Perhaps I am biased. But in my limited perception, I tend to think solar enthusiasts are also more likely to be futurists. This is a post, with two videos (one edited version of another), for all of you solar futurists out there!
I think you already know and I cannot say/add enough good things about Elon Musk or Tesla. This past Tuesday, Elon Musk was interviewed by New China TV in Hong Kong, where he commented that Chinese Minister of Finance mentioned Tesla favorably in a recent speech, with regard to Tesla’s effort in making its patents open sourced so that any company in China or elsewhere can utilize these patents to create electric vehicles. He further commented that Solar Energy can easily power the whole of China, the most populated country on earth (2015 population data: China has 1,361,512,535 India has 1,251,695,584 United States has 321,368,864, etc.). Below, you will find this comment (top video) edited from the complete interview (bottom video):
This will be a terrific move for the planet earth! For if all of China and India will be converting their vehicles to electric vehicles sooner as a result of Tesla’s patents being shared, the industry charger (Tesla’s Supercharger Event) will be standardized much more quickly and the CO2 emission of the planet will be reduced at a much faster rate, slowing the rate of climate change. In this process, both China and India will have much cleaner environment. This will also translate into much cleaner planet earth.
For the complete interview where Elon Musk speaks about Tesla, sustainable energy, and Mars at the Venture Forum in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is the city where the most Tesla per capita (with the highest percentage of vehicles that is Tesla or electric vehicles any where in the world) and can function as the model for other high density cities to transform into sustainable transport future. Elon Musk further embellishes on the importance of focusing on creating products that would be loved by the customers. There are also discussions of: the future possibility in solving Beijing traffic issue via tunnel or flying cars; currently available supercharging station networks in China (such that people have driven from Beijing to Tibet in Tesla); upcoming affordable Tesla3 to be mainstream;whether rote educational format would be good for producing innovators;all new cars on the road will be autonomous within fifteen years; submmersible Tesla;pertonic ideal of a perfect car;how to supply Hong Kong with sufficient solar power;bringing human kind to Mars and enabling earthlings to become interplanetary beings and to be inspired and transcend beyond what is the current limit; anticipation of first flights to Mars by 2025; necessary high tolerance for pain if some one wants to try to build startup;brain computer interface at the neuron level (concept of brain internet). Ultimately, focusing on producing a product that is loved by consumers would help to insure the success of a startup. It’s an excellent interview that you don’t want to miss, below, enjoy:
For those of you who are entrepreneurs out there, the take-away is that: focusing on producing a product that is loved by consumers would help to insure the success of a startup.
Gathered, written, & posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any suggestions, concerns, questions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Homepage: http://www.sunisthefuture.net
For more on solar energy topics, please feel free to check into links below:
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on energy after a tour of a Solar Panel Field at the Copper Mountain Solar 1 Facility, the largest photovoltaic plant operating in the country with nearly one million solar panels powering 17,000 homes, in Boulder City, Nevada, March 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
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Yes, I’m well aware of what’s been happening in Nevada and can fully appreciate the frustration of solar folks out there. But I waited because I wanted to see the reaction of people from Nevada. I trust that there are sufficient number of people all over the country now who are in support of a clean environment and renewable future that there would be plenty of reactions about the recent decision of Nevada PUC (Public Utility Commission, the regulatory body that sets rules for the state’s electricity, gas, and water utilities). What I do not understand is how Nevada PUC reached the decision to cut net metering rates and increase the residential PV owner rate ($40 per month) payable to the state utility, NV Energy. Does Nevada PUC realize that such an attempt to stifle solar energy industry in the short term may actually speed up the rate of destruction of NV Energy in the long run? Or perhaps Nevada PUC simply does not understand sufficiently the overall changing landscape of energy use to propose more effective measures to adapt to the changing need.
The signs and shouts of “Don’t tax the sun!”, “Sandoval stole my sunshine!“,”Solar lives matter!” of hundreds of residents of Las Vegas were heard throughout the country! Those angry protestors outside of the Nevada’s PUC were led by celebrity actor Mark Ruffalo, who shouted, “Let’s make life uncomfortable for them, for the Governor, for the PUC. Because they’re wrong!”
