Solar continues to heat up globally, and the staff at Cleantechies has come out with their global top 10 for solar cleantech programs. The list is comprised of ongoing programs around the globe. The United States is the only country listed with more than 1 program (3 total). Other than that, the list is quite diverse, with most regions of the world able to participate in a solar program:1. BP Solar: Known mostly for their global oil production, BP Solar is also one of the leading companies in the world in all forms of energy production, including solar. Their solar program reaches most western countries, as well as the middle east.
2. Sustainable Queen Anne: Based in Seattle, Washington, the Queen Anne is a community-funded project to power Seattle with solar power. The program facilitates solar equipment purchasing by offering it at a discount. The program was created by Solarize Seattle.
3. Solar Energy Technologies Program: This program, initiated by the United States Department of Energy, is a global program to give people cost-effective solar options. The program operates through many private companies, as well as other governmental organizations at the local and federal level. A highlight of the program is the Solar Decathlon, a competition where 20 college students build and operate buildings trying to build the most energy efficient structure.
4. Renewable Energy Corporation (REC): Based in Norway, the REC is a global leader in providing solar solutions. The REC's main aim is at reducing overall costs to ensure solar remains a main contributor into the future.
5. South African Solar Park: Based in South Africa, a nation known to have some of the most plentiful solar resources in the world, the South African Solar Park was developed to take advantage of these solar resources. The solar park will be the largest in the world, aiming to produce large amounts of power, and connecting to rural locations. The facility will operate as a testing center for emerging technologies.
6. Costa Rican Solar Energy Capabilities in Rural Locations: The initiatives in Costa Rica center on offering power to impoverished villages, in some cases still relying on candlelight. These programs, funded by the United Nations Development Program, are able to get solar equipment without paying the price, making solar power integration possible.
7. Qatar Solar Schools Project: Partnering with GreenGulf, Inc., and partnered with Qatar School Technologies and Solar World, the Qatar schools project is focused on dually providing solar power and educating students about the benefits of renewable energy sources.
8. India's National Solar Plan: India is another nation that has abundant solar resources. In the past few years, India has recognized the need to ramp up solar. The National Solar Plan seeks to mandate solar PV on the rooftops of all Indian Government buildings, utilize a number of incentives, as well as a feed-in tariffs. The program is helping promote the widespread deployment of solar in India.
9. Argentina Renewable Energy for Rural Markets Project: Similar to the South African solar park, the aim of the Argentina project is to help bring power to thousands of rural inhabitants that do not receive power. Solar power is among several renewable energy sources that the program is hoping to bring to nearly 30,000 households that are currently off the main energy grid.
10. World's Largest Solar plant in Abu Dhabi: The Masdar Company, partnered with Abengoa Solar, have created a $600 million initiative towards a large solar plant that will generate power for the ever-growing city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The plant will supply power to the grid, helping lower energy prices that have been on the rise with rising development.
Article at Cleantechies Blog
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