Can green jobs power a new America?

Can it power America's 'new' economy

According to a study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, by 2038 America could create 4.2 million new green jobs if American makes a bold commitment to green power, such as solar, wind, and biofuels.

Others, such as Barack Obama claim we could create 5 million new green jobs in just 10 years if we committed to green technology to power our economy.

While the later is probably just political hype to be expected in an election year, it does demonstrate the potential of the alternative energy sector.

Can America commit to the future and embrace alternative energy, even if it means some extra taxes and costs up front?

Solar credits set to pass?

One of the best parts of the bailout

If the Wall Street bailout passes the House tomorrow, solar power fans could also have a little to cheer about. If the bailout bill looks the same as that in the Senate, then there sure be some tax incentives for solar power, or at least an extension of the old solar tax incentives program.

Google and GE to partner on smart grid

Some day search might mean nothing to Google?

Space, solar power, plug-in hybrid vehicles, these are a just a few of the things in which Google is investing.

Together with GE, Google will develop a "policy partnership" to lobby Congress towards "tomorrow's power generation, transmission and distribution."

Ultimately, Google and GE are hoping their lobbying effort can bring smart grid technology to market quicker, a key technology to required for the electrification of the automobile. Obviously, a smart grid would also increase the efficiency of the power grid.

Warming a little to Pickens Plan

Not just selling his book?

Boone Pickens is an oil man that has made a lot of money off investing in oil. Lately, he's put a lot of money in natural gas. At the same time, Pickens is trying to lobby America to offset some of its foreign oil dependency with natural gas.

So, is he just trying to sell his book?

Now, I have to admit, I haven't thoroughly researched the Pickens plan on my own, but I now intend to do just that, particularly after hearing Mr. Pickens talk on CNBC today.

Today, Pickens implied that natural gas isn't the solution to America's foreign oil dependence, but it can be part of the mix. In particular and especially, Pickens believes that natural gas would be great for heavy duty vehicles, such as buses and the large trucks carrying goods from our ports all throughout the country. These commercial transport vehicles account for about 30 percent of America's fuel consumption, and Pickens believes that natural gas infrastructure could be developed for such vehicles within just five years.

This isn't about converting all of America's cars to natural gas, but heavy duty trucks - vehicles that are light years away from the electrification of the automobile.

Combined with his ideas for wind and solar power, the Pickens plan does seem to have some merits, simply because it is realistic. It's not pie in the sky. It's a mix of today's technology and tomorrow's technology. Most important, it achieves results in a realistic time frame.

Anyway, I'll be talking more about the Pickens Plan, after I do some more thorough research. Until then, I'm not saying I support the Pickens Plan, but, without doubt, I support the call for a comprehensive energy plan.

Kudos to Pickens for lighting a fire on this issue. Can America get real? Or is it purely about drill, drill versus solar and wind and no compromises?

Are utilities dropping solar rebates?

Utility rebates dwindling?

So, I'm investigating a new solar installation for my home, and a couple of potential contractors have told me that time was of the essence as utilities have been dropping rebates and more drops were expected. Now, I haven't verified this fact with my utility, and this could be just a desperation ploy by my contractor.

Likewise, however, even Democratically-controlled Congress can't even extend federal solar tax credits.

On the other hand, solar technology is advancing and making important breakthroughs. Thus, shouldn't there be more rebates? Isn't this the time to push solar over the compared-to-hydrocarbon efficiency threshold?

Do utility companies, for example, truly embrace roof top solar panels, or would they prefer huge solar farms of which they have complete control?

Lazards loves Suntech Power

A good buy despite declining oil prices

Solar stocks overall enjoyed a huge run-up in prices as oil prices surged over $100.00. Conventional wisdom claimed the entire run-up was completely driven by oil prices and that solar stocks would drop as oil prices dropped. Thus far, SunTech has been defying that trend, and it has been mentioned by a bunch of various stock pickers in recent weeks as an example of the decoupling of quality solar stocks and the price of oil.

Today, Lazards added to this new decoupling thinking by picking SunTech Power as one of its Top 5 Stock Picks on CNBC this morning.

