First Solar announced production costs under 1$ per watt.  Now 11 months later the company
is going to help neighbors in New Mexico with a 22MW power exapansion project.  The installation when approved by state regulators, (a formality) will be expected to power another 7,000 New Mexico homes.  The solar foot print in New Mexico has a high “Sun Days” count and favorable climate for solar acceptance.

The new capacity is expected to go online in 2011.  This is progress and everyone hopes the regulatory hurdles and site approval will go quickly for PNM the utility company funding the project. 

About PNM

PNM is a subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, N.M. PNM provides electric utility service to about 500,000 retail customers in New Mexico. PNM Resources stock is traded primarily on the NYSE under the symbol PNM. For more information, see the company’s Web site at PNM.com.

About First Solar

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology and provides comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating cost-effective, renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit http://www.firstsolar.com

JUNE UPDATE:  The Abu Dhabi solar plant is operational and feeding the grid.

Dubai which is always in the news is about to play second sitar to Abu Dhabi when a new solar power plant comes online.   Abu Dhabi is in general terms, “down the beach” from Dubai and still part of the United Arab Emerates.

Come May/June, the Abu Dhabi plant will begin sending solar power to the grid.  This is being called the first ‘utility scale’ alternative energy project supplying power to the grid anywhere in the Middle East.  Congratulations!
Forward looking executives cash rich on oil and other investments recognize the sands have shifted and the time is now to begin real efforts to provide sustainable power sources.
Engineering for the construction was overseen by Robert Dally who has also been instrumental in California solar projects.

Mubadala Development Co, is a state owned arm of the oil-fired emirate promoting green technologies.  We will be hearing more from this UAE company. Mubadala

President Obama has extended the existing federal tax credits and made a couple of useful changes for 2009-2010.

1. Solar electric is a straight 30% up to a $2,000 credit.  Include the cost of your electrician and other actual labor costs.  If you are a DIY your labor is free. Update May 2009: We understand the $2,000 limit has been dropped but cannot at this time confirm exact limits.

2. Qualified solar water heating property costs is a straight 30% up to a $2,000 credit.

3. Qualified small wind energy is a straight 30% up to a $4,000 credit. Update May 2009: We understand the $2,000 limit has been dropped but cannot at this time confirm exact limits. The size limit is 100kw installations.

4. Qualified SEER 14-16 Air conditioning and Heat pumps have 30$ up to $1,500.

This is a good leap forward for geothermal, solar water heaters, solar panels all qualify.  Caulk your house to seal up leaks, add weather stripping on the doors, get new air ducts installed, these all count.  A fresh coat of paint even helps and makes the old castle look better at the same time.

If your calculation exceeds the allowed rebate you can roll the overage forward to future years so get busy and start your conversion.  Later you will be part of the solution to our energy problems.

There is an option for fuel cell rebates but who has a real product for real people?  Nobody.

You must reduce the basis cost of your home by the amount of any credits allowed.  This won’t matter for people to sell a home and buy a home costing more money.  This comes into play if you sell and do not buy anything as a replacement.  The IRS wants to tax the profit you made which is sold price minus cost.   See your accountant we are not accountants.  Here is a link to the tax form

Direct excerpt from the energy department.
“Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for improvements “placed in service” starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010.”

May 2009 Update: Radiatn barriers may not qualify, labor will not qualify for tax credits.

Automotive tax credits for Hybrids is worse.

This may or may not be new but there is a dis-incentive for automakers to produce Hybrid cars.  After 60,000 elegible vehicles are sold the tax credit will be phased out for each manufacturer.  Is Obama in bed with big oil too?

Do your own research at the energy department.
Automotive tax credit summary

We are still digesting all the publications and some of the credits for business just make you laugh.  There is more work to do..
If you want to know more then sign up for the Announcement List

The barrier is breaking.  Affordable solar on par with conventional costs minus the ongoing fossil fuel consumption.   Arizona based First Solar announced a .98 cent per watt production cost. 

