Oakland's BrightSource Energy Inc. said this week that it has scrapped a
controversial plan to build a major solar thermal power plant in eastern Mojave
Desert wilderness that Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein wants to transform into
a national monument.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/20/MN4T19OTBJ.DTL

What exactly is an intensity goal?  This paragraph has me confused:

"Industries can carry out trade for carbon intensity quotas, which will
facilitate for overall carbon emission reductions in China, even though there is
no cap for the absolute carbon emissions," said Yang."

But it isn't clear to me what that is or how it works.  Anyone know?




--- In hreg@yahoogroups.com, Ariel Thomann  <ajthomann@...> wrote:
>
> I'm sure they're not the least bit biased, but here IS a challenge to the US.
I hope Obama will react constructively, whereas I know Dubya would not. Now, if
just our Congress....
>
>
> http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-09/23/content_8722789.htm Ariel
> - We are all Human beings here together. We have to help one another, since
otherwise there is NO ONE who will help.
> - All countries need a NO REGRETS strategic policy regarding non-renewable
resources, starting with water.
> - Plan ahead seven generations -- reduce all your consumption, and eliminate
waste.
> - Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums and denying
benefits. Let's boot their CEO's and lesser bureaucrats out of the health care
system.
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>

Hey,

Well at $1500 you are not going to get much, but you can still put together a
-very- basic system that will work well.  They key is to keep your expectations
reasonable.

I would look at getting a "power pack" inverter.  These are batteries plus
inverters.   Here is an example model, it costs about $140 - very reasonable:

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-DPP-600HD-Powerpack-Starter-Emergency/dp/B000TKHM\
WK

The great thing about these is they can be used all the time.  I keep one in my
car in case I need a jump start.  It also works well as a general purpose
automotive inverter, and you can carry it away from the car if you need to.

Now, to attach a solar panel, all you need is a panel and a charge controller. 
The charge controller keeps the solar panel from over charging the battery.

Here is a 7A, 100W charge controller for about $25:
http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-7-Amp-Charge-Controller/dp/B0006JO0XI

This can be used with up to about a 100W panel.  You may want to get a better
charge controller, more power or better features.  This one will work and is
very, very cheap.

Last, pick a panel.  Any 12V panel will work.  Most 12V panels are actually 12V
nominal, meaning they are used for charging 12V batteries.  They actually
produce 17-21V (or so).  Don't let that confuse you :)

Here is a nice 85W unit for about $430:
http://www.affordable-solar.com/kyocera.kc85.85.watt.solar.panel.htm

So, this is a 85W system, which can handle peak loads of 600W, with battery
backup, for about $600.

I would probably leave it there, but if you want more, look at getting a better
charge controller (30A instead of 7) for around $100, and then buy a second
panel.  That would give you a 170W system for about $1100.

The main downside to this system is the short battery life (12AH)  It won't last
very long after the sun goes down (maybe a hour or two).  The power pack comes
with jumper cables for use on your car.  If you would like, you can buy another
12V battery and attach it directly using these jumper cables - this will
significantly extend your battery life.

Here is a list of batteries you might look at:
http://www.affordable-solar.com/deka.mk.batteries.htm

They have a 97AH battery for about $250, or you can get the 183AH for about
$500.  These are both good buys, it's more a question of how much you want to
spend.  Remember, they are completely optional.

You might start off with the good charge controller and one panel, but no extra
battery.  Once that works and you are comfortable, decide if you need more
battery or the second panel and add that next.

You can scale this system up a little as you go, up to around 500W or so.  Keep
in mind that it is a very low cost system, and keep your expectations reasonably
low.  But it will serve you well.

Anyway, that's what I would do, given the budget.  I don't have any preference
to Affordable Solar or Amazon, they are just convenient pictures and prices. 
Shop around a bit.  If you have any questions feel free to ask, and good luck
with your project!

