#New Construction Solar in California

[cals0larinc2]

How Do Solar Panels Work on US High-Rises

No state is more progressive than California when it comes to converting to renewable energy sources, and solar power is at the forefront of this push. Solar power is gaining appeal in California's new building industry because of its inexpensive initial investment, favorable environmental impact, and long lifespan.

Solar panels are an excellent investment for newly constructed homes in California.

Numerous advantages make fresh solar installation in California an attractive option for both households and businesses. Savings are one of the many advantages of solar energy for new buildings. Look no farther than solar energy for a clean, sustainable way to power your home. This makes it far less expensive than coal and natural gas. Furthermore, once the initial installation costs are covered, solar energy is free, making it an appealing option for people looking to cut their energy bills.

Another beneficial feature of this trend is the environmental benefits of placing solar panels on newly built homes in California. Solar energy is environmentally benign since it produces no pollution. This contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing air pollution. Furthermore, there is no requirement for water in the solar energy generation process, making it an appealing option in areas with limited water supplies.

Problems with Solar Energy in California's New Construction

New construction solar in California has various advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. One of the most significant barriers is the high cost of setup. Solar panel installation costs can range from low to high, depending on factors such as system size and configuration. There may be extra fees to cover the cost of any extra approvals or inspections that need to be done in a certain place before installation can start.

Buildings of all sizes in California can benefit from the new solar architecture that is gaining popularity in the state. It is a solid long-term investment that will not break the bank and will not hurt the environment. It does, however, have significant limitations, such as expensive upfront and recurring costs, as well as limited access to natural light. Despite these challenges, installing solar panels on newly constructed homes in California is an excellent method to save money on energy costs while also benefiting the environment.

Solar Panels for Multi-Family Homes in California

California is a leader in the movement toward renewable energy, and multifamily solar is a big part of that. "Multifamily solar" means solar power systems for homes with more than one family, like apartment buildings and condos. Because of their low cost and beneficial environmental impact, these systems are gaining popularity in California.

Multiple Advantages of Multifamily Solar Energy in California

Investing in multifamily solar in California has many benefits that make it a great choice for families and businesses alike. One of its most prominent advantages is its inexpensive pricing. When property owners or businesses install a multifamily solar system, they save money on electricity costs and have less of an effect on the environment. Also, multifamily solar systems don't need a lot of expensive equipment or work, which makes them a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on energy costs.

Difficulties with Multifamily Solar Energy in California

California multifamily solar has various advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. One of the most significant barriers is the high cost of setup. Installation of multifamily solar systems can be costly, and it may take some time before property owners and business companies see a return on their investment. The cost of a multi-family solar system might rise due to the necessity for annual maintenance to keep it running well.

Conclusion

If you reside in or operate a business in California and want to reduce your energy expenditures and carbon footprint, multifamily solar is an excellent option. Implementing a multifamily solar system can help both businesses and residents financially and environmentally. Furthermore, because it is derived from a renewable source, solar energy will never be depleted. The initial installation cost and the availability of suitable places are two of the barriers to multifamily solar in California, although they are surmountable with adequate planning and analysis. Homeowners and businesses in California can help battle climate change by utilizing multifamily solar.

[cals0larinc]

California Solar Mandate Will Drive More Solar Panels statewide and Create Jobs

The state of California has recently implemented a solar mandate, requiring all new homes to be built with solar panels starting in 2020. This mandate is a major step forward in the fight against climate change and will have a positive effect on the environment, economy, and society. This essay will discuss the benefits of the California Solar Mandate and its potential to revolutionize the energy industry.

The California Solar Mandate will have a significant impact on the environment. By requiring new homes to be built with solar panels, the state will reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons per year. In other words, this is the equivalent of removing 100,000 cars from the road. Additionally, the mandate will help to reduce air pollution, as solar energy does not produce any harmful emissions. Finally, the mandate will help to conserve natural resources, as solar energy does not require any water or other resources to generate electricity.

The California Solar Mandate will also have a positive effect on the economy. By requiring new homes to be built with solar panels, the state will create thousands of new jobs in the solar industry. This will help to stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for people in the state. Additionally, the mandate will help to reduce energy costs for homeowners, as solar energy is much cheaper than traditional sources of electricity. Finally, the mandate will help to attract new businesses to the state, as businesses are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

As part of the battle to combat climate change, the California Solar Mandate has been a major step forward. It will have a positive effect on the environment, economy, and society. The mandate will reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, reduce energy costs, and attract new businesses to the state. The mandate is an important step towards a more sustainable future and should be supported by all Californians.

Solar hot water systems are becoming increasingly popular in California due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. This section of the blog will discuss the advantages of installing a solar hot water system in California, as well as the potential drawbacks.

Solar hot water systems are an excellent choice for California homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and their environmental impact. Solar hot water systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, eliminating the need for electricity or gas. This can result in significant savings on energy bills, as well as reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere. Additionally, solar hot water systems are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs without having to invest in expensive equipment or hire a professional installer.

Another advantage of solar hot water systems is that they can be used to supplement existing water heating systems. This allows homeowners to reduce their energy costs without having to completely replace their existing system. Additionally, solar hot water systems can be used to preheat water before it enters a traditional water heater, further reducing energy costs.

Although solar hot water systems offer many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks that should be considered before installing one. One of the most significant drawbacks is that solar hot water systems require a large initial investment. Although the long-term savings on energy costs can be significant, the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a solar hot water system can be prohibitively expensive for some homeowners. Additionally, the solar hot water system in California requires regular maintenance and cleaning in order to remain efficient and effective.

In conclusion, solar hot water systems offer many advantages for California homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and their environmental impact. However, they also require a large initial investment and regular maintenance in order to remain efficient and effective. For those who are able to make the initial investment, solar hot water systems can be an excellent choice for reducing energy costs and helping to protect the environment.