Have you tried the Eclipse solar messenger bag?

No laptop charging?

I'm in the market for a new laptop tote, but I was disappointed to learn that the Eclipse solar messenger bag isn't designed for laptop charging. Yes, you can still carry a laptop in the bag while charging items, such as cell phones, iPods and mobile game players.

Has anyone tried the Eclipse Solar Messenger? For just a little less than $200.00, is the Eclipse solar charger worth the cost?

Solar investment independent of oil?

Is solar still a good investment

Yesterday, Suntech Power posted a 58 percent rise in quarterly earnings. Like many solar power plays, Suntech has not yet been harmed by the drop in oil prices. This has caused some solar analysts to speculate that solar power has been decoupled from oil. Has solar power finally taken that next step?

Likewise, considering the underinvestment in America's electric grid and power plants that is going to push electricity prices higher over the next few decades, hasn't solar power become a smart move for consumers?

NYC's plan for wind power on skycrapers and bridges

Worth a New York City skyline facelift?

New York City's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg is proposing windmills for the city's buildings and bridges, turbines for local rivers, and solar power to make New York City the nation's cleanest and greenest cities. Already the plan is attracting dissent from those worried about harming New York's famous skyline.

I say its a great idea and a great way to embrace new architecturally beautiful wind power.

Congress missing solar breakthroughs?

A Honda fuel cell car filling up with solar generated hydrogen

I watched MIT scientist Daniel Nocera on CNBC this morning discussing new breakthroughs in solar storage. Essentially, new catalysts in fuel cell technology enable excess solar power to be stored as hydrogen very cheaply. Nocera indicated that the technological breakthroughs now occurring in these types of technologies are happening extremely fast. More important, Nocera expressed serious concerns regarding how out of touch Congress is with such science.

Does solar make sense for you?

Solar inverter what?

In theory, you would love a solar installation on your house, but you just aren't sure where to begin, right? How much solar power do you need? Does your state offer any incentives? What about a good solar contractor?

No worries, my friend. Even though I've followed solar technology news for a number of news, when it came to an actual installation, I realized even I was a bit confused, until I found FindSolar.com, which is just an incredible solar power resource, particularly for those contemplating a solar installation for their home or business.

With an excellent solar estimator and an extensive list of solar contractors, FindSolar.com is definitely a great first step for anyone seriously considering a solar project.

Help make Congress renew solar credits

Why is the Senate holding up solar credits?

Perhaps if Republicans were in control of Congress, it wouldn't be much of a surprise that solar credits were being stalled in the US Senate, but it's green-talking Democrats that are in control. Anyway, if you want to lobby your representatives check out SEIA.org or call the Congressional switchboard and tell them to pass HR6049 NOW!

Solar concentrators continue to impress

Increase solar cell efficiency by a factor of 40

New research on solar collectors might finally achieve what no other breakthrough in solar power has been able to accomplish: make solar power cheaply and easily cost-effective. By adding some solar cells around the edge of glass, mixing in a few dyes and light can be gathered and concentrated in a way that increases the electricity gathered by a traditional solar cell by a factor of 40 according to LiveScience. More important, because of its simplistic design such solar concentrators could be mass-produced and widely available within 3 years.

GM to build world's largest rooftop solar array

A solar rooftop installation

GM will build the world's largest rooftop solar installation at its Zaragoza factory in Spain according to Yahoo. If the 10 megawatt plant proceeds as planned, it will be followed by similar installations at all of GM's European plants.

"US firm Clairvoyant Energy and France's Veolia Environment will build, own and operate the rooftop solar installation at Zaragoza."

Solar inefficiency: Just add a little Solar Magic?

Recover up to 50 percent of lost energy?

Figuring out how to make today's solar technology more efficient is the key to creating cost-effective solar power. For this purpose, National Semiconductor is currently developing its SolarMagic Technology, which promises to "increase the effectiveness of solar panels under variable light conditions. National's SolarMagic™ technology recoups up to 50 percent of the lost energy, dramatically improving the economics in shaded and other real-world conditions."

