Solar Energy Investing

DelawareOnline.com reports that the University of Delaware’s Sea Grant College will team up with Lewes Board of Public Works to contribute $6,000 to study and determine the parameters for a solar utility. The goal is to come away with specific numbers on the cost and overall scale of the project.

AZCentral.com reports that Arizona State University will now house the new Energy Frontier Research Center. The anouncement was made by the White House. The center will be one of 46 scattered about the country and will conduct research on solar energy conversion as it relates to photosynthesis.

Arisona Daily Star reports that students at the University of Arizona (UA) are building a new kind of solar car with 50% increased efficiency thanks to a solar panel that can track the sun. The SolarCat will also have a back-up diesel engine that runs on biodiesel. A group of 21 students are planning to race the SolarCat in the Shell Eco-marathon Americas race.

Physorg.com reports research has been published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry on a record conversion efficiency with solar cells based on organic models.  Organic solar cells produce 5% efficiency compared to 15% efficiency of silicon cells but are abel to be manufactured cheaply with little environmental impact.  This technology’s intended use is for packaging, clothing, and recharging cell phones and laptops - not to compete with silicon cells.

The News reports engineers have been asked to prepare feasibility studies for desaliantion of sea water through solar energy in Karachi and the coast of Keti Bunders.  The Minister of Environment and Alternative Energy sees no reason they cannot secure this technology through public private participation.

Tri-Valley Central reports University of Arizona students are developing a solar car called the SolarCat.  The normal looking car will feature a solar panel that can track the sun and increase efficiency by 50%.  It will also have a back up diesel engine that utilizes biodiesel fuel.   SolarCat will race at Shell’s Eco-Marathon Americas and hopes to beat last year’s record of 3,000 miles per gallon.

Eureka Alert reports diatoms, or single cell marine life, could be the key to a new solar energy technology discovered by Oregon State University.  The diatom’s shell naturally creates a small amount of nanotechnology and could improve efficiency of a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Bennington Banner reports Greenpeace’s Rolling Sunlight Tour began on March 28 to discuss renewable energy and feature a vehicle that runs on biodiesel and 250 square feet of solar power and cost $65,000.  The battery can store some of the 12 kW hours produced by the panels.

Summit Daily News reports Colorado expects $130 million in federal stimulus money for the state energy program and weatherization of homes.  Colorado expects to dedicate $50 million for state energy programs, including training for people in energy jobs.  Many solar, wind, and biofuel companies moved to Colorado to take advantage of the three research universities and be near the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, CO.  Ascent Solar Technology is opening a new headquarters and plant in the state to manufacture thin film solar generating modules. 

TheLedger.com reports Publix Supermarket Headquarters recently installed 4,000 square feet of solar photovoltaic laminates that follow the weather patterns through a tracking device.  Polk County, FL is no stranger to solar power however, from solar power apartment complexes, to mini-storage facilities, to the credit union down the street, everyone is participating solar power and Tampa Electric’s energy sharing incentive program.  Last year, the $5 million budget for solar power tax incentives was expended in Florida.