#Solar Economics

[ultra-unlimited]

Nevada’s Golden Era: Solar Power and Film Studios Shaping a New Frontier

From Desert Mirage to Solar and Screen Powerhouse: Nevada’s Bold Transformation

In the heart of the American West, Nevada—famous for its neon lights, iconic casinos, and the endless expanse of desert—is embarking on a transformation that’s as dramatic as any Hollywood blockbuster. This state is no longer just the land of glitz and gamble; it's evolving into a dynamic hub where cutting-edge solar technology and the allure of the film industry intersect. Picture this: Nevada, a landscape once known primarily for its arid beauty and vibrant nightlife, is now becoming a beacon of innovation and sustainability.

Nevada’s sun-drenched skies, which once only served to spotlight the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, are now setting the stage for a new kind of energy revolution. The state is embracing its role as the nation’s solar powerhouse, harnessing its unparalleled natural resources to drive a clean energy boom that’s reshaping its economic future. With over 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity and ambitious goals to expand even further, Nevada is leading the charge in the renewable energy revolution, proving that it’s not just the desert that’s thriving.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Nevada is also positioning itself as a major player in the film industry, staking its claim as Hollywood’s new frontier. The state is in the midst of building the Nevada Studios Campus, a sprawling media production facility that promises to be the crown jewel of the region’s entertainment landscape. As the golden rays of the Nevada sun illuminate the production sets, the state is set to attract top-tier film projects, merging the magic of Hollywood with the power of solar energy.

This convergence of solar innovation and film production is more than just a story of economic growth; it’s a tale of how Nevada is rewriting its script to become a leading example of sustainability and creative prowess. Buckle up as we dive into how Nevada is embracing its dual role as the new Hollywood 2.0 and a solar energy titan, crafting a future that’s as bright as its legendary lights.

The Solar Surge: Nevada’s Leap into Renewable Energy

Nevada’s Solar Revolution: By the Numbers

Nevada’s solar industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, transforming the state into a national leader in renewable energy. As of 2024, Nevada boasts over 3,000 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity. This represents a remarkable 25% increase from the previous year, highlighting the rapid acceleration of solar energy adoption.

Key Statistics:

3,000 MW of installed solar capacity in Nevada

25% annual increase in solar power capacity

15,000 solar-related jobs created in the state

Tom Kimbis, Executive Vice President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), underscores the significance of this growth: “Nevada’s solar industry is booming, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. The state’s aggressive solar targets are setting a national example.”

A Brighter Future on the Horizon

Nevada's solar revolution is not just about numbers—it's a testament to the state’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The 25% annual increase in solar capacity is a direct result of strategic policies, forward-thinking investments, and an unwavering commitment to renewable energy. This rapid growth is creating a ripple effect, fueling the state's economy and positioning it as a model for other regions.

With 15,000 new solar-related jobs, Nevada is not only leading the charge in clean energy but also providing substantial employment opportunities. These jobs span a range of sectors, from installation and maintenance to research and development, further bolstering the state’s economic resilience. As Nevada continues to advance its solar initiatives, the state is poised to become a key player in the national and global renewable energy landscape.

The implications of Nevada’s solar surge extend beyond the state’s borders. By demonstrating how aggressive renewable energy targets can drive substantial growth, Nevada is inspiring other states to adopt similar measures. This sets a powerful precedent for a future where sustainability and economic development go hand in hand, proving that a clean energy economy can be both lucrative and transformative. As the sun continues to shine on Nevada’s solar future, the state’s pioneering efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable world.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The solar sector’s expansion has not only bolstered Nevada’s energy independence but also spurred substantial economic benefits. The industry’s growth has led to a 30% rise in solar-related employment over the past year, bringing the total number of solar jobs in Nevada to 15,000. These jobs span a range of roles, from installation technicians to research and development positions, reflecting the industry’s diverse impact.

Additionally, solar investments have injected approximately $2 billion into the state’s economy. This influx of capital is attributed to both public and private sector investments, driven by Nevada’s favorable regulatory environment and robust incentives for solar energy adoption. Compared to other leading states like California and Texas, Nevada offers competitive advantages such as substantial tax credits and rebates, making it an attractive destination for solar investors.

Innovations and Comparisons

Nevada’s commitment to advancing solar technology is evident in its adoption of cutting-edge photovoltaic systems and energy storage solutions. The state has invested in innovative projects, such as large-scale solar farms and community solar programs, to enhance its energy infrastructure.

For instance, the Mount Sterling Solar Project, a 500-megawatt solar farm located in southern Nevada, is one of the largest in the country. This project alone is expected to provide power to over 100,000 homes and significantly reduce carbon emissions by more than 300,000 tons annually.

In comparison to California and Arizona, Nevada’s unique geographic and climatic advantages, including its high solar irradiance and expansive land areas, provide a competitive edge. While California leads the nation in total solar capacity, Nevada’s rapid growth rate and strategic investments in solar technology position it as a formidable player in the renewable energy sector

Lights, Camera, Action: Nevada Studios Campus Takes Center Stage

The Nevada Studios Campus: A Game-Changer for Southern Nevada

The Nevada Studios Campus, a groundbreaking initiative by the UNLV Research Foundation, is set to revolutionize Southern Nevada’s entertainment industry. Spanning 34 acres and backed by a staggering $1 billion investment, this media production facility is poised to become a major force in the film and television sector. Its design and scale are intended to attract high-profile productions and foster a thriving creative ecosystem.

Key Features and Economic Benefits:

$1 Billion Investment: This substantial financial commitment underscores the scale and ambition of the Nevada Studios Campus. It is one of the largest investments in media infrastructure in the region’s history, signaling a strong vote of confidence in Southern Nevada’s potential as an entertainment hub.

34 Acres of Cutting-Edge Facilities: The campus will house state-of-the-art studios, soundstages, and production facilities, equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of modern film and television production. This includes high-tech editing suites, advanced lighting systems, and expansive sound stages that can accommodate large-scale productions.

5,000 New Jobs: The Nevada Studios Campus is expected to generate approximately 5,000 new jobs across various sectors, including technical crew, production staff, and administrative roles. This influx of employment opportunities will not only support the local economy but also position Southern Nevada as a significant player in the entertainment industry.

Educational Opportunities: In addition to its production capabilities, the campus will feature educational facilities designed to support workforce development. Collaboration with local educational institutions will provide training and internship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of talent is well-prepared for careers in the media industry.

UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield emphasizes the strategic importance of the Nevada Studios Campus: “The Nevada Studios Campus is a pivotal addition to Southern Nevada’s innovation ecosystem, promising substantial economic benefits and educational opportunities.” This facility will not only enhance the region’s appeal as a filming location but also create a vibrant community of creative professionals and businesses.

The campus will foster a collaborative environment where filmmakers, producers, and technology experts can work together to produce cutting-edge content. Its strategic location and world-class amenities are expected to draw major studios and independent filmmakers alike, establishing Southern Nevada as a premier destination for media production.

As the Nevada Studios Campus begins to take shape, it heralds a new era for Southern Nevada, one where the entertainment industry flourishes alongside the state’s growing reputation as a leader in renewable energy. The synergy between these two sectors underscores Nevada’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification, setting the stage for a dynamic and prosperous future.

Educational and Vocational Impact

The Nevada Studios Campus will include the Nevada Media Lab, an educational facility designed to train the next generation of media professionals. This lab will offer hands-on training for approximately 500 students annually, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. By providing students with real-world experience in media production, the lab aims to enhance local workforce skills and foster collaboration with the film industry.

The educational component of the campus also includes partnerships with local high schools and community colleges, creating pathways for students to enter the media industry. This initiative is expected to drive innovation and creativity in the region, positioning Nevada as a key player in the global entertainment industry.

Solar-Powered Studios: The Future of Sustainable Entertainment

Integrating Solar Energy with Film Productionf

The integration of solar energy into film studios presents a unique opportunity for Nevada to lead in both sustainability and entertainment. By incorporating solar power, production facilities can significantly reduce their operational costs and environmental impact. For instance, a 500,000-square-foot studio equipped with solar panels could potentially save up to $2 million annually in energy expenses.

The use of solar energy in film production is not just about cost savings; it also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Solar-powered studios can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This approach complements Nevada’s efforts to promote renewable energy and can set a new standard for sustainable practices in the entertainment industry.

Case Studies and Predictions

Several successful examples of solar-powered studios can provide insight into the potential benefits for Nevada. For instance, the Solar Studios in Los Angeles, a leading example of solar integration in media production, has achieved up to 40% reduction in energy expenses through its solar installations. This model demonstrates the financial and environmental advantages of incorporating solar energy into production facilities.

Nevada’s move towards solar integration could lead to similar outcomes, potentially influencing other regions and studios to adopt sustainable practices. Predictions suggest that with widespread adoption of solar technology, Nevada could see a significant increase in both energy efficiency and cost savings across its film industry.

Sony vs. Warner Bros.: The Battle for Nevada’s Film Industry and Its Solar Implications

Studio Showdown: Sony vs. Warner Bros.

The competition between Sony and Warner Bros. for state funding to establish major film production facilities in Las Vegas is a high-stakes battle with significant implications for Nevada’s film and solar sectors. Sony’s proposal involves a $500 million investment in a new studio complex, while Warner Bros. is proposing a more ambitious $750 million development.

Potential Impact on Solar Investments

The outcome of this competition will have a profound impact on Nevada’s solar infrastructure. If Warner Bros. wins the bid, it could drive increased solar adoption in the region. The studio’s proposed development includes plans for extensive solar panel installations, potentially enhancing Nevada’s solar capacity by an additional 200 MW. Sony’s project, while smaller, may also contribute to the growth of solar energy in the state.

The competition highlights the intersection of film production and renewable energy, underscoring the potential for solar technology to play a central role in Nevada’s entertainment industry. The decision of which studio to fund will influence the state’s future investments in both sectors and shape its role in the global film and solar markets.

Legislative Moves: Shaping Nevada’s Solar and Film Future

The Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act

The upcoming Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act, scheduled for introduction in the 2025 Legislative Session, will play a crucial role in shaping the state’s film and solar industries. This act is expected to provide significant incentives for both sectors, including tax credits, grants, and subsidies.

Key Provisions:

Tax credits for film production and solar energy investments.

Grants for educational and vocational training in media production.

Subsidies for renewable energy projects associated with film studios.

Future Outlook and Predictions

The successful passage of the Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act could drive substantial growth in the state’s film and solar industries. Predictions suggest that with the right policies, Nevada could see an additional $3 billion in investments and 10,000 new jobs over the next decade. This growth would not only enhance the state’s economic prospects but also solidify its position as a leader in sustainable entertainment and renewable energy.

A Brighter Tomorrow: Nevada’s Vision for a Sustainable and Thriving Future

Summary

Nevada’s bold investments in solar energy and film production are not merely reshaping its economic landscape—they are forging a path toward a future where innovation and sustainability are intertwined. By championing these two dynamic sectors, Nevada is setting an extraordinary example of how a state can lead the way in both environmental stewardship and creative excellence. The convergence of solar power and media production is creating a unique synergy that offers profound benefits for the state and beyond.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

As Nevada strides forward with its ambitious vision, it’s crucial for stakeholders—from policymakers and investors to local communities and businesses—to actively support and engage with these transformative initiatives. The state’s commitment to expanding its solar capacity and building a world-class film production hub not only promises substantial economic growth but also represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and vibrant future.

The growth of Nevada’s solar industry is a testament to the power of renewable energy to drive both environmental and economic progress. With over 3,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity and thousands of new jobs created, Nevada is proving that sustainable energy solutions are not only feasible but also highly beneficial. This is an opportunity for other states and regions to take note and follow suit, embracing solar energy as a cornerstone of their own economic and environmental strategies.

Similarly, the Nevada Studios Campus stands as a beacon of what is possible when a state invests in its creative potential. The $1 billion development is poised to attract top-tier productions, generate thousands of jobs, and provide unparalleled opportunities for local talent. This ambitious project is more than just a facility; it’s a symbol of Nevada’s dedication to nurturing a flourishing entertainment industry that will have a lasting impact on the region’s cultural and economic landscape.

In conclusion, Nevada’s dual focus on solar energy and media production offers a compelling model for future growth and sustainability. As residents, businesses, and leaders, we have a collective responsibility to support these initiatives and contribute to the state’s ongoing transformation. By investing in and championing these sectors, we can help build a brighter, more sustainable future for Nevada, set a powerful example for others, and ensure that our legacy is one of innovation, prosperity, and environmental stewardship. Let us all be part of this transformative journey and work together to achieve a future where both our economy and our planet thrive.

