Solar News
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April 18, 2013
Energy Trust of Oregon increases solar incentives for Oregon businesses
Goal is to spur more installation of clean energy systems
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April 17, 2013
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Named as Top Solar Utility
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) announced its list of the Top 10 American electric utilities that have added the most new solar power to their systems and the most solar on a watts-per-customer basis in 2012. This annual ranking, which identifies the companies that are integrating solar into the nation's power grid, is part of the sixth annual Utility Solar Rankings report. The full report, which will be released in May 2013, identifies leading solar industry trends such as total installed capacity, market share and industry growth rates.
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April 5, 2013
Governor Cuomo Announces NY-SUN Initiative to Provide $13.5 Million to Reduce Solar Installation Costs and Support Training for Local Officials
Funding Builds Upon Unprecedented Development of Solar Power in New York State
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March 28, 2013
NY Announces $46 Million Awarded Through NY-SUN for Large Solar Power Installations to Add 52 MW of Solar Capacity
New Projects Will Significantly Increase New York State’s Leadership in Renewable Energy Production
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March 18, 2013
CEFIA Launches CT Solar Loan Pilot
Rocky Hill, Conn., – The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announces an innovative loan product to make solar PV more accessible to Connecticut homeowners. The loan product, the CT Solar Loan, is the first of its kind, built specifically for residential solar. The CT Solar Loan, in a pilot phase, will provide an opportunity for homeowners to own solar PV with a small down payment and low monthly loan payments. This is the newest residential financing product offered under the State’s Energize Connecticut initiative, which is intended to help consumers save money and use clean energy.
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February 13, 2013
California Energy Commission Awards $4.8 millin in Energy Loans
CEC Energy Loans to Cities, Colleges Energy Efficient Upgrades Include Lighting, HVAC, and Solar PV Systems
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February 11, 2013
LIPA and NYSERDA Solar Programs are Shining in New York
New York Solar Market Shows Significant Promise for 2013
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January 31, 2013
CEFIA Issues Request for Proposals For New Capital Competition Pilot Program
Pilot Residential Solar PV Capital Competition Announced
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January 25, 2013
Oregon's largest solar array completed with support from ETO
The 5.7 megawatt solar array, known as Outback, that last year started sprouting up along the landscape in southeast Oregon's Lake County is finished and is generating power. The solar power plant is made up of 20,000 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels and is expected to generate approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. -
January 25, 2013
2013 Solar Mass Incentive Program Opens
Solarize Mass created 5.1 megawatts of clean energy in 2012
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January 17, 2013
Solarize CT Doubles Amount of Solar in Pilot Program Towns in Just Five Months
CEFIA Announces Selection of Communities for Second Phase of Group Purchasing Program
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December 13, 2012
MassCEC Launches $1 Million Program to Lower Cost of Commercial Solar Hot Water Systems
BOSTON – December 13, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced a new program to assist commercial or non-profit building owners in reducing their water heating bills up to 20 percent by installing solar hot water systems.
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November 13, 2012
Solar Supply Chain Database Promotes Ohio Manufacturing
Ohio University and the Ohio Development Services Agency to market Ohio’s solar strengths
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November 9, 2012
Massachusetts Clean Energy Incentive Program Contracts 802 Solar Projects
Media contacts:
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September 26, 2012
MASS CEC Solar Incentive Program Deadline Extented Due to High Demand
Solarize Massachusetts contract deadline moved due to high demand
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September 24, 2012
CEC Releases New Guidebook for New Solar Homes Partnership Program
California Energy Commission - New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Program, Fifth Edition, Final Adopted Guidebook (2012) adopted September 12, 2012.
