Solar Power: 'It's like watching the Internet mature in 1995'

There's a great post by the Scientific American about the growth potential of solar power generation in the U.S. It quotes Harry Fleming, CEO of Acro Energy Technologies, who says memorably,

"It's like watching the Internet mature in 1995."

The post goes on to elaborate, saying that the cost of solar panels is dropping dramatically; the installation cost for solar panels is dropping--not as dramatically--but enough to decrease the pain in the pocketbook that causes most consumers and businesses to balk at entering the solar grid.

George Musser, the author of the post, plans on updating it as he installs solar panels on his house. It looks like a good page to bookmark. Have a good weekend, everyone!

Nuclear, Thermal Power Generation Projected To Rise For Latin America's Largest Power Producer

There is news from Mexico that by 2013 the country will account for more than 20% of Latin America’s regional power generation. In 2008, Latin America produced about 1,130 terawatt hours of power, annually. With pressing global environmental concerns, renewable energy sources such as hydro-electricity, thermal generation, and nuclear power are set to rise.

Presently, oil is the dominant energy fuel for Mexican power; it accounts for 52.8% of 2008 energy production, but increases in renewables are expected. Thermal power is expected to comprise 46.20% of regional power production by 2013, and nuclear power generation is expected to rise 30%.

There are a lot more interesting statistics and projections in this Nuclear Street post.