In an effort to save resources and save the environment, California has emerged the recent state in the country to hit a new renewable energy generation record. This is in tandem with a bill signed into law in 2015 by the Governor of California Jerry Brown requiring that 33 percent of all state regulated amenities be powered from solar and renewable energy by the year 2020. A set target expected to up by 50 percent by 2050.

New Record Hit

According to a report by the California Independent System Operator, which runs most of California’s power grid, a massive 8,030 megawatts of power were generated on July 12 at 1306 hours, marking a whooping 2,000 megawatts higher than the amount of solar energy generated in May 2015. According to SF Gate, the energy generated during the July 12th heat wave was sufficient to muscle 6 million households in the Golden state. In a statement by the ISO President , Steve Berberich, “The recent solar production record  was a clear revelation that the state of California was devoted in leading the country in adding low carbon resources to the grid while achieving its goal or attaining 33 percent renewable energy by the year 2020”. ISO also noted that, on July 12 at 1754 hours, approximately 29 percent of electricity demands had been met by the state’s huge renewable energy collection that includes solar, hydro, wind, bio-fuel, geothermal and energy storage. Important to note is that the energy demand was met solely by large solar plants and did not include the more than 537,637 smaller roof top solar panels installed on private homes and businesses across the state. This new record was proof that renewables have enormous potential in the state and in the nation at large. However, when it comes to solar energy, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has constantly positioned California as the country’s solar-spoiled state. In fact, in a report published by SEIA in April 2016, California had more solar jobs than any other state and had more megawatts of solar capacity installed. In support to SEIA, the US-Department of Energy (DOE) has also pointed out that California has a huge capacity for both solar power generations than the rest of the nation combined.

The Slight Drawback

With the demand for solar energy growing astronomically, the shift has not always been easy. This is because the sun does not shine 24 hours a day. In addition, the wind is not always blowing. Therefore, when solar energy is in great supply (midday) there is little demand of electricity. Conversely, wind power picks up night but usually when it is too late. This creates a drift particularly because the largest demand for power supply is around 7pm when families are returning home. Also, during the sunny days, the state’s energy sources generate enough energy than it requires, which results in the grid operator asking the solar farms to shut down. Stay tuned to Golden Solar for more industry and company news.

It’s a deal that could see two companies merge on an unstable financial ground as they seek to reinvest into relatively new markets. The deal, which involves Tesla Motors Inc. and SolarCity will see the electric car manufacturer, Tesla spend 2.6 billion dollars to buy the solar panel maker SolarCity in an all stock deal. The deal, which is awaiting approval from the shareholders and government, will see Elton Musk, a polarizing billionaire, chair, and the biggest shareholder of both companies achieve the “second part” of his master plan that entails creating electric, self-driven vehicles that obtain their energy from solar powered batteries. An idea that was first brought into the lime light in a July 20th blog post on Tesla’s website. If all goes as planned, Musk could be putting down the foundation for a brilliant long-term strategy. However, the entrepreneur’s motives have been met with fueling concerns and criticism ever since his proposal came out in late June. The criticism mainly comes from the fact that Musk is the co-founder and President of Tesla and a co-founder of SolarCity that is presently run by his cousin Lyndon Rive. With both companies unprofitable, criticism has ranged and termed the deal as a conflict of interest to “a blatant Tesla rescue of SolarCity.”

A Blatant Rescue?

In his part, the billionaire entrepreneur in his blog post writes that, it is largely by accident of history that the two companies were ever separate. Musk adds that his main intention has been to have both companies operate as one, in a common undertaking that entails providing sustainable energy. Further, Musk points out that having both Tesla and SolarCity run as a unit will make the entire mission more efficient. In a joint post, both companies agreed that it was the perfect time for Tesla to unite with SolarCity since Tesla was gearing up to scale its Powerwall and Powerball home battery packs that pull energy from solar panels and the power grid and storing it for use. Tesla’s idea is to make car batteries that function in a similar manner. Both companies believe that the merger will help them save around 150 million dollars in operating expenses within the first year of operation. Although some investors are not yet convinced, a number of analysts have indicated that Tesla’s brand recognition could give the solar panel maker a major boost. The deal, which is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter, will see SolarCity take on Tesla’s name and market its solar panels and batteries under Musk’s plan. In his discernment, the billionaire entrepreneur believes that most of the people who will have a particular interest in driving electric cars will have a natural interest in creating clean energy systems in their homes and businesses. If Elton’s big dream sails through, this could be a new dawn for solar energy and its applications. For more industry news and trends stay tune to our blog!