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August 30, 2012
Governor Dedicates Maryland's Largest Operating Solar Farm
The 17.7 MW utility-scale solar farm will produce enough energy to power over 1,700 homes
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August 27, 2012
Solarize Mass Allows Boston to Qualify for Lower Solar Energy Rates
Boston Locks in Solar Energy Prices Lower than Traditional Energy SourcesSept. 30 deadline for Boston residents, businesses to participate in solar programBOSTON – August 23, 2012 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced that residents and businesses in the city of Boston qualify for lower solar energy rates than rates for traditional sources of energy under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass).Ms. Barton McDevitt made the announcement during a celebration of a new solar project installation at Dry Dock Plaza Park in Boston. As a result of the city of Boston’s participation in Solarize Mass, the average Boston participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay 11 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to the statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which can be a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.Residents and businesses have until September 30 to participate in the bulk buying program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.“A national model, this group pricing program locks in electricity prices and rates, and creates a network of locally-grown energy sources while creating local jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who also serves as chairman of the MassCEC Board of Directors. “We applaud the city of Boston for its leadership in clean energy adoption.”“I encourage everyone to join the clean energy revolution in Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who announced he plans to install solar panels on his home. “Solar power is now more affordable than ever in the City. It’s being installed on residences, businesses and municipal buildings at an increasing rate, and we are on the way to meeting our 2015 goal of 25 megawatts of solar energy in Boston.”Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 129 megawatts of solar installed to date – the equivalent of powering more than 20,000 homes and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from 13,870 cars per year.“I hope Boston’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.To date, a number of residents and businesses in Boston have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 18 solar systems for a total capacity of 89 kilowatts (kW).Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Boston, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).“This is a bright day for Boston residents and businesses, as well as for the Menino family,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 339 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system, Boston homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $73 with locked in pricing that hedges against potential future electricity price increases.If a Boston participant wants to purchase a solar electric system under the program, the price for a 5 kW system (the average size for a home) is currently $21,000, rather than the state average at the beginning of the program of over $26,000.A combination of federal and state incentive programs like Solarize Mass cover the costs of the investment over the lifespan of a solar installation. Under the current pricing, business and homeowners that purchase a 5 kW system could save $7,300 through federal and state tax credits and up to $4,250 in MassCEC rebates. The remainder of the costs would be recovered within approximately five years.A committee of Boston volunteers and municipal officials selected a designated installer, Marlborough-based SolarCity.Other solar installation incentivesTo offset the cost of installing solar panels, residents and businesses are eligible for a combination of renewable energy incentives including a federal tax incentive of 30 percent and a state tax incentive of 15 percent of the total installation cost, up to $1,000. MassCEC also provides solar rebates through its Commonwealth Solar II Program. Solar projects are also eligible for no and low money down programs through solar installation companies.Solar energy systems provide residents and businesses with two possible income streams. First is net metering, which allows residents and businesses to deposit any excess energy they generate as a credit into their utility account. The utility, much like a bank, would house credits that can be drawn down against existing or future energy costs. Second, there is an opportunity – under the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Program (SREC) – for utilities to pay homeowners and business for the solar power they generate.About Solarize MassSolarize Mass, which is a partnership between the MassCEC and DOER’s Green Communities Division, encourages the adoption of smallscale solar projects. The program is available to 17 Massachusetts Green Communities, which were designated by DOER after those communities committed to reducing municipal energy use by 20 percent. The communities are Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln. Follow the Twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass for more information.About MassCECCreated by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has as its mission to foster the growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry by providing seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; funding job training and workforce development programs; and, as home of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, supporting the installation of renewable energy projects throughout the state.Visit our website:....................................................... www.MassCEC.comFollow MassCEC on Twitter:........................... www.twitter.com/MassCEC55 Summer Street 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 — Office: (617) 315-9355 office / Fax: (617) 315-9356Media Contacts
August 24, 2012
Energy Trust of Oregon Supporting Nation's Largest Solar Highway Project
Nation’s Largest Solar Highway Project Opens to Rest Stop Visitors - Seven-acre Baldock Solar Station features educational displays, sustainable garden
August 22, 2012
New York Legislation to Make Solar Power More Affordable for Homeowners and Businesses
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Make Solar Power More Affordable for Homeowners and Businesses - As Part of the NY-SUN Initiative, Bills Will Increase Solar Installations and Lead to New Investments in New York’s Growing Solar Energy Sector
August 21, 2012
NY-Sun Initiative Makes $107 Million Available for PV Installed at Business, Factories, Municipal Buildings, and C&I Customers
Governor Cuomo Announces $107 Million Available Through NY-Sun Inititiative for Large Solar Power Installations As Part of NY-Sun Initiative: Available Funding Doubled Through 2013 to Increase Rate of Solar Power Installations and Reduce and Stabilize Electricity Costs for Businesses
July 26, 2012
CEFIA Launches 2nd Round of Interim Commercial Solar Hot Water Program
Rocky Hill, Conn., July 26, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) today launched the second round of project solicitations for the Commercial Solar Hot Water Program (Program). The Program has a $2,000,000 budget that will support approximately forty-five solar hot water projects on schools, restaurants, apartment houses, hospitals and other establishments that use a significant amount of hot water.
July 23, 2012
New Jersey Action to Strengthen Solar Market
Governor Christie Builds on Record of Growing Renewable Energy Sources with Action to Strengthen Solar Market
July 17, 2012
SMUD leads the nation in new solar power home construction
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2012
July 12, 2012
Solarize Connecticut Program Announces Pilot Towns
Rocky Hill, Conn., July 12, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), The John Merck Fund, and SmartPower announce the launch of Solarize Connecticut, a pilot residential solar program (Program) that aggregates homeowners across communities to offer discounted prices for residential solar power.
