Friday, March 10, 2017

Despite the Kochs and Walkers, solar record set in '16

The marketplace is speaking, despite the obstacles put in its way by fossil-fuel ideologues like Scott Walker and his big donors, the Koch brothers: People want solar power:
March 9 (UPI) -- The solar market in the United States had its best year on record in 2016, according to researchers with the Solar Energy Industries Association. 
In a study published by the industry group, researchers note the solar market nearly doubled its previous record, and added more electric generating capacity than any other source for the first time in history.
First installation of Madeline Island Resiliency Project in the town of La Pointe. 18.2 kW array provides 112% of the electricity needs for the town library and medical clinic. The next phase of the project includes installation of a PV array at the Town Hall.
Solar installation, Madeleine Island. UWEX photo

3 comments:

Ralph said...

At what cost per kilowatt???

Anonymous said...

We just put solar panels on our barn last summer. Solar photovoltaic panel prices have dropped dramatically in the past several years. We qualify for a 30% federal tax credit, Focus on Energy rebate and a group buy rebate thanks to help from Milwaukee Shines, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and a great installer, Arch Electric. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Scott Walker.

Anonymous said...

Here is a very good quite up to date informative article on solar. We need a solar array on every suitable roof, with onsite storage capabilities, and a chicken in every pot. We do not need the corporations transferring solar and wind energy through their very inefficient transmission systems and selling us some very expensive sun and wind.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-06/wind-and-solar-are-crushing-fossil-fuels

The reason solar-power generation will increasingly dominate: It’s a technology, not a fuel. As such, efficiency increases and prices fall as time goes on. What's more, the price of batteries to store solar power when the sun isn't shining is falling in a similarly stunning arc.

Just since 2000, the amount of global electricity produced by solar power has doubled seven times over. Even wind power, which was already established, doubled four times over the same period. For the first time, the two forms of renewable energy are beginning to compete head-to-head on price and annual investment.