Here is the response from one of the Nevada residents to Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada PUC about the recent Nevada Solar ruling, below:
The new fee of $40 per month won’t only apply to new solar customers, but also to the 12,000 or so people who already own solar panels. As a result of this new decision, selling solar in Nevada will no longer make economic sense for solar installer such as Solar City, cutting 550 jobs from Nevada to be relocated to more solar-friendly states during the first week of January this year. Other solar installers such as Vivint Solar have similar plans, which will translate into loss of thousands of jobs from state of Nevada if such a poor decision is not remedied or reversed. Sunrun even filed an open records request for communication betweenNV Energy employees, lobbyists, Gov. Sandoval and his staff, and current PUC Chairman Paul Thomsen. After Sunrun’s request was refused, Sunrun sued Sandoval.
I believe in order for all of us, the energy consumers as well as the power generators, to evolve during this period of transition, we all need to learn, collaborate effectively, and be willing to evolve to the next stage of human history. I believe what we need is better understanding of feed-in-tariff at Value of Solar. In order to be able to step into the next stage of the game and be fair to all parties involved and/or be able to establish stability in our grid or potential future microgrids, I’d like to offer some information and words of wisdom by those who have already put much time and energy into studying the energy generation and management issues. Please allow me to share what Karl Rabago and Toby D. Couture have concluded, below:
Much remains to be seen and learned before Nevada PUC regulators’ next hearing on February 8, 2016. I hope they will make attempt in consulting Karl Rabago and/or Toby D. Couture before the next hearing.
~have a bright and sunny day~
gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
any questions, suggestions, and concerns will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Floridians for Solar Choice Coalition Discusses Future of the Coalition and Opposition to Misleading Utility-Backed Petition
Solar supporters highlight how utilities’ campaign was designed to confuse voters
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 11, 2016) Today, Floridians for Solar Choice joins other parties in filing briefs with Florida’s Supreme Court opposing the utility-backed constitutional amendment, which proposes to maintain Florida’s regulatory status quo for solar energy. Calling the utility-backed solar amendment misleading, solar supporters note the utilities’ proposal was launched only to confuse voters and counter the success of the broadly supported grassroots campaign launched by Floridians for Solar Choice.
“It is a cynical proposal designed to confuse voters. Its ballot language falsely tells voters that the amendment gives people the right to make a solar energy choice, when in fact it gives them nothing more than what they already have under the Florida Constitution’s basic rights and under general law – the ability to own or lease the solar equipment they use to make electricity at their homes and businesses,” said Bill Garner, attorney with Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A.
The Floridians for Solar Choice coalition acknowledges that the utilities’ multi-million dollar misinformation campaign has succeeded in confusing voters and preventing Solar Choice from gaining a slot on the 2016 ballot. However, the coalition’s goal remains unchanged: to open the solar market in Florida and encourage the development of clean and affordable energy through smart solar policy. As petitions are valid for 24 months from the date of signing, the coalition continues to explore options to qualify for the 2018 ballot and Solar Choice volunteers and partner organizations continue to collect petitions around the state.
“Florida is ranked third for rooftop solar potential by the solar energy industry, and yet remains far behind other states in installed solar because of our utility monopolized environment,” said Tory Perfetti, chairman of Floridians for Solar Choice. “It is unfortunate that Florida continues to treat solar energy differently and continues to maintain barriers to free market growth of this energy source. This coalition and I will keep fighting to provide more choice to the citizens of this great state regarding their energy future.”
Although Florida’s is ranked third in the nation for rooftop solar potential by the Solar Energy Industries Association, there is a dearth of installed solar throughout the Sunshine State. The lack of extensive solar energy systems largely stems from regressive energy policies, many of which are supported by monopoly utilities wary of losing their captive customers in an open energy market.
“My experience on Florida’s Public Service Commission makes it clear that removing regressive energy policies in order to open and more-fully develop the solar market in Florida makes good sense both for Florida’s consumers and for our state’s economy,” said E. Leon Jacobs, Jr., legal counsel to the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. “The utilities’ claims against the proposed Solar Choice amendment are simply not based in fact.”
Although the utility-backed campaign called Consumers for Smart Solar has described itself as a “diverse coalition of business, civic and faith leaders,” financial filings reveal they are entirely backed by utilities and their front groups. Electric utilities contributed more than half of the $5.9 million collected since last summer, and December’s filing are expected to demonstrate continued utility support.
“This misleading ballot amendment is bad for consumers, bad for the environment, and bad for Florida. That’s why we’re challenging it in court,” said Earthjustice attorney Bradley Marshall.
The affirmation of Solar Choice’s dedication to their goal and their strong opposition to the utility backed proposal are timely given the start of the 2016 legislative session tomorrow, and the coalition remains confident that the voice of the people who want more solar in the Sunshine State will be heard.