[reasonsforhope]

"In drought-stricken areas, communities facing water shortages, or even in residential and commercial buildings eager to improve their environmental footprints, atmospheric water generators represent a new frontier in water production.

While it might sound like a tidbit from a science fiction movie, even the driest places on earth have moisture in the air that can be extracted and used for everyday necessities like plumbing and drinking. 

Unlike traditional dehumidifiers, which also pull moisture from the air, AWGs utilize filtration and sterilization technology to make water safe to drink. 

And while there are plenty of AWG companies out there — and the science itself isn’t novel — AWGs are becoming more efficient, affordable, and revolutionary in combating water scarcity in a myriad of communities.

Aquaria Technologies, a San Francisco-based AWG startup, was founded in 2022 to help provide affordable and clean drinking water in areas most affected by climate change. 

Using heat exchange and condensation, Aquaria’s generators draw air into their systems, cool that air below its dew point, and as it condenses, capture that water and filter it for consumption. 

As the cycle continues, the generator’s refrigerant vaporizes and goes through a process that cools it back into a liquid, meaning the heat transfer cycle repeats continuously in an energy-efficient and self-sustaining system.

“I’m sure you’ve had the experience in the summer, you take a glass of a cold drink out of the fridge and then water droplets form on the side of the bottle,” Aquaria’s co-founder and CEO Brian Sheng, said in a podcast episode. “That’s actually condensation.”

Sheng continued: “The question is, how do we create condensation? How do we extract water out of the air in large volume and using little energy? That’s what our technology does. We have created both active and passive cooling methods where we use special materials, and we’ve created heat exchange and recovery systems and airflow design, such that we’re maximizing heat exchange, and then we’re able to extract large volumes of water.”

Aquaria has created a number of generators, but its stand-alone model — the Hydropack X — can replace an entire home’s dependence on municipal water, producing as much as 264 gallons of potable water per day. 

Other models, like the Hydrostation, can provide water for up to 1,500 people at parks, construction sites, or other outdoor public areas. The Hydropixel can make 24 gallons of water per day for a seamless at-home application, requiring a simple outlet for power. 

“Atmospheric water generators present a groundbreaking solution to the global challenge of clean water scarcity, leveraging the humidity present in the air to produce potable water,” the company’s website explains.

“This technology is versatile, functioning efficiently across diverse climates — from arid regions to tropical settings. From rural communities in developing countries to advanced cities facing unexpected droughts, atmospheric water generators have a wide range of applications… transforming lives and providing secure, clean water sources.”

Considering an estimated 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water globally — including in American cities like Flint, Michigan, or Modesto, California — innovative solutions like AWGs are vital to maintaining the basic human right to clean water. 

The World Economic Forum has begun to dip its toes into this technology as well, implementing public and private partnerships to introduce AWG units in Arizona’s Navajo Nation, where the machines produce about 200 gallons of clean water per day.

“When combined with an appropriate level of community engagement and triple-bottom-line business (people, planet, profit),” a blog post for WE Forum said, “this model can be a powerful stopgap solution where few exist today.”

Similarly, according to New Atlas, Aquaria has a partnership with developers to supply its technology to a 1,000-home community in Hawaii later this year, relying entirely on atmospherically generated water.

The company also has a “Frontier Access Program,” which partners with water-related NGOs, community project developers, and sustainable development groups to deploy this technology in areas most in need.

Regardless of their use cases — in homes, in communities facing water shortages, or at aid sites navigating natural disasters — AWGs have a minimal environmental impact. Sourcing water “from thin air,” requires no plastic bottles, no large-scale plants using up loads of energy, and no byproducts that can harm the environment."

-via GoodGoodGood, August 27, 2024

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - July 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735! (Or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!)

1. Thai tiger numbers swell as prey populations stabilize in western forests

“The tiger population density in a series of protected areas in western Thailand has more than doubled over the past two decades, according to new survey data. […] The most recent year of surveys, which concluded in November 2023, photographed 94 individual tigers, up from 75 individuals in the previous year, and from fewer than 40 in 2007. […] A total of 291 individual tigers older than 1 year were recorded, as well as 67 cubs younger than 1 year.”

2. Work starts to rewild former cattle farm

“Ecologists have started work to turn a former livestock farm into a nature reserve [… which] will become a "mosaic of habitats" for insects, birds and mammals. [… R]ewilding farmland could benefit food security locally by encouraging pollinators, improving soil health and soaking up flood water. [… “N]ature restoration doesn't preclude food production. We want to address [food security] by using nature-based solutions."”

3. Harnessing ‘invisible forests in plain view’ to reforest the world

“[… T]he degraded land contained numerous such stumps with intact root systems capable of regenerating themselves, plus millions of tree seeds hidden in the soil, which farmers could simply encourage to grow and reforest the landscape[….] Today, the technique of letting trees resprout and protecting their growth from livestock and wildlife [… has] massive potential to help tackle biodiversity loss and food insecurity through resilient agroforestry systems. [… The UN’s] reported solution includes investing in land restoration, “nature-positive” food production, and rewilding, which could return between $7 and $30 for every dollar spent.”

4. California bars school districts from outing LGBTQ+ kids to their parents

“Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the SAFETY Act today – a bill that prohibits the forced outing of transgender and gay students, making California the first state to explicitly prohibit school districts from doing so. […] Matt Adams, a head of department at a West London state school, told PinkNews at the time: “Teachers and schools do not have all the information about every child’s home environment and instead of supporting a pupil to be themselves in school, we could be putting them at risk of harm.””