References

Nevada Solar Energy Overview:

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). (2024). Nevada Solar Industry Data. Retrieved from SEIA

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2024). Solar Energy Technologies Office: Nevada. Retrieved from DOE

Economic Impact of Solar Energy in Nevada:

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). (2024). Economic Impact of Solar Energy in Nevada. Retrieved from SEIA

Nevada Studios Campus Details:

UNLV Research Foundation. (2024). Nevada Studios Campus Overview. Retrieved from UNLV

UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. (2024). Statement on Nevada Studios Campus. Retrieved from UNLV News

Historical and Future Projections of Solar Growth:

Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). (2024). Global Solar Market Outlook. Retrieved from BNEF

Film Industry Trends and Economic Contributions:

FilmLA. (2024). Annual Film Industry Report. Retrieved from FilmLA

Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy Policy:

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2024). Renewable Energy Policy and Investment. Retrieved from IRENA

Community and Economic Benefits of Solar and Film Industries:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2024). Economic Impacts of Renewable Energy. Retrieved from NREL

Entertainment Industry Foundation. (2024). Economic Impact of Film and Television Production. Retrieved from EIF

Additional Reports and Data:

Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy. (2024). Nevada Energy Statistics. Retrieved from Nevada Governor’s Office

Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2024). Latest Developments in Nevada’s Film Industry. Retrieved from Las Vegas Review-Journal

[marzipanandminutiae]

so wait

the green energy parts of the Inflation Reduction Act have brought tons of jobs and money to mostly Republican districts?

and as a result, Republicans will pressure Trump not to gut those aspects of the law?

I am. cackling.

(I mean the man's a loose cannon, so god knows if he'll actually listen. but climate is my biggest worry with this administration, so this gives me a sliver of hope)

(that and him having made Mr. Electric Car Magnate his crony, so he's had to walk back negative statements about those, too)

[reasonsforhope]

"India’s announcement that it aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and to meet fifty percent of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030 is a hugely significant moment for the global fight against climate change. India is pioneering a new model of economic development that could avoid the carbon-intensive approaches that many countries have pursued in the past – and provide a blueprint for other developing economies.

The scale of transformation in India is stunning. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world over the past two decades, lifting of millions of people out of poverty. Every year, India adds a city the size of London to its urban population, involving vast construction of new buildings, factories and transportation networks. Coal and oil have so far served as bedrocks of India’s industrial growth and modernisation, giving a rising number of Indian people access to modern energy services. This includes adding new electricity connections for 50 million citizens each year over the past decade. 

The rapid growth in fossil energy consumption has also meant India’s annual CO2 emissions have risen to become the third highest in the world. However, India’s CO2 emissions per person put it near the bottom of the world’s emitters, and they are lower still if you consider historical emissions per person. The same is true of energy consumption: the average household in India consumes a tenth as much electricity as the average household in the United States.  

India’s sheer size and its huge scope for growth means that its energy demand is set to grow by more than that of any other country in the coming decades. In a pathway to net zero emissions by 2070, we estimate that most of the growth in energy demand this decade would already have to be met with low-carbon energy sources. It therefore makes sense that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced more ambitious targets for 2030, including installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, reducing the emissions intensity of its economy by 45%, and reducing a billion tonnes of CO2. 

These targets are formidable, but the good news is that the clean energy transition in India is already well underway. It has overachieved its commitment made at COP 21- Paris Summit [a.k.a. 2015, at the same conference that produced the Paris Agreement] by already meeting 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels- almost nine years ahead of its commitment, and the share of solar and wind in India’s energy mix have grown phenomenally. Owing to technological developments, steady policy support, and a vibrant private sector, solar power plants are cheaper to build than coal ones. Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026...

Subsidies for petrol and diesel were removed in the early 2010s, and subsidies for electric vehicles were introduced in 2019. India’s robust energy efficiency programme has been successful in reducing energy use and emissions from buildings, transport and major industries. Government efforts to provide millions of households with fuel gas for cooking and heating are enabling a steady transition away from the use of traditional biomass such as burning wood. India is also laying the groundwork to scale up important emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, and low-carbon steel, cement and fertilisers..."

-via IEA (International Energy Agency), January 10, 2022

Note: And since that's a little old, here's an update to show that progress is still going strong:

-via Economic Times: EnergyWorld, March 10, 2023

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Real innovation vs Silicon Valley nonsense

This is the LAST DAY to get my bestselling solarpunk utopian novel THE LOST CAUSE (2023) as a $2.99, DRM-free ebook!

If there was any area where we needed a lot of "innovation," it's in climate tech. We've already blown through numerous points-of-no-return for a habitable Earth, and the pace is accelerating.

Silicon Valley claims to be the epicenter of American innovation, but what passes for innovation in Silicon Valley is some combination of nonsense, climate-wrecking tech, and climate-wrecking nonsense tech. Forget Jeff Hammerbacher's lament about "the best minds of my generation thinking about how to make people click ads." Today's best-paid, best-trained technologists are enlisted to making boobytrapped IoT gadgets:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/24/record-scratch/#autoenshittification

Planet-destroying cryptocurrency scams:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/15/your-new-first-name/#that-dagger-tho

NFT frauds:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/06/crypto-copyright-%f0%9f%a4%a1%f0%9f%92%a9/

Or planet-destroying AI frauds:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/29/pay-no-attention/#to-the-little-man-behind-the-curtain

If that was the best "innovation" the human race had to offer, we'd be fucking doomed.

But – as Ryan Cooper writes for The American Prospect – there's a far more dynamic, consequential, useful and exciting innovation revolution underway, thanks to muscular public spending on climate tech:

https://prospect.org/environment/2024-05-30-green-energy-revolution-real-innovation/

The green energy revolution – funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act and the Science Act – is accomplishing amazing feats, which are barely registering amid the clamor of AI nonsense and other hype. I did an interview a while ago about my climate novel The Lost Cause and the interviewer wanted to know what role AI would play in resolving the climate emergency. I was momentarily speechless, then I said, "Well, I guess maybe all the energy used to train and operate models could make it much worse? What role do you think it could play?" The interviewer had no answer.

