July 2015 Solar in the News
Get the latest on solar energy, photovoltaic news and learn about all things under the sun across the country, from the KMB photovoltaic and engineering design group.
New Solar Energy Project at US Submarine Base Will Be At or Below Cost of Other Power Sources
In Georgia, US Navy Submarine Base Kings Bay is planning on building a $75 million solar array. The project, which should be fully functional by next year, is expected to work below the cost of generating energy from other sources. The signing of the real estate outgrant gives Georgia Power 258 acres of land to build this 42 megawatt solar array. Read More.
US Solar Electricity Production 50% Higher Than Previously Thought
Energy agencies are underestimating the amount of power produced by solar energy. The reason for this higher than expected solar production is because official sources that calculate the percentage solar energy used is missing a very significant part of solar generation. In an effort to provide a more complete estimate of solar generation in the U.S., SEIA and kWh Analytics teamed up to complete an analysis of U.S. solar production, including previously uncounted generation from behind-the-meter systems. Learn more about what’s missing from the solar generation picture.
$8B-$16B Investment Could Double Solar Market
As it stands now nearly half of all homes and businesses are unfit for solar installation. This does not mean they have to sit out the solar revolution however. A new concept called “community solar” can expand solar energy to 100 percent of all homes and business in the USA. This allows for homes and businesses that aren’t equipped with solar capacities to take advantage of solar energy through a community solar garden. Learn more about Community Solar
Last Year’s Country Clubs Could Be Next Year’s Renewable Energy Hubs
After a real estate boom in the 90’s and 2000’s many golf courses began popping up in Japan. Now some of these courses are abandoned as their supply exceeded the demand. After being devastated by the Fukushima Nuclear Reactor’s explosion, Japan is calling for double the amount of renewable energy by 2030. The conversion of abandoned golf course to solar energy plants is a great use of these large empty courses. This strategy can be adopted by other countries, such as the US, in fact plans are already under way to convert these golf courses in New York and Minnesota. Learn more.
If voted President, Hillary Clinton Vows to Install 500 Million Solar Panels
Clinton is making climate change a key component of her platform. In a speech at an Iowa rally she stated that “I want more wind, more solar, more advanced biofuels, more energy efficiency,” She also added that “people who argue against this are just not paying attention.” She wants every US home to be powered by clean, renewable energy before her potential presidency ends. These lofty goals are important to have to keep our country’s renewable energy goals trending in the right direction. Clinton’s campaign for solar will reportedly increase solar output by 700% by the end of the decade. Hopefully the other candidate for president will adopt this unabashed support for solar energy. Learn more about Hillary Clinton’s lofty energy goals.
Solar Energy and PV Design Services with KMB
KMB Design Group is at the forefront of the escalating solar industry, and is considered a leading consulting firm in the renewable energy field providing photovoltaic design and engineering services. Our Solar engineers will give you full analysis and let you know how much energy can be drawn with considerations such as location, obstructions and orientations. We will also provide you with the best commercial solar power designs to give you maximum output. Licensed in 49 states, we have the ability to work nationally without limitations.