5. 85% of new electricity built in 2023 came from renewables

“Electricity supplied by renewables, like hydropower, solar, and wind, has increased gradually over the past few decades — but rapidly in recent years. [… C]lean energy now makes up around 43 percent of global electricity capacity. In terms of generation — the actual power produced by energy sources — renewables were responsible for 30 percent of electricity production last year. […] Along with the rise of renewable sources has come a slowdown in construction of non-renewable power plants as well as a move to decommission more fossil fuel facilities.”

6. Deadly cobra bites to "drastically reduce" as scientists discover new antivenom

“After successful human trials, the snake venom antidote could be rolled out relatively quickly to become a "cheap, safe and effective drug for treating cobra bites" and saving lives around the globe, say scientists. Scientists have found that a commonly used blood thinner known as heparin can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. […] Using CRISPR gene-editing technology […] they successfully repurposed heparin, proving that the common blood thinner can stop the necrosis caused by cobra bites.”

7. FruitFlow: a new citizen science initiative unlocks orchard secrets

“"FruitWatch" has significantly refined phenological models by integrating extensive citizen-sourced data, which spans a wider geographical area than traditional methods. These enhanced models offer growers precise, location-specific predictions, essential for optimizing agricultural planning and interventions. […] By improving the accuracy of phenological models, farmers can better align their operations with natural biological cycles, enhancing both yield and quality.”

8. July 4th Means Freedom for Humpback Whale Near Valdez, Alaska

“The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline received numerous reports late afternoon on July 3. A young humpback whale was entangled in the middle of the Port of Valdez[….] “The success of this mission was due to the support of the community, as they were the foundation of the effort,” said Moran. [… Members of the community] were able to fill the critical role of acting as first responders to a marine mammal emergency. “Calling in these reports is extremely valuable as it allows us to respond when safe and appropriate, and also helps us gain information on various threats affecting the animals,” said Lyman.”

9. Elephants Receive First of Its Kind Vaccine

“Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus is the leading cause of death for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) born in facilities in North America and also causes calf deaths in the wild in Asia. A 40-year-old female received the new mRNA vaccine, which is expected to help the animal boost immunity[….]”

10. Conservation partners and Indigenous communities working together to restore forests in Guatemala

“The K’iche have successfully managed their natural resources for centuries using their traditional governing body and ancestral knowledge. As a result, Totonicapán is home to Guatemala’s largest remaining stand of conifer forest. […] EcoLogic has spearheaded a large-scale forest restoration project at Totonicapán, where 13 greenhouses now hold about 16,000 plants apiece, including native cypresses, pines, firs, and alders. […] The process begins each November when community members gather seeds. These seeds then go into planters that include upcycled coconut fibers and mycorrhizal fungi, which help kickstart fertilization. When the plantings reach about 12 inches, they’re ready for distribution.”

July 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

Texas has become an all-around clean energy juggernaut, thanks to its lax permitting regime, fast grid-interconnection process, competitive energy market, and ample amount of solar- and wind-friendly land.

Its plans for the next year and a half underscore that status. As of July, the state intended to build 35 gigawatts of clean energy over 18 months, more than the next nine states combined, according to a Cleanview analysis of U.S. Energy Information Agency data.

Texas has long been the biggest player in U.S. wind energy. But in recent years, energy developers have raced to build solar in Texas too. Five years ago, the state had connected just 2.4 gigawatts of utility-scale solar to its grid; as of this past June, it had installed almost 22 GW of solar, per an American Clean Power report released this week. That’s nearly 10 times as much as back in 2019, and enough to propel Texas past California for large-scale solar installations.

Now Texas is writing its next chapter on clean energy: The state has become the nation’s hottest market for grid batteries as energy developers chase after its cheap solar and wind energy.

Given its staggering construction plans, Texas is set to only further solidify its place at the top of the clean energy leaderboard. But the rapid rise of the state’s clean energy sector has not yet yielded an outright energy transition, as the writer Ketan Joshi points out.

Though Texas has built more large-scale clean energy than any other state in absolute terms, it lags behind California — and plenty others — in terms of how clean its grid actually is. The Golden State met over half its electricity needs with renewables in 2023, per Ember data, while clean sources generated just 28 percent of Texas’ power. Electricity produced in the Lone Star State remains slightly more carbon intensive compared with the U.S. average.

Part of the story here is that, largely thanks to data centers and bitcoin mines, Texas is seeing some of the fastest growth in electricity demand of any state. That means much of the new solar, wind, and battery storage it’s building is just meeting new demand and not necessarily booting dirty energy off the grid.

The other hurdle preventing Texas from cleaning up its grid faster is the entrenchment of the fossil fuel industry in its local politics. Last year, the state passed a law creating a taxpayer-funded program to give energy developers billions of dollars in low-interest loans to build several gigawatts’ worth of new fossil-gas power plants.

In other words, the Lone Star state’s fossil fuel buildout isn’t ending even as its clean energy sector takes off. For Texas to be considered a true leader on decarbonizing the power sector — and not just a state that builds lots of everything — that will need to change. 

[anonymusbosch]

idk, a lot of the time CA housing politics are like

right-auth: it should be illegal to be poor next to my ranch house

staunch environmentalists: if we build housing on this one patch of rare moss i will commit seppuku

misguided journalists: we should do everything we can at any cost to make sure every building is maximally earthquake-safe [implicitly: even if that means spending billions upon billions of dollars to retrofit buildings of a construction type which has never actually failed in an earthquake, at the cost of not using that money to e.g. build new safe housing or feed people]

local mayor: we've made it easier to build affordable housing by accelerating the permitting process from 2 years to 1.6 years for construction with at least 20% affordable units between 17th and 21st street if the neighbors all say it's ok, no one has solar panels, and no groundhogs on the lot see their shadows when disturbed by construction equipment

developers: we are excited to announce the opening of a new 4-over-1 luxury apartment complex where the apartments aren't big or laid out sensibly but they DO have smart fridges, smart light switches, a rent payment system that harvests your data, and ground-floor retail (bespoke reclaimed-wood furniture store, very walkable)

silicon valley: we've invented a new cheap housing with automated construction enabled by AI and the cloud to bring affordable housing to everyone. by making... prefab ADUs. it's the tesla of housing. no we haven't talked to anyone who works in construction why do you ask. mobile home? rv? what's that

someone on twitter: the solution is firebombing walmart and revolution

local news outlet: PROGRESS! 247 units of housing approved for construction! [California is, by some measures, 3.5 million units short.]

