Novel approach to a solar farm

In recent months, most of what we have heard from the UK has been criticism about renewable energy policies and support from the central government. Yet, there is still good innovation underway. Fiona Harvey explains in The Guardian about the latest developments in a floating solar farm on a man-made reservoir. World's biggest floating … Continue reading Novel approach to a solar farm →

Regulatory decisions in Nevada effectively killing the booming rooftop solar market

The energy transition depends on effective long-term policies and consistent market signals. Jacques Leslie explains recent developments by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission to introduce new tariffs that will cut by three-quarters users’ reimbursements for feeding electricity into the grid. Nevada’s Solar Bait-and-Switch WHEN President Obama proclaimed in his State of the Union address … Continue reading Regulatory decisions in Nevada effectively killing the booming rooftop solar market →

Making a convincing argument for subsidies on solar energy

It is hard to get anyone to agree to new subsidies, but convincing conservatives is even more difficult. Ben Ho, an economics professor at Vassar and Columbia as well as the lead energy economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisers from 2006 to 2007 provides quite a convincing argument. As he states, not … Continue reading Making a convincing argument for subsidies on solar energy →

Leapfrogging the coal-dependent grid straight to renewable energy sources

Innovation takes place in many ways. Max Bearak writes in the New York Times about the solar company that has persuaded a network of banks to provide financing options for solar systems to poor people who were typically seen as too risky. It is quite an encouraging story. Electrifying India, With the Sun and … Continue reading Leapfrogging the coal-dependent grid straight to renewable energy sources →

Vying to be the most efficient solar panel

There are many efforts to reduce the costs of renewable energy technologies. One important way is to improve efficiency and Anna Nicolaou writes in the Financial Times about a new panel by SolarCity that is said to be the global leader. Musk’s SolarCity vows super solar panel A company backed by billionaire Elon Musk … Continue reading Vying to be the most efficient solar panel →

Even Saudi Arabia is seriously considering renewable energy

We know the energy transition is on when countries such as Saudi Arabia are taking renewable energy seriously. Anjli Raval writes a good article in the Financial Times about recent developments. Saudi Arabia looks beyond oil to exploit its sunshine Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is keen to start harvesting electricity from … Continue reading Even Saudi Arabia is seriously considering renewable energy →

Latest developments in energy storage

EiD has had several storage stories recently, but recent developments are quite impressive. Chris Mooney writes a good article in the Washington Post about these developments. Why storing solar energy and using it at night is closer than you think In May, when Tesla Motors announced its new battery product to vast media buzz, … Continue reading Latest developments in energy storage →

Solar generation costs will likely continue to fall

There is a lot of debate, analysis and, yes, confusion about the competitiveness of various generation sources. Giles Parkinson writes a good article on the reneweconomy website about solar generation costs and how they are likely to fall below the average wholesale price of electricity across Europe by 2030. Why solar PV is unstoppable … Continue reading Solar generation costs will likely continue to fall →

Are the proposed cuts in solar subsidies in the UK a blessing in disguise?

In recent months, the British government has been slashing subsidies for sustainable energy. We can argue about the wisdom of those decisions but Assaad W Razzouk, CEO of Sindicatum Sustainable Resources, writes on the Huntington Post website that this is actually a positive development. What are your views? Why Cutting Solar Subsidies Will Speed … Continue reading Are the proposed cuts in solar subsidies in the UK a blessing in disguise? →

Energy companies realising that promoting solar is good for business

There have been many articles about electricity companies being resistant to renewables because of the loss of business. Well, as Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Power companies may have found a new way to crack into the solar business We’ve all heard by now … Continue reading Energy companies realising that promoting solar is good for business →