http://www.solar-nation.org Where citizens rally and convince their leaders to make America a true Solar Power Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:22:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Perhaps it's a testament to the potential strength of the solar market that, like any industry that shows signs of growth and consumer take-up, it's beginning to attract some less desirable elements. That's an opening that definitely needs to be explained. Let's use the example of the great cabbage ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/07/17/watch-out-for-those-bad-apples-and-cabbages/ We've been hearing since February about the number of lost job opportunities (some 116,000) and lost investment (approx. $19 billion) that would be suffered by the PV and wind industries in the event of production and investment tax credits not being extended past the end of this year (see Navigant ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/07/17/hey-congress-talk-to-us/ It may not be as inspiring as Henry V's exhortation to his troops below the walls of Harfleur, but we do want to let our senators know we expect them to "stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood......" and, in general, make a serious attempt to pass a bill that ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/07/11/once-more-unto-the-breach-senators/ A new study released this month has projected that solar power could provide 10% of US electricity generation by the year 2025, with the active participation of electric utilities. The study, the Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, was jointly produced by research firm Clean Edge and the non-profit organization Co-op America.  ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/06/23/study-shows-solar-can-provide-10-of-us-needs-by-2025/ Last month, in connection with an article about skyrocketing cost estimates for nuclear plant construction, we raised the topic of nuclear energy's place in the world of renewables (as in, does it have one?) and in a low-carbon future.  You sent us a wide range of responses, of which only ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/06/23/does-nuclear-belong-in-the-renewable-world-part-ii/ We've come to the conclusion that while there's a lot of talk going on in Congress, the closest it will come, in the immediate future, to bringing us renewable energy is if those magnificent high ceilings designed by Thomas Walter are replaced by hot air capture devices, perhaps linked to ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/06/23/the-mixture-as-before/ That's what it’s felt like, as we’ve seen Congress try time and again to pass legislation that will rationalize our use of energy and promote development of solar and other clean technologies. Each number represents a different attempt over the last few months to kick-start the process. Each ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/05/30/the-numbers-game/ You haven't heard much from Solar Nation on the subject of nuclear power—pro, con, or impartial. That's not because we don't harbor our own views on the use of the technology, but because our focus here is on promoting the positive aspects of solar power, not publicizing the negative ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/05/30/does-nuclear-belong-in-the-renewable-world/ Tuesday May 20th is the National Day of Action for Clean Energy. It's a day on which companies, industry groups, advocacy organizations, faith-based coalitions and many others are making a joint effort to urge Congressional legislators to extend clean energy tax incentives (credits) without delay. You can find the Solar ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/05/20/national-day-of-action-for-clean-energy-may-20th/ Have you noticed the fatal flaws in the year-long string of unsuccessful attempts in Congress to keep tax credits alive for solar installations? In brief, they've all been about funding: the bills either targeted oil & gas industry revenues to pay for the tax credits, or they had no source ... http://www.solar-nation.org/2008/05/09/a-way-around-the-congressional-impasse/