[notbeingnoticed]

No one running California’s government today—starting with the impervious Governor Gavin Newsom, who wants to “solve this climate crisis”—would ever admit cause-and-effect realities of climate policies and the state’s blizzard of economic and quality-of-life problems. Such policies include restricting oil and gas development and refineries, mandating all electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2035, renewable energy usage requirements, including solar installation on new home and building construction, no new reservoirs constructed in 45 years, and much more.

[quotesfrommyreading]

Americans are deeply polarized; that much is obvious. Less obvious, and more important for our purposes, is how polarization might complicate material progress today. One big problem the country faces is that as coastal, educated elites have come to largely identify as Democrats, Republicans have come to feel ignored or condescended to by the institutions populated by the former group. As if recoiling from the rise of a liberal scientific and managerial class, the GOP has become almost proudly anti-expertise, anti-science, and anti-establishment. Cranks and conspiracy theorists have gained prominence in the party. It is hard to imagine scientific institutions flourishing within right-wing governments averse to both science and institutions. But this is only part of the problem, culturally speaking.

The other part is that some Democrats—many of whom call themselves progressives—have in meaningful ways become anti-progress, at least where material improvement is concerned. Progress depends on a society’s ability to build what it knows. But very often, it’s progressives who stand against building what we’ve already invented, including relatively ancient technology like nuclear power or even apartment buildings. Cities and states run by Democrats have erected so many barriers to construction that blue metro areas are now where the housing crisis is worst. The five states with the highest rates of homelessness are New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington; all are run by Democrats. Meanwhile, it is often left-leaning environmentalist groups that use onerous rules to delay the construction of wind and solar farms that would reduce our dependency on oil and gas. The left owns all the backpack pins denouncing the oil industry, but Texas produces more renewable energy than deep-blue California, and Oklahoma and Iowa produce more renewable energy than New York.

One possible explanation is that progressives have become too focused on what are essentially negative prescriptions for improving the world, including an emphasis on preservation and sacrifice (“reduce, reuse, recycle”) over growth (“build, build, build”). At the extreme, this ascetic style leads to calls for permanent declines in modern living standards, a philosophy known as “degrowtherism.” The aim is noble: to save our descendants from climate change by flying less, traveling less, buying less, and using less. But it is a profound departure from progressivism’s history, which is one of optimism about the ability of society to improve lives on a big scale through bold action. It’s self-defeating to tell voters: “My opponent wants to raise your living standards, but I promise I won’t let that happen.” It’s far better—and, arguably, more realistic—to tell voters that building more renewable power is a win-win that will make energy cheaper and more abundant.

When you add the anti-science bias of the Republican Party to the anti-build skepticism of liberal urbanites and the environmentalist left, the U.S. seems to have accidentally assembled a kind of bipartisan coalition against some of the most important drivers of human progress. To correct this, we need more than improvements in our laws and rules; we need a new culture of progress.

  —  Why the Age of American Progress Ended

[stephenjaymorrisblog]

Robots Don’t Care About Fringe Benefits

(Was Issac Assimov another Nostradamus?)

Stephen Jay Morris

1/19/2023

©Scientific Morality

Yesterday I saw a video by the company, Boston Dynamics. It featured robots that made human gesticulations! Acrobatic skills of Olympian athletes! They jumped into the air, pivoted like marching Marines, and then, performed back flips! Plus, they lifted weights and flung heavy objects! Fascinating!

Immediately, my memory went to Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 movie, “Modern Times.” The movie warns all about the dangers of automation. Then, I thought of Issac Assimov’s,well-known, fictional books about robots. One of his best was 1942’s, “Three Laws of Robotics,” which explores the supposition that artificial intelligence can evolve into consciousness of Homo Sapiens. Could it happen? Absolutely.

Technology—theoretically and ideologically—is available to serve all of mankind. But the way the current American economic system is structured, it follows that only the ruling class could control the construction or utilization of Robots. Next to human slavery, robotics is a capitalist’s wet dream. No longer would they have to pay wages, or provide health care costs, to workers. And, not only in the warehouse assembly lines, but in the fields of landscaping, street maintenance, solar panel repair, and food harvesting in Central California. Illegal and legal aliens would no longer be needed.

This scenario would apply not only to labor, but to entertainment, as well. Who’d need athletes anymore? Human athletes ultimately get injured and management loses money. Why not have robot football players? Or baseball players? Or basketball players? Why stop there: how about actors? Maybe a robot could do stunt work. But acting? That could be 500 years into the future.

Consider sex work. Sex robots could replace prostitutes. No risk of unwanted pregnancies or socially transmitted diseases there!

Another risk eliminated with using robots would be in fighting crime. A robot could disarm a crazy shooter without getting injured or killed.

And, what about warfare? Robots could fight other robots, on the front lines, with high-powered weapons. After an atom bomb exploded, robots—if programmed properly—could rebuild society.

So, what is it that’s missing in this equation? Humanity! The poor would suffer the most. As it goes, what else is new? And the rich would prosper even more. They’d have robotic butlers and maids, and solar powered vehicles driven by robotic drivers to serve the master race.

