solar energy

by

Legislative roundup: California lawmakers make big moves to promote clean energy in 2023

Policies in California have passed the state legislature and are awaiting Governor Newsom’s approval. These bills cover a range of topics, including opening up highways for solar power projects, upgrading ports for offshore wind development, promoting offshore wind energy procurement, improving energy efficiency in large buildings, studying wave and tidal power potential, addressing orphan oil wells, and reauthorizing funds for clean transportation. The piece emphasizes the importance of these bills in advancing California’s transition to 100% clean energy and addressing various environmental challenges.

 

The article speaks on a series of bills related to environmental policies in California, addressing issues such as solar power projects, offshore wind development, energy efficiency, wave and tidal power, orphan oil wells, and clean transportation. These legislative efforts seem to align with the state’s commitment to clean energy and environmental responsibility. If enacted, these bills could contribute significantly to California’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable practices.

 

by

‘A massive enterprise’: California’s offshore wind farms are on a fast track

California aims to harness wind energy from giant floating ocean platforms, a crucial element in achieving its goal of 100% zero-carbon energy by 2045. The state plans offshore wind farms with a capacity of 25 gigawatts, supplying 25 million homes and constituting about 13% of the power supply. In December, the federal government auctioned off ocean waters off Humboldt Bay and Morro Bay for five energy companies to develop wind farms with towering turbines. This innovative approach involves floating platforms in deep waters, a departure from traditional offshore wind farms anchored close to shore. The complex process, cost implications, and extensive reviews suggest a timeline of a decade or more before major wind farms off California become operational.

 

The article focuses on California’s ambitious plans for offshore wind energy and the challenges associated with implementing this innovative approach. While the state’s goal of 100% zero-carbon energy is commendable, the article underscores the complexities, costs, and lengthy timelines involved in developing floating wind farms in deep waters. Achieving success in this endeavor will require substantial investment, both from the private and public sectors. The piece reflects the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy but emphasizes the intricate process and time required for such projects to materialize.

by

Do Californians want solar and wind in their backyards?

The majority of California voters are comfortable with renewable energy projects near their communities, according to a poll co-sponsored by the L.A. Times and UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. The survey found that 56% of registered voters are comfortable with wind turbines near their community, and 69% support solar farms. Even offshore wind turbines visible from the beach received a 2-1 ratio endorsement. However, the article notes a “mismatch between broad public support and specific intense opposition,” with 17% of proposed wind farms facing significant opposition, particularly in areas with whiter populations. The article emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between public support for clean energy and specific opposition to its implementation.

 

The article highlights a positive trend in public support for renewable energy projects in California, as indicated by the poll results. While there is widespread approval for wind turbines, solar farms, and even offshore wind turbines, the piece emphasizes the challenge of specific, intense opposition that often influences decisions at the local level. The author underscores the importance of finding ways to address opposition and expedite the transition to renewable energy, especially given the urgency of addressing climate change.

 

by

Solar and wind power curtailments are rising in California

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is experiencing a surge in curtailing solar- and wind-powered electricity due to challenges in balancing supply and demand. In 2022, CAISO curtailed 2.4 million megawatt hours of utility-scale wind and solar output, marking a 63% increase from the previous year. Solar accounts for the majority of curtailed energy. This issue arises from congestion, as transmission capacity struggles to keep up with the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity. CAISO is exploring solutions such as the Western Energy Imbalance Market, expanding transmission capacity, and promoting flexible resources like battery storage to address the increasing curtailment of renewables.

 

The article sheds light on the challenges faced by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) in managing the rapid growth of solar and wind energy, leading to increased curtailment due to congestion. It highlights the need for better infrastructure and innovative solutions, such as the Western Energy Imbalance Market and battery storage, to address these issues. The situation underscores the complexities of transitioning to renewable energy and the importance of proactive measures to ensure a stable and efficient electric system.

 

by

California Has Dealt a Blow to Renewable Energy, Some Businesses Say

California’s shift in policies in 2023, reducing incentives for residential rooftop solar installations, has caused an 85% drop in sales, leading to job losses and business closures. The state defends the move, citing equity concerns and a focus on energy storage. Critics argue it hinders progress toward emission reduction goals. Proponents seek legal intervention. Installers and homeowners claim the policy makes solar systems less financially attractive. Affordability challenges persist, and experts suggest rooftop solar could regain appeal if electricity rates rise. The article underscores ongoing tensions in balancing renewable energy integration.

 

The article highlights the complexities and challenges of balancing renewable energy goals with economic considerations. While California’s policy change aims to address equity issues, it has resulted in a significant decline in rooftop solar installations, impacting businesses and hindering progress towards emission reduction targets. The debate underscores the delicate balance required in transitioning to cleaner energy sources without compromising economic viability and job sustainability.

by

Wind and Solar Energy Above Fossil Fuels

Lewis, M. (2023, May 25). US wind and solar combined produced more electricity than coal in Q1 2023. Electrek. https://electrek.co/2023/05/25/us-wind-solar-q1-2023/ 

During the first quarter of 2023, solar and wind energy combined have contributed more electricity to the United States than coal. To be exact, 16.9% of the United States’ energy usage was powered by solar and wind energy, while coal accounted for 15.6% of the energy. Not only did solar and wind energy surpass coal, but coal energy usage dropped by 28.6% during the first quarter of 2023. And while coal is declining, solar and wind energy are becoming more popular as solar energy increases in usage by 7.8% and wind energy increases in usage by 5.3%. So far, 2023 has favored renewable energy to fossil fuels.

