CleanTech OC Daily - 12/21/12

Should Clark Griswold Have Switched to LED Christmas Lights?

LED prices are falling – down 24% in the past two years. But even with better prices, the cost hasn’t reached the Christmas light market. LED Christmas lights are widely available, but the cost compared to traditional lights makes the switch out of reach for many consumers even given guaranteed the electrical bill savings.

 

Wind Power Generation Beating Natural Gas in U.S. in 2012

Developers are racing to complete wind-turbine installations before the tax credit for renewable energy expires. This push has allowed wind-turbine installations to exceed natural gas plants in the U.S. for the first time. Data from Ventyx Inc. indicates that new wind capacity reached 6,519 megawatts by Nov. 30, beating the 6,335 megawatts of natural gas additions.  

 

Sempra receives approval for 20-year power purchase agreement

In an effort to move closer to the 1,400MW of renewable capacity by 2016 goal, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with the cities of Los Angeles and Burbank.  Sempra’s proposed Copper Mountain Solar 3 project (to be constructed in Boulder City, Nevada) will generate 250MW of solar power. The agreement will provide the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) with the majority of power produced by the solar power plant.