At the bottom line, technology has two options: either to serve the wealthy rulers, or help the needy. What do you think will be the choice in the USA? My money is on the rich pigs.

Will there be woke robots or CHUD robots? Once again, I choose the latter. Conservative freedom only benefits owners of property and wealth. It is not designed for all people, only a chosen few. Egalitarianism is ignominious to an egotist. The elitist of any stripe will bellow in the night, “Why should I be equal to the slobs and smelly, poor people? Let them rot until death takes over!” Now, keep in mind, in order to have wealth, there must be poverty. So, the poor will be necessary so morticians can continue to make money, and robots can bury all the dead paupers.

Now comes the fictional proposition: What if an Anarchist scientist was to create anarcho-scientist robots for the people? Do you think the corporate elite would tolerate that? Me neither. I believe in technology and science for the people. Better woke than CHUD!

[unidentifiedwhistlingobject]

So I think I found the right article.

The thumbnail quote in the original tweet is the second paragraph:

And like, unless I'm missing something, the article ... isn't talking about grids getting damaged because of overload. I do think that what @crazy-pages said is correct, because I've heard parts of it often enough before, but the article is pretty much just talking about market economics. Do I have the wrong article?

MIT Tech Review has limited free articles, so I've copied and pasted the full text below the cut. It isn't a super long read.

A few lonely academics have been warning for years that solar power faces a fundamental challenge that could halt the industry’s breakneck growth. Simply put: the more solar you add to the grid, the less valuable it becomes.

The problem is that solar panels generate lots of electricity in the middle of sunny days, frequently more than what’s required, driving down prices—sometimes even into negative territory.

Unlike a natural gas plant, solar plant operators can’t easily throttle electricity up and down as needed, or space generation out through the day, night and dark winter. It’s available when it’s available, which is when the sun is shining. And that’s when all the other solar plants are cranking out electricity at maximum levels as well.

A new report finds that California, which produces one of the largest shares of solar power in the world, is already acutely experiencing this phenomenon, known as solar value deflation.

The state’s average solar wholesale prices have fallen 37% relative to the average electricity prices for other sources since 2014, according to the Breakthrough Institute analysis, which will be published on July 14. In other words, utilities are increasingly paying solar plants less than other sources overall, due to their fluctuating generation patterns.

Wholesale prices are basically the amount that utilities pay power plants for the electricity they deliver to households and businesses. They shift throughout the day and year, edging back up for solar operators during the mornings, afternoons and other times when there isn’t excess supply. But as more solar plants come online, the periods of excess supply that drive down those costs will become more frequent and more pronounced.

Lower prices may sound great for consumers. But it presents troubling implications for the world’s hopes of rapidly expanding solar capacity and meeting climate goals.It could become difficult to convince developers and investors to continue building ever more solar plants if they stand to make less money or even lose it. In fact, California construction has already been flat since 2018, the study notes. But the state will need the industry to significantly ramp up development if it hopes to pull off its ambitious clean energy targets.

This could soon become a broader problem as well.

“California is a little sneak peek of what is in store for the rest of the world as we dramatically scale up solar,” says Zeke Hausfather, director of climate and energy at the Breakthrough Institute, and author of the report.

That’s because while solar accounts for about 19% of the electricity California generates, other regions are rapidly installing photovoltaic panels as well. In Nevada and Hawaii, for instance, the share of solar generation stood at around 13% in 2019, the study found. The levels in Italy, Greece and Germany were at 8.6%, 7.9% and 7.8%, respectively.

The race

So far, heavy solar subsidies and the rapidly declining cost of solar power has offset the falling value of solar in California. So long as it gets ever cheaper to build and operate solar power plants, value deflation is less of a problem.

But it’s likely to get harder and harder to pull off that trick, as the state’s share of solar generation continues to climb. If the cost declines for building and installing solar panels tapers off, California’s solar deflation could pull ahead in the race against falling costs as soon as 2022 and climb upward from there, the report finds. At that point, wholesale pricing would be below the subsidized costs of solar in California, undermining the pure economic rationale for building more plants, Hausfather notes.The state’s SB 100 law, passed in 2018, requires all of California’s electricity to come from “renewable and zero-carbon resources” by 2045. By that point, some 60% of the state’s electricity could come from solar, based on a California Energy Commission model.

The Breakthrough study estimates that the value of solar–or the wholesale average price relative to other sources–will fall by 85% at that point, decimating the economics of solar farms, at least as California’s grid exists today.

How do we fix it?

There are a variety of ways to ease this effect, though no single one is likely a panacea.The solar sector can continue trying to find ways to push down solar costs, but some researchers have argued it may require shifting to new materials and technologies to get to the dirt-cheap levels required to outpace value deflation.

Grid operators and solar plant developers can add more energy storage—and increasingly they are.Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory highlighted similarly declining solar values in California in a broader study published in Joule last month. But they also noted that numerous modeling studies showed that the addition of low cost storage options, including so called hybrid plants coupled with lithium-ion batteries, eases value deflation and enables larger shares of renewables to operate economically on the grid.

There are likely limits to this, however, as study after study finds that storage and system costs rise sharply once renewables provide the vast majority of electricity on the grid.

States or nations could also boost subsidies for solar power; add more long-distance transmission lines to allow regions to swap clean electricity as needed; or incentivize customers to move energy use to times of day that better match with periods of high generation.

The good news is that each of these will help to ease the transition to clean electricity sources in other ways as well, but they’ll also all take considerable time and money to get underway.

The California solar market offers a reminder that the climate clock is ticking.

This story was updated to add details from the Joule study.

[cals0larinc2]

Designers Hurry and Make Use Of Solar Energy

There are many new development projects in California that combine solar-based engineering. This trend is being driven by the state's goal to become a leader in environmentally friendly energy and its duty to reduce its carbon footprint. Along these lines, sun-oriented engineering is being utilized in an ever-increasing number of new structures all over California.

