sense and sustainability the importance of solar energy & innovation to israel
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Sense and Sustainability
The Importance of Solar Energy & Innovation to Israel
Why Solar?
Environmental Benefits
National Security
Geography Physical Geography: High levels of solar
irradiance; longer days Political Geography: hostile neighbors, lack of
oil
History of Solar Energy in Israel
National Laboratory dedicated to solar energy
Energy Crises led to increased adoption of solar water heaters
Other institutions dedicated to other types of solar energy Nanotechnology & organic solar Concentrated Solar Power on industrial scale
Current Policies & New Initiatives
Feed-in tariff implemented in 2008 to encourage investment in solar energy infrastructure
All new buildings required to use solar water heaters
Israeli power company, Arave Power Company, is building a solar field for Bedouin communities Financed by OPIC Seen as model for sustainable development in
indigenous communities
Future of the Industry
Israel has laid the groundwork for future innovation in solar energy
Israeli Universities provide R&D services
Several companies leading the way, including Zenith Solar, Brightsource, and Israeli Cleantech Ventures