American Wind Energy Association on the Stimulus Plan suspension proposal

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today issued the following statement from AWEA CEO Denise Bode:

“At a time when the construction unemployment rate is nearly 25% and the manufacturing unemployment rate is 13%, this proposal would cost 50,000 American workers their jobs.

The truth is, by law, Recovery Act grants can only be used to finance projects that are being built in the United States.

This proposal would torpedo one of the most successful job creation efforts of the Recovery Act, which has already preserved half of the 85,000 American jobs in the U.S. wind industry.

Rather than adopt policies that will kill American jobs, Congress should enact policies that will create jobs by encouraging manufacturers to invest in U.S. plants. That means passing a Renewable Electricity Standard now.

The Recovery Act has been creating jobs by helping finance new American wind energy projects that have broken ground or been completed since the Act was passed. The proposed moratorium and legislation would kill this effort and destroy the momentum for one of the few industries that has been creating jobs and economic growth.

It is unfortunate that the proponents of this moratorium and legislation are using a deeply flawed study as the basis for a policy that would destroy tens of thousands of American jobs.

We support the goal of continuing the rapid expansion of U.S. wind manufacturing. More than half of the value of wind turbines used in U.S. wind projects is domestically produced, and that percentage is increasing every year as more turbine makers build U.S. manufacturing capability.   We do not have the capability today to produce 100% of wind turbine components in the U.S., but we can grow our manufacturing base and add 274,000 American jobs if Congress passes a strong Renewable Electricity Standard.”

Visit the original post at: Wind Power News

Magnolia Solar Corporation Announces NYSERDA Program Award for Development of Low Cost Nanostructure-Based Thin Film Solar Cells

WOBURN, MA–(Marketwire – March 4, 2010) – Magnolia Solar Corporation (OTCBB: MGLT) (“Magnolia Solar”), a developer of low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic modules used in defense and commercial applications, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary has recently received a $1 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This award is to develop advanced thin-film solar cells in partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (“CNSE”) of the University at Albany.

Magnolia Solar has the technology to capture a broader spectrum of the sun’s energy and to reduce energy losses due to reflection. This technology uses non-toxic materials on low-cost substrates to produce high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. Magnolia Solar will work in close collaboration with faculty and scientists from CNSE’s Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (“E2TAC”) at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex to demonstrate its technologies in nanostructure-based thin film solar cells. The program, which is designed to improve energy efficiency while reducing production costs, is also being supported by Professor Fred Schubert at RPI. Magnolia Solar has received a NYSERDA order for the first phase of this three-phase development program.

Dr. Ashok K. Sood, President and CEO of Magnolia Solar Corporation, commented, “We are delighted to receive this critical funding from NYSERDA, and to have the opportunity to play a role in providing future energy solutions for New York State. We are committed to growing in the Albany region, supported by the world-class intellectual and technological infrastructure at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex.” Dr. Sood continued, “Magnolia Solar’s mission is to provide environmentally responsible and low-cost solutions for the solar power industry, and to be an integral part of New York’s green energy future.”

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, CNSE Professor and Head of NanoEngineering and Executive Director of E2TAC, commented, “We look forward to working closely with Magnolia Solar on this innovative clean energy research, which enhances New York’s push to accelerate the development of renewable and environmentally friendly energy technologies. This partnership further demonstrates CNSE’s growing portfolio in supporting both innovative technologies and companies in the critical alternative energy sector.”

Francis J. Murray, Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO, stated, “NYSERDA is pleased to help Magnolia expand their work in New York State. NYSERDA’s early-stage investments in innovative, environmentally-friendly technologies offer the promise of new jobs and industries for New York in the future. The new products that result from these investments will help us realize Governor David Paterson’s vision for a clean energy economy that uses new and emerging technologies to save energy, create jobs, and improve our environment.”