July 3, 2012
CPUC Report - CA Leads the Nation in Customer-Generated Solar Power
SAN FRANCISCO, July 2, 2012 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today issued its 2012 California Solar Initiative (CSI) Annual Program Assessment, showing that in 2011 California reached a major milestone by becoming the first state in the nation to install more than 1 gigawatt (1,000 megawatts) of customer-generated solar energy; a record 311 megawatts (MW) were installed in the investor-owned utility territories in 2011 alone.
July 2, 2012
MassCEC Announces New Multi-Year Incentive Program for Solar Hot Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 28, 2012
Contact: Eric Macaux (617) 315-9344 EMacaux@MassCEC.comJune 15, 2012
First Contract Signed for SOLARIZE MASS 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 15, 2012
May 17, 2012
CEFIA Clean Energy Communities Program Awards PV System
The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Windsor High School
May 10, 2012
MA Clean Energy Center Releases New Guide on Residential Solar Power
For many residents and business owners throughout Massachusetts, installing a solar PV system is a smart investment that converts clean, free sunlight to electricity, reduces air pollution, reduces or eliminates monthly electricity bills, and contributes to the local economy by creating local jobs and supporting local businesses.
April 4, 2012
MassCEC Issues RFP to Installers for Solarize Mass
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking proposals from solar installers for the 2012 Solarize Massachusetts (Solarize Mass) program, which encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV by deploying a coordinated education, grassroots marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings as more people in the community go solar.
September 15, 2011
LBNL Announces New Solar Report on Installed Cost of PV - "Tracking the Sun IV"
“Tracking the Sun IV: An Historical Summary of the Installed Cost of Photovoltaics in the United States from 1998 to 2010.”
August 11, 2011
Clean Energy Is Booming And Creating Jobs
by Joel N. Shurkin | August 11, 2011
http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/clean-energy-is-booming-and-creating-jobs.phpAugust 3, 2011
NYSERDA Announces $20 Million in First Round of $150 Million Program to Help Fund Solar Energy Projects in New York City and Westchester
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in conjunction with the state Public Service Commission (PSC), announced today the award of $20 million in large-scale solar power projects to help facilities in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley generate electricity for their own use. This is the first round of a $150 million, five-year funding program. Another $10 million is available for a second round of proposals due Aug. 10, 2011.
August 2, 2011
New Tool from the California Energy Commission Helps Homeowners Calculate Value of Their Solar Home
A new online tool launched today by the California Energy Commission now helps the housing market evaluate the value of solar on California homes. The Solar Advantage Value Estimator (SAVE) will give the industry a long term and cost-effective method for calculating the added value of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on new and existing solar homes.
July 29, 2011
New Jersey Surpasses Milestone of over 10,000 Solar Installations
Press Release by the New Jersey Public Utilites Commission, July 25, 2011.
April 22, 2011
DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program Publications - March 2011
Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP)
A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-Profit Project Development (March 2011). This fact sheet summarizes A Guide to Community Solar, a new publication that provides options, examples, and legal and financial considerations for community solar projects.
March 10, 2011
U.S. Solar Doubled in 2010, May Add 2 Gigawatts to Double Again
By Ehren Goossens, Bloomberg
The amount of new solar energy capacity in the U.S. doubled last year and may double again in 2011 because of government incentives, stronger demand and falling prices, a trade group said.February 9, 2011
New Solarize Guidebook: A tool for local governments and communities to pursue energy independence
A new guidebook that shares best practices from recent volunteer-driven Solarize projects about volume purchasing of solar energy systems aims to help other communities grow clean energy programs and create family-wage jobs. The Solarize Guidebook, developed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the City of Portland, is now available at: www.portlandonline.com/bps/solarizeguide.
January 1, 2011
A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Nonprofit Project Development
A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-profit Project Development is designed by the U.S. DOE to be used as a resource for those who want to develop community solar projects, from community organizers or solar energy advocates to government officials or utility managers. By exploring the range of incentives and policies while providing examples of operational community solar projects, this guide will help communities to plan and implement successful local energy projects. In addition, by highlighting some of the policy best practices, this guide suggests changes in the regulatory landscape that could significantly boost community solar installations across the country.
January 1, 2011
DOE Releases Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments - Second Edition
The U.S. Department of Energy developed Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments - Second Edition to assist local governments and stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. This second edition of the guide was updated to include new market developments and innovations for advancing local solar markets that have emerged since the first edition was released in 2009. January 2011.
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