A lot has happened in the solar energy world this week. From solar powered jails to industry growth, here are some recent highlights:
- A California jail was recently awarded a $3.5 million contract for solar panel installation project that officials estimate will cut electrical bills by more than 40 percent, or $460,000. (More at Ventura County Star)
- The ongoing battle between Georgia Power and solar energy startup Georgia Solar Utilities was a hot topic during the Savannah International Clean Energy Conference this past week. Georgia Power recently proposed to acquire 210 megawatts of additional solar capacity over a three-year period, which would give the utility 271 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to power 117,000 homes. (Read more at Equities.com)
- In the advent of Hurricane Sandy, portable solar generator businessman Chris Mejia donated three 10 kW units to the area, driving the trailers to where they are needed. (Read more at Forbes.com)
- Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world’s largest solar companies, recently announced it has been ranked on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. (Read more at HeraldOnline.com)
- Last week, the International Trade Commission finalized tariffs that will be 23.75 percent for Trina Solar, 35.97 percent for Suntech Power, and 30.66 percent for remaining manufacturers. This was the first shot at China for subsidizing its solar industry, but industry analysts predict the magnitude of subsidized solar in China to only increase. (Via The Motley Fool) (More on how solar is outpacing other areas of the worldwide economy.)
- Wired.com recently captured an aerial view of the soon-to-be largest solar thermal power plant in the world. Located inSouthern California’s Mojave Desert, the plant plans to make enough electricity to run 140,000 homes all by focusing the sun’s energy to create steam. Here’s a recent image of this Google-funded solar project. (Read more at Wired.com)
