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Chevron is putting solar technologies to the test

Los Angeles Times -- On a dirt plot near Bakersfield where a massive refinery once churned out gasoline and asphalt, one of the world's largest oil companies is looking for something more green.

On Monday, Chevron Corp. plans to reveal that it has transformed the 8-acre site into a sprawling test facility with 7,700 solar panels. The panels, in various sizes, represent seven cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies from seven companies that Chevron is checking out as possible candidates to power its operations worldwide.

Cost savings from past energy efficiency efforts have been significant, the company said. Since 1992, when Chevron began tracking its power use and using hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels at its facilities, the company cut its energy use by nearly a third and saved nearly $3 billion, King s

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Submitted Mar 22, 2010 By: fordmexico

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Metroman Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:8,202 Points:1,647,470 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:38:02 AM Ignore Metroman Report Abuse Of course they are going to get in on it, just like any other technology, they think will cut their profits
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:3,706 Points:663,835 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:35:06 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse GOTTA SAY OK TO CHEVRON FOR THIS LITTLE TID BIT.sOLAR WILL BE EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT TO OUR FUTURE.
no_monkey2002 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,798 Points:1,126,115 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:22:44 AM Ignore no_monkey2002 Report Abuse GO GREEN IS THE ANSWER it is because of OBAMA
14of45SSR Champion Author Saskatchewan Posts:2,118 Points:476,100 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:09:54 AM Ignore 14of45SSR Report Abuse Really I don't know why people & companies don't invest more in to Solar Power & Solar Heat & such. Unless the individuals can not come up with the money to do so...like me!
akalurimd Champion Author New Jersey Posts:9,919 Points:1,739,710 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:08:36 AM Ignore akalurimd Report Abuse well it's a start
fratt Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:4,954 Points:1,672,180 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:04:44 AM Ignore fratt Report Abuse Solar is the power of the future.
BigDogOH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,552 Points:833,365 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:56:51 AM Ignore BigDogOH Report Abuse Solar takes up alot of land for little electric
jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:2,192 Points:671,590 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:56:05 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse It would be nice for Chevron to publish their research results.
wegman Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,928 Points:1,129,705 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:48:01 AM Ignore wegman Report Abuse This strikes me as mainly a PR ploy - they have plenty of traditional fuel at their fingertips. OTOH, with their relationship with Chavez Venezuela, I don't buy from Chevron anyway.
1fulltank Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,010 Points:581,850 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:46:26 AM Ignore 1fulltank Report Abuse Solar energy technology has been making great strides since alt. energy has taken the front.
harleydoctor Champion Author Kansas Posts:2,495 Points:966,930 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:30:46 AM Ignore harleydoctor Report Abuse Finally something positive coming out of California.........
NotTom Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:2,399 Points:728,085 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 4:20:45 AM Ignore NotTom Report Abuse Good. Our homes use more Oil/Coal/Gas to heat and get electricity than our cars.
ndhoanggia All-Star Author New York Posts:696 Points:215,505 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:51:49 AM Ignore ndhoanggia Report Abuse Nice move
HA4CNN All-Star Author Toronto Posts:996 Points:597,315 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:50:41 AM Ignore HA4CNN Report Abuse Thats a step in the right direction.
speedys Champion Author Utah Posts:2,106 Points:1,585,045 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:45:03 AM Ignore speedys Report Abuse Maybe they could lower their prices then.
nurdco Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:3,832 Points:719,030 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:39:25 AM Ignore nurdco Report Abuse Finally they put their profits to USE
nedthenanite Champion Author Mississippi Posts:4,065 Points:785,285 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:28:01 AM Ignore nedthenanite Report Abuse As the influence of oil declines (no one really knows when that starts) they'll need another viable business model. The same people who think getting off oil will get us away from these giant monster mega-corporations are going to be in for a rude awakening. Say goodbye to your Chevron gas station and hello to your Chevron charging station, courtesy of Chevron solar panels. ;)
MDTDriver Champion Author California Posts:4,982 Points:1,193,540 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:27:22 AM Ignore MDTDriver Report Abuse I have had tow panels of 200 watts of solar power on my RV for 10 years charging 4 6volt batteries. Powering my 32" flat screen and sat receiver plus wifes sewing machine for hours at night.
EXTREMESNOW Champion Author Medford Posts:4,532 Points:953,735 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:23:11 AM Ignore EXTREMESNOW Report Abuse Seems like a smart move to check out the companies by demoing their products.
hank1326 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,111 Points:773,975 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:21:46 AM Ignore hank1326 Report Abuse OK, make it affordable and cost efficient.
DJRIO Champion Author Miami Posts:2,495 Points:459,550 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:21:33 AM Ignore DJRIO Report Abuse good they turn green
AKmailman All-Star Author Alaska Posts:727 Points:593,070 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 3:13:28 AM Ignore AKmailman Report Abuse I'll bet the monthly checks from PG&E will make this a very profitable venture
LostToo All-Star Author Illinois Posts:648 Points:284,915 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:57:43 AM Ignore LostToo Report Abuse What ever ..... When the greeners deside they need more power or money (power as in controle) they will find a reason to sue them or reglated it. Its all smoke and mirrors.