The Benefits of Solar Design

The primary advantage of new construction solar design in California is that it can help reduce energy consumption. There are structures that primarily use propane. Since sun-oriented energy is free and consistently accessible, this can save a lot of cash over time. Solar-powered engineering can reduce environmental impacts by generating no discharges. This can help the climate and individuals who live in the building by further improving air quality and reducing the risk of health problems caused by air pollution.

One more benefit of sunlight-based engineering is that it can raise the value of a design. Sun-based structures may be preferred by some. This can bring about expanded building deal costs, which can help both the merchant and the purchaser.

Implementing Solar Design Challenges

There are many advantages and downsides to solar. Solar-powered chargers have some issues. There are additional parts that make solar chargers extremely expensive. Sun-powered chargers may not work in that frame of mind since they require direct daylight to create power. This can make them less profitable in certain areas, like those with little daylight.

There is a need for a design involving high planning expenses. This could be difficult because each side might have different goals and wants. Also, administrative or drafting limits should be thought about when planning a design with solar-powered parts.

Solar Energy Solutions Company California

Sun-based energy is a reasonable energy source that is getting some decent forward momentum in California. Sun-based power distribution companies are popping up throughout California, giving people the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint while getting a good deal on their energy bills.

Companies That Provide Solar Energy Solutions

Clients of suppliers of solar energy systems in California benefit from a variety of advantages. Energy sources for the ecosystem are safe. Sun-powered energy is a sustainable asset that transmits no destructive poisons or outflows. Clients can thus reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental assurance. Besides, sun-oriented energy arrangement suppliers can help shoppers get a good deal on their energy bills. Solar-based chargers help consumers create their own power source. This can bring about significant investment funds in the long run.

How Solar Energy Solution Providers Aid California

Sun-oriented energy arrangement suppliers are likewise contributing to California's sustainability. The state is much better off with regard to energy than traditional sources. This cuts down on the amount of pollution that goes into the environment and also protects the biological system. Besides, sun-powered energy arrangement suppliers are creating jobs in California. Organizations help to build positions.

Conclusion

Finally, a solar energy solutions company California offers numerous advantages to their customers while also helping to make the state more sustainable. Companies need to create positions and provide a way to make the state better. California will turn out to be significantly more practical later on assuming these undertakings keep on flourishing.

[cals0larinc]

Solar EPC Contractor In California: Monthly Fees Start At $2,000

Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry in California, and the need for experienced and reliable solar EPC contractors is increasing. Solar EPC contractors are responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of solar projects, and they play a vital role in the success of solar projects. This essay will discuss the importance of finding a reliable solar EPC contractor in California, and the benefits of working with a local contractor.

When it comes to finding a reliable solar EPC contractor in California, it is important to consider the benefits of working with a local contractor. Local contractors are familiar with the local regulations and requirements, which can save time and money. They also have access to local resources, such as materials and labor, which can help reduce costs. Additionally, local contractors have established relationships with local vendors and suppliers, which can help ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.

Another benefit of working with a local solar EPC contractor is that they are familiar with the local climate and terrain. This can be beneficial when it comes to designing and constructing a solar project, as they can ensure that the project is designed to take advantage of the local conditions. Additionally, local contractors can provide valuable insight into the local market, which can help ensure that the project is designed to meet the needs of the local community.

When it comes to finding a reliable solar EPC contractor California, there are several factors to consider. It is important to find a contractor who has experience in the solar industry and who has a proven track record of successful projects. Additionally, it is important to find a contractor who is knowledgeable about the local regulations and requirements. It is also important to find a contractor who is willing to work with you to ensure that your project is completed on time and on budget.

Finally, it is important to find a contractor who is willing to provide ongoing support and maintenance after the project is completed. This can help ensure that the project continues to operate at peak efficiency and that any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. Additionally, this can help ensure that any changes or upgrades that need to be made are done in a timely manner.

Finding a reliable solar EPC contractor in California is essential for the success of any solar project. Local contractors have access to resources and knowledge that can help ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget. Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into the local market and provide ongoing support and maintenance after the project is completed. By taking the time to find a reliable solar EPC contractor in California, you can ensure that your project is successful.

California has recently implemented a new solar mandate for all new buildings, requiring them to be equipped with solar panels. This mandate is part of the state’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy efficient. This essay will discuss the benefits of the California Solar Mandate for new buildings, as well as the potential drawbacks.

The California Solar Mandate is a great step forward in reducing the state’s carbon footprint and making it more energy efficient. By requiring all new buildings to be equipped with solar panels, the state is encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. This will help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to climate change. Additionally, solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that can be used to power homes and businesses. This will help to reduce electricity costs, as solar energy is much cheaper than traditional sources of energy.

Another benefit of the California Solar Mandate is that it will create jobs in the renewable energy sector. The installation and maintenance of solar panels require specialized skills and knowledge, which will create new job opportunities for people in the state. Additionally, the mandate will encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy technology, which could lead to further economic growth in the state.

While the California Solar Mandate has many benefits, there are also potential drawbacks that should be considered. One of the main drawbacks is the cost associated with installing solar panels on new buildings. Solar panels are expensive to install and maintain, and this cost could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher electricity bills. Additionally, some people may not be able to afford the upfront cost of installing solar panels, which could lead to an unequal distribution of renewable energy resources.

Another potential drawback of the California Solar Mandate is that it could lead to a decrease in property values. Solar panels can be unsightly and may reduce the aesthetic appeal of a building, which could lead to a decrease in property values. Additionally, solar panels can be noisy and may reduce the quality of life for people living near them.