While not yet commercially available, Solar Magic could go on sale in early 2009. If successful and cost-effective, SolarMagic could become a must have for any solar installation. More on green investing.

Do solar towers make sense?

Cheaper, but uglier?

Even the most ardent fans of solar power acknowledge that the technology is still far from cost-effective. While some of these sun-powered advocates believe the high costs of solar power are recovered via environmental gains, such a belief is a hard sell to average Americans.

Solar towers offer a way to make solar power significantly less expensive than traditional solar power. In fact solar towers can be developed at a third of traditional solar power costs. Still, they require a tower twice as tall as the Empire State Building per 1.5 miles of 'solar canopy' to produce 200 megawatts of electricity.

Of course, perhaps such towers could be integrated into buildings surrounded by solar covered parking lots, for example. Still, too ugly or workable?

For more check out MSNBC and Enviromission.

Forget solar shingles?

Panels: Still the best way to go solar?

So, I need to re-roof my home and I thought that that this might be the perfect opportunity to convert a percentage of my roof to solar shingles. Thus, I've talked to a number of solar integrators and every single one of them, thus far, has told me to go with traditional solar panels rather than solar shingles.

According to my contacts, solar shingles are still too expensive and too unproven. More important, each told me it would still be cheaper to re-roof my house, then add a solar system, versus re-roofing with solar shingles.

Anybody out there recently gone to solar shingles? Any thoughts?

Cheap solar dish produces hot results?

The key to cost-effective solar power

Great article on MSNBC about a new, cheap solar dish made of aluminum tubing and mirrors that concentrates sunlight by a factor of 1,000 and can be used to produce steam. According to the inventor, Doug Wood, whom has licensed the technology to MIT, it is the "most efficient solar collector in existence".

More on solar power.

Senate fails to renew the solar tax credit

No tax credits for solar power?

I'm just catching headlines so, hopefully, I'll update with a story link later, but the US Senate has failed to renew the solar tax credit. Now, I'm sure it can be ressurrected in some way, but this appears beyond rational comprehension. Hello, oil closed, after falling a bit, at about $135.00 today. What? Solar credits aren't worth as much PR as windfall profit taxes or gas tax holidays?

Cramer done with solar?

Except First Solar?

I only watched a little of Mad Money yesterday, but I did catch Cramer stating that he just can't recommend solar stocks any more, except First Solar. In the past, Cramer has claimed that $120 oil was key to solar investing. Since oil is well above $120, I wonder what Cramer is worried about? A quick drop in oil prices? Irrational exuberance in solar stocks?

Anyway, if you trade solar, which I don't for the record, then you might want to consider your positions. Actually, I don't trade anything, but I think I need to get in this game, now if I can only find some 'mad money' to play!

Oil nearing solar investment threshold?

Time to take some solar profits?

Mad Money's Jim Cramer has been hot at picking a few solar stocks this past year, but it hasn't been hard to win big in solar with oil prices skyrocketing higher. For now, however, it seems the high has been hit, and until a hurricane builds in the Gulf, prices will probably hedge lower. Lately, Cramer has put the solar/oil threshold at $120. With oil above $120, solar will still be a great investment. Below $120, watch out. I'll be talking more about this later, but wind power, Cramer believes, will still be a great green investment, even with oil well below $120.

Optisolar to develop huge solar farm

Enough to power almost 200,000 homes

Optisolar, an independent power producer based in California, has announced that it will develop a 550 MW photovoltaic solar farm in San Luis Obispo County, California. The solar farm will produce enough electricity to power about 190,000 homes. Read more....

Is solar still a good investment?

Or is the solar bubble ready to pop?

Today, CNBC hosted a small debate about solar power focusing on Sunpower. While analysts believe the company has strong fundamentals, others believe that SunPower, and the entire solar field, are part of a solar stock bubble that is primed to pop.