Sunlight is free and it is the most reusable, sustainable and cleanest power source on our planet. Solar energy has been around for about 4.7 billion years. We have now learned to harness the power of the sun with photovoltaic cells that can power homes and even aircraft.

10 Fun Facts About Solar Energy

1. The earth receives 1,366 watts of solar energy per square meter everyday. About 30% is reflected back but the rest of it is absorbed by the planet. 2. The total amount of solar energy absorbed by the earth in a year is approximately 8,000 times more than the total consumption of energy world-wide. This is 40,000 times greater than the amount of energy used annually in the United States. 3. NASA has experimented with unmanned solar powered aircraft for over 30 years. The Pathfinder Plus and Helios Prototype are examples. 4. The world’s largest solar power plant is located on 1,000 acres in California’s Mojave Desert. 5. Solar power can be passive in just supplying warmth and light. Windows are passive solar systems allowing light and energy into a room. Shutters, shades, blinds and curtains are designed to control the amount of sunlight coming in through a window as well as to provide privacy. Tinted windows are used to limit harmful ultraviolet rays. Greenhouses and conservatories use a passive solar system for light and warmth. They usually have windows on three sides to bring in light. 6. The sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion. This is the combining of atoms rather that splitting them as in nuclear fission. (Nuclear fission is used for reactors and weapons.) Science is working on ways to harness nuclear fusion as the ultimate energy source without creating any destructive elements. Hydrogen extracted from seawater using a nuclear fusion process can supply more energy than fossil fuel. 7. Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that use semiconductor materials that attract sunlight. When the sun hits the cells, electrons are released from their atoms. The electrons flow through the cells providing energy. 8. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years making them an outstanding investment for homes and commercial buildings. 9. Homeowners using solar panels spend approximately $1,200 less on electrical costs each year. This is an average based on the location of residences. Power that is not used in the residence is contributed to the the public grid system. Solar power users receive credits for their contributions. 10. Solar power does not work at night but the energy can be stored in batteries. The stored energy can be used after dark or on cloudy days when the solar cells receive less sunlight. Special quinone-based flow batteries are in the experimental stage as a better means of storing solar energy. Thermal storage tanks are another new development for energy storage. Future technology will improve our ability to use the sun’s unlimited energy.

When most people think about solar power system, they often think about solar panel and solar panel installation. What they do not realize is that there is much more to solar energy than just the panels on the roof. There are several creative applications that can be used to harness power from the sun.

Solar Power Cell Phone Chargers

These chargers are excellent for anyone whose phone often dies when they are not at home or in their vehicle. There are a few types of solar power phone charges. Some need to have the cells embedded in the phone, some are sold as a charging device, and some are a cell phone cover with solar cells. It usually takes 2 hours of sunlight to get 30 minutes of talk time.

Solar Power Backpack

You can purchase a backpack that is covered in solar cells, that will charge all of your electronics inside. It is a great way to charge a phone, GPS, MP3 player, and laptops.

Solar Powered Attic Fans

Keep the space between the attic and the roof dry with a solar attic fan, without costing additional money on energy charges.

Solar Hot Water

A solar hot water system will give you free hot water using the sun. With solar a solar hot water system, you can save greatly on your energy bills.

Solar Fabric

Solar fabric is made when solar cells are woven into textile fibers. One product where this works great is a solar tent. When inside, you can charge all of your electronics using the solar energy. Solar Paint Solar paint can be used on siding, roofing materials, windows, and other building materials. It is a great way to generate energy from the sun. When used around the home, this paint can on energy costs. Solar Cookers If you like camping or off-grid living, solar cookers are great for you. You don’t need electricity to use the cooker, and if used in the home, the heat won’t overheat the home the way that a traditional oven will. Solar Lawn Mover This is a great way to cut the lawn, without needing to use gasoline or electricity. When the embedded solar panels are left in the sun for a few hours, the panels generate  enough solar energy to cut the grass all afternoon. Solar Street Lights and Traffic Lights Many cities and towns use these already. A solar panel is placed beside the sign, giving it the power it needs to run, without spending the taxpayers money. Solar Power Generator These are great for anyone struggling when the power is out. Because they run off the power of the sun and not gasoline, you don’t need to drive around to find a gas station that has power. With all of the strives that we are making when it comes to solar power, it is only a matter of time before everyone will be using the sun to generate clean energy for all of their electricity needs.