Contributing Member of the Energy & Industrials Councils

All News Analyses by this Author

Solar Location, Location, Location

November 16, 2009

Analysis of:Solar Tower Technology makes U.S. debut | www.yourrenewablenews.com

Large Scale Centralized Solar Power Towers need to be located at ideal sites close to big grid access. Multiple projects have been completed in Europe and Australia and appear to working just fine. This generation of technology seems counterintuitive, yet very common-sensical and viable.

The Solar Energy Paradigm Shift

August 24, 2009

Analysis of:DuPont to Invest $120 Million to Increase Capacity for Tedlar(R) Photovoltaic Module Materials | www.yourpetrochemicalnews.com

As the demand for solar products has increased, revenues generated in the solar sector have become more noticeable. A company such as Dupont is reacting to these market forces. Dupont values the opportunity cost associated with the solar space, as well as many corporations that have already made the shift. As more companies ramp up manufacturing for the solar sector they will be capable of providing improved pricing which will in turn expedite the transition to the Solar Energy Paradigm Shift.

Why not show how using 85% Ethanol (E85) results in lower pertoleum usage?

August 21, 2009

Analysis of:Another Outrage of the Ethanol Scam: Increased Gasoline Consumption | www.energytribune.com

The article is true to its point. The use of E10 or 10% ethanol versus 90% gasoline, may consume more petroleum. But if I would like to drive an alternative fuel vehicle, that vehicle will use more of the alternative fuel E85 or 85% ethanol and only 15% gasoline.

The Solar Constant

August 21, 2009

Analysis of:Solar-Energy Loses Some Shine | online.wsj.com

As a solar developer and integrator, I am constantly inundated with the nay-sayers who inform me of why solar is not going to work, and hence they do not invest . This article reads no different. Regardless of the recent economic woes and additional federal supports, a Solar Constant has been created through state legislation of Renewable Portfolio Standards or RPS's.

Increased government support creates stability in banking/financing sectors.

July 23, 2009

Analysis of:RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY STANDARD WON’T CREATE JOBS UNLESS STRENGTHENED | www.awea.org

At the present time all renewable energy projects will require some level of financing to execute. Up to this point in time non utility sized renewable energy facilities have had elevated risk associated with investment therein. The creation of sound Renewable Energy Standards will help to mitigate risk concerns for capital resources, hence easing lending concerns of potential investors in renewable energy projects.

Follow-through on basic business principles

July 21, 2009

Analysis of:In Strategy Shift, Exxon Plans $600 Million Biofuels Venture | online.wsj.com

It is about time that Exxon Mobile began to invest in R&D for biofuels, a product that would fit reasonably well into their existing distribution and processing infrastructure. Granted new capital equipment would be necessary and a separate business line initiated. However given the big picture of their existing equipment compared with the potential market size, growth and competition; the investment into renewable liquid based fuels makes common sense to this author.

a-Si versus c-Si

July 19, 2009

Analysis of:Amorphous Silicon: Losing the Shakeout? | www.greentechmedia.com

The demand for Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is driven by the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) market. a-Si compared to Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) is better suited for manufacturing in complex forms and shapes found in building materials and construction. Combined with the fact that a-Si efficiencies are far less than c-Si, existing solar demand for utility and commercial scale projects should not compete against each other.

The goal of all business.

September 18, 2008

Analysis of:Arctic Sea Ice Shrinks To 2nd-Lowest On Record | www.usatoday.com

All companies are faced with increasing media attention related to Global Warming. Whether or not a firm believes Global Warming is an issue or not is immaterial.  The fact is, that due to factors outside of their corporate control, an increase in media attention related to environmental concerns will continue. And ultimately these concerns will have some sort of impact on their bottom line. Therefore, all companies should be proactively creating green metrics specific to their industry. Green metrics should serve as indicators for companies to monitor effects of the Global Warming media has on their balance sheets. Most importantly a company needs to begin to understand the exposure of their industry to the possibility of adverse environmental effects, as a hedge against possible realities in the future.   Additionaly to counter any negative impacts by the Global Warming media, companies should be budgeting for green goodwill campaigns short term. 

The value of solar.

September 16, 2008

Analysis of:U.S. DOE installs SunPower solar system | www.bizjournals.com

The mainstream solar industry will continue to be focused on more profitable utility grade solar grid systems in the near term. However with the increased awareness and availability of smaller commercial grade solar grid systems, private businesses, building owners, and building managers will increasingly become more aware of these systems and seek their value.   Increased media attention and installed commercial solar grid systems will tend to increase the demand for solar modules and other balance of systems components, as well as the expertise and labor involved with developing, financing, distribution, and installation of commercial solar grid tie systems.

EU to unify hydrogen transportation

September 10, 2008

Analysis of:EU Eases Road for Hydrogen Cars | industryweek.com

By adopting a unified standard throughout the EU the next generation of a hydrogen based transportation system can be realized. In doing so and increased demand for hydrogen, the hydrogen distribution infrastructure, and hydrogen fueled vehicles may result.

Small Natural Gas wildcatters

September 8, 2008

Analysis of:Oversupply of natural gas dulls luster of exploration and production companies | www.iht.com

As a result of recent international events and a domestic outcry for energy supplies to be produced within the confines of the US, the huge oligopolies of the Oil&Gas industries are redefining their endeavors back in the USA. This will leave little room for leveraged independent explorers that do not have leaseholds, however those that have wisely acquired leases and are actively seeking production should be able to continue to ask a premium for their product in the near term.

Who actually owns the grid?

September 4, 2008

Analysis of:U.S wind power strangled by antiquated power grid | www.iht.com

We are constantly aware of the antiquated grid, as we see it all the time in our daily travels. The utility companies have for years observed the "abandon in place" mentality and in some areas of the country it is utterly ridiculous how many wires, poles, and transformers exist. Yet based upon my experiences I have gained an understanding of why they invest little time in maintaining, let alone upgrading the grid. 

Biofuels create another industry not an alternative industry!

October 31, 2007

Analysis of:Global Backlash on Biofuels Could Overshadow Future Potential, Says Worldwatch Institute | soyatech.com

The negative information regarding biofuels is coming from industries that view biofuels as competition to their exisiting revenue streams. It is importnat to note that biofuels will not replace certain industries they will only make them more efficient in there use of raw materials. Less negativity and more action will result in possible short term loses in the learning phases however long term growth is guaranteed by population growth and demand for fuels of both renewable and nonrenewable resources.

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