QUICK NEWS, March 22: SOLAR’S BLESSINGS, DISPLAYED; BASEBALL’S MOST DIFFERENT WIND; SOLARCITY-RABOBANK $42.5MIL OFFC BUILDING SUN DEAL

SOLAR GOES A-LIST
Big-Name Investment Marks Pivotal New Era For U.S. Solar Projects
Lori Lovely, 15 March 2012 (Solar Industry)

"…[A]n influx of investment attached to high-profile names - such as Warren Buffett and Google - is now taking place as the solar sector matures…[I]ncreased level of investment is due…federal tax credit, state solar support programs with set-asides that mandate solar renewable energy credits and more funding support…from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program and the Clean Energy States Alliance…

"Google Inc., long known as a global technology leader committed to renewable energy, has invested $915 million in clean energy projects since mid-2010…[It is necessary to know government incentives and a long-term view] to get the [return on investment]…[but with] the market for expected energy demand projected to reach $26 trillion by 2030, solar seems a secure investment… PV panel costs…have decreased 70% in the past 18 months…That type of price decline makes the investment compelling, even with the scheduled expiration of the investment tax credit in 2016…"

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"…MidAmerican Solar (MidAmerican Energy Holdings' solar business unit), also considers solar power's price reduction to be a key factor in driving new investment…[due in part] to favorable renewable energy policies in Germany and Italy, the largest solar markets, that further fueled a fast-growing European market. (Both countries have since reduced their PV incentives.) Concurrently, the U.S. market doubled. As a result, suppliers ramped up production, and costs of manufacturing solar modules began to drop…

"…GE continues to expand its clean energy portfolio. In addition to investing $600 million in a 400 MW factory…GE is building a large [23 megawatt] solar farm south of Chicago…[N]ew financing models are also responsible for [GE’s] escalated interest…[and] state-level renewable portfolio standards (RPS) help drive investment activity. Eleven states have added a solar set-aside to their RPS, requiring that solar resources represent a specified percentage…"


BASEBALL’S MOST DIFFERENT WIND
Progressive Field's wind turbine being assembled in parking lot
Karen Farkas, March 14, 2012 (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

"An innovative wind turbine that will look like a fat corkscrew [and is designed to pivot with the wind] is being assembled in the players' parking lot at Progressive Field…Within a few weeks it will be mounted atop the ballpark's southeast corner…shorter than the stadium's light poles but highly visible…

"Ironworkers are adding the finishing touches to a 3,000-pound eight-sided aluminum frame that will be covered with 80 translucent white plastic pieces to form a helix…Near the frame is the steel base that will hold the turbine. Close by is a triangular steel platform that will be mounted on to the stadium that will support the base…The turbine, which will be lighted within by colored LED lights, is the latest version of a ‘wind amplification turbine system,’ developed by Majid Rashidi, chairman of Cleveland State University's department of engineering technology."

Not Abner Doubleday's wind mill (click to enlarge)

"CSU had received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy…to design and install two structures based on Rashidi's patented system of a wind-deflecting structure with small-scale turbines that can generate power at low wind speeds…[The Cleveland Indians have] a commitment to sustainability, including adding solar panels to the stadium…Indians officials said the size of the turbine fits the ballpark, which did not have enough space to put up a traditional three-blade turbine…

"When asked when the turbine will be installed and working, [the contractor] pointed to a sign on Progressive Field above the parking lot. It indicated 23 days to the first pitch of the new Indians season…"


SOLARCITY-RABOBANK $42.5MIL OFFC BUILDING SUN DEAL
SolarCity and Rabobank Announce $42.5 Million Fund for Commercial Solar Projects; Latest collaboration will fund construction of over 30 corporate solar installations
March 15, 2012 (SolarCity)

"Rabobank and SolarCity® today announced $42.5 million in structured financing to fund over 30 commercial solar projects in California. This new fund is the latest iteration of a Rabobank-SolarCity collaboration that has produced a solar-powered electric vehicle charging corridor to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a series of solar installations at local bank branches in California…"

[Lyndon Rive, CEO, SolarCity:] “We can allow many businesses to install solar panels for free, and pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power…With the help of strong partners like Rabobank, we’re allowing businesses to generate their own clean power and improve their bottom lines at the same time.”

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"Since the expansion of its renewable energy finance platform to the Americas in 2009, Rabobank has become a leader in the U.S. renewable energy project finance field, focusing primarily on the solar, wind and bio-mass sectors…

"SolarCity can allow a wide range of organizations to install solar panels for free, and pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power. The company now has more than 1,000 solar projects completed or underway for U.S. businesses and non-profit organizations."