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Monday, March 15, 2010
Solar Industry Learns Lessons in Spanish Sun
There are lots of lessons to be learned from the boom and bust solar market in Spain. This article in the New York Times highlights what can go wrong when a market is solely dependent on government subsidies. However, emerging markets need subsidies at first to create stability in that market. Even though the U.S. is behind Europe in terms of renewable energy production, I think we are in the position to shape the global solar energy market towards sustainable growth. So read the article and leave your suggestions on what are the best approaches the U.S. can do, from a public and private perspective, to assist and help shape the emerging solar industry.
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Wishful Thinking
*Before adding PV, wind, or solar thermal to your residential or commercial structure, the first step is to analyze this structure's energy consumption through a professional energy audit. I'd like to see some public education on the importance of an energy audit for any structure. Remember Smokey the Bear's forest fire shtick drilled into our heads over the last few decades? How about something like, "Henry the House" desperately wanting to know how much energy he consumes and wastes throughout the day?
*With over 300 sunny days a year on the Front Range is it too much to ask for solar PV and thermal modules on every residential and commercial unit (after an energy audit of course)?
*How about affordable plug-in electric cars that go more than 100 miles on a charge with PV and wind powered recharging stations?
*Dreaming of companies large and small adopting business sustainability practices to maximize profits, reduce their carbon footprint, and enhance the lives of their employees and the communities that surround them.
*With over 300 sunny days a year on the Front Range is it too much to ask for solar PV and thermal modules on every residential and commercial unit (after an energy audit of course)?
*How about affordable plug-in electric cars that go more than 100 miles on a charge with PV and wind powered recharging stations?
*Dreaming of companies large and small adopting business sustainability practices to maximize profits, reduce their carbon footprint, and enhance the lives of their employees and the communities that surround them.
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- Xcel to Buy Power from RES Americas’ Planned NE Co...
- Colorado Senate Passes Clean-air Bill Favoring Nat...
- Solar in Schools Adds Energy to California Solar Rush
- Oregon Solar Parts Maker PV Powered Bought by Colo...
- Denver Ranks Fourth in EPA Efficient Building List
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- Ultra-Efficient Gas Engine Passes Test: 64 to 98 MPG!
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- GEO Launches Statewide Consumer Rebate Program Apr...
- Bill to Cut Coal Power in Colorado Has Widespread ...
- Sustainability Tip of the Week: It's Fix-a-Leak Week
- Solar Industry Learns Lessons in Spanish Sun
- Gov. Bill Ritter: Advancing Colorado's New Energy ...
- Survey: Power Companies Still Unsure of Smart Grids
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- The First Working Solar Garden in Colorado: A New ...
- Ascent Solar Signs $6.5M Sales Deal with FTL Solar...
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