Renewables in the News

High-Stakes Wind Farm Drama in Minnesota Enters Final Act
Minnesota regulators will likely give their final say this week to a proposed 78-megawatt Goodhue Wind project consisting of 50 turbines spanning about 32,000 acres of farm land an hour's drive southeast of the Twin Cities. |6-29-11 www.reuters.com

MSU study sees savings in solar technology
A three year University study concludes that relatively inexpensive solar technology in large buildings can reduce energy use by up to 20 percent. |6-22-11 mankatofreepress.com

Utility rankings show solar power doubled in 2010
The latest report by the Solar Electric Power Association showed 100 percent growth from 2009 to 2010 of utilities integrated with solar power.
|6-14-11 solar.coolerplanet.com

Potential solar rebate cutbacks cloud future for many projects
after Minnesota's Commerce Department concluded that some Xcel Energy customers could
conceivably recoup more than 100 percent of installation costs by combining the rebate with other
incentives. Industry officials say nobodies gotten that much. |6-5-11 www.startribune.com

Woodbury family first to install solar panels
Woodbury resident likes to think he inspired the city of Woodbury to consider solar panels on the public safety building. |6-2-11  www.woodburybulletin.com

Solar Panels Light Up The Depot
A Hopkins landmark, The Depot Coffee House, is presently installing rooftop solar panels. Coffee makers and the speakers are planned to be powered by the sun by the end of the month. |6-9-11 hopkins.patch.com

Solar-heated soil stirs heat
Frazee, MN farmer utilizes a high-tunnel greenhouse in which solar panels keep the ground warm nearly year-round. |5-27-11 www.agweek.com

Duluth Lakewalk trash collection goes high-tech
City officials celebrated Earth Day dedicating 10 new solar-powered trash cans along the Lakewalk. They each have a solar-charged, battery-operated motor that compacts trash.
|4-23-11 www.istockanalyst.com

Probe generates deeper data from Lake Superior
In their efforts to better understand Lake Superior, UMD scientists have deployed a solar powered buoy. It "gives nearly real-time data" about air and water temperatures to researcher back at UMD. |4-13-11 minnesota.publicradio.org

GE to build the US's largest solar panel factory
After the recent purchase of PrimeStar Solar and plans to buy 25,000 electric cars. General Electric (GE) has announced plans to build the largest solar panel factory in the US.
It will manufacture solar panels with a capacity of 400MW annually and employ 400 people.
|4-7-11 www.bbc.co.uk

Solar projects are lighting the way at parks
With grants using sales tax money, 22 solar projects in parks and nature centers across the metro area and state are underway. |12-26-10 startribune.com

New energy sources are coming online faster than Idaho utilities can handle them, frustrating entrepreneurs
In Idaho entrepreneurs are ready to risk their capital to build new renewable energy power sources, but at a rate faster than the state’s infrastructure can handle.  |12-19-10 IdahoStatesman.com

North St. Paul, Lake Elmo inventors tinker in garage to improve Haiti's drinking water
Two retired 3M engineers have created a device that may help in the relieve of the epidemic in Haiti. The invention is a water pasteurizer that can cheaply and easily clean water with solar-power. |12-18-10 Pioneer Press

New machine simulates the sunlight of more than 3,000 suns
After dark, university researchers use a new solar simulator to convert carbon dioxide and water into a synthetic fuel. |12-10-10 Minnesota Daily

Renewable energy industry at risk
Congress is about to turn its back on renewable energy by allowing a crucial Treasury Grant Program to expire at the end of the year. |12-9-10 POLITICO

Renewable energy advocates push for extension of federal Treasury grant program
A grant program for renewable energy projects is set to expire at the end of the year. If it isn’t renewed solar and wind companies said their industry is in for a rough ride. |12-8-10 Los Angeles Times

Mega solar project installed on St. Paul's RiverCentre roof
The "largest solar thermal project in the Midwest." is being installed in downtown St. Paul. 144 solar thermal panels, covering roughly two-thirds the size of a football field, will generate 1 megawatt of energy.  |11-30-10 minnpost.com