The prices of most products are still in the $3-4 per watt price range. First Solar was founded by a glass expert with 40 years experience.   The experience is paying off.  The company has been selling solar modules since 2004 and ramped up production at a steady rate to meet the solar demand.

The price of silicon has dropped so expect to see lower silicon based solar products but getting below $1 per watt with a greater than 10% efficiency is worth a look.   While the company can say they have broken the price barrier we also take into account efficiency.   The press release did not state the efficiency so we are still trying to find out that detail.  This is a must watch company.

The IEEE looked at solar roofing shingles way back in 1994 and in 2008 market forces and technology are very close to bringing the product to a roofer near you. Traditional roofing shingles and metal roofing are poised for powerful changes in energy generation.  This is the age of “the energy generation” as renewable technologies become wide spread and widely accepted.  We will always need mass production utility companies because there are many many situations where local production is never going to be an option.
Sorry if that is your situation, take advantage of other areas to reduce your demand.

Uni-Solar is one company that seems to be the market leader for PV Solar Roofing based on metal roofing.  Applications range from 80-160MPH wind ratings and include compensation for partial cell shading so you won’t have to cut down your trees.  We need trees!! Go plant a tree.

When you are building new or replacing a roof consider if you want to make the investment in solar shingles.  The point in solar is to start somewhere to get the basic electrical mechanical work done and you can easily expand to take advantage of future products coming on the market like solar windows..

Sign up on our announcement list. It is low volume and we would like to communicate with you providing some information going only to announcement list members.

There are tons of after Christmas sales going on but instead of pickup a set of sheets or something else in the home depot household category check out the Live Science Store. You could get some knowledge at up to 45% off!  Food for your brains! Pick up a physics solar workshop great for anyone with humble curiosity about how solar works and practicle applications.

They also have a free shipping offer for purchases over $50 you might want to look into.

Power House Sustainable Living in the 21st Century

Here is the link Live Science Store.com

Illuminated Celestial Globe Turn on the internal light and watch the stars and constellations turn into dazzling mythical figures Price $64.95 Here is a link to their After Christmas Sale Enjoy! Think wide, think off the chart!

The City of Plano, TX has announced an energy efficiency rebate and incentive program for its residents.  It’s an across-the-board 20% rebate program that greatly simplifies the discounts offered as compared to other rebates in the past.

Rebate and Incentive Program Goals

• Demonstrate individual energy savings by tracking usage (kWh) and monthly payments
• Encourage energy-efficiency upgrades throughout the City of Plano
• Demonstrate total energy savings as a City

Qualified Purchases

• Residential upgrades or replacements that are considered energy efficient. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Air conditioners (14 SEER and above)
  • Attic Insulation
  • Solar Screens/Solar Film
  • Radiant Barrier
  • Duct Replacement/lnsulation
  • Low-e windows
• The City will rebate up to 20% of qualified purchases up to $2000 per household
• Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are exhausted
• Minimum purchase to be rebated is $100

Eligibility Requirements and Guidelines

• Must be a Plano resident
• Only one application per household
• Residential dwellings only
• Items must be purchased and installed between 5115/2008-5/15/2009
• Resident must track and report energy usage for current year for at least three months after installation as well as the same months from the previous year
• City of Plano must be able to verify purchase price, purchase date and installation (receipts and other designated means)
• Rebate check will be awarded after all eligibility requirements have been met

Commitment Program and Bonus

• Any Plano resident who commits to tracking and reporting energy usage will be eligible for monthly drawings for energy efficiency give-a-ways (ex. programmable thermostats)
• Those who commit to track and report energy usage for at least 6 months will be eligible for a “Tracking Bonus” that will be awarded through drawings.
• Encourage energy-efficiency upgrades throughout the City of Plano Demonstrate individual energy savings by tracking usage (kWh) and monthly payments