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Magnolia Solar Corporation Announces NYSERDA Program Award for Development of Low Cost Nanostructure-Based Thin Film Solar Cells

WOBURN, MA–(Marketwire – March 4, 2010) – Magnolia Solar Corporation (OTCBB: MGLT) (“Magnolia Solar”), a developer of low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic modules used in defense and commercial applications, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary has recently received a $1 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This award is to develop advanced thin-film solar cells in partnership with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (“CNSE”) of the University at Albany.

Magnolia Solar has the technology to capture a broader spectrum of the sun’s energy and to reduce energy losses due to reflection. This technology uses non-toxic materials on low-cost substrates to produce high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. Magnolia Solar will work in close collaboration with faculty and scientists from CNSE’s Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (“E2TAC”) at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex to demonstrate its technologies in nanostructure-based thin film solar cells. The program, which is designed to improve energy efficiency while reducing production costs, is also being supported by Professor Fred Schubert at RPI. Magnolia Solar has received a NYSERDA order for the first phase of this three-phase development program.

Dr. Ashok K. Sood, President and CEO of Magnolia Solar Corporation, commented, “We are delighted to receive this critical funding from NYSERDA, and to have the opportunity to play a role in providing future energy solutions for New York State. We are committed to growing in the Albany region, supported by the world-class intellectual and technological infrastructure at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex.” Dr. Sood continued, “Magnolia Solar’s mission is to provide environmentally responsible and low-cost solutions for the solar power industry, and to be an integral part of New York’s green energy future.”

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, CNSE Professor and Head of NanoEngineering and Executive Director of E2TAC, commented, “We look forward to working closely with Magnolia Solar on this innovative clean energy research, which enhances New York’s push to accelerate the development of renewable and environmentally friendly energy technologies. This partnership further demonstrates CNSE’s growing portfolio in supporting both innovative technologies and companies in the critical alternative energy sector.”

Francis J. Murray, Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO, stated, “NYSERDA is pleased to help Magnolia expand their work in New York State. NYSERDA’s early-stage investments in innovative, environmentally-friendly technologies offer the promise of new jobs and industries for New York in the future. The new products that result from these investments will help us realize Governor David Paterson’s vision for a clean energy economy that uses new and emerging technologies to save energy, create jobs, and improve our environment.”

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. Enters New Supply Agreement With U.S. Solar Thermal Manufacturer

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL–(Marketwire – March 4, 2010) – Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (OTCBB: SNRY), with businesses in solar project development, distribution and workforce training, today made an announcement that it has entered into a strategic supply agreement with AET (Alternate Energy Technologies, LLC), a U.S. manufacturer of residential and commercial solar water heating systems.

Through its operating group SNRY Solar, Solar Energy Initiatives, will begin distributing AET’s Eagle Sun™ and Morningstar™ product lines. Established in 1975, AET is one of the top manufacturers of flat plate solar thermal collectors in the U.S. With over 30 collectors and 120 systems fully tested and approved, AET continues to pioneer in the fast-growing solar water heating sector.

“Solar Energy Initiatives is excited to establish a strategic relationship with AET. Complementing our photovoltaic (PV) business model, we see solar water heating as an explosive growth segment in the commercial and residential marketplace,” said David Fann, Chief Executive Officer. “AET’s strong reputation and long-standing success manufacturing high quality thermal collectors and water heating systems is a natural fit for our distribution division and dealer network.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating water is commonly the third-largest expense in households after space heating and air-conditioning. Solar water heating systems serve as energy and cost saving vehicles for homeowners and commercial building owners in any climate. Many states are adopting policies to drive the adoption of solar water heating. Hawaii has started to require solar water heaters in new construction and many cold climate states like Colorado and New York lead the way for annual installations.

AET President, Billy Byrom, commented on the new relationship with Solar Energy Initiatives, “We are extremely excited to have SNRY Solar as a supply chain partner. The value they bring to solar contractors through their expanded offering of training, marketing, technical support and service is exactly what we are looking for in a distribution partner. Their management team has a strong vision to expand the demand for solar water heating and their business model fills a critical need in the marketplace.”

