“The Commission’s Renewable Energy Standards allow utilities to use solar, wind, biomass, biogas, geothermal and other similar technologies to generate “clean” energy to power Arizona’s future. The rules package outlines what technologies qualify and allow for new and emerging technologies to be added as they become feasible.”
“Unlike other states that set aggressive standards but “grandfather” or give credit for existing projects, Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standards are focused on adding new generation and taking advantage of emerging opportunities.”
“Before taking effect, the rules must go through a review by the Attorney General’s Office and a formal rulemaking process with the Arizona Secretary of State's office. It could be late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2006 before the regulations are binding.”

California

New Solar Homes Partnership web site launched April 26, 2006.
Beginning January 1, 2007, the California Energy Commission will manage a program of about $400 million, complementing the program approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Energy Commission will work with home builders and the building industry to accelerate the growth of photovoltaics (PV) in new home subdivisions, whereas the CPUC will focus on solar installations on existing residential and commercial buildings. A portion of the program funds will be allocated to special incentives for low–income and affordable housing.

Commission approved the California Solar Initiative January 12, 2006.
The California Public Utilities Commission is committed to solar resources for assuring the reliability of the state’s electricity system.
On Jan. 12, 2006, the Commission approved the California Solar Initiative, a comprehensive proposal that provides $2.8 billion in incentives toward solar development over 11 years. It also develops complementary policies and rules, sets new incentive levels, and addresses program administration. Appendix A to the proposal, a summary presentation and a one-page summary are also available.
On Dec. 15th the Commission approved an order that increased funding by $300 million for solar photovoltaic technologies that are currently part of the Self-Generation Incentive Program.
In June 2005 the PUC and the California Energy Commission issued a report titled, "Joint Staff Recommendations To Implement Governor Schwarzenegger’s One Million Solar Roofs Program".

Connecticut

Florida

Floridians Benefit from Solar Rebates and Incentives June 30, 2006.
“In addition to drawing attention to Florida’s need for renewable energy diversification, Governor Jeb Bush and state legislators recently passed The Solar Energy System Incentives Program, slated for $2.5 million in appropriations the first year, which makes Florida consumers and businesses that are installing solar equipment — including solar photovoltaic (electricity) panels, solar water heaters and solar pool heaters — eligible for solar rebates.”

Illinois

Illinois Lt. Governor Stumps for Renewable Energy Standard March 10, 2006.
The plan would require electric utilities to provide eight percent of their power from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass by 2013. This requirement means nearly 4,000 megawatts (MW) of power would be generated by renewable sources by 2013, enough to serve nearly one million Illinois households. At least 75 percent of that renewable energy — or 3,000 MW would be generated from wind, an abundant resource in Illinois.

Iowa

Solar Muscatine
“Iowa imports 97% of the fuel it uses to produce electricity and fuel our automobiles. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum are all imported from other states and nations. Iowa is currently developing programs to help us harness the power of “green energy,” the natural resources we have right here in our own state–renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, biomass, and hydropower.
The State of Iowa is challenging its communities and citizens to develop and expand the use of the State’s renewable energy resources. Muscatine Power and Water is committed to helping Muscatine meet this challenge by offering our residential customers the opportunity to support the development of renewable energy right here in our own community. We have added photovoltaic arrays–more commonly known as solar panels–to our electric system”
...
“Muscatine imports 100% of the coal used to produce the electric energy it uses. For our own security, it’s time we become more self–reliant!”

Nevada

Solar power projects approved in Nevada March 16, 2006.
“More than 400 applications for customer–installed solar energy projects that could produce up to 1,900 kilowatts of renewable energy were approved Wednesday by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission.
...
Customers who install the panels can earn $3 per watt of electrical capacity, or up to a total of $5.7 million in rebates. Those eligible include homeowners, small businesses, public buildings and schools.
Balzar said 19 contractors representing more than 400 customers are involved in the third–year projects. Residential rebates are capped at 5 kilowatts or $15,000, and small businesses, public buildings and schools can earn rebates for up to 30 kilowatts, or $90,000 per installation.
The rebates cover about 30 percent of the costs for installing a photovoltaic system. Customers also could be eligible for federal tax credits.”

New Mexico

Navajo Nation homes to use solar power March 24, 2006.
By midsummer, 100 homes within the Cameron Chapter of the Navajo Nation will have electricity from solar–power systems.
...
“I’m excited our community was able to partner with Sacred Power to get these solar systems installed,” Werito said. “Using solar–energy technology falls right in line with Indian people’s philosophy of protecting the environment.”

New Mexico Solar Market Expected to Boom March 13, 2006.
“First off, Governor Bill Richardson recently signed Senate Bill 269, which creates a 30 percent tax credit, allowing an individual tax credit of 30 percent of the purchase and installation costs for solar electric and solar thermal systems, up to $9,000 for each system. The bill provides $3 million for solar electric tax credits and $2 million for solar thermal tax credits each year. And the credit is available for 10 years.”
[See the article for additional information; for example:]
Only recently approved by state regulators, the utility’s plan pays a participating customer with a PV system a credit of 13 cents per kWh, regardless of whether the juice goes into the home, or is sent back out to the grid if the home doesn’t need the power. In this plan, fixed until 2018, the utility considers each kilowatt from solar as a Renewable Energy Credit (REC), which they can then aggregate for their RPS requirement. PNM will still source commercial–scale loads of clean power predominantly from wind power but will have an added incentive to include solar PV because lawmakers wrote the RPS rule to value solar at three times the credit.

New Jersey

New Jersey Creates Green Task Force to Consolidate Efforts May 10, 2006.
“New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Susan Bass Levin announced a Green Building Task Force to build on DCA’s nationally recognized green programs and policy initiatives while continuing to break new ground in those efforts.”

New Jersey Leads the Nation with Expanded Commitment To Solar and Clean, Renewable Energy
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voted to approve new regulations which expand the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by extending the existing goals out to 2020 and increasing the required amount of renewable energy and solar energy. Under the newly adopted regulations, 20 percent of New Jersey’s electricity must come from renewable sources by 2020. The new regulations also include a 2–percent solar set aside which is forecast to require 1500 MW, the nation’s largest solar commitment relative to population and electricity consumption.

Powerlight has a pretty informative web page with including some links to the state’s web pages. Here is a small sampling:
Updates to New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, combined with federal tax credits and SRECs, now make solar energy both practical and affordable for commercial and government entities in New Jersey. Today, you can generate your own clean, renewable electricity from the sun and reduce operating costs, while saving up to 90% on a complete solar electric system installation.

New Jersey SREC Program
SREC stands for Solar Renewable Energy Certificate and is a tradable certificate that represents all the clean energy benefits of electricity generated from a solar electric system. Each time a solar electric system generates 1000kWh (1MWh) of electricity, an SREC is issued which can then be sold or traded separately from the power. This makes it easy for individuals and businesses to finance and invest in clean, emission free solar power.

Proposal Arises for 5 MW New Jersey Solar Project December 15, 2005.
The Board instructed staff to undertake a 60-day study on the possibility of establishing a pilot 5-MW ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) project in the Meadowlands District.

New Jersey incentive summary at Powerlight.
Scroll down the page to get to all the details including this statement, "As a NJ business or government entity, you can now generate your own clean, renewable electricity from the sun, while saving up to 90% on a solar electric system’s total installed cost."

Oregon

New York

New York Governor Announces Plan for Renewable Energy January 12, 2006.
“... he called on New York to implement a host of renewable energy plans and incentives including making the entire state a tax-free zone for renewable energy companies.”

Pennsylvania

Texas

Report: Texas top for carbon dioxide emissions Jan. 27, 2005.
AUSTIN — Texas’ power plant cleanup program has worked well but Texas still ranks near the top of all states for smog– and soot–causing pollution emissions, environmentalists said today as they released a new report on power plant pollution.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin RPS Approved by State Senate February 23, 2006.
By a vote of 32 to 1, the senate authorized Senate Bill 459 the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act. The legislation requires utilities to produce 10% of all their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015 (plus requires other things). Furthermore, “Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to sign the bill into law if the legislature passes the measure.” which you can infer from:
“I hope the Assembly will follow the Senate’s lead, and act quickly to get this legislation to my desk.” — Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin
Additionally, that expectation seems reasonable considering:
“The legislation is based on the recommendations of Governor Jim Doyle’s Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewables.”

You can find a list of SolFest 2005 photos here. It sure was a beautiful day for people to be catching the solar bug under the Evergreen Solar banner and having fun riding a Solar Powered Carousel. Furthermore, there were butterflies as big as bulls there!

Solar Power Buff Celebrates Solstice With Open House June 22, 2006.
Wednesday was the summer solstice — the longest day of the year. To celebrate, one Northwest solar–power buff dedicated the day to convincing people to go solar.

Updated Guidebook Now Available for Emerging Renewable Program February 23, 2006.
California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The California Energy Commission recently adopted changes to the sixth edition of the Emerging Renewables Program Guidebook, which provides general eligibility guidelines, program requirements and funding processes for the Emerging Renewables Program, and announces that it is now available by request.

Taking the Off–Grid December 2003.
“The 4,200 square foot Wigington residence and efficient modern amenitites prove that solar is up to the task.”
5.1 KW

Kid of Speed
Elena’s Motorcyle Ride through Chernobyl
(photo tours with annotations)

The EERE’s web site has a lot of interesting information related to renewable energy. In particular here is their main page on Photovoltaics which will lead you to all sorts of information such as Why PV is Important where one encounters statements such as “Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics.” and “Let’s take a look at the many ways PV is bettering our world-today.”

EERE Financial Opportunities I.E. Financial assistance opportunities for developing and demonstrating renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

SEIA Releases Guide to New Federal Tax Credits for Solar Energy
(Washington, DC) — To assist solar companies and consumers in claiming new federal tax credits for solar energy, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released a comprehensive tax manual. The SEIA Guide to Federal Tax Credits for Solar Energy, prepared by SEIA and the law firm of Chadbourne & Parke, LLP, is publicly available for download at www.seia.org.
...
“SEIA will be working this year with our champions in Congress to extend the tax credits through 2012 or later,” said Mr. Resch. “We have an opportunity to create a thriving solar market here in the US, but clearer policy support from Washington is needed. We call on all companies in the industry to join us in this effort, and become SEIA members.”

DSIRE Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
(Don’t be afraid to ask/call around for there can be incentives and rebates in your area that are not in the database. After all, your querry might encourage the creation of a new incentive or new rebate.)

WESTBOROUGH, MA (April 25, 2005) Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Executive Director Mitchell Adams recently unveiled a new $5 million program from the state’s Renewable Energy Trust to expand the production and use of solar photovoltaic, wind electric and micro-hydroelectric technologies in Massachusetts by supporting 400-500 clean energy installations.
Note: “The Trust’s new $5 million program includes extra incentives for products made in Massachusetts as a way to strengthen the growing cluster of clean energy companies in Massachusetts.”
Recall: Evergreeen Solar is based in Marlboro, Massachusetts.
Read more:
Small Renewables Initiative
here also
and here too.
Update: This MetroWest Daily News article from Sunday, October 2, 2005 mentions, “In recent months, the program has exploded, nearly doubling the rebates handed out last month, from $115,000 in August to $206,000 in September. All told, the program has handed out nearly $700,000 to homeowners.”
In other words: You had better hurry up and goto Small Renewables Initiative Solicitation before you mess out again -- just like you already messed out on the Solar-to-Market Initiative program.

See also: The Government Links section above for financial assistance opportunities.

LADWP Board of Commissioners Reaffirms Commitment to Solar Rebate Program; Public Invited to Submit Reservation Requests Starting August 14, 2006 July 31, 2006.
“LOS ANGELES — The Board of Commissioners of the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) [the largest municipally owned utility in the nation] approved the new guidelines for the Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program. The new performance–based program provides financial rebates to LADWP customers who install solar systems on their homes or businesses. The approval of the plan also demonstrates the LADWP’s commitment to the environment, renewable energy and the Los Angeles economy.”

