September 3, 2010
Other Topics Under the Sun
Small cities in the Central Valley have started growing a new crop of solar farms at their doorsteps. In at least 11 small municipalities, the city governments or developers who have signed contracts with the cities are well on their way to constructing utility-scale solar power plants, typically on acreage the city uses for water pumping or wastewater purposes.
ReneSola announces agreements to supply silicon wafers to two Taiwanese solar companies. Hangzhou has recently put in place the detailed rules for individuals buying new-energy vehicles. Jiangsu Aoxin New Energy Automobile recently secured a contract to export 30,000 mini electric trucks to the United States.
The first drivable Volt made its debut in China, where the car will be used to carry VIP passengers at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.
Arizona Public Service has issued a request for proposals for possible solar photovoltaic installations at five high-profile nonprofit or government facilities.
Arizona's Corporation Commission has started a website designed to assist homeowners and business owners who are considering installing solar electric systems.
California has begun an effort to promote the construction of commercial buildings with zero net energy consumption. Rooftop solar is often the energy source for net zero buildings.
The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City will be the site of one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the United States, Salt Lake County officials have announced.
A utility company's renewable energy plan approved by New Mexico regulators will result in a 1-cent reduction per kilowatt-hour in the price paid to small-scale solar owners for renewable energy credits.
Lancaster, a small but sunny city in California's Mojave Desert, continues to push ahead with big international ambitions for solar energy to help drive its growth. The city's mayor, R. Rex Parris, handed symbolic keys to the city to executives of NeoPower Inc., an investment advisory company that is helping city officials establish relationships with important officials in China.
A Hudson Valley dairy farm known for sustainable practices recently celebrated the installation of a solar thermal system that will save it money on water-heating costs.
