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Economic and dam related articles

DoE Initiative Supports Further Development
of Solar Power Infrastructure

by Associated Press
Renewable Energy Focus, October 31, 2014

US Energy Department announces $15 million to integrate affordable solar power into nation's electrical grid.

Flickr: Christine - My grandpa wanted to put a wind turbine in the hay field behind here, but he was told that the area wasn't windy enough for them to be worthwhile. So, not to be deterred from his alternative energy aspirations, he bought some solar panels instead. In support President Obama's Climate Action Plan -- and to further spur widespread deployment of safe, reliable, and cost effective solar energy for all Americans -- this funding is specifically aimed at supporting projects that enable low-cost, flexible and reliable solutions that successfully integrate solar PV power plants and energy storage. The funding opportunity will tackle the challenge of creating cost-effective and reliable distributed PV and energy storage solutions to help overcome the challenges associated with increased amounts of renewables.

Eligible projects include solutions that will help revolutionize distributed PV and energy storage through:

Industry research shows that more solar power was installed in the United States in the last 18 months compared to the past 30 years. Since President Obama took office, the amount of solar power installed in the US has increased more than thirteen fold -- from 1.2 GW in 2008 to an estimated 15.9 GW today. That's enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 3.2 million average American homes.

As more solar comes online, the Energy Department is working to address the challenges of solar power, such as the variability of available sunshine during the day, and developing solutions to better integrate solar photovoltaics with electric power systems throughout the grid.

More information about this funding opportunity -- including application requirements -- is available online.


Associated Press
DoE Initiative Supports Further Development of Solar Power Infrastructure
Renewable Energy Focus, October 31, 2014

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