“The Floridians for Solar Choice coalition is stronger today than ever before and we remain unwavering in our focus to open the solar market in the Sunshine State,” said Dr.Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “Yes, the utilities have more money, but their positions are on the wrong side of this issue. Deception and unethical manipulation of Florida’s voters will not win in the end. We trust the Supreme Court will see through the monopoly utilities’ chicanery and deny the false petition from ballot access.”
Below is the video of Floridians For Solar Choice Press Conference that took place on Jan. 11, 2016:
So, essentially the take-away from this post is that there is still more time ( 754-307-7451, jennifer@flsolarchoice.org). Floridians are not giving up the opportunity for bringing in Sunshine to our Sunshine state!
Gathered, written, photographed, & posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any suggestions, concerns, questions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Homepage: http://www.sunisthefuture.net
For more on solar energy topics, please feel free to check into links below:
Windermere Blue Sunset (credit: Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Terrific!! A nearby real estate development in Windermere is incorporating Free Sun Power Solar Systemsfor rooftops ! That means each house being built will come with a basic Solar System, including the solar panels-solar inverter-solar monitoring system, (that may be expanded, please refer to incentive programs available atDSIRE). It’s about time that smart and informed developers have come to realize that cost of solar panels are sufficiently low and now offer it as one of the “come with the house” features. AtEnclave at Windermere Landing, 11536 Chase Road, Windermere FL, one can find 7 different plans at the sales office ofMeritage Homes, to see a few, below,
Meritage Homes’ plan for Franklin
Meritage Homes-Hancock plan
Meritage Homes’ Plan for Victoria
Meritage Homes’ Plan for Revere
ranging from 2349 sq ft to 4521 sq ft. (base prices ranging from $439,990 to $539,990), at a location only minutes from SR 429, SR 408, Florida Turnpike, I-4, and about 15 minutes from Disney, convenient to shopping, schools, outdoor activities, and employment markets.Apparently, Meritage Homes are building in17 different Central Florida/Orlando communities(in cities of Apopka, Casselberry, Orlando, Oviedo, St. Cloud, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs). These homes are with luxurious master suites, quality construction (ENERGY STAR certified homesandENERGY STAR qualified appliances) and energy efficient features.
Energy Efficiency of Meritage Homes
I anticipate that future new homes will have Solar Rooftops as part of the Standard. We are seeing the Renewable Energy Future. We are seeing the beginning of the Solar Tsunami, leading by Meritage Homes…..
Come out to see these Meritage Homes…for there won’t be any plots left if you wait too long…for many are ready for the Renewable Energy Future, our Solar Energy Future….
Meritage Homes plots in Enclave at Windermere Landing
Another Anticipation For The Future: Anticipation For Tomorrow: President Obama’s Final Presidential State of Union Address-Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at 9:00 pm (EST) (preview below)
Some are speculating what may be included in President Obama’s Final State of the Union Address, below:
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, photographed, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
any questions, suggestions, concerns will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Google Analytics summary of Sun Is The Future coverage map up to 2015 (photographed by: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Thank you for your support and interest in Sun Is The Future this past year. Our summary for the viewership up to the end of 2015 of this site is in, shared below:
***Google Analytics Summary: Between January 1, 2011-Dec. 31, 2015, there had been a total of 103,431 pageviews with 1,418 best ever on one day. There had been 51,583 users from 6 continents, 196 countries, 7,999 cities, using 164 languages.
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*Between January 1, 2011-December 31, 2015, there had been 51,583 users, 26,066 subscribers , and 103,431 pageviews towww.sunisthefuture.net site
* Between January 1, 2011-Dec. 31, 2015, there had been visitors/viewers from 196 countries and 7,999 cities:
Let The SunShine In The Sunshine State! (photo credit: Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
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Windermere Blue Sunset (credit: Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Below, is part of a message (in italics) from one of our readers, C, in Central Florida region:
I need solar panels.
Solar Panel
I pay $200 every month for electric, and we will have only warmer weather as the planet gets warmer. No more of going for 6 months without AC. The humidity is the cause of the mold that made me sick this summer. I don’t know how to pay for them, but we can figure it out….
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Dear C.,
Here are some points to consider in order to help you to take part in solar energy use:
I. I want you to be aware of all the incentive programs (to save money) for installing renewable/solar energy & energy efficiency in USA and FL.
Attend an Information Session: Learn about going solar and how solar co-ops work.
Join Your Local Co-op: Sign up on line! Any one can participate. The only requirement is that you want to go solar!
Get a Roof Review: Your roof is reviewed via satellite to make sure it’s a good fit for solar energy.
