New York State planning 400% increase in Solar PV

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A new chapter is about to begin in New York State as the Governor announced a new program of funding to help large energy consumers to install system of over 50,000 watts to net meter against their usage. Over 100 million will be available over next 12 months for those who are willing to make a commitment to pursue solar power for their communities or facilities.
On first review it looks too good to be true. Imagine a program where a third party can install Million of Dollars of equipment on your site under a power purchase agreement (PPA) and you pay same amount or less to them for 5-7 years. after this period, you own the system for $1.00 and keep free solar power for next 30 years. The facility becomes energy independent, ever one wins. Let us see how many people take advantage of this program.
We hope that Leaders of communities and large facilities will not miss the opportunity and bid their projects ( max. limit per project of $6,000,000 with min. 50% match).
Such programs help bring the cost of solar power down, and  make it possible to dream of energy independence for anyone that has land or roof area to install systems on their property. Sustainable green energy is the best long term solution for America.
Good Luck!

Renewable Energy Development - Peak Oil or Not?

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There was time few years ago that many experts were predicting that world will soon run out of oil and therefore we must develop renewable energy. Global warming concerns were cited to reduce CO2 footprint by switching to renewable clean energy sources.

Development of new oil recovery technologies such as hydrofracking are enabling extraction of oil from the harder to recover formations all around world. Infrastructure exists and it is more likely that oil exploration will continue and natural gas based LNG technology will also expand in next 5 years.

It may no longer be true that world will soon run out of oil. We need to face the realities and change our approach as new facts develop. It will be a mistake to keep sticking to old statements and not adjust to today's realities.

For United States, it is critical that we set a goal for energy independence as the new election campaigns are now talking about. Domestic Oil and Natural gas can stabilize the prices and keep our money in America. Renewable energy surcharge on price of domestic oil and gas, can generate significant revolving loan funds to install energy conservation retrofits and renewable energy systems in our homes and businesses.

Our health impacts from air emissions from oil based technologies should be the prime reason to support renewable energy development. Energy independence has another meaning when we learn about grid power failures. Renewable energy developed in the distribution system provides local micro gird the freedom from dependence on big power grids, as the customer is unaffected when power fails. Local short term energy storage allows them to continue to have power. It happens to be that these actions will help the environment. Supporters of renewable energy should point out the health benefits and other community benefits and not just talk about global warming or oil running out soon.

Go with the flow or risk losing the momentum.