The first phase of the AET supply partnership includes a wholesale distribution agreement, as well as the transition of 20 new dealers to be serviced by SNRY Solar. For more information on AET, please visit www.aetsolar.com.

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

FLS Energy Solar Farm Goes Live with High-Performance Solar Modules from Suniva

NORCROSS, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Suniva, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, today announced the commissioning of the Evergreen Solar Farm in Canton, North Carolina, with partner FLS Energy. Set atop a former landfill, the 555 kW project utilizes high-powered Suniva solar modules and was constructed via a 20-year power purchase agreement from FLS Energy to supply clean energy to the region’s Progress Energy customers. The installation went live at a local ceremony on March 1st in which Congressman Health Shuler spoke at the press conference and toured the Evergreen Solar Farm.

“Utilizing Suniva’s technology allows FLS to retain our commitment to provide only the most efficient, cost-effective products and offer the best value for our customers,” said Michael Shore, President of FLS Energy. “The modules are performing extremely well, demonstrating a powerful combination of high-efficiency solar technology and high-quality U.S. manufacturing.”

“The Evergreen Solar Farm provides a shining example of Suniva’s prominence in the rapidly expanding renewable energy market of the southeastern U.S. and our ability to meet the growing needs of utility scale customers,” said John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva.

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Texas Public Utility Commission Moving to Expand Solar Projects

THE WOODLANDS, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets:EVSO). Texas is currently the leader in wind generated electric power and experts believe that the state has the natural potential to also become the top US producer of solar power. The Texas Public Utility Commission is moving toward implementing the Texas legislature’s mandate that Texas energy include at least 500 megawatts of new power from sources other than wind by 2015. When the PUC commissioners give the go-ahead, agency officials will turn a preliminary plan into a formal proposal for a vote by the commissioners, said PUC spokesman Terry Hadley.

The agency expects to publish the formal proposal in early 2010. The preliminary version that the PUC published in December of 2009 identifies solar, hydroelectric and biomass, mostly waste products from agriculture, as non-wind renewable power sources. The commission’s plan would use the same procedure as the existing renewable portfolio standard. Each electric retailer, municipally owned electric company or electrical cooperative would have to provide an amount of non-wind renewables in proportion to its share of the market. A retailer that accounts for 10 percent of Texas’ power sales, for example, would be responsible for providing 10 percent of the state goal, or 50 megawatts, of non-wind renewables. Typical ways for retailers to comply include buying solar power from generating companies and selling it to their customers; buying renewable-energy credits from other companies; or subsidizing customers’ purchase and installation of solar systems. A company that did not comply would have to pay alternative compliance payments.

“Texas has earned one of the most sterling records for encouraging renewable energy proliferation,” stated Robert Hines, president of Evolution Solar. “I am proud to be operating in a state that constantly sets leadership examples for our industry.”

Evolution Solar believes it can pursue building a competitive niche in an industry that includes Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Sun Power (NASDQAQ: SPWRA) and First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR).

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Texas Public Utility Commission Moving to Expand Solar Projects

THE WOODLANDS, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets:EVSO). Texas is currently the leader in wind generated electric power and experts believe that the state has the natural potential to also become the top US producer of solar power. The Texas Public Utility Commission is moving toward implementing the Texas legislature’s mandate that Texas energy include at least 500 megawatts of new power from sources other than wind by 2015. When the PUC commissioners give the go-ahead, agency officials will turn a preliminary plan into a formal proposal for a vote by the commissioners, said PUC spokesman Terry Hadley.