   - Jay





--- In hreg@yahoogroups.com, noyes livingston <noyesliv@...> wrote:
>
> Please read and respond if you have an idea.  Else, direct me to a group or
forum who does.  My primary goal is to find a company either in the Houston area
or on the internet to start...
>
> A)  What is the best one stop shop for purchasing a simple, portable emergency
backup system?  The only reference point I have is Northern tools that sells a
system for $4700 (BPS 1250-S Solar Standby Power System)
> which comes with:
> -mounting rack
> -two x 120 watt PV panels
> -two x 220Ah sealed AGM batteries
> -3 stage 30 Amp battery charger
> -BPS inverter/charger providing 1250 running watts
>
> I want to run two halogen or LED lights, a fan, a small TV or radio and
perhaps a hotplate for at least two weeks considering spotty solar recharging
capability.  It would weight around 100-200 pounds, be assembled easily and
mounted just about anywhere.
>
> * I do have a Tripp Lite 1000 watt inverter (PV 1000 FC) in my garage for last
two years, but it is military issue and supposed to be able to run forever if
this reduces my cost
>
> ** I am also interested in adding a low cost, small DC refigerator/cooler and
can add to my budget if not excessive.
>
> *** the most important criterea of all is that I have a "mad money" budget of
around $1500 for this.
> My goal is to prepare for a sustained power outage and learn a little.
>
> B)  Are any classes held in the Houston area or what is the best starting
point for learning on the internet?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>

----- Original Message -----

From: noyes livingston

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:30 AM

Subject: Re: [hreg] Re: backup and portable system

 

Jay,

 

Outstanding information.  I have received some other advice from another member and this has really fueled my fire.  I have to get on the RE ride somewhere and I set the $1500 budget because 1) I am not sure how long I intend to stay in Houston and it doesn't make sense to get a loan to grid-intertie my home 2) I have to live within my means while I pursue some learning 3) it just makes sense to be prepared for the next sustained power outage. 

I was recommended the Xantrex powerhub 1800 which is an outstanding product becuase it is an all-in-one charger/inverter but I already have a Tripp Lite 1000 watt inverter and two 125 Amp hour marine batteries (which gave us power to run a fan during Hurricane Ike at night when we had no power for  a week) which would allow me to get two solar panels, charger, wiring and maybe better batteries?

 

My dad and I are looking at some property in south central Texas in the next year, and I certainly intend on being "off grid" by then.

What about internet courses to learn the fundamentals of system design?

Noyes

---

From: Jay <txses@mailbot.transcendent.us>
To: hreg@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:18:11 AM
Subject: [hreg] Re: backup and portable system

 

Hey,

Well at $1500 you are not going to get much, but you can still put together a -very- basic system that will work well. They key is to keep your expectations reasonable.

I would look at getting a "power pack" inverter. These are batteries plus inverters. Here is an example model, it costs about $140 - very reasonable:

http://www.amazon. com/Duracell- DPP-600HD- Powerpack- Starter-Emergenc y/dp/B000TKHMWK

The great thing about these is they can be used all the time. I keep one in my car in case I need a jump start. It also works well as a general purpose automotive inverter, and you can carry it away from the car if you need to.

Now, to attach a solar panel, all you need is a panel and a charge controller. The charge controller keeps the solar panel from over charging the battery.

Here is a 7A, 100W charge controller for about $25:
http://www.amazon. com/Sunforce- 7-Amp-Charge- Controller/ dp/B0006JO0XI

This can be used with up to about a 100W panel. You may want to get a better charge controller, more power or better features. This one will work and is very, very cheap.

Last, pick a panel. Any 12V panel will work. Most 12V panels are actually 12V nominal, meaning they are used for charging 12V batteries. They actually produce 17-21V (or so). Don't let that confuse you :)

Here is a nice 85W unit for about $430:
http://www.affordab le-solar. com/kyocera. kc85.85.watt. solar.panel. htm

So, this is a 85W system, which can handle peak loads of 600W, with battery backup, for about $600.

I would probably leave it there, but if you want more, look at getting a better charge controller (30A instead of 7) for around $100, and then buy a second panel. That would give you a 170W system for about $1100.

The main downside to this system is the short battery life (12AH) It won't last very long after the sun goes down (maybe a hour or two). The power pack comes with jumper cables for use on your car. If you would like, you can buy another 12V battery and attach it directly using these jumper cables - this will significantly extend your battery life.

Here is a list of batteries you might look at:
http://www.affordab le-solar. com/deka. mk.batteries. htm

They have a 97AH battery for about $250, or you can get the 183AH for about $500. These are both good buys, it's more a question of how much you want to spend. Remember, they are completely optional.

You might start off with the good charge controller and one panel, but no extra battery. Once that works and you are comfortable, decide if you need more battery or the second panel and add that next.

