Cohousing-L Mailing List: SOLAR ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH

[Fred H. Olson WB0YQM (fholson]

Eric Rehm ZSO.DEC.COM!REHM posted (forwarded) this but it was rejected...

[from PeaceNet]
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/* Written  8:19 pm  Jan 18, 1994 by ens [at] igc.apc.org in igc:ewire.news 
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/* ---------- "SOLAR ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH" ---------- */
ENERGY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH IN SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 /E-Wire/ -- The Department of Energy says
     that a three-year government/industry partnership has
     produced new thin-film solar technology that can supply all
     the daytime electric power needed for a home at almost half
     the present cost.

     Deputy Secretary of Energy Bill White said, "The successful
     implementation of this cost-shared $6.26 million project with
     United Solar Systems Corporation is proof-positive that,
     working together, government and industry can deliver the
     whole package -- innovative technology and its delivery to
     the marketplace."

     The new photovoltaic solar panels will be manufactured at a
     new plant site in Newport News, Va.

     DOE's Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
     Energy, Christine Ervin, said the practical application of
     these new solar panels will also help meet administration
     goals of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

     "This project is an early example -- a foundation stone, if
     you will -- of what the Climate Change Action Plan can do.
     At the same time, we will help create high-skill, high-wage
     jobs and increase America's share of the growing world market
     for environmental technologies."

     The applications of this thin-film technology include the
     replacement of glass panels used in constructing walls of
     commercial buildings as well as other products.

     Ervin said, using the new technology, thin-film solar panels
     can be made, for example, into roofing shingles that could
     supply all the daytime electric power needs of a south-facing
     residential home. Currently, costs for electricity from
     photovoltaics run from 25 to 50 cents per kilowatt hour
     (kwh).  The new technology is expected to bring down the cost
     to 16 cents/kwh, and eventually down to 12 cents kwh.

     Ervin also noted that the shingles are similar in appearance
     from those we use today, eliminating aesthetic objections.

     CONTACT:  Larry Hart of DOE, 202-586-5806; or Bob Noun of
     NREL, 202-586-7541.

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