Here's brief tour of the revolution:

2023 saw 32GW of new solar energy come online in the USA (up 50% from 2022);

Wind increased from 118GW to 141GW;

Grid-scale batteries doubled in 2023 and will double again in 2024;

EV sales increased from 20,000 to 90,000/month.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2023/12/19/building-a-thriving-clean-energy-economy-in-2023-and-beyond/

The cost of clean energy is plummeting, and that's triggering other areas of innovation, like using "hot rocks" to replace fossil fuel heat (25% of overall US energy consumption):

https://rondo.com/products

Increasing our access to cheap, clean energy will require a lot of materials, and material production is very carbon intensive. Luckily, the existing supply of cheap, clean energy is fueling "green steel" production experiments:

https://www.wdam.com/2024/03/25/americas-1st-green-steel-plant-coming-perry-county-1b-federal-investment/

Cheap, clean energy also makes it possible to recover valuable minerals from aluminum production tailings, a process that doubles as site-remediation:

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/toxic-red-mud-co2-free-iron

And while all this electrification is going to require grid upgrades, there's lots we can do with our existing grid, like power-line automation that increases capacity by 40%:

https://www.npr.org/2023/08/13/1187620367/power-grid-enhancing-technologies-climate-change

It's also going to require a lot of storage, which is why it's so exciting that we're figuring out how to turn decommissioned mines into giant batteries. During the day, excess renewable energy is channeled into raising rock-laden platforms to the top of the mine-shafts, and at night, these unspool, releasing energy that's fed into the high-availability power-lines that are already present at every mine-site:

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/02/06/this-disused-mine-in-finland-is-being-turned-into-a-gravity-battery-to-store-renewable-ene

Why are we paying so much attention to Silicon Valley pump-and-dumps and ignoring all this incredible, potentially planet-saving, real innovation? Cooper cites a plausible explanation from the Apperceptive newsletter:

https://buttondown.email/apperceptive/archive/destructive-investing-and-the-siren-song-of/

Silicon Valley is the land of low-capital, low-labor growth. Software development requires fewer people than infrastructure and hard goods manufacturing, both to get started and to run as an ongoing operation. Silicon Valley is the place where you get rich without creating jobs. It's run by investors who hate the idea of paying people. That's why AI is so exciting for Silicon Valley types: it lets them fantasize about making humans obsolete. A company without employees is a company without labor issues, without messy co-determination fights, without any moral consideration for others. It's the natural progression for an industry that started by misclassifying the workers in its buildings as "contractors," and then graduated to pretending that millions of workers were actually "independent small businesses."

It's also the natural next step for an industry that hates workers so much that it will pretend that their work is being done by robots, and then outsource the labor itself to distant Indian call-centers (no wonder Indian techies joke that "AI" stands for "absent Indians"):

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/17/fake-it-until-you-dont-make-it/#twenty-one-seconds

Contrast this with climate tech: this is a profoundly physical kind of technology. It is labor intensive. It is skilled. The workers who perform it have power, both because they are so far from their employers' direct oversight and because these fed-funded sectors are more likely to be unionized than Silicon Valley shops. Moreover, climate tech is capital intensive. All of those workers are out there moving stuff around: solar panels, wires, batteries.

Climate tech is infrastructural. As Deb Chachra writes in her must-read 2023 book How Infrastructure Works, infrastructure is a gift we give to our descendants. Infrastructure projects rarely pay for themselves during the lives of the people who decide to build them:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/17/care-work/#charismatic-megaprojects

Climate tech also produces gigantic, diffused, uncapturable benefits. The "social cost of carbon" is a measure that seeks to capture how much we all pay as polluters despoil our shared world. It includes the direct health impacts of burning fossil fuels, and the indirect costs of wildfires and extreme weather events. The "social savings" of climate tech are massive:

https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/05/climate-and-health-benefits-of-wind-and-solar-dwarf-all-subsidies/

For every MWh of renewable power produced, we save $100 in social carbon costs. That's $100 worth of people not sickening and dying from pollution, $100 worth of homes and habitats not burning down or disappearing under floodwaters. All told, US renewables have delivered $250,000,000,000 (one quarter of one trillion dollars) in social carbon savings over the past four years:

https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/05/climate-and-health-benefits-of-wind-and-solar-dwarf-all-subsidies/

In other words, climate tech is unselfish tech. It's a gift to the future and to the broad public. It shares its spoils with workers. It requires public action. By contrast, Silicon Valley is greedy tech that is relentlessly focused on the shortest-term returns that can be extracted with the least share going to labor. It also requires massive public investment, but it also totally committed to giving as little back to the public as is possible.

No wonder America's richest and most powerful people are lining up to endorse and fund Trump:

https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-05-30-democracy-deshmocracy-mega-financiers-flocking-to-trump/

Silicon Valley epitomizes Stafford Beer's motto that "the purpose of a system is what it does." If Silicon Valley produces nothing but planet-wrecking nonsense, grifty scams, and planet-wrecking, nonsensical scams, then these are all features of the tech sector, not bugs.

As Anil Dash writes:

Driving change requires us to make the machine want something else. If the purpose of a system is what it does, and we don’t like what it does, then we have to change the system.

https://www.anildash.com/2024/05/29/systems-the-purpose-of-a-system/

To give climate tech the attention, excitement, and political will it deserves, we need to recalibrate our understanding of the world. We need to have object permanence. We need to remember just how few people were actually using cryptocurrency during the bubble and apply that understanding to AI hype. Only 2% of Britons surveyed in a recent study use AI tools:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c511x4g7x7jo

If we want our tech companies to do good, we have to understand that their ground state is to create planet-wrecking nonsense, grifty scams, and planet-wrecking, nonsensical scams. We need to make these companies small enough to fail, small enough to jail, and small enough to care:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/04/teach-me-how-to-shruggie/#kagi

We need to hold companies responsible, and we need to change the microeconomics of the board room, to make it easier for tech workers who want to do good to shout down the scammers, nonsense-peddlers and grifters:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/microincentives-and-enshittification/

Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the FTC could hold Amazon executives personally liable for the decision to trick people into signing up for Prime, and for making the unsubscribe-from-Prime process into a Kafka-as-a-service nightmare:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/amazon-execs-may-be-personally-liable-for-tricking-users-into-prime-sign-ups/

Imagine how powerful a precedent this could set. The Amazon employees who vociferously objected to their bosses' decision to make Prime as confusing as possible could have raised the objection that doing this could end up personally costing those bosses millions of dollars in fines:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/03/big-tech-cant-stop-telling-on-itself/

We need to make climate tech, not Big Tech, the center of our scrutiny and will. The climate emergency is so terrifying as to be nearly unponderable. Science fiction writers are increasingly being called upon to try to frame this incomprehensible risk in human terms. SF writer (and biologist) Peter Watts's conversation with evolutionary biologist Dan Brooks is an eye-opener:

https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-collapse-is-coming-will-humanity-adapt/

They draw a distinction between "sustainability" meaning "what kind of technological fixes can we come up with that will allow us to continue to do business as usual without paying a penalty for it?" and sustainability meaning, "what changes in behavior will allow us to save ourselves with the technology that is possible?"