tobasco Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:5,614 Points:1,356,950 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:56:33 AM Ignore tobasco Report Abuse obvious move
fordmexico Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,171 Points:181,875 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:48:27 AM Ignore fordmexico Report Abuse BP is also investing in solar energy. The big oils are using today's cash flow from oil to posture themselves for tomorrow. They still want to control a big piece of that "energy pie" whether its oil, natural gas, solar or wind.
toyota1999 Champion Author Louisville Posts:5,123 Points:1,067,225 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:47:55 AM Ignore toyota1999 Report Abuse Chevron has left several states now. Hard to believe oil company losing money.
Gary65 Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,498 Points:468,370 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:32:12 AM Ignore Gary65 Report Abuse Great news.Solar is the way to go.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,683 Points:620,155 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:31:34 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse jcurley...will never happen.
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,503 Points:695,545 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:29:58 AM Ignore srchr Report Abuse good politics
jcurley Champion Author California Posts:3,410 Points:839,590 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:25:06 AM Ignore jcurley Report Abuse I hope what Chevron is doing will help determine what technologies are better and cheaper. I think our national energy policy should help facilitate better and cheaper (American mode) solar and wind generators so that we all can (afford to) produce most of our own energy.
GMVAN Champion Author Calgary Posts:1,835 Points:430,005 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:20:36 AM Ignore GMVAN Report Abuse Maybe they will make more money with solar panels.
jay4 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:5,792 Points:1,326,080 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:16:19 AM Ignore jay4 Report Abuse Not the first nor the last
ifallsguy Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,743 Points:759,775 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:13:33 AM Ignore ifallsguy Report Abuse fallback position when oil run out
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,683 Points:620,155 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:11:11 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse They saved 3 billion? Wonder what it costs to cover 8 acres in panels?
915Chief Champion Author San Diego Posts:3,655 Points:717,000 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 2:10:03 AM Ignore 915Chief Report Abuse Good thing it doesn't require water....
gass12 Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,631 Points:1,343,515 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:59:16 AM Ignore gass12 Report Abuse They wil end up making Billions out of this.
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,124 Points:331,895 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:57:06 AM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse Hopefully Chevron's alternative energy foray will lead to cheaper dino juice prices.
Saturn93 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:4,245 Points:1,015,740 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:55:02 AM Ignore Saturn93 Report Abuse Good idea to check out alternative energy sources.
Michaelsz06 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:3,263 Points:673,165 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:50:16 AM Ignore Michaelsz06 Report Abuse Great idea Chevron!!
MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,657 Points:252,670 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:49:26 AM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse BurtB There is nothing wrong with earning money, let's just do it in a way that we can ensure the lives of our children and grandchildren are protected.
Les7h Champion Author Texas Posts:2,727 Points:651,675 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:41:55 AM Ignore Les7h Report Abuse Conservation keeps your money in your pocket.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,683 Points:620,155 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:36:19 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse This story may be about an oil company but it dosent say anything about the price of fuel or oil. Sure wish we could stay on topic in this forum.
BurtB Veteran Author Los Angeles Posts:258 Points:654,335 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:32:52 AM Ignore BurtB Report Abuse The greens will hate this idea, because it makes money.
LilRedWagonIN Champion Author Indiana Posts:2,835 Points:607,055 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:31:23 AM Ignore LilRedWagonIN Report Abuse An eight acre plot is not sprawling.
YLHandyman Champion Author Orange County Posts:4,604 Points:834,545 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:28:48 AM Ignore YLHandyman Report Abuse Chevron wants to save money...Still looking at the bottom line first.
pinkelefant Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:14,661 Points:1,754,910 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:28:09 AM Ignore pinkelefant Report Abuse fingers crossed
frogponder42 Rookie Author Colorado Posts:74 Points:11,300 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:20:12 AM Ignore frogponder42 Report Abuse Lets build a big mirror to burn off that greenhouse gas.
pbc2001 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,311 Points:416,430 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:15:35 AM Ignore pbc2001 Report Abuse We shall see how it all would work out in the future.
AtascaderoHound All-Star Author California Posts:557 Points:588,690 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:15:18 AM Ignore AtascaderoHound Report Abuse Sounds like big oil is looking out for us and the planet; not!!
Edtx2009 Champion Author Houston Posts:1,301 Points:267,665 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:13:51 AM Ignore Edtx2009 Report Abuse just more profits for the oil companies. does nothing for the average person.
benjy Champion Author Chicago Posts:4,843 Points:896,050 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:13:12 AM Ignore benjy Report Abuse can't trust Chevron.....
grouch311 Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,044 Points:671,305 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2010 1:10:45 AM Ignore grouch311 Report Abuse the savings go to the head honcho, the money has to come from somewhere