Mass Energy will pay you $0.06/kWh for three years. Your utility company will likely buy yours too. Well, that is if you have a utility company! Anyhow, there is a market for REC-s with plenty of companies willing to purchase yours. Well once you getting around to obtaining a system and thus have some REC-s to sell.

Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRC)
(or "green tags")

Insolation Levels
(How much sunlight do I have?)

Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment
The SWERA clearinghouse provides information about solar and wind energy resources in thirteen partner countries around the world. Products held in the SWERA archive include data on wind and solar energy potential, plus detailed country energy analyses.

On the internet you can find numerous articles about solar demand exceeding supply. For example, here is a September 17, 2005 article about demand exceeding supply.

Futhermore there are a number of forces at play causing the demand for solar to even further increase. A few are itemize here.

Even the nicer looking systems, themselves, such as some of the Evergreen systems mentioned above are a force increasing the demand for solar.

Would grocery shopping at the Woodlands Market cause you to go solar?
Although that particular system is a non-Evergreen Solar system it is nevertheless a force increasing the demand for solar.
Likewise, for this 904kW arrary at FedEx Corporation’s hub at Oakland International Airport in California.

Furthermore, wineries have been going solar and the ones that have will be a force increasing the demand for solar whenever people go out to the wineries to run through the vines, stomp the grapes, and taste the wines.

Sampling of recent headlines:
Scientist urges world to get serious about oil crisis. November 30, 2005. Read the article.
Oil monitoring body warns demand outstripping supply. November 22, 2005. Read the article.

Following are some noteable highlights that serve as a rough, quick introduction/overview of peak oil.

This study was undertaken by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at the request of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The request followed a letter to Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson from six trade organizations for oil and gas producers: the American Petroleum Institute, Domestic Petroleum Council, Independent Petroleum Association of America, U.S. Oil and Gas Association, National Ocean Industries Association, and Natural Gas Supply Association.
In their letter, the six organizations raised concerns about the effects of depletion on future oil and natural gas supply. Recent interest in the effects of depletion follows reports which suggest that future production may be more difficult than previously thought. Several reports have highlighted the sharp change in the decline rate for wells on the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. While natural gas wells drilled in 1972 declined from their peak at an average rate of 17 percent per year, natural gas wells drilled in 1996 have been declining at an annual rate of 49 percent.1 At the same time, the ratio of natural gas production to the level of proved reserves-resources that have been identified and are ready to be developed-have increased from 15.7 percent in 1991-1992 to 18.0 percent in 1997-1998. In addition to the effects of depletion, exploratory drilling for oil and gas was also extremely low in 1999 as a result of unusually low prices. In 1999 the average number of rigs drilling for oil and natural gas was only 625, the lowest level in decades. Although the short-term effect of lower drilling activity already is being reversed as a result of higher prices for oil and gas in 2000, accurate future projections must account for the long-term effects of depletion on oil and gas production.

‘Based on behavioral variables, forecasters start by modeling world demand and non-OPEC supply and then estimate the call on OPEC by taking their difference. They do not estimate OPEC supply based on behavioral variables in the same way that they do with non-OPEC production. There exists ample evidence to suggest that this use of the ‘price leadership model’ is incorrect, and that OPEC will not fill the gap between world demand and non-OPEC supply for several economic reasons. This modeling problem has led to some changes in the recent IEO 2005, and we may see dedicated sections to discuss this issue in the IEO 2006,’ he added.

BTW, those previous sentences are from this story bragging about translating IEO 2005 into Arabic.

Sadly, that view point is not as far from the truth as one would hope for the sole sake of "being comfortable" -- more like ignoring the truth that is approaching. If you think I’m joking about the situation being dire, just consider how dire the situation must be to provoke President Bush to come up with some specific advice for his White House staff: take the bus.

If you visit the web sites mentioned at the being of this section you will find charts and discussions about how non-OPEC production is likely already past it’s peak production and that OPEC production is close. While OPEC has already given assurance that they will increase and maintain production for the next decade, one should bear in mind that quick, hard work can only maintain a given production level for so long; for adventually, reserves are depleted -- at the extreme there is nothing left to pump so the production rate becomes zero no matter how quick and hard you are willing to work. Additionally, the faster one produces an oil field, the less of the reserves can be produced. Thus, if one wants to produce as much petroleum product from a reserve as possible, one must have the disipline to not produce too quickly. Take a look at this article:

Notice, how even though they have done the quick, hard work to be able to produce the field at 1.9 million barrels per day they have had to exercise disipline and reduce the production rate to 1.7 million barrels per day. That’s becase, as one continues to produce a field too quickly, the field become more and more damaged. Eventually, fewer and fewer of the reserves are produceable and what remains produceable quickly become produceable at a lower and lower rate.

So not only is it foolish to procrastinate for the next decade, while OPEC works quick and hard to keep the world near the current status quo; but also, it is foolish to be simply sitting around praying that nothing goes wrong and then tell ourselves that we "have to" overproduce the fields which will greatly reduce how long the current status quo can be maintained.

It is also foolish to procrastinate as if the world’s demand for energy is not growing and then tell ourselves that we "have to" overproduce the fields.

Ultimately, there will be less petroleum available. (Everyday as a matter of fact.) Ultimately, the rate at which that less petroleum is available will be lower; furthermore, even without a decline in the rate of availablity, the percent of the world’s energy demand that is being supplied by petroleum will be declining which is why growth in energy supplied by other sources such as renewable energy is so important. Additioinally, the sooner we begin to change our ways and stop foolish wasting petroleum for uses that can easily be forefilled by other means, the longer the worlds supply of petroleum will last us for purposes that cannot be forefilled without petroleum. For example, it is foolish to have wasted petroleum to write, transmit, and read this document.

BTW, when you read that "near the current status quo" above it is very important to realize that the oil industry is huge. From the prespective of the oil industry, what is refered to "near" is actually a significate amount of energy for other industries to provide. By the time one is saying from the prespective of the oil industry that the difference between the energy that the oil industry can provide vs the energy that is wanted is larger than "near" it will be a tremidious amount of energy for other industries to provide. To get a hint of the amount of effort that it will take for other industries to provide an amount of energy that is significate on the scale on that the oil industry works take a look at the Large Projects section to get some idea of the size and effort of projects that are already being done while we are still "near the status quo".

To get an idea of how dire the situation is, consider this emergency loan of 871,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

You don’t have to live across the street from a smoke stack for the air pollution from the smoke stack and automobiles to be a problem. Use this web cam to look at the air pollution out in the middle of nowhere. As you can see on that web page, the condition there has improved. However, this map shows that the air pollution at some of the other national parks is getting worse. (Once you open the web page, scroll down to see the map.)

Here are some more examples of good days vs bad days at various locations across the country. Also note, there is a big brown cloud pollution day movie there that you can watch.

It’s enough to make you not want to live in Boston, New York, etc. But, even if you run away to the middle of nowhere, you are not going to escape the air pollution.

Air pollution blamed for kids’ poor scores May 31, 2006.
“Children exposed to intense urban air pollution while in the womb are 2.9 times more likely to be developmentally disabled at age 3, a New York study says.
...
“This is the first time it’s been shown that in-utero exposure to air pollutants is linked to delayed cognitive development at age 3,” chief researcher Frederica Perera told The New York Post. “They had a significant drop in scores.”
Researchers said they did not know why the developmental problems did not show up earlier in the children ...
...”

Surgeon general’s dire new warning on secondhand smoke June 28, 2006.
Secondhand smoke dramatically increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmokers and can be controlled only by making indoor spaces smoke–free, according to a comprehensive report issued Tuesday by U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona.
“The health effects of secondhand–smoke exposure are more pervasive than we previously thought,” Carmona said. “The scientific evidence is now indisputable: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults.”

Ontario urges US co-operation on air pollution June 27, 2006.
“Ontario says more than half of its air pollution comes from U.S. sources. Air pollution from outside the province is responsible for more than 2,700 premature deaths, almost 14,000 emergency room visits and more than C$5.2 billion ($4.6 billion) in health and environmental damage every year, Ontario says.”
[
CHOKING US TO DEATH
The Air Pollution Crisis and Its Effects on Bicycle Couriers
A report by the Toronto Hoof and Cycle Courier Coalition
May 1999
]

Sharp rise in CO2 levels recorded March 14, 2006.
US climate scientists have recorded a significant rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, pushing it to a new record level.
BBC News has learned the latest data shows CO2 levels now stand at 381 parts per million (ppm) — 100ppm above the pre–industrial average.
The research indicates that 2005 saw one of the largest increases on record — a rise of 2.6ppm.

Researchers to Scrutinize Megacity Pollution During Mexico City Field Campaign March 2, 2006.
“We’re not looking so much at pollution inside the city because that’s already fairly well known,” Madronich says. “We’re looking at the outflow. For the first time we’ll have an idea of how much pollution is outside the city and be able to understand its full life cycle.”

Stark warning over climate change January 30, 2006.
“Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases may have more serious impacts than previously believed, a major scientific report has said.
The report, published by the UK government, says there is only a small chance of greenhouse gas emissions being kept below “dangerous” levels.”

Researchers show how air pollution can cause heart disease. December 20, 2005.
New York, December 20, 2005--New York University School of Medicine researchers provide some of the most compelling evidence yet that long-term exposure to air pollution--even at levels within federal standards--causes heart disease. Previous studies have linked air pollution to cardiovascular disease but until now it was poorly understood how pollution damaged the body’s blood vessels.
In a well-designed mouse study, where animals breathed air as polluted as the air in New York City, the researchers pinpointed specific mechanisms and showed that air pollution can be particularly damaging when coupled with a high-fat diet, according to new research published in the December 21 issue of JAMA.
"We established a causal link between air pollution and atherosclerosis," says Lung Chi Chen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental Medicine at NYU School of Medicine and a lead author of the study. Atherosclerosis--the hardening, narrowing, and clogging of the arteries--is an important component of cardiovascular disease.

Passive smoking linked with diabetes for first time April 7, 2006.
“Breathing in other people’s smoke boosts the risk of developing diabetes, a new study suggests.
...
Passive smoking has been associated with heart disease and cancer but not, until now, with diabetes.
Recent studies have suggested that passive smoke may contain more dangerous ingredients than previously thought.
Smoke that is released from a cigarette between inhalations is cooler than smoke that is directly inhaled. The chemical reactions which produce this initially un–inhaled smoke mean that some toxins are at higher levels than in the smoke directly inhaled by smokers.”

Pregnant smokers increases grandkids’ asthma risk April 11, 2005.
A child whose maternal grandmother smoked while pregnant may have double the risk of developing childhood asthma compared with those with grandmothers who never smoked, say researchers from the University of Southern California, US. And the risk remains high even if the child’s mother never smoked.
...
Gilliland believes the trans–generational repercussions of smoking indicate that tobacco chemicals are having a two–pronged effect: by directly damaging the female fetus’s immature egg cells – putting future children at risk – and also by damaging parts of the fetus’s cells that are responsible for determining which genes will be expressed.
This second type of effect – called an epigenetic effect – could potentially alter which genes are expressed in the child’s immune system which, in turn, Gilliland suspects, may increase the child’s susceptibility to asthma.
“We did not study epigenetic changes directly, but this is one suggested mechanism that could account for our findings,” he told New Scientist.
...
Gilliland admits that one of the limitations of his study was that the children may have acquired their asthma through passive smoking as a result of living in a smoky household where their mother, grandmother or other relatives smoked.
“Other studies suggest that in–utero exposure has an independent effect from second–hand smoke, but second–hand smoke may also play a role that we could not separate in this study,” he comments, adding that further studies are needed.