The agency expects to publish the formal proposal in early 2010. The preliminary version that the PUC published in December of 2009 identifies solar, hydroelectric and biomass, mostly waste products from agriculture, as non-wind renewable power sources. The commission’s plan would use the same procedure as the existing renewable portfolio standard. Each electric retailer, municipally owned electric company or electrical cooperative would have to provide an amount of non-wind renewables in proportion to its share of the market. A retailer that accounts for 10 percent of Texas’ power sales, for example, would be responsible for providing 10 percent of the state goal, or 50 megawatts, of non-wind renewables. Typical ways for retailers to comply include buying solar power from generating companies and selling it to their customers; buying renewable-energy credits from other companies; or subsidizing customers’ purchase and installation of solar systems. A company that did not comply would have to pay alternative compliance payments.

“Texas has earned one of the most sterling records for encouraging renewable energy proliferation,” stated Robert Hines, president of Evolution Solar. “I am proud to be operating in a state that constantly sets leadership examples for our industry.”

Evolution Solar believes it can pursue building a competitive niche in an industry that includes Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Sun Power (NASDQAQ: SPWRA) and First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR).

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Texas Public Utility Commission Moving to Expand Solar Projects

THE WOODLANDS, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets:EVSO). Texas is currently the leader in wind generated electric power and experts believe that the state has the natural potential to also become the top US producer of solar power. The Texas Public Utility Commission is moving toward implementing the Texas legislature’s mandate that Texas energy include at least 500 megawatts of new power from sources other than wind by 2015. When the PUC commissioners give the go-ahead, agency officials will turn a preliminary plan into a formal proposal for a vote by the commissioners, said PUC spokesman Terry Hadley.

The agency expects to publish the formal proposal in early 2010. The preliminary version that the PUC published in December of 2009 identifies solar, hydroelectric and biomass, mostly waste products from agriculture, as non-wind renewable power sources. The commission’s plan would use the same procedure as the existing renewable portfolio standard. Each electric retailer, municipally owned electric company or electrical cooperative would have to provide an amount of non-wind renewables in proportion to its share of the market. A retailer that accounts for 10 percent of Texas’ power sales, for example, would be responsible for providing 10 percent of the state goal, or 50 megawatts, of non-wind renewables. Typical ways for retailers to comply include buying solar power from generating companies and selling it to their customers; buying renewable-energy credits from other companies; or subsidizing customers’ purchase and installation of solar systems. A company that did not comply would have to pay alternative compliance payments.

“Texas has earned one of the most sterling records for encouraging renewable energy proliferation,” stated Robert Hines, president of Evolution Solar. “I am proud to be operating in a state that constantly sets leadership examples for our industry.”

Evolution Solar believes it can pursue building a competitive niche in an industry that includes Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Sun Power (NASDQAQ: SPWRA) and First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR).

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Trapping sunlight with silicon nanowires
Researchers have found a better way to trap light in photovoltaic cells through the use of vertical arrays of silicon nanowires. This could substantially cut the costs of solar electric power by reducing the quantity and quality of silicon needed for efficient solar panels.

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Trapping sunlight with silicon nanowires
Researchers have found a better way to trap light in photovoltaic cells through the use of vertical arrays of silicon nanowires. This could substantially cut the costs of solar electric power by reducing the quantity and quality of silicon needed for efficient solar panels.

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

New energy source from the common pea: Scientists create a solar energy device from a plant protein structure
Isolating the minute crystals of the PSI super complex from the pea plant, a biochemistry researcher suggests these crystals can be illuminated and used as small battery chargers or form the core of more efficient man-made solar cells.

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News

Aluminum Super Atom Creates Hydrogen from Water

Over the past few years, I’ve talked many times about the merits of combining aluminum and water to create hydrogen. Researchers have been working on using aluminum both inside and outside the car for such hydrogen on demand production.

Some of these methods involve using either an aluminum alloy or aluminum, water and some other chemical or element to do the splitting. But according to physicist Priya Vashishta from UCLA working with USC (why do scientists not have the same rivalry as football fans?) plus researchers at Kumamato University in Japan, have come up with a computer model of how this works.

