NY Observer > Solar Energy

Local versus National Solutions to the Energy Crisis: NYC’s Renewable Energy Policy

Steve Cohen, Executive Director, Columbia University’s Earth Institute — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:04:32 -0400

Last week Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed that New York City engage in a serious effort to develop alternative energy sources, and in return for his trouble he faced skepticism and even ridicule from a cynical media. Cartoons were drawn with King Kong trying to swat a windmill off the top of the Empire State Building. Still, even the tabloids could not dismiss the idea entirely. Bloomberg commands respect, and $4 a gallon gasoline has everyone looking for alternatives.

New York City has been built by people who dreamed large and were able to project into the future. Imagine the city without Central, Van Cortland or Prospect Parks. read more »

Obama Echoes Clinton on German Solar Power, Not on the Gas-Tax Holiday

Jason Horowitz — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:02:54 -0400

In light of the news that Barack Obama will be appearing with Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire on Friday, it's worth noting that Obama has already started borrowing from Clinton's campaign rhetoric.

"Germany, a country as cloudy as the Pacific Northwest, is now a world leader in the solar power industry and the quarter million new jobs it has created," Obama said today in Las Vegas.

That echoes Clinton's familiar, and sharper, line about Germany's solar power production. As she said in Fresno on October 24, "Explain to me why Germany gets more of its electricity from solar power than California. read more »

Bloomberg Wants Solar Panels on City Buildings

Eliot Brown — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:38:18 -0400

Speaking the morning after congestion pricing went the way of Westway, Mayor Bloomberg announced that he is seeking to install solar panels on city-owned buildings to create 2 megawatts of energy—similar to the amount of power created by some large wind turbines.

The city plans to issue a request for proposals for the initiative, which would double the city’s solar capacity, according to the mayor’s office. read more »

Speyers to Unveil Solar Panel Farm at Rockefeller Center

Eliot Brown — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:35:45 -0500

Real estate tycoon Jerry Speyer seems to be tiring of Con Ed bills, as he plans to unveil a small farm of 363 solar panels at the Tishman Speyer-owned Rockefeller Center tomorrow.

The complex, Tishman Speyer claims, will be Manahttan’s largest privately owned generation station for solar energy, according to a press advisory.

Joining Jerry for the announcement will be his son Rob, and Mayor Bloomberg.