You can scale this system up a little as you go, up to around 500W or so. Keep in mind that it is a very low cost system, and keep your expectations reasonably low. But it will serve you well.

Anyway, that's what I would do, given the budget. I don't have any preference to Affordable Solar or Amazon, they are just convenient pictures and prices. Shop around a bit. If you have any questions feel free to ask, and good luck with your project!

- Jay

--- In hreg@yahoogroups. com, noyes livingston <noyesliv@.. .> wrote:
>
> Please read and respond if you have an idea.  Else, direct me to a group or forum who does.  My primary goal is to find a company either in the Houston area or on the internet to start...
>
> A)  What is the best one stop shop for purchasing a simple, portable emergency backup system?  The only reference point I have is Northern tools that sells a system for $4700 (BPS 1250-S Solar Standby Power System)
> which comes with:
> -mounting rack
> -two x 120 watt PV panels
> -two x 220Ah sealed AGM batteries
> -3 stage 30 Amp battery charger
> -BPS inverter/charger providing 1250 running watts
>
> I want to run two halogen or LED lights, a fan, a small TV or radio and perhaps a hotplate for at least two weeks considering spotty solar recharging capability.  It would weight around 100-200 pounds, be assembled easily and mounted just about anywhere.
>
> * I do have a Tripp Lite 1000 watt inverter (PV 1000 FC) in my garage for last two years, but it is military issue and supposed to be able to run forever if this reduces my cost
>
> ** I am also interested in adding a low cost, small DC refigerator/ cooler and can add to my budget if not excessive.
>
> *** the most important criterea of all is that I have a "mad money" budget of around $1500 for this.
> My goal is to prepare for a sustained power outage and learn a little.
>
> B)  Are any classes held in the Houston area or what is the best starting point for learning on the internet?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>

Hello:

I'm trying to get some questions answered about the LEED AP certification
process and I figured there might be some LEED AP certified people who belong to
the HREG group.

If you are LEED AP certified and able to provide some feedback to the following
questions, please post a reply (you can either reply to the group, or simply
reply to me individually... either one is fine with me).

Questions:
1) Now that the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has changed up the
certification exams to include mutiple "tiers" of certifications (e.g. the new
"Green Associate" Tier 1 certification), I'm wondering what might be the best
method to prepare for the exams. I found a website
(http://www.greenexamprep.com) that can provide a study guide, a set of flash
cards, and up to four online practice exams for a flat rate (I forget how much
it is off the top of my head). Do any of you have experience with this
particular company, and are their study guides and related materials worth the
cost?

2) The GBCI has a series of training seminars that supposedly prepare people for
the exams, but they are very expensive (e.g. there's a Level 200 "LEED Core
Concepts and Strategies" course coming up next month in Houston... this one-day
course is $345 for USGBC members and $445 for non-members). Are these
preperation courses worth the money, or can one successfully prepare for the
LEED exams through self-study methods?

Please reply if you can answer these questions, or if you have any other
input/feedback re: the LEED AP certification process.

Thanks, in advance!

Regards,
M. Chad Crowhurst
mccrowhurst@...

----- Original Message -----

From: mccrowhurst

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 2:15 PM

Subject: [hreg] Questions for any LEED AP certified HREG members out there

 

Hello:

I'm trying to get some questions answered about the LEED AP certification process and I figured there might be some LEED AP certified people who belong to the HREG group.

If you are LEED AP certified and able to provide some feedback to the following questions, please post a reply (you can either reply to the group, or simply reply to me individually... either one is fine with me).

Questions:
1) Now that the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has changed up the certification exams to include mutiple "tiers" of certifications (e.g. the new "Green Associate" Tier 1 certification), I'm wondering what might be the best method to prepare for the exams. I found a website (http://www.greenexamprep.com) that can provide a study guide, a set of flash cards, and up to four online practice exams for a flat rate (I forget how much it is off the top of my head). Do any of you have experience with this particular company, and are their study guides and related materials worth the cost?

2) The GBCI has a series of training seminars that supposedly prepare people for the exams, but they are very expensive (e.g. there's a Level 200 "LEED Core Concepts and Strategies" course coming up next month in Houston... this one-day course is $345 for USGBC members and $445 for non-members). Are these preperation courses worth the money, or can one successfully prepare for the LEED exams through self-study methods?

Please reply if you can answer these questions, or if you have any other input/feedback re: the LEED AP certification process.