Writing about the Watts/Brooks dialog for Naked Capitalism, Yves Smith invokes William Gibson's The Peripheral:

With everything stumbling deeper into a ditch of shit, history itself become a slaughterhouse, science had started popping. Not all at once, no one big heroic thing, but there were cleaner, cheaper energy sources, more effective ways to get carbon out of the air, new drugs that did what antibiotics had done before…. Ways to print food that required much less in the way of actual food to begin with. So everything, however deeply fucked in general, was lit increasingly by the new, by things that made people blink and sit up, but then the rest of it would just go on, deeper into the ditch. A progress accompanied by constant violence, he said, by sufferings unimaginable.

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2024/05/preparing-for-collapse-why-the-focus-on-climate-energy-sustainability-is-destructive.html

Gibson doesn't think this is likely, mind, and even if it's attainable, it will come amidst "unimaginable suffering."

But the universe of possible technologies is quite large. As Chachra points out in How Infrastructure Works, we could give every person on Earth a Canadian's energy budget (like an American's, but colder), by capturing a mere 0.4% of the solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface every day. Doing this will require heroic amounts of material and labor, especially if we're going to do it without destroying the planet through material extraction and manufacturing.

These are the questions that we should be concerning ourselves with: what behavioral changes will allow us to realize cheap, abundant, green energy? What "innovations" will our society need to focus on the things we need, rather than the scams and nonsense that creates Silicon Valley fortunes?

How can we use planning, and solidarity, and codetermination to usher in the kind of tech that makes it possible for us to get through the climate bottleneck with as little death and destruction as possible? How can we use enforcement, discernment, and labor rights to thwart the enshittificatory impulses of Silicon Valley's biggest assholes?

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/30/posiwid/#social-cost-of-carbon

[thunder-shadow]

.

[thoughtportal]

I cannot recommend this podcast interview with Cory Docotorow enough. It's about so much more than green tech and enshittification. anyone who uses the internet should listen.

[economicsresearch]

page 574 - if the frame is removed and all you have is the frame's shadow can you read back the frame's size, the day, the year, the time, the cloud cover?

Angle and intensity as revelation and time travel.

[cognitivejustice]

Nestled within southern Thailand’s mangrove-rich but fast-developing Phang Nga Bay, the village of Ban Nai Nang has developed a mangrove conservation model based on beekeeping.

By rearing colonies of native honey bees and stingless bees that are important pollinators of local mangrove trees, the villagers earn money from honey sales, which in turn fund their community mangrove conservation efforts.

Since they began their beekeeping and conservation activities, they’ve observed signs of rejuvenation in their local mangrove forests and are now helping neighboring villages to follow their conservation model through training and mentorship.

Community-led approaches to mangrove restoration are increasingly recognized as more effective than many state- or market-driven initiatives in terms of both ecological and economic outcomes.

[msclaritea]

WHO IS THANOS?

I knew he was a genocidal maniac, and a Rightwing symbol, especially after seeing trolls repeat, and nauseum, for years that "THANOS WAS RIGHT! THANOS WAS RIGHT!"

But even knowing most characters in Marvel are based on old myths, I didn't dwell on it. Until yesterday, when I saw this:

Wolf imagery. The video posted was full of wolves. That's when I decided to look closer. Playing around with the letters in the name, I first stopped on SONTHA, which is both Hindu and the name of one family from Ayrshire, Scotland.

But then, I tried SONATH, and bingo:

The name Somnath is of Indian origin, specifically from Sanskrit. It is derived from the combination of two words: "Soma," meaning moon, and "Nath," meaning lord or protector. Therefore, Somnath can be interpreted as "Lord of the Moon" or "Protector of the Moon."

https://parenting.firstcry.com › mea...

BUT SOMNATH IS ALSO THE NAME FOR LORD SHIVA, GOD OF DEATH, DESTRUCTION. AND THE CONQUERER OF TIME.

Thanos is basically a Dropped Letter Cypher.

"Symbolism of Wolves in Hinduism

Jackals, however, are associated with certain fierce deities like Bhairava (Shiva), Kāli, and Tara. Most of the time they are shown in the ..."

I spoke with Aeltrileaf about all of this. Well, we had a long discussion. She believed Thanos to be based on Thanatos, the Hindu equivalent of Yama, God of Death:

Thanatos, in ancient Greek religion and mythology, the personification of death. Thanatos was the son of Nyx, the goddess of night, and the brother of Hypnos, the god of sleep. He appeared to humans to carry them off to the underworld when the time allotted to them by the Fates had expired.

https://www.britannica.com › topic

Thanatos | Death, Personification & God - Britannica

My personal choice was still Shiva, due to other similarities...the Purple, the Wolves, etc. I did acknowledge that the Hindu and Greek might be related. It's too much of a coincidence that Thanatos is associated with Night and sleep and SOMNATH is too. Aeltrileaf hit on it, saying that Greek is Indo-European, so if you go back far enough, there is overlap. I think at some point, Thanatos got reversed to Somnath, or vice versa.

She said, "The Babylonian equivalent of Soma was called SIN, also a 🌙 deity." The deities are intertwined:

It's basically all Death Cult stuff. Now, who exactly were they advertising, while pushing Thanos, AGAIN, just last night:

Scientology has been bending over backwards, to rehabilitate Jonathan Majors, just so he doesn't lose the Kang role. Also spammed under Thanos was Homelander, The Joker, Darth Vader., and of course, Scarlet Witch. I've said for a long time, the rule of thumb with these groups is relentlessly advertising who they control, or are associated with, under certain tags.

You know, IF Thanos makes some sort of comeback in the upcoming round of Marvel films, fine. But people should be aware of what inspired him.

