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Arizona Solar Center Blog

Commentary from Arizona Solar Center Board Members and invited contributors.

While blog entries are initiated by the Solar Center, we welcome dialogue around the posted topics. Your expertise and perspective are highly valued -- so if you haven't logged in and contributed, please do so!
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PV Module Market Reaches $7.1 Billion


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Solar PV module shipments increased for the fifth consecutive quarter in the second quarter of 2010 (Q1 2010) to 3.7 GW, generating $7.1 billion in revenues, according to IMS Research's latest quarterly report on the solar cell and module market.

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U.S. Departments Of Energy And Interior Select Solar Demo Site


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U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) have selected the southwest corner of the Nevada Test Site, a former nuclear site, as the new Solar Demonstration Zone to demonstrate cutting-edge solar energy technologies.

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Solar Plane Lands After Completing 24-Hour Flight


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An experimental solar-powered plane landed in Switzerland safely Thursday after completing its first 24-hour test flight, proving that the aircraft can collect enough energy from the sun during the day to stay aloft all night.

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APS Renewables - Announcement to Installers


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APS has announced two updates that they made to the residential Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) on July 2nd, 2010. These updates include the Bi-Weekly Status Report e-mail and customer communication regarding their approved incentive levels.

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Solar-powered plane takes off on test flight


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An experimental solar-powered plane whose makers hope to one day circle the globe using only energy collected from the sun took off for its first 24-hour test flight today. Pilot André Borschberg leaves Swiss airfield in attempt to fly day and night without fuel.

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$1.45 Billion Loan Guarantee for Abengoa CSP Plant


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President Obama and DOE Secretary Steve Chu have approved massive loan guarantees to solar projects in the U.S. The biggest announced project was Abengoa's 250 megawatt Solana Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) project in sunny Gila Bend, Arizona.

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Arizona Corporation Commission approves power agreement for schools, nonprofits


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The Arizona Corporation Commission rejected a move to regulate solar companies selling power to schools and nonprofits. Wednesday's decision could spur growth for companies that install solar units in the state.

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Department of Energy invests $24M into algae biofuel research


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The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that it will invest up to $24 million in three research groups, including one in Mesa, to advance the commercialization of algae-based biofuels.

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Report: Solar Energy Projected To Reach Grid Parity By 2013


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The solar energy market has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, driven by a new abundance of polysilicon, the effects of the worldwide financial crisis and the plunging price of solar modules, states Pike Research in a new report.

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Energy-efficient subdivision opens in Gilbert, AZ


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Meritage Homes opened its first energy-efficient subdivision in Gilbert, with houses aiming to cut energy costs by 80 percent. The 210-home Lyon's Gate subdivision includes homes that meet or exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Homes ratings, officials said.

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AZ Solar industry gets guidance on tax credit


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Utility incentives for solar can be considered taxable, but an IRS ruling could save customers more money on residential installations. American Solar Electric received guidance on a tax credit question the industry has struggled with for nearly two years.

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Donated Solar Panels Bring Light to Rural Tanzanian Communities


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More than 150,000 people now have access to clean and safe renewable energy amid the rural landscape of Tanzania, Africa, thanks to a generous donation of 200 solar panels by TÜV Rheinland PTL based in Tempe, AZ, part of the world's largest solar and photovoltaic testing network.

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Arizona Renewable Energy News Sources


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The following are websites and reporters/commentators who regularly provide news and/or opinion on renewable energy topics, particularly as it relates to Arizona:

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Africa's Largest Slum Watches World Cup Via Solar Power


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This year, thanks to a non-profit project that teaches youth about solar technology, Kibera's soccer fans have the chance to watch World Cup games live from South Africa for the very first time on a television powered by solar energy.

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Governor signs bill to help solar liquid fuels industry


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Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 2370, a bill that will help the state foster the development of a fledgling renewable energy industry. A signing ceremony, hosted by ASU President Michael Crow, was held at MacroTechnology Works in the ASU Research Park.

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Opinion: Arizona’s Other Problem - Big Coal Power Line Threatens Solar Boom, Grasslands, Pioneer Heritage


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The showdown in sunny Arizona now turns to clean energy versus dirty coal. Some residents claim their borderlands utility company is locking its customers into a costly and toxic dirty energy future to cater to the potential demands of a Canadian mining operation.

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Opinion: Solar projects will protect Arizona's water supply, not threaten it


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Arizonans don't need to worry that solar energy will guzzle our water supply. In a June 5 column, Sen. Jon Kyl raised concerns about a technology called "conventional concentrating solar power" (CSP), which uses the sun's heat to generate electricity.

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Renewable future hinges on Arizona Corporation Commission Election


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The race for two Arizona Corporation Commission seats is heating up with the state's effort to become a solar powerhouse possibly hinging on who is elected.

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Pierce, industry weigh in against solar regulation


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An administrative law judge's opinion that companies providing solar service agreements to schools should be classified as regulated utilities is drawing criticism from the industry, and one official is moving to block the change.

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Opinion: Kyl's swipe at solar is way off-base


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Opinion piece by Dr. Martin J. Pasqualetti:
While Sen. Jon Kyl was correct to be worried about the water evaporated to generate electricity in Arizona, he took a potentially harmful swipe at the very industry that is poised to contribute mightily to Arizona's struggling economy ("Arizona needs solar technologies that use less water," My Turn, June 5).

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