Thanks, in advance!

Regards,
M. Chad Crowhurst
mccrowhurst@yahoo.com

I took a study class through USGBC at the end of last year, and then I took
another one through a local architectural firm, BNIM. Catherine Callaway
was the instructor for the second one and I truly learned a lot. The
classes were indeed expensive, but I passed the "old school" test on the
first try.
Good luck!
ty


Ty Stranger-Thorsen, LEED® AP
Houston, TX
The Garland Company, Inc.
www.garlandco.com
c 281-989-1740
f 281-754-4550






        [hreg] Questions for any LEED AP certified HREG members out there


        mccrowhurst
                    to:
                      hreg
                                                             09/23/2009 02:16 PM




        Sent by:
              hreg@yahoogroups.com
       Please respond to hreg










Hello:

I'm trying to get some questions answered about the LEED AP certification
process and I figured there might be some LEED AP certified people who
belong to the HREG group.

If you are LEED AP certified and able to provide some feedback to the
following questions, please post a reply (you can either reply to the
group, or simply reply to me individually... either one is fine with me).

Questions:
1) Now that the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has changed
up the certification exams to include mutiple "tiers" of certifications
(e.g. the new "Green Associate" Tier 1 certification), I'm wondering what
might be the best method to prepare for the exams. I found a website (
http://www.greenexamprep.com) that can provide a study guide, a set of
flash cards, and up to four online practice exams for a flat rate (I forget
how much it is off the top of my head). Do any of you have experience with
this particular company, and are their study guides and related materials
worth the cost?

2) The GBCI has a series of training seminars that supposedly prepare
people for the exams, but they are very expensive (e.g. there's a Level 200
"LEED Core Concepts and Strategies" course coming up next month in
Houston... this one-day course is $345 for USGBC members and $445 for
non-members). Are these preperation courses worth the money, or can one
successfully prepare for the LEED exams through self-study methods?

Please reply if you can answer these questions, or if you have any other
input/feedback re: the LEED AP certification process.

Thanks, in advance!

Regards,
M. Chad Crowhurst
mccrowhurst@...





NOTE: THIS ELECTRONIC MAIL TRANSMISSION CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
INTENDED FOR THE PERSON(S) NAMED.  ANY USE, DISTRIBUTION, COPYING, OR DISCLOSURE
OF THIS INFORMATION TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

You also now need to show you were listed as a member of a green
building project in the last 3 years for the nre LEED AP exam.

Sent from my iPhone

Solar power may shine for Houston

If council OKs $40 million deal, NRG will create largest such plant in Texas by July

By TOM FOWLER
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

I found an interesting article on CNN.com regarding GE's production of
"thin-film" solar panels. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing with
regards to current and future costs of solar PV's.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/24/cnet.general.electric.solar.panels/index.html

Regards,
M. Chad Crowhurst

You knew it was coming, but now it's almost here!
Saturday October 3, 9-11am Social at Discovery Green; 11-5 Tour

New HST website launched!  It has all the details.
www.houstonsolartour.org

We even have a re-branded interactive map that you can check out provided by the
Houston Solar Initiative.

Don't forget to tell friends and family to come out and enjoy the Social and the
Tour - October 3. We have over $1,500 in giveaways!

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=125382833\
1

Houston Commissions State's Largest Solar Project

September 24, 2009

by: Laurie Johnson

The City of Houston plans to partner with NRG Texas to build the state's largest
solar farm. The 40-million dollar project will go online next year and provide
energy exclusively for city buildings. Laurie Johnson has more.

City of Houston General Services Director Issa Dadoush says NRG Texas won the
bid to build the state's largest solar project.

"What makes this project very, very unique, if you look at the state of Texas
and look at all the solar projects that we have and you add them all up together
cumulatively, they come out to about six megawatts. This project by itself is 10
megawatts, so this will almost double the capacity of what we have right now in
the state of Texas."

NRG Texas will pay the $40 million cost of building and operating the solar
farm.

The 10 megawatt facility in northwest Houston will house dozens of solar panels
that soak up the sun's rays.

Kevin Howell, the company's president, says the city will then enter into a
25-year agreement to purchase 100 percent of the energy generated from those
panels.