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Saules parks ar kopējo platību 3 ha tika izveidots ieguldot 1,6 miljonus eiro, piesaistot papildus finansējumu no Swedbank. Saules parka kopējā jauda spēj sasniegt 1,2 MW, projekta realizācijai tika izvēlēts sadarbības partneris būvuzņēmums Ditra Networks SIA. Jaunais saules parks tika nodots ekspluatācijā šī gada oktobrī(..)

Industrial park NORDO opens a new solar park on an area of ​​3 ha

The solar park with a total area of ​​3 ha was created by investing 1.6 million euros, attracting additional financing from Swedbank. The total capacity of the solar park can reach 1.2 MW, the cooperation partner construction company Ditra Networks SIA was chosen for the implementation of the project. The new solar park was commissioned in October this year(..)

P.S. Good news: Latvia is rapidly reducing its dependence on fossil fuel and electricity imports...! New industrial-scale solar parks are being built one after the other at a very fast pace...

[marthashlyn3]

🌺Hibiscus Times Daily🌺

The constant change in air quality and audio, in this reality, is dependent on me.

Let us include some overlays for visuals

Yes.

[ultra-unlimited]

The Solar Revolution: Powering America's Economic Renaissance

As America stands on the precipice of a new energy era, solar power is emerging as the beacon of economic rejuvenation and sustainable growth. This white paper delves into the transformative economics of solar energy, unveiling how this once-niche technology is now the cornerstone of a nationwide prosperity boom. From Main Street to Wall Street, solar panels are not just changing skylines—they're rewriting the rules of energy economics and paving the way for unprecedented financial opportunities.

The Dawn of the Solar Age

Remember when "going solar" was the rallying cry of eco-warriors and off-grid enthusiasts? Those days are as distant as the rotary phone. In 2024, solar energy has muscled its way into the economic mainstream, flexing financial benefits that would make even the most hardened Wall Street analyst sit up and take notice.

The numbers don't lie, and they're positively glowing: the U.S. solar market is projected to triple in size over the next five years, with annual installations reaching 72 GW by 2028. That's not just growth; that's a solar tsunami ready to wash away outdated notions of energy economics.

By the Numbers: Solar's Statistical Supernova

For the data devotees and number crunchers, here's a deep dive into the solar industry's most illuminating figures. Prepare to be dazzled by the digits defining the solar revolution:

The Price is Right: Solar's Plummeting Costs

89%: The jaw-dropping decrease in the average cost of large-scale solar projects since 2010. That's steeper than Bitcoin's most dramatic crashes! [6]

$0.94/watt: The current average cost for utility-scale solar installations. Remember when that wouldn't even buy you a gumball? [4]

20%: The projected further decrease in solar PV system costs by 2025. Solar's on a diet, and the pounds keep dropping! [8]

Power Play: Generation and Capacity

4.5%: The share of U.S. electricity generated by solar in 2022. Small? That's more than double what it was just five years ago! [1]

173.6 GW: Total operating solar capacity in the U.S. as of Q3 2023. That's enough to power 30 million homes, or roughly every home in Texas and California combined! [1]

6,293%: The mind-boggling increase in total installed solar capacity from 2010 to 2022. If only your 401(k) grew that fast! [1]

Job Market Jolt: Employment in Solar

263,883: The number of solar workers in the U.S. in 2022. That's more people than the entire population of Orlando, Florida! [5]

48%: The percentage of solar workers who are women, people of color, or veterans. Solar's workforce is as diverse as a bag of Skittles! [5]

$63,000: Median wage for solar installers with 5+ years of experience. Not too shabby for a job where your office has the best view in town! [3]

Efficiency Explosion: Technological Advancements

22.8%: The record efficiency for commercial silicon solar cells in 2023. We're squeezing more juice out of every sunbeam! [4]

47%: The mind-bending efficiency achieved in lab tests for multi-junction solar cells. That's higher than the efficiency of most politicians! [8]

35 years: The projected lifespan of modern solar panels. They'll outlast your mortgage and probably your midlife crisis too! [4]

Global Gauntlet: International Solar Race

1,585 GW: The projected global solar capacity by 2028. That's like adding a new Texas-sized solar farm every year for the next five years! [12]

60%: The share of global renewable capacity growth expected to come from solar PV by 2028. Solar's leaving wind and hydro in the dust! [12]

3: The number of hours it takes for the sun to provide as much energy as all of humanity uses in a year. Talk about overachieving! [7]

Recycling Revolution: Circular Economy of Solar

78 million tonnes: The projected amount of cumulative solar panel waste by 2050. That's the weight of about 780 cruise ships! [13]

95%: The percentage of solar panel components that can be recycled. These panels are getting more lives than a cat! [13]

$15 billion: The estimated value of recoverable materials from solar panel recycling by 2050. Urban mining, here we come! [13]

Storage Surge: Batteries Joining the Party

78%: The decrease in lithium-ion battery pack prices since 2010. They're getting cheaper faster than you can say "gigafactory"! [7]

1,400 GWh: Projected global energy storage deployment by 2030. That's enough to keep Netflix running for the entire U.S. population for about 2 months straight! [7]

Investment Inferno: Money Pouring into Solar

$380 billion: Global investment in solar energy in 2022. That's more than the GDP of Denmark! [6]

24%: The compound annual growth rate of the solar industry from 2015 to 2022. Eat your heart out, tech stocks! [1]

$1.2 trillion: Projected cumulative solar investment in the U.S. from 2023 to 2035, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Uncle Sam's gone solar shopping! [8]

These numbers paint a picture of an industry that's not just growing—it's exploding like a supernova. Solar energy is rewriting the rules of the energy game, one dazzling statistic at a time. So the next time someone tells you solar is just a passing fad, hit them with these numbers. They pack more punch than a solar flare!

The Homeowner's Goldmine: Solar Panels as Personal Power Plants

Slashing Bills and Boosting Property Values

For the average American homeowner, solar panels have transformed from a quirky home addition to a must-have financial asset. Let's break it down in dollars and sense:

The average 6kW solar system costs around $12,700 after federal tax credits.

Annual electricity savings? A cool $1,500 on average.

Payback period? As short as 6.4 years in sun-soaked states.

But here's where it gets really interesting. Homes with solar panels are selling for a premium of 4.1% more than their non-solar counterparts. On a median-priced home of $400,000, that's an extra $16,400 in your pocket when it's time to sell. Talk about a sunny outlook for your property value!

The New Suburban Status Symbol

Forget the luxury car in the driveway. The real status symbol of 2024 is the sleek array of solar panels on your roof. It's not just about keeping up with the Joneses anymore—it's about outshining them, literally.