It is a common misconception that fossil fuels dominate energy production in the United States. Many people do not realize how popular solar panels have become on suburban roofs and wind turbines along coasts and in fields. But 2023 has proved these beliefs wrong as renewable energy has finally taken the lead. This is a moment to celebrate because it suggests that Americans care about the environment and are altering their lives to save the planet. However, there is still a lot of work to be done as coal still powers 15.6% of energy in the United States. Yet with renewable energy on the rise and fossil fuels declining, there is hope for a time when a person can power their house without polluting the world.

by

California Solar Initiative

“California Solar Initiative (CSI) – Go Solar California.” California Solar

         Initiative (CSI) – Go Solar California. State of California, n.d. Web.

1 Mar. 2015.

http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/csi/index.php

 

The state of California is offering money to families that want to start using solar power in their homes. To qualify you need to get an energy audit and replace old and wasteful appliances and systems with newer more energy efficient systems. Your roof also needs to have a minimum level of sunlight daily hitting it in order to qualify for this offer. However the cost of the changes you have to make is almost always paid back many times over by energy cost reductions and the government money.

 

This is of huge importance to many for whom the up front payment is far too large to be conceivably payable. Many people know that in the long run their solar panels will pay for themselves in time but a twenty year turnover is too daunting for many people. Now with the slowly falling prices of solar panels and this and other similar programs that problem is slowly being resolved. With ever decreasing prices it may soon become easier to solely rely on solar energy than any other source.

by

Apple Solar Deal

Farr, Christina, and Nichola Groom. “Apple Investing $850 Million in

California Solar farm.” Fortune Apple Investing 850 Million in

         California Solarfarm Comments. Fortune, 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 20

Feb. 2015.

http://fortune.com/2015/02/10/apple-investing-850-million-in-california-solar-farm/

 

Apple stocks toped out over 700 billion for the first time ever; this momentous moment came with an impressive green energy statement as well. With the announcement that Apple would be receiving power for its new Head Quarters and for its other operations in California. This is an impressive benchmark, both for the sustainability of Apple’s system and for their company. The solar power station with be using solar panels built primarily in Arizona. The plant will also supply about 60,000 homes with solar power. This project will cost Apple 850,000,000 to complete and will cover approximately 2900 acres.

 

Thai is a huge step for Apple and California, Apple still no doubt uses highly polluting methods in their factories in China however and their actions could be seen as a smoke screen to try to divert attention from this fact. Whatever their reason this will hopefully encourage other large corporations to fund other projects similar to this one. Because even if they do not change the system by themselves they are, for all intents and purposes funding further development of solar technology. This is hugely important considering the need for funding that solar technology companies always have. If this investment spurs others to invest similarly then it is far and away one of the best things that could happen to the industry.

by

Worlds Largest Solar Plant

Roth, Sammy. “World’s Largest Solar Plant Opens in California Desert.”

USA Today. Gannett, 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.

 

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/10/worlds-largest-solar-plant-california-riverside-county/23159235/

 

 

the worlds larges solar plant has officially opened now in California. This not only marks the hopeful beginning to a new burst in growth in the solar industry but also a clear signal that the state loans program is both profitable for the state and hugely beneficial for the solar industry. This program, long derided by the conservative section of society as a loss of taxpayer money on risky endeavors. The completion of this project marks the fifth such plant that has been supported by the loans program, and the returns for the loans have so far kept to every single condition that they were given. This will hopefully mean that in the future more people can get these loans to build more such plants.

 

There is very little more important than finding ways to make funding Solar palatable to the conservative side of politics. As long as there is a clear green bottom line this goes a long way towards making it so. If funding solar becomes profitable there will soon be more and more companies that want to get in on the new business. This project is just one part of a larger series of such plants that are hopefully the budding start to a surge in solar energy production. Many green energy sources are growing exponentially, wind for example has been doubling globally each year. If this trend holds true for solar energy as it has for wind we could expect to see a sizable portion of our power generated by solar and that is not even considering the other energy sources.

 

by

Solar Map

“Welcome to the San FranciscoSolar Map!” San Francisco Solar Map.

City of San Francisco, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

 

http://sfenergymap.org (check it out!)

 

The city of San Francisco has created a Google maps page that outlines all the solar energy collection in the city. This “solar census” allows anyone to see the spread of solar energy collection in the city. It provides both a concentration map of the solar collection as well as an installation-by-installation map of the entire city. This allows anyone to see what businesses and city structures are producing clean energy. This knowledge can let people know what organizations are being environmentally conscious, and what organizations are being reckless in their energy consumption.

 

An educated populace is the first step toward green energy, if people don’t know about an issue they can’t get involved and make things happen. Knowledge is power, if this is indeed true then this Google Map, no doubt the product of a few tens of hours of work can provide a sweeping understanding of the clean energy situation in the city. If people become aware of which companies use solar energy and react to this by using their purchasing power accordingly it will suddenly become economically sensible to transition to solar power and more businesses will begin to switch over to solar.