"We're going to sell that power back to the city, but we're going to do it as a
blended product so that they get their power regardless if the sun is shining or
not. So the way to think about that is when the sun is shining they'll be taking
all of the power off the solar array. If for some reason it's a cloudy or rainy
day, then we're going to supplement that commitment to them on our traditional
generation. That has the benefit of giving the city a steady supply of power and
also has blended the price down to make it more economic for them."

Dadoush says a third of the city's power already comes from wind energy. The
solar farm will represent an additional 1.5 percent of the city's energy
consumption.

"And I hope we get to a point where 50 percent of our load is coming from
renewable power. We need to think big. We need to think of the future. We can't
think of what's happening today, we have to set up plans that will be good for
the environment, at the same time that does make economic sense."

The deal with NRG has to pass muster in the city's fiscal affairs committee next
week. After that, councilmembers have to approve the agreement.

If all goes as planned, the solar farm will go online by July of next year.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2445821820090924

Houston selects NRG for 10-MW solar project

HOUSTON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The City of Houston has selected NRG Energy Inc
(NRG.N) to develop and operate a 10-megawatt solar project, the mayor's office
said on Thursday.
Under the agreement, the city will purchase the power under a 25-year,
fixed-price contract for 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour the first year.

The price will change over time and is a blended rate that includes
higher-priced solar power and back-up power from NRG's nuclear, coal and natural
gas-fired generating portfolio for periods when solar power is unavailable.

The solar power price tag is 19.8 cents per kwh under the contract.

NRG will build the facility, expected to be operational next year, on 70 acres
(28 hectares) at its Wharton Generating Station in northwest Houston, according
to a release.

NRG, the second largest power producer in Texas, plans to use photovoltaic
modules manufactured by First Solar Inc (FSLR.O).

The agreement is subject to approval by the Houston City Council and the mayor.

Ten megawatts is roughly 6 percent of the city's annual consumption. One
megawatt serves about 500 homes in Texas.

Texas is already the leading wind-power state with installed capacity of 8,100
megawatts and a number of utilities and municipal utilities are exploring
options to add other renewable power resources, such as solar and biomass.

NRG is also working to develop a 92-MW solar thermal power plant in New Mexico
as part of its plan to have 500 MW of solar generation in its U.S. generating
fleet of 24,000 MW. (Reporting by Eileen O'Grady; Editing by Marguerita Choy)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://industry.bnet.com/energy/10002134/nrg-energy-teams-with-first-solar-for-h\
ouston-project/

NRG Energy Teams With First Solar For Houston Project

First Solar has snagged its latest utility-scale solar deal, alongside NRG
Energy. The two will build a 10 megawatt plant that will supply the city
government of Houston, Texas with 1.5 percent of its energy needs, according to
the Houston Chronicle.

The plant itself will come in at about $40 million, with NRG doing the
financing. What's a little more interesting, though, is the model they're
working under, which will combine gas and solar generation.

Houston will be paying NRG only 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, says the Chron. But
NRG is primarily a coal-firing utility, with some natural gas plants. So the 8.2
cent figure appears to be an average for all the power that NRG is supplying
under the deal. The solar component is valued at 19.8 cents per kilowatt hour.

NRG is also setting its reputation as a utility that likes to strike numerous
small, innovative deals. In another example, the solar thermal plants that NRG
is building with eSolar are much smaller than those being built by companies
like Abengoa and BrightSource Energy. But eSolar uses a cutting-edge computer
guidance technology to direct the sun's rays that it says will make its small,
modular plants cheaper than the competition.

That's definitely the case with First Solar. Traditional photovoltaics are still
coming down in cost from 30 cents per kilowatt hour (or more). That figure is
falling fairly quickly, but NRG is obviously expecting to make a profit on less
than 20 cents with First Solar's thin-film panels.

First Solar may not yet be at grid parity, as an analyst claimed late last year,
but it's at least approaching the cost of the best solar thermal technology.

----- Original Message -----

From: Randy

To: hreg@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 12:20 PM

Subject: [hreg] Re: Houston will double Texas' solar power capacity with new solar power plant

 

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1253828331

Houston Commissions State's Largest Solar Project

September 24, 2009

by: Laurie Johnson

The City of Houston plans to partner with NRG Texas to build the state's largest solar farm. The 40-million dollar project will go online next year and provide energy exclusively for city buildings. Laurie Johnson has more.

City of Houston General Services Director Issa Dadoush says NRG Texas won the bid to build the state's largest solar project.

