Solar week in review

The past week in solar offered its usual tempestuous torrent of news, some good, some bad. A quiet storm in the world of solar-power and photovoltaics (PVs) is likely forming, as some powerful incentives that have bolstered the industry are expected to expire. But then again, the industry may have reached a point where it truly is self-sustaining. And a new boost may come from his holiness, the Pope.

As always, Clean Energy Authority’s writers and editor are doing their best to keep up with what’s new in the world of solar. Last week we reported that the U.S.’s largest PV plant, the 48 megawatt Copper Mountain solar plant in Nevada, completed construction. Meanwhile, the Turanor PlanetSolar boat made it to Cancun, Mexico, in time for this year’s international climate change battle-royal, the annual Global Climate Change Conference. Dignitaries arrived at the United Nations conference last week and will debate how best to address climate change internationally this week.

The conference isn’t likely to produce a worldwide answer to climate change in support of renewable energy, leaving the future of solar and wind somewhat in limbo. Still, industry experts project that PV will become a major energy player in the U.S., on its own merits, by 2015. One telling thing is that even as some solar companies run into financial trouble, they’re gobbled up by their former competitors.

School systems in Maryland and Colorado are installing PV arrays both to cut utility costs and serve as shining examples of clean energy to the young minds that pass through their halls daily. Not quite the same as shaping young minds, but still making the world better. Clean Currents is helping Haitian families recover from the massive tragedies there, by gifting solar cookers to families this holiday season.

Over the weekend, during a special session of Congress, an effort to extend most of President Bush’s tax credits failed. As did a provision in the bill to extend the U.S. Treasury’s 1603 cash grants to commercial solar installers, the Green Profit reported. But even as some incentive programs are dying, some are being reinvigorated. A popular, but underfunded—by $52 million—PV-rebate program in Florida was partially refunded during a special session of Florida legislature. And the Long Island Power Authority received $15 million more to fund its Solar Pioneer program, which was so popular, the initial round of funding was depleted within 11 minutes of being offered.

Yup, the Pope has said he wants the Popemobile to go electric with a PV roof and batteries, but the pontiff wants one donated, according to the Prince Albert Daily Herald. The announcement was made during a presentation about The Energy of the Sun in the Vatican, a new book about the church’s sustainability efforts.

And Sanyo said it’s starting to mass produce its newest HIT PV modules, which are 19 percent efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Sanyo intends the PV modules for homes, since they produce more electricity in a small surface area.

Pictured: Literally, the silliest picture we have ever posted. Thanks, Chris!