DMSO raises a stink at sewage treatment plants December 20, 2005.
Researchers believe they've found the source of a stinking problem that has plagued areas surrounding sewage treatment plants for decades. Much of the "rotten cabbage" smell near these facilities, they say, is likely caused by trace amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in waste water.

Scientist Says ‘Asian Brown Cloud’ Threatens Gulf February 25, 2004.
DUBAI - A body of pollution which has been identified in the skies across Asia is now threatening to engulf the Middle East and make the planet a drier place, a leading environmental scientist said on Tuesday.
...
Ramanathan, an atmospheric scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, said the major contributors to a worldwide circle of pollution were Los Angeles, Delhi, Bombay, Beijing and Cairo.
“Pollution in the eastern United States can go in four or five days to Europe and in a week it goes from Europe to South Asia. This is fast transport which converts a local problem into a regional and global problem,” the Indian scientist said.
He and the UNEP have ditched the reference to Asia, now preferring “Atmospheric Brown Cloud” or just "Brown Cloud," he said. ...

Studying the fate of drugs in wastewater. December 23, 2005.
Acetaminophen is the most widely used pain reliever in the United States, and a study of 139 streams by the U.S. Geological Survey found that it was one of the most frequently detected man-made chemicals.

Bavaria Solarpark (Mühlhausen, Bavaria) (Muhlhausen, Germany)
A 10 MW project that covers 62 acres and uses 57,600 photovoltaic panels. For some close up pictures, see the dedication.
Powerlight's page about start of power production and some details. January 3, 2005.
Article with some details and photograph.. July 11, 2005.
Bavaria Solarpark’s System Performance Exceeds Expectations February 22, 2006.
“The performance of the 10 MW Bavaria Solarpark has been very strong,” noted Janine Schellhorn, Chief Managing Director of Deutsche Structured Finance (DSF). “Based on the consistent performance of this groundbreaking solar installation, we look forward to working with PowerLight and our other partners to develop additional large–scale systems at other sites throughout Europe.”

Cooperative Approach for 2.5 MW Spanish Solar PV Project February 20, 2006.
"2.44 MW facility consists of 400 solar trackers, with 14,400 panels"
...
"This facility is the sixth of its type developed by the Acciona building plot in Navarre. Overall the solar gardens represent a capacity 10.20 MW distributed among 1,673 solar trackers belonging to more than 1000 people. Prior to the Castejon project, solar gardens entered service at Sesma, which has a 1.57 megawatt–peak (MWp) [megawatt-peak refers to the maximum energy obtained when the sun is strongest], Arguedas I (0.98 MWp), Arguedas II (2.05 MWp), Rada (1.71 MWp) and Cintruenigo (1.46 MWp)."
...
"Acciona Solar currently has facilities under construction and has plans for a capacity exceeding 30 MWp. These are located in Navarre, Madrid, Castilla–La Mancha, the Canary Islands and other Spanish regions."

Roseville, CA, USA: Solar Development Inc. Celebrates New One Megawatt Project June 29, 2006.
“Solar Development Inc. of Roseville, California has just completed the installation of the largest photovoltaic solar system on a commercial business in California. The system, a one Megawatt AC solar array, covers an area the size of three football fields on the roof and grounds of Tony’s Fine Foods in West Sacramento.”

‘must–run’ PV system (Mindanao, Philippine)
On the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines, the Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company has installed a one–megawatt PV system. The purpose is to investigate the potential for operating an electric power system in which a hydroelectric power station is dispatched in conjunction with a “must–run” PV system to provide firm power to the electric grid.

Girrasol (Moura, in the interior region of Alentejo, Portugal)
“In the planning stages for more than two years, the 62 MW project now appears to be moving toward construction.” .... “Sarah Howell, a spokeswoman for BP Solar, verified that BP solar was indeed involved but would go only so far as saying that the company was “right now working toward an agreement with all the parties involved in this project.” Reference: 1
“... in October the government granted an operating licence for a solar energy power station to be set up in the thinly-populated Alentejo, a southern province of rolling hills that is one of Europe’s sunniest regions. .... The 250 million euro project will have 350,000 solar panels spread over 114 hectares (280 acres) near the town of Moura and will produce 62 megawatts, or enough power for 21,000 homes.” Reference: 1.

China builds Asia’s largest solar photovoltaic station November 25, 2004.
The largest solar photovoltaic station in Asia has been installed at Shenzhen’s international horticulture and flower exhibition garden.
...
With a total capacity of one MWp (Mega Watt peak), the station has a power generation ability of about one million Kilo–watt–hours and will remain competent for 20 years.
Experts say, the station is an example of success in China’s photovoltaic endeavor and a milestone project in the nation’s design and construction of large photovoltaic station.

The Sun Power & Geothermal Energy Co., Inc. (SPG) web site, also, shows a number of additional systems. There are picture of more systems then it might appear at first so click around.

Hill Canyon Wastewater Treatment Plant July 1, 2006.
Wastewater plant to use solar power July 1, 2006.
“In a move that is expected to reduce Thousand Oaks’ dependence on fossil fuel resources, the city has approved a deal with a company that will build and operate a solar power system at the city's wastewater treatment plant.”

Las Vegas Valley Water District is doing a number of large solar projects.
References: 1, 2

Solar plan for sewage plant gets go–ahead March 9, 2006.
Sonoma County supervisors this week approved an environmental report on the proposal, giving the go–ahead on the project estimated to cost about $7.4 million. Getting the project started now means Sonoma County is eligible for a $2.8 million rebate from PG&E.
Rows upon rows of panels will tilt toward the sun, and a special tracking system will shift angles to catch the strongest rays. They will sprawl across the 5–acre treatment plant site at 8th Street and Highway 121 near Sonoma.

Atlantic County’s Wastewater Treatment Plant December 12, 2005.
“The new power plant, dedicated today by the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), is also one of the largest hybrid solar–wind power plants in the world. The 8 megawatt (MW) hybrid solar-wind power plant will generate an estimated 40,800,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually.”

Border Town, San Benito,TX, Will Be Home to Solar Water Treatment System July 1, 2005
In 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a grant to the Land Office to provide a solar energy system for a municipal water treatment plant near the border with Mexico. The project, expected to cost about $325,000, should be completed in early 2006. A solar–power system this size could provide up to 20 percent of the power for a water treatment plant serving a city of 25,000.
...
The North American Development Bank, which finances water and wastewater projects in the border region of the United States and Mexico, will be tracking the project to determine if similar sustainable energy systems may be practical in other communities in all 10 border states.
...
The development of sustainable energy sources in Texas is a major focus for Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson, who believes that Texas has a vast and largely untapped wealth of sustainable resources.
Texas — home to the world’s first oil gusher at Spindletop — has the potential for another energy revolution with the development of wind power, solar energy, biomass and other forms of clean energy. A key factor in Patterson’s focus on sustainable energy on state lands is economic: the state’s Permanent School Fund stands to reap millions of dollars from the development of sustainable energy resources on state lands.
“Oil and gas have put more than $9 billion into the school children’s savings account, but looking ahead to the future, we can’t rely on oil and gas forever,” Patterson said. “It’s imperative we work to diversify our income stream for the state’s Permanent School Fund.”

Hayden/Udall Water Treatment Facility Dedicated on September 20, 2002
The partners installed 40kW of PV at the Hayden/Udall water treatment facility, provided educational materials for other municipalities to replicate the project, and developed training sessions for PV installers.
Final Project Report October 31, 2002.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville, CA, USA)
(July 18, 2005 - Boonville CA) Anderson Valley Brewing Company broke ground today for the second phase of their $860,000 photovoltaic project, a freestanding array of 176 state–of–the–art solar panels, to complement their already completed 592 panel array. When complete, the ambitious project will be the largest private photovoltaic solar array north of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Reference: 1, 2 (earlier article with picture of rooftop system).

Bokisch Vineyards & Winery / Bokisch Ranches (Victor, CA, USA)
"We power our wells, shop, and house entirely with solar energy from our photovoltaic arrays. We are beginning to phase in cleaner and renewable Biodiesel, grown from plants, to reduce our use of petroleum-based diesel."
Reference: 1.

Cline Cellars (Sonoma, CA, USA)
Cline Cellars has installed a 411kW pv system to provide 100% of the winery’s annual electricity needs for its Carneros production facility.
References: 1, 2, 3.

Domaine Carneros (Napa, CA, USA)
Domaine Carneros is one of the few wineries producing California sparkling wine made exclusively from Carneros grapes.
Covering 9,400 square feet, the 120 kW solar electric system installed at Domaine Carneros is the largest solar system in Napa County.
References: 1, 2.

Dutch Henry Wineries (Napa, CA, USA)
Reference: (need a good reference, preferably with a picture).

Evergreen Valley Vineyards (Luthersburg, PA, USA)
“We also learned that telling Mark “no he can’t” is a challenge that he takes on to show you that you are wrong! Some examples include his stories of being told he could never grow grapes on the land he had, or the notification from the electric company that unless Mark spent $25,000 to get the power grid to his property, he would never have electricity. Today he is creating award winning wines, and is self–sufficient, making his own electricity, from solar and wind power!” Reference: 1.
“We probably save $2,000 to $3,000 annually,” Mark Gearhart said. “For 90 percent of the year, the vineyard is run on solar power and the house runs on solar power 99 percent of the year.” Reference: 1.

Fetzer Vineyards (Hopland, CA, USA)
America’s sixth largest producer of premium wines.
Fetzer Vineyards is among the largest growers of organic grapes in America, producing flavorful Valley Oaks wines from its historic home in Hopland, Mendocino County and has won Environmental Stewardship Awards from the State of California and San Luis Obispo County highlight continuing efforts by Mendocino’s Fetzer Vineyards to embrace sustainable business practices while producing wines of exceptional quality. October 14, 2004.
Learn more about their Administration Building.
41 kW pv system
References: 1, 2.
June 8, 2006 Collaborative Effort Announced:
“The 901-kilowatt photovoltaic project will be positioned on the roofs of the bottling facility and Red Wine Barrel Room at Fetzer’s Hopland, California winery. Generating 1.1 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, the installation will supply 80 percent of the bottling plant’s electricity needs”.
Reference: 1.
“We have a contract to purchase 100 percent green energy, whether it be from solar power or from wind,” Zechiel said. “After the new panels are built, we will have enough energy being generated to produce 80 percent of the bottling plant’s electricity needs.”
Reference: 1.

Frog’s Leap Winery (Rutherford, CA, USA)
Their pv system went live on February 9, 2005. See the reference for more information and real-time monitoring of the pv system.
Reference: 1a, 1b.
They have a weather station too.

Green and Red Vineyard (Chiles Valley , Napa, CA, USA)
Reference: (need a good reference, preferably with a picture).

Greenwood Ridge Vineyards (Philo, CA, USA)
The 24kW system was sized to reduce the winery’s annual PG&E bill to zero.
Reference: 1.

Grgich Hills (Rutherford, CA, USE)
“We are partially solar–powered, and by the end of 2006, the winery will run completely on solar power.”
Reference: 1.

Long Meadow Rranch (Rutherford, CA, USA)
Installation of a combined 60-kilowatt solar power system will eliminate 100 percent of its annual electricity costs.
Reference: 1.

Madrona Vineyards and Winery (Camino, CA, USA)
"This year, we will be installing a 36KW solar system to provide all the electricity our winery could possibly use and more."
Reference: 1.

Mount Eden Vineyards (Saratoga, CA, USA)
25 kilowatt DC-rated ground mounted solar electric system [will serve 100% of their needs]
Reference: 1.

Paloma Winery (St. Helena, CA, USA)
18 kilowatt solar electrical system
References: 1, 2.

Philo Ridge Vineyards(Philo,Anderson Valley, Mendocino Countym, CA, USA)
“We are completely solar and wind powered.”
References: 1.

