More Good News On Renewable Energy

Every day, it seems, there is more good news coming from the renewable energy front.  First, there is the increasing use of what is called floatovoltaics – solar panels that float on water.  These panels actually a two-for, not only providing solar energy but also reducing evaporation from the ponds and lakes that the panels float on.  This is a huge benefit in drought-stricken areas as it is an effective water conservation method. And the surrounding water manages to cool the solar panels, thereby increasing their efficiency. More efficient energy production combined with improved water conservation is a win-win all around.

The next piece of good news is that virtually all the new energy capacity added in the first quarter of 2016 came from renewable energy sources. Nearly 1,300 megawatts of power were added bringing the share of renewable energy above 15% of total energy use in the United States. And, with the phase-out of coal fired power plants around the country, it will not be long before renewables surpass coal and become the #2 source of power in the US, behind natural gas.