Minneapolis Convention Center Solar Array Completed Ahead Of Schedule
The last of the 2,613 solar panels at the Convention Center are installed, and the system is fully running, ahead of schedule. |11-29-10 Solar Daily

University of Minnesota students' prize-winning solar house has no buyers
U of M students are trying to sell their prize-winning solar-powered house but so far no sale. The house placed fifth internationally in the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon last year. It is on display across the street from the Bell Museum in Minneapolis. The project debt, including house costs, has kept a university team from competing in 2011.  |10-26-10 MPR news

In California, Carports That Can Generate Electricity
Roofs made of solar panels have sprouted above dozens of school parking lots in California, promoting a philosophy of green thinking. Yet the primary driver is economic. |11-25-10 New York Times

For Eagles, a Winning Mix of Wind, Biodiesel and Solar
The Philadelphia Eagles announced the installation of 2,500 solar panels, 80 wind turbines and a natural gas/biodiesel generator making theirs the first stadium capable of generating all its own electricity. |11-17-10 The New York Times

Solar photovoltaic installations jump in Minnesota
178 solar electric systems have been installed in Minnesota so far in 2010. It is more than double the 76 installations during 2009. This is according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Office of Energy Security (OES). |11-5-10  Finance and Commerce.com

Winter Doesn't Mean Lack Of Solar Power At Hartley
As winter steals light of summertime, Hartley Nature Center still calls on the sun to keep them bright. About seven years ago, they mounted a dozen or so solar panels on the roof to stay lit up and drive energy bills down.  |10-25-10 Fox 21 News, Red River Broadcast Co

State's largest solar farm rising in the city
The first phase of what will soon be the largest solar farm in the state -- covering the equivalent of two-and-a-half football fields -- are being installed on the roof of the Minneapolis Convention Center.  |10-22-2010 KARE 11

U.S. solar industry projected to double capacity this year
In the first half of 2010 the U.S. solar industry is on track to double the amount of power it generates by year's end, generating more than one gigawatt of electricity -- enough to power 200,000 homes. |10-12-10 USA TODAY

Wind could provide 20% of world power by 2030: Greenpeace
Within 20 years, about 1/5 of the world's electricity demand could be met using wind power, an industry group and environmental watchdog Greenpeace predicted in a new report.  |10-12-10 The Himalayan Times

Solar project gets international attention
In the three years since three Mayo High School students decided to raise money for solar panels at their school, their project has radiated beyond Mayo to John Marshall, Century and Lourdes High Schools, as well as a collaboration with Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul to install panels there. Although the project's original founders have graduated and moved away, a new group of students who have taken over and expanded their vision.  |10-12-10 AllBusiness.com

Solar cells for electricity, hot water to top White House
At the most famous residence in America solar panels are to be installed, and will heat water for the first family and supply some electricity. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the plans at a conference of local, state, academic and nonprofit leaders.  |10-5-10 McClatchy.com

Interest in wind picks up
After a group from Kansas attended the largest wind energy show in the world in Germany last week, a European wind energy trade group said it is interested in bringing a large delegation of major turbine makers and their suppliers to Kansas next year. |9-29-10 The Wichita Eagle

Wind energy can power much of East Coast, study says
A recent report by the conservation advocacy group Oceana says that the strong winds off the Atlantic Ocean could become a cost-effective way to power much of the East Coast.   |9-28-10 McClatchy

WWU researchers say they could dramatically cut cost of solar power
A team of University researchers have developed a new approach to solar electricity generation that could eventually cut solar power to 1/10th of its current cost.
The new solar panel technology has cleared what scientists call the “proof of concept” phase, demonstrating that their approach really works. That enabled them to recently win a three-year $970,000 grant.  |9-14-10 Bellingham Herald

Largest solar field in Ohio is dedicated in Wyandot County
Where crops once grew stands a $44 million solar farm that even on overcast days can produce power for 4,500 houses.  |8-20-10 The Toledo Blade

University of Minnesota researchers clear major hurdle in road to high-efficiency solar cells
U of M researchers announced they have figured out a way to make solar energy cells up to twice as efficient. Solar energy that is normally lost from semiconductors in cells can be captured and shunted to electrical circuits.  |6-17-10 UM News