Quivira Vineyards (Sonoma County, CA, USA)
Quivira Vineyards as a 55kW solar electric system projected to supply 100% of their electrical needs.
Reference: 1.

Raymond Burr Vineyards (Sonoma, CA, USA)
"On a sunny day, solar energy provides all the energy needed for operations at the vinyard."
Reference: 1.

Ridge Vineyards (Vineyard: Lytton Springs @ Healdsburg, CA, USA)
65 kW pv system
Reference: 1.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards (Napa, CA, USA)
Has a 33.3 kW system that generates generates 49,770 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Reference: 1.

Rodney Strong Vineyards (Healdsburg, CA, USA)
The 766 kW solar electric system is the largest solar array in the world of wine.
References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Seavey Vineyard & Winery (St. Helena, CA, USA)
“In 2003 we installed one of the first solar energy systems used by a Napa Valley winery. The project eliminates 24,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually by using sunlight to power the cooling system, pumps, machinery, lights and computers of the winery operation at Seavey Vineyard. ”
Reference: 1.

Shafer Vineyards (Napa, CA, USA)
In December 2004 the winery became the first in California’s premier Wine Country of Napa and Sonoma counties to take the leap to 100 percent solar power.
References: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Stargazers Vineyard (Coatesville, PA, USA)
We have installed a photovoltaic generator on the roof of the winery which will provide all of the winery’s electrical needs, plus much of our domestic requirements.
Reference: 1.

(Domaine de la) Terre Rouge (Amador, Sierra Foothills, CA, USA)
Reference: Reference: (need a good reference, preferably with a picture).

Twin Fawns Vineyard (Paso Robles, CA, USA)
The system was designed to offset 75 percent of the facility’s usage, but has been producing better than expected, covering almost 100 percent of its consumption.
Reference: 1.

Vino Noceto (Shenandoah Valley, Plymouth, CA, USA)
10 kW system
Reference: (need a good reference, preferably with a picture).

Wild Hog Vineyard (Cazadero, CA, USA)
The Wild Hog farm is approximately 110 acres that encompasses a large timber house and a 2000 square ft winery-both powered by solar and hydro electricity, a three acre family garden and fruit orchard, and 5 acres of certified organic grape vines.
Reference: 1.

Exercise #1

This renewable energy stuff is getting bigger and bigger -- quicker and quicker!

Exercise #2

Evergreen Solar (ESLR) should look into placing a manufactering plant in the Austin, Texas area.

* The requested rebate amount will be calculated as:
[Number of PV Modules] x [STC Rating per Module (Watts)] x [Inverter Efficiency] x [$4.50/W or $6.25/W depending upon whether the PV is made locally within the Austin electric service area].
* The standard rebate level for qualifying equipment is $4.50 per watt. In an effort to promote solar technologies and economic growth, qualifying equipment manufactured or assembled in Austin Energy’s electric service area may qualify for rebates at a level not to exceed $6.25 per watt. "Manufactured or assembled" does not include installation of the system. Eligibility requirements for the $6.25 per watt rebate are in development.

Additionally, Austin has a workforce familar with working in the high tech silicon industry. However lots of said work has been moved over seas. And now, those workers are competing with newly imported hurrican victims for whatever other jobs do happen to be available.

Seems to me, Evergreen Solar ought to be in talks with the Governor of Texas, Austin Energy, the mayor of Austin, the Austin Camber of Commerce, the Texas Work Force Commission, etc.

Delbert’s Humor

(Plus a few contributions)
If you have a sense of humour, you are permitted to click here.

Delbert’s Mascott Pick

The Monarch Butterfly

What’s wrong? If your real-time remote solar module monitoring system starts giving you some strange readings all of a sudden one day that you can not figure out, try looking outside.

Delbert’s Song Pick

The Wind Beneath My Wings

Delbert’s Movie Pick

The Big Bus (1976)

A movie about a big bus -- a nuclear powered articulated twin deck luxury bus with cocktail pianist, bowling alley, and swimming pool.
Information at The Internet Movie Database.
Information at StarPulse.
Information at Hollywood.

Delbert’s Cartoon Pick

It’s a double win!

Delbert’s One Liners

German nuclear plants cut generation capacities on heat July 27, 2006.
“DUESSELDORF (MarketWatch) — Several nuclear power plants in Germany have been forced to scale down production Thursday as warm weather raises temperatures in waterways that the power plant operators normally use in their cooling process.
...
The exceptionally high prices on the EEX exchange meant that, for the first time, solar energy was cheaper than power generated from nuclear, gas or coal, the German association for solar energy, or Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft BSW, said Thursday.
The BSW said that as cooling problems forced large nuclear power stations to curtail production, Germany’s about 200,000 solar energy installations were reaching their peak production capacity producing almost 2,000 MW of power. Solar energy “is increasingly helping to close gaps in supply,” the association said.”

Asia shows solar power not confined to rich July 2, 2006.
“The majority of rural households can afford solar lighting. They have no idea how much they spend on candles and kerosene,” said Andy Schroeter, managing director of Sunlabob.
Researchers from the German Fraunhofer’s Institute for Solar Energy’s (ISE) rural electrification South East Asia programme agree that even in the world’s poorest regions citizens can afford to pay for basic energy needs.

U.S. Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Global Warming Case June 27, 2006.
“The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday that it is prepared to wade into the global warming debate and consider a lawsuit that aims to require the federal government to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.”

U.S. Officials Announce National Renewable Energy Conference June 23, 2006.
Energy Department to fund two new bioenergy research centers
“Washington — U.S. agriculture and energy officials announced June 23 that they will co–host a national renewable energy conference October 10–12 in Missouri to accelerate commercialization of renewable energy industries and distribution systems.”

Sixteen States Sue U.S. EPA Over Mercury Cap–and Trade Rule June 19, 2006.
“Sixteen states filed a new lawsuit today in federal court challenging the final rules published June 9, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which establish a cap–and–trade system for regulating harmful mercury emissions from coal–burning power plants.”

Environmental Exposures Linked to One–Third of Childhood Disease June 16, 2006.
Globally, more than 33 percent of disease in children under the age of five is caused by environmental exposures, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a sweeping report issued today. The lives of as many as four million children a year could be saved by preventing environmental risk, the world health body concludes.
Taking children and adults together, as much as 24 percent of disease is caused by environmental exposures that could be averted by targeted interventions, the WHO report shows.

New Interference on the Horizon for U.S. Wind Power Development June 15, 2006.
“This drastic mismatch, said Seifert, shows why military concerns over radar interactions with wind projects are putting the brakes on hundreds of megawatts of wind power development in parts of the country.”

US economy feeling the oil pinch says Greenspan June 8, 2006.
...
“The energy abundance on which this nation was built is over,” Greenspan said in his first congressional appearance since departing the Fed in late January.
...
“Current oil prices over time should lower to some extent our worrisome dependence on petroleum,” Greenspan said. But he likened the speed at which US consumers were adjusting to “watching the grass grow.”

Take Action to Extend Federal Solar Tax Credits Through 2015 June 1, 2006.
“(WASHINGTON, DC) — 58 Representatives and 11 Senators have signed on to legislation to extend solar energy and fuel cell investment tax credits for homeowners and businesses through 2015. The credits are currently set to expire next year. This bipartisan support comes as 7,000 letters were sent to Congress in the month of May. Solar supporters are encouraged to contact their Congressperson by going to the following website:
http://capwiz.com/re-action/issues/alert/?alertid=8722721&type=CO
...”

World Bank Ramping Up Renewable Energy June 1, 2006.
“For the past year, the World Bank has been researching what it would take for the world to substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, according to World Bank Energy Economist Gary Stuggins. The analysis is finding that renewable energy technology may be able to take the place of fossil fuels more quickly than previously believed as higher energy prices make these technologies more attractive. ...”

Poverty first then global warming, says India May 16 2006.
“India said on Tuesday that rich nations must lead a fight against global warming, telling a 189–nation United Nation conference that developing countries should instead give priority to ending poverty.”

Gorbachev Urges G8 to Back Solar Power, Not Oil or Nuclear April 27, 2006.
Gorbachev urges G8 to back solar power, not oil or nuclear April 26, 2006.
“Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev urged the world’s biggest industrialized nations to set up a 50–billion–dollar (44–billion–euro) fund to support solar power, warning that oil or nuclear energy were not viable energy sources for the future.
Gorbachev — who chairs an environmental thinktank, Green Cross International — called on leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations to invest in renewable energy sources, in a statement marking the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
...
The G8 brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.”

Maryland joins states breaking with Bush on CO2 April 7, 2006.
“Maryland has become the eighth state to join a pact seeking mandatory limits on carbon dioxide emissions, the governor’s office said on Friday.
President George W. Bush opposes forcing emitters to limit production of the gases that most scientists believe cause global warming. He favors voluntary methods of reducing them.
Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, a Republican, signed an act on Thursday that requires the state to join the pact, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Seven states agreed to the pact late last year: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware. It aims to cap carbon dioxide emissions from power plants at 1990 levels beginning in 2009, and cut emissions 10 percent below that level by 2018.”

UPDATE 2–U.S. utilities’ CO2 emissions up since 1990–report April 5, 2006.
“U.S. electric utilities’ emissions of pollutants that cause acid rain and smog have fallen sharply since the federal government adopted stricter standards in 1990, but greenhouse gas emissions have risen in that time, according to a report released on Wednesday.”

Gore praises Seattle’s efforts in combating global warming March 25, 2006.
“But Nickels has gained national attention for his efforts to recruit other U.S. cities to join in meeting the Kyoto accords and to pressure the federal government to embrace the treaty. So far, 219 cities have signed on.”

Bush to Meet with US Governors February 25, 2006.
In his weekly radio address Saturday, President Bush said he will talk with the governors about the nation’s energy strategy and his Advanced Energy Initiative, which would invest in alternative fuels, such as ethanol, as well as nuclear energy and solar and wind power.
“By applying the talent and innovative spirit of our citizens, we will move beyond a petroleum–based economy, protect our environment, and make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy,” said Mr. Bush.

Ex–EPA Chiefs Agree on Greenhouse Gas Lid January 18, 2006.
Six former administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, including five Republicans, said yesterday that the Bush administration should impose mandatory controls on greenhouse gas emissions to curb global warming.
The group, which came together in Washington for a roundtable discussion to celebrate the agency's 35th anniversary, said the White House is not moving fast enough to address the global threat that human-generated climate change poses.
“This is not a sort of short-term cycle problem. This is a major disaster for the world,” said Russell E. Train, who served as EPA administrator under Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford from 1973 to 1977. “To say we’ll deal with it later and try to push it away is dishonest to the people, and self–destructive.”

A major international conference focusing on the growing impact of Renewable Resources will take place at the University of York, in the UK, next September.
The three-day symposium, which starts on 6 September 2006, will bring together academics, industrialists and policy-makers to discuss the challenges the world faces in embracing renewable resources - and present novel developments in their use.

The Renewable Energy Law for The People’s Republic of China becomes effective on January 1, 2006. See the China roadmap section for the text of the law.

Solar Panels Are Big Money-Saver for City Tenants December 30, 2005.
“Our policy is to consider small scale renewable opportunities for all new build properties. As well as helping to reduce carbon emissions, green energy products enable us to tackle fuel poverty, an important issue for many.”

Japan to End Release of Strategic Reserves. December 27, 2005.
TOKYO — Japan will end its release of oil reserves to the United States next week, a news report quoted the economy minister as saying Tuesday.
Japan has been shipping oil from its reserves under a plan brokered by the International Energy Agency to temper rising prices after Hurricane Katrina struck U.S. oil refineries.

LADWP Moves to Accelerate Renewable Energy Goal. December 22, 2005.
Los Angeles, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The Board of Water and Power Commissioners for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) took the first step this week toward increasing renewable energy sources to 20 percent of the City’s power mix by 2010 -- seven years ahead of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal that was adopted by the Board and the City Council earlier this year.

