Global Solar Generation Poised to Double in ‘09, Report Says
Stimulus programs in China, the U.S., and Europe are boosting installations of green energy generation projects, especially solar power projects, data released this morning by Barclays Capital shows.
According to the Barclays’ research report, year-to-date data shows approximately 15 gigawatts of new solar (PV and thermal electric) contracts have been announced globally. Analyst Vishal Shah says the rate of new announcements is significantly higher than the five to seven gigawatts announced by the solar industry in any given year, and well above 2008 announcement levels.
Important: The number does not compile actual solar projects going live, it only counts announcements of contracts between solar generators and power purchasers. Over time, that number could decline if, for example, a developer is unable to secure financing, which in this environment remains a real possibility.
The U.S. and China led with 6,925 megawatts and 5,270 megawatts respectively of total announced solar projects.
For 2010, Shah predicts the announcement momentum to continue, boosted by 7.4 gigawatts of added demand for solar generation capacity. Germany will account for 2.9 gigawatts, despite plans by the country’s newly elected conservative government to cut its feed-in tariff program for solar projects. Trailing behind Germany is the U.S. with 750 megawatts in announced new solar capacity, Italy (710 megawatts) and China (450 megawatts).
Since irrigation water use is such a large issue regarding the amount of water we use for irrigation why not start there in designing and using a better product? http://www.IrrigationThatMakesSense.org is a non profit group trying to battle our national water issues by providing funding and installation of green irrigation products. They have a irrigation product that conserves up to 80% of water use after two years. Their product is installed sub-surface therefore you never see it watering. It makes the plants stronger, uses less fertilizer along with water and no over spray onto sidewalks and roads. The cost to install their underground irrigation product is comparable to overhead sprinklers but this is the green irrigation choice.
If solar energy production is to double in ‘09 it can only be good news. The pressure is high to cut green house emissions and the price of fuel is spiraling too. The answer to the US energy needs is in renewable, sustainable alternate energy like solar and wind. Part of the answer is also in energy efficient technology like energy efficient power transformers. Pacific Crest Transformers is one such company, check out their website here http://www.pacificcresttrans.com/home.html