The use of solar energy and wind power has grown by more than 30 percent annually over the past five years - Brief Article

The use of solar energy and wind power has grown by more than 30 percent annually over the past five years (compared with 1 to 2 percent for fossil fuels) in countries such as Germany, Japan, and Spain, according to the 2003 edition of the World-watch Institute's State of the World books. The Netherlands has achieved an 86 percent recycling rate for cars, and Denmark has put a total ban on aluminum cans in favor of reusable glass bottles.

FOE U.K. Urges Government to Continue Funding for Solar Energy

Friends of the Earth (FOE) U.K. recently announced that the U.K. government plans to terminate the solar photovoltaic (PV) Major Demonstration Program (MDP) and the Clear Skies Program earlier then originally planned.

According to FOE U.K., Phase 1 of MDP, which was scheduled to proceed between 2002 and 2005, was expected to produce nine megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2005, however only six MW have been installed to date.

FOE U.K. is urging the government to extend its solar energy funding programs for another year in order to help support PV technology and provide ample time to re-examine and develop its new solar energy scheme, due to commence in winter/spring 2005/6.

"Whilst Tony Blair stands on the world stage, championing the fight against climate change, the U.K.'s domestic solar power industry is under threat because of a lack of government funding," said FOE U.K. climate campaigner Catherine Pearce. "The Prime Minister must put his money where his mouth is, and help the U.K. take a lead in developing a range of renewable technologies that will help combat global warming."

What is it?

The Solar power energy is the technology of obtaining usable energy from the light of the Sun. Solar energy has been used in many ordinary technologies for centuries and has come into widespread use where other power supplies are absent, such as in remote locations and in space.

FPL Energy recently announced that it, together with certain FPL Energy affiliates and Carlyle/Riverstone Global Energy and Power Fund II, has purchased a majority interest in five 30-megawatt (MW) solar energy generating system (SEGS III-VII) assets in the Mojave Desert, CA.

FPL Energy said it will operate the SEGS plants and hold a 45-percent ownership interest in the projects, with Carlyle/Riverstone owning a 49-percent interest and the remainder being held by a group of limited partners.

"The acquisition of the SEGS projects is a continuation of our strategy to own and operate high-quality power generation facilities and further solidifies our position as the leader in clean renewable energy generation," said FPL Energy president Jim Robo. "With these new projects, we are now the largest generator of solar power in the U.S. with 310 MWs.

Toronto Hydro Launches Solar Power Generation System

Toronto Hydro-Electric System, Ltd. recently announced the launch of its industrial solar power generation system pilot project, which uses solar panels to generate electricity for the company's Service Center.

According to the company, the solar system is capable of generating up to 36 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, with each of the 189 solar panels producing 190 watts of electricity. Toronto Hydro expects the system to provide approximately 12 percent of the electrical power necessary to run the lighting system at its Service Center.

Toronto Hydro-Electric System said it collaborated with Sanyo Canada, Inc., which provided the system's solar panels; Toronto Hydro Energy Services, Inc., which provided the design and engineering and general contractor services, Phantom Electron Corporation as the installing contractor; and Xantrex, which provided the inverters.

"With the successful launch of this pilot project we are providing Torontonians with an opportunity to see a working commercial-style solar installation in operation," said Toronto Hydro Corporation president and CEO David O'Brien. "This project gives us another tremendous opportunity to showcase alternative energy sources and to reinforce the importance of creating a conservation culture."

Solar power news

IAUS Secures Site for One-megawatt Solar Power Plant

International Automated Systems, Inc. (IAUS) recently announced it has secured the site for its first one-megawatt solar power plant.

According to IAUS, the plant will be located in Southern California. IAUS said it expects to complete construction of the facility during the first quarter of 2006 and eventually hopes to expand capacity beyond several hundred megawatts.

Contact: Randy Johnson, IAUS, phone 801-423-8132, website http://www.iaus.com.

Solar Power uses

Solar Power Saves on Electricity Bills

by: Davinos Greeno

Once a distant technology that just sat on roofs that a few green minded people used, solar power has become a trendy tool we can hold in our hands. Sunlight - solar energy - can be used to generate electricity, provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings.
A typical solar system will reduce the need for conventional water heating by about two-thirds. Often the plumbing from a solar heater connects to a houses existing water heater, which stays inactive as long as the water coming in is hot or hotter than the temperature setting on the indoor water heater. When it falls below this temperature, the homes water heater can kick in to make up the difference. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills by as much as 50 percent. High-temperature solar water heaters can provide energy-efficient hot water and hot water heat for large commercial and industrial facilities.
Many large commercial buildings can use solar collectors to provide more than just hot water. Solar process heating systems can be used to heat these buildings. A solar ventilation system can be used in cold climates to preheat air as it enters a building. And the heat from a solar collector can even be used to provide energy for cooling a building. The Co-operative Insurance Building in Manchester has the largest commercial solar system in the UK. I think it looks very futuristic and cool!
You can generate electricity for a single building like the co-op but there is the potential in the future to generate enough power for a power plant. The author of a recent Christian Aid report, John McGhie, said that for $50bn (￡26bn) the whole of sub-Saharan Africa could be turned into a solar-generated economy. And $50bn is exactly the same amount as the continent would have to pay on extra fuel bills from oil," he said.
Electrical retailer Currys is about to add a new item to its usual array of washing machines and other white goods - solar panels. Currys is taking a risk as the solar panels will cost far more than anything else the store sells. They say it will cost the average three bedroom household about ￡9,000 to buy and install solar panels - compared to ￡16,000 in specialist stores. There are also grants available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme.
What other solar gadgets can you buy?
Well, Sharp, the world's number one solar cell producer, has just turned its hand to glass studded with LED lights and cells. Instead of generating enough electricity to run a home, it creates a psychedelic light show at night, powered entirely by the day's sun.
You can also buy solar chargers for iPods and phones. Other recent outlandish additions include a solar-powered tent, scooter and LED house numbers, while mundane ones like bike lights, torches and radios have been around for years.
People can also use captured passive solar heat to cook food. A basic cooker consists of an insulated box with a glass top. Heat from concentrated sunlight gets trapped in the box and can be used to heat food enclosed in the box. These have not been very popular to date.

About The Author
Davinos Greeno - I work with the Organic directory http://www.guidemegreen.com This growing green products directory lists 100s of Organic and Fairtrade food and drinks companies, jobs at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com and Campaigning Videos http://www.videos.guidemegreen.com.