A clump of aluminum atoms, they are calling “superatoms” take on special properties to split water into hydrogen and oxygen on the fly easily and efficiently.

According to Science News, “Some regions of the superatom were hungry for electrons, while other regions wanted to give electrons away, the researchers found. As these sites began interacting with the surrounding water molecules, hydrogen atoms swiftly jumped from one oxygen partner to another, ultimately ending up on the aluminum superatom. After another series of complicated hydrogen bond switching events, a hydrogen atom then left the aluminum to join another hydrogen atom. The two hydrogen singletons were produced strategically close to one another, easing their ability to find each other and form a stable two-hydrogen molecule.”

The idea of using aluminum to split water has merit. Like I had stated before, this can be done either inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle, such as at the refueling pump or a local hydrogen production facility. The aluminum is also easily recyclable and since this is a chemical reaction, it is more efficient that using brute force electrolysis to pry apart the hydrogen and oxygen bonds in water.

But the computer modeling program that Priya Vashishta has developed still needs to be tested in the research lab to verify results. The outlook is promising so let’s stay tuned for this one.

Visit the original post at: Fuel Cell News

Aluminum Super Atom Creates Hydrogen from Water

Over the past few years, I’ve talked many times about the merits of combining aluminum and water to create hydrogen. Researchers have been working on using aluminum both inside and outside the car for such hydrogen on demand production.

Some of these methods involve using either an aluminum alloy or aluminum, water and some other chemical or element to do the splitting. But according to physicist Priya Vashishta from UCLA working with USC (why do scientists not have the same rivalry as football fans?) plus researchers at Kumamato University in Japan, have come up with a computer model of how this works.

A clump of aluminum atoms, they are calling “superatoms” take on special properties to split water into hydrogen and oxygen on the fly easily and efficiently.

According to Science News, “Some regions of the superatom were hungry for electrons, while other regions wanted to give electrons away, the researchers found. As these sites began interacting with the surrounding water molecules, hydrogen atoms swiftly jumped from one oxygen partner to another, ultimately ending up on the aluminum superatom. After another series of complicated hydrogen bond switching events, a hydrogen atom then left the aluminum to join another hydrogen atom. The two hydrogen singletons were produced strategically close to one another, easing their ability to find each other and form a stable two-hydrogen molecule.”

The idea of using aluminum to split water has merit. Like I had stated before, this can be done either inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle, such as at the refueling pump or a local hydrogen production facility. The aluminum is also easily recyclable and since this is a chemical reaction, it is more efficient that using brute force electrolysis to pry apart the hydrogen and oxygen bonds in water.

But the computer modeling program that Priya Vashishta has developed still needs to be tested in the research lab to verify results. The outlook is promising so let’s stay tuned for this one.

Visit the original post at: Fuel Cell News

South Dakota Legislature Kneecapping State’s Wind Potential

South Dakota’s potential for utility-scale wind projects could be seriously curtailed by three bills now in the House that reduce the attractiveness of investment in a permanent, safe and clean energy source that could bring billions in much needed revenue to the state.

Like cutting itself off at the knees to save on shoe leather, the Republican-held legislature is considering three pieces of very short sighted legislation that cut off the few tax breaks that wind investment had.

Senate Bill 123 would remove all incentives for large capital improvement projects.
Senate Bill 195 would eliminate any refunds on projects that cost more than $40 million.
House Bill 1060 heard yesterday would cut tax refunds for large commercial projects.

Like all new power stations, wind projects are “large capital improvement projects”, “cost more than $40 million” and are “large commercial projects”. The shortsighted laws curtail wind power.

“When you’re talking investments in wind, you’re talking about heavy, capital-intensive projects. A cheap project for us is $300 million.” says Steve Wegman executive director of the South Dakota Wind Energy Association.”We have a huge problem coming down the pike, and we need consistent public policy.”
(more…)

Visit the original post at: Energy News