With poly-silicone supply catching up to demand, some might think that a price reduction in solar systems might create more business. However, solar skeptics pointed out that subsidies remain a huge sticking point - it appears there will be less subsidies in the near future. Additionally, even if solar power is to become cost-competitive, it won't be today's solar technology that will achieve such economies of scale. And with numerous new solar technologies emerging, tomorrow's solar winner might not even be known today.

Ultimately, the solar space is still raw, green and unpredictable.

Be careful with your solar power investments

Be careful before green investing in solar

The other day I was watching Fast Money and oil and solar power investments came up. It seems a lot of "amateur" investors are taking positions in oil and solar power, which caused worry amongst the Fast Money guys. Sometime this quarter the staff believes that both oil and solar stocks are going to get hit for a loss. Both will probably go back up before the end of the year, but probably after all the "amateurs" get hammered.

Solar Economy: Are we just scratching the surface?

The best of solar power is yet to come

"If you have ever blistered your bare feet on a hot road you know how asphalt absorbs the sun's rays. Now, a Dutch company is siphoning the heat from roads and parking lots to heat homes and offices." (more)

Sure, the venture by Ooms Avenhorn Holding BV isn't very cost-effective, but in places like the Netherlands, such a system could reduce accidents caused by ice on roads, for example. The point is, when considering technologies like solar power, a much more holistic approach can greatly increase potential.

The world is barely tapping the potential of solar power. In one hour the sun hits the earth with enough energy to power the world for a year.

Photovoltaics have only been around for a little more than 50 years, and the biggest gains in solar technology have only come in the last 10 years. Cost-effectiveness isn't that far into the future, and when pollution and wars are considered, solar power might really be a bargain in the long run.

San Francisco proposes aggressive solar plan

Foggy San Francisco sees the light

Over the next decade, San Francisco would like to help 10,000 homes and businesses add solar power installations to their homes.

For a typical homeowner in San Francisco, installing a 3-kilowatt, rooftop solar electric system costs $24,000, according to Barry Cinnamon, president of the California Solar Energy Industries Association. Between a $4,000 city rebate, a similar $7,000 refund available through the state and a federal tax credit of $2,000, they would be able to get the price down to $11,000, Cinnamon said.

If that amount were underwritten through a city-backed loan, the costs would be spread out over time and eventually recouped in under a decade through lower electricity bills, he said.

Solar hybrids versus battleships

A Solar Prius from Solar Electrical Systems

The technology to develop a solar assisted plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius exists today, in fact Solar Electrical Systems has already helped integrate the technology into such hybrid vehicles. Sure, such hybrids are expensive, maybe not even cost-effective, but that is only because gasoline prices are artificially low.

When the U.S. spends more than $100 billion per year - NOT including war costs - just to secure oil from the Middle East, it becomes obvious that the real cost of gasoline is significantly higher than paid at the pump - we pay most of our gasoline costs as taxes to fund the military-industrial complex that is securing our oil.

The technology to fundamentally change the world, via replacing our corrupt energy paradigm, exists today, it is just economies of scale that are needed to bring down the costs. Yet, when all of the costs of securing and maintaining our current energy paradigm are considered, it seems to me that the costs of developing a clean and green future are easily worth the investment.

Can Google make renewable energy affordable?

Plug-in hybrids, renewable energy and the X-Prize

Google is quite an interesting company. First the company created a project to fund plug-in hybrid vehicles, then it joined the X-Prize and the private space race. Now Google wants to make renewable energy sources, especially solar, wind and geothermal, as cost-effective as coal as soon as possible.

Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced a new strategic initiative to develop electricity from renewable energy sources that will be cheaper than electricity produced from coal. The newly created initiative, known as RE-C, will focus initially on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other potential breakthrough technologies. RE-C is hiring engineers and energy experts to lead its research and development work, which will begin with a significant effort on solar thermal technology, and will also investigate enhanced geothermal systems and other areas. In 2008, Google expects to spend tens of millions on research and development and related investments in renewable energy. As part of its capital planning process, the company also anticipates investing hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects which generate positive returns.

Honda's visionary path to fuel cell vehicles?

The key to Honda's green future?