In conclusion, the California Solar Mandate for new buildings is a great step forward in reducing the state’s carbon footprint and making it more energy efficient. While there are potential drawbacks associated with this mandate, such as increased costs and decreased property values, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. The mandate will encourage the use of renewable energy sources, create jobs in the renewable energy sector, and reduce electricity costs for consumers.

[syppys-den]

Some of the major changed I've made to The Superman Mythos in Earth 1605

DISCLAIMER: while some of these were made because I think they're genuine improvements most of them were made purely for either self indulgence or for the sacred reason of "I dunno, I felt like it" so don't judge too too hard (but constructive criticism is very much welcome)

Smallville is in New Mexico instead of Kansas (though it's still in the Boonies)

Metropolis is in California instead of Delaware, mostly because I wanted to kind of wanted to make it more like old LA in that it's this city advertized as the shining city on a hill and "the place to be" that destroys you once you're there

Ma and Pa Kent's names have been changed from John and Martha to Jerry and Mia

adding onto that, Jerry is Jewish on his mother's side with Mia is black, and Mia's name is "Dunn" instead of Clark (as a nod to Siegel and Shuster's short story "Reign of The Superman" and yes I renamed John to Jerry as a not to the former, and to top it off his mother's maiden name was Siegel)

Kryptonians evolved a form of touch based telekinesis (or "Tactilekinesis" as it's called) to actually be able to stand up, move and walk around on Krypton (a world with 10-11x the gravity of Earth) and this ability is fueled by solar radiation, and despite their sun Rao being much dimmer and smaller, if one were to view the everyday strength of Kryptonians on their homeworld it'd look like a race of Captain Americas basically, now take a Kryptonian away from Krypton and to a planet with 0.1x its gravity and a star that is several times brighter and larger than Rao, and I think you can guess the obvious result

adding to that, Tactilekinesis also gave them the ability to keep themselves at consistent temperatures, which is why Heat Vision and Ice Breath are a thing (though Clark may eventually learn how to channel this ability in ways other than those two)

Krypton was basically a utopia, and instead of Noble Houses it had a system that could be called Guild Socialist Council Democracy (every major labor force had a guild and each guild was represented on a council)

the planet was destroyed by Brainiac, who here is basically just The Sentients from Warframe (sent to another star system to colonize it and then came back and killed its creators)

Jor El discovered Brainiac's intentions when he tried checking on its progress, and when he tried to show The Council, they didn't believe him because Brainiac covered its tracks

Lara was in the military guild (admittedly not a big change since she also was in The New 52, but I still like it as it makes her her own person)

instead of Kryptonian Women having their father or husband's first name as a middle name, all Kryptonian children have the names of their parent of the same sex (with some exceptions and caviats but we'll get to that) as their middles names until they reach adulthood (for example Clark's full Kryptonian name when he was born was "Kal Jor El")

because of the rule listed above I've had to change a couple things, for one, Zor El is now a woman but Alura is still one too, and Kara was born via something called a "Birthing Matrix" that can take one or more people's DNA and incubate a child

a similar process was done with Jor and Zor actually, but in their parent (haven't decided their gender yet, if they'll even have one) Seyg El's case, they opted to be a single parent instead

back to Earth, Clark eventually ends up in a romantic relationship (and eventually marriage) with Lois AND Jimmy

much like in MAWSM, Lois is Korean and Jimmy is Black

Kryptonians all have traits one would associate with The Autism Spectrum, so much so that Clark was diagnosed as such after being adopted by The Kents

nearly all Kryptonians could be called "Ethnically Ambiguous" based on their appearance

Kryptonian hair and eyes are almost always the same color, (though the former is obviously a much duller shade) and their eyes are usually Monochromatic (like the eyes of Tamaraneans in the 2003 Teen Titans series, or in Clark's Case the eyes of The Fremen in Dune)

Lex Luthor gives off more arrogant douchebag techbro vibes

Clark is more of a vigilante and more willing to break the law to get things done (actually that's an understatement, his main non supervillain targets are CEOs, crooked cops, corrupt politicians, hate groups etc.)

Krypto wasn't Clark's dog on Krypton, rather he was basically a labrat for Phantom Zone experimentation ages ago, and since the FTL drive on Clark's ship was based on The Phantom Zone, it ended up taking Krypto with him to Earth, at which point the beast became attached to him and became his sort of guardian angel

also Krypto looks less dog-like, a bit more wolf-like but a lot more alien

Kryptonians hatch from eggs and don't have mammary glands

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

A new solar power project that will break ground in the Mojave Desert, near two Kern County towns in California, will require thousands of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) to be removed. The project is also expected to destroy a habitat for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), California’s state reptile and a threatened species.

The Aratina Solar Center project, developed by Avantus, is slated to span 2,300 acres in Boron, California and has already been revised once due to local complaints. According to the project website, the solar power site was redesigned to be better disguised from local residents.

But locals are still concerned about how this project can affect Boron and another nearby town, Desert Lake, in addition to the environmental impacts. 

A study on the project highlighted that the area’s soil contains fungal pathogens that can cause valley fever, and now, residents are concerned about how construction could spread these pathogens and other particulate matter by stirring up dust into the air.

“How are kids going to be able to play outside?” Melanie Richardson, a local resident and nurse who has children that attend nearby schools, told the Los Angeles Times. “So many people from our community were begging them not to approve this project, and they passed it regardless.”

The clean energy project, which is expected to power 180,000 homes — with that power estimated to be for wealthy residents along the coast, the Los Angeles Times reported — could also have lasting impacts on the desert ecosystem.

Landscape clearing is expected to begin today, June 3, according to an anonymous source that shared information with the Los Angeles Times. There are 4,722 Joshua trees on the planned project site that could be removed.

According to the project website, Avantus said the new solar project will “offset about 860,000 metric tons of carbon emissions every year, the annual equivalent to planting 14 million trees.” Kern County officials also told the Los Angeles Times that Avantus provided $1.4 million in funding for Joshua tree protections in areas outside of their development site.

