… and I say, it’s alright. Here are a couple of items that should make you feel warm. First, RenewableEnergyWorld.com has a look at the US Utility-scale Solar Picture. How are we doing? Well, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) “…is aware of contracts totaling over 1500 MW of PV and 4000 MW of concentrating solar thermal.” There are projects in California (natch), plus North Carolina, and Arizona, Florida, California and New Jersey.
But here’s the blockbuster, announced today: the largest solar deal ever, according to MarketWatch. Southern California Edison will buy 1,300 megawatts of solar thermal power from BrightSource Energy, a start-up with backing from some heavy hitters that include Google and BP. SCE says this is enough power to serve 845,000 homes and avoid more than two million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. ‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. See the BrightSource technology page here to see their short video and to learn more about how their approach works.
See also two terrific op-eds from yesterday’s “NY Times” – Plugging in the Postal Service and Here Comes the Sun Shower.