Honda is a pretty cool company. Not only does Honda make some of the most fuel efficient vehicles - fleet wide - in the industry, they also make some pretty cool jet airplanes. Even more interesting, however, Honda now makes next generation solar cells.

Why would an automaker make solar cells?

I'm sure there are many reasons that Honda might make solar cells, but one interesting reason showed up at the LA Auto Show. (Finish)

Time for the government to get serious about solar power?

Wiring, grounding and racking integrated solar panels

Isn't it time for Congress to get serious about solar power?

Congress gives billions to oil companies, to farmers and ethanol producers, why not for solar power?

Is solar power perfect?

Of course not, but its ability to distribute energy alone is worth the cost of investment in this age of terrorism, fires, and electric grid instability. More important, however, solar energy could revolutionize home energy, even if it takes 20 years. (Finish: Congress and solar power)

George Clooney joins alternative energy company

For his brains or his celebrity?

"George Clooney will become an executive board member of a new Swiss energy company that will develop environmentally friendly techniques for car motors and other devices, the billionaire who is setting up the firm said Saturday," according to MSN.

"The new company will have different branches doing research and development in the clean production of hydrogen, solar energy and fuel cells, said Nicolas Hayek, chairman of the Swatch Group."

Awe-Inspiring: The Solar Decathlon 2007

Georgia Tech's Solar Powered Home

Imagine a home that powers all of your home's electric needs - including hot water - and your electric car as well.

That's the goal of competitors in the 2007 Solar Decathlon which will held Oct. 12 - 20 by the Energy Department that was developed to inspire students to explore careers in science and technology.

Technology could enable the world to achieve revolutionary changes that might empower the entire planet, if only profit were not so monumentally important. While profit is obviously essential to innovation, can't profits also be driven by long term vision?

Economies of scale could make all of these technologies significantly cheaper. In addition, when the savings from pollution and energy security are added into the equation, the long term costs, become far less expensive. Furthermore, perhaps providing affordable, reliable, clean and green energy to the world would help man and woman-kind to conquer things like space, rather than each other.

Call me a dreamer, but why not dare to dream?

Solar powers Napa Valley

20 percent solar powered by 2010

"More than 7 percent of wineries in Napa County are now solar-powered -- a rate of adoption 42 times greater than that of California businesses in general, and nearly double that of wineries statewide, according to Rob Erlichman, CEO of San Francisco-based solar power integrator Sunlight Electric (www.sunlightelectric.com).Erlichman predicts that by the end of 2010, one in five wineries in Napa County -- nearly triple the current number -- will be solar-powered. "What's especially significant is that most businesses in the U.S. can learn from what's going on here," he says."

Nevada's big solar power plans

A haven for solar thermal power?

"John O'Donnell of Ausra Inc. said in a telephone interview that Ausra committed to development of solar-thermal plants that will generate 1,000 megawatts of power. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company plans to start with a 175-megawatt plant.

Also last week, San Francisco-based Pacific Gas and Electric pledged to buy 1,000 megawatts of solar power over the next five years, and Florida-based FPL Group Inc. said it would develop plants that would produce another 500 megawatts of solar-thermal power."

Will Google help produce the Astrolab?

My dream car: A solar powered plug-in hybrid vehicle

O.K. The Venturi Astrolab solar powered plug-in hybrid is not exactly ready for primetime, but the fact that it is almost production-ready is extremely exciting.

Hybrid technology, plug-in technology, solar technology! Damn, had they just added biofuels and a small wind generator, it would be alternative energy perfection.

I was able to check out the Astrolab at Wired's NextFest, and if you live in California, you just might have seen the Astrolab on a freeway near your, as did the President of Google, according to Edmunds.

Google is now heavily invested in solar power and electric cars, and it has been pushing plug-in hybrid technology. Would't helping Venturi set up a factory in California to build Astrolabs be the perfect fit? The perfect convergence of technologies?

I hope so. Those guys at Google are money, baby.

