Alternative Energy General Newsletter - Nov 2014

Hybrid Energy Sources for the Home
10/31/14, Len Calderone for, AltEnergyMag
When considering hybrid systems composed of photovoltaic solar panels, geothermal, hydro or wind turbines, the whole is greater than its parts, but you need to understand the best type of energy generation that can be used in your area.

EPA 111(d) Clean Power Plan Could Increase Energy Efficiency Impacts, Net Benefits, and Total Value
10/31/14, David Pickles, Bill Prindle, Chris MacCracken, Steven Fine, and Phil Mihlmester, ICF International
This white paper takes a novel, nationwide approach to estimating an overall impact on emissions and cost. It sheds light on the role that energy efficiency can play as a compliance mechanism.

How Solar is Going Mainstream (Batteries!)
10/31/14, Raghu Belur, Enphase Energy 
The Enphase system intelligently integrates the critical technologies needed to solve solar energy challenges at scale: smart grid intelligence, communications, big data analytics and storage.

HEMOS Technology
10/31/14, Brian Go, LETO Solar 
Essentially, we’re giving the solar panel a brain; the patented HEMOS chipset can be fitted in a typical junction of any solar panel. With it you can communicate directly with the panel and execute commands at the module level.

The State of the Solar Industry in North America
10/31/14, Ray Hudson, Jenya Meydbray, Rick Fioravanti, Jerry Melcher, DNV GL
The recent surge in storage activity has its roots in a general consensus being reached by stakeholders that the technologies are on a path that will enable them to achieve the cost, performance, and reliability targets that have been promised.

SolarWorld announces expansions of solar panel and advanced cell production in Oregon
SolarWorld, the largest crystalline silicon solar producer in the Americas for nearly 40 years, announced that in 2015, it would add a solar-panel production line in Hillsboro to bring the panel-assembly factory's capacity up to 530 megawatts (MW).

Sunrun, OutBack Power Pilot Renewable Energy Storage Systems For Homeowners
Sunrun, the largest dedicated residential solar company in the United States, today announced a partnership with OutBack Power Technologies, Inc. to pilot renewable energy storage-based systems for a select group of Sunrun solar customers.

Why Is There So Much Confusion About "Small Wind"?
Have you ever noticed energy blogs or articles about small wind turbines comparing them directly with big wind technology and solar?