Cities slash solar permit fees December 21, 2005.
“Since we have a lack of leadership at the national level on energy, a number of us on the council feel it is important to do what we can locally and set an example that other municipalities can follow.”

Cities slash solar permit fees December 21, 2005. “Since we have a lack of leadership at the national level on energy, a number of us on the council feel it is important to do what we can locally and set an example that other municipalities can follow.”

Seven Northern States OK Pollution Plan December 20, 2005
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative said the plan would curb carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 10 percent by 2019. It was signed by governors from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.

The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in its ongoing efforts to promote renewable power, today increased funding by $300 million for solar photovoltaic technologies. December 15, 2005.

Evergreen Solar to Present at at First Albany Capital Annual Growth Conference; Company to Webcast Presentation Live at 9:20 a.m. ET on December 7, 2005.

“We find that CO2 is about 30% higher than at any time, and methane 130% higher than at any time; and the rates of increase are absolutely exceptional: for CO2, 200 times faster than at any time in the last 650,000 years.”
“We found a very tight relationship between CO2 and temperature even before 420,000 years,” said Professor Stocker.
November 24, 2005.

Evergreen Solar to Present at Pacific Growth Equities Top Picks in Tech Conference; Company to Webcast Presentation Live at 9:30 a.m. ET on November 15, 2005.

Form 8-K Report Date: November 9, 2005
Item 4.02(a) Non-Reliance on Previously Issued Financial Statements or a Related Audit Report or Completed Interim Review.
It’s a good idea to take the time to read the report yourself (it is fairly short). It appears to be basically saying that some accounting entries need to be entered differently. Note the report goes on to say:
“The restatement adjustments will not change the Company’s previously reported total assets, or statements of operations including its revenue, loss, loss per share and stockholders equity.”
It’s also a good idea to (re)listen to the 2005 third quarter conference call. In particular, listen for the expected progress of thin-cell and the possible labor savings that the simplified design of quad furnaces can bring. Obviously, between reducing labor and producing twice as much ribbon in the same plant space the possibility of quad furnaces offer the hope of significately improved margins which could mean profitablity and market place advantage.
Amended versions of those two quartly reports have now been filed.
Form 10-Q/A For the quarterly period ended July 2, 2005.
Form 10-Q/A For the quarterly period ended April 2, 2005.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Environment officials from around the world agreed in Beijing on Tuesday to work to increase reliance on renewable sources of energy, underscoring a commitment to renewables after oil prices hit record highs. November 8, 2005.

New funding opportunities are available in Massachusetts for large renewable energy projects. November 2, 2005

The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate inaugural meeting in November 2005.

The 11th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (aka COP11) and the First Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (aka COP/MOP1) will take place in Montreal from November 28 to December 9, 2005.

This MetroWest Daily News article from Sunday, October 2, 2005 mentions, “In recent months, the program has exploded, nearly doubling the rebates handed out last month, from $115,000 in August to $206,000 in September. All told, the program has handed out nearly $700,000 to homeowners.”

September 22, 2005 DOE Releases Draft Strategic Plan for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Deployment of Advanced Technology

BOULDER, Colorado, US, August 31, 2005 (Refocus Weekly) The United States should launch a national public education campaign to promote renewable energies, states a recommendation from the American Solar Energy Society.

CPUC Releases New Draft Ruling on California Solar Initiative August 1, 2006.
“The California Public Utilities Commission released a 136-page draft ruling this week on the California Solar Initiative that takes many steps forward from the previous version and includes a number of recommendations from the various California solar industry representatives.”
Full Draft

Commission approved the California Solar Initiative January 12, 2006.
The California Public Utilities Commission is committed to solar resources for assuring the reliability of the state’s electricity system.
On Jan. 12, 2006, the Commission approved the California Solar Initiative, a comprehensive proposal that provides $2.8 billion in incentives toward solar development over 11 years. It also develops complementary policies and rules, sets new incentive levels, and addresses program administration. Appendix A to the proposal, a summary presentation and a one-page summary are also available.
On Dec. 15th the Commission approved an order that increased funding by $300 million for solar photovoltaic technologies that are currently part of the Self-Generation Incentive Program.
In June 2005 the PUC and the California Energy Commission issued a report titled, “Joint Staff Recommendations To Implement Governor Schwarzenegger’s One Million Solar Roofs Program”.

“It’s Official!” CPUC Approves $3.2 Billion Solar Program January 12, 2006.
Landmark Vote Creates Nation’s Largest Solar Roofs Program and Puts California on Pace to Become a World Solar Power Leader
SAN FRANCISCO–Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the California Solar Initiative (CSI), committing a combined $3.2 billion in incentive funds to drive consumers toward solar power over the next 11 years. The CSI, modeled largely on the Million Solar Roofs bill that ran aground in the state Legislature last year, is designed to provide rebates for homeowners, businesses, farmers and government projects investing in rooftop solar. It aims to install 3,000 MW of solar power regaining California’s position as a world leader in solar energy.

A comprehensive proposal, the California Solar initiative was issued Dec. 13th for consideration on January 12, 2006. It would provide $2.8 billion of incentives toward solar development over 11 years. It also develops complementary policies and rules, sets new incentive levels, and addresses program administration.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION AUDIO WEBCASTS January 12, 2006.
Click on the link for the January 12, 2006 meeting to listen to testimony and passage of The California Solar Initiative. (The solar initiative part is the first hour of the recording.)

(First some uncategorized links and then links categorized into: Air, Amphibians, Big Foot, Coral, Dagaa, Foraminifera (aka Forams), Glaciers, Glacier Ice Worms, Homo sapiens (aka Humans), Pikas, Ocean Circulation, Ocean pH and Oxygenation, Orcas (aka Killer Whales), Polar Bears, Soil, Sun Spots)

Study: Earth hottest in 400 years June 22, 2006.
Panel says humans responsible for much of the warming
The National Academy of Sciences, reaching that conclusion in a broad review of scientific work requested by Congress, reported Thursday that the “recent warmth is unprecedented for at least the last 400 years and potentially the last several millennia.”
A panel of top climate scientists told lawmakers that the Earth is running a fever and that “human activities are responsible for much of the recent warming.” Their 155–page report said average global surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere rose about 1 degree during the 20th century.

Warming ‘threat to Asian security’: Grim scenario of disease and disaster June 13, 2006.
SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) — Rapid global warming poses a variety of security threats to the Asia Pacific region that have been ‘seriously underestimated,’ a new study says.
The report, released Tuesday by a Sydney–based think tank, paints a grim scenario of disease, food and water shortages, natural disasters, territorial tensions and mass population movements threatening political stability in the region.
...
They say that while people have coped with climate change in the past when it has been spread over centuries or longer, it is the potential rapidity of change that makes the threat so significant now.

Why we need to worry about global warming April 9, 2006.
In January, the famed British ecologist James Lovelock declared that we have already passed the “point of no return.” Others, including NASA’S James Hansen, one of the world’s pre–eminent climate scientists, think we still have about a 10–year grace period in which to make major changes.
Rajendra Pachauri, head of the IPCC, also sees a 10–year timeline and says dramatic cuts in carbon fuel use must be made “if humanity is to survive.” And British climate expert Peter Cox says: “The scientific agenda has moved from improving predictions to thinking about . . . the chances of something awful happening.”

Global warming ‘30 times quicker than it used to be’ February 17, 2006.
Greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere 30 times faster than the time when the Earth experienced a previous episode of global warming.
...
His research into the deep ocean sediments suggests at this time about 4.5 billion tons of carbon entered the atmosphere over 10,000 years. This will be the similar amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from cars and industrial emissions over the next 300 years if present trends continue, he said.

Heat Wave of the Millennium February 10, 2006.
“As the planet gets warmer, various places are setting temperature records. A new analysis of climate history suggests that’s not all. Higher temperatures are more widespread now than they have been in 1200 years.
The last time a considerable swath of Earth heated up was about 1000 years ago. A rise in temperature allowed forests to expand across Russia and thawed out Greenland enough for Vikings to settle.”

Pollution Prevention an Economic Boon, Says U.N. Report February 10, 2006.
“Countries and cities that adopt air pollution busting measures can make significant economic savings, says the latest GEO Year Book from the United Nations Environment Program.
Economic gains include cuts in premature deaths and lower health care costs, as the toll from pollution-related diseases is brought down.
Other benefits come from reduced damage to agriculture and ecosystems like forests, along with less damage to infrastructure and public buildings from corrosive pollutants.
Energy generation and use is a major source of air pollution. Overall, the economic benefits of tackling air pollution are likely to be six times higher than costs of introducing pollution control measures in factories, power stations and cars, says the Year Book.”

Global warming demands urgent solutions ... January 30, 2006.
The world must halt greenhouse gas emissions and reverse them within two decades or watch the planet spiralling towards destruction, scientists said on Monday.
Saying that evidence of catastrophic global warming from burning fossil fuels was now incontrovertible, the experts from oceanographers to economists, climatologists and politicians stressed that inaction was unacceptable.

Why we need to build more ponds January 30, 2006.
According to Pond Conservation, the information and advice group, garden ponds are incredibly rich in wildlife — 75 per cent of our frogs live in urban areas. This summer, Pond Conservation launches its Million Pond Project, a nationwide drive to create new ponds, both in gardens and rural areas. It has already begun a pilot project to map every pond in the country.

Climate poses increased threat, admits Blair January 30, 2006.
Tony Blair has admitted that the risks of climate change may be more serious than previously thought.
The Prime Minister’s concern is revealed today in a book that contains compelling evidence from some of the world's leading scientists of the growing threat to the planet.
Reassessments of major risks to the Earth, such as the melting of the great land-based ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, which would raise sea levels disastrously, or the slowing down of the Gulf Stream, which would plunge Britain into a new ice age, show that they may be triggered by temperature rises well within those already predicted for the coming century.
The fresh appraisals indicate that the situation is far more dangerous than that set out in the last report of the main scientific body monitoring global warming, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Bush tried to gag environment expert January 30, 2006.
One of Nasa’s leading climate experts has accused the Bush administration of trying to censor him on global warming and the need for immediate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal Judge Vacates Bush Bid to Undercut Northwest Forest Plan January 11, 2006.
In a victory for environmental groups, a federal court has declared illegal a Bush administration's decision to eliminate safeguards for old growth forests and the rare plants and animals that inhabit them.

Jefferson Scientists Discover Mechanism Tying Obesity to Alzheimer’s Disease December 29, 2005.
If heart disease and diabetes aren’t bad enough, now comes another reason to watch your weight. According to a study just released, packing on too many pounds can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Good thing we have not extinct pond scum, yet.
Natural compound from 'pond scum' shows potential activity against Alzheimer’s December 27, 2005.
A compound isolated from a cyanobacterium, a type of blue-green algae known as Nostoc, shows promise of becoming a natural drug candidate for fighting Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to an in vitro study by researchers in Switzerland. It is believed to be the first time that a potent agent against Alzheimer’s has been isolated from cyanobacteria, commonly known as 'pond scum.' The study was published in the Dec. 26 issue of the Journal of Natural Products, a monthly peer-reviewed joint publication of the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy. Cyanobacteria and other marine natural products have been increasingly found to be a promising source of drug candidates for fighting a variety of human diseases, including cancer and bacterial infections, but their chemistry has been largely unexplored, experts say.

Storing carbon to combat global warming may cause other environmental problems, study suggests. December 22, 2005.

MSG–2 will advance long–term monitoring of Earth’s energy balance December 20, 2005.
This week’s launch of MSG–2 will ensure that satellite images continue to be available to European weather forecasters well into the next decade. It also marks a new chapter in a long–term space experiment measuring the available energy that drives the weather as a whole, and helping to establish how much the Earth is heating up.

DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program mobile facility moves to Niger December 15, 2005.
After a six–month stint taking cloud and aerosol measurements at Point Reyes National Seashore on the California coast, a mobile suite of climate monitoring equipment was moved to Niamey, Niger, in October for a year’s deployment there.

By 2050 Warming to Doom Million Species, Study Says July 12, 2004.
By 2050, rising temperatures exacerbated by human-induced belches of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases could send more than a million of Earth’s land–dwelling plants and animals down the road to extinction, according to a recent study.
...
“In some respects, we have been conservative because almost all future climate projections expect more warming and hence more extinction between 2050 and 2100.”

Antifreeze protein found in snow fleas may allow longer storage of transplant organs October 21, 2005.
“Unlike the antifreeze proteins in beetles and moths, AFPs in snow fleas break down and lose their structure at higher temperatures,” explains Dr Davies, Canada Research Chair in Protein Engineering. “This means that if used to store organs for transplants, they will be cleared from a person’s system very quickly, reducing the possibility of harmful antibodies forming.”

Scaling up keystone effects from simple to complex ecological networks December 2005.
“Predicting the consequences of species loss requires extending our traditional understanding of simpler dynamic systems of few interacting species to the more complex ecological networks found in natural ecosystems. Especially important is the scaling up of our limited understanding of how and under what conditions loss of ‘keystone’ species causes large declines of many other species. Here we explore how these keystone effects vary among simulations progressively scaled up from simple to more complex systems.”

Experts: Global Warming Is Real February 18, 2005.
A parcel of studies looking at the oceans and melting Arctic ice leave no room for doubt that it is getting warmer, people are to blame, and the weather is going to suffer, climate experts said on Thursday.
New computer models that look at ocean temperatures instead of the atmosphere show the clearest signal yet that global warming is well underway, said Tim Barnett of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Air

Amphibians

Big Foot

Bigfoot battle bound for court July 19, 2006.
“Biscardi said he hopes the items are returned so he can tour with his library and new evidence found this week near Paris, Texas.”

Coral

Caribbean Coral Suffers Record Death March 30, 2006.
A one–two punch of bleaching from record hot water followed by disease has killed ancient and delicate coral in the biggest loss of reefs scientists have ever seen in Caribbean waters.
...
“We haven’t seen an event of this magnitude in the Caribbean before,” said Mark Eakin, coordinator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Watch.
The Caribbean is actually better off than areas of the Indian and Pacific ocean where mortality rates — mostly from warming waters — have been in the 90 percent range in past years, said Tom Goreau of the Global Coral Reef Alliance. Goreau called what’s happening worldwide “an underwater holocaust.”

Australia’s Barrier Reef: here today, gone tomorrow Feb 27, 2006.
‘Background temperatures have reached the level where every summer we are getting to dangerous conditions,’ Berkelmans told The Australian newspaper. ‘It will be a gradual decline — patch by patch and species group by species group, from one area after another.’
...
‘Reefs will not disappear but they will be devoid of coral, and dominated by other less appealing species such as macro–algae and cyanobacteria (seaweed),’ said a recent report by the centre’s father and son team, Hans and Ove Hoegh–Guldberg.
...
‘The Great Barrier Reef is a balance between calcification and erosion,’ Professor Ove Hoegh–Guldberg said. ‘Take away calcification, the process powered by corals, and whammo! the reef will begin to erode away.’

Dagaa

Early Signs: Reports From a Warming Planet Air Date: Week of March 24, 2006.
In the second of a series on climate change, Living on Earth travels to East Africa. The waters of Lake Tanganyika have warmed in recent years. Now some scientists are worried that that could be affecting a small fish that’s a staple food for Tanzania. Jori Lewis reports. (visit the link to read a transcript)

Foraminifera (aka Forams)

Tiny Marine Organisms Reflect Ocean Warming January 05, 2006.
Sediment cores collected from the seafloor off Southern California suggest that plankton populations in the Northeastern Pacific have changed significantly since the early 1900s, and that the changes closely parallel a general warming trend starting at that time.
...
As a result, Field was able to study fossilized forams in one– to three–meter–long sediment cores reaching back to some 1,400 years before the present. Counting the different species of foraminifera in each layer, he and colleagues discovered that many species of tropical and subtropical forams became more abundant after about 1925. This was consistent with previous studies that suggested an ocean warming trend beginning at about this time.
...
Then during the mid–1970s, Field’s sediment cores showed that tropical and subtropical species of forams became even more abundant during this period, while forams that prefer cooler waters decreased. Again, this was consistent with the many previous studies that have indicated a rapid warming and a dramatic change in eastern North Pacific ecosystems during this period. At this time, species of plankton, kelp, fish and seabirds that prefer warmer waters increased and species favoring colder conditions decreased.
...
Field said that most scientific data about the ocean have been collected during recent decades, after ocean temperatures and marine ecosystems had already begun to change. “It’s a classic case of ‘shifting baselines’—conditions that scientists think of as normal today might actually be atypical when you look back a few hundred years.”

Glaciers

In summary, many glaciers are melting away and their reduction/loss has sufficate ramifications.

How Melting Glaciers Alter Earth’s Surface, Spur Quakes, Volcanoes June 9, 2006.
“The reason is that one cubic meter of ice weighs just over a ton, and glaciers can be hundreds of meters thick. When they melt and the water runs off, it is literally a weight off Earth’s crust. The crust and mantle therefore bounce back, immediately as well as over thousands of years. That “isostatic rebound,” according to studies of prehistoric and recent earthquakes and volcanoes, can make the planet’s seismic plates slip catastrophically, and cause magma chambers that feed volcanoes to act like bottles of shaken seltzer.”
[
“Warnings from the Ice” PBS Airdate: April 21, 1998.
“NARRATOR: It was an active volcano, melting the bottom of the ice. Even a volcano isn’t enough to destroy an entire ice sheet, but it is evidence of some major geological activity. Don made his discovery just west of the Transantarctic Mountains. Here, two continental plates have moved apart. In the middle, the earth's crust is very thin, allowing heat to flow up from below. This could be contributing water to the base of the ice streams. But scientists worry there could be an additional source of heat.”
]

London ‘under water by 2100’ as Antarctica crumbles into the sea March 24, 2006.
“That means that the models of sea–level rise used to predict an increase of up to 3ft by 2100 may have significantly underestimated its ultimate extent, which could be as great as 20ft.
Such a rise would threaten cities such as London, New York, Bombay and Tokyo. Large parts of the Netherlands, Bangladesh and Florida would be inundated, and even smaller rises would flood extreme low–lying areas, such as several Pacific islands and New Orleans.”

Greenland ice cap breaking up at twice the rate it was five years ago, says scientist February 17, 2006.
“A satellite study of the Greenland ice cap shows that it is melting far faster than scientists had feared – twice as much ice is going into the sea as it was five years ago. The implications for rising sea levels – and climate change – could be dramatic.
...
Yet, a few weeks ago, when I – a Nasa climate scientist – tried to talk to the media about these issues following a lecture I had given calling for prompt reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases, the Nasa public affairs team – staffed by political appointees from the Bush administration – tried to stop me doing so. I was not happy with that, and I ignored the restrictions. The first line of Nasa’s mission is to understand and protect the planet.”

Glacier Melt Could Signal Faster Rise in Ocean Levels February 17, 2006
Greenland’s glaciers are melting into the sea twice as fast as previously believed, the result of a warming trend that renders obsolete predictions of how quickly Earth’s oceans will rise over the next century, scientists said yesterday.
...
“This study underscores the need to take swift, meaningful actions at home and abroad to address climate change,” said Vicki Arroyo, director of policy analysis at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.

Glaciers
General introduction to glaciers, the Antarctic, and related topics in weather, climate, oceans, and geology, from Rice University (Texas).

Glacier Ice Worms

Ice Worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus) and Their Habitats on North Cascade Glaciers
"Perhaps most striking is their dark color, with more melanocytes by far than any other worm; this is obviously an adaptation to protect them from intense UV exposure...Of course, this begs the question as to why, if they have so much pigment to protect them, must they avoid direct sunlight so completely."
"Ice worms die at temperatures much more than 10°C, and begin to decompose at temperatures above 20°C. Goodman (1971) suggested that this in part may be due to their acclimation to lower temperatures, and not inherited physiology alone."

Homo sapiens (aka Humans)

Send More Urban Planners April 5, 2005.
“More human beings are moving to cities. You already know that. But according to new data ..., the Earth looks even more citified than anyone thought.”

Hurricanes

Global Warming Kicked 2005 Hurricanes Up A Notch June 26, 2006.
“Global warming created about half the extra warmth in the waters of the tropical North Atlantic that stimulated hurricane formation in 2005, while natural cycles were a minor factor, a new study from the National Center for Atmospheric Research demonstrates.”

Pikas

Tiny pikas seem to be on march toward extinction in Great Basin December 29, 2005.
Climate change, human factors likely culprits
The tiny rabbit-like American pika, an animal species considered to be one of the best canaries in a coal mine for detecting global warming in the western United States, appears to be veering toward the brink of extinction in the Great Basin.
New research indicates the small mammals, which are very sensitive to high temperatures, are being pushed upward in their mountain habitat and are running out of places to live. Climate change and human activities appear to be primary factors imperiling the pika, reports University of Washington archaeologist Donald Grayson in the current issue of the Journal of Biogeography.

Ocean Circulation

Ancient Global Warming Flipped Ocean Cirulation, May Do So Again January 5, 2006.
For the first time, evidence that global warming triggered a reversal in the circulation of deep ocean patterns around the world has been uncovered by scientists affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. While the changes they describe occurred 55 million years ago, the scientists say today's conditions are similar and could have similar drastic effects on ocean circulation.

Global warming could halt ocean circulation, with harmful results December 7, 2005.
Absent any climate policy, scientists have found a 70 percent chance of shutting down the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean over the next 200 years, with a 45 percent probability of this occurring in this century. The likelihood decreases with mitigation, but even the most rigorous immediate climate policy would still leave a 25 percent chance of a thermohaline collapse.
“This is a dangerous, human-induced climate change,” said Michael Schlesinger, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “The shutdown of the thermohaline circulation has been characterized as a high-consequence, low-probability event. Our analysis, including the uncertainties in the problem, indicates it is a high-consequence, high-probability event.”

Ocean pH and Oxygenation

Pacific Ocean getting warmer, more acidic April 1, 2006.
Testing by U.S. scientists finds that the Pacific Ocean is getting warmer and more acidic, while the amount of oxygen is decreasing.

Ocean Dead Zones May Cause Fish Sex Change Marrch 29, 2006.
Chinese scientists say oxygen depletion in the world's oceans might cause sex changes in fish, threatening some species with extinction.
The researchers from the City University of Hong Kong say ocean oxygen depletion — primarily caused by agricultural run–off and pollution — might cause the development of far more male fish than female.
The finding by Rudolf Wu and colleagues raises new concerns about vast areas of the world’s oceans, known as dead zones, that lack sufficient oxygen to sustain most sea life.
Fish and other creatures trapped in such zones often die and those that escape may be more vulnerable to predators and other stresses.
Wu says his study suggests the zones potentially pose a third threat to these species — an inability of their offspring to find mates and reproduce.
Wu’s research is available in detail online and will appear in the May 1 issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Source: United Press International

Ocean ecosystems plagued by agricultural runoff March 10, 2005.
Researchers have long suspected that fertilizer runoff from big farms can trigger sudden explosions of marine algae capable of disrupting ocean ecosystems and even producing “dead zones” in the sea. Now a new study by Stanford University scientists presents the first direct evidence linking large–scale coastal farming to massive algal blooms in the sea.
...
Each bloom was enormous, he said, covering from 19 to 223 square miles (50 to 577 square kilometers) of the gulf and lasting several days. “Sometimes eddies actually pulled the plumes across the gulf [i.e. Mexico’s Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez], from the mainland side all the way to the Baja Peninsula,” Beman added.
...
Another concern is hypoxia, or oxygen depletion, caused by excessive algae growth. As the algal mass sinks, it is consumed by bacteria, which use up most of the oxygen in the water as they multiply. The result is an oxygen–depleted dead zone at the bottom of the sea where few creatures can survive. A massive dead zone appears every summer in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana and Texas. Scientists believe that agricultural runoff from the Mississippi River plays a pivotal role in creating this annual dead zone, which measured 8,500 square miles (22,000 square kilometers) in 2002–an area bigger than the state of Massachusetts.