Renewable Energy Showcase Brings Together Policy Makers, Business Leaders and Public...
The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul is to hold a first-of-its-kind free Forum on June 14 (requires pre-registration by June 10) on energy issues and strategies around Minnesota's future in renewable energy and energy efficiency. |6-8-10 Pr Newswire

Minnesota Breaks Records for Solar PV; Even Higher Mark Expected This Year
In 2009, Minnesota set a record for the number of solar photovoltaic systems installed. A new record might be set for 2010, officials say. |5-19-10 sunpluggers.com

Yosemite plans $4.4 million solar energy project
The largest solar energy project in the national park system is set to be installed in Yosemite National Park in June.  |5-17-10 Merced Sun-Star

Depot Coffee House in Hopkins to install solar energy panels
The Depot Coffee House in Hopkins plans to install solar panels on the roof of its century-old building, not only for the energy, but for community awareness about alternative energy and sustainability. |4-29-10 Sun Newspapers

After 10-year battle, first U.S. offshore wind farm approved
A 130-turbine 25-square-mile wind farm to be located about 5 miles off Cape Cod was approved today. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said it would be an important part of the U.S. drive to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  |4-28-10 McClatchy News

Colo. town energized to go off electric grid
The town of Fowler, Colorado is going to disappear - from the electric grid. Fowler will generate its own electricity, biofuel and manure-based gas; and an empty canning plant will turn into a new solar-panel factory. |4-26-10 9news.com

New solar-energy program for Dallas-Fort Worth homes sees big response
A groundbreaking residential solar energy program intoduced earlier this year, that doesn't require homeowners to put up any money in advance, is met with an overwelming response by Texas homeowners.  |4-26-10 Star-Telegram

Mayo Clinic to Build the Largest Solar Energy Project in Southern Minnesota
Some 500 solar panels will be installed on the roof the Clinic's Patient/Visitor Parking Ramp beginning this summer and projected to be fully operational by October.  |4/19/10 MayoClinic.org

Winona County topples private turbine update from 3-6-10 story
The latest news on the fate of Jim Jarvis’ Winona County wind turbine is pretty grim after the Winona County Board of Adjustments denied a variance to allow his turbine. |3-21-10 Winona Post

Youth in New London construct solar panels for community’s storied theater

With materials measured and cut, and power tools in hand, members of the New London-Spicer Youth Energy Summit began building solar panels Tuesday at NLS Middle School. |3-11-10 Morris Sun Tribune

U.S. firms working to lower cost of solar energy

In a Midwestern city once known as one of the nation's top makers of glass, one piece of the American effort to find a way to make solar energy affordable to everyone who wants it is unfolding.  |3-11-10 McClatchy.com

Mile-High Mega Kites Could Pull Giant, Floating Power Plants

A Korean research team’s idea for generating gigawatts of clean energy. One huge oceanic catamaran with a hydroelectric turbine underneath it, hitch it to a 6.5 million-square-foot parafoil flying nearly a mile in the air. |3-9-10 Wired.com

Off the grid (on to the griddle?) update from 2-21-10 story
A dream to live off the grid in Fremont Township under the shadow of a wind turbine and the warmth of solar panels is being jeopardized by county regulations on wind energy development. |3-7-10 Winona Post

Rukavina pushing bill to promote solar energy
A northern Minnesota DFL Representative is pushing a bill promoting solar energy. He said it could lead to an expansion of renewable energy and green jobs in the state, including a possible manufacturer in northern Minnesota. |3-6-10 Grand Rapids Herald Review

NAVFAC Southwest Solar Energy Contract Will Generate 40 Megawatts

A $200 million contract has been awarded to construct up to 40,000,000 watts of solar electric (PV) power plants at Navy and Marine Corps installations throughout the southwestern United States. |3-2-10 Navy.mil

Obama: Give homeowners rebates for energy savings

President Obama on Tuesday unveiled a proposal to give rebates at the cash register to those who want to make their homes more energy-efficient.|3-2-10 McClatchy

