Cleantech Update

TXU and Solar City's press release mark an exciting change for Texas. TXU residential users can now lease solar (photo Voltaic or PV) pannels for home reneweable energy generation. TXU's website is either not up yet or inundated at the moment,but here is the press release.... -Editor Affordable Solar Power Arrives in Texas TXU Energy Partners with SolarCity to Introduce North Texas' Most Affordable Solar Power Option DALLAS, Feb 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For less than the monthly cost of most cell phone plans, many North Texans can now use renewable solar energy to help power their homes. TXU Energy's new solar program, in cooperation with SolarCity, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, will provide North Texas homeowners with solar power systems that can allow them to save money on energy costs from day one. The program will include a solar lease option that includes installation, monitoring, repair...

Texas Renewable Energy Portolfio  is a Texas law that requires that Power generators produce increasing amouts of renewable energy. In effect, electricity providers (competitive retailers, municipal electric utilities, and electric cooperatives) must collectively generate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of additional renewable energy by 2009. The 2005 Texas Legislature increased the state's total renewable-energy mandate to 5,880 MW by 2015 and a target of 10,000 MW in 2025. Each provider is required to obtain new renewable energy capacity based on the their market share of energy sales times the renewable capacity goal. For example, a competitive retailer with 10 percent of the Texas retail electricity sales in 2009 would be required to obtain 200 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. Texas is the nation's leader in wind energy thanks to our long-term commitment to bolstering renewable energy sources and diversifying the state's energy portfolio. Rick Perry, Texas Governor A Re...

Light-emitting wallpaper may begin to replace light bulbs from 2012, according to a government body that supports low-carbon technology. A chemical coating on the walls will illuminate all parts of the room with an even glow, which mimics sunlight and avoids the shadows and glare of conventional bulbs. Although an electrical current will be used to stimulate the chemicals to produce light, the voltage will be very low and the walls will be safe to touch. Dimmer switches will control brightness, as with traditional lighting. The Carbon Trust has awarded a £454,000 grant to Lomox , a Welsh company that is developing the organic light-emitting diode technology. The trust said it would be two and a half times more efficient than energysaving bulbs and could make a big contribution to meeting Britain’s target of cutting carbon emissions by 34 per cent by 2020. Indoor lighting accounts for a sixth of total electricity use. Related Links Britain’s green rich list Are energy efficien...