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Interesting Technology Updates -Click on a title below

  • - A radical idea to get a high-renewable electric grid

    This is an interesting approach to optaining very high penetration of renewables such as photovoltaics and wind.  At present most large installations operate under Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) wherein the economics are based on a sell all output at predetermined prices. This contrasts with standalone systems wherein the system size Read More
  • - Breakthrough Batteries Powering the Era of Clean Electrification

    - Breakthrough Batteries Powering the Era of Clean Electrification Battery Storage Costs Drop Dramatically, Making Way to a New Era. A recent Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) report continues to confirm that clean electrification through batteries is advancing at impressive rates. Very interesting report: Breakthrough Batteries- Powering the Era of Clean Electrification Read More
  • - Interesting Technology

    An assortment of links to interesting information   Semiconductor Nanowires Could Double the Efficiency of Silicon Solar Cells A p/n semiconductor junction is not the only way of converting sunshine into useful electrical energy.  Light consists of a flow of photons of various energy levels (colors).  See this article-Solar Cells.  Nanowires Read More
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Interesting Videos

Energy_Bills_2021

The Arizona Legislature's session had many energy bills to oppose (HB2248, SB1175, HB2737 in particular).  These died at the end of the session, but the concepts could be presented in the future.

Status of 2021 Session Bills:
DEAD-HB 2248: Corporation Commission; Electric Generation Resources
Alarm bells are ringing by environmentalists over HB2248 (and Senate bill 1175). These would prohibit “Arizona Corporation Commission from adopting or enforcing any policy, decision or rule that directly or indirectly regulates critical electric generation resources used or acquired by public service corporations within Arizona’s energy grid without express legislative authorization. (Sec. 1) 2.” The bill cripples the ACC from doing its job. (Kerr, Gowan, Gray and others). The House passed a Senate committee 6-4 but was caught up in committee when the Legislature adjourned.

DEAD-SB 1175: Corporation Commission; Electric Generation Resources
See above.

DEAD-HB 2737: Corporation Commission Actions; Investigation
Dead. Environment – HB2737, would allow any lawmaker to order Arizona’s Attorney General to investigate the Arizona Corporation Commission and to require 10% of the commission’s operating budget to be withheld if the AZ Supreme Court determines this agency has exceeded its statutory authority or is not executing or enforcing statute. Sponsored by Jacqueline Parker (R-16). Probably aimed at curbing the ACC environmental regulations. Passed Committee of the Whole but not voted on in time.

Thanks to all who voiced their opposition to the above bills. It is imperative that we convey the negative impact passing bills such as these will have on the regulatory certainty that companies rely on to locate, relocate and grow. We need to protect our state’s economy, our health and our future. Email your representatives.

Here is a link to find your representatives

Call to Action- Arizona Legislature at it again!

URGENT ACTION NEEDED!
 
Call to Action!
The legislature introduced two bills (HB2248/SB1175) that would strip the Arizona Corporation Commission of its authority to proceed with the final adoption of the Clean Energy Rules package passed last year and its ability to require the procurement of any specific type of generation.
 
Stakeholders have been working with the ACC and each other for nearly four years on the adoption of these Energy Rules. This legislation seeks to undo these years of work and would deprive businesses of the certainty they have been working so hard to achieve through the rule process.
 
The passage of HB 2248 and SB 1175 creates massive regulatory uncertainty for businesses who wish to conduct business in Arizona or expand or relocate here.
Nearly all the largest businesses in the Country are demanding options for 100% clean energy and cannot be expected to look to locate in states that are making it harder, instead of easier, to acquire clean energy. These bills are sending a message that Arizona is not looking to the future, is not keeping up with technology, and is not interested in reaching out to key job creators.
 
Is this really the time to say “Arizona is closed for business?”
Act now and tell the members of the House and Senate Natural Resource, Energy and Water Committee to VOTE NO on HB 2248 and SB 1175.
 
THINGS YOU CAN DO:
1.    Sign into “Request To Speak,” and state you are in opposition to this bill. Create an account here. (Note you will have to activate or have someone activate your account at the Capitol. If you have an account from previously, it will still be active.)
 
2.    Speak virtually against HB2248 in the House Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee meeting, happening this Tuesday, January 19th @ 2:00pm.
Email [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] by 2:00 pm TODAY (1/15) to reserve your spot. Note that you should also sign in on Request to Speak. You will be provided with a Zoom link so that you can testify remotely. 
 
3.    Speak virtually against SB1175 during the Senate Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee meeting, happening this Wednesday, January 20th @ 2:00pm. Email [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.] 24 hours beforehand. Note that you also need to sign in on Request to Speak.
 
4.    Email the committee members, ask them to vote no stating the impact that the passage of these two bills will have on Arizona businesses, the economy and jobs. Include your own personal touch and how this will impact YOU!
 
House Committee Emails NO on HB 2248
 
Senate Committee Emails NO on SB 1175
 
Thank you for your urgent actions on this!

Trump Proclamation increases tariff on imported solar panels and revokes bifacial’s exemption

The President Trump released a Proclamation  on October 10, 2020 that will increase the tariff on imported solar cells and panels next year.  Bifacial solar panels will officially lose their exemption status.

The solar industry was the first market to feel the hit of tariffs brought on by Trump in 2018. Beginning in February 2018, imported crystalline silicon cells, modules and AC/integrated modules were tariffed 30% as part of a four-year outline. Imports received a 25% tariff in 2019, a 20% tariff in 2020 and were scheduled for a 15% tariff in 2021.

Update (10/15/20):  A U.S. trade court again denied a request by the Trump administration to end a tariff exemption for imported two-sided solar panels. (caution: paywall)

U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Gary Katzmann refused to lift an order preventing the administration from withdrawing an exemption for two-sided, or bifacial, panels The government didn’t follow the law the first time it moved to withdraw the loophole, and it didn’t fix the procedural errors the second time it tried, Katzmann said. Katzmann said he was taking no position on whether the duties would protect the domestic solar industry “Once again, the court merely continues to...

APS sets course for 100 percent clean energy future

Arizona Public Service Co. has announced that it plans to produce all of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050 and will get 45% of its power from renewable sources like solar and wind by the end of this decade.

This is a good improvement from the point of view of sustainable energy.  There are still a lot of details to be worked out such as the role that distributed energy will take.  Will APS APS improve its policies in regard to residential and small commercial systems.

There are several good news articles and the APS press releases on this announcement:

APS:APS sets course for 100 percent clean energy future

Arizona Republic: APS will eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 and close coal plant ahead of schedule, CEO says

The Washington Post: Arizona’s biggest utility says it will get all of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2050

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  • Welcome to the Arizona Solar Center

     This is your source for solar and renewable energy information in Arizona. Explore various technologies, including photovoltaics, solar water heating, solar architecture, solar cooking and wind power. Keep up to date on the latest industry news. Follow relevant lectures, expositions and tours. Whether you are a homeowner looking to become more energy efficient, a student learning the science behind the technologies or an industry professional, you will find valuable information here.
  • About The Arizona Solar Center

    About The Arizona Solar Center Arizona Solar Center Mission- The mission of the Arizona Solar Center is to enhance the utilization of renewable energy, educate Arizona's residents on solar technology developments, support commerce and industry in the development of solar and other sustainable technologies and coordinate these efforts throughout the state of Arizona. About the Arizona Solar Center- The Arizona Solar Center (AzSC) provides a broad-based understanding of solar energy, especially as it pertains to Arizona. Registered Read More
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