A new cryptocurrency with a solar-powered twist could be the perfect incentive to shift the world to clean energy. SolarCoin is based on Bitcoin technology, but in addition to the usual way of generating coins through mining (see main story), people can earn them by proving they have generated solar energy. People with solar panels on their house will receive solar renewable energy certificates from their energy company in return forfeeding a megawatt-hour of electricity back into the grid. Present this certificate to the SolarCoin Foundation and you receive one coin. Although the coins are worthless at the moment, people who want to support solar energy could start using the currency, giving it value. SolarCoin Foundation spokesman Nick Gogerty says the initiative is aiming for $20 to $30 per SolarCoin, effectively providing solar panel owners with a crowdf unded feed-in tariff and encouraging more people to take part.
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