Although petitions to protect Joshua trees under the Endangered Species Act in recent years have failed, the plants do have some protections under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, which took effect in July 2023.  As the Los Angeles Times reported, the solar project was approved before the act took effect.

The desert tortoises, which are the California state reptile, have declined in population in the state by about 50% over the past 20 years, are considered threatened both by the state and under the federal Endangered Species Act. The species is listed as critically endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The project is also expected to impact Mojave ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus mohavensis), a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act.

However, Kern County officials unanimously approved the new Aratina Solar Center, citing modifications, such as halting construction in the presence of desert tortoises and constructing temporary tortoise-proof fencing around the construction site, that would make any environmental impacts “less than significant,” according to the county’s Final Environmental Impact Report, which also addressed public comments concerned about the project.

[dkaufmandevelopment]

Southern California Sees Data Center Surge Amid Rising Demand

Southern California's commercial real estate market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by soaring demand for data centers to support AI, cloud computing, and digital connectivity. A prime example is the One Wilshire building in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), which has transformed from an office space into a critical data center housing undersea fiber-optic cables between Asia and North America.

The Digital Infrastructure Boom

The increasing need for AI and cloud services has developers racing to build or convert properties into data centers, creating a digital infrastructure boom in Los Angeles County. Despite rapid construction, a shortage of power and suitable locations has led developers to expand into less urban areas and smaller markets.

Key Takeaways

- One Wilshire Transformation: Located at the start of Wilshire Boulevard in DTLA, One Wilshire is no longer an office space for lawyers and white-collar workers. It has become a hub for global digital connectivity, as reported by Yahoo! Finance.

- Offices to Data Centers: Once home to professional office spaces, the 30-floor tower is now a critical data center supporting key global online operations. It serves as a major terminus for undersea fiber-optic cables connecting Asia to North America, packed with the digital infrastructure needed to meet the world's soaring demand for data storage and internet speed.

Digital Demand Boom

One Wilshire's transformation is part of a broader surge in data center development throughout Los Angeles County. As AI applications and cloud storage continue to expand globally, the need for new data centers has exploded, particularly in markets like Southern California.

"We're all consumers of data centers," says Maile Kaiser, Chief Revenue Officer of CoreSite, the building's largest tenant. From streaming TV shows to managing online orders, all digital content relies on data centers for storage and accessibility.

Higher Tech Demand

The booming demand for data storage is largely fueled by major technology companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, which need facilities to power their AI and cloud operations. According to JLL real estate broker Darren Eades, the rate of data center construction across the U.S. is at "extraordinary levels" but still struggling to keep pace with demand. Vacancies at data centers fell to just 3% midyear, even as development surged to more than seven times what it was two years ago.

Expanding Market Constraints

A shortage of power and high-capacity infrastructure has pushed developers to look for less traditional sites. Areas such as Vernon and Monterey Park within LA County are seeing higher interest in new developments due to more affordable power rates. Projects are also expanding into locations with reliable electricity supply, such as Alabama, Indiana, and even remote parts of California near the Salton Sea, where a new data center will use geothermal and solar power.

The transformation of One Wilshire and the rise in data center construction reflect how essential digital infrastructure has become for the modern world. From storing personal videos and social media content to supporting complex AI systems, data centers have become indispensable. "There will always be a need for a data center," says Kaiser.

[quotesfrommyreading]

The U.S. remains the world’s R&D factory, but when it comes to building, we are plainly going backwards. We’ve lost out on industrial opportunities by running Bush’s playbook so strictly. But there are other problems, too. Since the early 2000s, the U.S. has closed more nuclear-power plants than we’ve opened. Our ability to decarbonize the grid is held back by environmental regulations that ironically constrict the construction of solar- and wind-energy farms. It’s been roughly 50 years since Asia and Europe built their first high-speed rail systems, but the U.S. is almost comically incapable of pulling train construction into the 21st century. (A 2008 plan to build a high-speed rail line in California has seen estimated costs more than triple and deployment delayed by a decade, and it’s still uncertain if it can be completed as planned.)

“New ideas are getting harder to use,” the futurist and economist Eli Dourado told me. If the U.S. wanted to unleash geothermal power, we could simplify geothermal permitting. If we wanted to build the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors, we could deregulate advanced nuclear reactors. These measures would not require inventing anything new. But they would stimulate progress by making it easier to bring our best ideas into the light.

The United States once believed in partnerships among the government, private industry, and the people to advance material progress. The Lincoln administration helped build the railroads. The New Deal helped electrify rural America. Dwight Eisenhower signed the Price-Anderson Act, which guaranteed government funds and limited liability for nuclear-energy firms in case of serious accidents, facilitating the construction of nuclear-power plants. John F. Kennedy’s space ambitions made NASA a major consumer of early microchips, which helped reduce their price by a factor of 30 in a matter of years, accelerating the software revolution.

“And then, around 1980, we basically stopped building,” Jesse Jenkins, who researches energy policy at Princeton, told me. In the past 40 years, he said, the U.S. has applied several different brakes to our capacity to build what’s already been invented. Under Ronald Reagan, the legacy of successful public-private partnerships was ignored in favor of the simplistic diagnosis that the government was to blame for every major problem. In the ’70s, liberals encouraged the government to pass new environmental regulations to halt pollution and prevent builders from running roughshod over low-income neighborhoods. And then middle-class Americans used these new rules to slow down the construction of new housing, clean-energy projects—just about everything. These reactions were partly understandable; for example, air and water pollution in the ’70s were deadly crises. But “when you combine these big shifts, you basically stop building anything,” Jenkins said.

  —  Why the Age of American Progress Ended