"I installed solar panels last year, and my neighbors couldn't stop asking about them," says Sarah Thompson, a homeowner in Phoenix. "Now, half the block has gone solar. It's like a friendly competition to see who can get their meter spinning backward the fastest."

Businesses Seeing the Light: Solar as a Competitive Edge

From Cost Center to Profit Driver

For businesses, solar energy is no longer just about corporate social responsibility—it's a hardcore business strategy. Companies are realizing that solar installations are less of a cost and more of an investment with returns that would make any CFO giddy.

Consider these game-changing stats:

Commercial solar installations have seen a 65% drop in cost over the past decade.

Businesses are reporting energy savings of up to 75% after going solar.

The average payback period for commercial solar systems has shrunk to just 3-5 years.

Case Study: Solar-Powered Profits

Take the case of Sunshine Brewing Co., a mid-sized craft brewery in Colorado. After installing a 200kW solar system, they saw their monthly energy bills plummet from $5,000 to a mere $500. The $400,000 installation paid for itself in just four years, and now the company is using its solar savings to fund expansion plans.

"Going solar was the best business decision we ever made," says Jake Miller, Sunshine Brewing's CEO. "We're saving money, attracting environmentally conscious customers, and we've even started marketing our beer as 'sun-brewed.' It's been a game-changer for our brand."

Nonprofits and Solar: A Match Made in Heaven

Turning Sunlight into Social Impact

Nonprofits are discovering that solar energy isn't just good for the planet—it's a financial lifeline. By slashing energy costs, these organizations can redirect funds to their core missions, amplifying their social impact.

Nonprofits can take advantage of unique financing options like power purchase agreements (PPAs) that require zero upfront costs.

Solar installations on nonprofit buildings are seeing average energy savings of 50-75%.

Some nonprofits are even generating revenue by selling excess solar power back to the grid.

Spotlight: The Solar-Powered Shelter

Hope Haven, a homeless shelter in Atlanta, installed a 50kW solar system through a PPA. The result? They're saving $10,000 annually on energy costs—money that now goes directly to providing more beds and services for those in need.

"Solar energy has allowed us to do more with less," says Maria Rodriguez, Hope Haven's director. "Every dollar we save on electricity is a dollar we can spend on changing lives."

The Macroeconomic Impact: Solar's Ripple Effect

Job Creation: The Solar Employment Boom

The solar industry isn't just changing how we power our homes and businesses—it's powering up the job market. In 2023, the solar sector employed over 255,000 Americans, with job growth outpacing the overall economy by 167%.

These aren't just any jobs. We're talking about high-quality, well-paying positions that span the spectrum from blue-collar to white-collar:

Solar installers (median salary: $47,670)

Electrical engineers (median salary: $103,390)

Sales representatives (median salary: $61,660)

Economic Resilience: Weathering Storms with Solar

Solar energy is proving to be more than just a fair-weather friend to the economy. It's a bulwark against economic volatility:

During the 2020 economic downturn, the solar industry showed remarkable resilience, contracting by only 2% compared to the broader energy sector's 5% decline.

States with higher solar adoption rates have shown greater economic stability during energy price fluctuations.

The Investment Landscape: Wall Street's New Darling

Solar Stocks: The High-Voltage Performers

For investors, solar energy stocks have become the high-voltage performers of the market. The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) has outperformed the S&P 500 by a staggering 131% over the past five years.

Individual solar companies are seeing even more dramatic gains:

Enphase Energy (ENPH): Up 2,330% in 5 years

SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG): Up 745% in 5 years

"Solar stocks are the new tech stocks," says Mika Chang, a senior analyst at Sunburst Capital. "We're seeing the kind of growth and disruption that we saw with internet companies in the late '90s, but with a much more solid foundation."

Venture Capital: Betting Big on Solar Innovation

Venture capital is pouring into solar startups at an unprecedented rate. In 2023, solar tech companies raised over $5 billion in VC funding, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Hot areas for investment include:

Perovskite solar cells (promising efficiency gains of up to 50%)

AI-driven solar farm optimization

Innovative energy storage solutions

Policy Tailwinds: How Legislation is Supercharging Solar Economics

The Inflation Reduction Act: A Game-Changer for Solar

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has been nothing short of revolutionary for the solar industry. Key provisions include:

Extension of the 30% federal tax credit for solar installations through 2032

$60 billion in incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar components

Additional incentives for low-income and tribal communities to adopt solar

These policies aren't just feel-good measures—they're rocket fuel for the solar economy. Projections suggest that the IRA could lead to a 66% increase in solar deployment over the next decade compared to previous forecasts.

Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the Solar Frontier

Grid Integration: Solving the Intermittency Puzzle

As solar adoption skyrockets, grid integration becomes a critical challenge. The intermittent nature of solar power requires innovative solutions:

Battery storage technologies are advancing rapidly, with costs dropping by 89% since 2010.

Smart grid technologies are enabling more efficient distribution of solar-generated electricity.

Demand response programs are aligning energy consumption with peak solar production times.

Recycling and Sustainability: Closing the Loop

With the first generation of solar panels nearing the end of their lifespan, recycling presents both a challenge and an opportunity:

The solar panel recycling market is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030.

Innovative companies are developing processes to recover up to 95% of materials from old solar panels.

The Solar-Powered American Dream

As we stand in 2024, looking out at a landscape increasingly dotted with solar panels, it's clear that we're witnessing more than just an energy transition—we're seeing the dawn of a new American economic era.

Solar energy is not just changing how we power our homes and businesses; it's rewiring the very fabric of our economy. It's creating jobs, driving innovation, and opening up new avenues for financial growth and stability.

From the homeowner seeing their property value skyrocket to the investor riding the wave of solar stocks, from the nonprofit stretching their budget further to the entrepreneur launching the next big solar startup—solar energy is proving to be the great economic equalizer of our time.

The numbers don't lie: solar is no longer the future. It's the now. And for those ready to seize the opportunity, the forecast is nothing but sunny.

Harness the Sun: Your Path to Energy Independence

After diving deep into the numbers and exploring the solar revolution reshaping America's energy landscape, one thing is crystal clear: the time to go solar is now. But what does this mean for you, the homeowner? Let's break it down:

Why Residential Solar is a No-Brainer

Slash Your Energy Bills: With average annual savings of $1,500 on electricity costs, solar panels start paying for themselves from day one [1].

