The Biomass Industry blog brings together news and information on the biomass industry that will be of interest to the manufacturers of biomass production and processing equipment and those working in this growing sector.
A US company has travelled to Ghana to complete year two of their seven year renewable initiative, 7 continents in 7 years. Viridian Energy sent 34 independent sales associates and corporate team members to install solar panels on schools, health posts and community libraries in the rural villages. In the villages of Abrenya and Wepeti, Viridian associates installed solar panels that enabled the schools to implement lantern checkout systems, giving students an opportunity to study by lamplight in the comfort of their own home.
For most children the lanterns were the first lights the children had ever seen inside their home after the sun had gone down. Also in the villages of Abrenya and Wepeti, Viridian associates installed merry-go-rounds on the school playgrounds that generate electricity for the schools. “What a remarkable and joyful thing it was, to witness light in a home after dark where none had existed before,” said Cami Boehme, Viridian VP of Marketing and Brand Communications. Read more ...
Germany's government is planning to cut subsidies for solar installations by up to 30 percent due to higher-than-expected demand. The reductions, which could happen within one year, are also down to the scheme proving more costly than initially projected. Germany has been at the forefront of renewable installations in recent years, however the rise in solar projects has surpassed government expectations.
Owners of solar installations in Germany receive a guaranteed above-market price for the electricity they sell to the energy grid. Last year that amounted to a subsidy of around €6 billion (US$7.9 billion), which is financed through a levy on each household’s electricity bill. Concerns have been raised over how the subsidy cuts could affect domestic solar companies, as reductions could come into place as early as next month. Read more ...
Home furnishings retailer IKEA today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in College Park, Maryland. The 148,200-square-foot PV array consists of a 1,196-kW system, built with 4,984 panels. This investment by IKEA reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology.
“We at IKEA believe in the never-ending job of striving to improve the sustainability of our day-to-day business,” said Tracie Wiesman, IKEA College Park store manager. “The IKEA coworkers in College Park are excited to help contribute to this goal with our newly operational solar energy system. We appreciate the support of the City of College Park, PEPCO and REC Solar, our partners in this project.” Read more ...
The UK government from October 31, 2011 started slashing the feed in tariff incentive payments for households and communities generating electricity through solar power by 50 percent. Friends of the Earth believe that the decision to reduce payments by 50 percent was premature, unfair and unlawful.
Since 2010 there has been about 100,000 new solar powered projects and a major increase in the number employed in this energy sector. But the decision of the UK government to slash the funding on the feed in tariff could cost 29,000 jobs in the solar industry. Read more ...
Singapore is to set up its first floating solar system, at a cost of US$11 million (€8.0 million) the project will be located in an area of the western Tengeh Reservoir where the water is calm. This is to overcome Singapore’s land constraints: Solar panels need large land mass to generate a large amount of energy. In Singapore, they are usually built on rooftops.Speaking at the third Solar Pioneer Awards ceremony, where he was the guest of honour, Mr Tan said he was optimistic that "local solar adoption will continue to proliferate, driven by factors such as increased local capabilities, innovation and government support." Read more ...
