New Eni-MIT Energy Center Focuses Solely on the Sun
Last week the Massachusetts Institute of Technology opened a new solar-energy research center. Named the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center, it is funded largely with a grant from Italian energy giant Eni. According to Boston.com, students and faculty will tackle problems such as how to put solar cells on flexible, inexpensive material such as paper; how to use water to store solar energy; and how to make solar panels more efficient.
Rebates Make Solar Power Possible for Commercial Rooftops in N.J., Ohio
In New Jersey, utilities are renting warehouse roofs in order to put solar electric panels on them. Last year, rooftop installations grew faster in New Jersey than in any other state, according to NJ.com. In the Midwest, small businesses such as Herb’s Body Shop in Marion, Ohio, are also putting solar panels on the roof.
With Lasers and Flyovers, a Solar Map of New York
A twin-engine plane has been flying back and forth over New York City in recent days, using lasers to create a highly accurate three-dimensional picture of the city from above. According to the New York Times, the emphasis is on structures, elevations, sun and shade, and nooks and crannies relevant to the city’s emergency response system and its environmental goals. Among other things, the city will use the imagery to identify buildings best suited for solar power.
Arizona Solar Installers Face Uncertainty With Incentives
After the Arizona Public Service Co. announced last week that it had run out of rebates for residential solar projects through October, and possibly into next year, the state’s solar-energy system installers face slower business, cost cutting or even an end to their businesses.
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