Yesterday, proposed legislation on grants for residential and commercial solar energy systems received support from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The proposed legislation (S.3460), entitled the 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2010, would set a national goal for installation of solar electric or water heating systems over ten years, with $250 million in competitive grants to be authorized in 2012.
The NYT is reporting on a plan by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to increase electric utility rates to cover a $6 million a week budgetary shortfall and subsidize renewable energy sources, including the use of solar panels by Los Angeles' residents to contribute to the power grid. While noting that solar energy should be a thriving local industry, the article further observes "that has never been the case, and experts cite cost as the main reason."
This is interesting. The NYT is reporting that Chevron will be using a 29-megawatt solar steam plant sourced in one of its California oil fields to produce steam to inject into the field to enhance recovery.
The LA Times is reporting that the Administration has set aside 1,000 sq. miles of public lands in the West for two years of solar energy study and environmental review.
SolarReserve is hoping to construct one of the largest solar plants in the world in Nevada, using heat-transfer technology developed for space rockets, according to this article in the Washington Post. The plant would consist of a field of mirrors focusing sunlight on a receiver what would heat molten salt to 1,050 degrees Fahrenheit, which would then be flowed to a storage tank and used to generate steam and power conventional steam turbines.
But there are issues raised by the Air Force.
Very interesting article.
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