Xcel Energy offers one-time incentive for solar power

Xcel Energy is now offering a one-time payment of $2.25 per installed watt of generating capacity to Minnesota electricity customers as a help to off-set the cost. On an average size residential installation of 3.5 kilowatts the incentive payment would be $7,875, or about 30 percent of the installation costs. |3-2-10 Kare 11.com

RCC to get grants for cutting carbon
An International Fall Community College is among 23 public high schools, colleges and universities receiving grants for projects such as installing energy efficient lighting and solar thermal systems and increasing recycling and composting. |2-27-10 International Falls Journal

Get solar panels installed for free...
Texas Utility is teaming up with a California-based company to lease solar panels that will be installed for free. |2-23-10  Star-Telegram.com

Personal turbine vs regulation
To live “off the grid,” generating all the power you need in Fremont Township has turned into a regulatory nightmare — with the fate of a new wind turbine in question. |2-21-10 Winona Post

The current: Minnesota Rebates for solar power
Minnesota residents can now take advantage of a new rebate program for up to $10,000 to install solar hot water systems and solar electric systems in their homes. Solar rebates for small businesses and for residential solar air heat systems will launch later this month.  |2-18-10  StarTribune.com

Excise Tax on Wyoming Wind Power?
A proposed state excise tax in Wyoming on wind energy production is generating debate over how the arrival of massive wind farms on its wind wind-swept plains and plateaus should be handled.  |2-13-10 Huffington Post

In Mazomanie, Cardinal Solar has an eye on the sun
The furnace at Cardinal Solar Technologies on Mazomanie, Wisconsin's west side is far from ordinary. It not only heats the building, it also is used to turn panes of glass, made at its Portage production facility, into hardened panes that absorb solar energy so they can be made into solar photovoltaic panels.  |2-13-10 Wisconsin State Journal

Europe's  'SUPERGRID'
Plans for an electric grid uniting the varied renewable energy sources available in northern Europe have taken a step forward. Nine countries have formally agreed to work together on the project using thousands of miles of high-tech undersea cables. It will unite wind farms on British coasts, Dutch and Belgian tidal power, hydroelectric in Norway fjords and Germany's solar arrays.  |1-31-10 CNN Tech

China Leading Global Race to Make Clean Energy
In 2009, China become the world’s largest maker of wind turbines, surpassing competitors in Denmark, Germany, Spain and the United States. It is poised to expand even further this year. |1-30-10 The New York Times

Wind power up 40 percent due to Stimulus
The wind sector grew at a blistering 40% in 2009. The U.S. now gets 2% of all power from wind. About 10,000 MegaWatts were added to the power grid last year. |1-29-10 examiner.com

State Approves First Private Solar School in Arizona
Formal training for careers in solar energy has been limited in the State of Arizona, until now. Millions in federal, state, and city renewable energy tax incentives and rebates have opened opportunities for Arizona workers. |1-25-10 evliving.com

Project Cluck
A Northfield agronomist installs a solar-heated “hoop house” on his farm that lets him raise free-range chickens year-round.  |1-24-10 Star Tribune

Solar panels save Atlantic City visitors authority $250,000
In 2009, the largest single-roof solar array in the country, produced 2,764,235 kilowatts of electricity, or 28 percent of the building’s needs, according to the authority. And that was during the third-rainiest year on record.  |1-22-10 pressofAtlanticCity.com

Wisconsin Introduces Feed-in Tariff Bill
In the race to be the first in the Midwest to pass feed-in tariff legislation for renewables, legislators in Wisconsin made the first move.  |1-8-10 RenewableEnergyWorld.com

Wind turbines beginning to energize Alaska
Wind turbines, solar arrays and geothermal power are part of a grass-roots make-your-own energy movement sweeping Alaska. Wind turbines dot rural Alaska. Solar arrays power a building in Nome. Tourists soak at Chena Hot Springs Resort, a getaway powered by geothermal energy.  |12-2-09 The Anchorage Daily News

Cost Of PV Systems Drops Over The Last Decade
A new study on the installed costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the U.S. shows that the average cost declined significantly from 1998 to 2007, leveling-off in the last two years.  |3-3-09 ScienceDaily.com