Solicit Local Bids: Once the co-op has 20-30 members, a request for proposal is created based on co-op members priorities and bids are solicited from installers.
Review Bids as a Group: Co-op members form a selection committee to review bids and select a single installer to complete all of the projects.
Get Individualized Proposal: Homeowner meets with the chosen installer to get an individualized proposal for a solar system for your home. This proposal will reflect the group discount.
Sign an Individualized Contract: Homeowner signs a contract directly with the installer.
Installation: Have your solar panels installed on your home!
Celebrate: Celebrate with the co-op and help start other co-ops in your community!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email: cfsolaradvocates@gmail.com
III. If you live in an apartment or in a house that is shaded, even though you may not be able to take advantage of the solar energy via your own rooftop, you may still be able to participate in solar energy use via Community Solar Garden/Farm. Check out what’s been accumulated atSun Is The Future about Start A Community Solar Garden/Farm
Please feel free to contact Paul Spencer of Clean Energy Collective or Joy Hughes of Solar Gardens for the benefit of their experience in developing Community Solar Gardens/Farms.
Community Solar Garden/Farm-(Westmill_Solar_Cooperative_1 Creaive Commons GNU Free Documentation License)
Community Solar Garden/Farm of Clean Energy Collective in Cowdery Meadow Community Solar (credit: Sun Is The Future-Susan Sun Nunamaker
IV. If you need to get a loan or any financial assistance in order to participate in solar energy use, please consider these avenues, below:
Obtaining a loan via Kiva, then contact Sunisthefuture Team at Kiva by email: sunisthefuture@gmail.com so Sunisthefuture Team at Kiva will help to promote for the funding of this loan.
Obtaining a loan via Mosaic, then contact Sun Is The Future by email: sunisthefuture@gmail.com so Sun Is The Future will help to promote for the funding of this loan.
Obtaining a grant via one of the crowdfunding platforms, then contact Sun Is The Future by email: sunisthefuture@gmail.com so Sun Is The Future will be able to help promote for your campaign. Different platforms have different conditions. So be sure to take care in choosing the appropriate ones for you.
If you live in Windermere, FL area and is obtaining either a solar loan or a solar grant via any of the avenues above, be sure to contact Windermere Sun by email: info.WindermereSun@gmail.com so Windermere Sun will be able to help promote for your loan or grant.
V. For those of you who truly have difficulty in affording the installation cost of solar, do not forget the recent victory at the Florida State Supreme Court, explained in this post. There is something you can do to help improve the chance of lowering your future utility bills, by obtaining more signatures to improve the chance of Floridians For Solar Choice ballot initiative to be passed in February of 2016.
May you/we all be able to enjoy the warmth and energy of Sunshine for many decades to come….
Solar Panel (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Dear Friends, Visitors/Viewers/Readers,
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Here are some words of wisdom/reminder from our Value of Solar friend, Karl Rabago, below:
I don’t want to be negative about a story that is basically positive about rooftop solar. So I won’t. The story would be better if the author had addressed a couple of key points: (1) Rooftop solar customers are generally not engaged in sales of solar power. There is a way to do that, and it involves forming a business, calculating depreciation, etc. Most rooftop solar customers generate primarily for their own use. They are merely offsetting their consumption with generation. An important difference for a number of tax-related reasons. (2) Second, not all electricity is worth the same amount. The excess electricity that solar customers generate when the sun is shining is typically the most valuable electricity of the day and year. They are helping the utility and other customers meet need at the most expensive time of day, and get a credit back at night when electricity is worth a lot less. (3) Rooftop solar is not really about competition with the monopoly. That is a bit of an oxymoron. It is about something more exciting – a form of collaborative consumption. The hype term is that the customer has become a “prosumer” – a producing consumer. That is even more exciting, and challenging, because it positions customers in a place of self-empowerment (forgive the pun). (4) Delay (like in GA) might reduce risk of errors, but it is still delay. And bad things are happening while we slow down solar. There is no reason to delay solar anymore with regulator caution and monopoly maneuvering. (5) Georgia made a significant shift when the utility and the regulators began to realize that the Value of Solar is greater than the value of traditional combustion-based power. The legislature was in the lead in California on this point – they created strong incentives to help this critical technology succeed. (6) Many utilities, including Southern Company’s Georgia Power are still trying to hobble solar market growth. The utility industry has a strong bias to owning all the solar, so they can profit by it. Following that path would surely limit the amazing potential of distributed energy resources of all kinds. The GA Public Service Commission still has a lot of work to do.
