Global warming is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s becoming more pronounced. That’s one reason why solar power to generate electricity and heat water makes more sense than ever before.
Solar power reduces our reliance on our traditional coal or natural gas powered electrical-grid. And several states are getting into the solar-energy game. For example, in Arizona utility companies are planning mega solar-energy plants to generate electricity. The nearly two square mile power plant located southwest of Phoenix near Gila Bend would generate 280 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 70,000 households when it opens in 2011. The plant would essentially rely on a type of solar thermal technology. The thermal tubes could heat a petroleum-based compound up to 735 degrees, and then transfer that heat to water to make steam which would spin the turbines for two 140-megawatt generators.
As coal and natural gas prices continue to increase and become more unpredictable, it’s logical that utilities turn to these types of innovative technologies. Furthermore, national policy trends lean more and more toward taxing carbon dioxide emissions (something that coal and natural gas naturally emit), solar energy becomes increasingly attractive.
As always, there are a few challenges yet to face. The Arizona Corporation Commission is likely to approve the project, due in part to a state mandate requiring utility companies to generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. However, the utilities companies behind this colossal solar power plant also have factored in the 30 percent federal tax credit that applies to solar energy investment. That credit, like its $2000 residential tax credit cousin, is set to expire by December 31, 2008.
So as John McCain, Barak Obama, and Hillary Clinton continue to duke it out in the race for the presidency, hopefully they will take time to advocate and vote for the renewable energy incentives their campaigns tout.
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Cooler Planet is right on the mark when they seek John McCain, Barak Obama and Hiliary Clintonto take time to advocate and vote for the renewable energy bill, Just as important is seeking our the votes to over ride the president promised veto. If this tax incentive expires this December 31 I believe the renewable energy movement will lost years of advance.