Orcas (aka Killer Whales)

Arctic orcas highly contaminated December 12, 2005.
Norwegian scientists have found that killer whales — or orcas, as they are sometimes known — have overtaken polar bears at the head of the toxic table.

Polar Bears

Study: Warming turns bears into cannibals June 13, 2006.
“ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea may be turning to cannibalism because longer seasons without ice keep them from getting to their natural food, a new study by American and Canadian scientists has found.”

Hermaphrodite polar bears sound pollution alert January 12, 2006.
A team of scientists has rather alarmingly discovered that the “surprisingly high rate” of hermaphroditism in polar bears can be directly linked to pollution, the Independent reports. The researchers — who examined 139 bears across the Arctic region — noted that around one in 50 female bears on Norway’s Svalbard islands has both male and female sex organs.

Toxic waste creates hermaphrodite Arctic polar bears January 10, 2006.
“Wildlife researchers have found new evidence that Arctic polar bears, already gravely threatened by the melting of their habitat because of global warming, are being poisoned by chemical compounds commonly used in Europe and North America to reduce the flammability of household furnishings like sofas, clothing and carpets.
A team of scientists from Canada, Alaska, Denmark and Norway is sounding the alarm about the flame retardants, known as polybrominated diphenyls, or PBDEs, saying that significant deposits have recently been found in the fatty tissues of polar bears, especially in eastern Greenland and Norway's Svalbard islands.”

Pollution (including PBC — Polychlorinated Biphenyl)
“As wind and water have always affected everything, the presence of so–called pollutants in the Arctic is nothing new. But the addition of modern synthetic chemicals is new. The best studied example is the synthetic organic chemical compound known as PCB, short for Polychlorinated Biphenyl. Used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications throughout the world, the manufacture of PCBs was banned when it was learned that they persist in the environment and are injurious to wildlife. Entering the oceans, trace amounts of PCBs eventually make their way to the Arctic, are gradually concentrated as they rise up the food chain, and are ingested by polar bears through their prey base of seals.
Studies indicate that high levels of PCBs in the blubber of polar bears appear to hamper their immune systems. This can lead to greater susceptibility to parasites and disease. High PCB levels in bears have also been linked to reproduction failure and malformed organs.
Studies show that all polar bears carry significant pollution loads, although the exact levels at which such pollutants lead to biological problems is unknown. In addition, multiple pollutants sometimes have synergistic effects.”

Polar Bears starving due to climate change June 16, 2003.
Polar bears are under threat of starvation from climate change due to melting sea ice, a new study from scientists with the Canadian Wildlife Service concludes. The study, by Canadian polar bear scientists Ian Stirling, Nicholas J. Lunn and John Iacozza, found that the bears' main food source, ringed seals which live on the ice of Hudson Bay, are becoming less accessible because of a shorter ice season.
“We’re wrong if we think that climate change is something that will happen far off in the future. Polar bears are starving now and we need to act now to stop climate change,” said Kevin Jardine, Greenpeace climate impacts specialist.

Soil

Study: Soil erosion threatens human health March 22, 2006.
A Cornell University scientist says soil around the world is being swept and washed away 10 to 40 times faster than it’s being replenished.
...
“Soil erosion is second only to population growth as the biggest environmental problem the world faces,” said Pimentel. “Yet, the problem, which is growing ever more critical, is being ignored because who gets excited about dirt?”
Pimentel said 99.7 percent of human food comes from cropland, which is shrinking by nearly 37,000 square miles each year due to soil erosion, while more than 3.7 billion people are malnourished.

Climate models need deeper roots, scientists say December 05, 2005.
By soaking up moisture with their roots and later releasing it from their leaves, plants play an active role in regulating the climate. In fact, in vegetated ecosystems, plants are the primary channels that connect the soil to the atmosphere, with plant roots controlling the below–ground dynamics.
“Most climate models assume that roots are shallow — usually within 6 feet of the surface — and that only the soil moisture near the surface can significantly impact the climate,” said Praveen Kumar, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. “Our research shows that it is not just the near surface, but also the deep reservoir of soil moisture that affect terrestrial heat and moisture processes in land–atmosphere interaction.”
A better understanding of this interaction, Kumar said, could lead to more accurate climate models and better predictability.

Moist Soil ‘Hot Spots’ May Affect Rainfall August 22, 2004.
While the Earth is moistened by rainfall, scientists believe that the water in soil can, in turn, influence rainfall both regionally and globally.
...
Understanding soil moisture levels and their connection to precipitation has important implications. It may improve seasonal forecasting of rainfall vital to water managers, as well as improve the accuracy of short–term weather forecasts.

Global warming plus natural bacteria could release vast carbon deposits currently stored in Arctic soil May 06, 2005.
Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will make global temperatures rise. By studying soil cores from the Arctic, scientists have discovered that this rise in temperature stimulates the growth of microorganisms that can break down long–term stores of carbon, releasing them into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This will lead to further increases in global temperatures.

Sun Spots

Scientists issue unprecedented forecast of next sunspot cycle March 06, 2006.
The next sunspot cycle will be 30–50% stronger than the last one and begin as much as a year late, according to a breakthrough forecast using a computer model of solar dynamics developed by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

Russia takes over the year–long G8 December 26, 2005.
Russia takes over the year–long G8 presidency from Britain in January. Putin has made his theme security of energy supply — which marries concern over Iraq with the Kremlin’s concerns about its control of Caspian oil reserves.

Russia’s energy minister earlier said no new proposals would be put forward. It wants Ukraine to pay market rates and is seeking a huge gas price rise. Gas monopoly Gazprom has threatened to cut Ukraine’s supplies altogether if new terms are not agreed by 1 January.
December 27, 2005.

Putin Agrees to Ukraine Gas-Price Freeze December 31, 2005. MOSCOW -- President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s state–owned natural gas monopoly Saturday to supply Ukraine with natural gas at the current price for three months, if the government in Kiev immediately agreed to a big price hike to take effect later.
Putin said in televised remarks that his offer was valid only until the end of the day. There was no immediate acceptance by Ukraine, which faced a Russian threat to cut off gas supplies Sunday morning.
...
Putin said OAO Gazprom should continue the current price if Ukraine signed an accord Saturday accepting Gazprom’s price increase starting in the second quarter. Gazprom has demanded Ukraine pay $230 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas — more than four times the current price of $50.

PG&E raises its gas, electricity rates January 1, 2006.
SAN FRANCISCO — Wearing a coat at home and using candles instead of lights may become New Year’s resolutions for many as Pacific Gas and Electric Co. plans another round of gas and electricity rate hikes that take effect New Year’s Day.
...
And under an energy conservation program, customers who reduce their cumulative natural gas usage by 10 percent from January through March will get a 20percent rebate on their bills.

Europe desires homegrown power solutions January 7, 2006.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - The EU has a harsh New Year’s resolution to keep after a gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine led to official exhortations for Europe to look for a wider range of suppliers and energy sources.
...
Oliver Schaefer, a policy director at the European Renewable Energy Council, said Europe could generate 30 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020 and become the most energy independent region in the world.
But he said officials are being short–sighted.
“We are basing decisions on gas–powered stations that run for the next 30 years on forecasts that say oil will cost $34 in 2030," he said. "Who believes that? I don’t, but I know what wind will cost and what sun will cost in 2030 — exactly the same as today.”

Running out of time to buy LNG January 10, 2006.
CALIFORNIA may miss out on Australia’s liquefied natural gas because other global customers are quickly locking up supplies.

Gas deal beneficial to both parties - Putin January 11, 2006.
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Russia and Ukraine have found a mutually acceptable solution to the gas dispute.

Freezing Cold Spreads to Much of Europe January 23, 2006.
The bitter cold seizing Russia retained its icy grip Monday and severe freezing temperatures spread westward into much of Europe. More than 50 people have been reported killed by the cold wave in Russia, and scores of victims were recorded elsewhere in Europe over the weekend.
[Read the article to see how this article is a continuation of the energy story played out by the previous articles; otherwise, I would pretty much have to copy the entire article.]

Chavez warns about oil if U.S. cuts ties February 4, 2006.
CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned Saturday he could shut his government”s U.S.–based refineries and sell oil to nations other than the United States if Washington decided to cut diplomatic ties, as relations between the two countries continue to worsen.

Chavez Threatens to Cut Off Oil to US If It Goes Too Far February 18, 2006.
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has warned he was taking potential steps to cut off oil shipments to the United States, in the event Washington goes too far campaigning against his elected leftist rule.
“The US government must know that if it crosses the line, it won’t be getting Venezuelan oil,” the leftist leader cautioned late Friday, repeating threats he has made in his long, simmering dispute with the United States.

Chevron’s Deepest Well Holds Less Oil Than Predicted (Update2) March 22, 2006.
“Chevron Corp.’s Knotty Head discovery, the deepest well ever drilled in the Gulf of Mexico, holds about half as much oil and natural gas as originally estimated, said Nexen Inc., a partner in the project.”

Russia’s Oil, Gas Output to Fall Mid–Term — Economy Minister March 24, 2006.
Russia may face a production decline in the oil and gas industries that provide most of its budget revenues in a medium–term perspective, the country’s Economy Ministry German Gref said on Friday, March 24.

Venezuela oil minister says Exxon Mobil not welcome anymore March 29, 2006.
“Venezuela Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said Wednesday that Exxon Mobil Corp. was no longer welcome in the oil–producing country.” ... “Venezuela is the world’s fifth–largest oil exporter.”

US ‘must beware’ rise in al–Qaeda oil strikes May 14, 2006.
“The US and its Arab allies must expect an increase in attacks on their oil infrastructure in the next phase of the war by al–Qaeda targeting the US economy, the former Central Intelligence Agency official who was responsible for hunting down Osama bin Laden warns on Monday.”

At least 35 killed as oil tanker explodes in Benin May 25, 2006.
“Nairobi — At least 35 people, attempting to illegally siphon off petrol from a broken–down oil tanker, were killed when the vehicle exploded, according to news reports Thursday.”

Shell cuts North Sea exploration December 17, 2005.
“Shell said it took the decision after a review prompted by the chancellor’s decision to increase a charge on profits from 10% to 20%.”

Solar power ‘ideal for Gulf’ June 17, 2006.
“In any case, the importance of energy exports from the Gulf will increase dramatically over the years to come, and the less oil and gas the GCC countries use for their own consumption, the more they can stretch the lifetime of their most precious export good. This would also leave more oil as feedstock for their petrochemical industry, which is a crucial part of their diversification strategy. Tourism, another important part of the GCC diversification drive, is also heavily dependent on the availability of fuel: rising oil prices and delays in developing alternative fuels like hydrogen and methanol will lead to prohibitively expensive flights and declines in tourist numbers.”

Gazprom: Gas Deal Review May Cause Crisis June 23, 2006.
“MOSCOW — A pledge by Ukraine's prime minister–in–waiting to review a controversial gas supply deal could pave the way to a repeat of the New Year gas war with Russia that saw supplies to Europe temporarily disrupted, natural gas monopoly OAO Gazprom said.”

