QUICK NEWS, June 27: Now Is The Time, We Are The Ones; The Many Other Ways To Use Solar; New Energy Is The New Way To Run The Grid

Now Is The Time, We Are The Ones An Especially Good Time to Address Climate Change; People Are Taking Action and Raising Hope that We Will Win the Climate War

Deborah L. Williams, June 25, 2017 (Santa Barbara Independent)

“…Given the compelling scientific evidence about the existence and impacts of human-caused climate change, it seemed tragic that the United States would [pull out of the Paris climate agreement and] turn its back on the world and future generations…[Americans oppose the move] by a 2-to-1 margin…[But] there are many reasons for hope, as well as opportunities for meaningful action…[Individuals, communities, and states have a larger and more impactful role than ever to play as stewards of the earth and guardians of inter-generational equity…

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Many cities, states, and individuals recognize that inaction is not an option, and are stepping up…At the individual level there has never been a better time to conserve wherever possible…[Communities] can and should adopt the 100 percent Renewable Energy Resolution…[California is showing what can be done at the state level. Despair is not] an option…For the sake of our children and grandchildren, our natural heritage, our national security, our economy, our health, and our moral responsibilities, there has never been a better time to act…” click here for more

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The Many Other Ways To Use Solar 11 Ways To Use Solar Energy Besides The Home

Jenna Cyprus, June 2017 (Earth911)

“…[Solar panels on rooftops can save thousands a year but that] is not the only place they can be applied…Some smartphone cases come with solar panels on the back… [S]ome boats have been designed to run entirely on solar panels and accessories…[Solar-friendly devices for campers include] solar-powered tents, charging stations, cook stoves and more. There’s no more need for propane tanks…[Flashlights] store solar energy…[Portable solar panel chargers can] charge your laptop, camera or tablet…Solar panels can be installed onto a pool’s cover, insulated pool sheets can retain heat in the water, or solar tubes can] heat the water…[Fitness trackers will soon be] solar-powered…[Cities are] using photovoltaic (PV) energy to partially power trains, subways, buses, cars, planes and even roadways…Cities, commercial properties and residential areas are using outdoor solar-powered] lighting…[Space heaters and water heaters are also now] solar-powered…[And any sign that uses flashing lights or backlighting, such as school zone signs or billboards, can now be operated using solar panels…[I]ncredible uses of solar power can reduce our environmental impact one charger at a time.” click here for more

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New Energy Is The New Way To Run The Grid Report: “Baseload” an Outdated Term for Today’s Changing Electricity Grid; Flexibility key to delivering cost-effective & reliable service

June 26, 2017 (Natural Resources Defense Council)

“The nation’s electricity grid operators are increasingly turning to more flexible resources and low-cost renewable energy options like wind and solar, rendering outdated the notion that ‘baseload’ generating plants are required to reliably power America’s homes and businesses…[Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid: How Grid Planners and Power Markets Are Better Defining System Needs to Achieve a Cost-Effective and Reliable Supply Mix found the term ‘baseload’ is outdated because today’s] grid planners increasingly value] resource flexibility to make it easier to balance supply and demand in real time…[B]aseload plants are limited in providing this flexibility because they cannot be easily turned on and off without incurring significant costs…Portfolios of different resource types [including flexible conventional power, variable renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency, demand response, and emerging technologies like battery storage] can reliably and cost-effectively serve customers’ needs…” click here for more

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