HERE CAME THE SUN 
Here we go again. 2013 has arrived and it's time to total up 2012 and see where we are. We
examine the economy and make pronouncements; we examine our politics and make promises; we
examine our pet policies and report numbers, trends and accomplishments.
This year one of the bright spots is the global growth in the renewable energy industry. Last year,
according to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), cumulative global installed grid
connected solar PV capacity reached 100 Gigawatts. What this means is that over 5% of worldwide peak
electricity demand is now satisfied by grid connected solar systems. For more information and to see
the entire report, click here.
These numbers provide even more insight, and good news, when we consider the fact that in Europe
30 of those 100 gigwatts were installed last year. The fact is that the solar industry,
and other segments of the renewable energy industry, are growing year by year. In the last year
of the Bush administration, 2008, grid-connected solar energy systems in the US produced a total
of 16 GW. This was more than double the 7.6 GW in 2007.
The amount of non-grid solar PV capacity is also growing. Although this figure is harder to come by the growth is clear. A brief and decidedly non-scientific poll of solar providers/installers suggests that as much as 5% of the current total solar production may come from these sources. Many industry sources report that they sales of "off-grid" systems are poised to increase exponentially in the next several years. Wind produced electricity is also on the rise. In 2010 wind energy production was over 2.5% of total worldwide electricity. This figure is also rising fast as more and more utility scale wind farms come online. Other forms of renewable energy are also sure to continue to increase. Dominant international industrial giants such as Siemens and General Electric are now major players and clearly will be so for quite some time to come. Geothermal power plants are picking up steam as are other technologies - biomass, biofuels, heat pumps, hydro, etc. 
Industry sources report that much of this increased growth is a result of the policies of
the Obama administration. Clearly a radical departure from previous government postures,
the energy which has been a feature of the efforts to support renewable energy is on the
rise. One outstanding development has been the degree of acceptance and implementation
exhibited by government agencies. The Department of Defense (DOD), the largest user of fossil
fuels in the country and beyond, has programs involving refitting housing with solar panels;
experimenting with alternate fuels for ships and planes; and examining DOD facilities for new
opportunities.Other government agencies are also putting some "skin" in the game. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have been busy on research and implementation programs which "are advancing a more sustainable transportation future by incorporating advanced electric vehicle technology, expanded use of renewable energy resources for vehicle charging, and grid integration." Investigation of their work reveals that integrating support for electric vehicles with solar and other renewable energy production systems may produce a "closed system" that will combine many renewable energy sources dedicated to transportation systems. 
If we stretch our imagination just a bit we may see that a "new paradigm" is emerging. In
the not too distant future we may drive our electric vehicles to work; plug into charging
systems powered by sun and wind in parking garages; and then return home and re-charge with
electricity provided by "hybrid" residential solar systems which store solar electricity in
batteries for night-time use.
Sounds like a wonderful future. However, the question remains: how do we, as individuals, help accelerate the pace of this movement toward a preferred future? WHAT WE CAN DO As the momentum to develop more renewable energy grows so do the opportunities. Families are learning that turning their home into a powerhouse is easy and economical. Best of all, the benefits, including lower costs for electriclty, and lower emissions of greenhouse gases, are increasing daily. Perhaps the most striking evidence is the maturation of the renewable providers, retailers and installers. Once the province of "early adopters" and advocates, the renewable energy companies and work force are quietly making us, from corporate decision makers to individual homeowners, a vital part of this energetic revolution. We can now resolve to make this new year the time that we become involved. Open our local phone book, or go online, make a phone call and almost as easily as that become part of the solution. Included below is a selection of links to resources and organizations that will provide us with more information and power to move forward. Sierra Club Clean Air Campaign Natonal Renewable Energy Laboratory Photovoltaic Energy Basics Wind Energy In Australia Is Now Cheaper Than Coal and Gas |