“The nation’s largest solar highway project” is big enough to produce significant power, but not so big that it can’t fit into our landscape and our lives.
Solar Power
California’s Solar Lease/PPA Boom Keeps On Rockin’
The total value of third-party-owned solar install contracts in California has cracked $1 billion, according to the PV Solar Report.
Colorado Goes Crazy For Solar Gardens
A community-owned solar program launches with a bang in Colorado, with 4.5 megawatts of space filled within minutes.
Solar Tower Project, Halfway Done, Clears Court Hurdle
Environmentalists are still trying to stop the Ivanpah concentrating solar plant in the Mojave Desert, but it’s already passed the midway point in construction.
Solar Tracker Mimics Sunflower To Boost Efficiency
Inspired by the sunflower, Wisconsin researchers develop a solar tracker using artificial heliotropism, enhancing PV efficiency without gears or motors.
Big Desert Solar Project Hit By Wind, Flood
The U.S.-backed 250-megawatt Genesis Solar Project in the California desert sustains at least $3 million in damage when wind-whipped downpours hit.
Caltech’s Solar-Powered Toilet Wins $100K From Bill Gates
Caltech was one of three big winners in a Gates’ Foundation challenge to reinvent the toilet.
Not Made In The Shade: Can Solar And Trees Get Along?
A Colorado planner says it’s time to move past thinking trees vs. shade, and plan a future where both can thrive in urban settings.
Army Uncorks $7 Billion Clean Power Gold Rush
The U.S. Army is going to buy $7 billion worth of renewably sourced energy, and begins accepting bids from developers.
US Military: Bring On The Solar, Wind Power
The Defense and Interior departments partner to build clean-power resources on military land and open up the seas for offshore wind.
For NJ’s Christie, Solar Isn’t A Political Punching Bag
In a party that treats solar power like the devil’s work, New Jersey’s Republican Gov. Chris Christie is showing a willingness to treat it with a little respect.
Breakthrough Grid Battery’s Surprising Ingredient
ARPA-E-backed researchers at USC borrow from the Pepto-Bismol ingredient list to turn iron-air batteries into a promising way to do large-scale energy storage.
University Of Michigan Solar Car Shines Brightly In Competition
The University of Michigan Solar Car Team pulls off another win at the American Solar Car Challenge, not only winning four times in a row but besting its previous record for trip time as well.
Alcatraz Solar Isn’t For The Birds (But They Like It)
After years of planning, the historic Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay is now powered by solar panels – as long as they’re kept clear of bird droppings, that is.