"What makes this project very, very unique, if you look at the state of Texas and look at all the solar projects that we have and you add them all up together cumulatively, they come out to about six megawatts. This project by itself is 10 megawatts, so this will almost double the capacity of what we have right now in the state of Texas."

NRG Texas will pay the $40 million cost of building and operating the solar farm.

The 10 megawatt facility in northwest Houston will house dozens of solar panels that soak up the sun's rays.

Kevin Howell, the company's president, says the city will then enter into a 25-year agreement to purchase 100 percent of the energy generated from those panels.

"We're going to sell that power back to the city, but we're going to do it as a blended product so that they get their power regardless if the sun is shining or not. So the way to think about that is when the sun is shining they'll be taking all of the power off the solar array. If for some reason it's a cloudy or rainy day, then we're going to supplement that commitment to them on our traditional generation. That has the benefit of giving the city a steady supply of power and also has blended the price down to make it more economic for them."

Dadoush says a third of the city's power already comes from wind energy. The solar farm will represent an additional 1.5 percent of the city's energy consumption.

"And I hope we get to a point where 50 percent of our load is coming from renewable power. We need to think big. We need to think of the future. We can't think of what's happening today, we have to set up plans that will be good for the environment, at the same time that does make economic sense."

The deal with NRG has to pass muster in the city's fiscal affairs committee next week. After that, councilmembers have to approve the agreement.

If all goes as planned, the solar farm will go online by July of next year.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2445821820090924

Houston selects NRG for 10-MW solar project

HOUSTON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The City of Houston has selected NRG Energy Inc (NRG.N) to develop and operate a 10-megawatt solar project, the mayor's office said on Thursday.
Under the agreement, the city will purchase the power under a 25-year, fixed-price contract for 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour the first year.

The price will change over time and is a blended rate that includes higher-priced solar power and back-up power from NRG's nuclear, coal and natural gas-fired generating portfolio for periods when solar power is unavailable.

The solar power price tag is 19.8 cents per kwh under the contract.

NRG will build the facility, expected to be operational next year, on 70 acres (28 hectares) at its Wharton Generating Station in northwest Houston, according to a release.

NRG, the second largest power producer in Texas, plans to use photovoltaic modules manufactured by First Solar Inc (FSLR.O).

The agreement is subject to approval by the Houston City Council and the mayor.

Ten megawatts is roughly 6 percent of the city's annual consumption. One megawatt serves about 500 homes in Texas.

Texas is already the leading wind-power state with installed capacity of 8,100 megawatts and a number of utilities and municipal utilities are exploring options to add other renewable power resources, such as solar and biomass.

NRG is also working to develop a 92-MW solar thermal power plant in New Mexico as part of its plan to have 500 MW of solar generation in its U.S. generating fleet of 24,000 MW. (Reporting by Eileen O'Grady; Editing by Marguerita Choy)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://industry.bnet.com/energy/10002134/nrg-energy-teams-with-first-solar-for-houston-project/

NRG Energy Teams With First Solar For Houston Project

First Solar has snagged its latest utility-scale solar deal, alongside NRG Energy. The two will build a 10 megawatt plant that will supply the city government of Houston, Texas with 1.5 percent of its energy needs, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The plant itself will come in at about $40 million, with NRG doing the financing. What's a little more interesting, though, is the model they're working under, which will combine gas and solar generation.

Houston will be paying NRG only 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, says the Chron. But NRG is primarily a coal-firing utility, with some natural gas plants. So the 8.2 cent figure appears to be an average for all the power that NRG is supplying under the deal. The solar component is valued at 19.8 cents per kilowatt hour.

NRG is also setting its reputation as a utility that likes to strike numerous small, innovative deals. In another example, the solar thermal plants that NRG is building with eSolar are much smaller than those being built by companies like Abengoa and BrightSource Energy. But eSolar uses a cutting-edge computer guidance technology to direct the sun's rays that it says will make its small, modular plants cheaper than the competition.

That's definitely the case with First Solar. Traditional photovoltaics are still coming down in cost from 30 cents per kilowatt hour (or more). That figure is falling fairly quickly, but NRG is obviously expecting to make a profit on less than 20 cents with First Solar's thin-film panels.

First Solar may not yet be at grid parity, as an analyst claimed late last year, but it's at least approaching the cost of the best solar thermal technology.