Boost Your Home's Value: Homes with solar installations sell for 4.1% more on average. On a $400,000 home, that's a $16,400 boost! [2]

Lock In Energy Costs: While utility rates continue to climb, your solar energy costs remain stable. It's like freezing gas prices at 1990s levels!

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: The average residential solar system offsets the equivalent of 178 tons of CO2 over 30 years. That's like planting 4,000 trees! [11]

Take Advantage of Incentives: With the 30% federal tax credit extended through 2032, there's never been a better time to invest in solar [14].

Making the Switch: Easier Than You Think

Going solar isn't just for tech gurus or environmental activists. The process has become streamlined and accessible to all homeowners. Here's what you can expect:

Custom Design: Solar experts will assess your home's unique energy needs and design a system tailored just for you.

Flexible Financing: From outright purchases to solar loans and leases, there's a financial solution to fit every budget.

Swift Installation: Most residential installations are completed in just 1-3 days. It's faster than a kitchen remodel and a lot less messy!

Minimal Maintenance: With no moving parts, solar panels are incredibly low-maintenance. A little rain is usually all the cleaning they need.

Long-Term Reliability: With warranties typically lasting 25 years or more, your solar investment is protected for the long haul.

Your Next Step: Free Solar Consultation

Ready to join the solar revolution and start saving? The path to energy independence begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. Our solar experts are standing by to:

Assess your home's solar potential

Provide a custom system design

Explain available financing options

Estimate your long-term savings

Don't let another sunny day go to waste. Take control of your energy future today

The future is bright. The future is solar. Don't be left in the dark!

References

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). (2023). U.S. Solar Market Insight. Retrieved from https://www.seia.org/us-solar-market-insight

Zillow Research. (2019). Homes With Solar Panels Sell for 4.1% More. Retrieved from https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Solar Photovoltaic Installers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2023). U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmark: Q1 2023. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/84667.pdf

The Solar Foundation. (2023). National Solar Jobs Census 2022. Retrieved from https://irecusa.org/programs/solar-jobs-census/

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org/Publications/2023/Jul/Renewable-Power-Generation-Costs-in-2022

BloombergNEF. (2023). New Energy Outlook 2023. Retrieved from https://about.bnef.com/new-energy-outlook/

U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Solar Futures Study. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-futures-study

Wood Mackenzie. (2023). U.S. Solar Market Insight 2022 Year in Review. Retrieved from https://www.woodmac.com/industry/power-and-renewables/us-solar-market-insight/

Lazard. (2022). Lazard's Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis - Version 15.0. Retrieved from https://www.lazard.com/perspective/levelized-cost-of-energy-levelized-cost-of-storage-and-levelized-cost-hydrogen/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Green Power Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/greenpower

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). Renewables 2023: Analysis and forecast to 2028. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023

Solar Power World. (2023). Solar panel recycling: How it works and why it's important. Retrieved from https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2023/04/solar-panel-recycling-how-it-works-and-why-its-important/

U.S. Department of Energy. (2022). Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2022 Report. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/solar-energy-technologies-office-fiscal-year-2022-report

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). (2022). The Economics of Clean Energy Resource Portfolios. Retrieved from https://rmi.org/insight/clean-energy-portfolios-pipeline-to-cleaner-cheaper-energy/

[man-and-atom]

A solar power plant that generates mostly at night?

Solar–heated steam plants are not fashionable, but a point greatly in their favor is that they can (to an extent) be made controllable. This saves a great deal of trouble and cost in storage and grid–stability measures and so on.

One reason they are not in fashion is that the funding mechanisms used for PV and wind projects (which are recondite, and frankly raise some real questions when examined closely) don’t really mesh well with a multi–year construction period, followed by a fairly large amount of power coming on the line all at once. This is also part of the reason for the interest in “small modular” nuclear power units, although every time you look, the definition of “small” has crept up again. Currently units of 300 MW, almost three times the output of Crescent Dunes, are being described as SMRs, which really strains credulity.

The account of the “teething troubles” at Crescent Dunes is instructive. All steam plants seem to suffer from them. The extreme quality standards enforced in the nuclear industry typically (although not always) keep these to a minimum ― for instance, the improper welding practices which caused trouble with the replacement hot–salt tank at Crescent Dunes would almost certainly have been caught long before the tank was put in service, if they happened at all.

As Augustin Shevchik of Czechoslovakia put it at the 1955 Geneva Conference, renewable energy “will always require voluminous equipment. The problems of utilizing nuclear power, on the contrary, are problems of high–quality equipment.”

[quotesfrommyreading]

For many decades, the American government has focused overwhelmingly on discovery rather than deployment. After World War II, Vannevar Bush, the architect of our thrillingly successful wartime tech policy, published an influential report, “Science: The Endless Frontier,” in which he counseled the federal government to grow its investment in basic research. And it did. Since the middle of the 20th century, America’s inflation-adjusted spending on science and technology, through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, has increased by a factor of 40.

But the government hasn’t matched that investment in the realm of implementation. This, too, was by design. Bush believed, with some reason, that politicians should not handpick nascent technologies to transform into new national industries. Better to advance the basic science and technology and let private companies—whose ears were closer to the ground—choose what to develop, and how.

You could say that we live in the world that Bush built. “The federal government, through NIH and NSF, pours billions into basic science and defense technology,” Daniel P. Gross, an economist at Duke University, told me. “But for civilian technology, there has been a view that Washington should fund the research and then get out of the way.”

As a result, many inventions languish in the so-called valley of death, where neither the government nor private ventures (risk-averse and possessed by relatively short time horizons) invest enough in the stages between discovery and commercialization. Take solar energy. In 1954, three American researchers at Bell Labs, the R&D wing of AT&T, built the first modern solar-cell prototype. By 1980, America was spending more on solar-energy research than any other country in the world. According to the Bush playbook, the U.S. was doing everything right. But we lost the technological edge on solar anyway, as Japan, Germany, and China used industrial policy to spur production—for example, by encouraging home builders to put solar panels on roofs. These tactics helped build the market and drove down the cost of solar power by several orders of magnitude—and by 90 percent in just the past 10 years.

  —  Why the Age of American Progress Ended

[economicsresearch]

page 574 - but where are the ropes' shadows? And what are the ropes attached to? Long story short I think I'm going on a date!

[teachanarchy]

The trillion dollar paradox - George Zaidan