Solar power, once thought to be only for the wealthy, is now helping rural poor reduce their energy bills. Americans who live in mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty. But a new program could get them clean energy and provide long-term savings, says Bentham Paulos.
All posts tagged: Solar
How Trump could undermine the US solar boom
The US solar industry has been booming, employing far more people than coal and helping cut American emissions. But President Trump’s administration could end up slapping tariffs on imported solar cells and panels. Llewelyn Hughes describes how this will affect the industry.
The state of auctions in Germany
Germany has now conducted auctions for wind, solar, and biomass. But if the headlines are optimistic, the outcome is massively oversold. Craig Morris takes a closer look.
After two weeks without power, civilization collapses
And by the time you read this, Puerto Rico and several other Caribbean Islands will have been without electricity for that long. A German study from 2010 investigated the matter for Europe, just months before Fukushima. Craig Morris retells the tale.
Bangladesh Can Transition Its Energy Markets Onto a Lower-Cost, Sustainable Pathway
Developments in China, Germany, and India are paving the way for countries across the globe; Bangladesh does not have to depend on risky fossil fuels to sustain growth. Tim Buckley and Simon Nicholas take a look at what Bangladesh’s grid could look like, with an emphasis on solar power.
Nuclear cannot keep up with wind, and solar is coming next
Even countries with long-standing nuclear aims are adding wind power much faster, as Brazil, China, and India show. Those interested in the fastest way to mitigate climate change can forget nuclear, says Craig Morris.
Yes, I want renewables in my backyard
The government of Canada has made the fight against climate change a top priority. A cornerstone of this endeavor is the rapid adoption of renewable energy, especially wind power. But there is a challenge: acceptance. Helmut Herold and Nicole Risse say that engaging residents will help.
Indigenous Mexican solar engineers want to change their rural communities
Women from indigenous communities come together at the Barefoot College in India to learn about solar power. When they return home, they are responsible for building and maintaining solar panels. Emilio Godoy takes a look at the experience of Cecilia Moreno, from the Comcaac indigenous group in Mexico.
How to make nuclear look cheap: use sloppy economics
Various studies on future low-carbon electricity mixes suggest that the least expensive option is one with nuclear along with solar and wind mixed in. But the economists overlook the cost impact of ramping. Craig Morris takes a look.
Minnesota community solar projects aimed at low-income subscribers
A Minneapolis community solar garden developer has begun building five projects aimed at reducing electricity costs for low-income consumers. Frank Jossi of Midwest Energy News takes a look at the communities who are benefiting from solar and why Minnesota in particular has succeeded in helping develop prosumers.