According to a recent report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) the USA has surpassed Germany and is now the leader in wind power installations. Total global installations last year exceeded 27,000 MW, 36% more than in 2007, mainly due to massive growth in Europe, North America and Asia.
Of the AUD$1.4 trillion economic stimulus package planned for the USA by President Obama and currently being debated in Congress, over AUD$155 Billion is earmarked for renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
A solar powered, grid connected craft that defies the old saying of a boat being just a hole in the water that you continuously pour money into.
For any country, power generation facilities provide a very attractive target for hostile parties or states. Take out a few power plants and you instantly have chaos, severely compromising not only the target, but a massive region beyond. A nation in disarray is a nation that is unable to effectively defend itself. There is a solution for Australia – solar energy.
BREAKING NEWS: Just over an hour ago, the Australian Government released details of its $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan. Among the initiatives was a commitment to raise the solar hot water rebate of $1000 to $1600.
With the likelihood of extreme weather events becoming more frequent and the demand for air-conditioning during such times continually increasing, Australia’s electricity infrastructure faces dire challenges. Dr Mike Dennis from the Australian National University is seeking to address the issue with the development of revolutionary solar powered air conditioning technology
Victorian home owner and environmental consultant Peter Allan recently invested $24,000 on a 2.4 kilowatt grid connected solar power system consisting of 14 solar panels, but was frustrated to discover that his contribution to reducing Australian greenhouse gas emissions was penalised.
While the global economic crisis is putting pressure on every industry, even the renewable energy sector, some solar panel companies continue to perform very strongly.
The southern Australian states of Victoria and South Australia have been enduring a gruelling heatwave for over a week – and it looks set to continue for some days to come. While the sun is perceived as an enemy, solar energy could provide the solution to prevent a reoccurrence of the electricity crisis that has occurred.
The upcoming Australian Solar Credits scheme, due to replace the current Solar Homes and Communities Program $8,000 rebate in July this year has come under scrutiny by the Alternative Energy Association (ATA).