Oppostion rejects Kuwait increase June 24, 2006.
“The Kuwaiti opposition party intends to reject the government’s plans to increase oil production capacity in the country, according to agency reports. The move comes after recent reports indicated that Kuwait’s oil reserves are only half of what has been officially declared.”

Ponder:
If banks are going carbon neutral, what are the odds that the banks will start looking for carbon neutrality in the business plans submitted with loan applications? How about new home construction loans?

Solar Ferry Makes Waves in London July 18, 2006.
“ ferry dubbed the SolarShuttle is to launch on the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park today. The ferry will carry 42 passengers across the lake, according to the BBC, which notes that the boat is the largest of its kind in Britain.”

Hybrid Solar Ferries Planned for Alcatraz Tours May 12, 2006.
“Two hybrid ferries powered by the wind and sun will carry visitors to Alcatraz under a new ten–year contract between the National Park Service and Hornblower Cruises and Events.”

Ferries powered by solar energy October 6, 2004.
“Passenger ferries on one of Cumbria’s most popular lakes will soon be powered by solar energy.
The innovative plan will see diesel engines in two 1920s launches replaced with solar powered engines.”

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” June 9, 2006.
“This week, NOW talks to director Chris Paine about his upcoming documentary ”Who Killed the Electric Car?” The film looks at the hopeful birth and untimely death of the electric car, an environmentally–friendly, cost–saving salvation to some, but a profit barrier to others.”

Website of the Adelmans’ photovoltaic system.
“We use this system to power our four electric cars and our home. Our home is mostly electrical, and includes a pool, hot tub, and air conditioning. Prior to installing this system, we had a monthly electric bill (from Green Mountain Energy) of almost $1000. This system is net–metered during the day we “bank” our excess energy into the grid where it goes to power other people’s homes and we receive a credit for it. At night, we draw this energy back and use it to charge our cars.”

Ponder:
If city halls are using solar power, what are the oddes that the city halls will be passing city ordinances requiring other people to use solar power too? Is it politically more acceptable to require others to use solar power if you are using solar power yourself?

City Hall and Library Become First Santa Clara Government Buildings to Sign on to Green Power July 6, 2006.
““We are committed to a sustainable environment and see renewable energy as an important factor in that effort,” said Jennifer Sparacino, City of Santa Clara City Manager. “We are proud to encourage other residents and businesses within Santa Clara to enroll in this great community program. Supporting Santa Clara Green Power is an easy way to exercise environmental stewardship.””

Solar power plans hit snag at City Hall June 26, 2006.
“It’s not that the city has anything against renewable energy, but the placement of the solar panels in his front yard.
Because the structure would be connected to his home with an electrical cord, the city would consider it a permanent structure. It is against zoning regulations to allow accessory structures in front yards within city limits, said city administrator Rod Storm.”

Tiburon’s Town Hall celebrates going solar June 23, 2006.
““If we encourage residents to use solar panels, we thought we should be willing to do the same,” Tiburon Mayor Paul Smith said.”

Randwick Council Switches To Solar June 20, 2006.
“Randwick City Council is leading by example when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilising sustainable energy solutions, encouraging residents to switch to solar energy by recently installing a new system to power one of its buildings.
The Council has installed a two–kilowatt photovoltaic system on the roof of the Randwick Council Depot in Maroubra to provide clean, renewable electricity to the building.
...
“We continue to encourage our residents to look at solar energy. In many cases a Development Application is not required to install solar panels, which means residents save both time and money,” he said.
...”

Victorville City Hall goes solar June 19, 2006.
““We wanted to try to be the leaders and set an example for companies coming up here,” said Jon Gargan, the city’s director of community services.”

Town hall goes solar June 15, 2006.
“The new Los Altos Hills Town Hall, which is to be dedicated Thursday, will get a portion of its power needs from solar panels.” ...
“We are offering the public an example that we hope they will follow.”

Fresno Must Lead the Way in Solar Power June 7, 2006.
“To help realize the great promise of solar power, this summer we will ask the city council to adopt the “Fresno Renewable Energy Rebate Initiative” that would provide up to $2,000 in direct rebates and savings for homeowners who use solar energy.”

City of Brockton Signs Contract With Global Solar Energy To Build Largest Solar Array in New England March 2006.
“Brockton Mayor James E. Harrington announced today that he has signed a contract with Global Solar Energy, Inc. to build New England’s largest solar array at a remediated brownfield site on Grove Street in Brockton. “Brockton is very fortunate to be able to redevelop an idle brownfield into a solar ‘Brightfield’ that generates emission–free solar energy. The Global Solar team gave Brockton a compelling and cost–effective proposal, and we are eager to work with them to move the project forward.””

Palm Desert mulls energy use restrictions: Consumption would be limited for large homes April 20, 2006.
“Solar panels could become the new must–have feature on luxury homes in Palm Desert as the city considers new energy–efficient construction standards.”
BTW, Palm Desert’s “City Hall facility is currently operating fairly efficiently. The City has implemented a number of significant energy measures over the past several years. These include installation of a solar PV system, a cool roof retrofit, replacement of older rooftop HVAC units with high efficiency models, installation of programmable thermostats, replacement of incandescent interior lighting with compact fluorescent, conversion of mercury vapor exterior eave lighting to compact fluorescent, and installation of LED exit sign retrofits.”

City of Denver Goes Solar February 17, 2006.
“Mayor John Hickenlooper announced Wednesday that Colorado sunshine and a new Denver solar facility will soon provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1,000 homes, as he unveiled the City’s plans to build one of the nation’s first municipally–owned urban solar power plants at Stapleton.
...
“Energy bills are on the rise nationwide, and as we looked for alternatives to control our costs, we found that solar energy offers a practical, environmentally responsible solution,” said Luis Col�n, manager of General Services for the City and County of Denver.
Last year, Mayor Hickenlooper announced Denver’s participation with 200 other U.S. cities in committing to local efforts to reduce global warming pollution, in keeping with the goals of the Kyoto Protocol which went into effect in 141 countries on February 16, 2005.”

Hillsboro Civic Center first city hall in Oregon to be 100 percent green powered July 7, 2005.
“Hillsboro has demonstrated environmental leadership that goes above and beyond even the high standards we expect in Oregon,” said Peggy Fowler, PGE’s CEO and president. “Renewable power will be a cornerstone of the Civic Center’s official designation as a sustainable building.”

City Hall’s solar scheme boosted August 30, 2005.
“London’s iconic City Hall has been given a cash boost of more than a quarter–of–a–million pounds to add solar panels to its curved roof.
...
I [London’s mayor Ken Livingstone] want London to take the lead in applying renewable energy technologies and if we can install photovoltaic panels at the heart of London government, this will be a symbolic and important step forward.”

City of Cambridge City Hall Annex
“A roof–mounted 26.5–kilowaat solar photovoltaic (PV) system designed by Global Resource Options will create about 10% of the building’s electricity.”

JEA Completes Phase I of City Energy Program with Solar at City Hall May 18, 2004.
“With the installation of solar panels atop Jacksonville City Hall, JEA has completed the first phase of a program to make local government buildings more efficient users of electricity and water.
JEA and the City of Jacksonville started the program in the fall of 2002. Since that time, JEA and its energy services subcontractor, Chevron Energy Solutions, have installed solar systems at City Hall, the Prime Osborne Convention Center, and the Police Memorial Building.”

City of Vacaville, CA Dedicates New Solar Electric System at City Hall May 5, 2004.
“Mayor Len Augustine and the City of Vacaville dedicated the City’s new 39kW solar electric system, located on the rooftop of Vacaville City Hall. Vacaville’s new solar system was designed, manufactured and installed by PowerLight Corporation. Covering 4,100 square feet, the solar array generates the equivalent energy during the daytime to power 40 homes.”

Vallejo racks up solar savings at city hall installations October 14, 2003.
“Already, our vision and risk are paying off,” said City Manager David Martinez. “I think it shows the turnaround to that investment is already taking place and we’re very pleased with these results. It should give us the impetus to do more solar projects in Vallejo.”

Lighting the Way to Solar Power December 10, 2002
[Matt Wheeland] “So instead of using an outdated, wastefull and dirty method of generating electricity, the public could switch to solar energy and save money in producing it; save health costs by having cleaner energy; and protect the environment all at once.”
[David Hochschild] “We’ve got a very aggressive agenda in San Francisco. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the voters, we’re sending a clear signal to Washington that the people want change on our energy policy, and it’s starting here.”

[Santa Cruz] City Hall Solar System Dedication April 17, 2002.
“Mayor Christopher Krohn will welcome guest and speak about the City’s commitment to the environment and renewable power.”

Solar power energizes Toronto City Hall September 22, 1998.
“These solar panels are right on top of the mayor’s office. This is not happening in any other city.”

Solar School
“Welcome to Solar School a whole new world of learning about our environment, some of the dangers it faces and how we can begin to make things better.”

www.solarschools.net/
“Solar Schools is an exciting grassroots program designed to raise awareness about sustainable energy usage by donating solar systems to schools.”

PG&E Solar Schools Program
“The Pacific Gas and Electric Company Solar Schools Program, now in its third year, provides funding to support public schools in underserved communities in northern and central California.”

Watts on Schools
“Watts On Schools is American Electric Power’s way of bringing solar power to schools in communities throughout Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.”

Schools Going Solar
[This web page has a collection of links similar to the ones above.]

It’s PV for 14 Schools in Chicago June 14, 2006.
“ComEd and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation announced nearly $200,000 in grants to support the installation of PV systems at 14 schools in ComEd&squo;s service territory in northern Illinois.”

McGraw School April 27, 2005
“We’re trying to inform locals, everyone really, the potentional of solar energy,” “McGraw is one of 50 schools across the state with a solar power system.”

Northern Ireland

The yahoo message boards are now topic based. The ESLR House II is a super topic (a topic the spans muli-topics) that has been started to organize the posting of information like the information found on this VerticalSolar web page. There are already lots of posts with links to articles of interest under the general discussion that are not included here on the Vertical Solar web page. If you have an article of interest you can post it has a reply (be sure to set a custom subject line for your post) to the appropriate topic. Try to be careful since we cannot make changes to post that have been made. Be forewarned that some disruptive posts have already been made.

Disclaimer: I currently own shares of ESLR and presently reside on planet Earth.

Table of Contents

Evergreen Solar (and some related companies)

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR)

Silicon Supply

News: Evergreen Solar

Systems Using EvergreenEC-115 Solar Panels

Systems Using EvergreenEC-110 Solar Panels

Systems Using EvergreenEC-100 Solar Panels

Systems Using EvergreenES-112-AC Solar Panels

Systems Using VariousEvergreen Solar Panels

Job Opportunities

Shopping

Comparison Shopping

Risk

Kyoto

Roadmaps to Renewable Energy Future

Germany

Spain

Afghanistan

Alberta

Armenia

Australia

Bangladesh

Barbados

Botswana

Brazil

Canada

Caribbean

Czech

Fiji

France

Gujarat

Haryana

India

Iran

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Korea

Moldova

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nigeria

Northern Ireland

Portugal

Senegal

Sweden

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

Tibet

Uganda

United Kingdom

China

USA - United States of America

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Florida

Illinois

Iowa

Nevada

New Mexico

New Jersey

Oregon

New York

Pennsylvania

Texas

Wisconsin

Solar Events

SolFest 2005

Solar Cooking

Organizations Doing Solar

Massachusetts Links

Miscellaneous Links

Government Links

Incentives, Rebates, and Tax Credits

Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)

Evergreen Solar
(and some related companies)

Systems Using Evergreen
EC-115 Solar Panels

Systems Using Evergreen
EC-110 Solar Panels

Systems Using Evergreen
EC-100 Solar Panels

Systems Using Evergreen
ES-112-AC Solar Panels

Systems Using Various
Evergreen Solar Panels

Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRC)
(or "green tags")

Insolation Levels
(How much sunlight do I have?)