Ted Turner Talks Green on CNBC

Man, he looked stoned

I've never been a huge fan of Ted Turner - he seems a bit of an egomaniac. Anyway, he was one of the most powerful men in media and he seems to be a pretty good businessman. So, I don't mind hearing his opinions, hence I watched him today on CNBC.

Wow, did he act stoned. Maybe he's really green - bud and all, but back to green energy.

Turner told CNBC that it was imperative that America get off fossil fuels, especially coal. Thus, Turner has invested in a solar power company, Dome Tech Solar. He also was bullish on wind power and he even suggested nuclear power should be investigated.

In the short term, he stated that Americans should embrace conservation, buy hybrid cars and use fluorescent light bulbs.

Nanosolar almost open for business

Revolutionary solar technology?

Despite a shortage of polysilicon, solar power seems to be the new, growing darling of the alternative energy movement - at least in terms of equities.

Earier today, CNBC marveled at the uptick in price of a number of solar company stocks as a number of ethanol company stocks dropped. Then CNBC later followed that news up with a story on Nanosolar.

Back in June 2006, I blogged on this company's plans to develop one of the world's largest solar factories, and that factory is now close to opening. Not only is the opening of a such a large solar factory big news, but the nanotechnology-driven solar panels that the factory will produce is even bigger news.

Printable solar panels, spray on solar film - the applications are almost endless, which is probably why the company's products are already sold out for the first year. Even more alarming, Nanosolar believes their product is going to be very close to price-competitiveness with grid electricity, and a lot of investors seem to believe in that possibility.

Thus far the company has attracted more than 100,000 million in funding. Let's hope reality matches the hype.

Sphelar's shape-shifting solar cells

And you can see through it?

There were some excellent examples of solar power at NextFest that I'll be covering this week. Possibly my favorite was the Sphelar solar cell by Kyosemi.

I receive an incredible amount of solar heat through my windows in my house's western-exposed Southern California windows. How great would it be to turn that solar power into energy?

Now you can.

Kyosemi's sphelar solar cells can absorb light from any angle, including indirect and reflected light, and convert that light into electricity. Thin, flexible and transparent, Sphelar solar cells offer some flexible options compared to flat solar cells.

I wasn't able to find out anything about pricing, but I have sent an e-mail to the company to find out more about this product in terms of availability, pricing, etc. Stay tuned.

First solar plug-in hybrid ready for sale?

To be built and sold in America by next year?

The Venturi Astrolab solar powered plug-in hybrid vehicle was displayed in Los Angeles today. It was also announced that the solar powered hybrid will be produced in America and that it could be ready for sale by next year.

According to reports on CNBC, the Astrolab, which travels around 70 miles per charge with a top speed of 74 mph, is not just powered by solar panels, it can also be plugged into a standard outlet just as a conventional electric car.

The company plans to develop numerous cars in a wide range of prices for the American market. Ultimately, final prices will be significantly dependant upon the scale of production.

GM goes solar in California

GM and Constellation develop "one of the largest solar power installations in corporate use"

In December, GM will generate half of its power at a large warehouse in Fontana with Constellation solar power, creating enough electricity for 300 homes.

"The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy to the community," Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of environment, energy and safety policy, said.

U.S. - A world leader in green technologies?

The U.S. is a green leader?

"The United States, which rejected the Kyoto agreement, has never adopted a federal system of controls for carbon-dioxide emissions, although California has binding targets to cut CO2 emissions and other states are expected to follow.

The United States, however, has emerged as the world leader in developing clean energy technologies.

It involves a wide range of sectors, including wind, solar, biofuels, biomass (organic material to produce power and heat), energy efficiency technology, hydrogen and fuel cells, and tidal power.

"General Electric has been a leader in the campaign to develop new clean technologies that allows one to save energy and make money at the same time," said Dr. Andrew Dlugolecki, head of Andlug Consulting, a strategic consultancy on climate change and the financial sector based in Perth, Scotland.

He said oil companies, carmakers and power generators are increasing their investments in renewables and biofuels." More from Investors, big businesses see green in being green

Well, we should be the green leader, we're the biggest polluter and energy guzzler. Still, at least there is some positive momentum.